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General => Previous Member Trips => Trips, Tracks, Touring and Reports => 2014 members Cape York Trip => Topic started by: swanny on April 23, 2014, 07:27:01 PM

Title: Trip Preparation...!!!!...update #1
Post by: swanny on April 23, 2014, 07:27:01 PM
G'day all,

Mark I hope you don't mind mate, but after reading a recent preparation post in the Red Centre trip thread, I thought it might be interesting, and maybe of value to others to see how members are going with there vehicle and were applicable CT preparation for our Cape trip.

As a guess I think we have something like 50 odd days until we hit the tracks  :cup: :cup: :cup:, and if others are like me, they are busy doing stuff with every spare minute they have.

For myself, I have my Veh pretty well sorted, I have it set up for touring as it is, so I really only need to do a few things here and there, whilst some of the stuff I have done probably wont be required, it will give me piece of mind, but also if make life easier for sure :laugh:.

A couple of things ive done so far,

New rubber, (BFG KM2 285/75/r16) which was needed, and is timely for our trip, I had fitted a front locker, which as said isn't essential, but may help, and I got it at a great price fitted so couldn't say no, diff and gear box breathers, serviced my winch and changed the steel rope over to Dyneema.

Other little bits ive done to my veh is stuff which I guess makes your adventure a little more easier if not more practical.

Left to do will be a service, (oil and filters) which will include changing gear/trans case oil, an engine flush and some new coolant, checking over all suspension components, (I have to change the front lower shock bushs). Just prior to leaving I will get under and mark nuts and bolts (no not all) with a perm marker which may help ID any probs before they happen

Update-fitted last of my breathers (gear/trans), not a lot left to do for the truck...!!!

As for my CT, im still very busy with finishing it off, whilst it was set up pretty well, there was a few things I needed to do...as I have changed over to a larger fridge box/fridge I needed to fit it up and run power to it, additionally I had to upgrade my 12 volt system, so I have 200 amps of power, this is still underway at present, im hopeful though I will have it sorted with in the next week or so, i better, were heading off on a shake down weekend very shortly.... 8) Update-finished of all 12 volt wiring fitted new charger and fuse block as part of the upgrade and is going well, refitted CT rake after a couple of mods, starting to come together...!!!!

I also changed over my shackles and bushes to greasable shackles...and took the opportunity to change over my U bolts and double nut them at the same time.

Ive also harden all my cabling underneath my CT, and made sure ive run my cabling (top of chassis in most places) along the chassis so it cant be ripped of when being dragged thru mud and dirt etc....also changed over the bolts on my hitch as after inspection they looked like they were a bit worse for were.

I made a shelf style system for the storage side of my CT, really for practical purposes when we stop on over nighters, ill show you when we catch up.

As for spares, I guess im no different to others, I will be carrying the usual filters, tools, elec bits and pieces, spare U bolts, and different nuts and bolts, I will also have, fluids, gasket goo, silicone etc,...I thought long and hard about carrying a spare shockie, and have decided I will, should take up next to no room, and if I blow one out, I can get myself out of trouble.

I will have a small soldering kit for those types of jobs, but nothing really over the top.

Im sure there is other stuff that you guys have done which I haven't mentioned so post up what your up to and how its going for you.

Looking forward to your responses.

Swanny
Title: Re: Trip Preparation...!!!!
Post by: lindamc on April 23, 2014, 09:41:08 PM
I want to see your shelf storagesystem too please

Sent from my GT-I9100T using Tapatalk 2

Title: Re: Trip Preparation...!!!!
Post by: yogi on April 24, 2014, 08:45:30 AM
Does cleaning out the beer fridge count ;D

yogi
Title: Re: Trip Preparation...!!!!
Post by: lindamc on April 24, 2014, 09:04:53 AM
of course Yogi.. your priorotizing

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Title: Re: Trip Preparation...!!!!
Post by: MarkVS on April 24, 2014, 09:15:47 AM
My preparations left to do.

Camper
Bearings done.....
Add extra underneath stone protection (full width conveyor belt)
Remove handbrake (which runs below draw bar)
Have Jetcrew check electricals
Buy tyre tube (instead of 2nd spare)

Car
Bullbar now done, new tyres done, snorkel done,
Fit final underbody protection
Fit Diff/gearbox etc breathers
Fit rear suspension air bags
Get a Service done
Stock up spares
Buy a tyre tube (instead of 2nd spare)

Compared to this time last year with the Gulf Trip prep, I feel more in control....I just have to stop certain members of this forum giving my wife any 'extra' ideas...... ;D ;D ;D


MarkVS
Title: Re: Trip Preparation...!!!!
Post by: Symon on April 24, 2014, 10:38:58 AM
Well for me I only have the truck to worry about, so on the to-do list is -

- major service, all filters and lubricants
- replace the suspension (existing is pretty sad due to all the trips the truck has been on)
- wire up the light bar I got from McGirr
- install the under tray drawer
- fit a new auxiliary battery (last one died a week ago)
- fix the $%^&ing oil leak on the PTO output shaft
- fuel up
- beer up

And away we go!
Title: Re: Trip Preparation...!!!!
Post by: swanny on April 24, 2014, 10:39:16 AM
Does cleaning out the beer fridge count ;D

yogi

Bugger that...means you gota take the beer out ;D ;D....well it does for me....hahaha
Title: Re: Trip Preparation...!!!!
Post by: swanny on April 24, 2014, 10:42:12 AM
My preparations left to do.

Camper
Bearings done.....
Add extra underneath stone protection (full width conveyor belt)
Remove handbrake (which runs below draw bar)
Have Jetcrew check electricals
Buy tyre tube (instead of 2nd spare)

Car
Bullbar now done, new tyres done, snorkel done,
Fit final underbody protection
Fit Diff/gearbox etc breathers
Fit rear suspension air bags
Get a Service done
Stock up spares
Buy a tyre tube (instead of 2nd spare)

Compared to this time last year with the Gulf Trip prep, I feel more in control....I just have to stop certain members of this forum giving my wife any 'extra' ideas...... ;D ;D ;D


MarkVS

Sounds like your on top of it Mark, whats your plan for a hand brake on the CT when you remove it ??....are you going to relocate it so it doesn't get ripped off ??

Swanny
Title: Re: Trip Preparation...!!!!
Post by: swanny on April 24, 2014, 10:43:52 AM
Well for me I only have the truck to worry about, so on the to-do list is -

- major service, all filters and lubricants
- replace the suspension (existing is pretty sad due to all the trips the truck has been on)
- wire up the light bar I got from McGirr
- install the under tray drawer
- fit a new auxiliary battery (last one died a week ago)
- fix the $%^&ing oil leak on the PTO output shaft
- fuel up
- beer up

And away we go!


Hey Symon, I particularly like the last point mate, ill be defo doing the same....

Swanny
Title: Re: Trip Preparation...!!!!
Post by: yogi on April 24, 2014, 10:55:20 AM
Bugger that...means you gota take the beer out ;D ;D....well it does for me....hahaha

Well I did do it one at a time :cheers:

yogi
Title: Re: Trip Preparation...!!!!
Post by: McGirr on April 24, 2014, 10:58:02 AM
I am pretty well done.

Camper
change the water filler pipe for the rear water tank
pack when ready


Car
tidy up the draw system at rear
new reversing camera done with switch, so I can have it on when ever I need
replace one rear air bag
keep the existing shocks on
attach roof basket
bring spare tyre carcass 
work out how I will carry all the beer and spirits


Others
organise the gear that will be packed in the garage
work out food etc for the trip
go through all the paperwork I have on the trip to bring
make sure all camera and video gear is charged , bring laptop and portable hard drive

To Buy
Portable toilet that uses plastic bags

Lighting
naturally will have the might McGirr Led camp lights plus 10 and 20watt led flood lights.


That's about it as there will only be the two of us, more room for  :cheers:

Mark
Title: Re: Trip Preparation...!!!!
Post by: MarkVS on April 24, 2014, 11:29:28 AM
Sounds like your on top of it Mark, whats your plan for a hand brake on the CT when you remove it ??....are you going to relocate it so it doesn't get ripped off ??

Swanny

Swanny,

Thanks.
as for the handbrake, just intending to use blocks of wood. For me this is a one-off so I won't be going to a lot of trouble. I'll just put it back when I return.

MarkVS
Title: Re: Trip Preparation...!!!!...update #1
Post by: Symon on June 06, 2014, 07:36:06 AM
Quote
- major service, all filters and lubricants  DONE
- replace the suspension (existing is pretty sad due to all the trips the truck has been on)
- wire up the light bar I got from McGirr
- install the under tray drawer DONE
- fit a new auxiliary battery (last one died a week ago) DONE
- fix the $%^&ing oil leak on the PTO output shaft
- fuel up
- beer up

Not going so well on the trip preparations!  The suspension gets done next week, but I think the PTO leak won't get done - it will just be nicely lubricated on the trip :)
Title: Re: Trip Preparation...!!!!...update #1
Post by: McGirr on June 06, 2014, 07:54:26 AM

Replacement air bag gets done next week. Check

Food planning done. Check

Beer and spirit planning done. Check

Camper ready to be packed. Check

Cruiser to be added with Cape essentials. Check

Mark

Title: Re: Trip Preparation...!!!!...update #1
Post by: scoot on June 06, 2014, 08:03:01 AM
Last time I remembered everything except my clothes.
Title: Re: Trip Preparation...!!!!...update #1
Post by: swanny on June 06, 2014, 08:30:51 AM
All going well this end,

Camper packed, with a few tid bits to do,

Vehicle service, to include eng oil, filter, both fuel filters, gear/trans case fluids replaced, looking to be done Tues.

Vehicle mostly packed with a few tid bits to go in, roof rack to go back on Thurs and packed prior to departure Fri,

Lawns, yards and house gets a final tidy up this week prior to leaving.

Beer ordered for pick up in Cairns ;D ;D ;D now just have to grab some spirits from here and Fri morn next week were on the road.....

Im sure there will be a hick up before we leave, nothing major touch wood....

All starting to come together.

Luke
Title: Re: Trip Preparation...!!!!...update #1
Post by: swanny on June 06, 2014, 10:54:43 AM
Thought id ask...is anybody carrying a battery drill...? is it worth while..?

Thinking of throwing mine in my trunk on top of the CT....I have the room.

Swanny
Title: Re: Trip Preparation...!!!!...update #1
Post by: McGirr on June 06, 2014, 12:17:21 PM

I will have a battery drill.

Mark
Title: Re: Trip Preparation...!!!!...update #1
Post by: GeoffA on June 06, 2014, 06:07:26 PM
Thought id ask...is anybody carrying a battery drill...? is it worth while..?

Thinking of throwing mine in my trunk on top of the CT....I have the room.

Swanny

Yep. Carrying a battery drill and angle grinder.
Title: Re: Trip Preparation...!!!!...update #1
Post by: Symon on June 06, 2014, 07:37:35 PM
Battery drill, angle grinder, and welding kit
Title: Re: Trip Preparation...!!!!...update #1
Post by: Watty2975 on June 06, 2014, 08:02:41 PM
Finished work today ;D been smiling since lunch time!

Roof rack fitted.
Awning to go on over the weekend.
New tyres next week.
Camper breaks and bearings check next week.
Camper mostly packed.
Reinstall batteries in camper next week.

Holy crap there is a lot to do. Glad I finished work early.
Title: Re: Trip Preparation...!!!!...update #1
Post by: McGirr on June 06, 2014, 08:17:59 PM
Finished work today ;D been smiling since lunch time!

Roof rack fitted.
Awning to go on over the weekend.
New tyres next week.
Camper breaks and bearings check next week.
Camper mostly packed.
Reinstall batteries in camper next week.

Holy crap there is a lot to do. Glad I finished work early.

And it will all come together   :D

Mark
Title: Re: Trip Preparation...!!!!...update #1
Post by: Mobi on June 06, 2014, 08:37:56 PM
Yes drill and impact along with 12 volt charger.
All packed ready to go  :cup: :cup:
Now I can relax.

 :cheers:

V3
Title: Re: Trip Preparation...!!!!...update #1
Post by: Chris J on June 07, 2014, 10:00:45 AM
This is all too hard for me, to many things to do so and no time to do it and with so many others bringing gear I’m thinking about leaving all my stuff at home.

The Oka won’t be ready so I just brought a rather new Bangkok Truck with some additional fruit just for this trip.

See you all in two weeks.

Title: Re: Trip Preparation...!!!!...update #1
Post by: McGirr on June 07, 2014, 10:03:29 AM
This is all too hard for me, to many things to do so and no time to do it and with so many others bringing gear I’m thinking about leaving all my stuff at home.

The Oka won’t be ready so I just brought a rather new Bangkok Truck with some additional fruit just for this trip.

See you all in two weeks.

Sounds just like your signature Chris  ;D

Chaos, Panic, Disorder

Mark
Title: Re: Trip Preparation...!!!!...update #378
Post by: Watty2975 on June 09, 2014, 09:20:00 PM
Bit more done today.

Got the roof rack on and the awning.
Replaced the camper batteries and put it back together
Spent some time playing Tetris trying to work out how to fit 3 kids on the hard floor. Think we finally have a plan!
New tyres for the car this week! That's going to hurt :'(
Camper bearing check and break adjustment tomorrow.
Title: Re: Trip Preparation...!!!!...update #1
Post by: McGirr on June 09, 2014, 09:51:23 PM

Part of the shopping done. Roof rack on car. Bigger aerial installed.

Been held back with the rain but have next Sunday to do the meat shopping and alcohol shopping then start packing.

Bought some Diet water today  ;D

Mark
Title: Re: Trip Preparation...!!!!...update #1
Post by: Mobi on June 10, 2014, 10:00:02 AM

Bought some Diet water today  ;D

Mark

Ok I'll bite is diet water vodka? It can't be water.

 :cheers:
Title: Re: Trip Preparation...!!!!...update #1
Post by: MarkVS on June 12, 2014, 06:24:44 AM
We'll we're done. Car service and everything added.
Camper bits and pieces done and checked.
Food purchased.
Kerry has pretty much packed the fridge and freezer.
Clothes are pretty much done.

Even cleaned the car...inside and out !!!

On Sunday/Monday will pack the last bits in the car/camper, then head off early Tuesday morning with Symon.

Arrive Wednesday evening to watch Footy. Pick Kerry, Olivia, Elisa up from Cairns airport on the Friday.

Still feeling way too ready....as if I've forgotten something.


MarkVS
Title: Re: Trip Preparation...!!!!...update #1
Post by: swanny on June 12, 2014, 07:38:38 AM
Ok, as Mark has mentioned above, we are also finished preparation....today is pack up day for us.

Roof rack to go on and then packed, pack the car, hook the CT up, check all tyre pressures, and then wait out.... :cup: :cup:....the rest of the packing was done weeks ago...!!!!

Leaving early AM tomoz heading inland NSW onto QLD, first stop Goondiwindi for the night, following the weather reports it looks as though we are going to head into and follow rain for the first couple of days....oh well at least we will find out how waterproof our roof top bag is...haha

Looking forward to catching up with the crew, we will be in Cairns Tues lunchish im hoping, SOO on Weds night so ill be sussing somewhere close to watch the BLUES destroy the Queerslanders.... ;D ;D ;D ;D

Luke
Title: Re: Trip Preparation...!!!!...update #1
Post by: McGirr on June 12, 2014, 07:57:06 AM

Safe trip Luke. I can't remember whether the caravan park has a tv or not.

Mark
Title: Re: Trip Preparation...!!!!...update #1
Post by: Symon on June 12, 2014, 11:56:11 AM
Got the suspension done earlier, the GVM for the crusier is now 3780kg, so just enough for the beer.  The old girl certainly sits higher now - maybe time for the 35's?

Also got the undertray sliding drawer in as well.

Still soooo much to do......
Title: Re: Trip Preparation...!!!!...update #1
Post by: MarkVS on June 12, 2014, 12:45:49 PM
Symon,
did you end up working out how to seal the drawer ?

Mark
Title: Re: Trip Preparation...!!!!...update #1
Post by: Symon on June 12, 2014, 12:56:49 PM
I did, but I won't get time to do it.  I'll just put stuff in there that doesn't mind getting dirty or wet.
Title: Re: Trip Preparation...!!!!...update #1
Post by: yogi on June 12, 2014, 01:00:50 PM
I did, but I won't get time to do it.  I'll just put stuff in there that doesn't mind getting dirty or wet.

I didn't think Tim was coming on this trip ;D

yogi
Title: Re: Trip Preparation...!!!!...update #1
Post by: jk on June 12, 2014, 01:01:52 PM
BaHaaaHaaaaa   :cup:      Gold yogi  :cheers:
Title: Re: Trip Preparation...!!!!...update #1
Post by: McGirr on June 12, 2014, 02:30:08 PM
I didn't think Tim was coming on this trip ;D

yogi

Shaun wont know what hit him now we have extra mud  ;D

Mark
Title: Re: Trip Preparation...!!!!...update #1
Post by: yogi on June 12, 2014, 02:36:51 PM
Better get the clear vinyl passenger seat cover out again 

yogi
Title: Re: Trip Preparation...!!!!...update #1
Post by: Mobi on June 12, 2014, 07:29:54 PM
Safe trip Luke, will find a place where the game can be watched.

 :cheers:

Peter
Title: Re: Trip Preparation...!!!!...update #1
Post by: McGirr on June 15, 2014, 09:26:56 AM

Final food shopping this morning.

Cruiser has new rear airbag. Partly packed with the rest being done on Friday.

Batteries being charged in camper.

Mark
Title: Re: Trip Preparation...!!!!...update #1
Post by: Symon on June 15, 2014, 07:15:41 PM
Ripped all the non-factory wiring out of the front of the cruiser yesterday because I physically ran out of room to mount more relays in for the roof lights.  Spent most of today running all new wiring :)

Flushed out the water tank and refilled.
Bought spare fuel filters.
Packed all the rest of the spares - belts, hoses, etc.
Food packed.
Clothes packed.
Alcohol packed.
Camera gear packed.

Just have to load in the swag, load up some new tunes to my iPod, and get rolling!
Title: Re: Trip Preparation...!!!!...update #1
Post by: MarkVS on June 15, 2014, 08:56:34 PM
Symon,
good to see you've left yourself a whole half a day........

I think you should start on the kitchen..... ;D


Mark