About Me

Last Update 1Nov2009
THE VEHICLE
A basic Series 80 1HZ (now with Turbo), going strong at 297,000kms. with fuel subtank, rubber mats and no clock (just the job for travelling far and forgetting the time).
I bought it in 1996 with 50,000kms on the clock when I was 51 trusting it would live as long as me
Before I took delivery, I got the dealer to add:
Tinted Windows, Dual battery System, TJM Roof rack & Ladder, TJM Tow bar, rear Tyre Carrier, Warn 9000lb winch, Snorkel, coated TJM bullbar, side bars and side steps.
7 years later in 2003 I had added:
After Market Turbo (whoa, did that make a difference !), BF Goodrich R16's on Prado rims (drives well), 2" lift with Old Man Emu Suspension & steering damper, Roof rack mounted storage boxes with 2 x Solar Panels on top, 4 spots at roof rack corners individually switched,rear awning, Compressor (needed for Camper Trailer airbags - see rig), Andersen connection to rear for Camper, Diff breathers, rear airlockers, 2 large spots on front bullbar: driving and wide beam, battery monitor, UHF CB, CD system, Garmin GPS, ARB Fridge, Cargo Barrier, after market luxury bucket seats.
6 Years later again:
You'd think that was enough wouldn't you, but on my current shopping list is:
airflow deflectors for roof rack* & camper, compressed air tank, HF radio, in-car PC to talk to the GPS *, LCD monitors *, reversing camera(s), storage drawers *, water tank, always-on Internet (tricky that one) *, iPod based entertainment system, Tomtom Navigator * . . . does it ever stop?! ( * got it !)
I'm 64 now and still haven't started the big Aussie Trip - you know the one that doesn't end. Launching from Sarina 'Base Camp', so won't be long now (months).

THE CAMPER
(although I might trade for an Offroad Caravan yet as I'm getting on)
'Cape Runner" Offroad Camper Trailer custom built in 2003 by Australian RVTrailers of Caboolture.
Stainless Steel Kitchen, dual gas burner, water pump, dual axle - air bag assisted front axle raises rear wheels, controllable from vehicle cab, Treg Coupling, Mechanical Brakes, Heavy Duty Leaf, Victron Inverter/Charger & dual batteries (that makes 4 in series with the 2 in the car when hitched for charging, 3 when cranking battery auto-isolated on load ), 240/12V sockets, sideawning with sides, door & floor. King Size bed, steps up, heavy gauge canvas, front storage box on slides, room for Trail Bike, pneumatic jockey wheel. More storage at rear; lockable water filler & lockable storage all round.
THE PEOPLE
Just me, Doug, & dog Busta now
(Wife and one dog fell by the wayside 2008)

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