Thread: D3, Towing, and Cape York

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

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. . .

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.

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.

Originally Posted by 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.

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?

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" good luck

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?

Swag & a couple of jerrys ?