Chris_M's build up

[Chris_M Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Chris_M]

I've been cruising around the site for a while now, enjoying the company and discussion so I reckon its time to document the build so far.

I purchased the 2009 D4D GXL 120 series in June 2009 and for the first year did nothing to it.
We looked seriously at the Fourby Fitout drawer system for about 6 months before finally committing and getting it installed November 2010. Best thing we ever did. It's full time in the back and we are ready to head off at a moments notice or opportunity.



With the drawers in the back we added the ARB fridge and then we had to have the second battery. So it's off to Western 4x4 in Hoppers Crossing to get the 2nd battery, Redarc isolator and dual Anderson plugs in the rear compartment.





While it was in the shop I got them to install the GME UHF radio, it fits very snugly in the dash with the mic resting on the Hi-Lo gear shift boot. It doesn't move around much unless we are doing serious bouncing around.

[D4D Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D]

Nice drawers. What seat covers have you fitted? Do you have side airbags?

[Chris_M Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Chris_M]

After last Easters trip to Lake Albacutya, Wyperfield NP and the Border Track it was obvious that I needed to have a compressor on board. So its off to ARB to purchase the single cylinder mounted model and after an afternoon of installation had it all working fine. Many thanks to the compressor thread on this forum.



Next addition was the BFG's 265/65/17 to replace the Grandtreks. What a difference they make. We haven't done much driving since they went on 6 weeks ago, but a trip to the Otways was done with a lot more confidence.

The next thing to go in was the result of standing around talking and looking under the bonnets of various 4x4's with the comment that "you could fit a chainsaw in there!"



And after much discussion, measuring chainsaw's etc I decided that the chainsaw would be better elsewhere. However the recovery bag with shackles, snap strap, jumper leads etc fit just perfectly in this space. It doesn't need to be strapped down as it a very snug fit with the Terrain Tamer bag.



And last week I added the Supercheap Auto sheepskins to the fronts seats. I also succumbed to the Maxtrax special they had a few weeks ago as well.



The next work happens tomorrow with the colour coded ARB Deluxe winch bar and a pair of IPF 900's (spot and wide) being added, again at Western 4x4.

More photos to follow soon.

[dermie75 Member Find all posts View Profile Close dermie75]

Have you got a water tank or bladder somewhere in there as well mate? Just noticed the hose on the left in the back. Nice drawers set up too.

[Chris_M Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Chris_M]

Yes I have the side airbags and these seat covers are Deploy safe. I've looked at several different seat covers and I reckon for the money these are pretty good value.

[Chris_M Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Chris_M]

There is a 20 litre tank behind the fridge, it fills from the top and drains at the bottom, very simple to setup and works very well. However you do need a hose to fill it up, so you will need to visit a garage or a house in your travels to top up. With 20 litres in the back and another 20 litres on the roof you can go a long way between refills.

[dermie75 Member Find all posts View Profile Close dermie75]

Nice work Chris. Great build up.

[D4D Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D]

Thanks, I've been looking at the deploysafe covers.

Ballpark cost on the complete storage system?

[Chris_M Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Chris_M]

It was around $3k but this was for the works, you could start around $1.4k for a basic drawer and fridge slide. I had intended to build my own from the forum plans but I would still be trying to find the time.

Check out http://www.fourbyfitouts.com.au for more info. You will find him at 4x4 and camping shows and he offers show specials which give a little off the price.

[D4D Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D]

Thanks, lots of $ but you have a complete system.

[Chris_M Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Chris_M]

That was our reasoning, its well designed and built. It will work and not fall apart under pressure and all the little extra's are already there. There is not one inch of wasted space in the whole system.
I keep all the cooking gear, lights, axe, saw etc on board all the time and its amazing the number of times we can use this gear, even if it just make a cuppa on the side of the road.

[D4D Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D]

You've cost me some $ tonight

[Chris_M Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Chris_M]

What essential piece of gear do you now need?

[D4D Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D]

I've been thinking about the seat covers for a while, now I have seen them I will get them. Still need to come up with something for the 2nd row seats.

I haven't been happy with any of the storage units I have looked at to date due to wasted space. Yours is perfect for my needs, it even has a tall drawer to fit my chainsaw. One question, is that a Milford cargo barrier?

[Chris_M Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Chris_M]

Its an Autosafe 60kg barrier, it was included with the drawers. The 20 litre water container is strapped to the barrier with 2 straps and that is nice and tight, no movement at all. Even when the water is getting low you don't really notice it sloshing around.