Chop the 80 series or use the 2011 hilux???

Submitted: Tuesday, Feb 25, 2014 at 18:06

ThreadID: 106421 Views:2487 Replies:7 FollowUps:7

This Thread has been Archived

kdnosmith

Hi everyone, we have been travelling since june 2013 in our 80 series and campertrailer which has been great not missing a beat but now we have our old dog back which we missed terribly so his coming with us. So now we need a ute as his on the larger size. I know people will say get rid of the dog but we arnt getting rid of him again his coming and we are more then happy with that.

Our 80 series was rebuilt and intercooled before heading off so it only has about 25,000kms on the clock for that motor and has all the bells and whistles you can think of. Because we travel mostly by ourself with 2 kids we need to make sure we can get out if stuck or do minor repairs on the road. So its a great truck in all but do we spend the $15,000 to $18,000 to have it chopped into a dual cab. Or we have just brought a 2011 hilux with 45,000kms on it. It needs about $15,000 worth of gear to go on it to make it up to touring standed as it has nothing on it.

One day we want to chop the 80 then the next day go with the newer car!! 22yr car vs 3yr car!! Tuff proven truck vs unknown truck!! To many options.
Any advise would be great.
Thanks.

Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator Share

Reply By: Member - Bruce C (NSW) - Tuesday, Feb 25, 2014 at 19:35

Tuesday, Feb 25, 2014 at 19:35

Get a cargo barrier and fit it in the back of the 80 series and rearrange the loading to help the dorg settle down in the back. A good mate is a good mate, don't leave home without him.

Whatever you do, considering you have spent a heap on the 80 series, hang on to it, get your monies worth out of it. The later ones wont do what you are going to do any better.

The 80 series is virtually indestructible anyway.

That's my 2 bobs worth.
Cheers, Bruce

At home and at ease on a track that I know not and
restless and lost on a track that I know. HL.

Lifetime Member
My Profile Send Message

AnswerID: 527225

Follow Up By: Member - John and Val - Thursday, Feb 27, 2014 at 17:55

Thursday, Feb 27, 2014 at 17:55

Agree Bruce. The only reasonable/comfortable place for the dog to travel would seem to be in the back of the 80 series, on top of the drawers, assuming once the fridge is out they are left with a flat floor (if not it shouldn't be too hard to arrange a flat floor space). Put the fridge on the drawbar of the trailer.

If their dog is anything like ours it would not be too happy travelling effectively on its own in/on the tray.

Cheers,

Val.

J and V
"Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted."
- Albert Einstein

Lifetime Member
My Profile My Blog Send Message

FollowupID: 809758

Follow Up By: Member - Bruce C (NSW) - Thursday, Feb 27, 2014 at 18:39

Thursday, Feb 27, 2014 at 18:39

Hi Val,
An old bloke said to me many years ago "If you want to make a mate of your dog, take it everywhere you go in the back of the ute, if you want to make it a really good mate take it in the front with you".

I proved that with my Bluey and she thought she was just it in the front of the ute. She truly was a good mate and I do miss her although it has been many years now since we had to put her to sleep. Cancer.

I am pretty sure there would be a good spot in the back of the 80 series where dog could have a pillow to camp on. It would not need much room, just a few more stops along the way as it is old, as the OP says. We need more comfort stops as we get older. LOL Well I do anyway.

Cheers, Bruce.

At home and at ease on a track that I know not and
restless and lost on a track that I know. HL.