Off to Morocco Advice needed.

[manora]

I'm off to Morocco in Feb with a '98 Terrano TDi.

Mostly on gravel tracks and trails but some mud, sand and one or two rocky climbs but nothing too severe.

The vehicle is standard with a road biased multi-purpose tyres which I think will do the trick. I don't want anything too aggressive as there is more sand than mud and not a huge amount of either.

Now the questions,

Is the standard suspension up to a bit of rough stuff and if not what's good and where can I get it?

Are there any particular mechanical problems I should check out before I go?

Any real advantage to fitting 16" wheels given I will have to get a complete set of tyres and I want to take two spares?

Any other comments or advice would be very welcome :bow

 

[Sedger]

Morocco

This book is excellent. Worth buying.

http://www.morocco-overland.com/

 

[wildbri]

bat21 who owns this site has had many adventures in Morocco. If you put morroco in the search box you will find them. here is one http://www.nissan4x4ownersclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4255&highlight=morocco

Have fun regards bri

 

[CaptLimey]

Hi Manora
If you've been to Morocco before you'll surely know this but if not be very careful to observe the speed limits. I have a number of friends who drive there regularly and they have all been victims of the over zealous Moroccan police enforcing speed limits rigorously.
Rgds CL

 

[spinna]

As wildbri has said Bat21 is the guy to speak to. On a personal note i would say that checking all fluids and hoses are in good condition. Hope you have a great time:thumb2

 

[makeitfit]

I'd check your balls
Steering ball joints etc and drag link are most common floppy bits up front and can shred your tyres in no time. I'd just bin em and replace all. Makes for a more comfy drive anyway. Tracking and balancing too
Sun cream

 

[manora]

Thanks for the comments, I will certainly look closely at the steering.
It seems a straightforward system and if in doubt I will replace bits.

I have been to Morocco before but as a rider although I ended up as a passenger for most of the trip
I just love the place, the smells. sounds, sights and people are all wonderful and it beats the hell out of N Wales in February.

Still wondering about the 16" rims but I may have a scrounge around the local scrap yards for something suitable.

Thanks
Peter

 

[wildbri]

dont forget bigger wheels usually means less rubber between you and the road. I have 15" wheels but fat tyres Enjoy your trip. regards bri

 

[makeitfit]

I've got 16s on and run 305s Now they are good in the sand :sly

 

[Bat21]

If you are heading to the Southern regions of Morocco make sure your cooling system is problem free, IE no leaks, thermostat working okay, rad cap not leaking. It is always a wise move to take a spare set of hoses with you too :thumb2

Unless you are going to do anything really difficult, your truck should be fine as long as basic maintenance has been done :thumb2

 

[rustic]

Are the roads dusty out there, might be worth taking a spare air filter.

Worth taking quite a bit of water, both for the rad, but also for drinking in case.

 

[Bat21]

Are the roads dusty out there, might be worth taking a spare air filter.

If you haven't got a snorkel a spare filter is a must :thumb2

Worth taking quite a bit of water, both for the rad, but also for drinking in case.

Bottled water is available in abundance so no need to worry too much about that.

The rad shouldn't use any water if there are no problems with it.

 

[(RIP) PLANK]

dont forget bigger wheels usually means less rubber between you and the road. I have 15" wheels but fat tyres Enjoy your trip. regards bri

Agreed Bri, My T2 has 16's and I believe the overall height is slightly smaller than a 235 75 15. And 15 inch tyres are more widely available. So unless you are going for a lift and much bigger tyres stick with your 15's :thumb2