Ultimate expedition camper
This car was built to travel from Cape to Cape; that is the Cape of Good Hope to Cape Horn, travelling through hot, cold, rough, and smooth. It was designed for a couple to travel comfortably through any environment as my wife would not agree to come with me in any old vehicle. During the design and building of the vehicle it has attracted a lot of interest in the Overland travel world and had a five page feature in the August 2011 edition of the 4 x 4 magazine. It drives beautifully and is ready to go, all the equipment fitted is as new or unused.
Unfortunately business commitments have driven a change of plan and I am instead hoping this will be the ideal vehicle for someone else to carry out their dream expedition as we will not be able to for the foreseeable future. Details of the vehicle are outlined below.
The Pop-up:-
We have travelled in Africa using a roof tent which led us to the pop-up roof option as being safer. Essentially we like the idea of being able to jump into the driving seat without having to get outside the vehicle and prefer the solid pop-up type sleeping compartment. The roof was made from marine grade aluminium pushed up by two heavy duty gas struts. It has a 500 x 500 mm roof hatch with a fly screen or a blind screen. The bed panels are composite hollow sections, with two access hatches so that you can get up without disturbing your partner. It is comfortable and there is room to sit up and get changed without leaving the compartment.
Technical details:-
The base car is a Toyota Landcruiser VX 1997 which is in extremely good condition.
It has only done 60,000 miles; it has had the most you can do as far as a full service is concerned:-
It has a new cam-belt.
Engine, gearbox and transfer box full service.
Full service of front swivel seals.
Full service of both differentials.
The car has been fitted with an upgraded suspension system from Old Man Emu.
Springs, dampers and steering damper.
Engineering extras:-
It has two red-top Optima starting batteries with two yellow-top Optima domestic batteries.
The batteries are controlled by an intelligent solenoid with a dual battery controller with voltage alarms.
The batteries are also charged by a 80 watt solar panel with auto controller.
It has a fuse box, switch panel and a "AA" and "AAA" battery charging system.
A 3000 Watt 12V to 240V inverter.
Fuel system :-
A special 120 Litre auxiliary fuel tank was designed to maximise the storage area at the rear of the vehicle.
It incorporates the space for the second spare wheel without loss of ground clearance.
It has a separate fuel filler and a fuel tank selector switch on the dash.
Fuel quality problems are covered by two washable stainless steel filters incorporating water/gunge traps.
Cooling:-
A water-to-air intercooler has been fitted as it is more effective than an air-to-air intercooler when travelling slowly in hot conditions. It is very simple and reliable.
An extra gearbox cooler has been fitted (as fitted to the Australian cars.)
Outside:-
Heavy duty front bumper with a 12,000 lb. winch mounted in a removable cage, with remote control.
As new, six Goodridge BFG MT 285/75R16 all-terrain tyres, on new modular steel wheels with locking nuts.
Rock sills.
Sump guard.
Custom stainless steel exhaust.
2 x fog lamps, 4 x food lights, 2 x rear lights.
A snorkel.
2 x sand/Bridging ladders.
Awning.
Comfort details:-
Microwave.
Engel fridge/freezer (on a runner).
A sink with a foldaway hot and cold mixer tap .
A mixer tap on the rear tailgate.
A chemical toilet.
Rear seating with different types of storage ,extra storage in the doors.
A secret safe disguised as a 12Vbattery.
A 30 Litre hot water calorifier, (under slung ).
A 60 Litre cold water tank (under slung ).
A 2 kW diesel Eberspacher Cab heater with thermostat.
Your wife will love it!
Online photo album
http://www.flickr.com/photos/78540724@N02/sets/72157629724424660/
Tue May 15, 2012 1:58 am
