I presently have a 1996 Land Rover D1 auto. Learnt a lot about tweaking engine, rebuilding parts of engine, engine supervision systems, suspension, body mods, etc over the past 20 years. Its got to be the most reliable and solid 4x4 in a small size vehicle.
Towing a large caravan is very dangerous for the small to average weight 4x4's available in Australia and puts too much strain on the tow vehicle (stuffs it up well before its time). Better to have it all in one, and if necessary tow a small trailer with a small car inside for local shopping.
So I'm now considering something a bit more serious, a medium 4x4 25 Tonne truck to build into a go-anywhere expedition motor home. I'm sure I will learn a lot from this web site as I investigate the feasibility over the next 5 year project prior to retirement. There is a lot to learn first, things like: how to correctly size turbos for diesels to optimize output without exceeding manufactures specs, Tig Welding of all metals to build equipment compartments and roll cages etc, how to integrate and mount the living compartment so as not to be torn to pieces as the vehicle frame flexs in opposite directions, various comms systems and engine/drivetrain monitoring systems, the list is endless.
I hope people will be able to share their experiences as Grey Nomads in traversing Australia and setting up their rigs, as I hope to do.
Dougwe said
07:58 PM Jan 4, 2016
Welcome to the gang Jason F, enjoy here and out in the playground (when you get out here)
Mmmm, Jason you lost me sorry, I have no idea what you said
Woody n Sue said
12:41 PM Jan 5, 2016
And it's welcome from us two2 Jason
Don't know if your proposed rig may be too long for this to work but we have a spray truck 4x4 with the tank mounted on a frame with two mounting points at the rear above the rear spring hanger and only one in the front middle this allows the chassis to twist to its hearts content without putting any stress on the tank at all . I could take photos if you like .
Hi Jason here from Sydney.
I'm an engineer.
I presently have a 1996 Land Rover D1 auto. Learnt a lot about tweaking engine, rebuilding parts of engine, engine supervision systems, suspension, body mods, etc over the past 20 years. Its got to be the most reliable and solid 4x4 in a small size vehicle.
Towing a large caravan is very dangerous for the small to average weight 4x4's available in Australia and puts too much strain on the tow vehicle (stuffs it up well before its time). Better to have it all in one, and if necessary tow a small trailer with a small car inside for local shopping.
So I'm now considering something a bit more serious, a medium 4x4 25 Tonne truck to build into a go-anywhere expedition motor home. I'm sure I will learn a lot from this web site as I investigate the feasibility over the next 5 year project prior to retirement. There is a lot to learn first, things like: how to correctly size turbos for diesels to optimize output without exceeding manufactures specs, Tig Welding of all metals to build equipment compartments and roll cages etc, how to integrate and mount the living compartment so as not to be torn to pieces as the vehicle frame flexs in opposite directions, various comms systems and engine/drivetrain monitoring systems, the list is endless.
I hope people will be able to share their experiences as Grey Nomads in traversing Australia and setting up their rigs, as I hope to do.
Welcome to the gang Jason F, enjoy here and out in the playground (when you get out here)
Mmmm, Jason you lost me sorry, I have no idea what you said
Don't know if your proposed rig may be too long for this to work but we have a spray truck 4x4 with the tank mounted on a frame with two mounting points at the rear above the rear spring hanger and only one in the front middle this allows the chassis to twist to its hearts content without putting any stress on the tank at all . I could take photos if you like .
Woody
Now I'm even lost deeper in the bush "Woody"
Sorry to go slightly
Jason, just blame KFC.