MacTrol

[macca]

MacTrol..... mmmmm
Had to name the new toy so that will do untill something else comes to mind.
The project has begun, the trol is in the shed and has wires and pipes and tools all over it.
Most of the bits are mounted and cables etc are roughed into the various positions, still alot more to do, but its a start..
Its a 05 GU cab chassis that came with a winch bar , no winch. HD steel framed tray with an alum deck without side boards. Wide wheel (factory) kit, snorkel and 130k.
Bought a steel framed alum work body for $800, has 3 doors and a 12mm ply floor which makes it heavy but may be handy if I decide to make it removeable.
Fitted winch, IPF spots, uhf, 2nd batt tray and 105ah lifeline under bonnet, fuse blocks, JVC head unit with bluetooth and ipod, TJM dual batt controller all in front end.
The rear has another battery the same with its own TJM controller fuse block and welding sized cables to engine bay, Engel 40l and left space for another as a freezer in the future, Dual fuel Coleman 2 burner, LED lights, 600w inverter, 65l SS water tank with pump and tap, Boss air compressor with dryer and 9l allum tank, Sheet metal mob are making F&F cover out of expanded mesh like security doors, shelves for Black Wolf tent and self inflator, cutting sheets to make dividers for chain saw and stuff like that.
We carry a glind shower, so I figured to get a tank made and keep the shower water seperate from the potable. then plumb it all up so it heats while driving instead of running the engine at camp to heat the water, set a thermostat at 40deg and we have hot water. Carry all the gear any way so might as well make it more efficient.
Have to get some pics when I get time cause I know you are going to ask.
I do want to get a single front seat, then have some room between the seats to keep valuables etc in the cab with us.
Thats where I'm up to at the moment and will take a couple of weeks to get the truck usable.
Cannot wait, just itchin to go camping, its been 2 1/2 months since I sat around a fire.
Macca

[YNOT]

You're right, we do want to see photos!
It sounds like it will be a great set up when it's finished.

Tony

[AB]

Sounds great mate and as Tony said any photos would be fantastic!

[DX grunt]

Sounds great, and yes, I am looking forward to pics. lol

Ross
DX grunt

[patch697]

X3 of the above posts thanks mate

[Woof]

When do we get to see some photos:cheers:

[Finly Owner]

pics where show me.

[Russell1974]

sounds like a weapon cant wait to see pics

[macca]

I'll get some pics today and sort out posting them tonight, assume photobucket will work so will see how I go.

[AB]

Photobucket is perfect for this forum mate, look forward to seeing them!

[macca]

Big day, mowed lawns, BBQ and beers, jacks out of the cupboard, expensive camera............. maybe tomorrow
sorry lads
Macca

[macca]

Somewhere I have lost the down load lead for the camera, what a PITA.

Got to check I didnt leave it at a digital course Im doing at the Community College tomorrow night, if its not there looks like the camera shop is getting more out of me.

Things are progressing, waiting for outsourced bits to arrive or be made, we have air, fridge, lights, music, UHF and cooker all finished.

The water is 95% done, shelves for storage tubs 50%, winch needs repairing and will be ready tomorrow, the STT's are on the old hilux rims so they need to be swapped over, tie down the spare and bolt the box to the tray properly.

The tanks not made for the shower so that might take a back seat on the job list.

We are heading to Chichester on the 27th so should be ready to camp by then.

Its raining again and the box roof leaks where the roof rack has applied some pressure to a dodgy seam in the roof so it will have to come off and be done properly.

All in all we are progressing.

Suspension is going to be the real worry, even being aware of wieght the back is still getting lower and lower. Best to load it up go over a wiegh bridge and design a suspension to suit. The local bloke is talking about OME Sports, but I have a leaning towards Tough Dog Ralph, a member here suggested Koni which I have used with good results before so that up for discussion.... I had King coils in the Lux and they were great so will probably stick with them. They didn't sag naff all compared to other well known brands on mates Lux's.

Be great to hear your thoughts

Macca

[robdogg]

oohhh the suspense!

[macca]

Found the lead so here are some pics as promised, man there is still heaps to do and work - that dirty four letered word is getting in the way



Inverter, water pump, 3rd batt with its own isolator/controller all plugged in with andersons, back of fridge tilt with old strut as travel limit
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/th_nissan0111.jpg (http://s254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/?action=view&current=nissan0111.jpg)






Kitchen 1/2 built
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/th_nissan0110.jpg (http://s254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/?action=view&current=nissan0110.jpg)

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/th_nissan0112.jpg (http://s254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/?action=view&current=nissan0112.jpg)

From drivers side
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/th_nissan0113.jpg (http://s254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/?action=view&current=nissan0113.jpg)

Dual volt guage for aux batts & programme button, IPF mouse
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/th_nissan0115.jpg (http://s254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/?action=view&current=nissan0115.jpg)

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/th_IMG_3220.jpg (http://s254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/?action=view&current=IMG_3220.jpg)

Centre console UHF, GPS, Head unit (Ipod & Bluetooth), Battery monitor/controller, compressor switch and winch control, curly one is for phone charger
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/th_nissan0116.jpg (http://s254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/?action=view&current=nissan0116.jpg)

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/th_Mactrolresize5-1.jpg (http://s254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/?action=view&current=Mactrolresize5-1.jpg)

[AB]

Another pod, love the set up in the pod Macca, very well thought out, especially the fridge!

Keep the pics coming when you finish the kitchen bit, etc

[patch697]

Thats the stuff I like seeing in a 4x4. nice setup mate I would enjoy using it so I know you are........ Thanks for the pics

[YNOT]

Nice set up.
The fridge tilt/slide base is a great idea, do you have any more photos of it?

Tony

[Woof]

WOW I just want onehttp://209.85.48.9/1806/9/emo/drooling.gif

[AB]

Nice set up.
The fridge tilt/slide base is a great idea, do you have any more photos of it?

Tony

I too would like to know how that works mate if you get a chance...Ripper idea!

[macca]

Hey thanks guys, yeah the tilt is great, but I have had to cable tie dividers in the fridge basket for obvious reasons....
It has a couple of large SS door hinges welded to the pivot point and bolted to the bench top. I made a spring loaded pin that passes underneath and fits in a bracket to stop it bouncing about. The strut that limits travel has lost its gas so is only to relieve stress on the pivot point. It has worked fine for 5 years now and can not see it playing up now. The fridge is getting a cage made from alum expanded mesh which stops stuff falling under the thing when its tilted.
Got a big day tomorrow so not sure when I can get pics up for you, Can't give you too much in one day .....
Macca

[macca]

Front on view using standard fridge slide then modifying
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/th_IMG_2591.jpg (http://s254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/?action=view&current=IMG_2591.jpg)


Locking pin in lock position
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/th_IMG_2592.jpg (http://s254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/?action=view&current=IMG_2592.jpg)

Locking pin in unlock position
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/th_IMG_2593.jpg (http://s254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/?action=view&current=IMG_2593.jpg)

Slide down in locked position
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/th_IMG_2594.jpg (http://s254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/?action=view&current=IMG_2594.jpg)

Slide tilted, the keeper for the pin is visible
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/th_IMG_2595.jpg (http://s254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/?action=view&current=IMG_2595.jpg)

[macca]

While I'm waiting for outsourced bits I dragged these slider steps from behind the shed, they were on my Hilux so I cut the mounts off and lined them up on bits of wood.

SORRY PHOTOS LOST

What do you think? Should I shorten them up to the cab length or leave them as they are?

And what is the best fixing, the chassis is full of hole but none that really will be strong enough. Curious to know how other people have got around this obstacle.

Thanks Macca

[Russell1974]

great lookin bus mate love the pics

[macca]

Well Mactrol's got to go on a diet, the truck not me!!

The trays getting the flick and we are going to build a new lightwieght platform for the pod to sit on, gone are the headboard, underslung tool boxes and the fairly useless long cabinet accessed from the back.

Will try and put the spare back there, that frees up room in the pod although we dont need much.

The steel will cost $305 so is a cheap fix.

Then the pods 12mm ply floor will be replaced with aluminium sheet.

Should see the rear rise a bit with this trimming.

Been playing with a Polaris CM60 reverse camera, wont run over any little people now or light poles or guard rails , you know what I mean.
It's dark now so will have a look at the infrared view should be a great improvement.
Got to have a look

More later

Macca

[macca]

We have been busy, the pod is now lower and further forward, Rhino bars fitted and a open ended alluminium Rack covers the full length of the pod with the HiLift on one side and a Rigid no 2 plumbers shovel on the other. (if a plumber has to swing on a shovel all day, you listen to what he recommends!!!!)

The 65litre water tank is now under the "tray" and all plumbed. The shower water tank is working a treat, great to have a hot shower in a minute after reaching camp.

LED lights tail lights, high and low, and reversing spot light to compliment the camera are fitted to the back.

The floor was removed and 2mm ckeckerplate installed, sikaflex sealed all round, the kitchen and all the camping racks installed. Ended up with a drop slide for the Engel a much improved option over the tilt. We will use that for a freezer in the future. All the internal lights and 12v outlets have been done and rear battery controller relocated to make it easier to access when we need to link the auxilaries.

The side steps went on, they are not strong enough to jack with so have some more work to do there.

Recaro seats are fitted and now adjusted to be very comfortable and supportive, they have been a good buy. Still a very pricey mod but are used every time the ute's driven.

Got hold of 5 17" OEM Nissan rims with near new AT's for highway driving, with them on and extra soundproofing of the cab it is very pleasant to drive.

All this was done then fully loaded as if we were off to the desert country, put the ute over the wieghbridge then got a suspension mob to install King springs to compliment the ToughDog Ralph's and 45mm adjustables allready installed. The front came up 95mm, its a 50mm lift, the OEM springs were that flat.

Very happy with the set up now, canvas seat covers to come then some power, thinking of a 3" exhaust and a tune up for that.

Got to find out if thats the best way to go, want to keep things as origional as possible for maintenance and sourcing parts while in the outback.

Its taken 6 weeks from when the origional steel tray came off, been a lot of fun.

Been bush a couple of times for a mid build shakedown, heading out next 3 weekends to try the suspension on Sand to Farquhar near here for the 1st, then ruts in the Barrakee NP and a rough public road out to Crowdy Bay NP for the last weekend.

Should be a good test for all our hard work !!!!!!!!

Cheers Macca

[macca]

A few shots of our camp set-up, I was on my own so slept in the pod. Normally we have a BlackWolf tent.
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/th_Mactrolresize-1.jpg (http://s254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/?action=view&current=Mactrolresize-1.jpg)


Kitchen side with drop slide, a fantastic addition and coleman dual fuel.
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/th_Mactrolresize2-1.jpg (http://s254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/?action=view&current=Mactrolresize2-1.jpg)


Awning is great in rain and even heavy dew.
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/th_Mactrolresize3-1.jpg (http://s254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/?action=view&current=Mactrolresize3-1.jpg)


Bed for the night warm on a cold night :shivering:
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/th_Mactrolresize4-1.jpg (http://s254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/?action=view&current=Mactrolresize4-1.jpg)


Office, great seats :Yahoo!:
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/th_Mactrolresize5-1.jpg (http://s254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/?action=view&current=Mactrolresize5-1.jpg)

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/th_Mactrolresize6.jpg (http://s254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/?action=view&current=Mactrolresize6.jpg)




The working end, all the wet tracks are giving the winch a work out lately.
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/th_Mactrolresize7-1.jpg (http://s254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/?action=view&current=Mactrolresize7-1.jpg)


Some shots of the doors closed at home
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/th_Mactrolresize10-1.jpg (http://s254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/?action=view&current=Mactrolresize10-1.jpg)

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/th_Mactrolresize12-1.jpg (http://s254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/?action=view&current=Mactrolresize12-1.jpg)





Water tank with a mechanical fuel guage so we know how much is left.
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/th_Mactrolresize11-1.jpg (http://s254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/?action=view&current=Mactrolresize11-1.jpg)


3" pipe, part of the fuel saving programme dear.
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/th_Mactrolresize13-1.jpg (http://s254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/?action=view&current=Mactrolresize13-1.jpg)

[Bob]

Great Set up Mate. Makes you want to pack and go

[AB]

Great set up Macca, those pods are handy!!!

[growler2058]

Bloody great setup mate well done!!!

[macca]

Next mod is tyres, ordered 5 new tyres as the Cooper STT 32" (265/75/R16) are trashed, one got staked and destroyed over the weekend, another has a tread lug missing exposing the steel bands.

Getting Micky T MTZ 33" (285/75R16).

As the photo shows the 32's touch the chassis rail during flex, dont damage or mark the tyre, just dont feel/look right.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/th_Mactrolresize8-1.jpg (http://s254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/?action=view&current=Mactrolresize8-1.jpg)

Had a look at spacers, not real keen on the idea so went for new rims.

Stock are +10 offset, will be getting -13 so the wider tyre (10mm each side) should have 13mm more clearance from the chassis.

Its been interesting doing up the Patrol Ute / Pod combo. Learnt heaps and have ideas for the next one allready if I did it again.

Number one it will be no bigger than the cab as I've allready hooked the front of the pod on an overhanging tree stump.

Hope you enjoy the read, Macca

[macca]

Thanks guys, we have got it working pretty good now. Should be easy to use on long trips.

Macca

[macca]

Just done a 3 week trip with my Dad, he had a tourer tent and I had our Black Wolf
Carried a Kayak on the racks and used the MTZ's they were not really needed but was a bit nervous about the road conditions around Tilpa.
The whole thing worked perfectly, fuel varied from 14.3 - 15.6 litres per 100klm, not too bad considering the 33" muds
So I am very happy with the setup and wouldnt change anything.
The shower worked great, needed to set the thermostat up a bit to 45degC. All was good after that. Its so nice to get clean clothes on clean skin.
All in all I'm stoked with the ute, craps all over what we had before.
Macca

[AB]

Good to hear Macca, Love touring and camping but must admit It's nice to get back home sometimes too...

Any pics to feed us gremlins???

[patch697]

Just done a 3 week trip with my Dad, he had a tourer tent and I had our Black Wolf
Carried a Kayak on the racks and used the MTZ's they were not really needed but was a bit nervous about the road conditions around Tilpa.
The whole thing worked perfectly, fuel varied from 14.3 - 15.6 litres per 100klm, not too bad considering the 33" muds
So I am very happy with the setup and wouldnt change anything.
The shower worked great, needed to set the thermostat up a bit to 45degC. All was good after that. Its so nice to get clean clothes on clean skin.
All in all I'm stoked with the ute, craps all over what we had before.
Macca

Sounds like your first trip with the ute went off without a hitch mate (your pics have been stunning so im tipping your new camera went just as well...BTW)

Your tip reports & pics have been great macca.....Can't wait till your next one.


Cheers mate.

[macca]

This is one from the trip report

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Darling%20Trip/25CampatLakeCargelligo.jpg

I do like the black ROH rims

[macca]

Said I wouldn't change anything :eck05: pigs butt.
They are never really finished.
When we camp the ignition is left on accessory because when the key gets taken out everything in the back is turned off except the fridge and some lights.
Pumps etc cannot run or stuff left on to flatten the battery. This is good but there is stuff in the cab that stays on too so today I fitted switches to isolate the radio, charger for the phone, GPS and TPMS.
Also rewired the dual voltmeter to come on with accessory instead of ignition so I can see at a glance how the batteries are holding up.
So had the dash in bits dewiring then rewiring it all, also lost power to the UHF and tracked it to a broken glass fuse so got rid of that,
Then wired the winch control to a dash mounted switch which should get here next week.
Also blew the 32amp ignition fuse so made a temporary relacement for that.
What a day, at least the weather was nice for a change.
There goes another Sunday.
Macca

[frenzy]

Nice work mate. Great setup. The pods are a great idea! Thanks for sharing your pics.

[macca]

Winch switch arrived today, yipee. Looks the same as the ARB compressor switch next to it so smicko. :bananarock:
Everything I wanted to do is now done. Time to celebrate :drunk:
Opps just read the front locker thread, what do ya think Darls :furious: not happy, oh well.
Wonder if she would notice the way it behaves on the tracks :devilred:
Mmmmmm what else can I do?
Have another frosty and work on a plan :1062:
Macca

[macca]

Bump for nowoolies, there are a few picks there for you, I think

[DX grunt]

Thanks Macca. Bloody brilliant!

The missus jarred me the other day. She wants proper seats ( 2 x singles) in the cab, not 2.5. Can you pm me the details of your seats - price, ect? Will they fit? Any mods needed? ect

Great stuff. Well done.

Enjoy, and take care out there.

Rossco

[macca]

Next mod is tyres, ordered 5 new tyres as the Cooper STT 32" (265/75/R16) are trashed, one got staked and destroyed over the weekend, another has a tread lug missing exposing the steel bands.

Getting Micky T MTZ 33" (285/75R16).

As the photo shows the 32's touch the chassis rail during flex, dont damage or mark the tyre, just dont feel/look right.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/th_Mactrolresize8-1.jpg (http://s254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/?action=view&current=Mactrolresize8-1.jpg)

Had a look at spacers, not real keen on the idea so went for new rims.

Stock are +10 offset, will be getting -13 so the wider tyre (10mm each side) should have 13mm more clearance from the chassis.

Its been interesting doing up the Patrol Ute / Pod combo. Learnt heaps and have ideas for the next one allready if I did it again.

Number one it will be no bigger than the cab as I've allready hooked the front of the pod on an overhanging tree stump.

Hope you enjoy the read, Macca

A shot of the new boots, just wrapped in those black rims. Looks the part now


http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/th_IMG_3225.jpg (http://s254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/?action=view&current=IMG_3225.jpg)

Macca

[Woof]

Looking good there Macca, nothing like new boots for the Patrol mate..

[macca]

Today had a set of 43% reduction gears fitted by a mechanic, he rang tonight at 4.00pm saying it wont hold in 4 low.
He is a experienced 4 wheel driver and experienced spanner man.
Been talking to Marks Adaptors to see what he has to do to make it right so it will not be ready for pick up untill tomorrow. I have no problem with that.
Same thing happened when the E-Locker was fitted, another mechanic was on the phone to sort it out and it cost me a fortune, was a shock.
When they charge $80 - $100 per hour plus Gillards share it gets away.
The after market people include model specific instructions that dont seem to be a lot of help, what would have happened if I had a go myself?
It will be all good when I get it back but the wallet needs a valium!!

[healy]

Nice ute mate

[macca]

Thanks Healy

[NissanGQ4.2]

Iain, have you moved your photo's in photobucket????? a lot of your pics have vanished :(:(:(

[macca]

Iain, have you moved your photo's in photobucket????? a lot of your pics have vanished :(:(:(

Thanks for pointing that out. Went back and got them all.

[NissanGQ4.2]

Thanks for pointing that out. Went back and got them all.

Thanks mate, that's better :)

[macca]

Just got a thing for LED lights, slowly replacing them in our house and the Trol as well.
2 36watters as reversing lights, I can see behind me now and replaced indicator/clearance in Bull Bar as 1 was broken, had to fit a resister as flash was too fast.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/th_NissanForumOct201222.jpg (http://s254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/?action=view&current=NissanForumOct201222.jpg)
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/th_NissanForumOct201219.jpg (http://s254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/?action=view&current=NissanForumOct201219.jpg)

[macca]

Fitted a couple of RED hot recovery point from threedogs, good gear I reckon.

You can see the mmm mmm little body lift, steps were hitting body now they are 22.5mm away. Were 30mm but didnt want to go that high, under 25mm is OK right?

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/NissanForumOct201218.jpg

[macca]

This little sucker is one of the better mods that you can do, its a ring of steel welded around the drain plug. It takes the hits and the plug stays where its supposed to and doesnt get smashed out of shape so you can not fit a tool to get it out.

This has copped a fair pasting and the plug is like new.

$15 from Superior
http://www.superiorengineering.com.au/product_info.php?products_id=7386

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/NissanForumOct2012.jpg

[macca]

A couple of serious gerry can holders, $50 each from EBay. Can not fit my spare tyres without a lot of reinforcing = work so non drinking water can go there on the extended trips.
Taslucas' sticker looks the good there as well.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/NissanForumOct201221.jpg

[macca]

New SupaPeg awning I'm real happy with. Well made right here in Australia by Australians who know what I'm going to do with it. It has real canvas and is easy as to use, came with side wall that is clever in the design.
Allready had a 2x2mtr canvas tarp for a ground sheet if ever I have to get under the truck for repairs etc and it fits as the end wall.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/NissanForumOct201223.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh94/maccas01/Nissan/NissanForumOct201217.jpg

[twindiff]

Top job Macca - awesome truck!

[macca]

Top job Macca - awesome truck!

Cheers twindiff It is taking shape now.

Next mod will probably be a Roof Top Tent for the long trips. Thinking about a fibreglass shell type but they are expensive......

[twindiff]

Yeah, going the same way for Moby, but another problem is mattress thickness - most are only 7cm thick and even though they are supposed to high density they are just not comfortable.
Solar energy store has one with solar powered electric lift but I'm yet to check it out.

http://www.solarenergystore.com.au/index.php/automatic-ozrover-solar-hard-top-roof-top-tent-121.html

$2600 is a lot of money but for fast set up and a solid roof it will be worth it - depending on mattress.

This is another good one but at $5000 is too much money and not aerodynamic.

http://www.bundutec.com.au/

Mattress looks good though.....

Cheers,

Errol.

[macca]

This is another good one but at $5000 is too much money and not aerodynamic.

http://www.bundutec.com.au/

Mattress looks good though.....

Cheers,

Errol.

That is fancy, not seen any thing like that but is a bit of a brick.

[macca]

Took the swing arms off to have some caster correction bushes fitted, when I took the drivers side off I thought the chasis nut came off easy or more accurately quickly.

Had the bushes fitted and put it back togeather doing the passenger side 1st. When it was tightened up the thread on the chassis end came through the nut 15-20mm.

Did the drivers side and when the nut was tight the thread was flush and the new rubber bushes were not compressed like the other side.

It was a cow of a job to get back off as the thread had spalled as you can see, what a pita.

I am taking the arm into Nissan in the morning to get the end replaced, I hope its not going to be a hassle.

A mate said ages ago my 4B looked like it was crabbing, this would do that.

The mechanic who had the arms out before is now off my "touch my truck" approved list!!!!

[harro959]

Great setup.

Im slowly going through the same process of setting up a touring camper. I have a couple of questions if you dont mind. How much diesel do you carry and how do you store it?, how important is it to you that the pod is smaller than the cabin?? How heavy is your truck now with everything done? particularly when loaded up for touring???

Do you ever regret not having a removable canopy with wind up legs??

thanks

[macca]

Great setup.

Im slowly going through the same process of setting up a touring camper. I have a couple of questions if you dont mind. How much diesel do you carry and how do you store it?, how important is it to you that the pod is smaller than the cabin?? How heavy is your truck now with everything done? particularly when loaded up for touring???

Do you ever regret not having a removable canopy with wind up legs??

thanks

Harro we have only done 1 real trip in it since it was built up, that was following the darling so no need for a lot of gear and the fuel tanks were plenty.

Next year is a biggie and will have 5 20ltr gerrys as well as the OEM tanks that hold 180ltr and they are stored in the pod in boxes I have made.

The pod came like that, when I made a new "tray" for it to sit on I got the centre of gravity as low as I could, then when I decided on body blocks the cab was made the same as the pod.

No idea on weight as I have not fully loaded it.

PITA takin it off and on, its my toy so having a tray is not what Im after.

Used the steel tray to make a trailer for our work.

[macca]

Took the radius arm to Nissan, cant buy the end only the complete arm at $600 f-that.

So off to egineering mates shop, yep made one last week know what you want, come back later in the week.

You little beauty, his prices are allways fair so see what he says.

[macca]

All fixed now, the engineer took the end out of the arm and cleaned the thread using their lathe.

It went on easy as and ready for a test drive.

Had a big week at work so the ute will have to wait for a good run.

While I was doing the bushes I got hold of some HD sway bar extension so hoping all the front end works in unison and handling is improved.

She used to wander a bit and driving was correcting all the time, I never noticed but my wife did. I thought she is onto something so hopefully all this work will improve the on road behaviour.

For the ute owners the sway bar bushes are a different size for the leaf rear models, 20mm over 15mm for the coils.

[macca]

Our latest mod, for open country touring, dont want to smash it in the bush we get into for weekend trips.

[macca]

I am always a bit nervous about the engine temperature, on our recent trip to the outback it was a bit warmer up north like 37deg for a week. Running the car in touring trim at 105kph the temp needle would go over to the right nearly all the way, come back to 95 and normal temps would show.
I had no idea what normal actually was and what it went up to, so I bought a gauge.
I had a SPA boost / EGT so thought I would get another SPA with water temps / oil pressure.
Took out the dual gauge pillar pod and bought a 3 gauge one as in the pics.
Happy with the outcome, had a run this arvo, water was around 70 - 75 deg C and pressure was 60 psi at 2000rpm 25psi at idle and more at higher revs or cold.
Happy days
Got an adaptor for the water probe where a blank is in the base of the t/stat housing???
Got hold of a "T" for the oil sender. Found it was easier to access from below.
We have Speedflow here in Taree. They make all sorts of fittings here for the motor racing industries.
Having trouble with photos. Got them sorted.

[macca]

Started on a battery tray for 2 batteries to run the fridge etc. With our solar panel we should be right for power now. Took the century battery out from under the bonnet as it didn't connect easily when the DC-DC charger was installed. 2 SSB drycell batteries are arriving next week. They are 105 amp hour and 780 CCA but most importantly are N70 size so can fitted in the cranking battery spot to start the engine. Learned the hard way , the aux i have now is 330 mm long and doesn't fit.

[Cuppa]

Hi Macca,
With our bus now sold (delivered to new owners in Bega yesterday) my thoughts are returning to the set up with the Patrol, in conjunction with the yet to be purchased TVAN. One thing is clear, the portable solar panels are going onto the pod roof, & the rooftop tent is coming off. Unfortunately taking the rooftop tent off also results in no more side awning, so I’ve looked with interest at your Supapeg awning. Is it the deluxe model? Can you specify the ‘wall’ length when you purchase? (My pod has a higher roof than yours, & possibly the door sits higher when open too). Most importantly a couple of years down the track since you bought it, with some good travelling under your belt, are you still happy with your purchase? Have you found it big enough to be useful?

I like the idea of an awning enclosable on two sides, with the side wall (tarp) fitting on either side to provide wind protection when cooking.

Cuppa

[macca]

I like the idea of an awning enclosable on two sides, with the side wall (tarp) fitting on either side to provide wind protection when cooking.

Cuppa

Congrats on the sale.

It's hard to see but I have attached the awning directly to the pod with a liberal squirt of sikaflex. As the base is on an angle, not vertically as a normal install , I got some flexible knuckles they use on the poles and fitted them. The components on ours are stock items, but they make the awning so adjustments would not be an issue I'd imagine. On the road we hardly use it unless needing shade. The desert nights really don't have a call for overhead cover. But on the coast here we have used it a bit. Had it about 2 to 3 years and no issues at all. Cost more but it's there when needed. The way it packs is different, it folds in half and if it's wet you have to put the rigid rail in its spot with wet canvas on your head an back.

[Cuppa]

Thanks Macca. Good to have a nice long yak on the dog & bone with you.
I reckon the Supa Peg awning will be the way I go. Will have to do some measuring.

Cuppa

[macca]

Cheers Cuppa, yeah good to chat. Sorted out heaps of stuff! Good luck with your awning, don't reckon you will have any problems with a good Aussie company.