Advice wanted - D3 mods for trip around Aus

[Leecewah]

G'day,

We are taking our '09 D3 TDV6 around Aus for 7 months towing an Expanda Outback setting off from Perth mid year. Will be a fair bit of tarmac driving, but also planning on Gibb river road, and some beach work. I am keen for any tips on must haves and any general tips in addition to advice specifically on the following:

Long Range Tank - keen to put one in along with single rear wheel carrier, any advice on which one to go for (long ranger has been recommended to me) and on who to get to install (ARB/OL/ORE??)

Tyres - Tossing up whether to put on Cooper AT3 275/65/R18 (which I am told can be done but they are big and can apparently rub) or the BFG AT KO 265/65/R18, or the Bridgestone Dueller 697 265/60/R18, all LT versions, have been quoted $475, $465 and $445 respectively per tyre from a tyre power up in Perth

Dual Battery system - been told that Traxside do an easy one that you can self-install, wanted it to run the engel and provide some redundancy in case of a flat battery - anyone got any experience with these?

Chip - Have read that a diesel chip can increase power for towing and reduce or eliminate diesel turbo lag, been recommended 'chip it' in Balcatta, anyone done this and have any feedback good or bad

Rubber mats - Anyone know where to get a LR set front and rear without mortgaging the house? Or even a no name set that will fit snuggly.

Mud flaps - Seem to be readily available on the internet and appear easy to install...anyone done it?

High lift jack - Do I need one? Also been told that an exhaust jack is a good way to go...

Second spare - wasn't planning on taking one. If the consensus is that I should, anyone know where I can get a single D3 18" rim?

CB - Yet to put one in but planning to, was thinking a 5W GME - any tips on model and type of antenna?

Already got an ARB Bullbar on the front, a safari snorkel and a mitch hitch.

Any and all advice gratefully accepted.

Cheers,
Chris

[BobD]

Chris, I have sent you a PM re a rim.

Bob

[weeds]

sounds like you have it all sorted........

re: chip, are re-map available for the D3?

re: high lift, have a think about where you are going to store it and what lifting points do you have available....I doubt you will use it on the trip, one come with my car and I dragged it around for years and never used it. a second jack would be handy as i'm not sure the OEM jack is the best choice

[tonyci]

Chris
I think you are on the right track with your gear suggestions.
I agree with Weeds re the high lift jack, weight is always an issue on long trips, I do not think you will need it.
Check the posts re ARB bull bars, some one had trouble with tyres rubbing, not sure if it was a D4 or 3.
As to who you should use to fit gear, check around your local area for suggestions as quality of work varies considerably.
Have a good trip.
Cheers
Tony

[oldsalt]

Get yourself a Mercedes Sprinter bottle jack (approx $150) to replace the dangerous Landrover piece of s**t.
The Dolium long range fuel tank works well. Had mine fitted by an Opposite Lock dealer.
I got my rubber floor mats off flea-bay... MUCH cheaper then the LR dealers.
Traxide dual battery set-up is a must.....easy to fit yourself.
ICOM make very reliable radios... I mounted my aerial up on my roofrack.
Dueler 697's are great... shop around for price - they vary quite a bit.
cheers

[oldsalt]

I just did a quick check on the tyres... Bridgestone Dueler 697 - 265/60R/18LT for $400 each if I buy 5... this was from Costco in Ringwood... I've got my preferred "fitter" so this price is just for the purchase of the tyres... apparently Bridgestone are doing a deal at the moment which also gives you a discount on the fitting cost if you buy 4 and have them fitted by their dealer worth checking around
cheers

[oldsalt]

Sorry - forgot to add the "fitting" discount deal runs out on the 2nd of Feb....
cheers

[BobD]

I got Chinese mudflaps off ebay to replace my shredded LR mudflaps, which didn't like the flying rocks on the Great Central Road, Plenty Hwy and Cape York.

Dead easy to fit and no problems after 1 year and a trip to Darwin via all the gravel tracks we could find, including the GNH through Marble Bar, Great Central Rd, Binns track, Litchfield, Kakadu and MacDonald Ranges, not in that order.

Bob

[tonyci]

Hi Oldsalt
Re the sprinter jack, have you been able to track one down if where, also is it a straight out replacement or do you have to modify it in any way.
Cheers
Tony

[oldsalt]

Found them here... Contact First Auto Parts, 40 Brunel Road Seaford, VIC 3198
and here's the bit you need for the jack to work... DISCO3.CO.UK - Shop - Sprinter Jack Washer Kit
although I'm sure you could get these parts very easily in your local bolt shop...
cheers