Building Betsy Contributors
Sponsored Truck Branding, Business Cards and Design Services
If you’ve seen Betsy, you’d have noticed the logos of our partners and sponsors that assist us along the way. The sides display our supply sponsors that have in some shape or form contributed physical supplies or services through maintenance, hardware, electrical components, parts, discounts and even on-the-road lifestyle necessities. 4KeepSakes supply us with the logo designs and branding that find a house on our home-on-wheels! We, as well as our partners and other sponsors thank you for your contribution and making your mark, and turning heads! Check out the Youtube Video here.
Sponsored Interior Water Based Paint and Consumables
We needed some paint and in quite a bit of a rush to get Betsy presentable for the KykNet – “Spasie” film crew. Beatrix from Africote Nelspruit didn’t hesitate to sort us out. She invited us over with great enthusiasm for the #matchesonthemap project. Working with Africote’s water-based paints was such a pleasure as we’re used to solvent based. It dried quicker, sanded easily and our equipment cleaned much easier. Also, a big plus was that it’s much less harmful to your health and the planet! Check out the Youtube Video here.
Sponsored Parts needed for breakdown in East London (2024)
Alert Engine Parts SA supported #matchesonthemap with a complimentary head gasket kit, during Betsy’s big breakdown in East London. We’ve since driven thousands of kilometres with no signs of trouble or leaks. Check out the Youtube Video here.
Sponsored a Portable Power Station and Solar Panel
A company unknown to us, approached us with the offer of us testing out their equipment and sent over their S300 portable power station and even included their foldable SP027 solar panel. This versatile and compact power supply is equipped with a 288-watt-hour battery pack, 300W AC Pure Sine Wave Inverter, 78000 mAh capacity and can charge 10 devices simultaneously – DC and AC, all while giving us the option to keep an eye on it via an intelligent bluetooth connected phone app! It has saved us in many situations, and has kept our cameras, phones, and even sewing machine running!
Sponsored Small Restoration and Extra Parts
Assagy is one of few suppliers in SA that source and supply “bullnose” mechanical components. Among the items sponsored by Seshan has been – spare tail lights, door handles, new window locks, new ignition lock cylinder and keys, anti-theft devices, globes, replacement acceleration pedals and more! These items will go a long way in keeping Betsy in shape and keeping on-the-road maintenance costs down. Watch the Youtube Video here.
Sponsored Electrical and Solar Installation and Wiring
Good friends, Johan and Eldean van der Westhuizen had a huge impact on building Betsy. Johan offered to install our entire electrical system labour free, and spent hours, late nights, fuel and sweat and gave us what we needed to keep the lights on. His work has held-up across difficult terrains and gave us the freedom of going off-grid. Their effort and friendship are greatly appreciated! Check out the Youtube Video here.
Sponsored 1 x Deep Cycle Battery
During our trip through Eswatini, we noticed that our auxiliary deep cycle battery (which supplies our fresh water pump and rear carrier platform winch with power) was failing. That meant no showers, and no way of getting down our spare wheel! Battery HQ heard about our mission and sponsored a SUPAVOLT replacement deep cycle battery and SUPAVOLT Head Office sponsored a backup too! These batteries have powered our pumps ever since without fail. Check out the Youtube Video here.
Sponsored Saligna Tops and Windowsills
Japie, an old contact and friend who used to supply our carpentry business with timber counter tops, supported our venture with sustainably sourced laminated saligna (Blue gum) tops for our kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. He also cut our window sills from the same planks and sponsored all of the timber and labour. Our dining room table, countertops and storage still look great and have shown no cracks or issues since getting on the road. Check out the Youtube Video here.
Sponsored Full Shower Fiberglass and Labour
These guys knew what they were doing and looking back at the process, I would advise anyone building a big rig or van shower to check out your local fiberglass pro’s! Crocodile Fiberglass got on board and backed Betsy up with a shiny shower. They did the whole process on site and we couldn’t be happier and our floors couldn’t be dryer. Fiberglass is strong and if done right it will last a long time! Check out the Youtube Video here.
Sponsored 6 x Tyres together with Richards Bay Tyres and Nexor Tyres
A concern that has been growing since the day we started building Betsy, was the second-hand retread tyres that was fitted when we bought the old girl. Six months and 3700km into the journey – tar, tracks and every terrain in-between took its toll. The worrying wheels, already worn to a stage that 4 of the 6 were considered illegal were demanding our full attention. We received a message from Louise and Wynand van Heerden at East London Bandag and their extended family – who also own Richards Bay Tyres and Nexor Tyres. They all agreed to club together and bless Betsy with some new hiking boots! Six brand new 10.00R20 tyres and to top it off – any tyre related problems on our journey within South Africa, COVERED! Check out the Youtube Video here.
Awarded Robin with 2 x Amy Winn and Christoper T. Byrd Award for Adults with Fanconi Anemia in 2018 (Winner) and 2024 (2nd Runner-up)
The FCF community have greatly supported our mission by awarding Robin with the an award for adults with FA, winner in 2021 and 2nd prize in 2024. The awarded funds have greatly helped us to build Betsy in 2021 and to aid in some operational costs in 2024.
Sponsored Torsion Free Subframe, Toolboxes & Tailgate Steel and Cutting
To make digital designs a precise reality, Fast Flame stepped up with the steel supplies and cut, bent and profiled the sheets needed to build our toolboxes, rear rack components and the Torsion Free Subframe. To make things even better, they did so in unbelievably quick time, and had the panels ready for pickup within less than a week. Each panel was perfect down to the last mm! We cannot recommend their services enough for small scale to industrial sized projects. Check out the Youtube Video here.
Sponsored Shower Mixer
Franke had the perfectly styled black steel mixer to match our bathroom trimmings, this sponsored item has never leaked, squeaked, or failed for more than two years of travel and we always get compliments about our stylish bathroom fittings! Check out the Youtube Video here.
Received a 40% Discount on Interior Hardware and Consumables
In our previous life, we had a carpentry business. We used Gelmar for our fittings and fixtures and got to know their team. Fanie, the Nelspruit branch manager put us into contact with with head office during building Betsy’s interior. They contributed a 40% discount on all our screws, hinges, runners, handles, latches and more. All of our fixtures and fittings have survived rough roads and everyday use. Check out the Youtube Video here.
Sponsored Fuel Pump and Runva Winch
At times in our lives, we’ve received great love and support from our close friends René and Arné. These two Kaalvoet Coetzee’s have stepped up in every chapter! Our winch broke and were were in the process of repair when Arne said: “well if it’s happened before, it will happen again – We’ll get you a new one instead!” Soon we had our new heavy duty Runva Winch installed with great peace of mind about getting out of any sticky situation.
Sponsored Portable Aircon
Sweat pouring and desert heat souring, GMC Aircon was the helping hand that sorted these sorrows, and sent over a 7000btu AC portable unit that got the heat under control. Dubbed ‘Wall-E’, our mobile AC, has made it possible to work and breath when this box gets baked. Our solar system can easily handle the punch of this small yet powerful friend. A recommended cool keeper, and an attractive feature to our tiny home living!
Sponsored Chromadeck Cladding and Installation
GRS sponsored ALL of our exterior Chromadek cladding, bent and profiled each slat, and assisted us throughout the install of the panels. A strong, durable, weatherproof exterior cladding that would take on heavy brush, protect us from the outside elements and give us peace of mind when it comes to safety and security. Check out the Youtube Video Here.
Sponsored Lithium Ion Battery
We could not believe our eyes when the brand-new 5kw 48V Lithium-ion battery sponsored by Greenzone Energy arrived after losing all four of our AGM batteries due to overcharging. Joshua from Greenzone Energy Nelspruit walked us through each step of installing the system, and is always willing to give technical advice when we short-out on electrical knowledge. Greenzone energy put some light in our life and powered our way forward. Check out the Youtube Video here.
Sponsored Eco-Friendly Hami Hive Hammock Set
A proudly SA brand, with an awesome product. Our Hami Hammock has seen some fantastic views, and given us great memories. A comfortable hangout that uses minimal space for storing, is made from a strong and sustainable fabric, and comes with reliable hookups and clasps that make for easy setup in forests or fixtures. Ours even matches Betsy’s colour theme! Check our Hami out on our Youtube Video here.
Sponsored Labour and Parts
This team of hydraulic pump specialists could provide knowledgeable guidance in identifying the correct pump and component setup for our out-of-the-box idea. They spent days working with us on updating and improving our waste cooking oil conversion system and was the perfect stop for complex questions. Our Hirch pump still powers our centrifuge and keeps us moving forward one litre of used cooking oil at a time. The sponsored system has drastically reduced our need for filter replacement.
50% Discount on Labour and Parts
On Betsy’s big breakdown, loose valve seats were found as the culprits and the head was sent for reconditioning to Hi-Way Motors who gave us a 50% discount, a major help! The valve seats are still going strong, and no funny noises have been detected since the repair. Check out the Youtube Video here.
Sponsored Dining Room Couch Cushion Fabrication
In order to have big dreams – you need a good bed! We built our home so that everything we need to fit into a small space. A standard mattress size would not have worked and sitting down to get some work done sure is more comfortable when you’re floating on foam. Vicky and her team at House of Foams Nelspruit did an excellent job with our custom sized mattress and made-to-fit bench cushions and covers. We had full options on density and thickness and they could even make us an insert that prevent us from smashing our shins. HOF also spoiled us with canvas covered sundowner deck cushions that are weatherproof, fold up and are easy to clean – Making each sunset a laid back, “lekker” experience. We definitely recommend checking out HOF when you need some clouds to crash on! Check out the Youtube Video here.
Sponsored Plate Heat Exchanger
Running Betsy on used cooking oil requires heating this awesome alternative fuel, to at least 80 degrees Celsius in order to change the oil viscosity to match that of diesel. To do this, we needed to make use of the engine’s hot water. In stepped Richard at HGF Plate Heat Exchangers and sponsored a huge plate heat exchanger that has made running on used cooking oil possible and has never given us any issues whatsoever. Reliable, good quality piece of equipment without any doubt! Check out the Youtube Video here.
Discount on Wall Insulation and Sponsored Ceiling Insulation Boards
Isoboard hooked us up with 30mm thermal insulation ceiling panels that we could easily cut, slot and fasten to the light steel frame and fixtures. We used Isoboard to insulate our walls, floor and roof, and have since survived both Cape Town winters and Upington summers. Check out the Youtube Video here.
Sponsored Specialised Welding Services
Joshua assisted us, labour-free with specialised welding during our stay in Cape Town. Our waste cooking oil conversion system needed some upgrading, and his stainless skills proved worthy with no leaks, cracks or breaks in the upgraded system thousands of kilometres later.
Sponsored 2 x Rear Springs and Fitment
Betsy is a big girl, and she needs to work extra hard to carry all the gear our trip requires. We were worried to say the least when we noticed her leaf springs were flatlining as we loaded up. Yet another unexpected hurdle. This could have meant failing our vehicle inspection and possibly putting us in a dangerous position when stocking up with extra fuel (heavy) and supplies. Lowveld Spring Suppliers in Barberton came to our aid and spent a full day lifting the old girl’s spirits and sponsored the entire job. The springs are still without problems after completing many difficult tracks. A recommended team! Check out the Youtube Video here.
Sponsored Accordion Boot Canvas and Rear Carrier Canvas Cover
To protect our gear from wind and weather, we sought out professional assistance from the only person in town we knew would be up for it. Hennie from LSG in Nelspruit had us covered and custom made us a Ripstop weather cover and completed the rack at the back. They also made our crawl through space’s flexible boot from canvas, both items still in great condition with multiple countries behind them. Check out the Youtube Video here.
Sponsored Full Service
Ronel Weber, the dealer principle, invited us to come around for a complimentary service and the opportunity to sign up some life savers in the process. The master cylinder was acting up and she had a brand new one in our hands within an hour, parts and labour on the house! We stayed in their parking for a couple of days, and Stanmar Motors even purchased 15 of our Boepens Bags to support the project!
Discount on Various External Truck Fittings and Lights
Andre, an avid YouTube follower and friend assisted us with discounted parts and equipment needed while building Betsy. Our stainless-steel toolbox locks, gas struts, and side markers are still going strong!
Sponsored 6 x Tyres together with ELB Tyres and Richards Bay Tyres
A concern that has been growing since the day we started building Betsy, was the second-hand retread tyres that was fitted when we bought the old girl. Six months and 3700km into the journey – tar, tracks and every terrain in-between took its toll. The worrying wheels, already worn to a stage that 4 of the 6 were considered illegal were demanding our full attention. We received a message from Louise and Wynand van Heerden at East London Bandag and their extended family – who also own Richards Bay Tyres and Nexor Tyres. They all agreed to club together and bless Betsy with some new hiking boots! Six brand new 10.00R20 tyres and to top it off – any tyre related problems on our journey within South Africa, COVERED! Check out the Youtube Video here.
Sponsored Stainless Steel Pins for Torsion Free Subframe
Shiny steel machined pins were needed to complete our Torsion Free Subframe and get Betsy flexing over boulders, ruts, rocks and unforgiving roads. NSS machined and profiled these pins precisely and sent them over with no charge. If you’re looking for stainless steel to last a lifetime, don’t hastate to reach out to the team at NSS. Check out Youtube Video here.
Sponsored Gas and Plumbing Installation and Consumables as well as 2 x Solar Panels
There are a couple of things that you should probably not try to do yourself when taking on a project like ours. Water and gas are probably the best examples. Take it from us, we tried – if you don’t know what you’re doing, you might just end up with an indoor pool (not the good kind) and a ticking time bomb. We needed some professional insight and creative initiative for our small space. Off-Grid Pro sent us just the man. Thank you Hannes for putting in the extra hours and working late nights, giving professional guidance and coming up with great solutions to our one-of-a-kind challenges. Off-Grid Pro supplied us with running water, hot showers, filtered water and a pump with sufficient pressure, all without charge. Thanks to Off-grid Pro we can confidently say that everything is still in good nick! 🙂 Check out the Youtube Video here.
Sponsored Centrifuge, Spare Parts & Shipping Costs
Making our project financially possible, rests entirely on Betsy’s ability to run on used cooking oil and used engine oil collected from restaurants, fast food joints, workshop and even family home kitchens on route. If we had to run on diesel, our project would be nearly impossible to fund. At the heart of our conversion, lies the 85gpm PABiodiesel centrifuge sponsored all the way from the States. The centrifuge runs at 90psi (6.6bar) and separates all contaminants from our fuel, is easily maintained and cleaned, and saves us thousands on filters. A must-have component when running on either WVO or WMO.
Sponsored All Structural Designs and Back Rack Winch.
Many of our components such as the toolboxes, rear rack, roof carrier, frame, floor and Torsion Free Subframe was built using digital designs by Paul Bosch. Each one, has survived lengthy corrugated roads, 4×4 tracks and have seen all weather conditions. The TFS in particular has been the make or break in our build, and allows Betsy’s chassis to flex without putting strain on our home. It is without a doubt the most important component and we couldn’t have built it without Jolandie’s brother spending the time and effort to work out the kinks! Check out the Youtube Video here.
Sponsored Victron Battery Charger and Wiring
Rhyno Lemmer, one of our YouTube subscribers and loyal followers met us when we were in need and was eager to lend a helping hand. Point Solar sponsored a Victron Energy DC to DC Orion charger after our solenoid system packed up, as well as a Victron energy trickle charger which we often use to recondition or charge our batteries when stationary for longer periods. Thick new cables, and a RELIABLE little blue box now keep our fresh water battery system in tip top while the wheels go round! If you’re looking for a solar solution somewhere on the West Coast, Point Solar has the perfect plan!
Sponsored Teflon/PTFE Spacers for Torsion Free Subframe
Our specially designed “torsion free subframe” called for PFTE (Teflon) bushes that had to be machined exactly to specification. After requesting a quote from them we received a very surprising phone call from Henk at Plastem, who offered to supply and machine the PFTE bushes at no charge. Plastem stocks only the finest quality engineering plastic rods and sheets and supplies cut-to-size billets and blocks to precision machinists, engineers, OEMs and product designers. They also manufacture quality plastic components in their modern CNC machining department. Check out the Youtube Video here.
Sponsored 2 x Suspension Seats and Licensing Fees for 2023
Corrugated, bumpy, rocky or never-ending stretches of road would eventually take its toll on our backs and bottoms, but luckily for us Produkta Trucks Nelspruit sponsored two suspension seats which has provided a soft landing and comfortable ride. They also greatly assisted us in getting on the road by sponsoring the testing and registering of Betsy, and covered the costs of our documentation on the day of departure. Check out the Youtube Video here.
Sponsored Workspace, Accommodation and Great Meals while Building Betsy.
Without Pugs and Janet, there would be no Betsy. These two amazing people gave us a safe place to live from 2021 to September 2023, supplied us with tools and assistance, and a spot to work from. Their farm became our home, and the Alkmaar community became like family! Check out the Youtube Video here.
Discount on Radiator Recore
Just before setting off, we discovered a radiator leak. We removed it, and took it through to get it checked out by reputable radiator repair experts. It was pronounced dead shortly after and needed to be replaced. They generously offered the labour of rebuilding our current unit – free of charge and saved us R6000! The radiator has kept Betsy’s engine cool for close to 11,000KM’s, conquering mountain passes and long desert stretches without fault or failing. Admin Manager, Yolandi also insisted to cover the TAX, saving us another +-R1600! Check out the Youtube Video here.
Sponsored 6 x Tyres together with ELB Tyres and Nexor Tyres
A concern that has been growing since the day we started building Betsy, was the second-hand retread tyres that was fitted when we bought the old girl. Six months and 3700km into the journey – tar, tracks and every terrain in-between took its toll. The worrying wheels, already worn to a stage that 4 of the 6 were considered illegal were demanding our full attention. We received a message from Louise and Wynand van Heerden at East London Bandag and their extended family – who also own Richards Bay Tyres and Nexor Tyres. They all agreed to club together and bless Betsy with some new hiking boots! Six brand new 10.00R20 tyres and to top it off – any tyre related problems on our journey within South Africa, COVERED! Check out the Youtube Video here.
Sponsored Diagnostic, Parts and Labour for Major Breakdown in East London
During our stay in East London, we found ourselves in a pickle and ended up in the Ronnies Motors Commercial Mercedes Benz workshop. This amazing team of diesel technicians took Betsy’s heart apart, let us work alongside them to teach us the tricks of the trade, gave us the opportunity to recruit our first MATCH, and showed us true hospitality by letting us live inside of the workshop for close to three weeks. To our amazement, when the job was done, they sponsored the entire job card, and sent us back on our way with Betsy in good health, and us in good spirits. Check out the Youtube Video here.
Sponsored Tiny Waterless Toilette
A throne for our home! Honestly, there’s no better solution for a tiny home that travels than the Separett Tiny toilet. Waterless, comfortable, ODORLESS, and easily maintained. If you’re looking for a stylish eco-friendly loo that’s easy to install, check out their website below or read about our experience HERE.
Sponsored Light Steel Frame
We built our box using alternative building methods, and SITEFORM sponsored the entire light steel frame, which arrived in 6 individual panels (walls, roof, and rear door), easily assembled, and weighed in at around 260kg. Light enough for 6 people to lift, and strong enough for a global ten-year journey across unforgiving terrain. Watch the Youtube Video Here.
Sponsored 2 x Bicycles and Spare Parts
We received a message from John and Sandy Peiser from Parow Cycle House had been following the build and journey since the start. They personally delivered and sponsored two brand-new bicycles, spare parts and topped it off by inviting us to come around and educate their team on the importance of stem cell donation. Our speed bicycles have been an awesome tool in getting us around in cities where running Betsy on diesel can be expensive and cumbersome.
Sponsored 1 x Deep Cycle Batteries
During our trip through Eswatini, we noticed that our auxiliary deep cycle battery (which supplies our fresh water pump and rear carrier platform winch with power) was failing. That meant no showers, and no way of getting down our spare wheel! Battery HQ heard about our mission and sponsored a SUPAVOLT replacement deep cycle battery and SUPAVOLT Head Office sponsored a backup too! These batteries have powered our pumps ever since without fail. Check out the Youtube Video here.
Sponsored Full Africa Maps, Guide App and Altas
The T4A team sponsored us all the digital maps an overlander needs to navigate through the ever-changing routes and roads of the African continent. This extremely detailed and useful resource is one of our most important tools in keeping us on track when entering the upcoming countries of Namibia, Angola, Botswana and beyond! Our Guide App has also kept us on track on confusing hiking trails and long forgotten dirt roads. Our T4A Atlas has been a game changer in mapping out our next adventures! Check out Youtube Video here.
Sponsored Whirpool Supreme Chef Convection Oven, Cara Saven Wallpaper and Replacement Back Rack Winch.
Jolandie’s family sponsored our Whirpool Supreme Chef convection oven, our Cara Saven bathroom wallpaper and sponsored our replacement winch (powering the back rack) after the smaller one broke. Not to mention the countless times we have received bank notifications out of the blue since we started building Betsy… Although they did not understand our vision at first, and living in a truck travelling through “deep, dark, Africa” seems unconventional at best, they have supported our venture since its inception with a profound form of unconditional love and acceptance! Thank you for your unwavering support, love, and planning your holidays around us to come and visit! 🙂
Sponsored 4x 200AH Nerada Batteries, 2 x Solar Panels and Delivery
Kirstie and John from True SOLAR Solutions came all the way from Pretoria to Nelspruit to deliver two 415-watt solar panels as well as 4 x 200ah AGM Nerada batteries! Fully sponsored, this assisted us greatly throughout the first year of our journey before we upgrade our system. The solar panels are still going strong! Check out the Youtube Video here.
Sponsored Parts needed during East London Breakdown
With perfect timing, in walked Brendon and Daylin from TSE-Transport Spares & Equipment, they noticed we needed an air compressor kit replacement and some new reflector tape. With great enthusiasm for #matchesonthemap they got on board by sponsoring the items needed and made their mark by adding their logo to the “Building Betsy made possible by” spot for the next ten years! Check out the Youtube Video here.
Generous Discounts on our Parker Racor Fuel Filters
TF supplies us with high-end Racor fuel filters / water separators. At the start of our journey, they also sponsored two new filter heads and supplied an innovative solution to check if there are any restrictions in the fuel lines such as gauges that indicate when filters need to be serviced as we run on alternative fuel. They’ve kept our filters stocked up for more than 12,000km, and have provided excellent service and professional advice along the way too. Check out the Youtube Video here.
Sponsored Labour and Part during Breakdown in East London
During Betsy’s Big Breakdown, her injectors were resurrected by VC Diesel Services who stunned us by sponsoring the labour! With thousands of kilometres, and even thousands of litres of alternative fuel later, we’re still in good shape and haven’t yet had any injector issues since! Check out the Youtube Video here.
Sponsored Inverter
One of the favourite things about our truck-home, is the freedom our electrical system gives us in going to remote spots and not having the need to plug into the grid. While on the road, we experienced a major setback with our original inverter, which caused our AGM batteries to swell up. In a single day, we lost all of our batteries. Victron Energy got on board by sponsoring the ultimate overlanding off-grid solution, a Victron Multi-RS 6KW inverter with built-in charge controller and all the bells and whistles needed to get us through dark times! Check out the Youtube Video here.
Sponsored 4 Plate Gas Hob
Although cooking a meal over a camp-fire is one of our simple pleasures, doing it every day for ten years on the road would not be practical. ZERO APPLIANCES got on board and kitted our kitchen with a stunning four plate gas-burner stove. Not only was it the ONLY available modern 4-plate option for a smaller size countertop, it also works like a dream and really finished off our cooking space with style. Another proudly South African company that in their own way joined the journey.