Wednesday, Apr 20, 2011 at 18:58
I've done a bit to reduce the weight in mine. Its about the 3300kg (at GVM) when loaded for the average desert trip and not towing the Tvan. On some desert trips, I'll go over GVM because of extra fuel and water.
Its got an alloy tray and which had 2 very heavy steel cross beams - I replaced these with redesigned footings that saved weight and kept the strength. I removed the headboard because it does nothing once you add a canopy. The aluminium canopy is simply attached with 4 high tensile bolts that go through to the rails - better then the fancy brackets that make it removable. I had the canopy made with a thin floor, because I don't need to to stand alone, and its sits on the tray.
I run mags now - saved 30 kgs.
The spare wheel carrier is simply spare U-bolts - I like to use spare Toyota parts to make accessories.
My Highlift jack is stored on the bullbar and clamped with wheel studs and wheel nuts. I use it as my beadbreaker, so it serves more than one purpose.
My internal fitout is done with thin 9mm ply that is just big enough to glue and screw and has been fine for the past 6 years.
My fridges sit on the floor - Both my wife and I are tall enough to access the fridges without the need for fridge slides that can add weight a fair bit of weight and take up room.
I don't use gas bottles - prefer the lighter weight of a Coleman dual fuel stove for when we don't have a campfire.
We just take a double swag when we're not towing the Tvan. And add a 6kg tent if forced to stay in a caravan park.
Roofrack is 100x100 mesh attached to the canopy roof (adds about 20kgs).
I don't use sidebars or aftermarket steps - they add a lot of weight - I can buy 7 sets of ARB factory-look flares for the price of one set of ARB side bars!
Spares - just pack the spares that are needed to get you out of trouble and share them amongst your group.
Keep your setup simple as possible.
As far as the vehicle goes, It's got ARB springs and I added airbags so it sits OK with about 15psi in the airbags when fully loaded.
Cheers
Phil
AnswerID:
451910
Follow Up By: Member - Muddy79 - Wednesday, Apr 20, 2011 at 21:14
Wednesday, Apr 20, 2011 at 21:14
Hey Phil
We have a few other things which have bumped up the weight. We are not towing so the canopy is it. Just got a quote to upgrade the
suspension which will give a GVM of 3850 so at least it will not jepardise our insurance. With a bit of shuffling and taking out some unnecessary luxuries, we should get it down. We are also taking a canoe around so are just in the process of assessing what we really do and don't need.
We are mostly travelling on our own so have to be very self sufficient.
Cheers Michael
FollowupID:
724552