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 About Me

Last Update 22Feb2009
THE VEHICLE
A basic Series 80 1HZ (now with Turbo), going strong at 290,000kms. 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?!
I'm 63 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.( http://www.austrvtrailers.com/ )
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, 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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