What to do first?

[Patrol-Guy]

I have just bought my first Patrol (2008 GU6 ST wagon) and am wondering where to start doing stuff to it. It is pretty much stock. I don't have much experience with 4WDing except for some standard unsealed road driving. I have the Nissan bullbar and it has been fitted with a winch at some stage but it's missing now. So I need a winch, a exhaust jack, a CB, a hightlift jack, a roof basket, it rides reasonably high so don't think I need to rush out for a lift kit just yet, I've got Pirelli Scorpion ATR 275/65/17 so are they ok for easing into things?

I have a basic 4wd kit containing snatch strap, manual winch etc. but am wondering what would you suggest I do as a first thing? I'm thinking winch first up.

Oh and I also have a dual battery setup. . . . But I don't really understand that and what it's for. The guy who sold the car to me said it was used for the winch. Does that make sense?

Thanks for all advice
Paul

[threedogs]

First thing I'd do is join a Club and gain experience through them as you'll be taught the correct way.
First thing I'd be buying is a 12v fridge so you can go camping and practice your skills.
NEVER USE A TOWBALL TO RECOVER ANYONE FULL STOP
Check other ppls ride and see what they have , you don't need a winch IMO,
Maybe some chunkier tyres when these run low

[Patrol-Guy]

First thing I'd do is join a Club and gain experience through them as you'll be taught the correct way.
First thing I'd be buying is a 12v fridge so you can go camping and practice your skills.
NEVER USE A TOWBALL TO RECOVER ANYONE FULL STOP
Check other ppls ride and see what they have , you don't need a winch IMO,
Maybe some chunkier tyres when these run low

So this isn't a club? I'm confused. . . .

And also funny you should say the 12v fridge cause I have spent quite some time at BCF and eBay checking out the fridges. I have done the search on the forum for what is the best one to buy and am still not quite sure although it would look like Engel is popular. But then do you just get the fridge or the fridge freezer??? So many questions so few answers.....but then that's where the experience of the forum comes into play.....I need to read more...

[threedogs]

This is not a club to me it feels like an extended family as we have hit the highs and lows of life. Few tears now and then but lots of laughs
Most would say Engel are a good fridge 'but it depends what you are into fishing or extended touring say Cape York
or the Simpson desert. Your dual battery set up will allow you to camp for a weekend and have cold drinks the entire time
weather permitting. Once you get the hang of things you'll see what you need. Maybe there are a few members your way that can organise a trip
then you can check what they have and see if its what you need

[sil3nt_dr3ams]

Shovel and set of tracks like maxxi tracks.

[Patrol-Guy]

i saw in one of the posts to get a long handle shovel as apposed to one of those fold away jobs.....is that what you would suggest?

[threedogs]

Yes as when your stuck and we all do, you can reach right under your patrol,
Shovel is your best bit of kit, IMO
Fold away for toilet duties lol

[93patrol]

this is a forum where everyone gets together and has a chat all over the world a 4wd club you maybe pay membership(all the i know you do) here we are mates and family can chat and ask questions learn things and just get to know people and thier way of life as 3D said much like a family we do get together for trips but sometimes it can be hard.

A 4wd club most of the communication is face to face and lots of tips are hands on. My advice would be join a club and do a 4WD course so you don't go out half c*^ked.

also get a compressor or minimum a proper tyre guage so when you deflate you know what pressures are exactly. And just listen to the more experienced campaigners and never ever be afraid to ask questions even if its seems stupid ask it it may be more important than you think.

[oncedisturbed]

Long handled shovel is the way to go, even a multi piece mine spec version will suffice, sand flag and the posts above pretty much sum up what's needed.
4wd course is a good avenue to follow and clubs can assist with this but adds up the coin costs, do the course and then organise meet ups here and get your experience up :)

[growler2058]

Recovery points

[sil3nt_dr3ams]

Unbreakable pretty much,

http://www.bunnings.com.au/fiskars-post-hole-garden-shovel_p3360286

[Drewboyaus]

Recovery points.....decent light truck tyres.

[Patrol-Guy]

Excellent, thanks.

[threedogs]

Once you figure out what you need you then need to figure out how to safely carry it in your Patrol.
A half or full cargo barrier might be the go, depending if you like them or not, then the option of either
storage boxes or a built in storage system.
As someone suggested ask any question you like no matter how silly it may sound.
You may also want to ask before you buy something as in some cases there is some crap available
and you don't need gear failing out in the bush, buy the very best you can afford even if it means saving
for it. Better to buy once than buy twice and still have the item fail

To see how the Forum works at its best, you ask if such n such a product is ok
Then those that have tried or seen it in action will let you know their thoughts be it good or bad

[Patrol-Guy]

Recovery points




Recovery points.....decent light truck tyres.

Ok dumb question - I'm pretty sure I know what a recovery point is, one of those safe points to hook the winch etc to to recover the vehicle from a bog etc.....but do I just go to a 4wd shop and ask them to install some recovery points or is it possibly a DIY thing?

Paul

[threedogs]

I'll send you a PM top rhs of header
another good mod is the bracket on the small door that allows it to open wider

[Patrol-Guy]

another good mod is the bracket on the small door that allows it to open wider

You'll have to explain that one in a little more detail please.

[FNQGU]

Definitely make sure you have the mentioned recovery points both front and rear. And never tie the snatch strap to your bull bar either.

TD is referring to the smaller of the two rear barn doors. You will notice when you open them that the smaller one doesn't open right out. There is an extension bracket you can buy on eBay for about $19 that does the trick and makes life easier.

Otherwise, spend some time looking through the builds that other blokes have done, and you will quickly start getting a tonne of ideas.

[SonOf]

You'll have to explain that one in a little more detail please.

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?24221-Rear-door-extension-bracket-comments

Read this and you will see what threedogs means,

[oncedisturbed]

Definitely make sure you have the mentioned recovery points both front and rear. And never tie the snatch strap to your bull bar either.

TD is referring to the smaller of the two rear barn doors. You will notice when you open them that the smaller one doesn't open right out. There is an extension bracket you can buy on eBay for about $19 that does the trick and makes life easier.

Otherwise, spend some time looking through the builds that other blokes have done, and you will quickly start getting a tonne of ideas.

BenK is correct on build threads that several of us have done. Work out what you want / need from your rig and what type of things you plan on doing with it. DON'T go spending hard earned coin on gear you will never need that doesn't suit your needs because it makes the rig look "Tuff" or whatever.

You can get it done cheaply (not poorly) by researching the items you may need and then do your cost factor, brand new doesn't always mean the best. Heaps of bargains can be found out there and also look at the forum's vendors as well and see what they have on offer.

[threedogs]

I think you might be getting over whelmed with all this info.
Pick one topic at a time and go from there, owning a 4x4 is a never ending build
plus you are continually up dating equipment as better ones come on the market
HID and LED are the big winners for us 4x4ers, light bars are great too

[Drewboyaus]

Oncedisturbed makes a very good point. You don't always have to buy new. I have built my ride for a fraction of the cost of new by keeping my eyes peeled on eBay. I have sourced all my bar work from for way less than half the new cost.
There are a few wreckers around that also specialise in 4wd's. They are worth visiting from time to time as well.

[Gecko17]

I think you might be getting over whelmed with all this info.
Pick one topic at a time and go from there, owning a 4x4 is a never ending build
plus you are continually up dating equipment as better ones come on the market
HID and LED are the big winners for us 4x4ers, light bars are great too

Is it time to post a "New to the 4WD scene? What mods do I need?" Thread?

This seems to be a common question...

Has it already been done threedogs?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[threedogs]

Not that I'm aware of but there is a gigantic list somewhere on what to take
, I mean it's huge,
Your idea is good same as Drew .
As for camping equipment I have heaps of stuff I'll never use again including Versa lights as I found something better
but I'll never throw them out

[Patrol-Guy]

Definitely make sure you have the mentioned recovery points both front and rear

Thanks, are the actual points pre drilled so all I have to do is bolt them on? And is there only 2 at front and back?

[Patrol-Guy]

I think you might be getting over whelmed with all this info

I'm ok, I am multiskilled. I've been married 30years and had 3 kids, after that it pretty much just all falls into place. But hey, thanks for thinking of me.

I would say I was excited, interested, eager, captivated, charmed, ecstatic, elated, enchanted, entranced, fulfilled, gladdened, gratified, joyous, jubilant, overjoyed, pleasantly surprised, pleased, thrilled and just happy but never over whelmed.

Paul

[threedogs]

Excited I would say,,, the front recovery points for your model bolt up under the front
of the chassis via two captive nuts on each side, did you read the PM I sent?
Same as the pic I posted on post 16

[Drewboyaus]

What sort of driving are you intending to do? Lots of mud? High country? Wet high country? Beaches? Outback? Family holiday trips? Boys weekend trips? All of the above?
How you expect to use the vehicle forms the basis on how you should approach the build up. It can change and there are some basics that you'd do for however you were intending to use it.

[Snapcatcher]

For a rear recovery point (assuming you have a tow bar) get a recovery hitch. It fits in to where the tow bar tounge usually goes, and provides a safe recovery point.
I know it's already been said, but just to ram home the point, NEVER attach a snatch strap to a tow ball.

[Patrol-Guy]

did you read the PM I sent?

Yes I did, thanks.

[Patrol-Guy]

What sort of driving are you intending to do? Lots of mud? High country? Wet high country? Beaches? Outback? Family holiday trips? Boys weekend trips? All of the above?
How you expect to use the vehicle forms the basis on how you should approach the build up. It can change and there are some basics that you'd do for however you were intending to use it.

I just want to be prepared is all. I'm not going looking to climb the steepest hill I can or the roughest ground I can find. I just want to be ready in case I happen across some ugly little mess in the middle of a track I'm on. I don't want to have to turn around because I'm at risk because I didn't install recovery points etc.

[Patrol-Guy]

For a rear recovery point (assuming you have a tow bar) get a recovery hitch. It fits in to where the tow bar tounge usually goes, and provides a safe recovery point.
I know it's already been said, but just to ram home the point, NEVER attach a snatch strap to a tow ball.

I already have one and used it on the Jeep once to pull someone else out of trouble. And no I would never use the tow ball for a recovery.