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Thread: GVM, so how does this work down under anyway?

  1. #31
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    Indeed there is a difference between touring and off roading. I intend to do both, just to make things interesting... For example, I am sure the winch is not needed on the csr but if youtube IS any reliable there are plenty of beautiful spots around oz (and other parts of the world) that require just that extra bit more real off roading to get to. So, yeah, the winch might be debatable. Perhaps just a high lift jack which can do both things, winching and jacking.

    Regarding a standard looking car: My vehicle will look fairly standard. It will have an ARB front bar and some standard run of the mill rear bar with wheel carrier. I did upgrade my tyre size but went from 29" to 31" so nothing that will scream pumped up car. Also, on tarmac I will choose the highway setting on the air suspension so you can't really see any lift either. I did mount fender flares (from a disco 2, modified) to keep the wheels inside so really, nothing spectacular. It is road legal down here Being a ham radio operator I will have some antenna's on the front bar and/or roofrack but that's about it. no 45" mud chonkers!

    But, let me again reiterate: I intend to NOT go over GVM, with the lone exception on setting of on tracks like the csr where I need to drive 1000k's before I can refuel. 500 of those I would be pushing my luck to carry the extra fuel. So, of that distance, only the tarmac part is probably where I need to worry since that's where they can set up the weighing gear, not once I go bush I reckon. On 95% of my travels (or more?) I should be fine. Still, I would prefer not to go over GVM but buying a new truck just for a few kg's of extra GVM or different fuel type and spending the same amount of money on all that I have done to the current vehicle to get the new one up to snuff would cost something like a years extra worth of traveling in oz and around 3 in africa.

    I have focused on reliability mainly, that's why I did all I did to the vehicle. The tougher axles (and cv's for that matter), rebuilt engine, all new suspension, rebuild ABS/TCS system, etc. is all part of that. I am even considering replacing part of the BECM stuff with something I can repair more easily. A roo bar is pretty much a must as I understand it in some parts of oz, and the world for that matter, and an ali one might not cut it I have been told? The rear drawer (and more) system will be made out of the lightest stuff I can find and handle. ali is probably not going to be possible but a very light type of wood with some ali angles and strips here and there will. I plan on drawing those things up and calculating the strength/weight of the system before I build it.

    As far as the choice of petrol vs diesel. I have been through that very thoroughly. I agree that diesel is less flammable and that is a BIG plus, but if I look at fuel consumption of some of those (overloaded) 70 series and other big rigs I am not sure my "tiny" petrol uses that much more. Also, diesel trucks are getting more rare (the older ones) and the premium you pay for a diesel truck can pay for a looooooot of petrol. Also, my stove works on petrol The only real concern I have with my current choice of vehicle is GVM and it being an auto so no pull/push start. I NEED to bring a starter motor as spare (weight), possibly an alternator?

    Maintenance, yes, I have been building this truck up for the past 5 years, dented it, put it up and down hills that I would not do again probably, and got to know it really well, including it's weak spots. Most of the work I have done myself and I have been a car enthusiast for many decades, building mainly honda's admittedly from utter scratch up to (near) perfection. I do need to go over my "must bring" spares list though, because, again, weight.

    Yes, I have seen the video's of andrew st piere white, ronny dahl, 4wd traction control (or whatever they call themselves these days), sam eyles, grizzlynbear, kombilife, the road chose me (got his books too), etc. etc. and read tons of forums, blogs, etc. The age old "the more I know, the more I know I know nothing" comes to mind... In any case, both paul marsh and dan grec have already made the point that petrol is "fine" and range in most parts of the world is not the primary concern. Andrew and ronny on the other hand maintain that 1000k's range is a must. With the extra fuel tank I can manage that during the times I absolutely need to.

    I realize I am pushing things a bit and I certainly realize that if I were to only do oz. with my car I would probably ditch quite a bit, hell I might even swag it in stead of the rtt and I probably wouldn't bother with drawer system as I am currently setting it up (I am designing it so I can sleep on top, inside when needed) since I wouldn't need most of it. As it now stands though, the car is going to be a compromise to be able to handle west africa, alaska, south america, oz, etc. I am by far not rich enough to buy a car per continent and shipping stuff around to the parts of the world where do or don't need things is not going to be easy.

    The reason I fitted 31" tyres to begin with is that I choose the most commonly available tyre size around the world that I could figure; 235/85r16. (or 7.5x16 roughly)

    In other, good news, my mate just got in touch: the weigh bridge was more out of whack then I remembered so I probably have close to 480kg of carrying capacity left. That put a smile on my face for the day

    Cheers,
    -P

  2. #32
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    Prelude, the reality is that you only need to carry enough fuel for 1,000 km. Don't underestimate your consumption, remembering that sand and low range will increase usage.
    If you can ditch the rooftop tent and roof rack, that will save fuel. Weight costs fuel.
    Touring Australia is nothing like tackling Darién Gap. The greatest challenge will be endless corrugations and vibration, trying to shake everything to pieces. The other major risk is animals and traffic, these risks can be mitigated with prudent operation and selective timing.
    Familiarise yourself with Roverlord Off Road Spares, fantastic service, fair and reasonable prices and fastest possible delivery times. That will minimize the weight of spare parts you need to carry.
    Should you wish to venture into the more challenging realm of off roading, without doubt there will be no shortage of forumites willing to accompany you. They will have the appropriate recovery gear for the areas they frequent.
    Do you have a timeframe in mind? I'll try to make sure I'm in when you call.
    If you don't like trucks, stop buying stuff.
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  3. #33
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    Quote Originally Posted by prelude View Post

    The reason I fitted 31" tyres to begin with is that I choose the most commonly available tyre size around the world that I could figure; 235/85r16. (or 7.5x16 roughly)

    In other, good news, my mate just got in touch: the weigh bridge was more out of whack then I remembered so I probably have close to 480kg of carrying capacity left. That put a smile on my face for the day

    Cheers,
    -P
    Kasnip, you know what you said.

    IMHO v8Ians on the money, but to add my 2c worth.

    get a plastic front bar, and avoid the animals, dont drive at night, loose the spotties, loose the rack, loose the second spare if you were thinking about it, forget the starter, and the alternator. If you want to be panicy about them carry a set of brushes and the bendix for the starter, the brushes bearings and rectifier/regulator for the alternator.

    if you get the option go diesel, its a rangie, not a toyota dont option it up with all the looks good crap and be smart about your driving habits and you wont see toyota fuel consumption, I pretty much daily a 6x6 and loaded up dont usually see mitsoyotasan fuel consumption. Unless your a pro mechanic relying on the tools to help pay for the trip (its a good lark) you can probably ditch about 90% of what you think you might need.

    Turf the highlift, turf the winch, get an exhaust bag jack a folding shovel a tow/snatch rope and a few other related bits and bobs then dont skimp on a good quality air compressor, lines and fittings. If you're planning on going somewhere where that stuff wont get you out then dont go alone. If you're not going alone most likely it will be a local going with you Dollars to donuts they'll have what you need to keep out of trouble on hand or at least a couple of mates who do that wouldnt mind a trip. Set up smart and if you pick the right places and use a place as a base camp between long legs (book into fixed accomodation at a caravan site (like a big 4) for 2-3 days and use that time to see the area, travel with those who know the place get your washing done from the previous weeks touring and restock etc etc and it'll be an easy trip.

    Roverlord is goodfor parts and shipping to pretty much anywhere, another name worth memorising is MR automotive in QLD, complete opposite side of the country to perth/WA but I can usually get parts from them to some of the more remote places of WA in under 4 days.

    it'll need servicing and minor works during the trip, ring ahead as see if any of the members would mind prescheduling a day for you to use their driveway and local supercheap's oil purchase/dispose to do the servicing. I could probably name one maybe 2 in each capital city that'd help out.

    if you wind up down melbourne way, I know a guy.....
    Dave

    "In a Landrover the other vehicle is your crumple zone."

    For spelling call Rogets, for mechanicing call me.

    Fozzy, 2.25D SIII Ex DCA Ute
    Tdi autoManual d1 (gave it to the Mupion)
    Archaeoptersix 1990 6x6 dual cab(This things staying)


    If you've benefited from one or more of my posts please remember, your taxes paid for my skill sets, I'm just trying to make sure you get your monies worth.
    If you think you're in front on the deal, pay it forwards.

  4. #34
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    I don't think I'd be prepared to abandon the second spare on CSR or the Tanami, etc., etc..
    Saitch met a European bloke, out in the middle of nowhere, successfully touring Australia in a 2CV! He was being cautious, waiting at a river crossing, for another vehicle before attempting the wade.
    If you don't like trucks, stop buying stuff.
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  5. #35
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    Prelude, the reality is that you only need to carry enough fuel for 1,000 km. Don't underestimate your consumption, remembering that sand and low range will increase usage.
    If you can ditch the rooftop tent and roof rack, that will save fuel. Weight costs fuel.
    Touring Australia is nothing like tackling Darién Gap. The greatest challenge will be endless corrugations and vibration, trying to shake everything to pieces. The other major risk is animals and traffic, these risks can be mitigated with prudent operation and selective timing.
    Familiarise yourself with Roverlord Off Road Spares, fantastic service, fair and reasonable prices and fastest possible delivery times. That will minimize the weight of spare parts you need to carry.
    Should you wish to venture into the more challenging realm of off roading, without doubt there will be no shortage of forumites willing to accompany you. They will have the appropriate recovery gear for the areas they frequent.
    Do you have a timeframe in mind? I'll try to make sure I'm in when you call.
    1000K is doable with both tanks. I have been in contact with keithy and sam about the usage figures of their respective cars in sand. Sam has a noticeable larger engine so it's not really representative but I reckon I can carry around 200+ l of fuel (210, 220) in both tanks which should give me 1000k of range using the 4.6L V8 in my range rover as far as I can figure with the information I have right now. I have nothing to test this against though since there is no desert around to try this out

    Ditching the rtt and roofrack would definitely save weight, as will ditching everything Blknight.aus suggested so I will consider it. However, I am not sure if this is a viable route to go. If everything goes according to plan I will be traveling the maximum amount of time through oz (longest visa is one year I believe) but from there on I will continue across other parts of the world without shipping the vehicle home first. I could of course bring the car fully loaded and pick a spot to remove all the gear I do not want in oz and put it back on later but that is starting to get into the unfeasible territory perhaps...

    Mind you, oz is also my "test bed". I'd rather I break down in a civilized country with spares and a language I at least can understand then figure it out in the congo By no means am I trying to downplay the risks involved in traveling through oz and I will certainly take all advice to heart!

    I will make sure to get to know some reputable spare parts and mechanics people so thank you for the tips!

    Should you wish to venture into the more challenging realm of off roading, without doubt there will be no shortage of forumites willing to accompany you.
    I was hoping this to be the case I know I would around here (though there is not much to be done) but seeing as oz is so big with so many places to visit, I would not expect someone to be willing to drive along for everything

    Thank you both (v8ian and blknight.aus) for offering support in advance though! I am sure I might need a driveway for some TLC to my beauty every now and then! Not a big beer fan myself but a brewsky would certainly go a long way for the imposition of extra landie oil on the driveway, right?

    Regarding the air jack, I have a twin exhaust so I guess that won't work? overpressure on one end would simply push it out the other end...

    Finally, the timeframe is a bit in limbo due to covid and the crap that comes with it. I suspect the world will be open to travel no sooner than 2022. This year is "lost" and 2021 will be vaccinations and what not and it will take a while for that dust to settle and everything and everyone to start trusting each other again to cross borders. When that hurdle is taken and the income part is not too badly hit by all this, I would like to apply for a year long visa to oz and plan a trip from anywhere to somewhere. I am sure I will need a lot of input to get the "best" trip planned since there is all sorts of things to keep in mind like the weather, open and closed roads/tracks etc. I reckon there is a logical/best way to traverse the country taking all these things into account but I have no idea where to start with that. I am concentrating on getting things done and be ready to actually be able to do the trip (money and gear) and once I have a good feeling of that being done I will certainly start a yarn about that on this very forum. Come to think of it, once I got this topic under control I might even start that up since the car is nearing a state I am happy with (dents and all :P)

    Cheers,
    -P

  6. #36
    DiscoMick Guest
    You might investigate if it's possible to get a second year on your visa if you do 20 weeks of fruit-picking or other work. Some backpackers qualify, but I'm not sure about your situation.
    If you make it to The Sunshine Coast north of Brissie you're welcome to stay.

  7. #37
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    Quote Originally Posted by prelude View Post
    1000K is doable with both tanks. I have been in contact with keithy and sam about the usage figures of their respective cars in sand. Sam has a noticeable larger engine so it's not really representative but I reckon I can carry around 200+ l of fuel (210, 220) in both tanks which should give me 1000k of range using the 4.6L V8 in my range rover as far as I can figure with the information I have right now. I have nothing to test this against though since there is no desert around to try this out

    Ditching the rtt and roofrack would definitely save weight, as will ditching everything Blknight.aus suggested so I will consider it. However, I am not sure if this is a viable route to go. If everything goes according to plan I will be traveling the maximum amount of time through oz (longest visa is one year I believe) but from there on I will continue across other parts of the world without shipping the vehicle home first. I could of course bring the car fully loaded and pick a spot to remove all the gear I do not want in oz and put it back on later but that is starting to get into the unfeasible territory perhaps...

    Mind you, oz is also my "test bed". I'd rather I break down in a civilized country with spares and a language I at least can understand then figure it out in the congo By no means am I trying to downplay the risks involved in traveling through oz and I will certainly take all advice to heart!

    I will make sure to get to know some reputable spare parts and mechanics people so thank you for the tips!



    I was hoping this to be the case I know I would around here (though there is not much to be done) but seeing as oz is so big with so many places to visit, I would not expect someone to be willing to drive along for everything

    Thank you both (v8ian and blknight.aus) for offering support in advance though! I am sure I might need a driveway for some TLC to my beauty every now and then! Not a big beer fan myself but a brewsky would certainly go a long way for the imposition of extra landie oil on the driveway, right?

    Regarding the air jack, I have a twin exhaust so I guess that won't work? overpressure on one end would simply push it out the other end...

    Finally, the timeframe is a bit in limbo due to covid and the crap that comes with it. I suspect the world will be open to travel no sooner than 2022. This year is "lost" and 2021 will be vaccinations and what not and it will take a while for that dust to settle and everything and everyone to start trusting each other again to cross borders. When that hurdle is taken and the income part is not too badly hit by all this, I would like to apply for a year long visa to oz and plan a trip from anywhere to somewhere. I am sure I will need a lot of input to get the "best" trip planned since there is all sorts of things to keep in mind like the weather, open and closed roads/tracks etc. I reckon there is a logical/best way to traverse the country taking all these things into account but I have no idea where to start with that. I am concentrating on getting things done and be ready to actually be able to do the trip (money and gear) and once I have a good feeling of that being done I will certainly start a yarn about that on this very forum. Come to think of it, once I got this topic under control I might even start that up since the car is nearing a state I am happy with (dents and all :P)

    Cheers,
    -P
    For the airjack, a rubber damage control bung or expanding bung to fit the exhaust works well, cheap kids foam footballs also work.

    IF your plan is to take a year to do OZ, bring the vehicle over nearly empty, buy and fit the gear you want here you'll be amazed at how little you actually need to get a good vehicle set up and working for touring work and mild offroading to suit. I'm perfectly comfortable with the concept of using a SWB series to do all of our big trips without a roof rack or powered winch. I'd be willing to be that down here we could set your vehicle up to do what you need without the roof rack. the importance of this is its about a 10% economy penalty when its empty a good 5% out of you handling and then it gets worse as you load it.

    the 4.6l v8 is capable of hitting into the 15l/100k bracket so plan on 17's as your fuel average and you wont be too far off that said... I've had the 3.9l manual disco blow fuel consumption out to 40l/100 working it stupid hard off road, thats a paltry 230km to the stock tank.

    If I was going to lap oz for a year... Id start about mid-end winterish over in WA, tour north into kakadu then through the NT QLD via arnhem land and the cape ( you want to be townsvilleish by mid to late october to avoid the wet proper) then roll south down the east coast zig zagging in and out of the inner country depending on whats on your list to see before heading out to SA via Vic after a stop over in Tas.
    Dave

    "In a Landrover the other vehicle is your crumple zone."

    For spelling call Rogets, for mechanicing call me.

    Fozzy, 2.25D SIII Ex DCA Ute
    Tdi autoManual d1 (gave it to the Mupion)
    Archaeoptersix 1990 6x6 dual cab(This things staying)


    If you've benefited from one or more of my posts please remember, your taxes paid for my skill sets, I'm just trying to make sure you get your monies worth.
    If you think you're in front on the deal, pay it forwards.

  8. #38
    DiscoMick Guest
    Good advice. Plan for the Aussie winter up north and our summer down south.

    If you can get up to 1000kms range you will be fine. The BIL has just done a lap in a Toyota 80 which was only getting about 500 kms range towing a camper, plus carrying 2 x 20 litre emergency drums on the camper.
    For example, 500 ks range is fine up the Cape, while about 800 is needed to cross The Simpson. Really remote areas are the issue, but some stations will sell fuel, so planning ahead is key.
    Petrol engines can record huge increases in fuel consumption in difficult conditions such as desert sand, so keep that in mind.

    Our Defender will do up 950ks on a 120 litre tank of diesel while towing, plus we can carry 2 x 20 litre drums on the camper.

    Remote fuel prices can be very high though.

    Pre-trip servicing and preparation are more important than having all the latest accessories, nice though they are.

    Hope this Covid-19 situation is sorted so you don't have to spend 14 days in hotel quarantine at your own expense, which could be $4000, and then have to navigate the maze of state border restrictions.

  9. #39
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    @DiscoMick I know that for students/backpackers this is an option. That's a work/travel visa but my info might be outdated. Anyway, I am over the 30 year age limit for that type of visa I have considered touring oz in such a way that after the 1 year visa expires, hopping over to new zealand to tour that for a while and applying for a new 1 year visa to get back in and finish the trip. I'll have to get more info on that somehow.

    @Blknight.aus I will take it into consideration. I was not planning to start my trip around melbourne-ish and I have already modified my vehicle for touring around europe so some stuff is done already but, yeah. It is a good thing to keep in mind. Starting with a blank canvas might not be a bad idea.

    As far as fuel consumption goes, 40l/100 I can get when crawling trough the Welsh country side, idling a lot when opening and closing gates, and going full throttle up hills to keep up with the tour leader. I reckon that is extreme usage though and sand driving (unless soft beaches) like the simo or csr will probably be in high range at a decent speed so that should use a heck of a lot less fuel.

    Regarding the trip start/end/direction and fuel prices: I figured there would be an ideal-ish route to pick. My arrival date is not yet set in stone so I have every option to change that and I got a lot of years to plan ahead it seems. I'll start a new yarn in the appropriate forum soon. Fuel prices, though lower is better, don't really scare me that much being from a country with crazy high fuel prices to begin with. I believe the most expensive fuel you can get is at bililuna at around $3 per liter or so? If I convert AUD to euro's that's around 1.80 euro and that have been "normal" fuel prices around here for years. Sure you can get cheaper but still.

    All in all I do believe the extra fuel carrying capacity is a must, whether I use it often or not is a different thing.

    Cheers,
    -P

  10. #40
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    Quote Originally Posted by prelude View Post

    @Blknight.aus I will take it into consideration. I was not planning to start my trip around melbourne-ish and I have already modified my vehicle for touring around europe so some stuff is done already but, yeah. It is a good thing to keep in mind. Starting with a blank canvas might not be a bad idea.

    Neither would I, I'd start over in perth, once there, id probably go and do kakadu across arnhem land to the cape, decide "well thats as good as that gets" be right about it and mosey on back over to perth via the center avoiding pretty much everything SE of Camerons. Europe has nicer hills and skiing anyway

    (and I guarantee that will get you a near inexhaustable list of places to visit in the SE corner.
    Dave

    "In a Landrover the other vehicle is your crumple zone."

    For spelling call Rogets, for mechanicing call me.

    Fozzy, 2.25D SIII Ex DCA Ute
    Tdi autoManual d1 (gave it to the Mupion)
    Archaeoptersix 1990 6x6 dual cab(This things staying)


    If you've benefited from one or more of my posts please remember, your taxes paid for my skill sets, I'm just trying to make sure you get your monies worth.
    If you think you're in front on the deal, pay it forwards.

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