Let the transformations!

Starting at the front, changed the original bumper for a bumper aluminum shipbuilding - Material that offers a great combination of strength and lightness. This bumper, designed and manufactured by 4WD, will not only increase the security, but also meet certain requirements in certain countries, as, for example, No case of Argentina (Experienced hikers told us there and, in some other borders, police not be allowed to claim the vehicle has any equipment that exceeds the size of vehicle). In our case, then, the bumper will also serve to embed the Guincho of 12.000 lbs Ironman by 4×4 we are lifted up conosco. The installation of the winch, as well as all the electrics, was made by Celsus, da Winch. Still to increase shock protection, put a aluminum plate naval - Na inferior part, to protect the crankcase and radiator - and a grade frontal, giving a further aspect of the robustness Tanajura. Who helped us with guards was Jorge, as 4WD. Also installed a Milha lantern most and at Farol de neblina Ironman by 4×4, embedded in the front grid. Under the Tana yet replaced the and damper suspension assembly original for a more robust KIT, 4 also of Ironman×4, suitable for situations in which the vehicle will work most of the time quite load (it is our case). The installation was done in Suspentécnica, com or Alberto, who also made an adjustment of caster and performed the alignment and balancing of the vehicle. All this, considering that we have approximately 800 Attack and Frontier kg IF has a loading capacity of 1.030 Kg. We changed also the original pads for brake pads high performance, da EBC brakes, increasing vehicle safety. We've also added a snorkel da OGZ para que a Tanajura possa se banhar pelos rios que encontraremos pelo caminho.

Moving to the inside, tivemos to make Alguns adjustments in the position of the rear seat. As always with travel 3 people behind, need superior comfort to that presented by the original model. For this, made a therefore not turn encosto, what is not going to be away, increasing the slope of the back rest and height of the support legs. Moreover, um we include headrest and adapt um three-point belt to the central passenger. All these changes were made in the tapestry Model. We've also added some 110V taken, with the help of a investor set in the bucket, so we could carry our electronic equipment. To increase our security, we include a chave Hamsey, serving both to prevent shoplifting, and in case of fire, since this key to be thrown off all the electric car. Another security device is installed is the ram lock, na Autokakos, when connected do not allow the ignition of the car and, furthermore, If the departure of the car is given (for example: in the case of a direct connection), o sistema da trava carneiro bloqueia as rodas na primeira pisada no pedal do freio.

In the rear, made several modifications, such as the hood of glass fiber. Many people mention the difficulty of access to equipment that are at the bottom of the body. Moreover, a long trip like this, in which the car is our home, not very practical to take large backpacks (celebrities mochilões). Thinking about it, on our roof project, um asked to include closet, Also fiber. Na veradade, are 4 shelves in each side, with depth to the center line of the vehicle. To access this cabinet, put 2 tilting windows, each side amu. Thus, gain convenience and comfort. Depending on how the cabinet is constructed, our clothes and equipment “clean” are separated from dust and the lower part of the bucket receives “dirty”. Due to high canopy, "Lost" the mirror center and the solution found to solve the problem of vision when we were to reverse gear was the installation of a Reverse camera together a multimedia kit, equipment obtained with the support of AutoZ. In the body, we fix our extra battery, it is deep cycle, as the starting, a little more expensive than automotive, but versatile – both were provided by Optima Batteries. It is coming 110V power outlets in the vehicle. Besides ensuring that the battery does not start download, these batteries can sequentially load and unload without taking any damage. We're still taking a refrigerator 40lts, whose temperature control goes to -30 oC, also tied in extra battery. We also 2 pranchas of desatolamento fixed on the inner wall of the fiber bonnet. To finish, other safety items that we are in the body: Air Compressor Kit and rescue of four Ironman×4, Removable hitch, cambão e Hi Lift.

On the roof, Tana cam duas tents automotive where passararemos most nights. Super easy to assemble and disassemble, he gives us convenience and safety to animals and bixos and still keeps us more secure in the rain. For those who never experienced, may sound like a great deconforto, but one night is enough to change your mind. The production is a national, feita pela Camping’s World.

Below we detail our suppliers of equipment and services for those interested in an adventure:

Ironman 4×4 – Winch 12.000 lbs; Constant Load Suspension, Refrigerator, Farol de neblina and milha, Kit de Resgate, kit manager batteries and compressor

4WD Brasil – Aluminum bumper support for marine winch and grille; Lower guard, trailer and boards desatolamento

Camping’s World- Tents automotive

Suspentécnica - Installation of Suspension

OGZ – Snorkel

EBC Brakes – Pastlihas de Freio

Tapestry Model – Change in stock

Grupo Walk – Fiber Hood

Winch (Celso) – Installing the battery manager, extra battery, winch and power switch - ceslo@winch.com.br

Optima Battery – Deep cycle batteries (departure and additional battery)

Autokakos - Lock Carneiro

The post Pre Travel: Tanajura Days and His Princess appeared first on 4x1.

We made our way with a subject matter expert, the Padilha Training, partner of the Expedition 4×1. There were two days of intense training in St. Bernard, through the Serra do Mar. Enough theory of first aid, from analysis of the scene to the treatment with the rough. Formed by a very heterogeneous group and trained, the team was able to spend a fairly comprehensive knowledge, highlighting numerous difficulties that we face and indicating what should (or not) do. The team consisted of : Padilha, rescuer of the CCR with years of experience in first aid; Cybele, nurse and espeleóloga; Alexis, rescuer Formula 1 e Maurício, ex-bombeiro.

After a lot of theoretical learning, It happens practical test, high point of the course in our opinion. In the darkness of the night, in the woods, a victim screams for help. Our mission is to help her. Then it perbemos, in practice, the story is completely different from the theory. Keeping calm in the face of adversity and despair of those who need immediate help, always thinking about safety (both in its and in the victim's), was essential to get it right. Calm that was lacking in our first test. But okay, we were even learning. We have seen after all quietly left undone or done wrong in the rush to want to immediately help the injured (that alias, staged so well that we thought one hour was hurt real!). It was a very interesting course and it was well worth it in our opinion! Now we can not wait to be able to immobilize any there fracture (just kidding)!

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If it was difficult to count the days to departure , delaying was even more. We had to postpone our departure for four days. Each day of delay was one less experience and more than hard work and anxiety. When we believed were all set, something unforeseen arose or a new detail appeared. And even after the delay in relation to our planned departure (on the 30 May ), we can't say we were fully prepared. And who is? Things in life are so unpredictable that it would be a lie to say we were all proof. It is true that we were very careful (maybe too much!) to avoid any unpleasant surprises in our way. But, sincerely, we ask if it the trip would be so fun if they don't. Ready or not, Sunday was the limit, could not stand to wait. Anything that, by chance, has lagged behind, teria que ser resolvida ao longo do trajeto.

The place of departure could not be another: our beloved University of Sao Paulo, where we became inseparable friends, we have graduated and expanded our world view. USP has been our home for years and is always an inspiration for our ideas. Nada mais justo que partir simbolicamente de onde tudo começou.

Lots of tears, a lot of emotion. The Expedition 4×1 is finally on the road! Happiness is huge! Even greater is the curiosity about what we know at this 70 thousand miles of adventure. Thank you all for the support and see you for America!

The post The dream has began appeared first on 4x1.

From: São Paulo (SP).

Destination: Vargem Bonita (MG), na Serra da Canastra.

Distance: 638 km.

Filled Tire : Cânions do Velho Chico em Capitólio.

Flat Tire : Tempo instável com chuvas esporádicas e vento.

Travel Time: 13 hours in the first leg and 8 hours in our way back. With the stops to admire the landscape along the way, we took longer than we planned on the way to Vargem Bonita. However,, we only stopped once to eat something and got straight to the road on our way back, concluindo a viagem em menos tempo.

Chosen Path: Longer way, but rewarding!! We left São Paulo through Fernao Dias (SP-381) – ótima pista por sinal – towards Pouso Alegre. When getting to Pouso Alegre, we took BR-459 (that goes to Poços de Caldas) for approximately 8 km and then took MG 179 towards Alfenas. In Alfenas, we`ve caught BR-491 towards Areado and then followed the direction to Alterosa through MG-184, passing by Alpinópolis, até chegar a Capitólio – this is region that we have passed through Furnas, with a beautiful view of the San Francisco River and its canyons ! From Capitólio, we went straight to the Serra da Canastra, more specifically to the city of Vargem Bonita , where was located the Crioula camping site, where we stayed. This route is longer, but pays less toll and the view is often more beautiful, since in many places is coasting Old Chico! O trajeto da volta foi basicamente o mesmo.

Where we slept: Crioula Camping , very nice place! (for more information, click here). We spent two nights in Crioula Camping, location of the Third Meeting from Camping’s World. The infrastructure was very interesting, with restrooms, chuveiros com água quente, tomadas disponíveis na área de camping e bastante espaço para acampar. Because of the event, meals were being served in the camping site. A proximidade de diversas atividades da região é um ponto positivo do local.

The Trip: Landscapes that only Old Chico can offer . Our visits started on the middle of the track, when we stopped to enjoy the beautiful view of the Furnas hydroelectric plant. Right beside it, there were the dizzying canyons of Capitólio, where we did a little trail in the middle of the road to have a perfect view of the blue water, surrounded by rock formations. Landscape of those we only see in movies!

You can hire boat trips through the canyons, what we did not do as we were late to arrive at our final destination. Our days in the Parque Nacional da Serra da Canastra were divided into two long rides: High and Low part of the Casca d'Anta waterfall, the largest one in San Francisco river. The tours, led by super competent guides from Canastra Adventure, involved more than 60 km of dirt road to reach the destination. Good to have a 4×4 available! From the High portion, we had a panoramic view of the Park, while in the Lower Part one can get close to the waterfall. On the way of the first ride, is said to be the source of the Sao Francisco River!

Who doesn`t like Minas Gerais Food? Our days at the camp site during the meeting included meals typically from the region: steak, tutu (beans-based food), fried manioc e afins. Not to mention the breakfast full of cheese bread e o famoso queijo Canastra. Delicious! We couldn`t leave without buying the traditional milk-sweet to sweeten our life on our way back home. The stop on Capitol Hill gave us a lunch on the beautiful view of the canyons at a price most just (about. R$25 reais), considering the abundance and the landscape. Our restaurant was relatively simple, uma vez que a atratividade turística do local faz com que haja alguns restaurantes mais sofisticados na região.

4×1 Learning. Despite the truly inspiring landscapes that we found along the journey, o ponto alto foi a troca de experiências dentro do camping. Aventureiros de primeira viagem, We have learned a lot in conversations with more experienced travellers!

The post Factsheet 4×1: Serra da Canastra (MG) appeared first on 4x1.

The balance of the trip could not be more positive! Serra da Canastra is wonderful! Even with the rain that insisted to follow us, landscapes were still breathtaking. Not to mention the thrill it was to see the source of the Velho Chico closely. We had that taste of freedom that is traveling by car and have the option to explore and understand where. The first stop on the way was the Furnas hydroelectric. After, stopped in front of the beautiful landscape of canyons Capitol, antes de seguirmos ao Encontro.

Overall, we were very positively surprised by Tana, by the Camping's World tent as well and even more by the Meeting! But even more impressive was how we were amateurs when the subject is camping. Do not take a lantern to the woods was the best evidence of how we still had much to learn! I learn quite! The fellowship with other adventurers in the Serra da Canastra was extremely productive in all aspects. Observe the items they carried with them, how they were setting up their tents, and heard their life stories. An unique learning! The lifestyle in the campsite was very interesting! There is no way to measure the value of this exchange of experiences and feelings of solidarity with fellow road! We feel we mature enough after the meeting and left even more motivated and prepared to touch the boat, with Tana, the car in front!

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that shared a little bit of experience with us during the Meeting, particularly the Amandio and your family (ViajandoNos4x4), for your attention and patience with all our questions and Douglas and Ilka, from Camping’s World, who organized the event very well and were always willing to help and contribute for everything to go right! Thank you very much, personal!

For those who want to check out the pictures of our mini expedition, just click on the video below:

It also has a bonus track, just look at how lunch at 40 second!!

The post The First Mini-Expedition appeared first on 4x1.

We were impressed. Her black and smooth body were shining. Her seats were soft and two straps adorned her side. She also wore two stringers fixed in the upper part. It was awesome! Not to mention in their 190 cvs (horses), que deixam suas concorrentes com inveja.

But her back measures caught our attention the most: the wider bucket of the category! This gave her, then, a fond name: ‘Tana’jura.

Then, with her, yet departed that night for our first meeting that this will be a long relationship!! We went together to the Serra da Canasta / MG (check out the details of the meeting in our next post!)

Check here the video that depicts the first moments with our Nissan Frontier, What is the official car of the Expedition 4×1.

For those who want to give more details about the 6th member of the Expedition 4×1, just click here and check out the complete profile of Tanajura!!

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What made us happier was the fact that we are in the midst of names like Amyr Klink, the astronaut Marcos Pontes and the Schurmann Family . Inclusive, since Radio Eldorado made the complete coverage of the Adventure Sports Fair, we were among the main highlights of the fair newswire, which has issued a release of our expedition (click here to ler)

After the interview we talked to the hosts (center of the photo) and the producer Jean (right) and became willing to provide audio content to the Territory Adventure program, Radio Eldorado. The conversation was very productive and they were interested in stories about the experiences we have during Expedition 4×1, especially from the time at which we will be out of Brazil, which is a more unusual content . So, it is likely that you will hear our voices again in 107.3 FM!!

Below is the audio of the interview, for those who have not heard. Just pay attention that, when the video is coming at 4:25, the audio will be higher (technical failure).

The post Interview on Radio Eldorado appeared first on 4x1.

Well, but what is a tent automotive??

Yes, before we started planning the trip also had never heard of them! A foto abaixo mostra uma montada e pronta para proporcionar uma boa noite de sono.

Today, after a lot of research, we know they are ideal for our needs by 5 main reasons:

1) They do not occupy space in the trunk, that are already installed on the roof rack of the car;

2) They are very practical, taking only 1 minute to be mounted and 5 for breaking;

3) They'll give us a lot of mobility and autonomy, once remote places often have no camping or hostel / guesthouse;

4) Allow a more constant and direct contact with nature;

5) Proporcionam uma grande economia com custos de hospedagem durante a viagem.

Well, besides all of that, they are extremely comfortable and durable! To get an idea, inside there is a high density mattress and pillows (they are embedded, and need not be removed) and she still has telescopic ladder up to 2.20 m, mosquito net, totally waterproof fabric and a balcony!! All these elements make you believe that transported your bed up your car!! Dá pra relaxar de verdade.

One curiosity is that, to have a tent automotive is not necessary to have a super car ready for shipment…they are an option for any vehicle, since the only prerequisite is a roof rack (since they are very light)!

To illustrate the use of Camping's World automotive tent, below is a video that demonstrates its installation:

We were very happy with the support that Camping's World has given us and we are eager to install our two tents as soon as posible.!!

Moreover, this weekend / holiday will attend the Third Camping’s World Meeting, to be held in the Serra da Canastra (MG) , together with more than 100 adventurers!! We can not wait to embark on our first expedition!!

The post Have you ever thought about sleeping on the roof of your car? appeared first on 4x1.

For us the fair was an excellent opportunity to disclose the Expedition 4×1, talk with many adventurers, establish some partnerships and presenting proposals for some potential partners! We were present in two days of the fair and we were very impressed with the quality and organization of the event!

In the stands of various brands focused on adventure and sports, visitors could participate in workshops and lectures, know stands of national and international destinations, do business, sports, get in touch with the work of environmental NGOs, meet adventurers and buy certain products and equipments! The fair was flawless, congratulations to the organizers who have created a must-attend event for those who like adventure!

For us, a very striking point of the show was the interview we gave to Radio Eldorado (FM 107,3) on Saturday 21 April and was broadcast live! Eles tinham entrado em contato conosco há alguns dias e pediram para que fossemos até o estúdio que eles montaram na feira para dar a entrevista.

The presenters Paulina Chamorro and Marco Lauro asked about the Expedition 4×1, the script and planning. In the past few days, we have written a post about the interview and put the audio to anyone who want to listen!!

Another interesting point was meeting with Grace and Robert Challenging Your Dreams! Meeting them always renews our strength and gives us further encouragement to go ahead!!

They brought to the fair part of their exhibition Traces of Brazil, his two books and also Baloo (Land Rover Defender that made the journey around the world, for 3 and a half years), their space was one of the most inspiring, no doubt about it!

One surprise we had during our visit on Saturday was the unexpected meeting with a group that will make an expedition quite similar to ours, their project is called Expedition New World and date of departure is scheduled for January 2013!

We are very excited about this surprise, since it is always very pleasant to meet people who also want to drive across the Americas!

Well, the fair was actually very productive for us! In addition to all of that, we have made numerous contacts and even entered into some partnerships, soon we will announce them here!!!!

The post Adventure Sports Fair appeared first on 4x1.

The Expedition 4×1 will be aboard a Nissan Frontier!

That's always been our first choice (internal comfort, Bucket greater and greater power) and, in the end, still got a discount of Nissan Brazil. On Friday (20 April) paid for the car and hopefully take it on Thursday day 3 May ! From there we will begin installing accessories and make appropriate modificacações (to see the post about some of these adaptations, click here).

Friday was a very important day for us! The purchase of the car took a weight off our backs and represented a watershed moment for the Expedition 4×1! We were immersed in this novel of the car for a long time and, on Friday, everything has been solved!!

It is worth to mention that the car payment was a little adventure!! We were on a lunch / meeting in pine when, at 15:00, received the news that the ticket had been generated by the Nissan Brazil! As we needed to pay this ticket as soon as possible (to expedite delivery of the car), ask no restaurant accounting, swallow dessert and went straight to the bank! Moreover, for banks….Andre went to the Citi, arrange to transfer the money to our account PJ and Leonardo and Gustavo were toward the agency Bradesco (where is the bill PJ), pay for the ticket! Important detail, did not have the ticket printed, Traffic was a typical one rainy Friday in Sao Paulo and the bank manager had warned Gustavo, por telefone, that only receive if the agency came up to 16h!

In short, 15h57 to Gustavo able to enter the agency, few minutes after his mother arrived with the ticket printed and, at that moment, entered in the account to trasferência PJ! Yes, oddly enough, everything worked out!!

After that we left only a smile from ear-to-ear, a sense of relief and feel that the Expedition 4×1 is more concrete and real!!!

The post We bought the car! appeared first on 4x1.

What`s the deal? Can you really drive to Alaska?

Since this is a question that we also had in our minds before starting to research and plan this adventure, we thought it was worth writing a post-response =)

Well, now anticipate that the answer is yes and no!

Yes: we will effectively arrive by car in Alaska!

No: in some places, will use other means of transport!

Let`s go to the details:

The first part we will not do with the road will be crossing the Amazon River Santarem to Manaus. Actually, there are driving alternatives on the way, but, to take advantage of the tour and we can make a trip a few days on the Amazon River, we will ship Tanajura (our car) on a boat and get her in Santarem!

The second section is the crossing of South America to Central America (Colombia to Panama)! There, actually, it is not posible to drive through. The main reason is the fact that there isn`t a road linking the two countries, with more or less 300km of forest, through the famous Darien Gap (for more information, click here). Besides, the region is very dangerous, since it is used as a hideout for drug dealers and the FARC. In this case, we will take a boat or plane to Panama!

Now it's worth talking a little bit about this part of the trip (Colombia-Panama)! We learned a few days from the day 10 May 2012 there will be a vessel making the trip Panama-Colombia-Panama (for people, merchandises and CARS!). This type of transport came into existence in the late 90 but was abandoned by sanitary (contagion of FMD) and economic issues (lack of demand).

Since then, the alternative that exists (and that all adventurers that we know used) is the temporary export, made by a cargo ship!! It takes a long time (average 2 weeks), expensive costs (about 2 thousand dollars each leg) and is a ridiculously bureaucratic process !! Now, with this ferry, things got much easier for our side!! The news is all over the newspapers of Colombia and Panama, parece que o assunto é sério mesmo.

With this option (for the curious, You can take a virtual tour of the ship – click here) the trip that could take longer than 2 weeks – plus headache – now will only last 12 hours!! Not to mention the drastic reduction of costs, because in the previous case we had to catch a plane to Panama and eventually buy roundtrip tickets (to avoid problems with immigration!)

Well, returning to the main subject of the post, there is another part that we can not do by car, back to Central America to South America (which we will pass through, from Panama to Ecuador).

Ultimately, although we have to do some parts of the way by boat, yes, we will arrive in Alaska (and Ushuaia) by CAR!!!

The post Drive to Alaska??? appeared first on 4x1.

To face an expedition that has incredible distances, 5 crew, large variations of temperature and unfriendly roads, we need to ensure that the car has some important features. Let's take this post to talk about them and also to indicate some companies that make this type of adjustment or service:

1) Bancos confortáveis e próprios para esse tipo de viagem. We did a good research on companies working with banks to rally and adapted for this type of shipment and talked with some adventurers who exchanged their banks! At last, we came to the conclusion that the Rallye Design has good options! We are just waiting to close the deal with the car to talk to them again about it!!

2) Fiber-glass hardtop . This is a crucial item. As we go on 5 people, need to maximize the space of the bucket truck and, for this, we close this part with a hard top fiber. We evaluate some companies that make this type of service and, so far, in the most pleasing was Walumar, that has much experience in!

3) Automotive Refrigerator . The refrigerator was recommended as a necessary item by many people! At first glance seemed luxurious, why would we need a refrigerator in the car? But, after several tips, realize that it will bring us independence, mobility, comfort and practicality! We, for example, could eat breakfast in the car, without actually stopping somewhere and could also have cold water in the desert!

4) Tents automotive. These tents are going up in the car (one, for two people, above the cabin; and another, for three people, at the top of the bucket). The company which will buy these shacks are Campings World. They have a vast knowledge in the area, years of experience in the industry and develop high quality products!! If you do not know these automotive tents , it is worth accessing their website to see photos, they are very useful and practical!

5) Tanque extra de diesel e galão de água potável. In our case we are still wondering if we put the extra fuel gallon inside the bucket or if it is coupled to the outside of the hardtop! We will let you know when it is decided . But the fact is that an extra fuel gallon becomes extremely necessary, since at certain times we will face long stretches between a gas station and another. Moreover, it's always good to have enough fuel autonomy for the case we have to deal with unforeseen situations . The gallon of drinking water is important to us hidratarmos but can also be useful if we are surprised by a hose or a radiator stuck in the middle of the Atacama Desert!!

Well, obviously the complete list still has other items, but those quoted above would be the most “Structural”. Gradually, we will be posting companies and other items here!

Moreover, as long as we are installing all of this in the car, we will be telling you and uploading photos!!

Se tiverem dúvidas ou sugestões sobre essas modificações é só escrever para a gente aqui em baixo.

See you later =)

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