Jonno's Build

[jonathan_k]

Interesting why you have gone to a van. I nearly bought a Toyota Troopcarrier a couple of weeks ago but I love the convenience and comfort of the van so much I just couldn’t do it. I will live with the 4WD restrictions. Just wish VW had made it more like the T3 syncro.

Troopy would be my next choice especially if doing a 1-2 year trip away from the east coast. Or, perhaps we'll see some late model grey import Japanese vans on the Hilux drivetrain soon?

Like you say, the vans are just so enjoyable. Even on these 40 degree days we drive it down the beach, open the sliders and treat it like a beachfront apartment, so awesome!

Mine is costing me a bit to service so far, but we'll stick with it and investigate other options along the way, like hiring a "real" 4x4 in strategic locations.

[Big Bug]

Troopy would be my next choice.....like hiring a "real" 4x4 in strategic locations.

When you get out bush more than half the vehicles are Toyota so many more people to fix them. I looked at hiring a “real “ 4WD but when you look at the terms and conditions there are places you can’t go like the Canning Stock Route which is where I wanted to go and even one road we went along, very slowly, in the van. Will have to do more searching on rentals.

This would make a difference to our vans but the price.... https://www.seikel.de/shop/conversio...r-ratio/?lang=
I took a quick look at the the HiAce bus4x4.com.au do when I was thinking of buying my van but would probably investigate more throughly if I was looking now.

Still, I love my van.

Bruce CQ

[Big Bug]

Oops, doesn’t seem to be quite the right link. I can’t get the right link to work, just look for T5 Extreme.

Bruce CQ

[Bryn23]

Oops, doesn’t seem to be quite the right link. I can’t get the right link to work, just look for T5 Extreme.

Bruce CQ

You want the Portals as well

It would be quite capable, but not worth the extreme $$$$$

[Big Bug]

You want the Portals as well It would be quite capable, but not worth the extreme $$$$$

Oh yes I do, but 31,000 Euros as you say, is way too much money. The money would be far better spent on a new 79 Series Cruiser, that is tough and capable.

But the VW looks the part though and I imagine would be the only one in this country. Bruce CQ

[Sunny43.5]

With that conversion I would hope it comes with folding side steps or at least a step ladder to access the inside !! I had a Ford Ranger here at home today fitting a sunroof into and it was ridiculously lifted , my wife commented if I came home with one that high it would be a fight starter . I had to use two small step ladders to get in and out of the rear seats and two taller ones to do the outside work at the front . I saw on a friends site the other day a self storing side step that comes out instantly from under the sides when the door is opened and the stores itself when the door is closed looked pretty cool .

[Big Bug]

[QUOTE=Sunny43.5;1253703]With that conversion I would hope it comes with folding side steps or at least a step ladder to access the inside !!
Don’t think my wife would be too happy either but a couple of extra steps may solve that problem....

Some tyres like these may be enough to make me happy. They are 265/65R18’s which would give me another 38mm ground clearance over what I have with my 225/65R17’s. Mind you I’m not sure how on earth they fit. Turning circle must be rather large because he has the same suspension I have, Seikel Desert HD.

Bruce CQ