MADOG

OK 200 Series owners, so why did Tojo move the fuel filler to the RHS of the vehicle? Sure makes it interesting getting the TE into some servos. How is everyone else finding this new challenge? Regards, Roger

10 years ... 5 years ... 2 years ... the track sounds like it is getting better like most of them out there. Will have to give it a go to satisfy my curiosity. Thanks team for those responses. Roger

G'day All, Has anyone towed a Kedron from Alice Springs into Chambers Pillar, then back out continuing south (along the old Ghan rail alignment) to Finke, then west to Kulgera - 'tis about 400k's? I would like to travel this route one day and ideally would like to keep the TE on behind us. Would appreciate any advice. Regards,

OOPS - pressed the wrong button! Take #2... G'day John, Interesting subject this one. Clearly there will be heaps of 200's on the road that are over... steel bullbars/winch bars side rails winches draw storage systems fridges rear wheel carriers long range fuel tanks HF radios and then all the extras on the roof rack In my opinion the bottom line will be for us all to really think hard about what we need and manage that as best we can and with the spiraling cost of fuel that isn't a bad discipline anyway. Since that initial post I have gone cold on the full draw system, now preferring to design my own mini unit and keep the last row of seats intact. More room for the grandkidz and I will probably take what I really need instead of everything. I certainly don't have the answers but like you am well aware of the problem and am open to the thoughts of others. Regards

G'day John, Interesting subject this one. Clearly there will be heaps of 200's on the road that are over... steel bullbars/winch bars side rails winches draw storage systems fridges rear wheel carriers long range fuel tanks and then all the extras on the roof rack

Yes, took the 100 down to the carwash last Tuesday week and had some time up my sleeve so called into the local Toyota dealer to pick up some info on a 200. Chris and I had been discussing the new Landcruiser even before we took delivery of our TE in December 2006 and had decided the colour would be grey/silver to match the TE. Well, wouldn't you know it ... a demo (5,000ks) silver TD with bull bar, tow pack and the most impressive KDSS suspension - all the basic items I wanted, the right colour for Christine and the changeover price after stripping the 100 series wasn't bad either. That all was a good idea at the time but due to the adrenelin rush I hadn't considored the business appointments in northeast Vic commencing next Monday enroute to the National 4WD Gathering at Mitta Mitta over Easter. So a crazy sequence of events kicked in - off with the bull bar, winch, side rails, side steps, roof rack, diff locks, UHF, HF, shower/heat exchanger and numerous other bits. Sort out the finance papers, play paper warfare with VicRoads to transfer the MADOG plates. Then re-fit the basics so we can maintain our appointments schedule - UHF, Prodigy, Anderson Plug and Camera - that was finished at 11.00pm last night. Hooked up the TE for a run this morning to set the brakes and "Hooley Dooley", such an enormous difference to the 100 (and I loved my 100). This creature is radical! Unfortunately after market gadgets are taking time to kick in, much of that is due to all the body work on the 200. Given we have the KDSS suspension that comes with the non-optional measly 93 litre tank a rear wheel carrier with HF bracket is required and Kaymar delivery is estimated for June. Once the wheel is on the back a long range tank (yet to be released by Long Range Automotive) will be fitted. My 100 series rear diff locks fit the 200 (don't know if front are interchangeable) and Black Widow draws/cargo barrier will be fitted after Easter. Poly Air bags will probably be installed (or replacement coils) as the tow bar dropped significantly when the TE (230kg ball weight) was attached; however the level rides brought it up again. My past experience with Toyota springs says that sooner or later I will be changing them. Does anyone know of a supplier of after market rear wheelcarriers and long range tanks who can supply for a 200 yet? I recall moving from my beloved 80 in the 100 - the WOW :thumbsup: factor was extraordinary - that WOW :thumbsup: factor has just been matched again! The next couple of weeks around the High Country to Mitta Mitta and then across the Snowy Mountains and back down the coast to home will be a good workout. We are looking forward to it. Just have to work out a new arrangement for Misty the Wonder Dog's travel kennel!

Greetings OziExplorer users, Just last night on the Westprint Friday 5 a fantastic offer was made available. For the almost meaningless cost of $5, OziExplorer users (or anyone for that matter) can download digital maps that cover much of the Australian 4wd destination regions along with each images corresponding ".map" file that is required to permit it to function in OziExplorer. Westprint Maps I downloaded the Birdsville Track - Strezlecki Track ".map" and ".OZF2" files last night and it was a real no-brainer. Best of all you don't end up with all those other often useless and confusing files (for OziExp) when purchasing a CD/DVD which you pay much more for and the .OZF2 files are by far the most efficient and appropriate for OziExplorer. I have been using the Westprint digital maps for many years in OziExplorer and even much longer before when we used to carry heaps of paper maps - they are excellent - this is a good deal. (I have no relationship with Westprint other than I never drive through Nhill in western Victoria without calling in as they have a terrific shop and I suppose yes we do have a financial arrangement 'cause we always seem to leave lots of money there after purchasing prezzies for the grandkidz.) Regards,

Greetings KOG Team, The OziExplorer National E-Trek File was originally created for the use of members of the Toyota Landcruiser Club state branches all around Australia however recently it has been opened up to any and all OziExplorer users regardless of their background or reasons for using it (a community service). The library consists of some 200 (to date) TRACK and WAYPOINT files that have been submitted by OziExplorer users around Australia covering all States and Territories except ACT. Many KOG members use OziExplorer and this is directed to them - if you would like to receive... the most recent copy of the library listing links to the library website and our own OziExplorer Help site... simply send an e-mail to roger@smartersafety.com.au (There is a catch though - we appreciate receiving submissions to permit the library to continue growing. That action isn't mandatory however it is very much appreciated) Regards

If there are any KOG OziExplorer users who are seeking some assistance with the program, try the help files loaded on the OziExplorer Education page of our website. Feel free to download what ever you wish and if there are any questions about the program and it's operation, we are happy to do our best to answer them. OziExplorer Education :thumbsup: Regards,

Fellow OziExplorer Users in KOG, I have an OziExplorer waypoint file for all the locations in Camps 4 for all of Australia which I am offering (no charge) to OziExplorer enthusiasts in KOG – it is absolutely sensational. The waypoints make finding locations so easy because they carry the site co-ordinates and as a result, they are spot on, particularly for anyone running "Moving Map" while they are traveling. The book is still necessary for detailed information as each waypoint carries the Camps 4 number and location name only. This file is not intended as a "pirated" copy of an excellent publication but moreso as an excellent electronic aid to using that excellent publication. If you would like a copy and you already own a copy of Camps 4 feel free to e-mail me offline roger@smartersafety.com.au Regards,

G'day Vince & Angie, We have a Dec 2006 TE with a Suburban Gas/Electric hot water system. Stan advised in the decision stage that it didn't come with a warranty where the straight gas did which was a cause of concern at the time but we still chose the Gas/Electric model. To date absolutely no issues and the TE has done nearly 20,000 k's, much of that on unsealed surfaces. We are pleased with the result given we do spend some time in van parks while working with a local client. Just replaced the annode last week and there wasn't much of the old one left - I reckon we will do this now on every 12 - 15 months. I often use an external filter for mains water when it may be a bit suspect but it clearly doesn't keep the evil stuff out that chomps on the metal components. Regards, Roger

OOPS! Thought I was first to report this amazing fact however I now note the postie has a faster bike in SA than VIC.

G'day all, Postie just arrived with amongst other things my subscription to 4WD Action mag. While lunch munching on a Vegemite coated Vita Wheat biscuit I turn to page 18 and here it is - Kimbo playing in the bulldust up on the top end!. I damn near choked! Great advert for Kedron. Goodonya Roger

G'day Peter, We have a December 2006 TopEnder and live NE of Bacchus Marsh about 40 minutes W of the Westgate Bridge and you are quite welcome to call in and have a look. Roger

OOPS! Perhaps I should inform all as to how to find them on the web ... www.westprint.com.au MADOG

G'day all, Westprint Maps in Nhill, Western Victoria provide a terrific resource in Friday Five, an e-mail newsletter dispatched every Friday with heaps of terrific information for travelers. It is also an excellent forum to direct questions to a much wider group who enjoy recreational pursuits similar to ours at KOG. Should any KOG member be passing through Nhill (on the Western Highway 60k's from the SA border) take the time to find their shop and browse the enormous range of books, maps, CDs, DVDs, Tapes etc etc - all on Australia and traveling in it. They are in Park Street (runs parallel and about 400 metres north of the Western Highway). By the way, I don't have any financial interest apart from leaving heaps of $'s there every time we travel through - they are nice people with lots of knowledge as well. Kimbo, in my opinion your question about HF and those that have experienced electronic disagreements with some 100 series cruisers would receive a strong response if submitted to Westprint for publication in Friday Five. :thumbsup: MADOG

Good stuff Kimbo, that map will be a very useful resource. Thanks :thumbsup:

------------------------------------------- Topic: Chairs (donmar -- 28th January 2008 - 08:13 PM) ............................................ We have on order a new TE and would like to put in 2 chairs instead of bench seating , has any other owner done this , and if so what kind of chairs where installed. Donmar The above post appeared on my aily e0-mail but I cannot find it on the forum. Check MADOG's TE plans in this forum. Two office chairs work well strapped to table centre pole Roger

Hooley Dooley! Kimbo, you have far to much time on your hands but congrats anyway. Christine and I are currently settling for a full detail of MADOG - at least it will be a bit shinier. We will be very interested in your findings as eventually we to will be upgrading to a 200 gizmo. Must check out the pricing at Mackay (in fact all up the east coast might be the go) when we are that way later in the year. Unfortunately it seems that every new GXL released becomes less 4WD friendly and more Toorak Tractor inclined however there isn't much else out there in that price/reliability/versatility range to compete with. What is the situation with accessories, bull bars, wheel carrier rear step bars etc? Is there much of a range available yet? Given there is only the 2 peddle option and heaps of grunt it will make life towing a TE very easy. Enjoy the new toy for soon it will get dirty and then it becomes a workhorse. Regards and dammit ... yes I am jealous! :shutup: Roger

Thanks Kimbo & Webby, My brain must have been in neutral - have been to that page before. Very simple and now done. Pic is Chris and I with a camel - we have an attraction to camels - I proposed to Chris on one while on Cable Beach. Hope Misty the wonder dog doesn't get jealous. Very hot down this way today - we have all crawled under a rock and probably won't come out until Saturday given it is going to be another scorcher tomorrow and a record breaker shaping up for tonight. Good luck with the fish Kimbo, looking forward to the pics. MADOG

G'day Kimbo, Thanks for that information - I will be right now for sure - the learning curve just took an upwards turn. While here, another question. How does one post one's ugly face in one's personal profile area. Seems to be a good idea to help identify all these people we are talking to and allow others to identify us. Regards, MADOG

Graham & Sue, Welcome to KOG and enjoy your TE when it arrives. We have had ours just over 12 months and wow, are we delighted. No problems, and we are pleased with the workmanship. I am sure you will enjoy your new baby. I guess April cannot come fast enough! Roger

G'day Team, I have a note in my PDA that talks about replacing the hot water diode in our Suburban (240v/gas) hot water service every 12 months. The issue of regularly enjoying quality shiraz continues to diminish my memory cells, however the bit that still works recalls that someone said these gadgets die after "x" period of time and one should replace them every 12 months. Our TopEnder is now just 12 months old so team, where to from here? Do I need to change this gizmo and if so where do I source one? (by the way...where is it?) Would appreciate help on this one. Many thanks in anticipation. Roger

Lloyd & Lyn, Looking at the list of registrations to date, they all appear to be couples. We have yet to meet most (nearly all) of the people registered to attend so am not sure if any youngsters will be there - on first appearances - probably not. Regards Roger :smile:

KOG High Country Gathering – Nov 2008 – BE THERE! Greetings all, Christine and Roger + Misty the wonder dog would like to invite our fellow Kedron owners to venture south during November 2008 to spend a few days with us in our backyard at the quiet hamlet of Mitta Mitta which is situated on the edge of the Victorian High Country just south of the NSW border not far from Albury. All the details about our High Country Gathering are available here under on our new website under “Gatherings” (right down the bottom). Thanks to Webby who has done a great job setting this up. We have information about the van park, about the region, some of the day trips we will be doing plus maps of the area. November is the best time of the year to view this beautiful part of Australia and even though Mitta Mitta is a real gem it is surrounded by many other sensational locations to visit prior to during or after the gathering so cut yourself some extra time and make the most of it. If you are seeking tips about other things to do, simply drop us a line we can point you into some other interesting locations within a days travel of Mitta Mitta that you will enjoy immensely. Rutherglen (the place for the best ports and some real BIG reds) Beechworth (a snapshot in time of a flourishing old gold town plus Australia’s best bakery – true dinks!) Myrtelford, Porepunkah & Bright (nestled below Mount Buffalo) Alexandra, Eildon & Bonnie Doon (clinging to the edges of Lake Eildon) Mansfield & Merryjig (home of The Man from Snowy River and numerous mountain cattleman huts to visit plus acres of bush camping at Sheepyard Flat & yes Craig’s Hut was lost in the wildfires however many other huts are easily accessible – we have the details) Gaffneys Creek, A1 Mining Settlement, Woods Point, Matlock (venture deep into the High Country and take in the splendour) :thumbsup: ....and for those interested in OziExplorer digital mapping, a beginners training session is scheduled for interested attendees at Mitta Mitta – we will have you up and running in no time. Regards Roger, Chris ‘n’ Misty :biggrin: Roger (MADOG) Morgan & Christine + Misty the wonder dog! 100 Series TD + 17’6” TopEnder #751 VKS-737: Victor 7570 Bacchus Marsh VIC.