draff replied:

we remove one of the back seats to add low down storage space which we use for heavy items like water or the fridge. Secure the items to the floor with straps to the seat bolts so its defintely secure and padded with those cheap camping mats cut to size. However i'm not sure if this is an option in the pajero as i'm not sure if your back seat is in two parts. if it is in two parts then that's one option to increase storage for heavy items.

when we have only 2 people we remove the entire seat, when we have 3 we leave half the seat in.

we use a roof rack only for light stuff like extra tarp and chairs.

Member - Alastair D (NSW) replied:

Muzza,
Have done many Ks in a similar vehicle without serious issues. Keep the weight as low as you can in the vehicle. If you do get a roofrack avoid putting heavy stuff up there. Ie put bulky light things. Preferably go for a roof rack that has a mount that spreads the weight along the whole gutter not just on a couple of bars. I think ARB amongst others makes one. Have seen too many come adrift after some hard ks of corrugations.

If you have not already done so, take out the foldup seats in the back. They take up far too much room and get in the way.

Depending on where you are going make sure you take plenty of just in case water and have the vehicle checked out by a good 4wd aware mechanic before leaving. Amazing what someone else sees under your vehicle.

Travel light and enjoy. If you can't resist taking stuff then I think a small trailer is less of a risk than a heavily loaded roofrack.

Have fun
alastair

Member - Don (QLD) replied:

Muzza,
We did a similar trip back in 1999 in a Shorty NB Series Pajero.We ripped out the back seat fitted a cargo barrier and managed to fit in a fridge and other stuff. We also had a full length rack as well. the vehicle handled it very well. We encounted no probs what so ever.Drive safe and smart and you will have a sensational trip
Enjoy
Don

RayJen Paj05 replied:

Muzza, I have owned '90 model and now have 2005 NP. Recently was away for 3 months and did 14,000k but towing camper trailer.

Like others, we removed LHS back seat for 50 litre fridge on mount/platform and took out the 3rd row 6+7 seat. I also built a special purpose shelf with legs cut to enable access to the cavity where 6+7 seats usually hide. Built with marine ply, covered with that grey felty stuff and held together with L brackets, not too long bolts and nylon nuts. All recovery gear, ProMax etc etc under the shelf and 3 dedicated plastic bins with good lids on top. Everything to go was measured and the shelf built to cater for it all above and below. Very happy with how it worked, better than expensive slide boxes. All this pre-supposes having a cargo barrier - a must have.

I agree re taking care to have not more than 100kg total on top to protect against rolls.

As we bush bashed I had suspension strengthened and raised 2". Good investment I still think.

Let me know if you want any pictures, ok? Cheers, Ray

muzza07 replied:

Thanks for all the replies, i need to add seats 6 & 7 had been removed, and i had installed a false floor system with 2 pull out tubs (recovery gear / tools ),fridge sits on top to one side - the suspension is original, but will be upgraded in a few weeks with a set of "Ride Pro" shocks and heavy duty rear coils.
As i want to avoid taking a trailer, what recommendations do you have about carrying fuel / water in the vehicle? I can't justify spending the money on a replacement rear step for the advantage of one swing out jerry can holder.

Member - Alastair D (NSW) replied:

Muzza,
Water inside no problem. I use 10L half size plastic jerrycans as they seem to pack in better and easier on back. I have a row of them behind my _Affordable_Storage_Drawers.aspx along the back of the rear seat.

Petrol cans inside the vehicle - no thanks. I have a LongRanger replacement tank which has 145L. How much do you need to carry? The standard tank will give a fair range if you keep the speed down. Plenty of fuel sources unless you are going more out of the way places.

Have you considered putting in polyairs instead of h/d springs? They have the advantage of still giving a good ride when only lightly loaded.

cheers
alastair