Roughing it 4×4-style demands preparation
Gareth Woodford admitted that travelling to such a degree, especially given the often difficult terrain he had to negotiate, did come at a price to ensure Moose was capable of doing the job.
When it comes to roughing it 4×4-style across the country, you’d want to know your wheels can live up to the task and the demanding environments South Africa’s official and unofficial roadways can throw at you.
For Ballito’s Gareth Woodford, who owns and runs Real 4×4 Overland Outfitters, roadways from Ballito through to Bastervoetpad, the Namaqua National Park and as far afield as Alexander Bay, have become common playground with his fully custom 2013 Toyota Hilux 3D4D 4×4.
Woodford, who nicknamed his bakkie Moose, is the man to speak with when it comes to extreme 4×4 overland trips, and what you need to ensure a trouble free ride.
Moose is fitted with everything to ensure Woodford and his wife Lynn are able to rock up, set up and braai when they reach their destination of choice.
A recent trip saw them hit the road from Ballito to Namaqua National Park, before heading off to Port Nolloth via Goegap Nature Reserve and off to Alexander Bay, the furthest north-western point of South Africa.
The couple spent 18 days travelling with more than 6 500km recorded on the odometer.
Woodford said hitting the road when the feeling strikes means being able to rely on your 4×4 to get the job done.
Moose sports a built-in fridge, dual battery system, solar panel, more lights than Eskom, a full kitchen and foldover tent and pullout awning to keep them happy when camping.
“In terms of capability, Moose is kitted to do everything – from off-roading and recovery to rock crawling,” said Woodford.
“When you’re driving through places such as the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Upington and Springbok, being equipped for any situation always makes the holiday more enjoyable.”
Their recent holiday saw them pass through the desert landscape of the Richtersveld, characterised by rugged kloofs and high mountains, through to the Namaqua Eco Trail to Bakkrans Cave, Upington and then home.
He admitted that travelling to such a degree, especially given the often difficult terrain he had to negotiate, did come at a price to ensure Moose was capable of doing the job.
“But I do it because I love it. You can’t build your ride and not tour with it,” he said.
While Moose may be equipped to safely see the Woodfords through Doomsday, not everyone may opt for the same level of customisation that went into Moose.
“But the top three things you would need to focus on if you want to get started would include recovery points for your 4×4, bumper modification and suspension work,” Woodford said.
He highlighted that budget builds start from about R100 000 to get you going, while others have thrown as much as
R1-million into their 4×4, ensuring it lives up to the toughest challenges our offroad tracks can throw at them.
Stay up-to-date on Gareth Woodford’s latest 4×4 adventures by checking out @i_truck_around on Instagram.
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