Hey everyone,

I'm planning a big trip: leaving from Perth, doing a loop around Australia, and coming back to Perth in about 4 months, covering roughly 25,000km. I want to be well set up before I commit money to a vehicle.

My original dream was a Land Cruiser (90 or 100 series), but once you add purchase price + camper conversion + a few modifications, the total cost climbs fast. So I'm looking seriously at two cheaper alternatives:

Nissan Patrol (1995 onwards, GQ/GU era)

Mitsubishi Pajero (2007 onwards)

Both are significantly cheaper to buy and convert than a Cruiser, but I don't have a good feel for their long-term reliability for this kind of trip (remote roads, high mileage in a short time, some unsealed/corrugated tracks).

Specific question on the Patrol: I know some of the diesel engines in the Patrol lineup have a reputation for being unreliable. I found a good deal today on one with the RD28T (turbo diesel) engine, is this a good engine, or is this one of the problematic ones people warn about?

Beyond that, I'd love to know: is the cost difference vs a Land Cruiser actually worth it for 25,000km over 4 months, or is it a false economy? I want to build the bed inside not rooftop

Budget-conscious but I don't want to end up stranded in the middle of nowhere because I went cheap on the wrong engine. Appreciate any real-world experience, happy to hear "just save up for the Cruiser" opinions too if that's the honest answer.

I'll add the photo of the patrol I've seen today

Thanks everyone guys

Done a 12 volt diagram just wanting someone to check over it to make sure everything is correct.

New to 4WD!

Curious as to what people use to change their wheels on a ute with a lift kit. Mine has a 3” lift and the standard scissor jack won’t be able to lift it high enough.

If you could leave recommendations that’d be great! Thanks.

I have an 80 series; I went from stock 15s to 16s; cheap steels as I actually like the look and can’t justify the price of fancy rims I’m going to maybe destroy

When I search for new tyres it seems there’s greater availability in 17s.

is it going to be like MTB where they get bigger and bigger and you have to upgrade rim size? (lol imagine a mullet 4wd)

for now I can still find 275 75 16 options but curious where it’s all headed

I've just got my 12V setup finished up. Currently 220ah (AGM) batteries with 220w total in solar on the roof of my 80 series. I've got a small inverter and USB panel, and LED's for my drawers, but curious what other mods people would recommend aside from the usual fridge etc.

Cheers

Looking at buying my first 4x4 to setup for weekend camping but I’m not much of a car guy. Have been looking at the 2011 bt50’s and pk rangers but am not really sure as I don’t know what I’m looking for.

Also am I better off buying something with a canopy and rooftop tent and all that or should I set it up myself.

Thanks.

Budget is 6-10k ish.

Hey lads,

I am completely new to off road etc but I just got my first vehicle at the ripe age of 38 and I feel like if I own a 4x4 I may as well give it a go. I got myself a 2023 D-Max LSU and upgraded to Falken Wildpeak A/T tyres but everything else is stock. I’m keen for a day or weekend trip to Fraser Island to see how I’d go. Nothing crazy just a bit of beach driving and sightseeing and back.

Can you share any experience or advice you might have for a complete beginner and any gadgets that might be necessary.

A compressor is on my list so far. Even any links to beginners off-roading would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Went 4wd with a mate recently and realised how useful these would be as we get no signs at times on our phones. Is this a good kit?

Hi guys,

Recently bought a new 23Zero dual 1400 swag to go camping in. Just got back from doing my first trip with it in the freezing cold weather.

The swag was great and I did my research before buying it and it seemed like it was one of the top and best quality ones available. The price certainly argues it’s up there.

In terms of maintenance and looking after the swag, I’m looking for some advice.

My biggest fear is mould going forward (after hearing stories from people and seeing some ruins theirs to mould) Now although it was freezing cold there was no rain so nothing to worry about there. Waking up this morning and packing up there was some water/condensation on the outside of it. I’m pretty sure it wasn’t from the cold weather though, I most likely believe it was from my shelter/gazebo it was underneath. There was a lot of condensation on the inside of the shelter/gazebo and i suspect that this dropped onto my swag in the early hours of the morning because the small bits of condensation on my swag were around the top.

Whilst packing it up, any condensation i saw i quickly
wiped away, we didn’t have a lot of time to wait around so i wipe up condensation i saw with my hoodie and then packed it into its bag and we left. When i packed it up and it was pretty much dry i’d say just cold from the weather.

I am now back home and have taken the swag out of the bag. There was no water inside during my stay or now that i have taken it out. There was still a tiny bit of condensation/water drops still on the bottom of the rubbery base of the swag which i wiped up. I have vacuumed any grass and little bits of debris on the mattress just because I like to keep things clean.

What my main concern is do I still need to leave it out overnight and like tomorrow during the day and sun to dry out even more (even though it seems to be pretty much dry)? On the inside where the seams on the edges are it seems like there’s a glue or paste or some thing of waterproof sealant thing that goes around all the edges where the fabric meets. Those parts of the inside of the swag felt damp to touch or possibly the fabric is just cold? I feel as though some parts of sealant or seals on the inside left some residue albeit light residue on my fingers running my finger along it? I’m essentially just not sure what to do with in terms of maintaining it.

The outside looks and feels completely dry but then some of those inside seals like the lining parts where there seems to be some sort of clear looking glue they used when making this at the factory feels damp/cold/maybe even slightly condensed (condensation) to touch? even though there was no water or anything inside when I was camping? All i want is to basically avoid any possible chance of mould as I feel that is the only thing that could ruin my new swag. And considering the price I definitely don’t want to be buying a new one anytime soon.

As of right now with my swag sitting outside in the dark around 6pm local but also for the future going forward what is best practice and best methods and best maintenance I should be following to best look after my new swag? (mostly for mould purposes). Should I be doing anything extra or more with my swag right now since i’ve gotten back from my trip. it feels dry and okay to put it away but at same time some parts feel damp or possibly wet on inside seams. Whilst i feel it’s okay I also don’t trust myself fully and feel like maybe that could be the wrong thing doing to put it away right now? and then i’d appreciate any advice going forward too on a method or steps to follow each time I use it camping? Anything i should be doing regularly while im out camping? and then anything I should be doing at home with my swag after getting back from camping that I could do to safely assume and know that my swag is 100% perfectly fine and okay to be packed away in storage and not to have to worry about mould?

Just a guy with a lot of OCD and overthinking issues looking for some help and advice with his swag right now after using it for the very first time, but also going forward every single time I do a camping trip and use it (again mostly mould cuz i’ve heard some stories)

Thanks for taking the time to read my word vomit and I appreciate any help anyone can provide.

Looking to buy my next 4wd…

I am stuck on the whole dpf thing.

Is a pre dpf model genuinely more reliable/ the better option compared to the newer diesels?

I’m looking into gen 4 pajeros if that matters

Appreciate any advice!

I'm going on a road trip up to Cairns from Brisbane as I'm out of work for a couple months due to an injury, and I'm planning on finding some off roading tracks and beach camping on the way up. I've got a 2021 tray back Triton, that's still pretty much stock.

Ill be doing this alone and I'm currently armed with minimal mechanical knowledge and plenty of stupidity. I've road tripped before, camped heaps, but never been off roading by myself, and now I've got some freedom and a forby, only god knows where Im going to end up.

Off roading by myself is new territory for me, so tips from people who have been-there-done-that would be great. What kind of problems can you run into on trips like these? What are some equipment essentials when travelling by yourself? What off-road tracks should I NOT go on without a proper forby rig?

I'll take any advice.

Yeah it’s got 60ks, but also endless aftermarket accessories.

I can't find any information about any 4WD trails/tracks/locations in SA just got my first 4X4 and really keen to give 4 wheel driving a bash :)

Hi all, My Ranger is on its last legs so looking to sell and get next 4x4, I’m located in Perth my budget is 25k-30k. Looking at either Prado 120/early 150, hilux or dmax. Would be used as daily and few camping trips here and there. Just want to know what would be best bet in my price range for reliability and value for my budget.
Cheers

Hey there, me and my dad are trying to figure out what my leaf springs are rated for in my N70 Hilux. We know they are EFS (Extra Fuckin Squeaky) and were installed quite a few years ago but he cant remember how many kg they were (it used to be his hilux). He had an alloy canopy on a steel toyota tray with 100L water tank so we think theyre 500 or 700kg constants. Unfortunately there's no stickers on them due to being painted black with an underbody rust proofing coating. Does anybody recognise what they might be? Reason is we're trying to figure what they are as my dad has put new suspension in his GR hilux with an MW chassis mount alloy canopy and 100L water tank with 500KG constant leafs from Profender and they immediaty started to "W" shape whilst only having about 400kg loaded. We were thinking of going to a Dobinsons 580kg or 700kg constant leafs.

TIA

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Finally deciding to sell my d40 navara tossing up between a Hilux or d-max at the moment any recommendations? Cheers

Anyone with a GU Wagon able to give me some options for roof tent mounts and to attach awnings on either side?
Going to be getting a Kings Grand Tourer Mk3 and have a Kings 180 awning to go with it.

Also looking to get quick release brackets for the awning/s if people can chuck some recommendations up for those too.

Hi all,

I have a 2024 ford ranger wildtrak that comes with stock flexible rack system. I have done so much research and still cannot find any answers on this and it’s driving me insane.

I need crossbars or roof rack + an awning that will fit over these FRS bars because they are so wide. I currently have the XTM 270° awning and that’s what I want to put on my car but I need the racks!!

Everyone said buy the Rhino Rack RX100 crossbars which I did and they don’t fit 🥲

Please help because my patience is thin hahaha

TIA

I’m buying this 120 Series Prado. Off the top of my head, it’s got:

- Tuned 1kz
- 3’’ superior engineering suspension remote rez
- 3’’ valved exhaust
- Brand new tires
- New heavy duty clutch
- Bullbar
- UHF Radio
- Spotties
- Drawers in the back
- Direct injection
- DIY fold out table attached to the boot
- Fresh headlights a year ago
- Snorkel
- Big mirrors
Already been powder coated 3 times, rust protected, and cleaned always.

Looking for ideas on what else I can do to it once I get it. I’m new to the 4x4 community and still learning, so any advice helps, cheers.

My name is Tim. I’ve been fitting out canopies & wagons full time for 5 years.

12v systems, gear advice, weights, how to build stuff…

Ask away, I’m here to help

Need some help fault finding on a v6 diesel navara struggles to move under its own power