I haven't had much trouble getting work done, but each to his own, I suppose.
Printable View
I haven't had much trouble getting work done, but each to his own, I suppose.
I have absolutely No problems getting work done on my D2a in Geraldton either But once I head up north to the Kimberly's and the Gulf country all bets are off.
This is why I have made sure that everything is good to go on the truck and barring an accident I shouldn't need to get anything fixed when I am away, The D2a is "Future Proofed" [thumbsupbig]
I always have RAC roadside assist if anything goes "Pear Shaped" anyway [bigwhistle]
Future proofing I don't know about, but a few simple things can be done to improve your chances during remote area travel.
1. Get to know your car. What situations can cause problems. For example, my D1 has issues with bulldust getting into the door locks. So a pressure pack of dry lube is part of my kit.
2. If needed, get a diagnostic tool for your car and (importantly) learn to use it. Even if you can't fix something on the side of the road, knowing the problem can save you a lot of money.
3. Carry a copy of the workshop manual, paper or electronic (RAVE if it's applicable)
4. Top level membership of an auto club, for when things go really bad.
5. Membership of forums like this one, where you can benefit from the experience of others.
6. Phone and / or email details for known good parts suppliers (like Roverlord) that will ship anywhere, anytime.
7. Probably most important, get to know the limitations of the vehicle and tyres you have to work with.
I lived in the Territory for 25 years and the Pilbara for 8 years.
Land Rover ownership needed wisdom I carried all parts myself and did my own repairs
I visited Whyatt’s in Geraldton once every 12 months or so for the big things
Over this time I broke more Toyota’s than I did Land Rovers don’t live in the illusion that they carry parts apart from the basics.
Land Rover parts are cheaper In my experience and always readily available
The blank looks you get when asking someone about Land Rovers is amusing but Toyota’s are their daily bread
Did a trip a few years ago from Boorolloola to Roper Bar, worst corrugations I've ever been on.
Half way through the trip we came across a couple of cars on the side of the "road". A Prado was having trouble in that it could only go for 20 or so kms before it would stop, but go again a few minutes later.
The other vehicle happened to have a Toyota mechanic on board who had diagnosed it as a clogged fuel filter. The owner of the Prado didn't have a spare filter and after discussions with the mechanic he was advised that the nearest place for a new filter would be Darwin. Nothing available closer.
So his option was to drive, 20ks at a time, to Roper Bar. Set up camp, order a filter from Darwin, and spend 3 or so days fishing.
I carry a fuel filter with me at all times.
It doesn't matter what you drive, in "the bush", there are NO parts for anything!
Not carrying a spare fuel filter or air cleaner element when touring or heading out bush is pretty stupid, They take up bugger all room and are not that expensive and they will need to be changed at some stage anyway.
Not having a spare onboard is just terrible trip preparation and akin to not having a spare tyre.
Looks like the owner got 2 lies for the price of one.
A. Toyotas never fail to proceed.
B. Parts for any toyota are available anywhere you go.