Since the conception of the tour’s idea in June 2011, Elisabeth and Fred have worked unceasingly to prepare the car and the trailer, and themselves for the five year trip that will offer a totally new and different life style. Their house has been prepared for renting out, employment is being terminated, bank accounts changed etc.
The preparations of the Mercedes are well under way. The completely refurbished rear and front axles are ready for installation, the drive train overhauled and steering components replaced. The engine is being overhauled and scheduled for installation in mid-November. Electrical works, including the fitting of a new high output alternator and advanced security system are due for completion before Christmas. A full under-body protection system is awaiting fitting underneath the car.
The modifications of the Zambezi are nearing completion. Extensive electrical systems were built to provide for the trailer’s power, using supply either from the car’s 12-14V or the 110-240V, 50 and 60Hz pole power to be encountered in the world; a major challenge as the trailer is small and weight is to be kept to an absolute minimum. A wet-weather closing locker and a 40-litre water tank are being manufactured, while modifications to the tent include an extension to the kitchen, the strengthening of the tent at various load points, and numerous new pockets and tie-downs. Security improvements, including a purpose-built alarm system with satellite tracker are being completed.
Fred and Elisabeth expect the car and trailer to be operational late January 2014, ready for a 2,500 mile shake-down, followed by further work and modifications. It is anticipated that the car and trailer will be ready for shipping in a 40-foot container to the USA early April 2014.
Wishing you all the best for this wonderful adventure. Looking forward welcoming you in Florida.
Beste Elisabeth en Fred,
ik ga met veel plezier en interesse jullie tocht volgen.
Heel veel succes.
Groet,
Hugo ( verkoper bij Aart Kok Adventure)
We are now on the road in America,the car and trailer arrived in Los Angeles beginning of August. We arrived the 3 of August and picked up the car and trailer on Tuesday .
Saw you today at the crater in Arizona. All the best, we are only doing Route 66. You must have a Dutch connection judging from those on your blog. I arrived in Oz in Jan 56 as a 7 year old
Hats off to you both on the journey. If I’m not mistaken you had a small catastrophe in Mississippi when you lost the rearend. My dad is the mechanic that put the ol girl back together for you at European Automotive in Ridgeland. He sent me some pictures of the car and it is beautiful. He has been working on those cars for more than 4 decades and those are the first cars I ever turned a wrench on. Good luck on your continued journey and if you get a chance, swing back through Mississippi. Good luck and God speed.
Dear Nate, thanks for your message – great to hear from you. Indeed your Dad fixed our car and he did such a great job in a very short time. He got us back on the road just in time for us to be able to be in New Orleans before Christmas where we had a fantastic time. Next time you talk to him, please tell him we really did appreciate his efforts! Best regards, Elisabeth and Fred.
We saw the Mercedes at the top of monarch pass in Colorado back in early September. took some video of it since we were already filming a European car cruise we enjoy every year. hope you guys don’t mind but your car was so beautiful I had to use it in our video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTWWJXmoK2g
hope all is going well on your journey and best of luck to you both.
Jay & Katrina
Meet you on the road today in Tupelo MS. Good luck in your travels.