The D3 - Kitting it out for the "Simmo" trip

[matti4556]

Its been a long time coming (the trip across the Simpson Desert in July) so the kitting-out of the stock D3 has been happening in the background. I thought I would share some photos of what I have done so far, hoping it will inspire you like the photos others have posted have inspired me

First mod was to fit a fridge slide and make the drawer system in the back. I opted for Qubelock this time around to give it a crack and well shall see how it takes the punishment. I used "soft close" drawer slides expecting them to open by themselves but the magnets are super strong. I will add some bungy tie-downs (like for tonneau covers) to secure each drawer anyhow for when the drawer is full and I am going ballistic.

The second mod was to fit a dual battery and I opted for the yellow-top solution through a C-tek "smart pass". This is an experiment that seems to be working quite well. It isolates both batteries when the main battery reaches a pre-determined level, pulse-charges the main battery if the Aux batt is fully charged with no load, passes a full 90A charging current tho the yellow top if it needs it, manages the load circuits etc. Happy with all that. C-tek is a client of mine at work and there was a smart pass laying around that was begging to be trialled in this set-up.

Third mod was to add the AV inputs into the glovebox to allow the iPhone to charge and also play music through the AUX mode of the stereo. There is also a Video input into one of the spare AV inputs on the nav screen if I hook up a DVD player. I found an old DVD player that used to be in the lounge at home. I just cut-out a piece of the panel from the rear with the 3 x RCA inputs already fitted and left enough blank panel to drill a hole and add the Narva USB outlet. I picked up the permanent supply from the Aux battery of this socket.

4th Mod was to remove the second row LHS and centre seats and fit a platform that will support both the second fridge (yes I am greedy) which will be the freezer, and also 6 x water jerries. There are 3 x yellow diesel jerries just for the photo to show what it will look like. The fuel will go up on the roof rack for this trip.
The fridges both take power from a 6B&S cable circuit run from the aux batt setup through to an Andersen plug at the tow point I installed for a future caravan hook-up.

5th mod was to add the "Urban Offroad" roof rack. This is one made by a guy called Derek Chase in the USA. I bought it second-hand off gumtree from a forum member in Brisbane. It is a very sturdy tubular steel rack and fits into 3/4 length roof rails. I love the way it "hugs" the roofline and stays nice and low. Bloody noisy though, so I needed a wind deflector. Couldn't readilly find one and one day i was sitting in front of the car and noticed this panel under the front bumper that covers the front recovery point. Popped it off and rotated it upside down and it fits like it was designed for it. Wind noise is cut down about 80% and I still have 2 of the 4 spottie mounts accessible to fit the sand flag pole and a UHF aerial up there. The Max Trax will go sideways over the cab just behind the front, leaving the main area for the tent, second spare and 3 x fuel jerries for the crossing.

6th mod was to get a "second spare" and managed to relieve "~RICH~" of one of his recently repaired rims. (I'm sure we have seen his post on the events that damaged the rims) Now that I have a second spare I shouldn't even get a flat If I didn't have a second spare I would get a flat just out of Birdsville I'm sure!

7th mod was an awning off the side of the roof rack. I opted for a 2.5 x 3m size (because the rack can nicely accommodate something 2.5m long) I like the way the awning sits snug on the rack as well and doesn't stick up too high like some of them do. the 3m width (out from the car) should provide our shelter one we set up camp. This was just an ebay purchase.

8th mod was a nice new set off boots - Cooper Zeon LTZ's in this case 255/55/19

9th mod was to fit a LLAMS system - did that today and now I'm ready for the high-crested tracks without suffering the bing-bong syndrome at 40km/h. Gees these D3's jack-up high when in hyper-extended mode, but I won't be using it at those extreme heights anyhow - just sayin'. Thanks Graeme for the advice during fitment.

I have the sand flag made (to the new mandatory requirements), various LED work lights in "daytime charging positions" inside the car and a few last minute dry-runs to make sure the kit fits where it belongs. Its just fiddling now for the next 4 weeks to get it just right and then we will see how it all works.
I hope you enjoy the pictures.
Matti

[matti4556]

Here are the remaining photos of the set up so far…. I can't wait for the trip to start
Feel free to ask questions.
Cheers, Matti

[~Rich~]

Hi Matti, looking good.

I'd certainly recommend applying a paint protection coating for the trip.
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/...ml#post1706093

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/...ml#post1881944

Definitely worth the trouble putting it on, make sure you give it at least 2 coats.
Blast it off post trip with a high pressure washer.

[matti4556]

Thanks Rich - I'll have a look at that. I just hope it doesn't rain before the trip like your photos show!

[SBD4]

Awesome Matti!

[~Rich~]

Thanks Rich - I'll have a look at that. I just hope it doesn't rain before the trip like your photos show!

That makes it more fun!!!!

[Graeme]

I like your low rack - much better than the borrowed cage I've mounted on cross-bars bolted to the roof.

[Tote]

What are you doing for fuel? we did Mt Dare - Poeppels corner - Hay river - Jervois with about 25 litters left with a 100 litre Brown Davis Tank fitted to the D3. You will use less fuel if travelling to Birdsville but it's still worth considering. A petrol 100 series travelling with us had an extra tank and 5 jerry cans on the roof For water we took a 50 litre tank across the rear floor for cooking and numerous bottled water packs stuffed in all the spare spots for drinking. Good water was available at Dalhousie.

Edit, I see you are taking Jerries, ignore my question

Regards,
Tote

[rar110]

I had 140 lt diesel for Birdsville to Kulgara via Dalhousie springs & Mt Dare in the Isuzu 110. We made it comfortably fuel wise.

[Drizzle]

Might see you there! We're crossing the Simpson from West to East in mid July.

Nice job with all the mods.