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  • Big inland trip - what's necessary?

    Hi everyone,

    My wife and me will be travelling inland during the month of September. It's our first time going on a long inland trip, so any advice is welcome. Our main question is: what is the minimum required from our car to travel safely?

    Car + current configuration:
    Prado gxl 1995 series, from 1999, 219k, well maintained, no recent issues. 1 spare tire. No other extras/mods.

    Other equipment: compressor, tire repair kit, straps and ropes for towing, general tools.

    Rough route we have in mind: Sydney - Bourke - Mt Isa - tenant creek - Alice - uluru - port Augusta - Broken Hill - Sydney. We will mostly travel on the main and back roads, simply because we can't cover the distance otherwise. However if time allows, and the opportunity is there, we'll do some 4x4 driving. For sure we'll take a lot of short detours into NP's etc.

    Specific questions:
    - do we need second spare tire?
    - what tires do we need?
    - is a bullbar necessary (We won't travel at night, unless it's really necessary)
    - winch necessary?
    - should we carry extra fuel beyond the two tanks?
    - both for water and fuel, what jerrycans to use?
    - do we need an extra battery?
    - in connection with previous: what's a good solution for a fridge? We've so far gotten by with eski and ice at pumping stations, but we fear it's not gonna work this trip.
    - is the current, standard suspension good enough?
    - other extra's like uhf antenna, snorkel required for this trip?

    For sure we'll get the car serviced before the trip, it's due anyway.

    We're very grateful for advices and suggestions.

  • #2
    Gday Mate,

    You'll love your 1st big trip, there's nothing better.

    In all honesty, well maintained standard Prado will do the trip you have planned with ease. All the extra's can make life easier or be useful in some cases but aren't necessary.

    So long as you have half decent tyres with a light truck construction 1 spare should be fine.
    A bullbar and winch aren't necessary, with the route you have in mind. Just try to keep off the road at night.
    Jerry cans aren't necessary with 2 tanks. Just plan your route and workout where you might need to fill up along the way. Always leave room for side trips or emergency's.
    Water is up to you how you carry it. If not going too remote I usually just carry a 10L bottle plus a bunch of drinking bottles to rotate through the fridge.
    If you plan on getting a fridge it's much safer to have a second battery. I'd probably put this at the top of your list after servicing and tyres as it will make your journey much more comfortable not have to worry about ice and wet food in the esky.
    There are plenty of fridges out there, just do your research and pick which one suits your needs and budget.
    Your suspension should be fine if it's in good working order but if it's got 219K on it it's probably due for replacement.
    No need for a snorkel or UHF but the UHF is a good safety item.

    Comment


    • #3
      Thank you very much for your advice. I was thinking the same, but I'm just not sure since we've never done this before.

      Comment


      • #4
        Bullbar is nice to have but not necessary. There are plenty of wildlife during the day around Broken Hill, so take care on the approach.

        Ensure the rubber components are good - radiator hoses, belts, etc.

        Instead of a fridge, you can go for a good icebox instead. You didn't mention what sort of accommodation you intend to stay at. A fridge is necessary if you are camping (for that convenience factor) but you then have to consider a 2nd battery, etc. If you don't intend to do a lot of this type of travel, then the money for the fridge and dual battery could be used for food supplies.

        Comment


        • #5
          Originally posted by Mouvin View Post
          Hi everyone,


          Specific questions:
          - do we need second spare tire?
          - what tires do we need?
          - is a bullbar necessary (We won't travel at night, unless it's really necessary)
          - winch necessary?
          - should we carry extra fuel beyond the two tanks?
          - both for water and fuel, what jerrycans to use?
          - do we need an extra battery?
          - in connection with previous: what's a good solution for a fridge? We've so far gotten by with eski and ice at pumping stations, but we fear it's not gonna work this trip.
          - is the current, standard suspension good enough?
          - other extra's like uhf antenna, snorkel required for this trip?



          We're very grateful for advices and suggestions.
          I have an almost stock standard 2009 155 SX 3 door shorty.

          We have towed a light off road camper on several trips into the Centre.

          Melbourne to Flinders Ranges, Arkaroola, Oodnadatta track and Lake Eyre, Dalhousie Springs, Mt Dare, Finke, Uluru and the Olgas, Kings Canyon, Glen Helen, Alice and up to Litchfield, Kakadu and Darwin.

          The only mods to the shorty are Polyair bags in the rear springs and a dual battery system. Tyres and suspension are stock standard.

          The shorty has a single 85 litre fuel tank and we carried a spare 20 litres on the camper but never looked like needing it. We had no problems planning for fuel and we took almost every opportunity to fill up even if it was quite expensive.

          Answers to your specific questions;

          We did NOT carry a second spare as two out of every three vehicles you will see will be a Prado with compatible wheels and tyres in case you get desperate. If you have a hard spare tyre cover I suggest you leave it at home.
          We stopped and talked to several Prado drivers with flats and they all had aggressive AT tyres. I suspect that they had significantly overloaded vehicles and they had all passed us and disappeared into the dust at a greater rate than we were happy travelling.

          We have no bulbar and we made sure we were off the road well and truly before dusk. The only exception we made was heading to meet our travel companions at Wilpena and had been delayed getting out of Melbourne by extremely heavy rain and floods. We made it to Hawker before dusk and decided once it was dark to proceed the 50k to Wilpena at hugely reduced speed. At 20 kph we had one roo jump backwards off the side of the road and hit the front beside the headlight without damage to us. 10 minutes another roo hit the passenger door and the front of the camper trailer with minor damage to the gas bottle holder on the trailer. Whilst camping on the side of the Oodnadatta track we were often woken by fully kitted out 4X4s with a million watts of light driving as if they were invincible. I can't imaging the mess if they had hit a roo or one of the black cows wandering around at night You takes your chances.

          We don't have a winch. If it looks like we might need one we either turn around and find another way or wait for another vehicle to come along as insurance. We carry snatch straps and suitable shackles and don't go looking for trouble.

          I would not think you need more fuel than the two tanks. Remember that fuel supplies other than on the main highways may have limited operating hours but you don't sound like you will ever be more than 500 km between fuel stops.

          We use plastic 20 litre containers for both water and fuel. Yellow for diesel and white or clear for water. Metal jerry cans on the camper tend to abrade quickly and leak.

          I always have a dual battery system and always isolate the starting battery for starting only. The second battery is used for LED lighting, the $400 Chinese fridge/freezer and the radios. Dual battery for me is an absolute safety requirement.

          We spent $400 on ebay for a dual compartment fridge and freezer and it has not let us down. Luck of the drawer I guess. We rotate a couple of freezer packs into a small styro cool box in the car to keep drinks and snacks cool whilst we are driving.

          We found the standard suspension was up to the task for us with the following two provisos; It was newish and in good condition and secondly, we were only lightly loaded.

          We didn't cross any water deeper than about the middle of the wheel so there was no need for a snorkel for water. Although there was a huge amount of dust in some spots we checked the air cleaner every day when we checked the fluids and it didn't seem anywhere near overloaded.

          UHF CB is both an essential safety requirement and a great convenience. We have a Uniden remote control installation with all the controls and speaker in the microphone and the radio under the seat. The antenna came as part of the package and is a ground independent antenna mounted on a bracket on the guard. The whole kit of radio and antenna and antenna bracket was less than $300. We also have a pair of cheap UHF handheld in the glovebox.

          Plan well and have a fantastic time.

          S.
          155 SX with dual battery and Polyairs in the rear springs..

          Comment


          • #6
            Thanks a lot amts for the reply. We'll be camping a lot, if not mostly, that's indeed why I'm after a fridge.

            Comment


            • #7
              Thanks a lot sweetpea for the reply. I was indeed already considering getting a dual battery system. Did you place the second battery under the hood, or in the back?

              Comment


              • #8
                Originally posted by Mouvin View Post
                Thanks a lot sweetpea for the reply. I was indeed already considering getting a dual battery system. Did you place the second battery under the hood, or in the back?
                It is under the hood.

                It is an 86 AH that can safely be reasonably deeply discharged and using jumper leads it is able to start the Prado if needed.

                It also has separate studs and wing uts which makes it easier to connect to.

                S.
                155 SX with dual battery and Polyairs in the rear springs..

                Comment


                • #9
                  Mate just ask yourself, "What if?" and you'll get most of the answers.
                  Like what if she does a head gasket out in the sticks. RACQ etc are only good 20k from the major towns, after that add big $$. You might have to get her onto a car transporter or pay mad money for a local repair.
                  I agree, a 12v fridge is the go plus an extra battery, you're pretty right for everything else.
                  Take the usual spares, fan belts, radiator hoses or get them all replaced beforehand.
                  I'd get some driving lights or a light bar just in case you do have to travel at night. Had to to Mt Isa to Brisy all at night recently, good lights are a must.
                  A hand held UHF will help to pass the time, talk to trucks etc. and won't break the bank.
                  Not sure if she's a petrol or diesel but fuel quality is always a worry so it pays to take spare filters.
                  Don't push her hard, it's tempting to try to average your normal 90 to 100 but you see so much more at 80 and it's easier on the vehicle.

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Bloody hell, forgot the most important item for a 90 series.
                    Don't even drive her onto the street unless the front upper and lower ball joints are mint.
                    That means mint, not some $100-a-side, no name e-bay stuff.
                    Genuine is not all that expensive.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Originally posted by sweetpea View Post
                      It is under the hood.

                      It is an 86 AH that can safely be reasonably deeply discharged and using jumper leads it is able to start the Prado if needed.

                      It also has separate studs and wing uts which makes it easier to connect to.

                      S.
                      Thanks, I'm seriously considering doing this upgrade.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Originally posted by carco View Post
                        Bloody hell, forgot the most important item for a 90 series.
                        Don't even drive her onto the street unless the front upper and lower ball joints are mint.
                        That means mint, not some $100-a-side, no name e-bay stuff.
                        Genuine is not all that expensive.
                        Thanks for the useful advices, I'll keep it in mind when servicing it before this trip.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Originally posted by carco View Post
                          Bloody hell, forgot the most important item for a 90 series.
                          Don't even drive her onto the street unless the front upper and lower ball joints are mint.
                          That means mint, not some $100-a-side, no name e-bay stuff.
                          Genuine is not all that expensive.
                          Can't emphasise enough how important this is.
                          Many front end shops are completely unaware of the 90's design flaw and buy replacement joints that are simply not up to scratch. (Ask what brand they intend to use before you hand over your car)
                          Worse than that, they don't understand how to check for movement in the ball joint as it acts opposite to a conventional joint.
                          A common replacement was the 555 brand but their quality control seems to have dropped.
                          Genuine lower joints are madly expensive from Toyota Australia but can be sourced cheaper on the net (Toyota NZ) or locally on the Mighty 90's Facebook page.
                          Check out Glen's prices, they're excellent.

                          Comment

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