THE GROUNDWORK
Making the decision to head off was the easy bit. Now we have to figure out how to make it all happen
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEN NICHOLAS
STORAGE
Following the advice of 4WD Megastores Blacktown, storage was set up to carry enough gear to leave the camper behind when necessary. The first accessory on the list was a Milford Cargo Barrier - a must for anyone carrying a load in the back and even more so when the kids are involved. This provides a high level of safety and the ability to pack to the roofline. Rear storage was finished off with the addition of a homemade set of drawers, built on a budget from Plasply, to store all the heavy recovery gear. The old roof-racks were never going to cut the mustard so we started with a new set from Rola that supports a large alloy luggage tray. Into this, I placed a sheet of ply and to finish it off a Bushranger Bushpak was added which also gives good wet-weather protection. This pack is approximately 1.2x1.5m in size, which means we are able to store all our tent gear, the small table and some of the kids’ toys up on the roof-racks.
ELECTRICALS
We have a range of digital still and video cameras, mobile phones and laptops, all with batteries to be charged. The solution was an X-Power 500W inverter, which we had installed into the rear cargo area. This provides power to the laptop while we are on the move as well as providing the ability to charge all manner of batteries. The laptop is used to run OziExplorer in conjunction with a Magellan 315 GPS unit, and doubles up as a TV with the addition of an Avermedia TV tuner card. Santa provided the kids with a Teac in-car DVD player, with screens that strap onto the back of the driver and passenger headrests. A power cable was also run to the back of the car and an Anderson plug fitted, allowing us to charge the camper battery while on the move. To finish off the electronic part of the package, a GME TX3200 UHF radio was installed, with both a GME AE4705 (1.2m) and AW4706 (1.8m) aerial supplied to give optimum coverage in both flat and hilly country respectively. I also purchased a handheld GME TX610, to allow me to be contacted by my wife when I am off in the bush taking photos.
 |
THE CREATURE COMFORTS
The whole issue of comfort started with a Twine hot water shower. It came highly recommended by my best mate, who uses it for much more than just showering. I contacted them and found out that they were now under new management, with a new push focusing on after-sales service and support. This was good enough for me, so in one went. A Waeco 40L fridge was added in the back of the car to enhance our ability to be self-sufficient without the van. We also opted for a Waeco 8L cooler between the kid’s seats, to provide them with cold drinks on extended stretches.
EXTERIOR MODS
Exterior modifications began with replacing the rubber, which was on its last legs anyway. After discussing our requirements with the 4WD Megastores crew, we settled on 31in Cooper STs. They give a tad more clearance and a lot more grip than the old donuts. To boost the suspension when towing, a set of Polyairs were fitted. Our sad, old driving lights were replaced with 6in stainless steel KC Daylighters, which offer a big improvement. All the extra accessories are now powered through a dual battery system, utilising a Piranha DB180 controller and dual battery tray. The old tow-bar was replaced with a new Hayman Reece unit, allowing the option of adjusting the towing height, giving a much more balanced ride.
 |
RECOVERY GEAR
As mentioned before, a bar-mounted electric winch was never going to fall within the budget. Instead, I have a Big Haul hand winch, a TJM Ox recovery kit with snatch strap, winch extension cable, tree trunk protector, rated shackles, gloves and a bridle strap. On board, there is also a shovel, axe, Bushranger Max-Air compressor, Bushranger 3-in-1 tyre gauge and an X-Jack. The final accessory is a Tyrepliers repair kit, to fix any punctures we might encounter.
FINANCES
Or lack thereof, were always going to play a major role in how we set up for our trip. Now, while the loving wife had been supporting my studying for the last few years, she put her foot down and said that if I wanted to go off-road I needed to get out of the house and contribute. The first step in boosting the bank balance saw me head off to the local job agencies to find work - any work. With my vast experience in many fields, I imagined myself in a high-paid executive position on the big bucks. Instead, I found myself packing shelves at a supermarket, and literally being up to my elbows in the proverbial at a nursing home. Now, while neither was my ideal career choice, the late-night supermarket shifts and the numerous granny showers, spoon feeding and nappy changes did the job and we found ourselves with a budget of around $10,000 to set ourselves up for the trip. In my mind, there were three stages to getting ready. First was to do a 4WD training course, the second was to get the car checked out mechanically, and finally I needed to get in contact with a 4WD accessories store and get the car fitted out.
 |
4WD TRAINING
I thought it only sensible that some of our hard-earned money was spent in ensuring we were up to speed with the basics in off-road driving. So, we spent a few weeks hunting around for a course to attend, and in the end settled on a two-day introductory course run by Great Divide Tours at the purpose-built facility near Braidwood (a couple of hours south of Sydney). I found the course very good, with entertaining guides and a good mix of skills being taught. The highlight of the weekend would have to be the fate of the Troopy. All weekend, we endured less-than-subtle suggestions from our instructors on just how good Toyotas are compared to Nissans. Revenge was sweet. Not only did the Troopy watch a Touareg make it through a boghole that it subsequently got stuck in, but to rub salt into the wound, the Touareg backed up and snatched it free. Just goes to show how important choosing the right line can be, regardless of your vehicle. I would highly recommend that anyone new to the 4WD game complete a similar course, or join a club where these type of skills are taught, as some of the lessons are invaluable.
 |
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS
With my driving skills sorted (well the basics anyway), it was time to start work on the vehicle. Being fairly new to the 4WD world I was after a company that I could approach, tell them my plans, show them my vehicle and get some good direction on the best way to set up the car. On advice from one of the instructors at the training course, I approached 4WD Megastores at Blacktown in Sydney and asked for their help in refining my wish list. The process began with a couple of telephone conversations in which I outlined our plan, followed by a visit to the store with the Pathy and Jayco. The boys there gave the package the once-over and made some very good suggestions. The first was to set up the vehicle in such a way that we could travel and camp for extended periods independent of the camper, allowing us to reach some of the more remote locations if we wished, which was a big part of our requirements. We were not sure exactly where we wanted to go, but we wanted our set-up to play as little part as possible in the decision. From our initial wish list (which totaled around $9K), I managed to make some big savings from sponging off friends and family. A university friend volunteered his laptop and a cousin had a GPS unit on offer. After discussion with the 4WD Megastores guys, it was decided that we could do without a bullbar and manage with the nudge bar. This was a calculated risk that our finances forced us to take. In total, this saved us around $4,000 of much needed money. A final money-saving suggestion made by the boys was to have a go at building my own set of drawers, which I did. Well, my uncle did really, all for the princely sum of $100 as he already had the timber. All in all, the experience of dealing with experts in the 4WD industry has been a very good one, and I feel we are well prepared for the trip.
VEHICLE SERVICE
Before any long drive, it is always a good idea to check the basics; oil, coolant and tyre pressure, etc. For a large trip like the one we are about to embark on, we felt it necessary to visit our local mechanic at Eastlakes Automotive Services in Newcastle and get a full check-up done. Not only did I book the car in for the day, but they were kind enough to allow me to book myself in as well. This way, I was able to see exactly what goes into a service as well as learn a few basic mechanical principles. I now know where the fuel, air and oil filters are, and how to change them. Along with the service, I also asked them to put together a spare parts kit and do the bearings on the trailer, all part of preventative maintenance.
 |
LET’S HIT THE ROAD
It has been a very hectic time for us, but now the training is complete. The vehicle is decked out and the relevant fluids and plugs have all been replaced. All that is left for us to do is pile into the car and go. We plan to head south first, but that is about as far as our planning has gone. My next article will cover our first instalment on the road, and let you know if all the hard work was worthwhile. We’re out of here!
THANK YOU
I would just like to extend my thanks and appreciation to the team at 4WD Megastores at Blacktown for the time and effort they have put in, preparing us for what we hope will be the trip of a lifetime.
|
|
