Saturday, Jun 26, 2004 at 19:32
I've had Toyota's since 1974, 40 series, Hilux 4wd, FJ45 troopy, HJ47 troopy, HJ75 troopy and a HZJ75 troopy, travelled all over Oz and have become dissollusioned (sp) with the way 4wd's are heading.
The old 40 series were damn near indestructible on outback trips, the later ones tend to crack up body wise and wear out mechanically far quicker. As most 4wd's are overladen (exceeding GVM) when loaded for a long trip in remote areas I looked around for a vehicle that was tough, rode
well and didn't have all the frippery (plastic) that most modern ones do.
I wanted a vehicle that was basic, could be modified body wise in the future and was comfortable to travel in outback.
The Humvee fits the bill so far, while it is slowish on the highway it will cruise all day at 90-95 kph, gets similar economy to the HZJ75 troopy travelling at the same speed but it all comes together when you get on the dirt, has a superb ride due to the large diameter tyres, long wheel base (130") and fully independant
suspension. It's got over a tonne payload and is rated to carry it continuously on a 60% slope and 40% sideslope. It will never be as quiet as a late model 4wd wagon but when owners of late model cruisers and patrols come for aride they are amazed at how
well it covers rough terrain.
Contrary to popular opinion it does fit down firetrails (only 200mm wider than a 100 series), parts are freely available either locally or from overseas ( 5 day delivery to the door) and are also quite cheap.
In the 15 months since I got it registered it's done approx 16,000 k's with only a few minor problems like seals that have required replacement, not bad for a 16 y/o vehicle that has spent all it's life outside.
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