Planning long tour, unsure of what to buy.
- Thread starter Sageous
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- 4wd 4wd in sand beginner make
I don't think that there's a current dual cab ute that you could call a dog. Every one of them would do the job well. It's up to you to drive them all and choose the one you like driving that is the right price. If you're going to hang a lot of weight off the rear then a Dmax is probably the safest option because chassis bending is a thing. Go for low kms as a priority and you'll get more mod options on a car that's a few years old. It's a waste of money to buy new and have to throw out 5 tyres plus a second hand car may already have some mods installed.
Definitely going to get some experience... planning for it in about a years time... hoping to get the car and do a few mini trips for driving experience, how to fit out canopy etc.
Work out a budget for the vehicle, any mods you want and any gear you need. You may find something second hand that fits your budget that already has a few mods. Modifications can start adding up (solar, batteries, suspension, storage etc) particularly if you are paying someone to do the work.
Gidgee
Active Member
Main thing is function over form. So many canopies are sporty, but shit to to use. Big side windows are gold, and don't sacrifice carrying capacity with a severely sloped rear window.
Buying new means you get to set up the vehicle how *you* want it, so it can be cost effective. I got the value out of my HTs as I swapped them for summer work commuting. But new is not the cheapest solution.
I am often amazed at just how much I can fit in my tradie canopy - weight considerations always - but things like guitars, self inflating mattresses, sleeping bags, pillows, portapottie, etc don't weigh a lot but take up plenty of space.
I made my own drawers based on this and drop slide for a fridge based on this which saved cash and a bit of weight, but importantly allows me to make it suit the way we want to camp/travel.
I did have a laugh at Snowys today, vehicle with 2 x 9" ARB spotties, with light bar between them, then another light bar on the roof tray. Clearly the aim is to burn any roos to a crisp before you hit em. Point being that adding gear to the vehicle seems to get a little addictive.
Buying new means you get to set up the vehicle how *you* want it, so it can be cost effective. I got the value out of my HTs as I swapped them for summer work commuting. But new is not the cheapest solution.
I am often amazed at just how much I can fit in my tradie canopy - weight considerations always - but things like guitars, self inflating mattresses, sleeping bags, pillows, portapottie, etc don't weigh a lot but take up plenty of space.
I made my own drawers based on this and drop slide for a fridge based on this which saved cash and a bit of weight, but importantly allows me to make it suit the way we want to camp/travel.
I did have a laugh at Snowys today, vehicle with 2 x 9" ARB spotties, with light bar between them, then another light bar on the roof tray. Clearly the aim is to burn any roos to a crisp before you hit em. Point being that adding gear to the vehicle seems to get a little addictive.
Any of the utes from the major manufacturers are more than good enough. The two biggest sellers are Toyota and Ford. They have dealers just about everywhere. Mitsubishi, Isuzu and Nissan are not far behind.
All of them will take you around the country and through the central deserts in standard form unless you go looking for the most difficult conditions imaginable.
Can you give us some more information like what do you intend carrying in the car, the number of people in it and will you be towing anything?
Triton14
Well-Known Member
Just looked at those diy draws, not sure why they wouldnt use marine ply??
Anyway OP, lots of info in here to research.
Obvioulsy apart from knowledge you need the right gear like recovery gear, dual battery system, PLB/sat phone etc.
The mods you can do are endless as is the cash you can spend so you have to think about what the priorities are & how you can get yourself out of a spot if your on your own.
Thanks for that! I’m thinking of drawers for a trader canopy.. Thinking if a 1800 canopy is going to be enough storage to live out of for few months. Although it does seem like you can fit a lot more than the first look.
Leaning more towards a newish second hand bt or something that has mods to it already to save a bit of cash (and hopefully a canopy fitted out).. long shot but it would be ideal.
wanting to carry essentials.. fridge, something to cook with, Clothes, fishing gear, swag, guitar, golf clubs (hopefully), some Chippy tools. I’m starting to get a list together. Thinking with a dualcab I can make good use of the rear cab as it’llonly be me for most of the trip and another mate for the first month. Don’t want to tow anything.
Bomber2012
Well-Known Member
Doing a 4WD course will be some of the best money you will spend , learning to safely use your winch , learning about your vehicle could get you out of a situation that could've left you stranded for days .