Spares for Cape Trip

[Canaussie]

Ill be going away next June/July up to the top end with a couple of other families with toyotas..... Boooo the toyotas.
I'm curious what would be recommended as a critical spares list.

Cheers Billy


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[Drover]

Sat phone - VISA card

And full service before you leave.

[d3syd]

After two trips to the Cape, I wouldn't leave home without these: Air compressor, tyre repair kit, snatch strap, spare bottle jack (because the sissor jack in the D3 is useless), a set of maxtraxs or similar, tarp for creek crossings, full tool kit, some fencing wire, gaffa tape, spare engine oil, knead it multi purpose epoxy putty.

Give you car a thorough going over before you leave and address any mechanical parts that are showing wear, as the corrugations up there could fininsh off partially worn bits. I got my local dealer to replace my steering bushes before I went up as they were partially worn.

The Cape is not that isolated a place, so if you breakdown you won't be stranded for life threatening periods, someone will come along sooner or later.... it'll just be inconvenient that's all.

[TDV6]

Think about taking a diagnostic and fault removal tool like "Hawkeye" cost around $600 and there are threads on the bottle jack (mine starts at approx 220mm and raises to 550mm), re tyre repair, get one with solid metal handle so it wont brake and drive spear back up through your hand.

If you can, get some light truck tyres fitted, I have a spare set on 17" rims for the rough stuff.

Get a good camera with decent movie function to capture the memorable bits.

Prepare to have fun.

:) :) Ryall :) :)

[scarry]

I took similar to D3syd,less the maxtraxs.

Tyres may be an issue, if you haven't got LT's,take two spares at least,or one spare & a carcase.Two jerrys of fuel should be enough if yours is a diesel.

I would also take a spare air filter,two if you don't have a snorkel,and a fuel filter.

The other thing is pack as light as you can,this is VERY important.

A good complete check over the vehicle is also absolutely critical.Do it yourself then you know it is done properly.Look for anything that could rub through,engine hoses,wiring,air lines,etc,etc.If the D3 is anything like my D4,you will have to remove all the factory bash plates & use a torch to check everything.Also look for anything that is weeping fluid.

I did two long trips up there in the D2,never had one problem,didn't even change a tyre(had LT tyres)fantastic place,have a great trip.:)

[Nomad9]

Hi There,
I always take a bit of oil, couple of filters, serpentine belt and despite needing to be a heart surgeon to install it I would consider a fuel pump belt kit (diesel), doesn't take up much room. Depending on klms it might be worth getting the fuel pump belt changed anyway.
Based on recent experience if yours is a diesel I would also consider a water outlet housing. Quite changeable and about $30 cheap insurance. Even if you call someone to assist if you have a few bits this can sometimes help fix things.
Don't leave your best spanners / tools at home in case you lose them and leave the crappy ones in the car. Take the good spanners and screw drivers with you, good quality tools are worth their weight in gold. Take a hammer, cable ties, petrol resistant paste, soap will do if you are stuck, gaffa tape a new roll. A head light with lithium batteries in it.
Take someone who knows what the "boing" noise is emitting from the dashboard until you figure it out yourself. Nothing worse than being asked while you are trying to figure it out............
Good pliers, fuses that fit this vehicle not the ones that fitted the car you had ten years ago. Some scotchlocks for joining wires. Spare set of wheel nuts. A good jack as mentioned earlier.
All else fails some water a prayer mat and a good tent............... oh and a box of matches....

[CaverD3]

Agree with the water housing, plastic and can warp and fail easily, cheap to buy and easy to replace.

[Canaussie]

Thanks for all your replys!

Cheers

Billy


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[komodo]

My advice - take less. More gear you take the more weight you carry the more weight you carry the more likely things are going to go wrong.
June/july is holiday season and its like a highway up there cars everywhere. Help isn't going to be far away.
Learn how to opperate your vehicle.
Look into your camping permits. There is plenty of free camping up there but that time of year you might be wise to check out paid options to ensure a spot.
Not sure if Bramwell holiday park will be opperating next season as the couple who've been running it for the station past few years are leaving end of this season. Bramwell roadhouse will still be opperating a campground though. Check out the photos on the tables on the verhanda. Some big spills have occured on the track over the years.
OTT isn't that hard, Palm creek was a bit of a shock but easy enough once I got over my initial shock. Watch for nolans brook though and don't let logan creek crossing boost your confidence as nolans is a whole other ball game. If you get stuck in Nolans and kill the car its $3500 and 3 days back to cairns on the ferry. Gunshot this year was easy I dropped the eastern side bank without a hassle. Chicken track on the west side IMO is more hairy.
Frenchmans you can expect panel damage if you're not careful.
Don't forget to go to the lions den on your way up - good excuse to do CREB or at least bloomfield.
Make sure you visit the croc tent for the best map up that way.
HEAPS to see take you time have fun and my advise grab a water proof or "tough" camera and get snaps at the swimming falls. Some of my best memories of my trip.

[Canaussie]

Thanks komoda, I hope I won't have to use this ferry service. And great advice. There is a great trip report on my swag at the moment from gclan and the misadventure crew, worth a read and very pic heavy, but dramas dramas


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[Redback]

Thanks komoda, I hope I won't have to use this ferry service. And great advice. There is a great trip report on my swag at the moment from gclan and the misadventure crew, worth a read and very pic heavy, but dramas dramas


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Read Dullbirds cape report on here Billy, they had no dramas, Discowhites D4 was perfect the whole trip.

Sat phone would be a must I reckon, diagnostic gear(Hawkeye, Faultmate) and extra spare wheel, spare air filter, oil filter, fuel filter, the major hoses, radiator/intercooler.

Baz.

[d3syd]

Probably the best piece of advice for the OTT is to walk EVERY creek crossing to determine the best route. Get a mate/spouse to stand in the creek to mark obstacles/drop-offs if necessary.

Nolans can be hairy, but pick your route and you should be fine. Did it in my bog standard D3 with no snorkle.

[Judo]

Probably the best piece of advice for the OTT is to walk EVERY creek crossing to determine the best route. Get a mate/spouse to stand in the creek to mark obstacles/drop-offs if necessary.

Nolans can be hairy, but pick your route and you should be fine. Did it in my bog standard D3 with no snorkle.
I won't profess to be an expert, but I think this is solid advice. My dad has a defender that's done the cape twice without a snorkel or any mods...... it is a defender tho. ;)

[Steve223]

after the blown turbo hose I had on my D3 I would also suggest to either get a silicon hose before your trip or carry a spare.

cheers

[Canaussie]

Thanks to all, this is great and invaluable advice.

I will get some of this stuff together:D

Cheers

Billy

[~Rich~]

after the blown turbo hose I had on my D3 I would also suggest to either get a silicon hose before your trip or carry a spare.

cheers

I wouldn't - just ensure you get this and the other intercooler hoses / radiator hoses checked out prior to the trip.

Carry some "Rescue Tape" for emergency repairs.
Rescue Tape - Fix It All with Silicone Rescue Tape (http://www.rescuetapeaustralia.com.au/)

Make sure your serpentine belt is in good shape too.

[Steve223]

Hm had pre trip inspection done and was told all hoses are good 5k's later turbo hose blew, I paid less then $150 for silicon hose incl shipping from the UK so reasonably cheap preventative measure

[scarry]

Probably the best piece of advice for the OTT is to walk EVERY creek crossing to determine the best route.

Nolans can be hairy, but pick your route and you should be fine. Did it in my bog standard D3 with no snorkle.

This is VERY important,walk every crossing first.

As for Nolans,i got there one year in the D2,and the water was 300mm above the bonnet,so we had to go around,same year Palm was bonnet level but just doable.Following year,we did both crossings easily.
Good luck

[discojools]

G'day Billy,
Some people including Gordon at GEO recommend taking spare front and rear wheel speed sensors on big trips. I have one of each for sale in the AULRO market section under the drivetrain subsection..
Let me know of any interest.
Did Cape trip a few years ago... Definitely have a look at Lakefield Nat Park. Much quieter than the Cape if you wanna get away from the crowds.

Jools

[discotwinturbo]

Jools....did you mean the height sensors ? I have some notes from my GOE seminar stating to take a spare height sensor front and rear for remote trips.

Maybe I should have both ?

Brett....

[roamer]

Just take a tow rope , you are with a couple of Toyota's
They will tow you back home :angel:

[Judo]

Just take a tow rope , you are with a couple of Toyota's
They will tow you back home :angel:
I think you got that round the wrong way? :angel:

[lochie]

G'day Canaussie.I would recommend having paid up roadside assistance as well as the advised spares.I had mechanical problems on my first trip up to the Cape and had to call on the RACV total care.The RACV in conjunction with the RACQ were absolutely a godsend ,they sorted what was needed.I have no affiliation with either organisation.The trip is worth it but be prepared that some of the driving skills ,attitude combined with ''Its all about me'' leave alot to be desired.Every trip up there is a personal adventure ,have a safe and enjoyable journey. Cheers Lochie

[BobD]

I did the trip in my 2010 D4 3l SE in September this year including the Great Central Road from Perth, Plenty Highway and Kennedy Development Road. We did the Bloomfield Track and Lakefield National Park and returned via Kununurra and Broome, 14,000km in all in 4 weeks. We chickened out on Nolans due to reports of chest deep water from other travellors and the Toyotas with us were scared of water. We did some of the Frenchmans track but the Toyotas wouldn't cross the deep water at the Pascoe River crossing, which has a very steep, rocky entry and exit and deep water with lots of rocks. I would have done it but they thought they would get stuck so we had to turn round and retrace our route.

We took all the spares recommended in the GOE hand book, inluding the GOE emergency suspension inflation kit and a diagnostic tool. Didn't need any of it but my starter motor failed one week after returning to Perth as per my separate post. If it had failed on the trip it would have been a disaster as no starter motor is a show stopper in an auto car. The filler flap also jammed at the worst possible time at Docker River roadhouse but thankfully opened after 5 minutes of trying and didn't give any more trouble on the trip. I did spray the catch with CRC as it was full of dust.

Bob

[discotwinturbo]

I did the trip in my 2010 D4 3l SE in September this year including the Great Central Road from Perth, Plenty Highway and Kennedy Development Road. We did the Bloomfield Track and Lakefield National Park and returned via Kununurra and Broome, 14,000km in all in 4 weeks. We chickened out on Nolans due to reports of chest deep water from other travellors and the Toyotas with us were scared of water. We did some of the Frenchmans track but the Toyotas wouldn't cross the deep water at the Pascoe River crossing, which has a very steep, rocky entry and exit and deep water with lots of rocks. I would have done it but they thought they would get stuck so we had to turn round and retrace our route.

We took all the spares recommended in the GOE hand book, inluding the GOE emergency suspension inflation kit and a diagnostic tool. Didn't need any of it but my starter motor failed one week after returning to Perth as per my separate post. If it had failed on the trip it would have been a disaster as no starter motor is a show stopper in an auto car. The filler flap also jammed at the worst possible time at Docker River roadhouse but thankfully opened after 5 minutes of trying and didn't give any more trouble on the trip. I did spray the catch with CRC as it was full of dust.

Bob

That sounds a long time in the saddle...which is easy to do in the Disco.

Brett.....

[komodo]

Problem with nolans is the same issue with the jardine - its not the depth its the sandy base.
I got stuck in Nolans in a TD42T '01 GU-II with 4" of spring lift and 285/75R16 MT MTZs
My issue was driver error (my own inexperiance and over confidence caught up to me) running WAY too much pressure in the rubber and not sticking as closely to my intended line as I should have.
I used a tarp over the front of the vehicle for the first time ever and its the last time I'll ever do it as IMO thats what caused me to get stuck (I got distracted by it coming up and forgot to hug the bank).
I had water over the centre console (that water was over the bonnet at the deepest section - lucky I didn't get stuck there as thats deep when you've got 4" of lift!). My tyres dug me in so that my axles were sitting on the bottom. It was a massive single line pull to get me out (hind sight should have used a snatch block).
I travel solo so I was prepared to get myself out. But many others haven't been so prepared.
After I did it my wife and I went for a swim in the water hole (yeah yeah I know theres crocs) whilst we waited for the water to drain out the car and another two groups arrived from both sides. They helped one another across by placing people as markers and having snatch straps ready. However the straps were never used and one of the vehicles that crossed was a bog stock colorado.

Like I say my undoing was my failing to stick to my line. Even with the high tyre pressure I would have been fine (though I may still have got stuck it would have been in a lot shallower section).

Next time I head up I'm going to give the old jardine crossing a go.

Air filters are a good idea the main roads will flog out air filters especially in convoy. I'd advise a prefilter if running a snorkle.

I ran into a few mechanical issues. I dropped my tierod 3 times - I eventually fixed it with my missus nail polish as a thread locker.
I snapped a shock at the bottom end pin mount - manufacturer fault. I got it welded by Dick at Bramwell station and kept going.
Then I snapped an aftermarket swaybar disconnect - probably my fault for not disconnecting before coming through the rock section before logan creek combined with running a superior super flexy radius arm with drop boxes.

I limped home on my clutch (its a long way back to melbourne on a slipping clutch) because of the water ingress.
Since getting home my starter has failed due to getting swamped at nolans.
I've also got to over haul my swivel hubs and king ping bearings as the drivers side is rooted and its got a shocking vibration at 80-100KPH. Lucky its just a weekender at the moment.

I also picked up some really bad fuel somewhere (I think at the ferry) and had to have my injector pump cleaned out by cairns diesel (two thumbs up for these guys!)

I wouldn't have any hesitation taking my D3 to do the trip. But ive got a patrol thats setup so the disco stayed home.

But thats all part of the fun and the adventure.
My trip was my honeymoon and my wife and I had an absolute ball!

Oh and a little off topic we went with a hannibal 1.8mtr roof top tent (originally sold to me by justin burton). Best investment ever. There is no comparison between these tents and the ebay/arb/made in china garbage out there. We had a few travellers in cheaper tents check ours out and make comment on how much better made it is. It stayed cool, dark with every thing shut and light with windows/doors open and most importantly dry. Plus being up off the ground gave a high "WAF".

[d3syd]

I used a tarp over the front of the vehicle for the first time ever and its the last time I'll ever do it as IMO thats what caused me to get stuck (I got distracted by it coming up and forgot to hug the bank).

After I did it my wife and I went for a swim in the water hole (yeah yeah I know theres crocs) whilst we waited for the water to drain out the car and another two groups arrived from both sides. They helped one another across by placing people as markers and having snatch straps ready. However the straps were never used and one of the vehicles that crossed was a bog stock colorado.

Like I say my undoing was my failing to stick to my line. Even with the high tyre pressure I would have been fine (though I may still have got stuck it would have been in a lot shallower section).

Next time I head up I'm going to give the old jardine crossing a go.



I didn't use a tarp when I crossed either, but did get my mate to stand in the creek to mark a deep hole. I also ran normal tyre pressures. As you have said, the critical thing is to map out your route and stick to it.:)

I think you are pretty safe from Crocs in Nolans, different story for the Jardine Crossing though. Personally I wouldn't attempt it, firstly the crossing is a lot longer, and more importantly there have been several confirmed crocs attacks there. Bugger having to walk the crossing and stand in there as a marker:eek:..... a nasty lizard could end up ruining your holiday:(!

[scarry]

They are definitely in the Jardine,we camped near the north end of the old crossing for a couple of days.
A fantastic spot & saw a couple of 3 to 4m long crocs.At night they sort of cruise up & down obviously they have their own territories.We watched them in the light of a spotlight.

One actually came out of the water one night to have a look at a piece of rubbish that had been left by another camper.We saw it come out of the water,but didn't know why until we had a good look at the crocs tracks in the morning.It had come within 50m of our tent during the night.

As we had seen it out of the water,earlier in the night,we slept in the car that night.

That is sort of slept,difficult in a D2 with a cargo barrier.


As for Nolans,it had a deep hole in the middle & slightly left going north.If you hug the right side (going north) you will be OK.Many don't walk it & drive into the hole & get crossed up.Or they hit it at speed & put the fan into the radiator.This is easily done in both TD5 & LC100.


As i have said it is absolutely critical you walk every crossing.None of the creeks on the OTT have crocs in them,even the Pasco crossing would have no crocs.The larger rivers would have them,as said, such as the Jardine.

I didn't walk a half meter deep creek while looking for the old crossing,got crossed up & had to winch ourselves out.It was the only crossing we did not walk on both our Cape trips.:(

And as for vehicles,the D2 did two long trips up there,up & back on the OTT,never missed a beat,didn't even change a tyre.

[bbyer]

As I have said, it is absolutely critical you walk every crossing.

I didn't walk a half meter deep creek while looking for the old crossing, got crossed up & had to winch ourselves out. It was the only crossing we did not walk on both our Cape trips.:( You guys have different problems than we do here in Western Canada - usually it is a bit of mud and maybe a bear or a moose. In the rutting season, a moose can be a hazard to a vehicle as they will charge them head on - and the moose usually wins. A bear usually runs the other way except in the spring when they are hungry or have their offspring about; they ignore the vehicle - it is you they are after. In both situations, while you cannot out run them, at least you can see them coming. This croc concern you mention - not my idea of fun but sure ups the adventure quotient - do you feel lucky today would be the question?

[Canaussie]

You guys have different problems than we do here in Western Canada - usually it is a bit of mud and maybe a bear or a moose. In the rutting season, a moose can be a hazard to a vehicle as they will charge them head on - and the moose usually wins. A bear usually runs the other way except in the spring when they are hungry or have their offspring about; they ignore the vehicle - it is you they are after. In both situations, while you cannot out run them, at least you can see them coming. This croc concern you mention - not my idea of fun but sure ups the adventure quotient - do you feel lucky today would be the question?

Where in western Canada are ya? I'm from Canmore AB originally but not permanently settled in Queensland, Australia. Oh how I miss a good moose, bear or any Canadian wildlife sighting

Cheers billy


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[bbyer]

I live in Edmonton, about the middle of the Province as you know. Canmore, you must as well, miss the Rocky Mountains a few miles to the West of town.

A few years back, I spent a bit of time in Queensland, mostly Brisbane and north - quite enjoyed both it and the people. To the West, Toowoomba is nice but once on the Darling Downs, it is a bit too flat for me - did not see any crocs - just roos - seemed like cute little fellas hopping about.

[slug_burner]

I live in Edmonton, about the middle of the Province as you know. Canmore, you must as well, miss the Rocky Mountains a few miles to the West of town.

A few years back, I spent a bit of time in Queensland, mostly Brisbane and north - quite enjoyed both it and the people. To the West, Toowoomba is nice but once on the Darling Downs, it is a bit too flat for me - did not see any crocs - just roos - seemed like cute little fellas hopping about.

If you come from AB I would think nothing could be too flat. I lived in Calgary and other than the Rockies the prairies are not totally flat but close to. The drive to Medicine Hat didn't have too many hills.

Canmore would have to be one of my favourite places for taking the dogs for a walk, Spray Lakes.

[Canaussie]

Ya the Spray lakes are beautiful, I use to fly for the local helicopter company there, Alpine Helicopters, used to fly over the spray everyday!!!


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[bbyer]

Yes, the drive to Medicine Hat can be educational, particularily when a breeze is blowing thru the Crowsnest Pass sweeping semi trailer tractor units off the not so pristine roads, but no hills, well not much of anything.

The jpg on the left taken near Banff is probably what you remember; the one on the right is what I am looking at these days. Medicine Hat is somewhere ahead.

[Razza's Rangie]

Hi Mate,

Your best bet is to call Rene at 'The Landy Center' in cairns, he knows theses cars backwards, he owns a D3. His knowledge is amazing and he will put you on the right track for spares to take and drop in and grab them of him before you leave cairns so your not carrying the weight!!

Cheers
Ryan