My $3.95 bra

[Vesko]

It takes about 47 sec. to attach on the front and as much time to pack it back into the side pocket of the passenger door.

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Not tested yet unfortunately. I wander if it works?

[synthium]

I know many people who have used a tarp as you have for water crossings. I'm sure it will work. And just as importantly - it was cheap ;)

[sheerluck]

You may want to beef up some of your straps and fixings. In a water crossing, there is a lot of pressure generated, you might lose your bargain bra if you're not careful. ;)

[Bookleaf]

The side pocket of the door may be OK when the tarp is dry, but not when it all wet and muddy after use. May need to find a better storage place.
Otherwise - looks great

[Vesko]

The side pocket of the door may be OK when the tarp is dry, but not when it all wet and muddy after use. May need to find a better storage place.
Otherwise - looks great

Ops! I should pack it in a nice large plastic bag then. :)

[Meken]

Yeah extra attachments sounds like a good idea - you wouldn't want the tarp to end up under the front wheels in the middle of a crossing.

[Didge]

Good on ya Vesko, I think far too many people get sucked in to buying all the "must have/ necessary" accessories by the aftermarket industry that is probably larger than the car manufacturing side of things. cheaper and takes up less space.

[FeatherWeightDriver]

^^^ what they said :cool:

Where you attach the tarp at the top, maybe put the fold under rather than over the main bit of the trap, otherwise it looks like it may catch water and that usually doesn't end well ;)

[Blknight.aus]

best storage space for it is inside the spare tyre.

I used the same bra for my last cape trip...

Ignore the people who say it will come out muddy. If its muddy when you come out once youve stopped to untarp simply walk the few meters back down to the crossing and wash it out., Typically my tarp was cleaner after a crossing than before.

[Roverlord off road spares]

The AHHH Bra, never seen it in that colour, :D usually skin tone and free White and black.
Ill have to check the next TV ad .:D:D:D

[Vesko]

I’ve made a few improvements to my $3.95 bra, which is no longer $3.95 – a couple of cheap carabineers add a few more dollars, but I am happy with the result.


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[RIN03]

so should we expect to see these commercially available in the yew year :)

[mikehzz]

Hey Vesko, are we testing it in the High Country between Xmas and New Year? I'm only good for a few days but I can pick which days.

[Vesko]

so should we expect to see these commercially available in the yew year :)

Yea, that's a viable commercial opportunity ;)

[Vesko]

Hey Vesko, are we testing it in the High Country between Xmas and New Year? I'm only good for a few days but I can pick which days.

Hi Mike, that’s the plan. I will have four days (setting off on 26 Dec) to get to Melbourne.

I am a bit confused; the High Country doesn’t look straight forward. I am reading the Atlas & Guide with its 25 Top 4WD Trips and cannot decide which of them are suitable/possible for my Landie (and my experience). The first day I will probably drive to Tom Groggin campground and the next day if it is dry I will attempt to get to Omeo. Then I don’t know, probably zigzagging the easier drives around, until I get to Melbourne on 30 Dec to meet my wife there for the New Year party.

I’ll be happy if we meet somewhere. Let me know and let’s hope it doesn’t rain.

[mikehzz]

My plan was Tom Groggin, Mt Pinibar, Mt Blue Rag, South Basalt track to Talbotville, then some river crossings to Billy Goats Bluff and the Pinnacles Fire Tower, then across through Wonnangatta and Craigs Hut to Mansfield and back out onto the freeway. I'll be in the FL2 as well, the Jeep needs new tyres. I've done a lot of it before in either the Freelander or the Jeep. If it rains we'll be stuck at the bottom of a gully somewhere in our short arsed cars. :D There will be under belly bruising on some of the tracks like Billy Goats, but ok if taken slow. You can bale out onto normal dirt roads all over the place if you get uncomfortable. Make sure you have brake linings, the HDC will be working overtime.

[mikehzz]

Update, Santa is bringing new tyres for the Jeep so the FL2 is staying home. :)

[Vesko]

Hey Mike, I’m glad Christmas came early for you. :D
I looked at the places in your plan. They are all wonderful, so much to see, but they all come with a warning: “very steep!” and “not for the unexperienced drivers”. They even mention that Billy Goat Bluff is one of the steepest tracks in the state. This got me anxious, as I am not of the bravest types. I wouldn’t even dare climb Mt Pinibar, so I'll probably take it easy. :)
I guess any route between Tom Groggin and Omeo will have “very steep!” sections (unless driving around through Corryong). We’ll see.

[mikehzz]

From Tom Groggin to Omeo you either go via Davies Plain or near Mt Pinibar although you don't have to go up the mountain itself. If you go through Davies Plain the track is very steep in parts of McCarthy's or Limestone Creek. I did it last year in the Freelander. I know we both usually travel solo but I would advise travelling with someone on these tracks especially in the Freelander.
Billy Goats is quite steep but what makes it more of a challenge is how long it goes. It seems like around 10kms of solid climbing although the track really isn't that bad, there are a few rocky sections that can catch the bottom of the car. The Freelander will get a temperature warning on the transmission for sure in summer time.
If you want scenic and easy then the roads between Omeo and Dargo or Omeo, Mt Hotham and Dargo are good. To test the bra you could drive from Dargo to Talbotville camp grounds following the river. You cross it quite a few times from memory. Talbotville is a pretty camping area but probably chock full at that time.

[Vesko]

Hey Mike, straight to the point as usual. :)
I’d like to thank you for all the good advice I learned from you. Merry Christmas man! See you on 26th.

[mikehzz]

Vesko, just a thought, if you want a days practice on steep tracks without risk of any damage, then a little detour into the Brindabellas near Canberra is worth it. The run from Mt Cooree to McIntyres Hut has some pretty steep stuff similar to what you will get in the High Country. The camping is good down at the hut as well and the view from Mt Cooree is awesome.

PS I should say I will lead you through it if you like?