Planning a 4WD trip around Australia

I hope you have left yourself about 12 months to get this vehicle ready thats about how long it takes,

Yes a 75 series Troopcarrier is about the best for loooooong trips, you may find a late model one with a bit of gear on it in Sydney, The vehicle is the best to start with then the rest follows as your getting it prepared for thr departure date.

James,
it isn't as daunting as you indicate. Just about any of the major brand 4WD vehicles will suit your needs straight off the showroom floor without modification. It is an easy matter to fit a front bar, a roof rack, and a second battery if you think you need them. The problem with buying one already fitted out is that is more likely to have been used off road (although not always), and therefore been subjected to more wear and tear. I'd go for something with a bit more comfort than a Troopy. You couldn't go too far wrong by looking at Landcruiser/Patrol/Pajero/Discovery/Jackeroo/Prado or Navara/Challenger/Hilux/Rodeo for that matter. I'd go for diesel every time. Check some of the used car sites for the current market situation: carsales.com.au, tradingpost.com.au, redbook.com.au etc

As for comms you will need a UHF radio (it can be a hand-held which avoids installation issues), and either a satphone of HF radio. If you are going really remote an Epirb is an inexpensive tool of last resort.Bob

Hi James,

Yes a Landcruiser Troopcarrier would suffice. Would go for a diesel as they are more fuel efficient.

Yes the NRMA can check it out for you....there might be a joining fee as well

Not many of these vehicle on the market fully equipped as previous owners normally strip aftermarket goodies off their vehicles before selling.You might pick up an ex Govt vehicle which is equipped, at an auction

It depends on where you are going to travel on what recovery equipment you buy. If you are going to stay on the tourist routes then the basic equipment such as shovel, hi lift jack, snatch strap might be needed. If however you are contenmplating remote offroad travel then a winch would be of advantage and good radio communications. Also carry an extra spare tyre and puncture repair kit.
When putting tyres on your vehicle go for a common multi purpose brand...the type of tyre that is available in the outback.

Can't help you with Sydney sales outlets but do a search on the internet using Google and type in what you are after and most of the aftermarket sales outlets will appear. Too easy.

You can go overboard with gear. Just remember that Highway One is sealed all the way around Oz and most of the country roads are gravel and in good condition.

Enjoy.

Cheers,

Willie

Never a dull moment

James go to www.vks737.com.au & look in their market section & you will see just what you are looking for.Regards Bob
Where to next

Not much info from me here. But youdont have to be a member of nrma to get the vehicle inspection but it does cost around $100 they are very thorough though and would reccomend them to anyone and they give you a written report back.
Hope this helps.
Ps what country are you in now.

James a few points to ponder in your early planning that have to be considered to get the best end result.
How many of you are going to be on the trip ?
How remote and I mean remote, not just dirt roads, do you want to go ?
How do you want to set up your accomodation - in vehicle, on vehicle, tent on ground, camper trailer, caravan, motel/B&B etc ?
What time of year on the road, hot in the north, cold down south. ?
Where, everywhere ? Forest driving, coastal/beach driving, desert driving, mountains etc ?
One thing is for sure, you can't see it all in one year. If you see somewhere you like it's nice to hang around for a while.
Check a few of the car clubs, they are always having outings and you can get to see how they all set up vehicles, everyone is different. I could send you to dozens of places in Syd where they are all happy to sell you what ever you think you might need. Aust 4WD Monthly magazine is full of good info, but it's endless.
You can hire vehicles already set up also, there is quite a range.
Good luck.