D3, Towing, and Cape York

[Leroy_Riding]

So I have foolishly last minute agreed to follow one of my long time friends up Cape York in July this year, He is taking his Prado 150, as is his Father who is also going in a a Prado 150, and his future brother inlaw in a rusted out Hilux.

They have all be preparing for over a year now, with TJM winch bars, Winches, side rails, Kaymar rear bars and so forth, they have there roof top tents, and his Parents renting a TVan for the trip.

Then there is Me. . . 24 years old with a D3 S TDV6 slightly lifted on King heavy duty springs and slightly larger Tires with a bullbar and a Winch that has no brake. .

My camper trailer is far from finished, and currently has an Axle with Series 3 hubs on it from when I owned a defender.

So I have a lot of work to get done in the next 10 or so weeks.

where to start!?

Im thinking a RAI is probably the first cab off the rank to buy? but after that I would like to think my D3 is ready to go, obviously some storage system would make life easier but is no essential.

next big issue is, the Prado's carry 150L of diesel, I have 70L(stock tank). . . . Is a long range tank worth it? what kind of money is one going to cost me fitted? then if I get a long range tank, where to mount the spare? rear bars are expensive, mount it on the trailer?

which points me to the trailer, now it has a hard shell roof top tent ontop of it (alloy shell kind) which is not yet 'bolted down' so that's probably the first thing to do. but that's not the issue or question. its got defender bolt pattern so that needs to change, then once thats changed I need new wheels, what wheels do I get that are cheap, availible and will fit both the D3 and the trailer?

What is a D3 like towing offroad? Ive towed heaps with it onroad, but ever offroad. And will I be fine towing a trailer up the cape with a more or less stock D3?
The trailer fully loaded is only 500kgs

what have I got myself into!?

[PhilipA]

next big issue is, the Prado's carry 150L of diesel, I have 70L(stock tank). . . . Is a long range tank worth it? what kind of money is one going to cost me fitted? then if I get a long range tank, where to mount the spare? rear bars are expensive, mount it on the trailer?



There are plenty of fuel stops on Cape York but the further North you go the more you pay. But you would never save enough by fitting a long range tank to justify it.
I did it in my 91 RRC with my Camp'o'matic (1000kg loaded) a few years ago. I did not do the Southern part of the OTT as Palm creek was a major obstacle then, and a bloke on this forum in a D3 who I met at the creek also decided not to, as it was full of timber and the climb out very wet.

On the Northern OTT we got as far as the unnamed swamp before Nolans Brook and I turned back as it was up to my crutch for about 100 metres.
I only needed winching once which was the drop in/climb out to New? creek on the South side.
A D3 will do everything easily. The determining factor is how chopped up the entries exits are for places like Palm Creek. If you are in a group and have winches , as long as you are prepared to get very dirty and spend several hours winching and cursing and maybe get damage on and underneath you car from logs and crap that people stuff in the holes, go for it.

The day before I chickened at unnamed swamp , 8x200 cruisers were sunk on a tagalong in Nolans Brook If you are willing to potentially write off your car then go for it. Me , I would rather drive home.
Regards Philip A

[Leroy_Riding]

Thanks Phil,
I have no intention of damaging my vehicle! if it looks like that will happen ill be turning around and finding another way, (or parking my car up and getting in with one of my mates who is dumb enough to do it and return to my car later)

I'm thinking for the price of a Long range tank I can get a few Jerry cans bolted to my trailer. . .

[Redback]

Snorkle is a good idea, essential for all the crossings and dust you'll encounter, but a car bra will be fine also for the water crossings, you have a camper so rear storage is probably not that important, fuel is 85 usable litres not 70, throw a couple of jerries of diesel on the camper if you can, a good set of light truck AT tyres, a full service, and you'll be fine.

Air compressor, recovery gear are good additions and a good array of things like cable ties and so on.

Baz.

[Kieren]

I did the Cape last year in a Jeep Wrangler petrol, took two Jerrys and didn't need either of them, there is fuel everywhere and if you plan your side trips well you'll be fine.

Snorkel a must, you wouldn't also go a RTT? It could be pretty wet still in July and pulling a trailer through deep mud/water is a nightmare worth avoiding.

[Leroy_Riding]

I did the Cape last year in a Jeep Wrangler petrol, took two Jerrys and didn't need either of them, there is fuel everywhere and if you plan your side trips well you'll be fine.

Snorkel a must, you wouldn't also go a RTT? It could be pretty wet still in July and pulling a trailer through deep mud/water is a nightmare worth avoiding.

my roof tent is a bit big to actually go on the roof. . . and this is why I ask these questions, if Im better off fitting it to my roof (even though its big and heavy and will cause enormous amounts of drag) then ill look into it, I always thought towing a small trailer was better than loading your car right up?

[simmo]

Hi Leroy,

you have the winch, A winch without the brake working is hazard, I'd fix that, it sounds like it will come in handy.

What sort of winch is it a warn low mount? I have the brake assembly instructions if it is. They're fairly straight forward to over haul and the parts are reasonable cost and available mail order.

Storage system in the back would make a big difference, I sold the steel slide out draws and made my own out of plywood. I was surprised, I think the steel storage system in the back weighed more than 80 kgs. Also get the tie down points sorted out, there's aircraft style tie down tracks and ring connectors available at the ARB shop for reasonable cost.

Good advice was given on another thread "if in doubt chicken out":D good luck

[Leroy_Riding]

the winch is a bitsa, the issue is the gearbox Im using (2 speed) is designed to have a motor with brake, and the motor I am using is designed to have a gearbox with a brake. . .
its a Tigerz11 gearbox, and a ridge ryder motor from a 12000lb super cheap auto winch.

not sure if I can retro fit a brake?

[gofish]

Swag & a couple of jerrys ?

[Leroy_Riding]

Swag & a couple of jerrys ?

Ive been using a swag for 6 months now and am thoroughly sick of it, jsut like I got sick of nylon tents, hence the new purchased alloy hardshell camper box thingy.

but looks like Jerry cans will be the go for fuel storage

Leroy

[Redback]

Just a little tip before doing any of the water crossings, attach the recovery strap before you do the crossings, so basically put the strap on at the beggining of the OTT at Bramell Jct, this makes it easier and quicker to be recovered, if you do get stuck.

This is how you do water crossings
https://youtu.be/Tku2pInU-Yc

Baz.

[Canaussie]

Or like this
https://youtu.be/3sDySo9Qh6A

[scarry]

With two other vehicles i doubt you will need the winch.

I did the Tele track up and back twice in the D2,my son has done it another time in his Puma,all trips solo.No winch needed.

The most important thing is walk every crossing first.

Those vids in the previous posts,i have seen Nolans a lot deeper than that.We had to bypass it one year as it was 300mm over the bonnet of the D2.

Travel as light as possible,and fit a good set of LT's.

Two jerrys is the most you will need,even if you go to some of the out of the way places,particularly if towing.

Dunno about the D3,but i can only get around 76l usable out of the D4.

Have fun,it is a fantastic place:)

[Blknight.aus]

your 24...

traxide dbs
second battery
fridge
2 tarps mozzie net, sleeping bag and a pillow pegs rope
shovel
food
drinks
snatch strap and shackles
2 way

good to go.

I tend to go light on with food and beer but then I also carry a bunch of tools and drive a vehicle that tends to make people think that they can bribe me itno doing some emergancy repairs for them in exchange for a feed and a drink.

Its a good way to meet people and utterly worth it if you ever get the opportunity to drop a "Hi" into a conversation you've eves dropped on that you heard start with the phrase "we were stuck at X with a broken Y when this guy in a landy turned up out of the blue and asked if he could help"

[Leroy_Riding]

your 24...

traxide dbs
second battery
fridge
2 tarps mozzie net, sleeping bag and a pillow pegs rope
shovel
food
drinks
snatch strap and shackles
2 way

good to go.

I tend to go light on with food and beer but then I also carry a bunch of tools and drive a vehicle that tends to make people think that they can bribe me itno doing some emergancy repairs for them in exchange for a feed and a drink.

Its a good way to meet people and utterly worth it if you ever get the opportunity to drop a "Hi" into a conversation you've eves dropped on that you heard start with the phrase "we were stuck at X with a broken Y when this guy in a landy turned up out of the blue and asked if he could help"

25 In October, but yes 24 years old.

I've got a cheap DBS, not a traxide, I just bought my first house for myself so luxuries like traxide gear isn't really on the cards for me right now.
Ive got a Optima D34 under the bonnet in the factory second battery location, and some elcheapo 100ah deep cycle a mate gave me in the trailer.
MT45F engle in the D3 and MT32F Engle in the Trailer.
60W sollar pannel (bit small I know but it was free from a friend)

I always have an 8x6tarp in the D3 and a 8x12 Tarp in the Trailer (both the Silver heavy duty kind)

I may need a new shovel, my current 'shifting'(concreters) type shoved is useless for digging. . .


I think I have most of the Gear sorted, its more the un-nerving of being so 'un prepared' with only 10 odd weeks notice, and my Camper trailer still sitting more or less in bits to be put together. .

As far as Tires go, this might frustrate some people but Im running Sailun Terramax AT's they are LT tires but chinese, and I have been having great success with them, wear life is brilliant and traction is better than the contis I had on the Puma before.

Unfortunatley my best mate who is a Mechanic (owner of a D2, about to get himself a D3) will not be on this trip as he has a young daughter, and he and hif wife are building a house. there is however a mechanic apprentice on thee trip. . . from a jeep dealership. . . (the one driving the crappy old hilux) im not terribly mechanical myself, but i can fix my little 60's minis no problem, but the TDV6 is a beast i cant even begin to understand.

Leroy

[vogue]

How many people are traveling in the vehicle with you? if only one or two then ditch the trailer and enjoy the freedom.

[Leroy_Riding]

just me.. . But I like my comfort, my nice compfy trailer top camper, two fridges in the trailer, my solar is mounted to the trailer, I have 200ah of battery in the trailer. and going with toyotas, I'll probably have to take them in the D3 when there Prado can't make it ;)

[Blknight.aus]

with 2 other people going and hauling campers unless youve also got 2 kids with you nd your wife on the pasangers seat you're overprepping.

look at it this way. if all three vehicles have trailers and you lose a vehicle to break down you cant still continue the trip by cross loading the trailer and the passangers.

and nothing beats the ability of not having to mess around with the trailer in a recovery situation.

dont worry about your tyres the time of year you're looking like going, if the weather holds out Id do it in a series with HT rubber on it. Actually I'd do it in a series any time of the year.

[scarry]

just me.. . But I like my comfort, my nice compfy trailer top camper, two fridges in the trailer, my solar is mounted to the trailer, I have 200ah of battery in the trailer. and going with toyotas, I'll probably have to take them in the D3 when there Prado can't make it ;)

One trip i went with one of my brothers,four weeks,the tent didn't get used.We carted it up and back for nothing.We just rolled out the camping mattresses on a tarp, under the stars.Fantastic.
One 29litre fridge was enough as well.

Each to their own,maybe have a think about going a bit lighter,as others have said.Without the camper trailer you will have one thing less to worry about,and save a heap of fuel as well.

[carlschmid2002]

I bought a D3 with a long range tank but they are very expensive. Mine is also a V8 so I need it. The problem with a LR tank is you also have to fork out for a rear wheel carrier. Very expensive. If you want to carry extra fuel look at a Boab tank that can be fitted in the floor in the rear seats footwell or a flat tank that can be placed on the floor. I agree with Blacknight, ditch the trailer and sleep on the roof or in the back. One bit of advice a mate gave me recently after returning was get a good roof rack that has a flat floor. He carried an Oz tent on two rails and it rubbed through. If the winch is too expensive to fix, get a Tirfor hand winch. Make sure you carry a Hilift. If you intend to go off the track a bit get an EPIRB. I work with helicopters. More reliable than a Sat Phone and we can always find you. They only cost about $300. If you pass through Townsville and need anything give me a yell. If you want some help in Cairns contact Jorge Martins through the Land Rover Owners Club in Cairns. Have fun.

[Steve223]

Why would you take a trailer to the Cap if by yourself? Get a stretcher or quick tent and save yourself the hassle. You can get steel dynamic rims had them on my D3. Towed our camper trailer 4000ks outback NSW and QLD D3 tows well but still prefer having no trailer on the back.

[Piddler]

Why would you take a trailer to the Cap if by yourself? Get a stretcher or quick tent and save yourself the hassle. You can get steel dynamic rims had them on my D3. Towed our camper trailer 4000ks outback NSW and QLD D3 tows well but still prefer having no trailer on the back.


Swag or sleep in the back for me every time

Cheers

[rar110]

I agree. I would swag it on a tarp, and take one fridge & 2 jerrys. Travel light. Less fuel and pressure on the car. I'm struggling to see how the trailer can be so light fully loaded, but strong enough to deal with corrugations. A RTT weighs about 50kg plus frame. From memory my Track trailer is 450kg empty.

[Leroy_Riding]

I agree. I would swag it on a tarp, and take one fridge & 2 jerrys. Travel light. Less fuel and pressure on the car. I'm struggling to see how the trailer can be so light fully loaded, but strong enough to deal with corrugations. A RTT weighs about 50kg plus frame. From memory my Track trailer is 450kg empty.


My trailer is a Series 3 SWB tub on a Suzuki sierra Chassis (100x50x2 RHS) with Alloy box on the Draw Bar, weighs around 165kgs empty my roof top tent is an alloy hard shell and weighs 40something so say 50 to be fair.

its not a real 'Camper' trailer its a very tiny trailer I built myself with a alloy hard shell camper thing ontop of it (basically like a hard shell rooof top tent but hinges on one side, and opens up 45deg)

Ill add a little more information about the trip, other than me the only other person towing is my friends elderly parents who are towing the rented Van, the guy in the Hilux only has a small tray and his girlfriend with him, my mate in his prado is a bit of a moron, but has his car so fully loaded with 'gear' (i.e. a rear draw system that weighs nearly 200kgs empty! and fits jack all into it because its such thick plywood and steel) they have all asked that I carry gear for them all as-well, so in my trailer will be everyone elses gear that they cannot fit (pretty sure I am getting the short end of the stick!) but If It means I get to go, Ill take there crap because I want to go.
and I do like my comfort, Id rather use extra fuel and have my nice comfortable camper top then the swag Ive hated for the past 6 months, (personally I dont know how people like them so much! I've used mine fro 6 months thinking ti would grow on me. . . the opposite!)

I see more advantages in the trailer anyway, as we are going to stay some place for a few days (dont know where, they have the trip planned im jsut tagging along) and I can lock my trailer down at 'camp' and take the car easily, i never feel comfortable leaving my camp site anywhere I go, had way to much gear stolen over the years, so if I leave my camp site unattended I always lock everything up or pack it back in the car and leave and empty tent and gazebo at my site so there is nothing to steal, but the site is still 'claimed' while I am out for the day. . . guess I'm just strange though. but we are not all without our own quirks.

by keeping my car emptyish though It keeps room for others if they break down, to come with me, if I break down though, ill be strugling to get a seat due to how the other cars are setup. my mates parents will have the only spare seats other than me!

maybe i need a better group of people to go with -_-

Thanks for all the good advice! Ill definatley take a lot on board, though I will still be towing my trailer.

Leroy

[Redback]

We towed a camper to the Cape, never had an issue with any downsides with towing and our camper is 1.5t.

In fact our camper goes everywhere with us, no matter where we go, never had any issues regarding fuel economy, holding anyone up or where it can or can't go, and on some occasions I've had to unhook the camper to recover people, have I been stuck, yes, but others without a camper have been stuck also.

Towing your camper will be fine Leroy, the perants with the van though, that's a different story, it will be the Developement road for them in most cases, although being a rental, are they even allowed to go on dirt roads.

Baz.

[Leroy_Riding]

the perants with the van though, that's a different story, it will be the Developement road for them in most cases, although being a rental, are they even allowd to go on dirt roads.

Baz.

Its not a full Van, its a TVan or the Kimberly camper hard floor, they have not decided yet, aparently its a company the rents them for the purpose off offroad use? im not 100% sure as it really hasnt got anything to do with me as they arent my parents lol, but they are family friends. but I still think you may be right, development road for some parts for them, as they have a stock Prado, and plan to run up there on the stock Dunlops I am told (by my mate, not by them themselves though)

Leroy.

[Redback]

Its not a full Van, its a TVan or the Kimberly camper hard floor, they have not decided yet, aparently its a company the rents them for the purpose off offroad use? im not 100% sure as it really hasnt got anything to do with me as they arent my parents lol, but they are family friends. but I still think you may be right, development road for some parts for them, as they have a stock Prado, and plan to run up there on the stock Dunlops I am told (by my mate, not by them themselves though)

Leroy.

Actually the stock Dunlops and a stock car would be OK on the OTT, as it's mostly sand, the Developement road on the other hand is gravel with lots of corrigations and will be worse of the tyres, but there would be more chance of panel damage to either the camper and car on the OTT, because of the nature of the track, we had a stock Disco 2 along with us when we did the Cape, it handled it well, you just need to take it easy and have others guide them through the tight spots and it will be fine.

The other thing is; don't let people pressure anyone into anything you don't want to do.

Baz.