Versatile Independent Patrol (VIP) for those that want a camper and tray .

[dads tractor]

I felt that it would be good to throw a few ideas around for those that use their cabbie for multiple roles and what you expect them to do in each application and what your expectations are .

My criteria is quick , easy , and light conversion from being a ute to a camper with all-round access to the tray for storage .

My limitations are I'm the only one to do the change over most of the time and I'm chasing 60 at a fast rate as well as being a tight arse .

The base will be a TJM canopy on a standard Nissan tray .

What I want to carry and keep the weight low :2 x spare tyres,recovery box, tucker box , dry goods box ,clothes box ,spares and fishing gear.

47777

[dads tractor]

Well finally the rebuild has begun new 285 bfgs on tomorrow 2" amarda lift mk 2 ordered and full resray in the very near future and the design for a false floor to sleep on level with the top of the tray sides sorted; I'm excited .

[threedogs]

If you can make a small internal roll cage ,that will give you some where
to fit a flat roof platform. maybe even fit some solar panels.
Was just reading of Jamie from jamies 12 volt shop He can go anywhere remote
and camp for extended periods using only 175 watts of solar.
Use your power smart like he has and your set up will be light as overloading
is wrought with problems
No point taking everything plus the kitchen sink then
up grading your gmv so you can take more, it wont work, Well it will but you
wont be able to go anywhere with it,, be smart on what you take as well
probably all Im saying

[dads tractor]

Three dogs Cape trip I worked out to be 700 kgs max including canopy so would be reasonably light compared to others.Power will be 4.2 td and second battery lol

[threedogs]

puuurrrfect , when I travel outback with mates I always take the ice box [esky] for drinks.
That way I knew I had water no matter what, and you need fuel every day so freshen up
the ice as you go. 700kg is excellent,
Maybe thnk about a second battery pack seperate to the patrols,

[dads tractor]

Already has a second battery or were you thinking inverter and may need bigger engel as backup for the driver upsize to 60ltr

[threedogs]

When I went to the Cape in 83 you could nearly hamburger it the whole trip'
We had an old yellow Engel and an esky, Engel kept all the food from perishing,
but most 12v fridges dont like the tropics, We had a quota of drinks per day
stacked in the esky. worked ok till the Engel played up, lol

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/10W-Underwater-LED-Flood-Wash-Pool-Waterproof-Light-Spot-Lamp-12V-Outdoor-BU-/261754020445?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&var=&hash=item3cf1c1625d

This light would have to be the best light Ive ever used at camp.
I used to sell them, all I did was solder 5mtrs or lead with an inline
waterproof switch and merit plug on the end, If you get one mount it high
It will light a backyard on its own.
I took 3 to trial them at first now i only take one and have
fitted a dimmer for latter at night, i rate these highly

[dads tractor]

Old yellow engel bloody hell had one of the first 38lt ones I think they were and lasted me 22 years in trucks graders off road trailers that's why I don't stray away from them .

[threedogs]

Check my last post on a camp light.
no one can ever say Engels dont last eh LOL