Great lookin set up there Rossco.
Love the fridge mate, did you end up gettin it sorted ??
Love the site as well, thanks buddy
Cheers Pete
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Great lookin set up there Rossco.
Love the fridge mate, did you end up gettin it sorted ??
Love the site as well, thanks buddy
Cheers Pete
now im jealous ,my one of those is full of work crap, .........errrr work materials and fittings,
looks absolutly fanfriggintastic , you guys are well setup and looks like gunna have a great time away.
how long have you had the bus Ross????
nowoolies
Paul
looking good mate, reckon me an me missus could do with a break away soon, any chance I can borrow your rig and leave me kids with you for a couple of weeks??????? hahahahaha
You can't beat a full bladder. lolQuote:
Originally Posted by Plasnart
I'm looking forward to submitting my first trip report, too
Thats a really good setup rossco tough shackels for pulling buffalo out but why not put the fishing poll in a holder ,could be interesting other wise
looking forward to reading your report should be a good read
Looking forward to reading it old mate! You've inspired me to finally bite the bullet and sort the other recovery points on Tank. What is the laden weight with the rig fully decked out and ready to roll??Quote:
Originally Posted by DX grunt
T 2740Quote:
Originally Posted by Bigrig
A 3400
C 5900
That's all I know. They're the numbers on the side of the truck. The heaviest things in the back will be about 150lts of water, a full 95lt fridge, plus all the recovery gear, plus all the food.
The heaviest things in the front will be me and the missus. lol.
Not that we're taking any tents, or swags, but they're not that heavy.
I wouldn't expect you will have any problems in your Rig Rossco with it being ex Telstra, it will have been decked out for heavy work loads.Quote:
Originally Posted by DX grunt
Theirs always the "ITS A PATROL" factor as well......lolol
Safe as houses mate.
Thanks roofy.Quote:
Originally Posted by roofy
Still contemplating whether or not to use the rod to double up as a sand flag. Got to unpack it and repack it. I basically did a dry run to see how most things would fit. Still gotta stock it up with food and other essentials. lol
G'day Rossco, I'm still looking out for the right vehicle.
A question about these ex telstra units like yours
In some pics I've seen there appears to be one or two lift up panels in the floor of the pod - are these for under tray access, or storage under the floor?
I may be going to look at one next weekend :) '06 & 150,000kms for $34k
regards
Cuppa
My floor doesn't have lift up floor panels. On the right hand side where the 'bi-fold door is, there's quite a few 'anchor points' to secure stuff with. On the left is the same but only with a couple.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cuppa
I have one big storage compartment under the pod that is divided into two sections. Looking towards the front of the vehicle, on the left hand side, the underneath compartment goes the whole length of the pod. The one on the right hand side only goes about 3/4 of the way. I'm assuming it only goes this length so that the 75lt sub tank will fit.
The only way I can access the 'underneath storage is via the door on the back of the pod.
http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/...n2010003-1.jpg
Hope this helps.
Before the announcement was made that they weren't making 4.2's any more, I got mine for $27k with about 180k's. I thought they'd gone up a bit. Have you tried looking at the auction places, like Pickles? I got mine from a car yard. Have a look at car yards too. Must have been there for a while coz they dropped it $1k.
All the best
Ross
Thanks Ross. I had wrongly assumed those tie down points were handles to pull up a panel.
With that rear accessed storage compartment - does it have a drawer that pulls out, or just a deep, difficult to access storage space?
I'm not confident in my ability to avoid a lemon at auction, it'd be different if I lived nearer & had a 'knowlegable mate, & could pop along to suss out a few first auctions first, but it would be a full day there & back from my place. This will be the most expensive vehicle purchase I've ever made, & having to view immediately prior to auction & then decide under the pressure of the auction would likely overtax my confidence I reckon. I've also never bought a car from a dealer before, so am not quite sure what to expect from them. Have always bought privately, but I haven't seen many ex telstra patrols being sold privately, & none with the lower mileages.
I noticed there are some subtle differences between same year models. On the 2006 models, some have canopy doors with the rubber on the door, & some have a recessed door with the rubber on the body, in the recess. Some have rear tyre carriers like yours, some a taller tubular affair. I wonder if they are sourced from different states?
regards
Cuppa
here you go cuppa try this one,CARPOINT.COM.AU you can browse to your hearts content
Hey CuppaQuote:
Originally Posted by Cuppa
From what I've seen, every ex Telstra truck is different, so my advice/opinion is from my truck and what I've seen out there.
The rear accessed storage doesn't have drawers that pull out. Having said that, every truck is different, so you'll have to have a look. Where ever you go, have a look at the service booklet.
Mine was serviced, roughly every 10,000km, so I was happy, and came from up north and was regularly serviced in Broome/Kununurra. Immediately I knew it was hot k's for most of the time and probably driven at 110 (+) most of the time.
If you go to a car yard, find out what warranty comes with it - if any. I sucked myself into getting an extended warranty - don't know why, but I did. Haven't used it yet - thankfully.
If you buy privately, get a REVS check done on it (rego number, engine number and chassis number). Doesn't cost anything over the phone, but if you want written confirmation, I think it's $10.
My undercarriage was sprayed with black paint, so I couldn't see a lot. If you're still not comfortable, get an independent mechanic to check it. I'm pretty sure RAC and SGIO go around to car yards. If I was buying another truck, I'd get a SGIO check done. Ring both companies up and see what they do when they mechanically check vehicles. You'll have to find out if they go to private homes as well.
If you like a truck from a car yard and it's for sale, but not roadworthy, you could tell them to fix it and then you'll reconsider it or you'll ring Transport's Used Car Dealer Squad to examine it on your behalf. From memory, when I used to be a franchisee in car yards, these guys used to go around and examine cars in car yards for roadworthiness.
If a vehicle on the lot was for sale and not roadworthy, they would put a green sticker on it and it would not be able to be offered for sale until the defects were fixed and it went over the pits. It's the people's equivalent of a yellow sticker. I'm not even sure if these guys are still around and examine vehicles.
I got a little bit caught out with my tyres from the car yard. I will give them credit, they were roadworthy, but not to my standards. I got the 90k speed wobble. When I bought all new tyres, the speed wobble went.
As far as expense, I'm the same as you. It's the most expensive vehicle I've bought. You won't be getting a brand new vehicle, and there will probably be cosmetic stuff wrong with it, but mechanically, it should be sound, and roadworthy.
Take somebody with you that's a full bottle on Patrols. They'll be able to help you in lots of ways. I went in blind. I wanted an ex Telstra ute with a pod that I could convert to a camper, whatever it took!!
I'll send you some websites shortly with the options ect..
Ross
http://www.roscos.com/IMG/pdf/BA1.pdf
http://www.roscos.com/IMG/pdf/BA1_Accessories.pdf
Plenty of mods to consider, hey?
As you'll see by looking at all the accessories, there's not many that are a 'standard' fitout. Depends what's needed.
My IPF spotties for example.... mine are both spots not one spreader and one spot.
Good luck and give us a shout if you need any more info.
Ross
PS... Sounds like this is one of your big investments. If it takes a full day to go to an auction to sus it out, your mate should understand your committment and investment in your truck. IMHO.
Shout him lunch, he'll love it. Don't impulse buy. Just ask AB about waiting! He ended up with the christened truck of his dreams! lol
Perserverance pays.
Well peeps,
Here's my latest mod in the making. 2 x 125watt solar panels. Brand spankers. Just gotta do my homework now. lol
http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/.../Solarpics.jpg
Not sure yet. I like both ideas. I don't fancy roasting in the hot sun just to top up the batteries.Quote:
Originally Posted by Plasnart
Might keep them on the roof whilst travelling and make them portable when we pull up. Might get some brackets made up to stick on the side doors too.
Too many options. lol
Sounds good rossco, can't wait to see how you will set it all up
r u a full bottle on solar?Quote:
Originally Posted by big_fletch
A what sorry lolQuote:
Originally Posted by DX grunt
Sorry I forgot you're a youngin'Quote:
Originally Posted by big_fletch
Full bottle = are you up to speed + do you know heaps about...... solar. lololol
It has nothing to do with alcohol - except in Bigrig's case... oops Bigrig's circumstances... Sorry about that reference to alcohol .....hahahahahahahah
Haha bigrig does love his occasional stubbie lol... and yes I have set up a few solar systems up at work, normally on boats but same thing lol...Quote:
Originally Posted by DX grunt
Great work Rossco, as Plassy mentioned, I'm the same and not up with solar much so keep us informed about the set up and how it all goes mate.
Would be very keen to read about it in action!
I reckon you should both sit down over a few whilst the plan is mapped out ... I'll do the same whilst I wait!!! LOLQuote:
Originally Posted by big_fletch
I think Kelvin may be able to offer some thoughts around solar - he's got it on the rig and in the camper.
Top idea bigrig, what a thinker you are, I shall get my drawing board out now and grab a few coldies lol..Quote:
Originally Posted by Bigrig
Thatta boy!!! I applaud men of action!! LOLQuote:
Originally Posted by big_fletch
Thank-you, I applaud the man who put me onto it Haha... and this stubbie is going down well...Quote:
Originally Posted by Bigrig
OI, stop hyjacking my thread, you two. lol
Sorry boss!!! He started it ... lolQuote:
Originally Posted by DX grunt
Haha sorry Ross, I shall stop now... I promise:oops:Quote:
Originally Posted by DX grunt
Keep it coming brother. lol
My turn coming up to hyjack yours. lol.
Give us a couple of days to read the instructions and I'll holler (call out)
Scotty started it, we should hijack his thread lol...Quote:
Originally Posted by DX grunt
If you get stuck u know how to contact me mate
Hi Ross,
What are you planning to run off your solar panels? Are you going for 'self sufficiency' or just to extend the time you can spend 'off grid'?
I have been giving some thought to power for my camper. Assuming I have the same existing set up as yourself, you might be interested in which way my thoughts are going?
The existing dual battery system has the batteries separated/joined by a Redarc 'Smartstart' voltage sensitive relay. Our power requirements are to run a 60-80litre fridge & a separate 40 litre freezer, water pump, & a few lights (LED's) & music player & laptop & would like to power these off separate batteries (leaving the existing auxillary for winch/& compressor as required). I'll use AGM batteries , probably 2 x 100A/h. My preference is for a system that allows us indefinite periods of time in the bush, but this has to be balanced against the outlay cost & storage /convenience of panels. I am thinking of 1 panel, probably a 160w on the cabin roof (will have a rooftop tent on top of the canopy) & another single 120w or 130w panel carried inside the canopy, & utilised whenever we stay put anywhere for more than overnight. In addition I'm thinking of using a 'CTEK D250S Dual'. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPtawOngxWA This acts as a 'smart' multistage battery to battery charger, so the AGM's can be more quickly & more fully charged by driving than the existing system manages, it also acts as a solar regulator, so at 4?0 bucks is pretty good value. If driving 4 or 5 hours daily it would sufficient by itself, but I'd hope that the two solar panels could extend our 'camping without driving' (or pulling out the gennie) to a week or more. A 3rd panel would stretch that to indefinite. I'd estimate that the 200A/h batteries, assuming some solar input even on grey cloudy days, would give us a 'buffer' of a couple of days before needing to go for a drive, in bad weather.
Anyway, there's probably a 101 ways you could go, so have fun.
regards
Cuppa.
Ps.Are you planning on sleeping inside the 'pod'?
Pps. How much did your front recovery points cost?
From memory front recovery points were about $70 - including additional bolts.
We've slept in the pod. Bloody brilliant. A double inner spring will fit in beautifully on the right hand side. Initially a tight squeeze, but once in - perfect.
Get yourself a mozzie net to cover the bed. Hang it from the roof from 4 points. Missus made something up from curtain material. Needs to be fine grade.
You'll have a bit of condensation on the roof when you wake up in the morning - sometimes.
Missus bought a 3 step, step ladder, to climb in. Didn't like using the back wheel to hitch herself in.
My solar panels are 2 x 125w panels. I was told my 95lt Evakool fridge would need a 120w panel. The 'Handiwash' is 6.7w.
The gas storage on the front l/h side of the pod will hold 2 x 1.25kg gas bottles.
Have a look at my pics on the pod doors for where the rain comes in. PITA. Sort that out sooner rather than later, with winter approaching.
At this stage I'll probably put both panels on the roof. Need to cover them up to prevent bush pinstriping. Somebody suggested perspex. Have to research it.
Hope this helps. If I think of anything else, I'll post it here.
Take care out there.
Thanks Ross, I thought they'd be more expensive than that. Most stuff that carries a 4wd label seems to be expensive!
Hmmm........ I'd be questioning those figures if I were you. I'd say that you need a minimum of the two panels just to run the 95 litre fridge, assuming it to be a 'stand alone' system.Quote:
Originally Posted by DX grunt
120w x 2 = 240w. 240w/12v = 20amps. Working on an average of 5 sun hours per day this gives an input of around 5 x 20 = 100A/h per day. Knock 30% off that figure to allow for inefficiencies (fixed panel, forgetting to move any loose panels to face the sun etc) & that brings it down to a realistic 70A/h per day into your battery. I would guess that your fridge will use 60 to 70 a/h per day. So 1 panel would keep your fridge going over a weekend, (without discharging your battery to damaging 'life shortening levels) but you'd need the two for longer periods without alternator input.
The Handiwash uses WAY more than 6.7w! Their website says 9.6 amps. I measured mine with a clamp meter & it was drawing between 9.7amps & 10 amps. 10 amps = 120w@ 12volts. I've removed mine as I consider it too power hungry for a solar system. I'll go for a gas instant hot water unit I think.
I don't reckon perspex over the panels is really needed & potentially could reduce your solar input. The tempered glass in the panels should be tough enough to cope with stuff being dragged over them, but it might be worth putting a 'rail' of some sort in front of the panels to protect them against 'strike' from branches.
regards
Cuppa
I was thinking about cutting the ladder brackets down and using them as panel brackets. Expensive, but already paid for.
I'm happy to keep the hot water in the back. I'll just crank the engine up for a bit. It's not an issue with the engine running and produces hot water in about 20-30mins.
At least the sink is really handy.
Musta forgot my glasses when I read about the HWS. lol
Take care
Ross
Quote:
Originally Posted by DX grunt
Ross,
I'd reconsider that ladder-rack idea if I were you. I was chatting to TurboJoe when driving down to Yeagarup on friday morning and I mentioned your plan and he said that he knew someone who had sold his ladder racks for a sh!tload (about $1K if i remember). i'd sell them, and get a dedicated solar rack (possibly tilting and/or swivelling) made up instead
Quote:
Originally Posted by DX grunt
looking good Ross. Cheap? must have been a good bloke to sort those out for you.... :bananarock:
Thanks JonQuote:
Originally Posted by TheFlyingBadger
Thought about that too. I'll give it some more thought. This is all new and I'm overwhelmed with info. lol. You probably confirmed something I was thinking.
They're Rhino ladder racks, too.