MySwag.org The Off-road Camper Trailer Forum
General => Previous Member Trips => Trips, Tracks, Touring and Reports => 2014 Red Centre Trip => Topic started by: lindamc on April 23, 2014, 11:32:28 AM
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A very good thing happened today - I found out I can take all wheels off both the car and trailer, including spares. Thanks to whoever it was that suggested I purchase a steel pipe to aid in this, I needed it for a number of bolts.
Other preparations have included - gradually getting the car mechanically in tip top shape, for us this meant - torque converter, complete cooling system overhaul, rotors and pads, and tie rods. Check of all other components. Suspension will be checked in the next few weeks with the trailer attached and fully loaded.
accessories - uhf radio and aerial, dual battery system, fridge/freezer.
For the trailer - power supply, agm battery with usb and ciggy type ports. LED strip lights for tent and annexe. solar panel.
making sure the bed is comfortable.
We have taken out a few things that we found were not used or we do not need. Also have tried to streamline and organize things for easy access particularly for those long drives and onenighters.
On a side note I have to say that Sarah's (TimStratford) LED light cover with velcros backing is superb. I can now very simply have that light anywhere I like, after gluing velcros to different areas of the annexe.
How is everyone elses preparations coming along?
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If you need a piece of pipe to undo wheel studs, they are being torqued up too tight in the first place
Aaron
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yes for sure. its those gun things they use i think
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new wheels and tyres for the patrol done. It will go in for a service start of June.
Still need to replace the UHF antenna that someone decided would be better use to them, change the wiring and socket point for the new Waeco CF80 in the back. I also need to fit the roof pod we just picked up off ebay.
Camper is going in for a service sometime in may for a once over and to have a press stud replaced in the canvas and the stone guard moved forward so that it doesn't foul on the awning legs or wall. Also having the top hoop adjusted to have the canvas sit right.
I've replaced the AGM battery that was cactus and will be wiring 240v through to the fridge box so when we have power the 47l ARB runs off of that. Still need to fit electric tap and water pump to the kitchen.
Still working out our food plans and also our route to Alice.
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The Pajero is pretty much sorted, just need to put the fridge slide in the back and cut the coreflute to size for the rear window. A comprehensive service and check over is booked in for a week before we leave.
I've got a list as long as my arm for things to do to the camper :'( Nothing huge, just little bits and pieces that will make things a bit easier or more accessible for us. Knowing me though, I probably wont start all this until 2 weeks before we leave.........nothing like leaving things to the last minute ;D ;D
:cheers:
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Haven't given it much thought yet :D
KB
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i cut out the coreflue today :)
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Haven't given it much thought yet :D
KB
really???
surely your hving us on KB I havent stopped thinking about it since we decided to join up
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Yep, we are going to have some fun together for two weeks. Me fishing and you biting :D
No, seriously, I have been doing heaps to the Dmax and CT. Just about finished. Caught up with the other swaggers who we are travelling over and back with on the weekend and they have all been busy as well. We are all starting to get a bit excited. My son is counting the days.
KB
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aahhh a naughty boy!
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My Red Centre Trip To List:
1) Camper
Mud flaps DONE & replacement adjustable foot
Rear 110ltr tank - DONE
Hot Water System - final plumbing
Gas Bottle Holder Rubber - DONE
Grease hitch - DONE
Relplace Wheel bearings - order spares
Order spare hub
Pantry Box - DONE
Electrics (solar, clip, secure etc) - no charge - got all the stuff - labour
Inline Water filter
20w Solar panel - no charge - just install
Fridge Wiring
Secure fridge mounting
2) Landcruiser
Anderson plug - DONE
Belt set, fuel filter, air filter spares
Fuel water trap
Extra Spare wheel and tyre
Hi-lift jack mount for roof rack
New Shovel
Spot Lamp wiring
Ram mount for IPad
Tool kit - no cost, just preparing
UHF Install - no cost, reinstall from Prado
Compressor - ARB or portable
3) Camping and other gear
New Walking Boots
Cold Weather Fleece Tops
4) Safety Gear
Rental sat phone - Borrow from work
HEMA iPad & Paper Maps
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Our LC200 is brand new so mechanically it had better be ok!!
The mods list for it has now all done - just need some minor tweaks to the storage system which will be done with plenty of time to spare.
That's about it for us - oh - to actually have something to tow would be nice!! ???
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i cut out the coreflue today :)
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Cool ;D Have you thought about how you're going to attach it to the window?
Geez, i'd better get my ar$e into gear, this Saturday will make it 8 weeks til we hit the road ;D :cup:
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yes im going the velcros way.
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That's about it for us - oh - to actually have something to tow would be nice!! ???
So what are you getting John? and when?
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My Red Centre Trip To List:
Hot Water System - final plumbing
showers at yours then Darren??? :angel:
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So what are you getting John? and when?
The what will be revealed in due course >:D and the when was supposed to be June 2nd, but just hoping in time for the trip now!!!
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Ticked the biggest one off my list today. Just finished building a set of drawers and pantry for the CT. A few minor touches and a sand and coat of varnish and they'll be all done. Very happy with them, pics can be found here: http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=19198.msg592949#msg592949 (http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=19198.msg592949#msg592949)
Tomorrow it's replacing the stupid fiddly tiedowns on the cover with larger straps, and a couple of handles to help pullthe base down when lifted. II'll also do some culling of the crap we take with us!
:cheers:
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.
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showers at yours then Darren??? :angel:
No problem... Rigged it up and gave it a test run down the south of WA over the weekend. Worked like a charm. Also rigged it up so people can use there own water (and so I can hand out water rations for extended beach stays)
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A very good thing happened today - I found out I can take all wheels off both the car and trailer, including spares. Thanks to whoever it was that suggested I purchase a steel pipe to aid in this, I needed it for a number of bolts.
Other preparations have included - gradually getting the car mechanically in tip top shape, for us this meant - torque converter, complete cooling system overhaul, rotors and pads, and tie rods. Check of all other components. Suspension will be checked in the next few weeks with the trailer attached and fully loaded.
accessories - uhf radio and aerial, dual battery system, fridge/freezer.
For the trailer - power supply, agm battery with usb and ciggy type ports. LED strip lights for tent and annexe. solar panel.
making sure the bed is comfortable.
We have taken out a few things that we found were not used or we do not need. Also have tried to streamline and organize things for easy access particularly for those long drives and onenighters.
On a side note I have to say that Sarah's (TimStratford) LED light cover with velcros backing is superb. I can now very simply have that light anywhere I like, after gluing velcros to different areas of the annexe.
How is everyone elses preparations coming along?
Good work Linda, I am sure all will be well and you will have a ball
GG
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Thanks Garrick :cheers:
and the suspension has been checked and is fine, so we are now purchasing HID spotties and a light bar, and maybe even a snorkel. I know everything is good to go but I keep saying to myself what if this happens what if that happens....aaaand I REALLY REALLY want a light bar and a snorkel :angel:
That's great your shower works well Darren!
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yes im going the velcros way.
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From someone who did the trip in 09 with a prado i soon found once the dust got between them velcro was useless.
Run a line of double sided tape across the inside edge of the corflute and then in an X pattern across the middle. Stick it on your back window then duct tape around the outside edge.
I left it on there for the entire trip including the drive home as it was good to stop pryng eyes as to what you have in the back and kept the fridge in the shade all day
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guys also keep in mind that you are only a day away from Alice so yes some basic spares are required but you dont need to go 2 wild as most spares are either avaliable or can be shipped up in 2 days
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From someone who did the trip in 09 with a prado i soon found once the dust got between them velcro was useless.
Run a line of double sided tape across the inside edge of the corflute and then in an X pattern across the middle. Stick it on your back window then duct tape around the outside edge.
I left it on there for the entire trip including the drive home as it was good to stop pryng eyes as to what you have in the back and kept the fridge in the shade all day
ok thanks for the tip Chester :cheers:
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My preparations, so far, I have thought about it several times :D , actually the vehicle is about there, need to check some items off for the camper, mainly stone guard mud flaps and some extra clearance for the guards, as the upgrade from 15" to 16" off road tyres has taken up most of what was available.
My only tip, Ive had a few 'Oh crap days, when getting a few jobs done just before you leave'
one time, oil change that day, snapped a vac hose off for the turbo, that sits next to the oil filter, car was fully laden and packed, had to cancel that weekend trip.
Got a wheel alignment done on a Fri 3pm, next business day Mon, then Xmas break, drove it out and down the road, car was all over the place, never felt anything so unsafe, took it back and they managed to right it with some other technicians who knew what they where doing (but did say I needed new camber bolts, which i couldn't get because it 2 days for parts from Melb, lucky enough the guys, got it back right with out needing the parts)
the Day before Xmas, check the air bags, found one was leaking and wouldn't hold pressure, a few phones calls and got the job done and finished by 5pm that night, no time to the job myself, had to pay the going rate - was leaving for 7 days Vic high country after boxing day, so had to get car fixed then.
So I'm planning to have all the jobs done 2 weeks prior this time around.
*****Open question, whats the chances for some wet, muddy conditions over the trip period ? more than likely, for sure, might be lucky, always rains this time of year
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Nearly all set. Just need to get a pre trip check for the 4WD then just before we leave a last minute service to change oil/oil filter, air and fuel filters etc.
Camping gear is all sorted out now.
It was lucky we did a break down camping trip over Easter with a few other MySwaggers. We quickly learnt our little Malamoo 3 second tent was way too small for a month long touring trip and that we needed a bigger 30 second RV4 OzTent. All good now. Its just like a portable mini softfloor CT.
Cheers
Stue
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There are a lot of things I would like to do, but other than new UHF antenna ,wire up the fridge, and get the camper and Patrol serviced none are required
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Dont know if you guys have seen this PDF, I think its been posted up before but I think it has some useful info in it
http://www.ca.com.au/~cabell/aids224.pdf (http://www.ca.com.au/~cabell/aids224.pdf)
macca
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Dont know if you guys have seen this PDF, I think its been posted up before but I think it has some useful info in it
http://www.ca.com.au/~cabell/aids224.pdf (http://www.ca.com.au/~cabell/aids224.pdf)
macca
wow, that covers everything! Thanks Macca. This will be very useful for all future expeditions as well.
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almost done! roof rack on, and a couple of boxes up there, one packed with recovery gear, spare parts and loo paper, the other with coolant, oil and bulky coats etc. Washing machine up there ( plastic barrel with screw on lid), need to put up second spare and one jerry can. I have kept it as light as possible. Camper is packed, and the new pantry BrickieMatt made is full, and has really made a difference to utilizing space in the camper. Snorkel fitted. Spotties on and adjusted. Volt meter wired, new deep cycle battery in to replace leaky acid crap that I had bought last year. Car had last minute check and now packed.
Yet to add light bar, fill tanks, check tyre pressures and add cover to trailer electrics and hope that BigJules' mallee treads come before Friday.
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almost done! roof rack on, and a couple of boxes up there, one packed with recovery gear, spare parts and loo paper, the other with coolant, oil and bulky coats etc. Washing machine up there ( plastic barrel with screw on lid), need to put up second spare and one jerry can. I have kept it as light as possible. Camper is packed, and the new pantry BrickieMatt made is full, and has really made a difference to utilizing space in the camper. Snorkel fitted. Spotties on and adjusted. Volt meter wired, new deep cycle battery in to replace leaky acid crap that I had bought last year. Car had last minute check and now packed.
Yet to add light bar, fill tanks, check tyre pressures and add cover to trailer electrics and hope that BigJules' mallee treads come before Friday.
Strewth linda, you're organised!
Can you come and help us when you're done ;D
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roof rack on, and a couple of boxes up there, one packed with recovery gear, spare parts and loo paper, the other with coolant, oil and bulky coats etc. Washing machine up there ( plastic barrel with screw on lid), need to put up second spare and one jerry can. I have kept it as light as possible.
we mush have different definitions of as light as possible! I can't see your set up but is the rack rated to carry that much weight up there?
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Strewth linda, you're organised!
Can you come and help us when you're done ;D
Im sure you will be fine and you have a whole extra day than me :)
I have pretty much decided I'm not taking the solar panels as we will be driving almost everyday.
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we mush have different definitions of as light as possible! I can't see your set up but is the rack rated to carry that much weight up there?
the weight is in the spare tyre and the jerry Matt, the boxes are small plastic square ones with light stuff in them. So even with 15 lt of water in the washing machine I am still under with the weight.
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You may want to seperate the oil and coolant from the bulky coats cause if one ruptures there goes your coat
And you will need your coats for in the mornings up there ATM.
A good place to store coats is under the front seats if you fold it up and flatten it. The coat will fit under there nicley and be easy to grab if you need it
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the weight is in the spare tyre and the jerry Matt, the boxes are small plastic square ones with light stuff in them. So even with 15 lt of water in the washing machine I am still under with the weight.
Good that you have considered this. I have seen plenty of roof rails that are rated to carry 50kg max with a 25 kg roof basket on.
A spare is 30 to 40kg, a jerry 20+, recovery gear (if you include snatch block and few shackles) 20ish, so from your list I would guess you will hit 100kg easily. :D
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You may want to seperate the oil and coolant from the bulky coats cause if one ruptures there goes your coat
And you will need your coats for in the mornings up there ATM.
A good place to store coats is under the front seats if you fold it up and flatten it. The coat will fit under there nicley and be easy to grab if you need it
I have the coolant/oil in a garbage bag just in case, but oh yes under the seats is a way better idea :cheers:
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Good that you have considered this. I have seen plenty of roof rails that are rated to carry 50kg max with a 25 kg roof basket on.
A spare is 30 to 40kg, a jerry 20+, recovery gear (if you include snatch block and few shackles) 20ish, so from your list I would guess you will hit 100kg easily. :D
yes Matt I definitely am always thinking about weight. My recovery gear is just a snatch and 2 shackles and dampener, and the spares are the 2 filters and 2 hoses. :) Am trying to utilize the roof space with lighter gear and keeping the heavy gear in the vehicle. oh and my rack can carry 90kg and my car load for the pillars is 100kg.
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Taking extra warm bedding and heck it takes up some room. Looks like we have packed the house up and are moving :D
KB
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Taking extra warm bedding and heck it takes up some room. Looks like we have packed the house up and are moving :D
KB
Yeah it is a weir spot up there you need all that bedding for alice then if you drive 4hrs north over the tropic you get out at Wycliff and are looking for your boardshorts and thongs
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Two more sleeps and we are on the road. The doona and bedding etc takes up a lot of room as KB says. Its all light stuff but is bulky.
cheers
Stue
;D ;D ;D ;D
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Hi Linda,
Any chance of a copy of the group photo you took of the last day before we split up after our epic trip, at Redbank Waterhole?
Could you please send it to me via email on valerie.machin@gmail.com
Thanks muchly,
Val (Brianm)
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email sent val. its only low res though so no good for printing. if you want hi res i will send you a dropbox link
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