The German manufacturer has introduced a new generation of solar charge controllers designed specifically for motorhomes, expedition vehicles, and off-road builds. At the centre of the update is a dedicated charging programme for heated LiFePO₄ batteries, an increasingly common setup in modern overland vehicles, but one that has historically struggled in low temperatures.

Charging Lithium in the Cold—Without Workarounds

Lithium batteries are efficient, stable, and increasingly the default choice for serious travel setups. But they come with a known limitation: charging at low temperatures can damage the cells, forcing many systems to either reduce output or stop charging altogether.

Votronic’s approach sidesteps that compromise. The new controllers are designed to work directly with heated LiFePO₄ batteries, allowing them to charge safely even in cold conditions, without the need for an additional temperature sensor.

In real-world terms, it removes one more point of failure, one more component to install, and one more variable to manage in a system that should ideally look after itself. For vehicles used year-round—winter camping rigs, alpine travellers, or long-distance expedition builds—it translates into something simple: the system keeps working.

More Energy, Faster Recovery

The controllers continue to rely on MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) technology, which is now standard at this level but still worth getting right. By constantly adjusting to the optimal operating point of the solar panels, the system extracts more usable energy compared to older PWM-based setups.

In practice, that means shorter charging times and better overall yield from the same solar array—useful on short winter days or when parked in less-than-ideal conditions. The system also automatically adapts to different battery types, including AGM, gel, and traditional lead-acid, making it flexible across mixed or legacy setups.

An additional detail that will appeal to those running dual-battery systems is the integrated maintenance charging for the starter battery. It’s a small thing, but one that avoids flat batteries after extended stays off-grid.

Built for Installers, Not Just End Users

Votronic has clearly aimed this generation at professional installers and vehicle builders as much as at end users. The focus is on straightforward integration into existing onboard electrical systems, with fully automatic charging processes and an emphasis on operational reliability.

That positioning makes sense. Modern overland electrical systems are no longer simple add-ons, they are integrated, often complex systems where compatibility and ease of installation matter as much as outright performance. A controller that drops cleanly into an existing setup without requiring workarounds or additional components earns its place quickly.

A Quiet but Relevant Update

There is nothing flashy about a solar charge controller. It sits out of sight, does its job, and is usually only noticed when it fails. But this update addresses a known limitation in a growing segment of the market, and does so in a way that reflects how people are actually using their vehicles.

For anyone running lithium systems in colder climates, or planning to, the ability to maintain charging without intervention is not a luxury. It is a baseline requirement that has, until now, often needed careful system design to achieve.

Votronic’s updated range is available immediately through specialist dealers and authorised installation partners.

VOTRONIC

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The response? Massive. So we took the most important info, cut the fluff, and packed it into one clear, readable format.

Now it’s a free guide – available as PDF or ePub.

If you’re buying your first rooftop tent – or looking to upgrade to something that actually works for your setup – this guide is for you.

Because picking a rooftop tent isn’t about buying the flashiest model. It’s about getting the one that fits you – your vehicle, your trips, your way of travelling.

This guide is plain-speaking and practical. No sales pitch. No sponsors. No BS.

DOWNLOAD THE FREE GUIDE

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Held in Germany and approved by the Ärztekammer Niedersachsen (granting 10 CME points to eligible attendees), the online conference gathered nine expert speakers and a deeply engaged audience of medical professionals, overlanders, off-roaders, expedition leaders, and outdoor lovers. Whether you travel by foot, bike, or 4×4, across deserts or through dense jungle, this event was built for you.

Here’s why it matters—and why what was shared should be on your radar before your next trip:

Because knowledge saves lives—especially when you’re on your own

Remote travel often means self-reliance. When things go wrong, help is far away. That’s why Harold Steguweit’s session on Dengue fever hit home. Many overlanders still underestimate tropical diseases. Harold broke down how to spot early signs, how to act, and elaborated on some preventative measures. With mosquito-borne diseases on the rise in travel hotspots, this was the kind of grounded, experience-based info that sticks.

Because vaccinations are your first line of defence

If you’re crossing borders, sleeping outside, or shaking hands in remote villages, Dr. Christian Scholber’s talk on current vaccination recommendations was a timely reminder: medicine doesn’t stop at the edge of Europe. The session offered clear updates on what’s essential right now—including some vaccines that even seasoned travellers overlook. For those planning longer routes through Africa, Asia or South America, these recommendations aren’t just guidelines—they’re protection.

Because accidents happen—and you have to act fast

A burn in a kitchen is one thing. A burn in the bush, with no clean water and no medical kit? That’s another story entirely. Martin Eickhoff walked us through managing burn injuries in remote regions: what to do, what not to do, and how to reduce long-term damage when you’re hours—or days—from care. The talk focused on using the gear and materials you already have on hand. No theory. Just field-smart action steps.

Because sepsis doesn’t care where you are

Vito Berger’s deep dive into sepsis in remote areas was both sobering and empowering. Sepsis kills quickly—but early detection and smart intervention can save lives. Vito gave practical advice on spotting infection signs, using antibiotics correctly, and navigating treatment when transport to a hospital isn’t possible. It was a reminder: every cut, bite, or wound in the field needs your full attention.

Because helping abroad isn’t just medicine—it’s law and culture, too

If you’ve ever jumped in to help someone abroad—during an accident, disaster, or spontaneous clinic setup—Markus Eckert’s session on legal particularities made one thing clear: good intentions aren’t enough. From local laws and patient consent to cultural sensitivity and personal liability, this was a sharp, necessary talk for anyone doing hands-on help internationally. It’s not about what you do or don’t do—it’s about doing it right.

Because critical care isn’t just for hospitals

What happens when someone collapses at altitude, deep in the bush, or far from any road? Sebastian Kernstock’s session on critical care in low and middle-income countries focused on real-world solutions: improvised gear, alternative techniques, and ways to stabilise patients with what’s at hand. For expedition medics and group leaders, it was gold. Even if you’re not a medic, this talk showed what’s possible when things get serious.

Because parasites are more common than you think

Dr. Johannes Schäfer gave a solid breakdown of worm infections on long-distance travel—what to expect, what to avoid, and how to treat them early. For many in the room, it was the first time hearing just how frequent these issues are. This wasn’t fearmongering. It was preparation. If you’re traveling overland through tropical or subtropical regions, this talk will likely change how you pack and how you listen to your own body.

Because some threats are rare—but real

Ebola might sound distant, but Dr. Gisela Schneider’s overview of viral haemorrhagic fevers like Ebola reminded us how fast things can move. Gisela’s experience on the ground was evident, and she connected the dots between international outbreaks and travel medicine. Her key point? Don’t just track where you are—track where others have come from. Knowing how to recognise VHF and respond correctly is essential for anyone involved in medical aid or travel to high-risk regions.

Because improvisation is part of every overlander’s toolkit

Matthias Schmidberger’s final talk on improvised medicine summed up the day perfectly: You won’t always have what you need. But if you know what you’re doing, you can do a lot with very little. This was hands-on thinking for field situations: making splints, cleaning wounds, stabilising fractures, rehydrating a patient—when you’re out of signal and out of options.

Why this matters—whether you’re a medic or not

RAEM is about more than medicine. It’s about taking responsibility—for yourself, your crew, and the people you meet along the road. Whether you’re a doctor, expedition leader, hiker, or simply someone who spends time where ambulances don’t go, this knowledge is your edge.

Each speaker brought something different. But the common thread was this: real preparation goes beyond gear. It’s knowing what to do when plans go sideways.

And in a world where more people are pushing further off the grid, where overlanding is growing, and where remote travel is becoming more accessible—this kind of knowledge isn’t optional anymore. It’s essential.

See you at RAEM 2026?

This year’s online event brought together people from all over Europe—and beyond. The Q&A sessions were lively and the shared passion was undeniable. If you’re planning your next big trip, building a vehicle, leading a group, or volunteering abroad, pencil in next year’s RAEM (the date will be published in a separate post as soon as possible)

Until then, stay smart, stay safe—and keep going further.

RAEM CONFERENCE

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WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has determined that the upsurge of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and a growing number of countries in Africa constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR).

Dr Tedros’s declaration came on the advice of an IHR Emergency Committee of independent experts who met earlier in the day to review data presented by experts from WHO and affected countries. The Committee informed the Director-General that it considers the upsurge of mpox to be a PHEIC, with potential to spread further across countries in Africa and possibly outside the continent.

The Director-General will share the report of the Committee’s meeting and, based on the advice of the Committee, issue temporary recommendations to countries. 

In declaring the PHEIC, Dr Tedros said, “The emergence of a new clade of mpox, its rapid spread in eastern DRC, and the reporting of cases in several neighbouring countries are very worrying. On top of outbreaks of other mpox clades in DRC and other countries in Africa, it’s clear that a coordinated international response is needed to stop these outbreaks and save lives.”

WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr Matshidiso Moeti said, “Significant efforts are already underway in close collaboration with communities and governments, with our country teams working on the frontlines to help reinforce measures to curb mpox. With the growing spread of the virus, we’re scaling up further through coordinated international action to support countries bring the outbreaks to an end.” 

Committee Chair Professor Dimie Ogoina said, “The current upsurge of mpox in parts of Africa, along with the spread of a new sexually transmissible strain of the monkeypox virus, is an emergency, not only for Africa, but for the entire globe. Mpox, originating in Africa, was neglected there, and later caused a global outbreak in 2022. It is time to act decisively to prevent history from repeating itself.”

This PHEIC determination is the second in two years relating to mpox. Caused by an Orthopoxvirus, mpox was first detected in humans in 1970, in the DRC. The disease is considered endemic to countries in central and west Africa.

In July 2022, the multi-country outbreak of mpox was declared a PHEIC as it spread rapidly via sexual contact across a range of countries where the virus had not been seen before. That PHEIC was declared over in May 2023 after there had been a sustained decline in global cases.

Mpox has been reported in the DRC for more than a decade, and the number of cases reported each year has increased steadily over that period. Last year, reported cases increased significantly, and already the number of cases reported so far this year has exceeded last year’s total, with more than 15 600 cases and 537 deaths. 

The emergence last year and rapid spread of a new virus strain in DRC, clade 1b, which appears to be spreading mainly through sexual networks, and its detection in countries neighbouring the DRC is especially concerning, and one of the main reasons for the declaration of the PHEIC.

In the past month, over 100 laboratory-confirmed cases of clade 1b have been reported in four countries neighbouring the DRC that have not reported mpox before: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. Experts believe the true number of cases to be higher as a large proportion of clinically compatible cases have not been tested.

Several outbreaks of different clades of mpox have occurred in different countries, with different modes of transmission and different levels of risk.

The two vaccines currently in use for mpox are recommended by WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization, and are also approved by WHO-listed national regulatory authorities, as well as by individual countries including Nigeria and the DRC.

Last week, the Director-General triggered the process for Emergency Use Listing for mpox vaccines, which will accelerate vaccine access for lower-income countries which have not yet issued their own national regulatory approval. Emergency Use Listing also enables partners including Gavi and UNICEF to procure vaccines for distribution. 

WHO is working with countries and vaccine manufacturers on potential vaccine donations, and coordinating with partners through the interim Medical Countermeasures Network to facilitate equitable access to vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics and other tools.

WHO anticipates an immediate funding requirement of an initial US$ 15 million to support surveillance, preparedness and response activities. A needs assessment is being undertaken across the three levels of the Organization.

To allow for an immediate scale up, WHO has released US$ 1.45 million from the WHO Contingency Fund for Emergencies and may need to release more in the coming days. The Organization appeals to donors to fund the full extent of needs of the mpox response. 

Source: who.int

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As much as a filtration strategy is good for survival, quenching a thirst, day in, day out, with the recommended quantity of heavily filtered water is not entirely unlike eating industrially processed food, which might indeed fill you up, but has little nutritional value. This isn’t meant to be a scholarly lesson in how we should or shouldn’t eat and drink…it’s just food for thought (excuse the pun).

WATER—THE SECOND MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENT FOR SURVIVAL

After oxygen, which we source from the ambient air, water is the second most vital nutrient our body requires if it is going to function properly, support our immune system and help us remain generally healthy and alert. Hence, a reliable source of uncontaminated water is vital for our existence.

But if we are travelling in remote areas, because that’s what we like to do, and want to enjoy a self-sufficient life devoid of urban infrastructures, how can we ensure our drinking water reserve is not only safe, but also as natural as possible?

As we know, Earth looks like a blue planet from outer space because most of its surface is covered by water. However, only 2.5% of that water is fresh, most of which lies frozen and inaccessible in the ice caps and Greenland, leaving less than 1% of fresh water accessible in lakes, rivers and beneath the earth’s surface. Of that 1%, only one third can be used for human consumption and, as pollution continues to increase, so does the amount of useable water decrease.

NATURAL SPRING WATER AND ITS IMPORTANCE

Natural spring water, or natural mineral water, is a moving underground body of water and its nutritional content typically has high levels of calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and other trace minerals. Natural spring water differs from drinking water sourced elsewhere because of their spring purity and conservation, the constant level of minerals (trace elements or other constituents), and for certain physiological effects they can determine.

To put the importance of natural spring water into perspective, some of the macronutrients and micronutrients it carries, and their effects upon the human body, include:

• Calcium—bones, regulation of muscle contraction, blood clotting, nerve impulse transmission, regulation of cell permeability
• Chlorine—hydrochloric acid formation for digestive processes
• Phosphorus—protein and ATP synthesis and transportation of energy in biological systems
• Magnesium—bone formation, nervous and muscular activities, lipid metabolism and protein synthesis
• Potassium—muscle and myocardium activities, neuromuscular excitability, acid-base balance, water retention and osmotic pressure
• Sodium—fundamental regulation of cell permeability and body fluids
• Sulphur—essential amino acids, cartilage, hair and nail formation, enzyme activity in redox processes and cellular respiration, intestinal peristalsis
• Cobalt (constituent of vitamin B12)—growth factor, nucleic acid synthesis, haematopoiesis
• Chromium—enzymatic reactions involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins
• Iron—blood and muscle tissues (haemoglobin and myoglobin)
• Iodine (iodide)—essential for the synthesis of hormones that are involved in the growth process and body development
• Manganese—synthesis of several enzymes involved in the metabolism of proteins and sugars, bone development
• Molybdenum—production of enzymes associated to uric acid
• Copper—functionality of several enzymes in blood and muscles
• Selenium—protection of the muscle membrane integrity, antioxidant

The above listed vital macro- and micronutrients are noteworthy because the human organism cannot produce them and needs to source them from mineral water where they are present as free ions and easy to absorb. That by no means implies they cannot be sourced elsewhere, but when present in certain foods, for example, they are bound to complex molecules which make them more difficult to absorb.

Considering the fact that our body is made up of approximately two thirds water and the importance of its constitution, drinking the best quality water shouldn’t be considered a luxury, but a priority.

REVITALISING EXTREME FILTERED WATER

Back to our drinking water while travelling: We know that once we’ve found a water supply it should be thoroughly filtered to remove all impurities, bacteria, viruses, etc. At the same time, we are aware the filtration process will also strip the water of its nutritional properties and that we should consider replacing the macro- and micronutrients—especially if this is going to be our ongoing source of drinking water for long periods of time.

At a pinch, we could buy supplements. But that would entail planning ahead and keeping enough in reserve as they may not be readily available wherever our journey takes us. Alternatively, we can consider a comprehensive system that replicates nature and fortifies pure water naturally. In this case, I am talking about UrQuelle water treatment which encompasses four processes.

FILTER

To begin with, all visible and invisible impurities are extracted in four steps:

• Pre-filter removes 99.9% of all visible particles
• Molecular filter removes 99.6% of all organic and non-organic impurities
• Active carbon filter removes 99.9% of all unwanted odours and flavours
• Natural germ filter for natural and effective removal of all germs

RE-MINERALISE
Once the water has been purified, it passes through a cartridge where:

Special clay ceramics delete all harmful frequencies present in water by naturally breaking up all water clusters. At the same time, surface tension is reduced and the water is physically restructured and prepared for mineralisation and energisation.

Maifan mineral rock enriches the water with high-quality and, more importantly, bioavailable minerals, thus returning the water to its natural state.

Sango sea coral contains 70 highly bioavailable minerals which are known for their regenerative properties and resonate perfectly with the human organism. The corals also optimise the pH value at approx. 7.

Dolomite rock helps restore the water’s natural balance due to its mineral composition and bioavailability.

ENERGISE
Crystals and quartz (pink quartz, rose quartz, amethyst and noble/elite shungite) re-energise the water and return the natural spring characteristics of purity, clarity, and freshness.

REVITALISE
Following principles laid down by the Austrian scientist Viktor Schauberger (1885-1958), the water is subjected to the effects of an implosion tube, or vortex, before running past a natural diamond as the final step in the treatment process.

COMPACT AND PORTABLE

Considering each step of the UrQuelle process and the number of components it employs, one might assume the equipment commands a large share of real estate in a vehicle. So, when I saw that everything can be either fitted into a medium-sized rucksack, or occupy marginally more space than other popular filter configurations (without the restorative capabilities), I was pleasantly surprised.

Yes, the system is available in a rucksack for those who are responsible for the drinking water in large groups of hikers, or wanting to treat water both at home and while travelling in a vehicle without having to purchase two units. If you prefer, UrQuelle also offer the system packed in a sturdy case. All you have to do is attach the inlet and outlet hoses.

UrQuelle’s portable systems are equipped with filters with capilliaries measuring 0,01 microns. These are capable of filtering out impurities including the smallest viruses which measure 0,02 microns.

PRACTICALITY

The weight and dimensions of the UrQuelle water treatment system means it can be installed just as you would any other popular water filtration system. Once plumbed in, it requires little attention other than periodic monitoring of the filters (as you would with any other system) and the occasional washing of the minerals and crystals which, incidentally, involves unscrewing the cartridge, retrieving the stones in their basket, and giving them a rinse under clear water.

Consumables amount to replacement filters as with any filtration system. The ceramics, rocks, coral, crystals, and quartz (all from sustainable sources) do not need replacement.

If the system won’t be used for long periods of time, the filters can be removed and dried for storage.

CONCLUSION

Suffice to say, water is vital to our existence and there is more to it than what meets the eye. Filtering water collected in the wild, or drawn from an unreliable source, is strongly advised if you want to prevent yourself becoming sick or infested with parasites. However, while focussing almost all of our attention on purity, we tend to overlook the detrimental impact extreme filtration has on the nutritional quality of the water.

The UrQuelle water treatment system for travellers offers a good balance between filtered and natural spring water without any apparent effort on the part of the user. Installing the system is hardly more demanding than any other popular filters and, if you want to use UrQuelle at home as well, then there are portable systems available.

The UrQuelle water treatment system produces safe drinking water that’s just about as good as if you had drawn it fresh out of a spring yourself.

As far as the efficacy is concerned, UrQuelle has the quality of the water resulting from their process tested independently.

URQUELLE

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If you plan to leave the pavement with your pick-up, you need to be aware of certain characteristics such as a long wheelbase and the not so generous approach, departure and ramp angles. Vehicles equipped with a cabin have the added complications of a raised centre of gravity.

Two busy days of theory and practical training are broken up by a relaxing evening around the fire pit.

COURSE STRUCTURE

• Participants will form small groups of no more than five per instructor
• Instructors explain and demonstrate each task before participants can practice what they have learned
• All the necessary salvage gear, such as straps, ropes, shackles, shovels and even the Hi-Lift, will be available on-site
• Red Rock Adventures has exclusive use of the training ground throughout the course

COURSE ELEMENTS

• Vehicle preparation
• Off-road driving skills
• Driving across an incline at the tipping point
• How to use an electric winch
• How to use kinetic straps
• Ascent and descent of a steep incline
• Water fording
• Hand signals in difficult terrain
• Traversing obstacles
• Correct use of a Hi-Lift
• Plenty of time to practice each topic and drive

Prepared in a traditional Finnish Muurikka griddle pan, the evening meal is accompanied by a selection of wine, beer and soft drinks – all included in the price.

DATES

• 23.03 – 24.03.2024
• 22.06 – 23.06.2024
• 14.09 – 14.09.2024

PRICE

Vehicle*, driver and one passenger: € 869
*Gross weight of the vehicle must not exceed 3.5 tons

OVERNIGHT STAY

In your own vehicle on the training ground (toilets will be provided)
Hotels, at your own expense, can be booked in either Weeze or Kevelaer (each approx. five to ten kilometres from the training ground)

REDROCK ADVENTURES

The post NEWS: Red Rock Adventures launches new training programme for pick-up drivers appeared first on overland-europe.

RELEVANCE

All too often, overland trip preparations—regardless of whether for a long weekend or an expedition lasting several years—only focus on everything that is positive: outfitting the vehicle for every kind of terrain, having the right tools and parts for a breakdown, planning the route, equipping the camp kitchen, stowing cameras and drones, and stocking the fridge with favourite beverages and food. Nothing must be left behind if it can help make the journey memorable.

All these elaborate and detailed considerations can easily consume days, weeks, or even months. Yet, how much time does anyone take to consider what might be needed if one of your party has an accident or falls sick?

It won’t happen, right? Yet you carry a spare tyre, a jack, and a wheel brace. Bluntly put, shit happens. When you least expect it, to the most unlikely person, and in the last place you want it to happen. If you are anywhere other than an urban area, help isn’t going come rushing to you within the next fifteen minutes. All of a sudden, (you have to) assume responsibility, address the situation, and take the necessary steps. Lives depend on correct decisions and, trust me, the legally required first-aid kit in the back of your car is certainly not up to job.

ONLINE ONLY

There are two main reasons for favouring an online conference over a physical event:

Accessibility. The target group is interested in remote area and expedition medicine. A niche group of people in a large geographic area who might even be travelling at the time the event is held. The objective is to reach the maximum number of people regardless of their current location.

Cost—not for the organisers, but for the attendees. Creating such a significant online event, which can be enjoyed from anywhere with a stable wireless connection, eliminates travel, hotels, and other related costs for the audience.

AWARENESS

Martin Eickhoff’s introduction to the 2023 RAEMC was an eye-opener. A revelation studded with a wide array of examples of what can happen when you go away for the weekend or a bucket-list world trip. Something as simple as stumbling over a root in a forest and landing on a broken branch or rock can cause sprained ankles or wrists, complicated fractures, open wounds and/or unconsciousness. Falling off a motorcycle or mountain bike can have horrendous implications.

What if a child suddenly has an allergic reaction. Do you know what to do if a friend or loved one forgets to take their medication?

A fun trip can turn into a nightmare.

Having heard examples of what might happen and the consequences of not being able to respond adequately, the following eight presentations took a closer look at different problems, how to recognise and understand them, and what it takes to prepare yourself so that you can intervene.

SPEAKERS AND TOPICS

The speakers are qualified medical professionals and nutrition experts. Selected for their expertise and ability to convey their message in a manner which can be understood by health care workers and non-medical attendees, the information provided is best described as hands-on. This year, one of the presentations was conducted from a ship in the North Sea.

The 2023 Conference topics included:

• What can happen? • Martin Eickhoff
• Travelling under difficult circumstances • Dr. Anja Fröhlich and Dr. Christian Scholar
• Motion sickness—not just a problem on long distances • Vito Berger
• Medical emergencies at high altitude • Matthias Schmidtberger
• Nutrition—what is important in remote areas? • Natalia Gogel
• Common diseases in distant countries • Harald Steguweit
• Tropical medicine • Jessica Frail
• Emergency repatriation. What you need to know before you start your journey • John Bastian Etti
• Medical planning for a trip • Markus Teiner

The topics of this year’s conference built upon those of last year and next year’s event will be a continuation of this building block concept.

Q&A

The online conference is a two-way discussion. Attendees are encouraged to pose questions, using the on-screen Q&A function, to which the speaker and hosts will then respond in a live discussion.

TAKEAWAY

At the very least, every attendee was made aware of problems they may have to confront and how to prepare for them.

At best, non-medical attendees were made aware of their own short-comings so that they can take steps toward being able to help themselves and others in a medical emergency.

Medical professionals benefitted from an event approved by the medical authority of Lower Saxony which granted ten CME points.

COST

What is included in the cost?

A one-day event lasting ten hours (including breaks)
High-quality information on nine relevant topics for travellers to remote areas
Live Q&A
Exclusive access to all presentations via Vimeo after the event
Ten CME points for medical professionals

Price per attendee: €99

CONCLUSION

The 2023 Remote Area & Expedition Medicine Conference was an informative, rewarding, and enjoyable event for everyone, and represents excellent value for money.

The organisers have also taken into account that some people may not have been aware of the 2022 and 2023 events. So, for anyone interested, use the contact form to reach out to the organisers for more information on how purchase access to the Vimeo videos.

Preparation is already underway for the 2024 Conference. Dates and booking details will be published soon.

RAEM-CONFERENCE.COM

Note: The Remote Area & Expedition Medicine Conference is currently only held in German language. There is consideration to create an English language version and, if you are interested, please let the organisers know so that they can explore the viability.

The post The 2023 Remote Area & Expedition Medicine Conference broadcast live in the DACH region. CME points included. appeared first on overland-europe.

Well, why not? It’s a fairly straightforward service procedure, albeit with the addition of the Fairey hubs. Why one hub was so much more incontinent than the other wasn’t immediately obvious.

Before servicing the hubs, drain the axle of oil and check for any swarf. If there are any traces of metal, you should inspect the differential and thoroughly clean the housing. Also, ensure the axle breather is clear and functional—a blocked breather can cause the hubs to leak due to built-up pressure.

After removing the wheel, the worst of the coagulated oil mix, that had layered up to nearly ten millimetres in thickness between the hub bolts, was cleaned away. Wire brush, a wide flat screwdriver to pry off the chunks, plenty of brake cleaner, some rags, and a tray to catch the drips and debris.

Scrubbing, spraying, wiping down. Then, the problem with the really leaky hub quickly became apparent: copper washers beneath the hub bolts, now shining brightly, had compressed rendering what should have been a tightly sealed joint between the hub and the driving member a leaky slit. The bolts themselves weren’t even finger-tight, they turned quite freely.

With the workspace cleaned up, servicing can begin. As with all classic car repairs, the 3-Ps apply: premeditation, patience, and perseverance.

SERVICE PARTS AND TOOLS

• Fairey Free Wheeling Hub Service Kit RTC7136-SERVICE available from L.R Optional Equipment
• ROCOL MTS1000 grease (alternative MOTUL IRIX L 150-2 MO)
• Torque wrench
• Front Hub Castle Nut Spanner, Land Rover part no. RO1010 or HNJRO1010 from HNJ Engineering Ltd.

1. DISASSEMBLY

1. Remove the single screw near the edge of the outer cap of the Fairey fwh. If the hub is working correctly, the outer cap can be rotated to engage and disengage 4WD.
2. With the screw removed, wipe away any grime or oil and, using a small tool (I use the smallest hex key in a set), hook out the nylon cup which is held in place by the screw. (If the FWH has been in place for several years, it might not be obvious that there is a plastic cup in the hole—over time, everything tends to blend together.)
3. With the cup raised, you will then find it is the head of a long strip of white nylon resembling a cable tie but without the teeth—this is the retaining strip that holds everything together. Get a firm grip of the cup and remove the strip by pulling from left to right. There is a fair chance it won’t just pull out in one smooth action. Don’t use excessive force. Slowly twist the FWH cap to and fro whilst pulling the strip at the same time. It will come out. If the strip snaps, you’re really going to have your work cut out for you disassembling the unit. As the strip comes out completely, the cap, which is mildly spring loaded, should pop off. Inside, you will find a large spring surrounding an actuator assembly made up of a toothed gear, three roll pins, a spring, and a plastic carrier. Put these to one side for cleaning.
4. Tap out the roll pin securing the castle nut on the splined half shaft protruding from the hub. As long as 4WD hasn’t been selected on the transfer case, the shaft will turn to simplify removing the pin vertically. If you don’t have a drift, you can use a suitably sized hex key and a light hammer to tap it out. The castle nut should be loosened using the original service tool part no. RO1010 (or the HNJ Engineering replacement). When you remove the nut, a retaining ring sitting on the splined shaft may come out with it. If not, it will come out with the driving member.
5. Undo the six bolts holding the driving member in place. There should be star washers beneath the bolt heads. You may need to carefully tap a flat head screwdriver into the flange joint to separate the parts. Put the driving member to one side for cleaning.

2. CLEANING AND CHECKING ALL COMPONENTS AND SURFACES

1. Clean and degrease all components. Use a brush to clean out small spaces.
2. Looking at the driving member from the rear, you will see a snap ring, sitting on a bronze bearing, that retains the splined inner hub. Remove the snap ring and clean all parts.
3. Gently use a sharp knife blade to remove any stubborn gasket material from the flange surfaces.
4. Remove the large, thin black o-ring from the front side of the driving member. Discard.
5. Check for any obvious damage on all components and replace where necessary. Splines should all be intact. All surfaces should be smooth.

3. REASSEMBLY USING ROCOL MTS1000 GREASE (OR AN ALTERNATIVE)

1. Driving member: Coat the inner surface of the bronze ring and the inner splines with grease. Coat the inner and outer surface and splines of the inner hub with grease, insert into the bronze bearing and secure with the snap ring. The inner hub should spin freely inside the bronze bearing.
2. Cap: Coat the three cams inside the cap with grease.
3. Actuator assembly: Coat the internal and external splines with grease as well as the surfaces of the plastic carrier.
4. Place the plastic end of the actuator assembly on the three cams of the cap, and rotate counter clockwise until it is fully recessed inside the cap. Insert the coil spring into the cap so that it surrounds the actuator assembly.

4. MOUNTING DRIVE MEMBER TO HUB

1. Apply a thin coating of gasket sealer to both flange surfaces. This helps to compensate for any surface irregularities to provide an improved seal and keeps the paper gasket in place during assembly.
2. Position the paper gasket.
3. Insert bolts with star washers, and tighten using a torque wrench set to 28 ft/lbs (37 Nm).
4. Insert the retaining ring onto the half shaft and into the inner hub, and secure with the castle nut using a torque wrench set to 15 ft/lbs (20 Nm).
5. Tap through the roll pin to lock the castle nut.
6. Using a thin layer of general purpose grease, insert the black o-ring into the groove on the front of the flange.

5. MOUNTING THE OUTER CAP

1. Coat the white nylon retaining strip with a thin layer of general purpose grease.
2. Align the three roll pins of the inner assembly with the corresponding slots in the driving member.
3. Press the cap onto the flange to depress the spring.
4. Insert and feed the white retaining strip into the slot in the cap until the plastic cup sits in the screw hole. Do not use excessive force. Rotate the cap to and fro to help insertion.
5. Insert and tighten the screw.

After reassembly, check for smooth operation and engagement of the FWH.

With both hubs reassembled, refill the axle with oil to the filler hole.

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