Thread: First long haul in the 130 tdi

Have just returned from a trip across the Eyre Peninsula and the Nullabor. Things did not start well, had the wheel bearings replaced and all hollow mechanical bits topped up with fluid the day before our departure. On the hill climb home I noticed a brand new noise - not good. Failed turbo bearing. So back to garage for a "good" used turbo. Yes, I know it is unusual for a turbo to go on the 300tdi but the previous owner treated her mean.

My first concern was getting up our driveway with the 800kg load distributed between the roof rack and the canopy section as it has a measured 43 degree incline. Low range first and up she crawled hardly noticed the load. It was 4 AM and I planned to travel the 720km in one go. One stop for fuel and one for breakfast, arriving at Streaky Bay 10 hours later. All 4 occupants survived with reasonable humour - actually a most pleasant trip. Averaged 87km/hour and used 10.1l/100km despite the headwind, spare tyre on the bonnet(messes up aerodynamics?? What aerodynamics), large load on roofrack and masses of camping gear.

She performed beautifully over some really rough roads, especially heading over to Accraman Creek. Did however finally do the Bilsteins in - not total failure, just a bit too much bounce. I did let her down on one dune climb - not enough momentum and incorrect gear selection - as we were on our own, I backed down on trying again. Not smart to try and die in the middle of nowhere without a backup vehicle.

The journey home was a 16 hour haul with customary stops every 2 ( more like 5 hours). Did not skip a beat and I must confess that despite criticisms, I have felt more battered after a longhaul flight in economy seats. Have done the trip previously in the wife's Landcruiser and felt just as tired at the end of it. Why take the 130 when we have a quiet, comfortable Landcruiser - it just cannot carry the load we took - oh, and it used almost twice the fuel.

Awsome, roll on the 130s.