D3 5000k trip.

**AnD3rew** · 16th July 2011, 07:26 PM

Just spent 2 weeks driving 5000 klm much of it in outback QLD and NSW. Did about 1500km of dirt including roads where we saw no other cars for 500ks or so. Did dirt, sand, bull dust, no roads at all on sheep stations, washouts, gullies, jump ups, grass above bonnet height, we fossicked for opals and fossils and found plenty of both, we dined at outback pubs saw tons of wildlife, beautiful colours, wonderful sunrises and sunsets, boiled the Billy in sandy riverbeds, saw amazing birds and some rare outback wetlands. It was magic.

The 2009 D3 TDV6 was flawless, never missed a beat and was never found wanting for capability.

A few comments
- next time I really need a proper bullbar, the Land Rover nudge bar gives no comfort at all when dodging a roo, an emu or a pig on average every 10 mins or so.
- The standard fuel tank is just too small for out there, I never actually got into trouble, but it is a pain having to take detours from your preferred route from time to time to guarantee fuel.
- The automatic suspension lowering is a PITA and either Land Rover or some aftermarket operator needs to add an over ride switch it is probably never a problem for UK Greenlaners, but there are tons of outback roads which you can easily do 80+ kph but you need the extra height for the hump in the middle, this needs to change.
- I pushed my luck with communications and got lucky, but mobile phones are just not enough and although Telstra has pretty good coverage on 3G (don't bother with Optus or Vodafone) there are plenty of places with none, need at least a high quality UHF with external aerial.
- The General Grabbers are now up to 35k km. They still have lots of tread and have done well in Mud, Sand, gravel spinifex and Tarmac. About 20 k of that has been town bitumen and 15k highway and dirt. Been very happy and will almost certainly replace with the same.
Did Sydney-Brisbane-Charleville-Winton-Quilpie-Hungerford-Bourke-Sydney wherever possible taking the non bitumen route from Charleville until Bourke.

**Graeme** · 16th July 2011, 07:44 PM

Originally Posted by AnD3rew

The automatic suspension lowering is a PITA and either Land Rover or some aftermarket operator needs to add an over ride switch it is probably never a problem for UK Greenlaners, but there are tons of outback roads which you can easily do 80+ kph but you need the extra height for the hump in the middle, this needs to change.

You might be interested in this thread...
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/verandah/1...d3-d4-rrs.html

**AnD3rew** · 16th July 2011, 07:53 PM

As it was a non camping trip, relatives or motels every night, and I didn't have time to prepare fully we ran on skeleton kit, but wanted to make sure as we were solo we could cover the basics on our own so we took the following kit. the car is standard apart from LR nudge Bar, LR side steps and General Grabber tyres.
- ARB magnum winch, with shackles, snatch straps, tree trunk protector.
- ARB portable compressor with gauge.
- basic tool kit including spanner set, socket set, screwdrivers, multi grips, pliers, electrical tape, wire strippers, spare fuses, file, rope, WD40.
- Can of tyre weld as only one spare tyre.
- 20 litre Jerry can of water
- first aid kit
- LED Maglite
- large hunting knife.
- hand held UHF radio (not really good enough)
- lighter
- Billy

**AnD3rew** · 16th July 2011, 08:06 PM

Originally Posted by Graeme

You might be interested in this thread...
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/verandah/1...d3-d4-rrs.html

Nice, what does this cost to get installed in Sydney?

**Graeme** · 16th July 2011, 08:13 PM

I don't know but a lot of people fit it themselves.

**oldsalt** · 16th July 2011, 08:20 PM

You could always try "shorter" suspension rods from GOE Australia - Land Rover D3 (LR3), D4 (LR4),FL2 and Range Rover Sport Training and info
or LR3 Lift Kit - Johnson Rods - Range Rover Sport Lift Kit .....
cheers
PS - any photos from your trip ???

**~Rich~** · 16th July 2011, 08:43 PM

Great sounding trip Andrew.

In regard to you suspension options,

Rods: it depends if you want the vehicle up 50mm all the time or muck around moving the rods position under your car. Access height will equal standard height.

LLAMS: Or have multiple choices -20mm, +30mm & +50mm which you can use at any speed you like.
Of course it also depends on how much you want to spent too!
LLAMS is easy to fit, I did the fitting instructions!

**AnD3rew** · 16th July 2011, 08:51 PM

Definitely don't want to mess around with rods, the switch option is a dream come true, I definitely want to get that.

**AnD3rew** · 16th July 2011, 08:52 PM

Originally Posted by oldsalt

You could always try "shorter" suspension rods from GOE Australia - Land Rover D3 (LR3), D4 (LR4),FL2 and Range Rover Sport Training and info
or LR3 Lift Kit - Johnson Rods - Range Rover Sport Lift Kit .....
cheers
PS - any photos from your trip ???

Never posted pics on this forum before, will muck around and see what I can do.

**TerryO** · 16th July 2011, 08:55 PM

I don't mind admitting your a braver man than me Andrew given your description of where you went with only basic communication equipment and limited fuel and water supplies.

Having said that it sounds like you had a great time and saw lots of very interesting things and places. ...

Photo's sound like a very good idea...

cheers,
Terry

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