hello again... advice needed for setting up vehicle

[cameraguy]

Hi all, been a few months since I bought my Defender (02) and I'm loving it!
Thanks for the replies to my introduction a while ago.
I've had a few trips away and a few day trips closer to Melbourne (Wombat/Lerderderg) and the vehicle is certainly more capable than I ever expected.

So next trip is up to Lake Eyre in a couple of weeks time, I'm starting to prepare the essentials, however my budget is limited so rather than a wishlist I've compiled a list of things that are must haves (any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated).

- snatch strap & shackles
- UHF radio
- quality compressor
- spare fuel and water jerries
- maps!
- tyre repair kit
- sand ladders


I already have 2 batteries and a long range tank. The canoe will also be coming with us for a wee paddle (800mm in lake eyre south atm.)

it's been suggested to me that it's easier and safer to change a wheel using a small bottle jack under the axles (on a sturdy base) rather than jack up the whole car with a hi-lift? any thoughts?

Oh I almost forgot, can anyone recommend a good mechanic in the south east suburbs (I'm in Cheltenham) to give the car a once over before we leave. I did see mention of someone on here a while ago, however I can't seem to find the thread.

Thanks in advance..

[scrambler]

I'll be watching the replies more than answering, cameraguy, but will ask one question and give one tip.

Q: What type of driving are you looking at? Is this a cross-country expedition or following the beaten track?

Tip: DEFINITELY want an under-axle jack as the articulation will get freaky otherwise. BUT, from painful experience, don't go with a small bottle jack. I now have a cheap trolley jack of about 2 tonne capacity: you really do want the extra "throw" with the tall tyres. And take a decent lump of thick ply to go under it for soft conditions.

[Nathan]

Roverland in Ferntree Gully is good. I've tried a few over the years and I've been really happy with them. 95 Dorset Rd. 03 9758 5777.

[banjo]

G'day & welcome to the forum . . . . .:D

[big guy]

The trip it self is not challenging, there are also lots of people there atm.
My mate does security and did the top gear filming security there and there were campers everywhere, so much so that some of them became extras because it was easier to join them than to shift them.

Anyhow, I would suggest a airbag jack, they are great in sand and work a treat as long as engine is running.

Enjoy the trip mate.;)

[cameraguy]

I'll be watching the replies more than answering, cameraguy, but will ask one question and give one tip.

Q: What type of driving are you looking at? Is this a cross-country expedition or following the beaten track?

Tip: DEFINITELY want an under-axle jack as the articulation will get freaky otherwise. BUT, from painful experience, don't go with a small bottle jack. I now have a cheap trolley jack of about 2 tonne capacity: you really do want the extra "throw" with the tall tyres. And take a decent lump of thick ply to go under it for soft conditions.
thanks for your reply scrambler, we'll mostly be sticking to established tracks, but may venture off the beaten track. Having never been up there before I'm not really sure where we'll end up, guess I'll play it by ear and it will depend on any recommendations we receive from people we meet on the way.

Trolley jack it is then. I have one of those thick plywood bunnings trestle tables to put it on (cut down to fit in the 110 wagon)

cheers,

Pete

[cameraguy]

The trip it self is not challenging, there are also lots of people there atm.
My mate does security and did the top gear filming security there and there were campers everywhere, so much so that some of them became extras because it was easier to join them than to shift them.

Anyhow, I would suggest a airbag jack, they are great in sand and work a treat as long as engine is running.

Enjoy the trip mate.;)
Thanks Big Guy,
Campers? do you mean campervans? if that's the case maybe we should be taking the wife's Prius!! - not a chance.

Those airbag jacks aren't cheap and I worry about putting a hole in one. Think I'll go with scrambler's suggestion and take a trolley jack. We'll be spending some time in the Flinders Ranges too and from what I hear there can be some sharp rocks round those parts....

[bblaze]

punture repair kit, the ones that you stick a wad/worm into your tyre. I always carry one and have never used it, bettcha if I left it I would need it
cheers
blaze

[big guy]

Thanks Big Guy,
Campers? do you mean campervans? if that's the case maybe we should be taking the wife's Prius!! - not a chance.

Those airbag jacks aren't cheap and I worry about putting a hole in one. Think I'll go with scrambler's suggestion and take a trolley jack. We'll be spending some time in the Flinders Ranges too and from what I hear there can be some sharp rocks round those parts....

They are not cheap but light, easy to use, quick, great in sand and eliminate high lift jacks etc.
I never leave home without one.
For air bag, take a section of ply, some thick rubber and you will be laughing.
Great to get you out of ditches too as it will/can lift a car by 500-800mm.

Trolley jack is good too or alternatively, drop by Adelaide and I lend you mine on your way to the flinders. I have maps and most other gear you may need.
Rola 3/4 size roof racks you can borrow too if you like. Remember the spares you carry you never need.:p:p:p

[KarlB]

If you are doing the trip on a tight budget and you are not venturing off by your self, then you can go with out the sand ladders and the UHF. A decent tow rope is more important than a snatch strap but you should have both. An extra long tree trunk protector will also serve as a good tow rope. A couple of 1x2 metre strips of knitted shade cloth is a lot cheaper than sand ladders if you feel you mast have something. Low tyre pressure is your real friend if the going is soft. You must take a shovel.

Cheers
KarlB

[cameraguy]

thanks bblaze,
I had a look at those yesterday at arb. Murphy's law eh? I figure for the price it's an essential item, it's on the list.

Cheers for your input.

[cameraguy]

CHeers Karl,
well today I picked up a GME 3100 UHF, thankfully the vehicle already had all the wiring, the previous owner had just removed the radio and antenna. ARB have a promo on where the GME 3100 comes with a free antenna (a baby one) for $299. so far it seems to work well - I can hear all sorts of chatter from construction sites across town.

I hadn't considered the shadecloth as a budget sandladder, that'll save me a couple of hundred .

I guess when I say I'm on a budget I mean I can't afford a winch, crazy tyres, diff locks etc, having said that, the $200 individual items soon add up when you look at the growing list. I picked up a good compressor from autobarn today - all metal construction, 75l/min and looks to be built well with a 5yr warranty - not that a warranty is any good if the thing dies in the bush. sale price $169, $90 cheaper than the equivalent from ARB.

so the compact **** shovel will have to be replaced with a larger one from the shed, I was thinking that too.

Thanks for your reply :-)

[KarlB]

A long handled plumbers or tradsmans shovel is best (see Cyclone Industries (http://www.nrrbs.com.au/cyclonespades.htm)). You can buy a cheap equivalent that will more than do the job. The long handle is very helpful if you do need to use it in recovery and the smaller 'mouth' makes them ideal for digging those 'smaller' holes that you do on a daily basis.

Cheers
KarlB