1998 Toyota Prado

(A)I was out there last year and fitted an ARB compressor under the bonnet. This cost about $300 to fit myself. No problems. I was travelling alone so also carried a $20 hand pump as back-up. (B)I've got 27 meg (~$100), UHF (~$300) and HF(~$4,000). Cost increases in that order but so does performance. If you can't justify the HF then consider carrying UHF (with scanning feature) to contact other travellers plus EPIRB for emergencies. 27 meg is not a serious solution if your life may depend on being abe to contact someone. (E)Definitely take 2 spare tyres. You should be carrying a bead breaker and tyre levers anyway. Having just the one spare wheel is a good way to save wieght especially if the spare wheel would be on the roof. Make sure you practice taking the tyre on and off a rim before you go.

I've got a 1996 Prado, and have fit a "chuck wagon" in the back. It is light weight, has fridge slide that can take the 40lt Engel, 6 plastic storage containers, a metal slide draw, and space for 2 20lt water containers. You need to take out the back seats though.
As for roof rack, I found the 80kg TJM full basket good, it has full length contact with the rain gutter on both sides of the car roof, that way you won't have localised high pressure points.

I live near the Simpson and go there as much as possible - work permitting - I have a 100 series L/Cruiser with two spare tyres, bead breaker and levers. I also have a Chuck Wagon that I can no longer do without! Definitely no roof rack - people have a problem overloading in the Desert I've noticed and fall over. UHF (Ch 10 in the Desert) so other people can tell you are cresting the dunes. Why are you choosing the Rig Road and which way are you travelling - west/east or east/west? What month are you travelling?
Give yourself plenty of days to enjoy the scenery and lots of nice camps at night. Enjoy the peace.
Happy travelling.

Ruth, We are doing the Simpson crossing in late June/July also and am interested in why you ask about going the Rig Road. We are looking at East to West and travelling on all 3, Rig, French and WAA line. What is your preference and why?

Guys,

What is a chuckwagon....? Some sort of storage system ?? Dumb question
but sounds like something out of a western !!

Cheers

Ruth is against a roof rack - I have one which is intended to carry my second spare wheel and nothing else- do you think this is too top heavy? Ruth als mentioned she would give track reports - is this the intention and will it be done via this forum?

I came across this recently I'm sure the bloke won't mind.
Its worth a look.
http://www.geocities.com/hay_dj/Patrol/StorageSystem/PatrolStorageSystem.html

Colin

Have you thought about a trailer for those light and long items ;-)