Aussies-- Any Input Appreciated!

[WyomingRoaming]

Thank you for the input there... I suppose I'll avoid their tents, too, if possible.
Unfortunately no dual batteries in the HiLux as far as I can tell-- Was planning on buying jumper cables and a battery jumper in case. Last thing I want is to be stranded, with the roadside assistance 8 hours away

DM sent @MrMike

 

[MrMike]

Thank you for the input there... I suppose I'll avoid their tents, too, if possible.
Unfortunately no dual batteries in the HiLux as far as I can tell-- Was planning on buying jumper cables and a battery jumper in case. Last thing I want is to be stranded, with the roadside assistance 8 hours away

DM sent @MrMike

Ah, ok. I'd definitely get a unit like the Bluetti or similar vehicle chargeable power pack/battery, your vehicles battery won't be able to keep up if it's hot and your fridge is working hard.

 

[WyomingRoaming]

Noted. One thing I'd rather not cheap out on is a good power pack. Never occurred to me that the alternator wouldn't be able to keep up...

 

[MrMike]

Noted. One thing I'd rather not cheap out on is a good power pack. Never occurred to me that the alternator wouldn't be able to keep up...

It's not the alternator it's the storage capacity of the battery, usually usable amp hours would be 50 and your fridge could possibly use half of that. If your camped for a day or 2 without movement you'll have a flat battery

 

[Tazzieman]

go for an Engel or Bushman,

@WyomingRoaming Bushman fridges draw very little current and have a first class reputation in Australia

 

[MrMike]

@WyomingRoaming Bushman fridges draw very little current and have a first class reputation in Australia

Yep, got 2 of them

 

[WyomingRoaming]

Solid endorsement. I will check those out... also planning to visit ARB tomorrow.

 

[MrMike]

Solid endorsement. I will check those out... also planning to visit ARB tomorrow.

I don't like going to ARB .....its too tempting. Cross check their pricing as they can be expensive. If you're getting an awning (not 270 degree) get a cheap one, the quality between them is marginal.

 

[WyomingRoaming]

I don't like going to ARB .....its too tempting. Cross check their pricing as they can be expensive. If you're getting an awning (not 270 degree) get a cheap one, the quality between them is marginal.

Totally understand on the temping qualities of the store... worse that my wife will be finishing her PADI cert, so I will be alone; fighting the urge to buy their gear. I have read and dreamt about ARB stores and seen their ads in magazines since I was young.

 

[TheDocAUS]

ARB Stores are a great place to look, but less so to buy. They are too expensive for my tastes. I have only ever made selective purchases from them like a dual air compressor and picnic chair. Also take a look at TJM and the stores here.

 

[bigleonski]

Good luck with the travels - very jealous.
Forget latte, flat white is the go if you like milk in your coffee. Oh, and you’ll come across people who roll their eyes or lift their noses at you because you have milk in your coffee - just ignore them. Some countries call them coffee snobs. In Australia we call them wankers.
A dual battery or portable battery pack is a must if you’re traveling with a fridge.
ARB is good gear but exxy.
Kings is cheap - in price and quality- generally buy once, then buy again territory. Sometimes that’s ok though. My view is when you need to rely on something buy well once. But you can get away with cheap secondary stuff and save some coin.
Facebook Marketplace can save you a bucket of cash by buying quality gear second hand. For example I recently sold my rear drawer system- it was a $3k unit I sold for $750 with a few years use but still as good as new.
Fridges - Engel, bushman, ARB
Have a look at Kickass gear online.

Anyway that’s enough for now. When you head to Brisbane I’ll buy you a beer or a flat white!

Safe travels and keep the shiny side up.

 

[LeftCoastOverland]

@WyomingRoaming I’m a newly minted Aussie, been hanging on the Gold Coast all this last week. Stoked for you guys! This place rocks! Maybe we’ll cross paths in the next few months, I’ll be headed south.

 

[bigleonski]

I’ll be headed south.

There’s your first mistake.

 

[MrMike]

Good luck with the travels - very jealous.
Forget latte, flat white is the go if you like milk in your coffee. Oh, and you’ll come across people who roll their eyes or lift their noses at you because you have milk in your coffee - just ignore them. Some countries call them coffee snobs. In Australia we call them wankers.
A dual battery or portable battery pack is a must if you’re traveling with a fridge.
ARB is good gear but exxy.
Kings is cheap - in price and quality- generally buy once, then buy again territory. Sometimes that’s ok though. My view is when you need to rely on something buy well once. But you can get away with cheap secondary stuff and save some coin.
Facebook Marketplace can save you a bucket of cash by buying quality gear second hand. For example I recently sold my rear drawer system- it was a $3k unit I sold for $750 with a few years use but still as good as new.
Fridges - Engel, bushman, ARB
Have a look at Kickass gear online.

Anyway that’s enough for now. When you head to Brisbane I’ll buy you a beer or a flat white!

Safe travels and keep the shiny side up.

Yes, I forgot about FB marketplace, definitely a good tip for reasonable priced purchases

 

[MrMike]

There’s your first mistake.

Isn't it all wet and swampy up there at the moment

 

[DaveB]

Keep in mind that Adelaide is the murder capital of Australia and also the place where brothers and sisters get to know each other very well.

 

[MrMike]

Keep in mind that Adelaide is the murder capital of Australia and also the place where brothers and sisters get to know each other very well.

AND the city of churches ️ .......go figure

 

[Mikeb62]

Hi,

I'm in Sydney, 5 mins North of Harbour Bridge. So, if you near there you're welcome to come over for a chat, beer, coffee and checkout my Grenadier . I love Jackson Hole and have been there a few times skiing. Some tips from me...

• 1.Kings, very cheap and quality can be low. when on "proper" sale can be great for some items.
• 2. this site great https://www.snowys.com.au/ but no store in Sydney. However great place to checkout gear and find a baseline price.
• 3. https://www.bcf.com.au/ these guys not bad and stores everywhere.

4. Battery and fridge...you will need this.
"100Ah Lithium" will serve you well. either a portable unit or auto electrician or ARB could setup a semi permanent install. Either way you should run a separate power say 6mm2 cable from you cranking battery to new battery location.
https://www.bcf.com.au/p/companion-...wer-station/633515.html?cgid=BCF0270#start=13 ...something like this ok, but there are heaps around.
any 50l or above 12V chest fridge...shop around. I reckon even a cheap Kings would be fine for you.
https://www.4wdsupacentre.com.au/fr...adventure-kings-60l-camping-fridge-cover.html

5. Tent
Aussies love these Oztents https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1118274406023737/ but is 2m long on top of car. So you would need an extra roof rail....see photo below
https://www.snowys.com.au/instant-up-4p-gold-series-evo-tent something like this will work well.

6. more stuff
https://www.snowys.com.au/eclipse-slimline-side-awning-2-5m-x-2-5m
https://www.snowys.com.au/megamat-single-camp-mat
https://www.snowys.com.au/travelmate-ii-portable-stove

 

[WyomingRoaming]

ARB Stores are a great place to look, but less so to buy. They are too expensive for my tastes. I have only ever made selective purchases from them like a dual air compressor and picnic chair. Also take a look at TJM and the stores here.

Thank you for sharing that link... overwhelming amount of info there, but organized well, so very helpful!

 

[WyomingRoaming]

Keep in mind that Adelaide is the murder capital of Australia and also the place where brothers and sisters get to know each other very well.

I have been reading Bill Bryson's In A Sunburned Country (2000). He sums up many of the cities quite well, at least from an American's perspective. Has me laughing out loud much of the time. I recently started the book and I am reading about Adelaide now-- interesting place, although with your brothers and sisters comment it reminds me of Alabama back home!