If someone with more experience than I could review this description of preparations for our trip, and suggest any further requirements, that would be most helpful. I've had a good read of this
forum, but it is always nice to get some specific advice related to your own trip and own set-up.
First - the trip. Starting July 2007. 3 months duration.
Adelaide-Uluru-
Palm Valley-Tanami-Bungle Bungles-Parry Creek-
King River Rd-
Gibb River Road-
Mornington Wilderness Camp-
Bell Creek-
Cape Leveque and then down the coast (nothing too remote planned after that).
Vehicle: 1992 Diesel Troopcarrier Pop-top camper (300,000 km), all leaf springs, dual batteries (both will be replaced before we go), 4 brand new Goodyear MTRs (tubeless), 1 spare - also new, 2 fuel tanks (2*80ltr?), 1
water tank (70l?).
Communications: CB Radio, mobile phone (don't laugh).
Recovery Gear: Winch, Snatch strap, Tow strap, D shackles, one of those pulley things, Tyre Plug Repair Kit, High lift jack (beadbreaker), tyre levers, jack, base plate, compressor, long handled shovel, basic tool kit.
Spares: Fuel filter, radiator hoses, belts, fuses, spare tube, wheel bearing kit, universal joint, heater hose, tech manual.
Skills: Where I feel most exposed. Intro to 4wd'ing course. Some practice in mountainous country in Vic. Very basic knowledge of engine (could tell you where most things are, but no idea how they work). All the spares are to avoid delays - no idea how to actually do the repairs.
Can change tyre. Have spent the weekend teaching myself how to get a tyre off the rim - and decided that if it comes to this, I'll use a tube to get going again and hope for the best. Couldn't reseat bead without it - any tips on this welcome - I kinda like the sound of the zippo method, but seems like the sort of thing demonstrated in person before you give it a go yourself.
Considerations:
HF Radio: Worth the money? Really needed given our route?
Second tyre casing: No capacity for second spare. Second casing a possibility, but I don't want to carry it unless I can be convinced that completely destroying 2 tyres is likely to leave us in the poop given our route.
Other spares to carry? Second tube?
Other essential skills to aquire in the next 6 weeks.
All advice appreciated.
Tim