Update Aug 2023
Still in the UK, getting creaky now - age 78 (how did that happen !)
Haven't given up getting back to Aus though ....
Watch this space.
Sadly, it would be without my faithful companion Busta (the 'Dog' in 'Doug&Dog') who passed away to doggie
heaven on 30th Dec 2022. Miss him.
______________
Update 13Oct2019
still in the UK. My first login for a while, but planning a trip to NZ in Feb 2020. Even passing through Aus but not in a 4WD sadly !
_________________
Update 12th Aug 2016
Getting ready to re-familiarise myself with the Exploroz website.
Still in the UK
__________________
Update 17th Oct 2012
Landcruiser sold Jan 2012
Returned to the UK after 25 years in Aus
Added new iPhone Device
Update 4th Jan 2013
EOTrackme is using my new phone to track me in the UK.
_____________________
Update 11th Dec2011
I just sold the camper on Ebay
_________________________
THE VEHICLE
A basic Series 80 1HZ (now with Turbo), still going strong at 332,000kms. (Dec2011) with fuel subtank, rubber mats and no clock .
I bought it in 1996 with 50,000kms on the clock when I was 51 trusting it would live as long as me. (that's a good bet !)
Before I took delivery, I got the dealer to add:
Tinted Windows, Dual battery System, TJM Roof rack & Ladder, TJM Tow bar, rear Tyre Carrier, Warn 9000lb winch,
Snorkel, coated TJM bullbar, side bars and side steps.
7 years later in 2003 I had added:
After Market Turbo (whoa, did that make a difference !), BF Goodrich R16's on Prado rims (drives
well), 2" lift with Old Man Emu
Suspension & steering damper, Roof rack mounted storage boxes with 2 x Solar Panels on top, 4 spots at roof rack corners individually switched,rear awning, Compressor (needed for Camper Trailer airbags - see rig), Andersen connection to rear for Camper, Diff breathers, rear airlockers, 2 large spots on front bullbar: driving and wide beam, battery monitor, UHF CB, CD system, Garmin GPS, ARB Fridge, Cargo Barrier, after market luxury bucket seats.
6 Years later again:
You'd think that was enough wouldn't you, but on my current shopping list is:
airflow deflectors for roof rack (done) & camper, compressed air tank (done),
HF radio, in-car PC to talk to the GPS (done), LCD monitors (done), reversing camera(done), storage drawers (done),
water tank (done), always-on Internet (done if there's 3G), iPhone Dock (done), Tomtom Navigator (done), AirOnBoard kit, Airbags fro rear coils (done) . . . does it ever stop?!
I'm 66 now, and have completed my trip around Oz and am 'resting' in Tasmanaia. I did 25,000kms and 50 camping stops.
THE CAMPER
'Cape Runner" Offroad Camper Trailer custom built in 2003 by Australian RVTrailers of Caboolture.
Stainless Steel Kitchen, dual gas burner, water pump, dual axle - air bag assisted front axle raises rear wheels, controllable from vehicle cab, Treg Coupling, Mechanical Brakes, Heavy Duty Leaf, Charger & dual batteries (that makes 4 in series with the 2 in the car when hitched for charging, 3 when cranking battery auto-isolated on load ), 240/12V sockets, sideawning with sides, door & floor. King Size bed, heavy gauge canvas (a liitle weather marked!), front storage box on slides, room for Trail Bike, pneumatic jockey wheel, 2nd jockey wheel. More storage at rear; lockable water filler & lockable storage all round.
Another 2 x 50watt solar panels installed en route.
THE PEOPLE
Just me, Doug, & Dog Busta, now (Dec 2011) near the end of our journey , preparing to return to the UK after 25 years in Oz.
Update 13Oct2019: I've now been back in the UK for 7 years, Busta's still going at 12 years old - we still miss Oz.
| Join Date | 02 Sep 2002 |
|---|
| Page Views | 7621 |
|---|