Merv and Di

Perth Caravan Repair Centre seems to have some good reports in Beckenham which is just off the Roe H/way., in the Eastern suburbs. Give them a call and see what they say. Welcome aboard Merv

Hi Danny I only wanted to use it on the chassis as I couldn't for the life of me get the red stain of it and it works so well the chassis and chains look like new. I cannot see why you couldn't use it on the paint work or elsewhere but test it first. All the dilution rates are on the bottle, it is a dry powder 2kg bottle. We have used it to clean the shower base and are reasonably happy it then I use Purple Polish on the alloy. Cheers Merv

After doing some searching and trying some different products I got hold of some Diggers (Bunnings $30.00) to remove the last lot of red dust and it is absolutely brilliant so I thought that I would give this old post a revamp for all the new owners who might be searching for a similar product, so here it is again some two and bit years since the last post. Cheers Merv

We headed to Mt Isa after the races last year and I think there was only about 50k's or of intermittent dirt. Check you map and see if it has dots and dashes, this was the bitumen/dirt break up. Easy trip to enjoy. Don't forget to indulge in a swim at the Artesian Spa in Bedourie on the way north. Cheers Merv

I just did a google on the Gary Junction Road and there is a trip report by Seth and Vicki, it could be some interesting reading for you. They did the trip in 2011, not that long ago. Cheers Merv

Congratulations Colin. I am looking forward to seeing your near five (5) tonne Top Ender one day on the road. Now that is a BIG rig...... Cheers Merv

Hi Brenton and Lyn. Welcome to the Forum. We have an extra boot on the awning side with a slide and the Baby Q is strapped to this with two rubber tie downs crossed at the top, doesn't move. This then give us room to stack our extras around it and on top. Cheers Merv

Just a couple of othes that you might want to give a call to, both are truck repairers but they may be able to do what you want. They are both in Canterbury Road Kilsyth. L & H Heavy Vehicle Repairs. 03 9728 1017 Bayswater Truck Centre 03 8796 9999 Cheers Merv

Hi Jabob I always get out TE serviced at Hardings Swift in Colchester Road, Kilsyth 03 9729 8477. Give them a call and see if they can help you out. The last time I had ours there (last month) for a service, bearings and an alignment. They are in the outer Eastern Suburbs. Otherwise give your suspension manufacturers a call and ask for a possible referral. Cheers Merv

I am like Kakadu and am very glad that I don't have it. It fell off the trucks computer............along with the DPF....? Two less things to be concerned about plus I have given it an extra 40 horses for towing. Merv

Hi Colin From what I have read on some of the other forums dealing with QT you are not alone in this matter. It appears that their right hand doesn't know what the left is doing. I suppose that we are lucky in Victoria that we don't have this stupid rule, but saying that there are some questions being asked about the legality of towing a large van behind a large car with possible measurements of up to fifteen metres with a possible combined weight of around seven to eight tonne on a standard car license. This could be the next thing to come into being and could be one of the reasons that QLD has the questionable rule with heavy vans. Good luck Merv

In Victoria around $50.00 renewal and no inspections. There are some things this State is great for..... Cheers Merv

After 1300ks of dirt going to the Top and back and another 600 odd k's of the Birdsville Track, you are going to love it Colin. Merv

Check that you have hose clamps on the heater hoses as they pass through the firewall. Both in and outward, occasionally during conversion they are forgotten. Add blue, some of us don't have it........! But that is another story. You are going to totally enjoy towing with that truck. Cheers Merv

Hi Colin What wheels/tyres are on the truck? If you are running Goodyear Wrangler SR/A 265/60R20 be a bit wary they are like hens teeth to get. I recently could only get a second hand one in Melbourne and had to get it shipped to Mt Isa to get me out of trouble when I holed one on the Birdsville Track, hence I am dropping down to 18's which I have had shipped out from the USA as the tyres are easier to acquire here. Cheers Merv

Ha ha, told you so. Enjoy your trip. Merv

Hi Tony I can put you in contact with the guy I dealt with in Roy, Utah, a real gentleman to deal with or I am considering selling my 20's (-4-) if you are interested. They have only done 31k and are 265/60R20 Wrangler SR.A. We hope to be home by the 23rd feel free to give me a call if you still have my number. Cheers Merv

Hi Colin Sorry I haven 't been able to reply sooner, Telstra restricted all out goings from Birdsville during the races and we haven't been able to get internet access, Anyway, we purchased ours through American Vehicle Sales in Rowville (Melbourne and one of the cheapest places to buy) they fitted the 230 ltr long rang tank there. Order it when you order your truck or they may have one in stock. Truck and tank. Vehicles are registered in Victoria as light heavy vehicles for a period do three months initially an d after reg , next day on request they are derated 42 kgs to bring them under truck classification! Taken bak to Vic Rds and paper work done. Engineers report only nothing physically done to the truck ($350.00 money spinner) and away you go. That was how it was done for us. If you already have the truck Performax in Gympie or Brown Davis tanks in Melbourne will be able to help you with the tank. If you have a choice of 18 or 20" wheels get 18" I have had to ship a 20 up from Melbourne to Mt Isa as I holed one on the Birdsville Track, none others in Australia for the size I required. Cheers Merv

Hi Greame If you are not going to travel the Old Telegraph Track and using the two Bypass links then take the van with you, that's what it was made for. There are a couple of places either in Cook Town or just south of Laura I believe you leave your van at for a reasonable fee. Enjoy your trip planning. Merv

Hi Colin You will have to get the Silverado re rated because at stock standard they come in at 4536kgs which is Light Truck licence endorsement so it is a simple matter of having it derated (they do nothing) merely paperwork to 4495kgs and then can be driven on a normal car licence. The other disadvantage if you don't get it re rated it is zero blood alcohol. Mine doesn't fit in the garage either, minor problem and Di loves to drive it and tow the van. Just go and drive one... Cheers Merv

My 2012 Chev come with 20"s so I purchased a set of 18" rims from the US of A at a quite reasonable price as they are easier to get. I can put you in contact with the person I dealt with over there if you need it. The new 200 Series run standard 18's now so the tyres are only going to be easier to get, but outside of the big cities even Toyota drivers are going to find it hard. As long as you have a contact to supply tyres it will not be a concern, always an extra spare. Cheers Merv

I wouldn't part with my Silverado for quids. We have just done a two month trip from Melbourne to the top of the Cape and return and ended up with an average of 18.8 litres per 100km. They are an unbelievable tow vehicle and on more occasions than I can think of I had to check the mirrors to make sure the van was still there, effortless tow. We spoke to numerous Land Cruiser owners towing big vans and they couldn't believe the economy we were getting, but when you tell them that on 100kph you are only doing approx 1600 revs so your motor is just ticking over. The only problem is parking the truck in shopping centres and then we park away from the crowd and end up with less damage. We had our Top Ender re rated to 3950kgs and don't have a problem now of watching our weight. One less thing to worry about. Yes, the vehicle is extremely comfortable. The only thing I have done to ours is to fit a long range fuel tank, canopy and shortly after our trip to the Birdsville races in a couple of weeks a set of rear air bags which will help to remedy the 'diving' you can get with a heavy van and no WDH and it will also help to level the unit. With the van on the back the rear of the truck drops approx 50mm, which is nothing really to worry about. Cheers Merv

I haven't read any post on here in relation to this subject denigrating any other brand of van it more a couple of comments in relation to customer service/manners. If you feel that other brands have been denigrated I personally don't have a problem with the moderation team to have my post either edited or deleted if it has caused offence to any other party. Cheers Merv

We were so close to buying the Bushtracker mainly because we could physically see one at the Melbourne Caravan Show and the same thing happened down here when an owner approached one of the Sales team to question them about problems their van had and he turned his back on them grumbling "What do I care ring the factory". We walked out and paid the deposit on the Kedron sight unseen and have never looked back. Cheers Merv

Hi Taka Are you talking car side or coupling side? And agree a photo might tell us more. It could possibly be a simple matter of a cheap pin or a bad cast when made. Cheers Merv