4-Xtremes – Part 10: "Pit stop" back home in Switzerland

Series: 4-Xtremes – The World Tour

Pause & test.

One stretch of the world trip ticked off the list! Stopping off in Switzerland, Andrea and Mike tell us what made their Axor so special on the stage of the journey they have just done.

World travellers in pause mode: Andrea and Mike take a breather at home in Switzerland.


Our "World Tour" has pressed the pause button for a few days. On our way south we stopped off in Switzerland. There we have to take our Axor for its technical test required every two years by the road authorities. 

We would have liked to do without it, but we have no doubts our truck will pass the test; because when we stopped at the Mannheim Truck & Bus Center, we had the squeaking brakes adjusted and the steering shaft replaced. That was all the mechanics had to do.



Adventure journey on gravel tracks.

Since June, we have driven almost 13,000 kilometres through ten countries, mainly on good metalled roads. But when we were driving on gravel tracks through the endless forests of Scandinavia, we had a feeling of adventure. On rare occasions were able to drive off-road, for example in the Błędów Desert in Poland – a foretaste of the stretch through the Middle East and Africa.

Although the last few months weren't a real challenge for our Axor, we wish to emphasise that it continues to be a reliable companion that took us safely and comfortably to the "northern end of the world". Before we left, Mike set the "Trip" on the on-board computer to zero. Now this computer shows an average speed of 50 kilometres per hour and fuel consumption of 25 litres per 100 kilometres.


A once-over check, please! On the first stage, the Axor hardly needed any mechanical work from the Kammermanns – but regular care still does the truck good.
A once-over check, please! On the first stage, the Axor hardly needed any mechanical work from the Kammermanns – but regular care still does the truck good.
A once-over check, please! On the first stage, the Axor hardly needed any mechanical work from the Kammermanns – but regular care still does the truck good.
A once-over check, please! On the first stage, the Axor hardly needed any mechanical work from the Kammermanns – but regular care still does the truck good.
A once-over check, please! On the first stage, the Axor hardly needed any mechanical work from the Kammermanns – but regular care still does the truck good.
A once-over check, please! On the first stage, the Axor hardly needed any mechanical work from the Kammermanns – but regular care still does the truck good.
A once-over check, please! On the first stage, the Axor hardly needed any mechanical work from the Kammermanns – but regular care still does the truck good.
A once-over check, please! On the first stage, the Axor hardly needed any mechanical work from the Kammermanns – but regular care still does the truck good.

Far away from civilisation with no worries.

For most of the route, our Goodyear off-road tyres were really a compromise. But for the rough terrain that lies ahead of us, they are vital. We are glad of the Axor's single tyres. They allow us to let a lot of air out of the tyres, for a maximum of traction and comfort on bad roads. With double tyres, that would be difficult, because the tyres would rub against each other and damage each other's sidewalls.

In view of the current corona situation, we have come to appreciate our truck and our way of travelling more than ever. Once the supplies of food and the diesel and water tanks have been replenished, we have a range of about 2500 kilometres or 14 days away from civilisation. That's a good feeling for the months to come.


Preparations are in full swing. The Kammermanns have only just finished their Scandinavian adventure, but they're already preparing the next stage of their "World Tour".
Preparations are in full swing. The Kammermanns have only just finished their Scandinavian adventure, but they're already preparing the next stage of their "World Tour".
Preparations are in full swing. The Kammermanns have only just finished their Scandinavian adventure, but they're already preparing the next stage of their "World Tour".
Preparations are in full swing. The Kammermanns have only just finished their Scandinavian adventure, but they're already preparing the next stage of their "World Tour".
Preparations are in full swing. The Kammermanns have only just finished their Scandinavian adventure, but they're already preparing the next stage of their "World Tour".
Preparations are in full swing. The Kammermanns have only just finished their Scandinavian adventure, but they're already preparing the next stage of their "World Tour".

4-Xtremes – The World Tour.

An unparalleled journey.

Andrea and Mike Kammermann have been on tour in their Axor for three years. "4-Xtremes – The World Tour" is the motto of the journey that the two Swiss nationals embarked on in mid-2020 and which they share with the RoadStars community. Keep up to date and don't miss out on any of the stunning destinations visited by the adventurous pair.

You can find the current parts from the “4-Xtremes – The World Tour” series here.

You can find the route of the trip before the crossing to South America here.

 


Photos & video: Alexander Tempel

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