I have had a number of actual and purely mental lists rattling around for a while. It is time to put them and a few related thoughts down in one place. That, may as well be here.
So, we are planning another big trip later in the year. This will involve other parts of the country. So not only am I looking at preventative maintenance items, but also some modifications for the variety of terrain we might encounter.
With all of our touring since we converted to the Land Cruiser faith being in South Australia, means the requirements of the vehicles capabilities haven’t really changed. However, now we are looking at wetter and hillier terrain means we might needs a few more tools in the box.
Of course, because we exist in the actual real world there are budgetary constraints, and to a lesser extent, time constraints. The more we spend BEFORE the trip the less we will have to spend ON the trip, so that’s the balance.
The reality is the 105 is ready to rock right now. People have explored all over Australia in less reliable and less capable vehicles since vehicle based exploration was a thing.
However, the flip side to that coin is that methods and expectations change. Plus, we do this to enjoy it, and that means both of us. So the weight of responsibility of not only keeping us safe, but keeping us in relative comfort over a long period of time falls on me.
Camping:
I’m actually pretty happy with where we are at from a camping gear point of view. Everything we put in place for the last trip suited our needs pretty much spot on. I guess the beauty of evolving your camping set up over many years is that unlike swapping from one vehicle to another, the camping set up evolution can pretty much be ongoing, it just gets loaded from one rig to the next. So lessons learned, are lessons learned.
As most regulars would know we like to do some cooking whilst in the bush. I’ve looked at many different set ups. There are multiple gas cooker options (which most seem to go for), plus various smoker/woodfire options. However our combination of Trangia for most day to day meals, a versatile system that is fuelled by metho that is available at pretty much every fuel stop in Australia. Backed up by a cast iron grill plate and dutch oven for when we want to do REAL cooking. The weight of those last two components bothers me, but I’ve looked at lighter weight camp ovens and I just don’t see the cutting the mustard, but I probably need to research that a bit more.
We also already have all this kit. That is an important point - if you are going to spend money to replace something you already have that is functional, be sure it is a worthwhile upgrade.
Having written all, that I was watching All 4 Adventure S9 at the weekend, and I have noticed that it looks like Jase’s camp oven is a lightweight one. He makes pretty bloody good food in that! Definitely needs more research. Even though these days it is more and more an entertainment/advertising show, I still find watching All 4 useful. I’m not making any comparisons but they are the only show that really just explores into pretty unknown/not popular destinations and have only their own resources to deal with whatever happens. So when they get properly bogged and wish they bought a High-Lift Jack, I feel better about lugging around that heavy old lump.
We will add the Nemo shower system before we go, that is really the only change I can think of now. Pretty anything else will just be an evolution on the road.
So, most of the things on the lists have been in regards to the Land Cruiser. Plus watching with a new intensity, vehicle videos. Dan’s video with Overland Bound being a particular highlight. With regulars Ronny and ASPW/Paul Marsh stuff, got me thinking...
Of course with all of this your have to try and extract what is, or, could be relevant to your situation.
Maintenance list:
This is pretty straight forward. A lot of the stuff that needed to be done was covered off last year. So this year we are just taking that a bit further and ticking a few other boxes. there is nothing on the list that won’t be done in the coming months.
- Leading arm bushes - fit (I purchased these at the same time I did the rear axle last year, but the front bushes were not showing any deterioration and I was pushed for time so I just took them with me but never needed them).
- Replace known weak point chassis bolts.
- Re-check valve clearances - this might have to wait until we’ve done a few more km’s. As the 105 has only done 4000 since they were done, not really enough to affect any change (I hope!).
- Service wheel bearings - I need to purchase the special tool for the rear and a bearing packer for this.
- Service swivel hubs (birfields).
- Check condition of starter motor and ring gear.
- Handbrake cable - despite a couple of attempts to adjust, this I have to admit I KO’d it too hard driving with it on, that night in the mud. It does actually work but only at the very top of it’s travel. A long travel hand brake is a pet hate of mine, so time for a new one.
- Thorough check over and general service.
There, not so bad. No doubt I’ll find a few other things along the way. However most was covered off before the last trip, I can’t really think of much more that could be done, but if anyone can please sing out.
Modifications list:
Ok, this is where it gets a little more tricky. Whilst I would like to do everything on this list, and that is still a possibility, there is probably too much here in terms of $$$ to justify all of it. Not wanting to end up with a fully built rig and no money left to go anywhere...
Anyway, minor items nearer the top, costlier stuff further down. With approximate parts prices.
- Cabin fire extinguisher/s - all our fire extinguishers are currently in the rear of the vehicle. So one or two small ones in the front makes sense. $40.
- Tie-down points - preferably something that retains the two front cargo net straps, as they currently tend to come undone when slackened off. $? maybe $50.
- New drinking water hose and fittings - I’ve been using a length of old garden hose that I cut up after it split for easy filling of the water jerrys in the truck, etc. However it could do with being just a touch longer and anyway it now looks pretty manky, which is depressing, so time for shiny new one. $60.
- Extended breathers - not something you have to worry about in South Australia, however as deeper water crossings will be a part of this trip this will need to be done. Pretty straight forward to make I’m sure. [I did find a reasonably priced and good looking kit online, however as is often the case it was listed for 100 series only (not 105), and as yet they have failed to be able to answer whether that kit or an 80 series kit would be better for my vehicle... If you don’t know, just say you don’t know. /rant.] Anyway, since seeing Dan’s video I think I’m just going to make them myself. I’ve already found a 4 inlet catch can. $50-$250. (looking for a picture to use I just found these guys: https://billetracecraft.com.au/product-category/diff-breather-kits/ looks like nice stuff but I’m still favouring the catch can idea. All the tubing and fittings are the same as the Range Rover air suspension system, so I know where to get those!)
- Another thing I got out of Dan’s video was I might need to think about additional cooling. I’ll run this and a few other things past my Cruiser mechanic mate and see what he thinks. $300-400.
- Kaymar rear work light - just a simple light that works with my Kaymar rear bar. $270.
- RAM mount - these have been on my radar for a while, but it’s probably time I had a better and safer solution for the iPad whilst driving. $100-200.
- Snorkel - again something of limited requirement in SA, and yes I could probably get away without one. However obviously the consequences of the engine sucking in some water, plus general confidence in river crossings up north mean this will be cheap insurance. $330.
- TPMS - This was a direct recommendation from a mate who has toured more extensively than me. Saying that it saved him a couple of tyres that could be repaired rather than totally destroyed. $390.
- ODB gauge - another tool for hopefully spotting a problem early on, however do I really want to know my MPG?? lol $200-250. I am also conscious of cluttering up the cockpit with gauges, phones, etc. All of that is prime real estate when you are touring, I hate the feeling of getting into a giant Land Cruiser with a couple of drinks and baked goods or whatever and feeling like there is nowhere to put anything!
- Locker/s - whilst, like most, I would like to think I’m not too shabby an off road driver. I appreciate there are situations where (pretty much) open front and rear differentials are a (VERY) limiting factor. Especially when you factor in a heavy load, and definitely wanting to ‘walk’ obstacles rather than bounce through with a bit of momentum. I need to practice Gandalf’s left foot technique and then go to Loveday or somewhere to try it out, before making a decision on these. I would go with the E-Locker for sure, Harrop is a well respected company over here and it saves adding another system to the vehicle to activate them, as I would need to with the ARB air-locker. $1250/axle.
Interesting Harrop now make a supercharger kit for the Y62 Patrol (new one), I can guess exactly what market that is going into! ie; not Australia.
- New suspension - not strictly a modification as I would be just replacing what I have with a new version of what I have. The suspension came on the truck when I bought it, the dampers are clearly ARB OME and as most of the stuff that had been done to the truck beforehand was ARB sourced, safe to safe it is an OME 2 inch kit, although what spring load rating I’m not sure, hopefully they can tell. What is wrong with it? Nothing. It works great, I am totally happy with it and that’s is why I would just go the same again. What I don’t know is how long it has been on the vehicle and how many/what sort of k’s it has done. I could tell when I got the Cruiser that it had been used off road. Not in a dented/bashed up kind of way, but as in red outback dirt in places that it only gets in with many miles off road. Safe to say it has done some work this suspension, it doesn’t show any signs of deterioration apart from cosmetic. However it is obviously a crucial component, especially in the large remote distances you encounter touring Oz. So should I just slap some brand new components in there? I would certainly like to. $2000.
Up to about snorkel is a no brainer I think. Then I’m thinking TPMS, rear locker and just pull the dampers and see what they are like. Cross the cooling and suspension bridges if we end up heading right up north.
I’m also thinking of another communications/emergency device, in addition to the PLB. Spot, InReach, etc. Whilst still not cheap they are a big chunk less than a Sat Phone.
Anyway, feel free to leave advice and opinions below. I have been known to, very occasionally, take others advice!
Cheers.
