Our Nissan Safari 4x4 - Affectionately Known As "RUEFEE 3"

After much research we settled on purchasing a 1991 Nissan Safari diesel, LWB, high roof with built in sunroof, manual 4x4. Much to our surprise it had only 127,000 kms on the clock, which is nothing for one of these beasts.

Deciding on the type of vehicle was not a difficult decision. The criteria included, the vehicles reputation, reliability, parts availability, comfort and support network (should we run into any problems). It was NISSAN all the way!

In September 2004, and with the valuable advise and help we received from “Macau Motors" we purchased “RUEFEE 3” www.macaumotors.co.nz

Specifications:

Overland Bits & Bobs:

Roof Tent:

We choose a Zifer roof tent and had it mounted so the entry was from inside the vehicle via the sunroof, rather than enter the tent from the outside external ladder.

Vehicle Electrics:

The electrics were a major consideration, converting 24v down to 12v so we were able to run all our accessories.

We are traveling with a Waeco 12v or 24v fridge, laptop computer, cell phone, CBs, GPS, and roof tent reading lights.

As the vehicle has a 24v system, we purchased an inverter to convert the 24v to 12v. As well as carrying an extra battery we have a solar panel to trickle charge and top up the batteries.

Vehicle Fit Out:

With the electrics all sorted we turned our attention towards the interior layout of the vehicle. While trying to achieve maximizing room, the height of the fridge really dictated the height of the false floor.


We hinged the false floor to enable easy access to the 9 storage boxes we have on board, carrying such items as our clothes, gas bottle, stove, cooking equipment, spares for the vehicle etc.

A welded frame under the false floor securely holds in place a spare battery, a 60lt water tank with a inline water filter, porta-loo and the fridge.

The rear windows have all been steel meshed and another section of steel mesh separates and seals the back portion of the vehicle creating a secure area.

With blackout curtains velcroed onto the windows this completes the inside of our vehicle.

Our Agent: www.asianexplorations.com

For the China leg of our expedition we choose Steve Larsen of Asian Explorations, who is an American living in China. Not only did Steve understand and meet our travel needs, in comparison with other agents, his itinerary was well priced.

Included in the costing's was our very own guide, temporary driving licenses, road construction fees, sanitation fees, and foreign vehicle inspections just to name a few.

Carnet & International Drivers License:

For a portion of countries we plan to visit we need a “Carnet” (Carnet de Passages en Douane). A Carnet is a means to temporarily take a private road vehicle to another country and not have to pay duty.

Our Carnet and our International drivers licenses we obtained from the AA office in Auckland at a cost of NZ$350.00 and gained them through a relatively easy process.