PPE Vehicles

It is one of the key themes of the PPE that we seek to experience the desert like the early motorized explorers such as Ralph Bagnold in his stripped down Ford trucks in the 1930s; or the WWII special forces like the LRDG, SAS and PPA.

This is why in most of our galleries and video documentaries you see PPE crews operating sand-coloured, open-top Land Rovers. These are what we describe as ‘CAT 1’ vehicles. While most do choose Land Rovers for their simplicity and rugged design, there are other makes such as Jeep models and Toyota FJ40’s that can also be stripped down for desert travel.

PPE has started adding expeditions that are open to a wider variety of 4x4 overland vehicles that are not required to strip down. We refer to these as ‘CAT 2’ vehicles. To join a future PPE trip check our Expeditions page to see where we are headed and what category of vehicles can join.

Preparing a Desert-Ready PPE Truck

PPE expedition trucks need to meet the following criteria:

• Be soft top vehicles (CAT 1) that can be stripped down easily, or with hard tops that are easily removeable, or overland-equipped standard 4x4’s (CAT 2).

• Be in good mechanical condition. If a recent rebuild a minimum of three months regular use prior to departing on an expedition to prove reliability

• Carry a reasonable selection of tools and spares

• Be LIGHT. Overloaded trucks are a liability on our expeditions as the vehicle has to work significantly harder to cross challenging terrain if heavily loaded and increases chances of major breakdowns.

• Be fitted with a CB radio capable of operating on EU AM-band frequencies.

• Carry recovery gear such as sand ladders, tow ropes/straps and shovels.

• Be able to carry enough fuel and water, preferably in jerry cans, for up to seven days of independent travel.

Stripping the Trucks…