Thread: Setting up D4 with the lot!

Originally Posted by WabiSabi

Yeah got the APT rock sliders on the list there.

Cheers

Sorry missed that. Another vote for the Falkens. I'm really impressed so far.

Originally Posted by gofish

Sorry missed that. Another vote for the Falkens. I'm really impressed so far.

Ok Falkens are in the lead! Thanks

Hi

I am offering these thoughts as constructive and pragmatic considerations.

Watch your rear axle loading in particular with all that gear. The weight on your towball, for starters, translates to about one third more on your rear axle. i.e. 150kg on the ball will mean about 220kg on the rear axle. With all the gear you’re talking about my hunch is you’ll be quite a bit over on your rear axle. (Ask me how I know)

I struggle with the rationale for a long range tank…. There are very few circumstances where I haven’t been able to buy fuel within the usual touring range of the standard tank. When towing our camper we have a range of about 450km. On any road/track where you will need to carry extra fuel you will need even more than the long range tank will provide, thereby compounding your weight problem in my view. We drove in to East Arnhem Land, for example, with only one jerry can of fuel and did it comfortably.

Similarly, unless you are planning to drive in water over the top of your wheels I wouldn’t bother with a snorkel. I believe they don’t actually provide anything extra regarding air quality and if you plan to go in water deeper than the position of the standard air intake then you will be risking much more than a drowned motor.

Same goes for the winch, the only time they ever seem to get used is to pull somebody else out. Had one on a previous vehicle and used it 3 times for that very reason. You’ll also need to operate it every couple of weeks or so in order to keep the gearbox lubricated, so when you really need it, it doesn’t go bang. I would, however, carry at least 4 Maxtrax and a long handled shovel (or two if you’ve got kids who can help!)

We have travelled many parts of Australia without any of that gear and without issue. Just save your money, get out and enjoy the country with your kids.

cheers
David 😁😁

I agree with David

Originally Posted by Odysseyman

Hi

I am offering these thoughts as constructive and pragmatic considerations.

Watch your rear axle loading in particular with all that gear. The weight on your towball, for starters, translates to about one third more on your rear axle. i.e. 150kg on the ball will mean about 220kg on the rear axle. With all the gear you’re talking about my hunch is you’ll be quite a bit over on your rear axle. (Ask me how I know)

I struggle with the rationale for a long range tank…. There are very few circumstances where I haven’t been able to buy fuel within the usual touring range of the standard tank. When towing our camper we have a range of about 450km. On any road/track where you will need to carry extra fuel you will need even more than the long range tank will provide, thereby compounding your weight problem in my view. We drove in to East Arnhem Land, for example, with only one jerry can of fuel and did it comfortably.

Similarly, unless you are planning to drive in water over the top of your wheels I wouldn’t bother with a snorkel. I believe they don’t actually provide anything extra regarding air quality and if you plan to go in water deeper than the position of the standard air intake then you will be risking much more than a drowned motor.

Same goes for the winch, the only time they ever seem to get used is to pull somebody else out. Had one on a previous vehicle and used it 3 times for that very reason. You’ll also need to operate it every couple of weeks or so in order to keep the gearbox lubricated, so when you really need it, it doesn’t go bang. I would, however, carry at least 4 Maxtrax and a long handled shovel (or two if you’ve got kids who can help!)

We have travelled many parts of Australia without any of that gear and without issue. Just save your money, get out and enjoy the country with your kids.

cheers
David 😁😁

Terrific advice David thanks.

Bullbar and winch have been on the bottom of my list along with the long range tank. I’ll leave them off for now and perhaps reduce some of the undercarriage protection to just the air compressor, front guard and maybe the rocksliders/step.

Cheers.

Originally Posted by WabiSabi

Terrific advice David thanks.

Bullbar and winch have been on the bottom of my list along with the long range tank. I’ll leave them off for now and perhaps reduce some of the undercarriage protection to just the air compressor, front guard and maybe the rocksliders/step.

Cheers.

yes, I’m happy to admit I wasted my money on the rock sliders…

Good advice re the bull bar and winch. The only time we hit a little roo was moons ago when driving our then Datsun. No damage at all as it was small and went underneath. No damage to the car that is. Never needed a winch either and I've been stuck a few times but have had willing helpers along and I thank them.
I met a bloke in Fowlers Bay a couple of years with an aged 130 ute with crumbled panels all along the sides but the bull bar etc were not damaged. He reckoned the roos only ever ran into him not him running into them.
New vehicle coming up soon and neither bar or winch are on the list of extras.
AlanH.

Originally Posted by ATH

Good advice re the bull bar and winch. The only time we hit a little roo was moons ago when driving our then Datsun. No damage at all as it was small and went underneath. No damage to the car that is. Never needed a winch either and I've been stuck a few times but have had willing helpers along and I thank them.
I met a bloke in Fowlers Bay a couple of years with an aged 130 ute with crumbled panels all along the sides but the bull bar etc were not damaged. He reckoned the roos only ever ran into him not him running into them.
New vehicle coming up soon and neither bar or winch are on the list of extras.
AlanH.

Thanks Alan, solid advice.