Resources

I did not have anywhere near the time to fully research this transportation platform as I did for sailboats. I spent nearly two years of detailed research on sailing and had only a few months for an overland expedition vehicle. Consequently, I have a very small percentage of all the available forums and other resources identified. I offer this partial list as a starting point for anyone researching this type of expedition vehicle. The items specific to our vehicle are at the top, general resources next.

Hackney BEV Specific Resources

Chassis:

• Mitsubishi USA http://www.mitfuso.com/mitsubishi-fuso/
• Mitsubishi Truck & Bus Global http://www.mitsubishi-fuso.com/en/products/index.html
• Air bags http://www.ride-rite.com/ (not used)
• Winches - Warn 16.5ti http://www.warn.com/truck/winches/src/165ti_winch.shtml
• Driving lights: http://www.bajadesigns.com/
• Specialty lighting: http://www.hella.com/produktion/HellaPortal/WebSite/Internet_usa/Internet_usa.jsp
• Custom springs & Bilstein shocks - Deaver Spring http://www.deaverspring.com/index.htm
• Cab map lights: Susquehanna Motorsports  http://www.rallylights.com/
• Air Compressor, air tank, etc.: Extreme Outback http://www.extremeoutback.com/
• Custom utility storage boxes: Fleet Metal Box http://www.fmbbox.com/
• Powder Coating: Jerico Specialty Metals, Inc.
• Steel, stainless steel, aluminum raw materials: Industrial Metal Supply Company http://www.imsmetals.com/ KH Metals & Supply http://www.khmetals.com/
• Fabrication: Mark Johnson, Metal Tech Innovations
• Quick Fist Clamps http://www.endroad.com/page/page/675042.htm

Camper:

• Bigfoot Industries http://bigfootrv.com/index.html
• Quick Fist Clamps http://www.endroad.com/page/page/675042.htm

Electrical:

• Handy program for sizing conductors Wiresizer 2.0



• Battery isolators, combiners, etc. (not used)
  • http://www.perfectswitch.com/ (not used)
  • http://www.bluesea.com/product.asp?Product_Id=171038&d_Id=7458&l1=7458&l2=  (not used)
  • http://www.bluesea.com/product.asp?Product_Id=22756&d_Id=7458&l1=7458&l2=  (not used)
  • http://www.amplepower.com/products/index.html (not used)
• Diesel Generator
  • 120VAC Next Generation Power Engineering UCRV1-3.5VRR http://www.nextgenerationpower.com/Products/Industrial/Compact.html (used on the rig)
  • 120VAC - Onan Quiet Diesel 7500 http://www.onan.com/onan/rvgenerators/QuietDiesel/generatorProductDetail.jsp?prdid=prod90020 (procured but not used on the rig)
  • 12VDC http://www.watermakerstore.com/Generators/Generators2.html#Kestrel (considered and preferred for the rig)
  • 12VDC http://www.amplepower.com/products/dbc/index.html (considered for the rig)
• House batteries
  • http://www.lifelinebatteries.com/marine.php (used on the rig)
  • http://www.optimabatteries.com/publish/optima/americas0/en/config/product_info/marine.html (considered for the rig)
• Connectors
  • 120VAC - Hubbell http://www.hubbellcatalog.com/wiring/section-e-datasheet.asp?PN=HBL330R4W&FAM=PS&P=15676,12999,13080,13081,13025,1102,1096
  • 12VDC high amp - Anderson Power Products PowerMod HP http://www.andersonpower.com/products/powermodHP/pmodHP.html
  • 12VDC low amp - Bulgin Buccaneer IP68 http://www.bulgin.co.uk/Products/Buccaneer/Buccaneer.html
  • Low voltage & amperage signaling, remote, etc. - Hypertronics D series http://www.hypertronics.com/circular.html
  • 12VDC Weatherpack chassis lighting, 12VDC breakers and relays - Del City http://www.delcity.net/
  • 12VDC Ancor marine adhesive heat shrink crimp connectors, heat shrink, cable, etc. - Fisheries Supply http://www.fisheriessupply.com/online/
• Devices
  • Inverter - Xantrex RS3000 http://www.xantrex.com/web/id/176/p/1/pt/7/product.asp
  • Isolation / step up/down transformer - Charles Marine 93-IXFMR3/8I-A http://www.charlesindustries.com/main/ma_iso_bost.html
  • Surge / spike protector & transfer switch - Surge Guard 40250 http://www.surgeguard.com/P40250.htm
  • 220 VAC battery charger - Xantrex 40i http://www.xantrex.com/web/id/70/p/1/pt/5/product.asp
  • Solar panel controller /charger - Blue Sky 3024i http://www.blueskyenergyinc.com/sb3024i.htm
  • Solar panels - Kyocera KC85T http://www.kyocerasolar.com/pdf/specsheets/KC85T.pdf
• Distribution panels & meters
  • Blue Sea Systems AC/DC with transfer 3086 http://www.bluesea.com/product.asp?Product_id=25743
  • Blue Sea Systems AC 13 position http://www.bluesea.com/product.asp?Product_Id=25708&d_Id=7499&l1=7460&l2=7989
  • Blue Sea Systems digital meters http://www.bluesea.com/dept.asp?d_id=7485&l1=7461&l2=7485
  • Suppliers for Blue Sea Systems components San Diego Marine Exchange http://www.sandiegomarine.com/ Fisheries Supply http://www.fisheriessupply.com/online/
  • RigRunner 12VDC fused distribution blocks & connectors PowerWerx http://www.powerwerx.com/Default.asp
• Cable, crimp connectors, terminals, lugs, etc.
  • Ancor marine electrical products http://www.ancorproducts.com/Products/Home.html
  • Supplier for Ancor marine products Fisheries Supply http://www.fisheriessupply.com/online/
• Lighting
  • Storage Box Lights: Perko #1253DP1WHT & 1253DP2WHT http://www.perko.com/index2.html
  • Cab map lights: Susquehanna Motorsports  http://www.rallylights.com/
  • Driving lights: http://www.bajadesigns.com/
  • Camper dinette nav table lights: www.sailboatstuff.com

Plumbing:

• Macerator / pump / hose - RV SaniCon 5800  http://www.emptythetanks.com/order_online.htm
• Raw water filter - HydroLife HL200 http://www.hydrolife.com/filters/showfilters.php?model=11&category=rv
• Raw water pump - ShurFlo 5.7 http://www.shurflo.com/pages/RV/rv_product_sum/rv_sum_docs/potable/5900-0201.html
• Finish water filter - Hydrotech Pura UVBB http://www.hydrotechwater.com/UV Sterilizers/pura_uv_b.htm
• Finish water pump - ShurFlo 4.0 http://www.shurflo.com/pages/RV/rv_product_sum/rv_sum_docs/potable/4900-0201.html

Hardware:

• McFadden-Dale Industrial Hardware http://www.mcfadden-dale.com/
• Lowe's http://www.lowes.com
• Jamestown Distributors http://www.jamestowndistributors.com

Electronics / Communications:

• Nera 1010 / Thrane & Thrane WorldPro 110 http://www.thrane.com/Land%20Mobile/Products/EXPLORER%20110.aspx  (used on rig)
• Skymate http://www.skymate.com/ (used on rig)
• Garmin 276c http://www.garmin.com/products/gpsmap276c/ (used on rig)
• Garmin 60CSx https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=145&pID=310 (used on rig)
• Motorola Irridium http://www.iridium.com/ (used on rig)
• Data storage http://www.buffalotech.com/products/product-detail.php?productid=129&categoryid=27 (used on rig)
• Worldspace Sattelite Radio http://www.worldspace.com/  (not used)
• Orbcomm satellite asset location http://www.orbcomm.com/wwwroot/public/solutions/mobileAssets.html (not used)
• Automated Media Systems http://automatedmedia.com/ (not used)

Cab:

• Stereo / backup camera display Pioneer AVIC-N3 http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/v3/pg/product/details/0,,2076_310069681_295503034_tab=B,00.html?compName=PNA_V3_ProductDetailsComponent (used on rig)
• Console http://www.tuffyproducts.com/consoles/center/typeII.html (used on rig)
• Air seats http://www.nationalseating.com/nationalSeating.aspx (used on rig)
• Sound Proofing
  • http://www.fatmat.com/ (not used on rig)
  • http://www.dynomat.com/sound-proofing.html (used on rig)

Vehicle recovery/extraction:

• 16.5k winches: Warn 16.5ti http://www.warn.com/truck/winches/src/165ti_winch.shtml  (used on rig)
• Recovery Kit: Extreme Outback http://www.extremeoutback.com/ (used on rig)

Training:

• Bill Burke's Four Wheeling America, LLC http://www.bb4wa.com/ (4x4 training) (booked and procured but unable to use due to schedule)
• Expeditions West http://www.expeditionswest.com/ (basic 4x4, wilderness medicine, wilderness survival) (used on project)

General Overland Expedition Vehicle Resources

Stephen Stewart's Expedition Vehicle Requirements Overview (this is a must read if you are researching expedition vehicles)

• http://www.xor.org.uk/silkroute/equipment/choosevan.htm

Overland Expedition Vehicle Forums/Blogs:

• http://www.expeditioncampers.com/ - BEV buildup thread
• http://expeditionportal.com/forum/ - BEV buildup thread
• http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/
• http://www.overland.co.za/
• http://www.buschtaxi.de/forum/
• http://forum.ih8mud.com/index.php
• http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/
• http://forum.difflock.com/cgi-bin/discus/discus.cgi
• http://mkelly.proboards22.com/index.cgi?board=LandCruisers
• http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/ubbthreads.php
• http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm
• http://truckhome.com/6/ubb.x?a=cfrm&cdra=Y&s=136607117
• http://www.webexpeditions.net/
• http://www.samexplo.org/

Overland vehicle travelers web sites / blogs / journals / etc.:

• http://www.alloneroad.com/index.html
• http://turtleexpedition.com/
• http://www.xor.org.uk/
• http://www.escampette.net/
• http://www.vwvagabonds.com/index.html
• http://www.afritracks.net/
• http://www.amsterdam-capetown.com/
• http://www.brindlepress.com/
• http://www.sandcruiser.com/index.html
• http://www.a1.nl/phomepag/markerink/expedit1.htm
• http://www.expeditionnews.com/
• http://www.expeditionoverland.com/index.htm
• http://expeditionportal.com/
• http://www.ihana.com/big_trip/index.htm
• http://www.newcruiser.ca/index.php?CID=1
• http://www.roamingyak.org/
• http://www.sahara-overland.com/
• http://www.bajataco.com/thailandadventure.html
• http://www.africa-overland.net/
• http://www.xor.org.uk/silkroute/index.html
• http://www.go-overland.com/
• http://www.treadtheworld.com/
• http://www.there-and-back-again.org.uk/index.htm
• http://southamerica05.blog.co.uk/
• http://www.robgray.com/getreal/index.htm

Mitsubishi Fuso FG based expedition vehicles:

• Carl & Mary Hunter
  • http://www.expeditioncampers.com/bigfoot.html
  • http://www.travelvans.co.uk/id52.htm
• Don & Kim Green http://www.questconnect.org/
• RUF AATREC http://www.ruf-inc.com/aatrec.htm
• Australian Canter http://www.robgray.com/motorhomes/worts/wort_18/index.htm
• Various samples
  • http://www.expeditioncampers.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=81
  • http://www.expeditioncampers.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=130&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

Shipping:

• K-Line http://www.kline.com/
• Wallhenius Willhemson Lines http://www.2wglobal.com/www/WEP/
• TNT Freight Management http://www.tntfreight.com/
• Expedition Freight http://www.expedition-freight.com/home.asp
• Forum entry on shipping with links & references http://www.brindlepress.com/SouthAmerica.html
• Page with list of shipping lines & links: http://www.weltrekordreise.ch/a_suppe.html
• Compare shipping quotes: http://www-shippingservices.com/shipping_rate.htm
• Shipping info from a traveler's site: http://www.vwvagabonds.com/VehicleShipping.html
• Carnet info from CAA: http://www.caa.ca/english/travel/documentation/passages-usa.html

Insurance:

• http://www.alessie.com/html/americas2.html
• http://www.travelinsure.com/
• http://www.kennedybrokerage.com/1-World-Travel-Insurance/USplus6Main.htm
• http://www.aigpcg.com/
• http://www.aaaexchange.com/Main/
• https://www.aig-is.com/
• http://www.campbellirvine.com/index.lasso?pg=d107602d7ae83604&mp=105ce3c87a259ef7&-session=ldcms:FABB75A122DB06FE68C2AA3790D3E028
• http://www.statravel.co.uk/cps/rde/xchg/uk_division_web_live/
• http://www.statravel.com/cps/rde/xchg/us_division_web_live/
• http://www.jamisonspecialrisk.com/company/contact_us.shtml
• http://www.black-fox.com/index.html
• http://www.internationalsos.com/en/index.htm?CFID=6956063&CFTOKEN=35408177
• http://www.joho.nl/verzekeringen/insurance_worldnomads.php
• http://www.lloyds.com/
• http://www.expatfinancial.com/index.htm
• http://www.qsr-insurance.com/international.html
• http://www.tfgglobal.com/specialrisks.htm
• http://www.travelinsurers.com/
• http://www.worldnomads.com/whatwecover.aspx
• http://www.navigatortravel.co.uk/
• http://www.mnui.com/
• http://www.marsh.com/MarshPortal/PortalMain?PID=AppShowDocumentByName&t=1149209957784&8=Resources&6=PrivateClients&4=AppShowDocumentByName
• http://www.duinsure.com/sites/duinsure.nsf/PagesBySection/Misc_Worldwide_Travel_Insurance
• http://www.worldwideinsure.com/Interplan-WW.htm?partnerID=null&partner=null

Air Conditioning:

• http://www.dcbreeze.com/
• http://www.cruisair.com/selfremote.html
• http://www.webasto-us.com/am/en/am_trucks_aircon.html
• http://www.flagshipmarine.com/rooftopac.html
• http://www.flagshipmarine.com/inverters.html
• http://www.rvcomfort.com/
• http://www.marvair.com/marineindex.html
• http://www.marvair.com/12vdc.html
• http://www.rvcomfort.com/rvp/rvp.php
• http://www.techwebasto.com/bluecool_truck_main.htm
• http://www.trucktrailer.carrier.com/generic/0,2804,CLI1_DIV7_ETI9198,00.html?SMSESSION=NO
• http://www.trucktrailer.carrier.com/generic/0,2804,CLI1_DIV7_ETI9198,00.html
• http://www.cabairconditioning.com/airsource.html
• http://www.cabairconditioning.com/
• http://www.penndda.com/carrier/pdf/coach/Air_V_Brochure.pdf
• http://www.rdac.com/
• http://www.truckgenerators.com/
• http://www.visionaire-inc.com/?gclid=CKuCs-ml1YYCFQi8WAodKiq68g
• http://www.vmacs.net/
• http://www.dcairco.com/
• http://www.nitesystem.com/index.cfm/about
• http://www.kenworth.com/newspics/KWCleanPowerSystem.pdf

Refrigeration:

• http://dometicenviro.com/marinerefrigerator/productsmr.html
• http://www.e-marine-inc.com/products/refrigeration/tundra.html
• http://www.rvmobile.com/
• http://www.thecellarstore.com/engel-freezers.html

Motorcycle Racks / Carriers / Trailers:

• http://www.motojackrack.com/
• http://www.ultimatemxhauler.com/index.php
• http://www.arpatv.com/index2.html
• http://www.blueox.us/Carriers/MC1.htm
• http://www.motorcycle-carriers.net/motorcycle_carrier_c5a.html
• http://www.overbiltlifts.com/
• http://www.hnet.net/~mas/motorcycle_racer.htm
• http://www.discountramps.com/motorcycle_ramps.htm
• http://www.pak-rak.com/
• http://www.rvlifts.com/
• http://www.motorcyclecarrier.net/rv_motorcycle_trailer.html
• http://www.cruiserlift.com/swivelwheel.html
• http://www.tkloader.com/motorcycle/
• http://www.hydralift-usa.com/

Sprinter

• Inglhaut - Allrad (Sprinter 4x4 conversions) http://www.iglhaut-allrad.de/htm/e_home.html
• Sprinter 4x4 examples http://www.achleitner.com/fahrzeugbau/allradtechnik/allradtechnik.htm
• Sprinter accessories http://www.sprinteraccessories.com/024_wraparound_nudge.html
• Sprinter Store - parts & accessories http://www.sprinterstore.com/sprinter_store.htm
• Van Gadgets (Sprinter stuff) http://www.vangadgets.co.uk/index.html?bull_bars_2.htm
• Waldoch Sprinter parts & accessories http://www.sprinterpart.com/
• German Sprinter forum http://www.sprinter-forum.de/
• Adrian Steel Sprinter gear http://www.adriansteel.com/sprinter.htm
• Sprinter Van Equipment http://sprintervanequipment.com/
• OZ Sprinter 4x4 parts http://www.4wdworld.com.au/products/index.htm
• OZ MB parts & service http://www.mbspares.com.au/
• OZ Sprinter based RV http://www.paradisemotorhomes.com.au/products/range_index.htm
• Sprinter roof racks (UK) http://www.car-roofracks.co.uk/
• Freightliner Sprinter home http://www.fl-sprinter.com/ 
• German Mercedes James Cook Sprinter RV site http://james-cook-freundeskreis.de.vu/
• OZ Sprinter 4x4 page http://www.4wdonline.com/Mercedes/Vans/Sprinter.html
• OEM Sprinter parts http://oemsprinterparts.com/
• German Sprinter RV conversion http://www.reimo.de/
• Another German Sprinter RV conversion http://www.schwabenmobil.de/
• EuroCampers Sprinter accessories http://secure.mycart.net/catalogs/index.asp?category=294713
• German Sprinter accessories http://www.dcnfzz.com/02_englisch/html_englisch/11_transporter_e/DC_trans_InhaltStart_e.htm
• Sprinter fan's site http://www.whnet.com/4x4/sprinter.html
• Airstream Sprinter http://www.airstream.com/product_line/touring_coaches/index.html
• Great West Sprinter http://www.greatwestvans.com/classbrv/sprinterclassbmotorhome/sprinter.php
• Waldoch Sprinter http://www.waldoch.com/media/SURV%20Brochure%20A.pdf
• Liesure Travel Sprinter http://www.leisurevans.com/
• Midway custom upfits http://www.midwayspecialtyvehicles.com/
• Pleasure-way Sprinter http://www.pleasureway.com/
• Roadtrek Sprinter http://www.roadtrek.com/Model.aspx?ModelID=23&YearID=7
• Sportsmobile Sprinter http://www.sportsmobile.com/2_sr_vaninfo.html
• Gulf Stream Sprinter http://www.gulfstreamcoach.com/bvans/index.htm
• Becker Sprinter http://www.beckerautodesign.com/yachtvan/
• Work n Play Sprinter http://www.vancamper.com/wnp.htm
• Winnebago Sprinter http://www.winnebagoind.com/products/winnebago/view/
• Itasca Sprinter (same as Winnebago) http://www.winnebagoind.com/products/itasca/navion/

Misc. alternative vehicles, forums, resources, etc.:

• Lonno Offroad Yachts http://lonno.it/
• Provan Tiger http://www.tigermotorhomes.com/home.htm
• Salem Kroger Ford 4x4 Conversions http://www.salemkroger.com/mhomes.html
• Bad Boy Trucks http://www.badboytrucks.com/
• Sample list of off-road RVs http://www.pddoc.com/camp/mini003.htm
• RV Owner's rating service - Provan Tiger http://www.rvreviews.com/masterResults.cfm?ID=2606
• MSN Groups Provan Tiger Owners http://groups.msn.com/TigerMotorhomeOwners/messages.msnw
• Simpson Industries Truck Transformer Body Swapping System http://www.trucktransformer.com/
• Unicat expedition vehicles http://www.unicat.net/
• OKA vehicles http://www.oka.com.au/
• Xplorer Motor Homes http://www.xplorermotorhome.com/
• Creative Mobile Interiors http://www.creativemobileinteriors.com/sections/projects/EXTEME%20CAMPING%20SPRINTER.asp
• e-Marine Solar, Generators, Etc. http://www.e-marine-inc.com/
• Diesel heating http://kuranda.co.uk/homepage.html
• Power Vision mirrors http://www.powervisionmirrors.com/
• Double Eagle sleeper box http://www.doubleeagleind.com/
• Legacy Sleepers http://www.legacysleepers.com/
• List of truck conversion companies http://www.truckconversion.net/cgi-bin/linksql/page.cgi?g=Custom_Beds_and_Boxes%2Findex.html&d=1
• Mik Mak Fabrication http://www.mikmak.net/home.html
• S&J Truck Sales http://www.sjtruck.com/
• Weldon Manufacturing http://www.weldonusa.com/
• Kingsley Coach http://www.kingsleycoach.com/index.htm
• Unimog Resource site http://www.unimog.net/
• Sportsmobile http://www.sportsmobile.com/
• Dynatrac http://www.dynatrac.com/about.html
• Advance Adapters (Atlas II Transfer Case) http://www.advanceadapters.com/
• ARB USA (bull bars, etc.) http://www.arbusa.com/
• Transfer Flow (fuel tanks) http://www.transferflow.com/
• Electric incinerating toilet http://www.incinolet.com/
• Rear hitch cargo carrier http://www.stowaway2.com/
• Mercedes Military Vehicles http://www.army-technology.com/contractors/vehicles/daimler_chrysler/
• Earthroamer http://www.earthroamer.com/
• MaxiMOG http://www.maximog.com/
• Travel Vans - vehicle conversion how-to guide: http://www.travelvans.co.uk/index.htm
• Expedition 4x4 site: http://www.brian894x4.com/Expedition4X4s.html
• 4x4 Books: http://www.4x4books.co.uk/bookshop/4x4-driving-books.html
• Autohome rooftop tents http://www.autohomeus.com/products/overland.php
• Hannibal rooftop tents http://www.hannibalusa.com/
• African Outback roller drawers: http://heine.nusa.co.za/MarketPlace/AfricanOutback.html
• Cargo Caddy roller drawers http://trucktoys4less.stores.yahoo.net/cargocaddy.html
• Stow More roller drawers http://www.stow-more.co.uk/
• Coleman air bed http://www.coleman.com/coleman/colemancom/detail.asp?product_id=5998L312&categoryid=10080
• Overland Expedition Vehicle gear http://www.pangaea-expeditions.com/gear/
• UK Overland Expedition Vehicle gear http://www.trekoverland.com/
• Down insulated mattress http://www.orgear.com/home/style/exped_or/exped_mats/DNM
• Innovation Campers (Germany) http://www.innovation-campers.com/d_home.html
• Collapsible camper (German made - English site) http://www.expedition-cabin.de/engl/index.htm
• Highway Products toolboxes, roller drawers, utility bodies, etc. http://800toolbox.com/ 
• Onsite Power Systems (OZ) Generator http://www.onsitepower.com.au/products/land/dc100l.htm
• Extreme Outback Offroad Products http://www.extremeoutback.com/
• Wierd Off Road Truck (WORT) campers http://www.robgray.com/motorhomes/worts.htm
• Stephen Stewart's Overland Expedition Vehicle For Sale page http://www.xor.org.uk/unimog/uksell/uksell.htm