Will this be suitable?

that sounds great. the 2.5td will be a bit slow on a hill with it fully loaded, but you're in no hurry are you. you may need to put stronger suspension on it.... maybe.

We also run a 2002 Courier TD and find that max speed 100k/h otherwise chews up the diesel. Depending on your height may find lack of length if sleeping in the slide on. Not everyone needs to drive a Tojo or Nissan.

We have clocked up 160,000 k recently and have had the radiator checked (was about 80% blocked according to Ford) and also recently changed the original shockers. If your vehicles is regularly serviced then should not be a huge problem unless the right boot is heavy and pushy for speed. Taking it slower as we should to enjoy the drive should have little problem. Enjoy retirement when it comes.

I have another 5 years to go but am already planning for the around Oz trip on retirement.

Cheers

my parents had an old 1tonner with a slide on did the trip 'round oz had a great time & the slide on was great did another trip & another, usual maintenance etc . they then bought a wind up van {light} & towed it for another 1/2 dozen trips this was in the 70's & they told me although the slide on was ok , towing the van' more room,setting up, maintenance, etc was a lot better. just my two bobs worth. also one of your replies mentions about the courier radiator from what ive read on this forum & others their radiators seem to get blocked with casting sand {white} from manufacture i think. im interested 'cause i have this model also. seems to be ok for the moment but worth remembering. cheers

you will almost definately have to look into suspen upgade on the back, my patrol had to, and my only prob was the amount of windage which sucked heaps of fuel and agrivated engine temp etc. we have changed to a GU dual cab with a tray top camper????????
good luck