MacTrol

[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.