Utes with camping pods - Pics only, please

[DX grunt]

Hi all.

Welcome to the Ute/Trayback Section.

I've started this thread because there's a few of us that now own ex Telstra 'podded' trucks, and trucks (Utes) with pods added onto them.

I ask you nicely, not to comment on the pics you see, as there are plenty of other threads to respond.

None of us 'own' this thread, but would like to see it remain pictures only. :thumbup:

Thanks in anticipation.

Take care out there.

Rossco

[DX grunt]

Introducing ..... DX grunt ..... in the flesh

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af279/DXgrunt/DX%20grunt/Harris%20Hardcase/DXgruntintheflesh17082012007-1.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af279/DXgrunt/DX%20grunt/Camp%20set%20up/DSCF2951.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af279/DXgrunt/DX%20grunt/Camp%20set%20up/Annexawning016.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af279/DXgrunt/DX%20grunt/Camp%20set%20up/Annexawning024-1.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af279/DXgrunt/DX%20grunt/Camp%20set%20up/Annexawning023.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af279/DXgrunt/DX%20grunt/Camp%20set%20up/Annexawning032.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af279/DXgrunt/DX%20grunt/Camp%20set%20up/Gruntsden005.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af279/DXgrunt/DX%20grunt/Recovery%20gear/DXgruntandMaxtrax006.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af279/DXgrunt/DX%20grunt/Recovery%20gear/BoatHarbourTripprep001.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af279/DXgrunt/DX%20grunt/Recovery%20gear/BoatHarbourTripprep005.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af279/DXgrunt/DX%20grunt/Recovery%20gear/Allrecoverygear009.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af279/DXgrunt/DX%20grunt/Evakool%2095lt%20fridge%20freezer/Evakoolfridge002.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af279/DXgrunt/DX%20grunt/Harris%20Hardcase/DXgruntintheflesh17082012013.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af279/DXgrunt/DX%20grunt/Harris%20Hardcase/DXgruntintheflesh17082012011.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af279/DXgrunt/DX%20grunt/DX%20grunt%20In%20The%20Flesh/DXgruntintheflesh17082012006.jpg

[Cuppa]

My ex Telstra Pod of the Rosscos variety - as purchased. 2006 circa 150,000kms. Had been based in Alice Springs.

http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv305/Cuppa500/Patrol/file-3.jpg

http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv305/Cuppa500/Patrol/file-1.jpg

http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv305/Cuppa500/Patrol/file.jpg

http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv305/Cuppa500/Patrol/IMG_5034.jpg

http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv305/Cuppa500/Patrol/file-10.jpg

http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv305/Cuppa500/Patrol/file-9.jpg

http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv305/Cuppa500/Patrol/file-8.jpg

http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv305/Cuppa500/Patrol/file-7.jpg

http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv305/Cuppa500/Patrol/file-6.jpg

http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv305/Cuppa500/Patrol/file-4.jpg

http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv305/Cuppa500/Patrol/Rosscos.jpg





Cuppa.

[macca]

Not an ex telstra but still a pod on a GU DX, nicknamed MacTrol...

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/Mactrolresize4.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/Mactrolresize3.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/Mactrolresize2.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/Mactrolresize.jpg

[GU CAMPER]

My 05 EX Telstra DX GU Camper

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg617/andy_bennett2/IMG_0983111.jpg

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg617/andy_bennett2/IMG_0988.jpg

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg617/andy_bennett2/IMG_0901.jpg

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg617/andy_bennett2/IMG_0884.jpg

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg617/andy_bennett2/IMG_0881.jpg

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg617/andy_bennett2/IMG_0181.jpg

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg617/andy_bennett2/IMG_05272.jpg
Fraser Island

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg617/andy_bennett2/IMG_0879.jpg
The Messy wiring Need to go see my auto elec

[growler2058]

Title Changed as requested Go you podulcles

[GUtsy ute]

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GUtsyute/P1010624.jpg
In the Simpson
http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GUtsyute/MoretonIslandDec2011010bnp.jpg
On Moreton Island
http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GUtsyute/Canopypacked8Aug201110-1.jpg
Packed ready to go bush
http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GUtsyute/Canopypacked8Aug201117.jpg
Recovery gear, spares etc
http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GUtsyute/Carscratching2.jpg
Getting the pin stripes fitted
http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GUtsyute/TheroadfromBirdsvillejustbeforeitwasclosed4.jpg
Birdsville mud
http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GUtsyute/ForumTrip039-1.jpg
Qld Forum trip in July
http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af61/GUtsyute/Preparingthecanopy11.jpg
The original 04 Telstra ute


06 ST 4.2 with 04 Telstra pod.

[twindiff]

2006 ex-Telstra, bought May 2012, 80.000 klm's. :thumbup:

[Sir Roofy]

hi all.

Welcome to the ute/trayback section.

I've started this thread because there's a few of us that now own ex telstra 'podded' trucks.

I ask you nicely, not to comment on the pics you see, as there are plenty of other threads to respond.

None of us 'own' this thread, but would like to see it remain pictures only. :thumbup:

Thanks in anticipation.

Take care out there.

Rossco

rossco mate ,the gods have spoken,your not alone out there
there are pods scattered through out this great land now
how to bring you all together for pod day out lol

[Bakes]

Well I was able to grab a late model pod in very good nick. Its all very raw but ill update pics as they become available.... And yes, my sheds a mess....

[Cuppa]

G'day Bakes,
My shed's worse. Wish I had the means of lifting off the pod like that. Looks like you got a very nice clean one, & with alloys too if I'm not wrong.
Welcome to the select group of Podologists.

Cuppa.

[GU CAMPER]

I did a modification on my pod today
Since it is getting very hot lately. I decided to get some more airflow in the pod
20853
Thought the best way was to take the whole door off. Lol

[Bakes]

Ouch...hope it didn't fall on top of you mate. Actually only had this conversation with Obeico the other week. Not a cheap fix really, but I've put little wire ropes joining the two to hopefully stop it axing my head..

[GU CAMPER]

It just missed my head

I was chatting to GUtsy ute up at the meetup during the week about the hinges, looks like I will be ringing Obieco tomorrow for a new hinge

[Bakes]

Just make sure your sitting down when you do. I see it as my duty as a fellow forumite to prepare you for possible injuries due to falling in shock..lol

[Bakes]

Well I'm not sure wether these are an Obeico product, but I've noticed that repairs done to Telstra hinges near me seem to be replaced with these:
21008
21009

Seems to be a more permanent solution to the black plastic hinge and still waterproof

[threedogs]

Here to give you Poddies,podmeisters,podtologolist an idea or two .
If this idea is of any use feel free, you will require a washer bottle and a momentary 12v button.
What you see is a water outlet, as I had 55ltr internal s/s water tank in other 4x4 {no names}
black round thing is Tomcat off a bonnet saves water by just giving a quick squirt
3rd is air outlet from 3 gallon tank next to chassis,
Only need 2mtrs of hose to air up.

[twindiff]

Gidday boys,

Now that hinge problem is a drama! Any info on replacement hinges is greatly appreciated. I didn't know that the hinge was rubber. On mine passenger side looks ok BUT drivers side showing split/perished.

Cheers,

Errol.

[GU CAMPER]

Hi Errol

I got my new hinges from Obieco in Tamworth NSW there email address is serge@obieco.com.au

They believe the hinges only last for 5-7 years

[Cuppa]

Had bit of a play today - first time I've set up the tents together with the camper. Had to set up the rooftop tent to suss out what modifications & repairs I need to get done, & thought as the sun was shining I'd try out the Oztent too. Was very pleased with both. Both sourced second hand via ebay. The Shippshape rooftopper has done a bit of work, but is in pretty good nick, the Oztent is an old 'real' canvas model & has hardly been used, in fact it's as good as new ...... & I was really impressed with how quick & easy it was to put up.
Before anyone tells me how slack I am at putting up tents ...... I know I know, I was only checking that all was in good working order ........ oh & doing a little dreaming a little too. :-)

If you turn off your sound you'll avoid the unnecessary wind noise. Not the most professional video, taken with the iPad which is very difficult in bright sunlight 'cos you can't see the screen to see what you're filming. May take a while to load.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsRR0z69t3I&feature=g-upl

I'll put a few stills on my build up thread too.

Cuppa

[Bakes]

Nice one cuppa..!! I'm thinking comfort central in your truck..I still haven't had a chance to fit mine out yet :-(

[harro959]

Do they have to be ex telstra camping back setups???

Or do you want pics of other versions too??

[macca]

Mine a pod but not from an ex telstra source, used to be a mine safety gear salesmans set up.

Rosco's the boss his call hahahahahaha

[Cuppa]

Do they have to be ex telstra camping back setups???

Or do you want pics of other versions too??

If it's a pod, it's a pod, regardless of it's beginnings. Post it up, Rosco'll be fine with that.

Cuppa

[dunwurkin]

Hi Great pics in this thread I also have an obieco canopy and would love to see more pic of set ups, we intend to sleep in one side of ours and have kitchen stove fridge etc on other side but no firm decision as yet for layout keep posting I need ideas
thanks kate

[Guesty]

Moved comments to other thread to keep this one as just pictures. Sorry. Please delete.

[roady gu]

37314
01 td4.2t st gu

[macca]

Another Turtle, welcome to podology.

[Cuppa]

Welcome from me too. Where in South Gippy are you? I’m up near Tarra Bulga.

[roady gu]

hi cuppa
there is more than a group of us in the yarram area we do a lot of hight country work and sum out back trips, up the cape next year. mostly camping trips

[holdmybeerandwatchthis]

Do we have any more info on where we can get these hinges?
I also had the door fall off and landed on my foot lucky I had workboots on, but I still have a lump on one of the tendons.
I now have standard door hinges holding it together with a piece of duct tape for a seal, its lasted 8 month so far, but I refuse to pay Obieco $200 for it to stuff up in another 6 years and maybe do more damage to someone.
Standard piano hinges with a 10mm pin are only about $60 for a 6ft length, but Auspost won't deliver them and freight works out to be about $280. And then they would still need sealing anyway.


Well I'm not sure wether these are an Obeico product, but I've noticed that repairs done to Telstra hinges near me seem to be replaced with these:
21008
21009

Seems to be a more permanent solution to the black plastic hinge and still waterproof

[bazzaboy]

My ex Telstra Pod of the Rosscos variety - as purchased. 2006 circa 150,000kms. Had been based in Alice Springs.

http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv305/Cuppa500/Patrol/file-3.jpg

http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv305/Cuppa500/Patrol/file-1.jpg

http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv305/Cuppa500/Patrol/file.jpg

http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv305/Cuppa500/Patrol/IMG_5034.jpg

http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv305/Cuppa500/Patrol/file-10.jpg

http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv305/Cuppa500/Patrol/file-9.jpg

http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv305/Cuppa500/Patrol/file-8.jpg

http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv305/Cuppa500/Patrol/file-7.jpg

http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv305/Cuppa500/Patrol/file-6.jpg

http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv305/Cuppa500/Patrol/file-4.jpg

http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv305/Cuppa500/Patrol/Rosscos.jpg





Cuppa.

G'day Cuppa,

Nice setup. I'm looking for something similar. What is the floor length in the Telstra pods? I want something I can put a narrow bed/mattress in. Needs to be at least 6'4".

Bazza

[TheFlyingBadger]

I'm not at home (so can't measure it), but I was laid flat out in my pod the other day and I had plenty of room (i'm 190 - or "not quite" 6'3").....

[Gazzmate]

I think my Obeico is about 2100x1800 inside

[ATTACH=CONFIG]73192

[DX grunt]

Rosscos Trade Mate in Bibra Lake West Oz may be able to help. My Telstra ute was made up there. Rossco.

[DX grunt]

G'day Cuppa,

Nice setup. I'm looking for something similar. What is the floor length in the Telstra pods? I want something I can put a narrow bed/mattress in. Needs to be at least 6'4".

Bazza

My set up fits a double bed mattress. It sits flush with the hot water set up. Rossco. Length wise there was about 10cm left over. We had to put stuff at the end do our pillows didn't slip down. Will post the measurement s when I get home tonight.

[NissanGQ4.2]

DX grunt, do you mind if I link my canopy idea thread on this page?

[Cuppa]

G'day Cuppa,

Nice setup. I'm looking for something similar. What is the floor length in the Telstra pods? I want something I can put a narrow bed/mattress in. Needs to be at least 6'4".

Bazza

I'm also not at home & wont be for a while, & we don't have a tape measure with us, but I think it is about the same size as Gazzmate's Obieco pod (Telstra used both Obieco & Roscos). If you look up the length of a Oztent RV3, the under body 'drawer' space just fits one snugly.

I did think about a set up which allowed me to sleep inside, but setting it up to tour with two as well as for one was just too hard.

[DX grunt]

DX grunt, do you mind if I link my canopy idea thread on this page?

Go for it.

Rossco

[NissanGQ4.2]

Go for it.

Rossco

Cheers Rossco

[NissanGQ4.2]

Ideas for members wanting a Custom Made Canopy

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?37363-Ideas-for-members-wanting-a-Custom-Canopy-or-Tray&highlight=custom+canopy+ideas

[outbackjack]

Im using a tablet not sure how to load pictures

[Cuppa]

Im using a tablet not sure how to load pictures

I wasn't sure either, probably depends upon what app you are using on the tablet to access the forum. FWIW I just checked using wife's iPad. I just opened the browser, navigated to the forum & found that doing it that way that uploading a pic is just the same as on my laptop. Click on 'Go Advanced & either use the insert pic icon above, or the manage attachments below. Hope that helps.

[ChadGU]

Just went to Alice and picked mine up last week. 2014 only 118K Km. Drive her home with the young fella. Now the deck out.

7813878139

[DX grunt]

ChadGU

Nice Rig. Buying the ute was the cheap part, in my case. I know squat about lotsa stuff and paid for it all - but very happy.

I look forward to reading your build.

Rossco

[ChadGU]

Yeah you are right there is a lot more to do. The reason i went the ex-Telstra setup one was because it has already had a fair bit of the expensive stuff done. Good canopy, Dual battery, Water tank, lift kit etc. etc.

[Grant209]

G'Day all,

Just picked up a 2013 GU Patrol 3.0lt TD Cab Chassis about 2wks ago . . . . this ain't an Ex-Telstra truck but an Ex-Electricity Authority.

It has a AUSTRALIAN WORK AND LEISURE CANOPIES fitted to it.

I picked this up already fitted out with:
- Internal Shelves
- Heavy Duty 12v Power Supply to Canopy
- Ladder Rack
- 150Lt Water Tank & Pump
- Pest Control Spray System (Removed b Me)
- PVC Tubes
- Dual Battery System
- WARN Winch
- UHF Radio
- NSW GRN Radio Harness
- Mobile Phone Bluetooth

Added by myself so far:
- Amateur Radio
- Up Graded UHF Radio
- 8" tablet/Navigator
- Upgraded Mobile Phone Cradle
- Assessory Power Distribution Board in Canopy Areaa (work still in progress)
- Fridge.

Looking the the following Mod's in the next month or so:
- Car Alarm/Central Locking Up-grade
- Cruise Control.
- LED warning Light up-grade
- Auxbeam Electronic Switch Control System
- Roof OzTent/Cargo Cage
- Re-plumb Water Pump
- Bush Shower Outlet.
- Side/Rear Scene Lighting
- UHF Radio Point within canopy area for events.

For 15 years I have worked as a Events Medic, so intend to use the Ute for both Work and Play, work wise with it's shelving this Ute will allow me to fit it out as a "Mobile First Aid Post" and carry all my Medic Equipment - Trauma Kits, OxyGen Kit, Oxygen Supplies, Spine Board, general first aid supplies etc under the rear canopy.

Play side of things, still plenty of storage area for: OzTent, Tent Poles, Gas 2 Burner Stove, Fishing Rod Storage etc, Recovery Gear, Portable Table etc, so looking forward to getting the Patrol setup for Work and Play needs.

But I've notice many of the Ex-Telstra trucks shown in this thread have fold down steps coming off the back Tow Bar, that's one thing I am keen to find or have made up, as my Patrol has nothing in the way as a step up aid at the rear to reach the top of the Canopy Roof area, which would be helpful.


Cheers

Grant

79826
79827

[Cuppa]

FWIW, the rear steps on my ex Telstra were one of the first things I removed & I don't miss them. I considered them unnecessary weight & something to bang my shins on! However my pod has a rear 'shelf' which the twin spares sit on. With the rear bar above the window to hold it is easy to stand on the towbar & step up onto the 'shelf'. At the time I tried to give'em away, but no takers so they went into the scrap metal bin.

[threedogs]

Hi there was a member a few years back [rafa] I think, who did remote medical calls
in the top end. From memory had a Maginolini pod on top fully airconed..
The Patrol was not up to extra weight and fell apart .I think he brought a 4x4 Iveco
apologies for dissing the patrol lol

[Cuppa]

Hi TD, I believe you are correct about Rafa's name. I have always wondered how he went with the Iveco. I must admit we have done a fair amount of looking & research on getting ourselves an Iveco based camper truck/expedition vehicle. I also know someone who has an Iveco based Traveltruck Scrubmaster. After reading far too many reports about problems they have & very poor backup from Iveco for the 4wd Daily models (on a par or possibly worse than Nissan!) we have determined that whilst on paper they look wonderful that A) you need deepish pockets to buy one, & even deeper pockets to own/run one, & the real kicker being that I just would not trust one for remote travel. Some folk manage to do this & have either been lucky, or have an extensive knowledge of both the mechanicals & the computerised electronics, far too many have come to grief. Our friends have never been stranded in remote areas, but have had to pay out many thousands of dollars to ensure they have safe brakes, a transfer case which doesn't self destruct etc etc. The latest models have all the 4wd train made by a different company than the unreliable earlier models (which were made by 'SCAM' in Italy & bought in by Iveco), & promise to be better, but they have also changed from a live front axle to IFS which itself is copping criticism.

As you know, our Patrol & Tvan used for fulltime travel are heavy, running at around 5.1t with all tanks etc full, ('Vehicle only' at just below it's extended GVM of 3.9t including Tvan towball weight) & to date the only damage caused potentially by the weight has been a broken rear leaf spring on the 'boulder intense' Munja track, but even then the 'military wrap' got us a further 1000kms on some of the worst corrugations we've been on before we could replace the broken spring. You may also recall that in the past I suggested that us not having to drive to a schedule, & thus travelling at a fairly sedate pace would go some way to mitigating the risk of damage caused by weight. I stand by that assertion.

There is no question that the Iveco Daily 4x4's have a great deal to commend them & much as my heart would love one, my head say's stick with the Patrol.

[Grant209]

Cuppa,

During last month trip up to Longreach with my father, I notice the Electricity Authority up that way between St.George to Longreach had Iveco Daily 4x4's at most of their depots . . . . be interesting to know how they perform out that way for reliability . . . eitherway I don't think I could ever afford a Iveco Daily 4x4 Ambulance.

Before I got my Patrol last month, I was looking at a 1998 Toyota Landcruiser with a Paull and Warner Ambulance Module on the back, but my Lease Company said it was too old.

One of the Event Medical Companies I occasionally work for, has a GU Patrol with a Paull and Warner Ambulance Module fitted. It's one avenue I could go down if I found a suitable Ex Ambulance Module at a reasonable price to fit to the Patrol.

But as much as I would love my own Ambulance . . . I think this Patrol will have to do me for a while to come.79869

[Cuppa]

Hope you're managing to stay cool somehow down there in Penrith! Anyone interested it Daily 4x4 should check out '4x4 Iveco Daily - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly' on Facebook.

[JJONES2431]

How have you guys fitted a floor/ false floor? I just got a rosco style pod and cleaned it out, looking to fit it out. I'm not sure how to create a flat floor to put fridge, drawers etc on.

[Cuppa]

How have you guys fitted a floor/ false floor? I just got a rosco style pod and cleaned it out, looking to fit it out. I'm not sure how to create a flat floor to put fridge, drawers etc on.

I chose not to.

Assuming you mean a floor just to bring floor level up to the height of the 'lip' at the bottom of each door opening? I felt that this would only add extra weight for little benefit as well as waste limited space. Having said that I didn't use drawers , but used sliding plastic bins instead. These have the advantage of being lighter, sliding on rails rather than in cabinets & easily removeable for use around camp. An improvement would be to use the Expedition 134 storage boxes from Open Sky Touring which were not available when I did my fit out.

For my fridge slides I did use timber blocks sikaflexed to the floor to raise them enough to clear the lip.

The only disadvantage of 'retaining the lip' is that it makes cleaning out the inevitable desert dust & sand a tad more difficult, but that's not a biggie, & a false floor will still manage to collect dust & spills underneath it, which although unseen will build up over time. Imagine spilling something inside, milk for example. Or worse - something I did recently - forgot to put the butter in the fridge & had it completely melt & go rancid. Getting rid of the subsequent stench would be a nightmare if it had seeped under the false floor, or even just into the timber.

I'm not suggesting there is any right/wrong way to do things. A false floor will definitely look better/tidier, but if setting up for touring/camping/outback travel, it's worth considering the potential disadvantages too.