[Napisan as toilet treatment]

Hi,

I have the Thetford cassette system, with no 'top' tank. The tank/cassette would hold approx 10 litres. How much 'Napisan' should I use for a tank that size?

Thanking you in anticipation.

CU down the road

Tony H

[Auto trans cooler necessity?]

Hi kereru,

An additional oil cooler wouldn't be a bad idea, also consider fitting an additional inline auto trans oil filter (available from an auto trans specialist....these can also be fitted to power steering lines)

Suggest you have transmission checked/serviced every 20,000k's.

Remember a little check now is better than a big cheque later.

CU down the road...

[Top End Trip]

There's a good chance we will be there also, maybe late June :biggrin:

['Iridium' or 'Thuraya' Satellite Phone]

Hi,

I am in a little bit of a quandry at the moment & wonder if some of you could advise.......

I'm considering purchasing a Sat Phone expensive yes (but with the government subsidy/rebate that I think I will qualify for, it will make the purchase more attractive....NOT that you can put a price on safety).

Speaking to the sales people some are suggesting 'xyz' phone & going onto the Iridium satellite & others suggesting buying 'xyz' phone & going on the Thuraya satellite.

The last person I spoke to was really pushing the Thuraya system, but did admit service may not be as good in Tassie or the bottom corner of WA...2 places that we be travelling to eventually.

Who has had experience with Sat phones & various satellites.?

I do have an HF radio that I love & use, but SWMBO would like the extra security of the sat phone. Any feedback most welcome.

Thanking you in anticipation. :thumbsup:

[On the road again....]

Kimbo,

To both you & Ned have a wonderful trip

I'm sitting here at the desk green with envy.....one day soon we will get over to the west

Once again best wishes

[Tinted double glazed windows]

Hi Russ,

You will have to remove those vents at some stage for cleaning, it's surprising how grotty they get. Removal & refitting for the first time will be a little daunting but once you have the knack it will be a breeze.

Peel off/back at one of the top corners, all the way along then push the lower edge out for easy removal, when you have removed the screen have a look at the moulding on the screen, then put your hand through the opening & feel the profile that the screen clips into.....you should be able to work out how it goes back together.

Wash in warm soapy water then refit all in reverse order. Reseal 'slit' in lower center area of screen if desired

[Fire extinguisher.....service?]

Hi,

That little red fire extinguisher, that all of us (I hope) have fitted in our vans & possibly in the tow vehicle as well.....when did you check it last?

You may be aware that the most common type of 'aftermarket' extinguisher is the dry powder type, most probably the type fitted to your van & tow vehicle. The choice of a dry powder type extingisher for your van (as fitted in the Kedron factory) & vehicle is definately the best way to go as they work efficently with wood, paper, petrol, diesel, & electrical fires.

How often do you check the pressure guage on the extinguisher, is the needle in the GREEN servicable band?....if not the extinguisher must be serviced or replaced.

Do you know that with the extinguisher sitting in its mounting bracket (as it should be) that road vibrations transfered through the van/vehicle suspension cause the powder in the extinguisher to 'pack down'. With this packing down the dry powder is compressed to the point that if the extinguisher was need to be 'used' all you would get out of the unit would be propellant & a small amount of dry powder....with the bulk of the powder remaining in the extinguisher doing NOTHING!....But you can greatly reduce the risk of this happening by removing the extinguisher from it mounting bracket EVERY yes EVERY six months inverting the extinguisher & smacking the extinguisher firmly with you open hand several times to break up the powder then refitting the extinguisher in its bracket, not forgetting to check the pressure guage needle is in the serviceable green band.

Did you know that extinguishers have a 5 year serive life, they should be serviced or replaced EVERY 5 years. With the cost of labour & materials now it is cheaper to purchase a new extinguisher than have the 'old' one serviced. So every 5 years you buy a new one & your left with an out of date unit....what do you do with it. Well here is a suggestion, next time you are having a camp fire or doing some burning off (not to common now) grab the 'old' extinguisher & practice putting out the fire with it. (Remembering

to dispose of the old extinguisher in the envronmentally correct manner.) Fighting a fire can be a very stressful & potentially dangerous operation & in the heat of the monent it would be great to have a little bit of experiance on how to use an extinguisher.

I started this thread as a public awareness. I dont claim to be a qualified fire fighter

Possibly some other members would like to contribute to this thread.....

See you down the road.

[Clothes Line]

Hi Fiona,

I knocked up this clothes line in 15 minutes at a cost of about $6 all up it fits in the awning arms & under cover, next to the awning roller. It is extremally strong, light & durable. Takes up no room when rolled up & stored in a locker or cupboard.

When Wendy was out of the kitchen, I went to the draw & grabbed an old nylon/poly cutting board.

I then disappeared into the shed with the 'old' board, after measuring the (internal) profile at its widest point of the awning arm from memory approx 6cm. I then cut two strips from the board approx 6cm x 20cm, after cutting the strips,(hacksaw) clean up any swarf or dags with a file or grinder. Then place the two pieces together (in a vice for safety) & drill two 10mm or 3/8 holes, centrally & in from the end by about 3 or 4cm. Once you have done this check the 'strips' for correct fitment in the awning arm. Insert the strip into the open section of the arm at an angle so one side of the strip fits into the widest section/profile of the arm, then let the top edge of the strip 'fall into' the arm. So now the strip is sitting in the awning arm....OK....now lift the strip up squarely & it will 'lock'into the profile of the arm. Then carry out any nescessary triming to the strips, when you are happy the strips fit & lock OK we then thread the required a length of 10mm poly cord through one of the strips then pass one end of the cord through through the other strip & tie a knot in it. The strip with the cord looped through it place it in one of the awning arms & 'lock in' pull the cord through that strip & walk towards the other arm with the other strip & place it in that arm & lock it in, pull on the cord & tighten it, Then hold the cord up to the spare hole in that strip, with the cord tight cut the cord so you will have sufficent cord top pass through the hole & tie a knot in it. Presto....one cheap & very easy clothes line. With these instructions you with end up with two line to hang your clothes, there is no reason why you couldnt cut longer strips & put more holes in the strips, ending up with more lines, but possibly you may have possible problems 'slack & taught' lines making fitting (the strips) in the awning arms difficult. To remove the strips form the arm, press down on one edge of the strip towards the wide profile & the strip will fall out.....to easy.

I suggest you use 10mm or 3/8 poly cord as it will have minimal stretch, also the pegs will have a thighter grip on the clothes.

I hope this is of some assistance.

See you down the road. :thumbsup:

[DP Chip]

Hi Rod,

Are you aware that by fitting the gas conversion to your diesel you qualify for the Federal Government rebate of $2000....enquire at your local gas installer, Medicare or Centerlink office.

[Van Roof]

Hi Garry & Judy,

I remember the first time I gave our ATV its first big wash. I used a ladder to stand on the spare wheels & steadied myself by placing my hand on the curved section of the roof & YES the roof did flex, possibly 10 cm's. It was a shock & a surprise! I dont think that your roof would have flexed as far as you suggest, if it had I'm sure the aluminium would have creased, probaly the 'shock' of it flexing was such a surprise it caught you off guard.

In hindsight I remembered going through the factory, prior & during production of our van, looking at the framing & cladding process....on the front & rear curves of the roofline I dont think there is much support especially in the centre area. The best way to allay any fears you have is to call the factory & speak to one of the ever friendly & helpful Gall boys.

[DP Chip]

Hi,

DP chips do work ...at a price....... around $1400 fitted, you will get slightly better economy & more power (torque) but to get the maximum gain you will have to upgrade the exhaust..

You dont say if your cruiser is petrol, diesel, normally asperated or turbo. For both the petrol & diesel normally asperated engines I would suggest fitting a quality set of headers/extractors connected to a 2.5 inch free flowing pipe system with a 'sports'/freeflowing muffler, if you have a diesel turbo fit a 2.5 inch pipe system upto the engine pipe with 'sports'/freeflowing muffler.

Once you have done this, hook the TE upto the 'tug' look for a few hills & feel the improvement in the torque.

Toyota build a wonderful vehicle & engine, but somehow fall short when it comes to designing an exhaust system.

If you still want more performance from the vehicle ...then consider fitting a 'DP chip' remembering that to get the full benifit of the 'chip' you should upgrade the exhaust......so doing the exhaust first then testing the result....... you may save yourself $1400.

Also consider fitting a snorkel, the engine breathes better & gets cooler, cleaner air into the engine aiding the combustion process.

[200 Series Bullbar]

Hi David,

Thanks for your lightning fast reply. :thumbsup:

The ECB alloy bar looks smart,(doesnt look like alloy) must admit that I have shyed away from alloy bars....just dont seem strong enough. But maybe I'm wrong. I am committed to purchase (pick it up later this week) an ARB deluxe bar (colour coded) same as Kimbo's. I was talking to him a month or so ago, not long after he had his suspension upgrade done.

Ive had Patrols, 3x80's & a 100 series all of which I beefed up the suspension usually using Old Man Emu components & have been very happy with the results.

Now that we have purchased this new 'tug' & the ride is sooooooooo good I'm reluctant to modify the suspension.(maybe because I'm an oldfart now) My serious/extreme 4WD driving days are over now!.

I have a friend who is having all sorts of dramas on his 200 after fitting Dobinsons springs (F&R) to his vehicle...had a drive of it the other day ....feels like you are driving on a knife edge steering will 'dart' off to the left or right without warning & the ride is noticeably stiffer than standard. Didnt drive Kimbo's but he did say the ride had stiffened up.

Thanks again for the reply ....hope to see you down the road one day....soon

[200 Series Bullbar]

Hi David,

Just read your last post on this great place we will put it on our list of will go to / must go to.

Looking at the photo of your 'tug', is that an ARB bar you have fitted?. If so have you noticed any drop to the front end? Have you upgraded the front suspension? If so what system did you use & ru happy with it?

If you havent upgraded, has the 'drop' (if any) caused any dramas?

Regards

[Delivery Of ATV2]

Hi Garry & Judy,

I can remember back to October 07 when we took delivery of our brand spanking new ATV, I was like a kid on christmas eve, I hope you will have many years of fun & exploring in your new Kedron.

I believe you have joined a pretty close community of fellow owners who will guide & assist should the need arise.

Enjoy the new member of your family........see you down the road

[Diesel Or Petrol]

Pete & Tracy,

How lucky are you guys!!! You must have had a HELL of a fright!!

Looking at the drivers seat I'm surprised it doesnt have a brown stain! :question:

Your 'old' tug was a 4.2 diesel as you would possibly be aware Nissan are no longer building these & importing them (into Oz at least). You may find a good 4.2 diesel around but you will pay top dollar for it because they are so scarce.

The Nissan 4cyl Turbo Diesel will be working extremally hard to pull a Top Ender around.

I dont know how far your budget will stretch & if you are going to buy new or used..... but you would have to go a very long way to find a better tug than a LC200 TTD.

In this current economic climate I think you will find dealers very keen to do a deal...whatever make you decide on.

I trust you bought a couple of lottery tickets! :thumbsup:

Regards

[Security]

It's unfortunate, but locks are made to keep honest people out! :sad:

[Hotwater Heater Anode Check Reminder]

Hi to all,

Just to back up previous comments, last Monday I ordered 5 Suburban anodes from www.rvingoutpost.com I arrived home tonight (1 week later) a parcel had arrived from the 'USA'. Five anodes as ordered, well packaged & very well priced. Very happy with the service, will definately buy from this company again! :thumbsup:

Tony H

Congewai.

19'6" ATV #848

Toyota 200 TTD

[Cleaning Van]

Hi John & Jo,

Cleaning the van....oh what fun, but doesnt it look great when you have finished...nearly as good, as Ann does at the factory!

To knock off the heavy stuff I use the trusty Gernie, especially arond all the sharp edges of the side boxes & awning mount points etc...saves leaving blood everywhere....then mix up a batch of truck wash & use a good old fashioned scrubbing brush, works a treat. Very important to remove the bulk of the dirt first before rubbing or scrubbing as you will more than likely scratch the checkerplate. The Gernie is also good for removing the impregnated dirt in the sealant around the windows etc....but be careful using the Gernie in these ares as prolonged application could damage/dislodge the sealant. Care should also be taken when using near the decals.

Tony H

19'6" ATV #848

LC 200 Diesel with twin hair dryers

[HF Aerial Mount For LC200]

Maddog & Kimbo,

Greetings I pick up the new oil burner with KDSS tomorrow, I'm like a kid on Christmas eve at the moment...all excited :biggrin: Have either of you guys or anyone who is reading this thread know anything more about the availability of a rear bar for the LC200 suitable for mounting an HF aerial. I believe Kaymar have a "bar" of sorts available but the way it has been described to me it sounds rather like an after thought & not very good on the eye, which after spending a TRUCK load of money for this new toy I dont want to put on some crappy accessory.

Regards & thanks

Tony H

19'6" ATV #848

LC200 oil burner with twin hair driers & KDSS

PS Any one reading this & contemplating purchasing a LC200.... ring Cessnock Toyota 02 49902722 incredible deal beat, big city dealers by miles in bottom line price....very happy!! :thumbsup:

[Gas Diesal Conversion]

Hi Graham,

Have a look at the current edition of 4WD Monthly, interesting read.

This isnt new technology has been used in the US for many years on big long haul trucks, should be suitable for a TD42 engine, not sure though about very late model engines (as in the new TTD LC200).

Google 'Diesel Gas' interesting reading & results, have it fitted & you will qualify for the $2000 rebate from Kevin Rudd

Cheers

Tony H

19'6" ATV

100 series petrol soooooon to be TTD LC200

[HF Aerial Mount For LC200]

Thanks guys for the feedback....would really appreciate if you could please keep me 'in the loop'

Regards

Tony

[HF Aerial Mount For LC200]

Greetings all,

I have just orderd a new TTD LC200 & I have a dilemma even before it has arrived. Heres hoping some one can help!.

The problem I have is finding a suitable position to mount an HF aerial on the vehicle. There is insufficant room on the ARB bullbar & there is no factory or accessory rear bar available yet for the 200 series. Can any one help/advise?

Regards & thanks

Tony H

19'6"ATV

#848