Dan, I'm pretty sure you're making the most helpful and accurate overland videos on KZfaq! I've gotten really burnt out on the "overland" seen in the USA with all the "experts" making it seem like you need a rock crawler, prerunner, or giant 6x6 motorhome to be an Overlander. You're a breath of fresh air. Thanks

Mud flaps ARE COOL! Anything a fellow driver can do to save my expensive wind shield/screen is very very cool!

I like the actual stories that go along with the tips. They are priceless. Locking your keys in the car for example was the most entertaining part. You don’t have to walk into every clip.

"The second modification you can make, that again, nobody seems to talk about is......getting a cat."

I hade a crow fly off with my keys in nowhere Nevada. I hade no spare keys, I hade to walk 35 miles in 90+ temps. lack of water no cell coverage. I hade 15 miles to go when I was found by a Rancher. I have a hidden key now!

Make me think...hide 2 spare keys under, false one easier to find, will confuse the looker and you will know some one if ever was there. Great tips. Thank you.

It is important to note that some countries - i.e. Kenya - require two warning triangles. Zambia even specifies their ridiculous metal contraption. Also, some countries have a minimum size fire extinguisher capacity, whilst others allow the use of the Fire Stryker (known as Element in the USA and Fire Suppression Systems in the UK). Personally, I prefer these to the larger extinguishers - I carry two of the 100 second model. My advice is keep it well organised; Halfords, well known in the UK, sell a really handy case containing one fire extinguisher and one warning triangle. I had a Police Officer in Zambia commend me for having my warning triangles and fire extinguishers so well organised.

Spare “cab key” on the outside. One of the first things I did to my Jeep!

On the spare electronic key, put some tape on the battery so it doesn't run down. When you need it you have to take the tape off, then your battery is fresh.

Thanks Dan. Some of your points I am already implementing, some I need to do. I am using a CO2 fire extinguisher - it is expensive, but there is no powder to settle at the bottom of the canister as you drive, and there is no damaging residue after use. Cheers.

I really love the cable lock. I’m going to get one for my exterior items. My key system uses a hidden external key, but I also add a simple element: a lanyard. I keep my key around my neck so I can’t drop it or have it picked. My travel companion (wife, brother, or friend, depending on the trip) gets another one. That way, we have a loss-resistant key for each of us.

Good tip on the spare key. I did that on my old XJ hidden up on the frame, and it saved me once. However with my new vehicle, and chipped key, I like the idea you had of a dumb key hidden on the outside to at least get you in, then another chipped key hidden inside that is needed to start it (if needed). The bonus being those chipped keys are expensive, so just a plain key out in the elements under the car is much better.

In many countries you must have two fire extinguishers and two warning triangles. The latest wheeze is that you have to show that the fire extinguishers have been serviced (a bit like the "expiring tyre" requirement in Nigeria). I have bought inspection labels for the fire extinguishers from an industrial label supplier which I mark up myself :-)

I'm glad to see someone else thinks about the spare key.Cheers mate

In NV, the climate means zip ties have a life span of six months or so (slight exaggeration for effect). A previous response mentioned wiring the key to the frame. I second this motion. Tie wire beats wire ties in the DSW. Also, the newer mud flaps have a benefit over the old rubber kind. I use my tow vehicle to hunt out of, once I get where I’m going. I like aluminum diamond plate, so I had tipped mud flaps on all four corners. I’d occasionally lose one off the back. Finally saw it happen in the rear view as I backed into a large road grader berm or embankment. The dirt pushed the flap into the rear tire which proceeded to pull the flap off the truck.

Wise pieces of advice. I use all of them in my Defender.

Our work van has automatic slam locks on the rear. There’s a spare key in a combination lock key safe under the van. If the keys are locked inside or lost the spare can be accessed with the right combination

The fire extinguisher can be good self defense too. The vests are a great reminder good Samaritansget killed all the time trying to help

It is amazing how many people travel without a spare key or even don't even have one at all. Most tell me getting a spare key is too expensive. My reply is less than getting a tow to a dealer and a new key then.

I use a halotron B, C. Claims to leave no residue. Most B and C rated extinguishers don't use the caustic ingredient, and I don't see a paper or wood fire happening in my vehicle.

Thank you. You highlight the simple things that will reduce prolonged discomfort as they are the things we keep repeating as 'mistakes'. The normal opening key, with another spare in a safe inthe car is just brilliant. Its on top of my list

On my trips with a second vehicle we exchange spare keys so I always know where to locate the spare! ... having keyless entry is a nice thing to have these days... but not all vehicles have it of course.

I already thought of the spare key tip. That’s because I locked my keys in the Jeep after a hike in one of our National Parks. The dealership said a spare electronic key would be $160 plus another $160 to program it. I had a regular key made to get me in the doors, and have hidden my only other electronic key inside the jeep. I must be human just like you.

Thanks for the information on Bolt Cable Lock cable locks. Learning more each day, thanks

The key thing is a great idea, except that many new vehicles have "keyless" systems. If you hide a spare key anywhere on the vehicle, anyone will be able to steel it. You would need to put it inside of some kind of Faraday bag so the transponder is rendered useless. I like simple old school non-electronic keys.

Regards the mud flaps, often people pull them off when backing in mud or sand and catch on the tyre which pulls them off so I attach a chain to the mud flap, with a large flat washer, and then to the body further back. Keeps the flap from touching the tyre.

In Oz, we call the plain metal keys "Surf Keys". Get a couple cut, then as you suggest hide one under the car. Attach cord to the other key, so when you go to the ocean or river, hide real key in car, and tie metal key to board shorts and swim with it. Leaving keys wrapped in towel on the beach is a bad idea!

Great simple advice, even some good advice for normal sedans etc for normal use

Excellent idea about the key. Applies to practically everyone.

I was sure to have all these "obvious" things in my mine, BUT in real I would have never followed through! Thank you! Great points!

I once picked up a couple in remote Nevada whose Rubicon had locked them out while they stopped to air down. Key in the ignition, engine running, doors closed, and it just locked itself. They were just about to smash a window when I happened upon them and gave them a ride to the nearest town. I've always kept a key outside that will start the car (immobilizer chip but no remote) as I think loss is more likely than theft, but now I might consider a 2-stage approach - a dumb key like yours to get the car unlocked and a second key capable of starting the car buried deep in the interior (could even be just an immobilizer chip without the key).

Great set of tips for over landing . Thanks for sharing your over landing tips . From Steve Stott in Sutherlin Oregon U.S.A.

Can I make a suggestion please ? When attaching a key underneath please use tie wire and cable ties because with road tar, heat and chemicals cable ties fail. Adding a steel wire is also physically stronger just in case sticks and other objects penetrate up under the body. Along with an alarm and bonnet lock I recommend a cut off switch and a fuel cut-off. Again, this is real common sense content on true overlanding. Thank you.

First class content as always

I love your videos. They are so informative and thoughtful. Full of information.

My dad used two keys at work that gave access to many places. The only time he messed up with keys was in a country which didn't speak english and it was a rental vehicle. I was only 7 , but my parents made so much noise I never forgot.

Fantastic video! I already had 4 of your 5 recommendations on my truck. I don't have anything on the outside for little fingers to play with so don't need that one. I have been doing the spare key thing for decades and yes Its saved my butt more than once! I keep two fire extinguishers and several triangles and even a few of the old time road flares just to cover all the bases. Keep these great videos coming!! Best on the internet!!

Another precious video! I really like the way you share you're experience!

As always, great tips Dan! Thanks for sharing your experience 👏

I keep my spare somewhere on my person. Faster and less obvious to access. When my car had only manual locks, I would lock myself out once a week. Crawling under the car and replacing zip ties got old fast.

Great tips and advice again Dan. Thanks ! I love your straight forward, simple honest experience shared, with No overwhelming music in the background ! Enjoy!🌲🇨🇦🙏

I like that spare cat as well!

So much common sense! Thanks for the video.

No words to express enough appreciation for you !! 👍

I like your security mindedness! Great ideas!

Great advice Dan, off to my locksmith to get a spare key tomorrow.

Spare keys idea is a great idea. Thanks 👍😊

Love the “dumb” key idea! Also need more cat

When I had a car that took keys I keep a copy in my wallet. If you cut down the head some it makes it ezer to store there.

Nice tee, congrats 👍

I use a locking gas cap on my bronco also but just he aware they are extremely easy to open with a screw driver or a knife

Excellent

Flooding concerns me especially in tropical Central America. Four breather tubes axles, transfer case, tranny, each have one. Moving stock breathers up. Snorkel is not high on my mod list for just thru Central Amer.

On my old pickup, I took a spare ignition key + gas cap key and wired them to the underside of the vehicle with a foot or two of single strand 1/8" bare copper. Covered the whole thing in a huge blob of stiff grease and let this weird bulge get encrusted with dirt and filth. The idea was, if I SERIOUSLY wanted in, I would be willing to crawl around on the ground and wedge under the vehicle to laboriously unwrap this greasy, dirty spare.

Great video, however the cat stole the show 😁

Great advice as always!

Seatbelt cutter + glass window breaker also important

GREAT advices!!!

Great video 👏👏👏👏thanks for sharing 👍👍

More great information

Thank you very much great tips

Have 2 fire extinguishers. One in front and one in the rear. Never know where the fire may start.

Good video and yes good ideas 💡

Nice tips. A casual viewer may think you are paranoid...lol

I saw a comment or two on electronic keys, and while it is great to separate the battery with tape, or remove it if there is room. The issue is I've had one still manage to activate itself with the tape method, basically making my Jeep keyless and open to all. I know this is a little over the top, but what I eventually did was buy sheet lead, and wrap the key in it. (Think thick and mushy aluminum foil) No signal will pass through the lead, so you never have to worry about the key accidentally allowing the vehicle to be unlocked. Again, over the top, but I can tell you first hand it works. I have two keys on my Jeep currently, and since I used the lead sheet wrap, I have never had an issue with my Jeep suddenly "finding" one of my hidden keys.

First aid kit should be high up on the list

Another great vid!! I hadn't thought of wheel locks!

Good stuff!

Great ideas/suggestions! Subbed your channel mate 👍

I have a dumb key under the car and a spare chipped key inside the car

Great advice man

Great idea I’ll try some of them out

had to use my hidden key in Niger, had a car burn on me in Algeria, because I had bought a cheap extinguisher and the button was broken; kids like to take off things at the outside of your car - that shovel would really attract some of the bigger boys in many an african village. I remember some Poles being angry and frustrated, because all their rubber expanders had been cut - toy bows anyone, maybe even getting a (sitting) bird for Moms pot ?

Maaatte you're an Aussie, flip flops are thongs and gas is fuel😂😂😂. Worked in OHS for many years and certainly concurr with Mine Spec safety for vehicles . Liked the security locks, where do you get those please.

Great recommendations! Thanks!!!!!!!!!

Très chouette vidéo . Nous sommes TOY mais j'adore les Jeep. Vous avez vu notre vidéo sur la traverséee du CONGO ? Merci pour vos astuces

Awesome

Great advices! Thank you!

Awesome video, any advice on eating healthy on the road?

Perfect..... Great advice. I have the spare key, the fire extinguisher, everything is locked. But...... No way on the mud flaps unless I'm going somewhere where it's law! Hate the damn things!!

I don't have the space key on the truck yet. Or have everything locked. Everything else is covered

My mouth was open as I was thinking about the idea of locking everything up. I drive a 24yr old Toyota Haice van and here in East Africa, we try to make our vehicles as less dependent on electronics and locks as possible. First, my diesel fuel tank isn't locked by key, there dozens of keys that can start my van and I have never thought of that as threat maybe because of our African culture where literally nobody touches your stuff... But I have a typical street solution: I don't keep anything on outside of the vehicle, everything is inside including the spare tire, spades and recovery gear. If I'm going to leave my vehicle for some long hours I leave it near a business or someone's compound or anywhere where there's people, I tell the guy to watch it for me then I give them a tip of little cash like 50 cents or a dollar and all my years I have never got problem with it.... I have driven it in 5 countries and same case. However I plan to upgrade my van to better standards before I attempt the drive to southern Africa countries. These videos come in handy and I wait for the time you'll talk about sanitation like your bathing gear, and probably sleeping pouch in the Jeep plus ventilation. Thank you Chief for this one

Thanks for the video. Question. When you discussed winches recently, i don’t believe you mentioned hand winches or using hi lift jacks. we opted for the former, as we are trying to keep everything light and only adding the minimum things we need. my thinking is maxx traxx are good, but not in a foot of mud and water. our winch is only 14kg, and with a snatch block, can pull 3200kg. This seems like a low cost, reliable and flexible thing to bring (winch any direction). what are your thoughts in this area?

What size for extinguisher do you recommend? Obviously it's one of those bigger is better but what's the minimum that would still be effective?

Can't put a spare key in a Jeep Renegade. If my key fob is detected inside the vehicle, the back door automatically unlocks.

Wouldnt you be able to climb into your car via your pop up compartment?

*#5 I hid a spare key and now can't remember where?* 🤦🏻‍♂

Plastic mud flaps will do more harm than good off-road. I’ll always take them out unless they’re flexible rubber.

Get two metal keys keep one on the frame and one in your wallet so don’t always have to climb under the car.

Your vehicle reading; I suggest that " conquered" is not accurate, "traversed" may be more suitable.

Do you have any thoughts on (or did you encounter anyone on your global travels) towing a small trailer? Any pros or cons (are they legal on other countries?)

😎👍

where do you get your shirts from??

Noooo! Second...

Put the fire extinguisher flat cause it can clog if upright for prolonged periods.

Lock down your licence plates, believe it or not, mine were stolen for souvenirs.

First:-))

I hope you get money from Yokohama....