Driving long distance.... any advice?

[ngoni615]

I guess you're going past Bloem, and then ? What's your route to Upington ?

I am considering Durban - Upington - Windhoek - Swakopmund

 

[Sinbad]

Don't forget your passport. It will be a real bitch if you have to turn around at the border to go fetch it.

 

[ngoni615]

Service the car and check your tyres before you go.

I will definitely do. it is driving nicely but need to be extra careful. I will be travelling alone by the way so there is that

 

[TheChamp]

thanks man... I am very excited lol. was even thinking of having the car sent to a proper workshop for a service lol....it is running great so far but can't be too careful

That could be what spoils you trip and a good waste of money, if it's not due for a service it isn't, just take your trip.

I know people like doing that for long trips, it's totally unnecessary and can turn into a nightmare if some begrudged technician forgot to properly plug in some sensor or tighten some bolt properly.

 

[ngoni615]

Don't forget your passport. It will be a real bitch if you have to turn around at the border to go fetch it.

Hahahahahahahah you made me laugh so hard. it will be so painful man lol ......

 

[Sinbad]

That could be what spoils you trip and a good waste of money, if it's not due for a service it isn't, just take your trip.

I know people like doing that for long trips, it's totally unnecessary and can turn into a nightmare if some begrudged technician forgot to properly plug in some sensor or tighten some bolt properly.

Consider though, if the car is less than 5000km away from its next service, it will be due on the trip...

 

[HunterNW]

I am considering Durban - Upington - Windhoek - Swakopmund

You should visit Augrabies when in Upington. Nice places to sleep over there.

 

[ngoni615]

I guess you're going past Bloem, and then ? What's your route to Upington ?

Yes i am going past Bloem... I had even considered Durban - Jozi - Bots then Namibia but it seems even longer than 2500Km

 

[pinball wizard]

Stock up on Provigil. Sleep is for when you're dead.

 

[ngoni615]

Consider though, if the car is less than 5000km away from its next service, it will be due on the trip...

Meaning it will be wise to service it before going? and after as well

 

[TheChamp]

Consider though, if the car is less than 5000km away from its next service, it will be due on the trip...

That is indeed a good point.

 

[HunterNW]

Stock up on Provigil. Sleep is for when you're dead.

I once drove from Rtb to Cape Town in one go. Fokit. Back then you got those yellow boxes - Lerts. I finished it. Going past Leeugamka past midnight i was on a buzz.

 

[ngoni615]

**** going via Bloem is even longer and farther than going through pretoria and botswana

 

[ngoni615]

You should visit Augrabies when in Upington. Nice places to sleep over there.

Damn going via Upington seems to be slower than via pta and botswana. 2451 versus 2291km

 

[pinball wizard]

I once drove from Rtb to Cape Town in one go. Fokit. Back then you got those yellow boxes - Lerts. I finished it. Going past Leeugamka past midnight i was on a buzz.

All that caffeine is hell on your system. Provigil is much more gentle. USAF approved I understand...

 

[ngoni615]

I once drove from Rtb to Cape Town in one go. Fokit. Back then you got those yellow boxes - Lerts. I finished it. Going past Leeugamka past midnight i was on a buzz.

Damn how did you do it? the longest distance i ever drove was Durban to Jozi

 

[minkukel]

I would drive like this:
1st Sleepover: Around Bloemfontein
2st Sleepover: Upington
3rd Sleepover: Keetmanshoop
You don't want to drive at night in the Northern Cape or Namibia.

 

[ngoni615]

Apart from the human side, also made sure your car is in tip top shape. You don't want to be breaking down in the middle of no where. And if you do be prepared.
- When last did your car have service
- Check tires/water/oil etc
- Carry a medical aid kit
- Have a cell phone car charger in case you need to make a call if you break down (and hopefully there is coverage)
- Check if you have break down cover and what it covers

Take breaks often and enjoy the trip.

It last got serviced about a month ago but i am going to service it properly as well before driving

 

[Jet-Fighter7700]

That's a serious distance, if it was me, rather fly honestly.
Dbn>jhb>Nam
Would probably work out cheaper as well,

 

[minkukel]

Damn how did you do it? the longest distance i ever drove was Durban to Jozi

That's a serious distance, if it was me, rather fly honestly.
Dbn>jhb>Nam
Would probably work out cheaper as well,

It is much more fun to drive.