Walked out and got in the Suzuki the other day, backed out into the rain, switched the wipers on and they scratched and bumped across the windscreen.

Bugger, I thought, need new wipers.  Hang on, the brain was saying, considering the price of parts these days, wouldn't it be cheaper to get a new car.  Looked across the window at the rego label and she had two months to go, then back in front of me at the 30 cm crack in the windscreen that has been threatening to expand anytime.  

Yep, decision made, time to buy the new truck and start the first preparations for retirement on the road.

I had already done considerable research so to cut a long story short we will be picking up the new girl this coming weekend.  Just a base model 4X4 Colarado but already have a mind full of options and comforts to come.  They threw in the S-Pack for the end of model sale together with five year warranty and roadside assist so a happy Holden customer.

Nice little turbo charged diesel with the capacity to tow up to three thousand kilos making our options for the caravan very broad indeed.

Here she is with Maggie saying, "It's mine and it's red!!!"   ;D ;D ;D ;D

http://www.aussiecampovenforum.com/Photo/Colorado/Maggie2.jpg

If you look closely above you will see one very happy salesman.  Earned his commission well  ;)

http://www.aussiecampovenforum.com/Photo/Colorado/Maggie1.jpg

Further photos will be forthcoming as she gets optioned up.  First one will be the tow bar being put on prior to delivery. Of course the chrome sissy bar on the back will be coming off  ::)

Very nice, should serve you well Derek.
Tim

Well done Derek and Maggie
I like your reasoning for a new truck.
That's how we men think.. ;)

Aart

looks good derek  [smiley=cheers2.gif]

Truck has been delivered with the S Pack at no additional cost and 3000 kg tow bar. Sheep skin seat covers to go in are here.

Now looking at Canopies for the back to increase storage outside of the caravan.

My favourite colour.......merlot, well sorta.       lol

Good one Derek, see you on the track.

pd

Good choice Derek.

I've got the LTR. 3L turbo diesel in an auto, love it.

Currently getting 9.7L/100kms towing the Camel Bushman, gotta be happy with that.

Cheers

Paul

thedeckie wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2012 at 8:36am:

Good choice Derek. I've got the LTR. 3L turbo diesel in an auto, love it. Currently getting 9.7L/100kms towing the Camel Bushman, gotta be happy with that. Cheers Paul

First tank filled up today.  Currently running at just over 8L/100 kms.  Pretty good for a brand new motor.

Mine is the 3 litre turbo diesel manual.


Derek   [smiley=chef.gif]

Good choice with the Colorado Derek. Just got rid of my Diesel Colorado twin cab work ute in Nov',152 000 km in three years,never let me down,never missed a beat.
Ended up with a VW Amarok purely for the safety rating of this vehicle.I only hope it's going to be half as reliable as the Holden.Time will tell.

Windows have been tinted for comfort  ::)

Derek wrote on Feb 10^th, 2012 at 8:16pm:

Windows have been tinted for comfort  ::)

As a coincidence...
When I had my new truck window tinted at Morayfield..
I went to an ex-copper mate of mine, and who should do the job
The "youngfella"  Adrian..
Great to catch up with him.

Aart

TBF wrote on Feb 10^th, 2012 at 9:30pm:

and who should do the job The "youngfella"  Adrian..

Wow, haven't heard from him for ages.  Good to see he is still tinting

Ordered an ARB Canopy today complete with tinted windows and roof bars to take the fishing rod holders.  Impressed with them.

ARB canopy goes on tomorrow. Have ordered the strengthening frame and Rhino roof bars but they won't be ready for a week so will be putting them on after our trip to Yamba so going to have problems carrying the surf rods.

my neighbour has 2 of these in dual cabs and he loves them ,good choice mate ,,cheers jas

Before and after shots of the new canopy

---

Nice vehicle Derek, thought you might have bought a green one though. ;D

I believe that your going to need an aftermarket LED reverse light, although you have side mirrors the tinted rear glass & tinted canopy glass is going to make it a bit hard to see at night time.(Reversing)

There are some fantastic LED worklights available on Flea Bay.
Congrats on the new vehicle

Regards Skip [smiley=chris.gif]

They don't make a green one as far as I know Skip and red is nice anyway :)

I noticed yesterday even in daylight that reversing going to be an issue. I like the idea of an LED reversing light or maybe a reversing camera.

Yep, why not both, the Led draws very little power and they are the grouse when trying to set up camp at night, try to get one of the 27watt or even better the 48watt units

and have it so it is able to be adjusted to where you need the light. They are great if someone is following you on high beam too.


Skip [smiley=chris.gif]

Can you wire them into the current reversing lights or do they need a separate wiring harness with a cut out switch. I recall reading somewhere about the legalities of having a light out the back that can be switched on when driving forward???

Mate as with normal driving lights they must be switched internally. That means that you can switch them off if you need to. And also then you can switch it on without leaving your ignition circuit active and the gearstick in reverse

Because LED draws so little power many people wire them into the existing reverse harness but I would never do that especially on a new truck with computers on board.

It is a piece of cake to run the wiring through the chassis rail and come up through to the cab or engine bay. I would also fit a relay and fuse. Derek an Auto Electrician could do it in less than an hour.

All the best
Skip [smiley=chris.gif]

If you purchase on Flea Bay beware of the lights that do not list the lights wattage, for them to say the light has 27 leds means absolutely nothing.

It must say wattage is eg 27 watt. (Usually these lights have an amount of 3watt leds) so for eg. a good 27watt unit will have 9X3 watt LEDS, a 24 watt unit 8X3 watt LEDS etc.

I hope that makes some sense, also most of the good work lights have an alloy housing and stainless steel mountings! There is a lot of heatsink fins on the back to aid in heat dissipation


Regards Skip [smiley=chris.gif].

I think this is the one. I can wire myself no problem. Decision I guess where to put it  :-?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/27-watt-led-work-light-reverse-light-nissan-patrol-gq-gu-toyota-fj-jeep-4wd-4x4-/160742447155?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item256cff1833#ht_2901wt_689

Nice choice Derek, it meets the spec I was on about.
Usually the higher mounted the better but in your case I would look at clamping (not screwing or welding)a bracket onto your towbar frame. You should be able to access square "u" bolts in Gal from BCF or Bolt supply shop and have someone weld a bracket to suit the light  onto that. I reckon you should use two u bolts.

All the best
Skip [smiley=chris.gif]

Bugga, was looking at using zip ties  ;D ;D ;D ;D

Derek wrote on Feb 23^rd, 2012 at 11:50am:

Bugga, was looking at using zip ties  ;D ;D ;D ;D

Hahaha! you could'nt be serious-- could you? ;D


Skip [smiley=chris.gif]

Picked up a quality rubber mat for the back today. Discount "cash" deal. :)

First service on the little truck.  Good as gold  :D

Derek the new truck looks good, do they remove the roll bar to fit the canopy.

You have a very nice vehicle there Derek. I hope it gives you many years of enjoyment travelling this great land of ours.  :)

Jeff

Finally got the frame and roof racks fitted today.

Hey Skip, was thinking of putting the reverse/work light on the back bar facing the rear as you can see on the second photo. Just not sure how to put the wiring through the canopy roof to make it watertight. Any thoughts???

Cheers


Derek  [smiley=chef.gif]

---

Looking the goods Derek!

Not sure how legal it would be putting the light that high, i'm pretty sure you can't have any lights above your bonnet on the front (unless covered). Not sure bout the regs for the rear, i know lots of utes that have reversing spotties on top of their tray head board.

Do you know if its ok to put them there?

Jono

Thanks Jono, just had a search and found it in the Queensland Transport Regs


Quote:

Division 10—Reversing lights Reversing lights 84.(1) One or more reversing lights may be fitted to the rear of a vehicle and on each side towards the rear of the vehicle. (2) A reversing light must have its centre not over 1.2 m above ground level. (3) When on, a reversing light must show a white or yellow light to the rear or to the side and rear of the vehicle. (4) A reversing light fitted to a motor vehicle must be wired so it operates only when the vehicle is reversing or in reverse gear. (5) A reversing light fitted to a trailer must be wired so it operates only when a motor vehicle towing the trailer is reversing or in reverse gear. (6) A yellow reversing light may also operate as a direction indicator light.

So in reading that, most of the 4X4's you see with a rear facing work light are illegal.

Bugga

Now have all the bits and pieces to install the dual battery for the fridge in the back. Just waiting on a 120 ah AGM Deep Cycle Battery. Son in law is going to weld up a tray/bracket to sit it up on the wheel arch out of the way.

Will also run a cable and Anderson plug to the rear to charge a caravan battery when I get one  ::)

Photos to come when installed.

Last of the 'bits' for the dual battery will be here tomorrow so will start on the installation.

Have a third Rhino bar coming to go over the cabin to make three in total.

Today ordered a Foxwing awning to attach to the bars.

http://www.rhinorack.com.au/Rhinoweb/Images/Accessories/VehicleImages/Vehicle_358_200949_162937.jpg

All slowly coming together.  :)

Still looking for "that" caravan.  ;)

Hey Derek, you have quoted the regs for a reversing light, but what you wish is a work light - correct?
I would seriously look at a self adhesive or hook on strip LED that will go under the roof rack.  Pull up, open the rear and plug in the LED from your battery supply in the back.
If the light isn't "hard wired" then it can't be deemed a reversing light IMHO.
I have a 12v fluro in the tailgate of the Jeep and it lights up a fair area when the back is open.  Not sure if this would suit on the glass tailgate you have.  Just a thought!

OzJeeper wrote on Apr 24^th, 2012 at 5:04pm:

Hey Derek, you have quoted the regs for a reversing light, but what you wish is a work light - correct? I would seriously look at a self adhesive or hook on strip LED that will go under the roof rack.  Pull up, open the rear and plug in the LED from your battery supply in the back. If the light isn't "hard wired" then it can't be deemed a reversing light IMHO. I have a 12v fluro in the tailgate of the Jeep and it lights up a fair area when the back is open.  Not sure if this would suit on the glass tailgate you have.  Just a thought!

More in need of a reversing light.  With the dark tint on the back window cannot see a thing at night other than with using the side mirrors.  I am thinking a reversing camera may be the go.

When they installed the canopy they wired it for an internal light that is right at the back and fine for the interior.  However, I was considering of a strip of LED lights across the top of the inside of the rear window for just what you are talking about.

Cheers


Derek

Just needs an IDOS sticker on the back "I (heart) Dutch Ovens idos.org"!
Watch out for a white Toyota Hiace Campervan with same sticker on back window, often in Lockyer Valley and around Toowoomba, will be in Griffith May 5 until October leaving next Wednesday.

KD

The Tagalong Tent also looks good and could suit a Campervan:

http://www.rhinorack.com.au/AccSubCategory_Foxwing-Awning_Page_1_Accessory_Tagalong-Tent_564_56.aspx

Thanks for this info Derek.

KD

Camp ovens David, camp ovens  ;D ;D ;D

We need an Aussie sticker,  maybe an idea for COCIA?

KD

Working on it.  My son-in-law is a sign writer.  8-)

I put the Foxwing Awning on this morning and now much to my dismay I cannot get the truck back in the garage :(

Thankfully only two bolts to loosen to take it off  :D

---

The piece of 'material' hanging down against the car is a tube like down pipe.  It is designed so that all water runs to the centre and down the tube.

That looks an interesting and good setup Derek. My daughter and her husband were telling me about them. One would want to be able to get the water running away from under the awning though.

Jeff

Hey Derek, what are your thoughts on your ARB canopy now that you have had it a little while? Are you happy with it? Have you had any leaks or problems? Also where did you get it fitted and were you happy with their workmanship?

I ask all this as we are buying a new dual cab and are wanting a canopy and were looking at the ARB ones. I have heard that some suppliers leave a bit to be desired with their fitting. I also heard that the canopies can have some gaps that let water and dust in.

Thanks for any info you can give.

Jeff

Jeff

Have had it fir a year and was fitted by ARB Dealer at Ipswich who did an excellent job.  You and them both do a pre-inspection on the vehicle for any marks and/or scratches and another one after fitting. http://www.uv4x4.com.au/

As for the canopy itself

Quality wise and finish - fantastic
Window rubbers - crap¹
Leaks - none²

1. All the rear window seals fell off :)  Take it back and they will fit the same window seals and the same problem. Have researched and will be getting some quality car door seals from Clark Rubber.  On the 4X4 Forums you will find this problem not exclusive to ARB and there are many complaints online.

2. While the canopy itself is well sealed and there are no leaks as such from it, tail gates on utes never seal and there is about 1 cm gap all the way around the sides and bottom of my tailgate.  Funny enough I have never had real water in the back and she has sat out in heavy rain and been driven through heavy rain. This same issue lets a bit of dust in but you can get a scoop for the roof fitted that is supposed to stop it.

http://www.arb.com.au/products/arb-canopies-sport-lids/classic-canopies/500Canopy-Vent.php

http://www.arb.com.au/media/products/canopies/CanopyVent.jpg

Would I get another one???  Most definitely.

Thanks for the very informative response. It was very helpful indeed. It sounds like the Ipswich ARB dealer is one of the better places to deal with.

It is disappointing regarding the rear window seal. Thanks for the tip regarding the car door seals from Clark Rubber.

We are getting a new Triton and you can get a genuine tail gate rubber seal which I will look into.

I was pretty much certain we would go with the ARB canopy after our research and your info is another positive for it. :)

Thanks once again.

Jeff

No problem mate.

I just bought a 100 watt Solar Panel to put on the roof racks to charge the dual battery when we are parked for a time.

Derek wrote on Feb 18^th, 2013 at 4:40pm:

I just bought a 100 watt Solar Panel to put on the roof racks to charge the dual battery when we are parked for a time.

Good addition!

A dual battery system is one of the mods we will have to do to run our Engel. You can sure pay out some dollars setting up a new truck. :o ;D

100 watt solar panel fitted and wired to the second battery via 15 amp controller.  Surf rod holders and Foxwing awning fitted to match.  All looking good. One day closer to hitting the road.

---

The truck is lookin' good Derek!!! :)

We got our Triton and had an ARB canopy fitted. The canopy is great but we weren't impressed with the fellas that fitted it as they damaged the truck in a couple of places when fitting it. >:(

We just took it away on its maiden trip - 2200 plus kms and it towed the van real well. We still have a bit of work to set it up how we want it but this will have to wait until we can save some more dollars. :)

Jeff

I can't hear it because I am part deaf but Maggie tells me there is a loud whistling sound coming off the roof since I installed the solar panel.  Going to get a piece of aluminium and pop rivet it over the front to try and stop it.

The 100 watt panel works great.  Before installing I could generally get near on 4 days from the battery without starting the car.  Now it seems to remain fully charged all the time with the Waeco running at 3 degrees.

I spoke to our local auto store about the whistle from our new HD Rhino bars we bought a week beforehand -
he told me to turn the radio up!  We move the rails around a bit until we found a spot that was quieter.   

LG wrote on Apr 10^th, 2013 at 6:41pm:

I spoke to our local auto store about the whistle from our new HD Rhino bars we bought a week beforehand - he told me to turn the radio up!  We move the rails around a bit until we found a spot that was quieter.

So called dealers don't do much to help do they. 

All the rubbers started to fall off my rear canopy window.  All the dealers would do is replace them with the same and according to research on the net it would happen again so I went to Clark Rubber and bought different ones and fitted them myself. :)

LG......We have Rhino HD bars since mid 2011...noticed whistling when first got them.....dont hear them now..except a base tone when cross winds

Derek...
a friend said to me today that he is planning to use 4x 80w solar panels on his caravan - to run a few led lights and a fridge.  I thought it sounded a bit 'over the top' but wasn't sure. Then read your post about 100w being enough.

Can you give me more details about your fridge so he can make an informed comparison between what he thinks he needs/wants and what is actually required   ;)


Smokey...
Ours aren't too bad now... as I said, we fiddled with the distances from the B pillar until we found the sweet spot  :)  When we first got them pedestrians were actually turning their head to watch us approach it was that loud.

Seems to only whistle between 38km and 89km per hour. Anything slower or faster and they shut up completely.  Guess what speed range 98% of our driving happens at? Yep, around 40-80kph   ::)

LG I have an idea that you can not have too much in the way of solar panels, after being camping and having very little sun for a few days I decided to get some more for my system.
I now have 160w for the camper and my cpap machine and 200w for my Nissan, as it has the fridge in it.
So far, I have now have had plenty of power. :)

We use minimum power in our van (LED Lighting...water pump no TV)......fridge on gas while camping....our 40lt Waeco (in Pajero) plugged into van that has 105AH battery.....charged by a 80watt panel free standing........in winter without waeco...we can camp 7 days without solar panel

We bought a new patrol last year and have been setting it up for a bit of everything so far I've put in a snorkel, duel batts, made a single draw with a drop slide for the engel, 2 inch suspension upgrade OME nitrochargers shocks & springs and have a 3 inch exhaust and diesel chip on the way for a bit of extra grunt. But I picked up one of these last week and think there a good bit of kit its a supawing awning and has a massive 12m2 coverage when set up, great for day trips or a bit of extra cover when camping cover the whole side and rear of the vehicle and only needs pegs to stand up no guy ropes for less hassle when setting up.
Astro.

http://i50.tinypic.com/23t2vdu.jpg
http://i45.tinypic.com/73h2k3.jpg
http://i47.tinypic.com/99kkrr.jpg

That looks a good setup Astro.

Jeff

LG wrote on Apr 10^th, 2013 at 11:00pm:

Derek... a friend said to me today that he is planning to use 4x 80w solar panels on his caravan - to run a few led lights and a fridge.  I thought it sounded a bit 'over the top' but wasn't sure. Then read your post about 100w being enough.

I have a 50 litre Waeco in the back of the truck that runs off a 130 amp hour deep cycle battery.  It runs nothing else.  When the car us running the battery charges off the alternator but when sitting the solar panel kicks in.  The panel as said is 100 watts and pumps in quite a bit of power. (Doesn't work inside the shed  :D )

My caravan has two deep cycle batteries with a combined capacity of 230 ah and I have 150 watts of solar on the caravan roof to charge them.  These batteries run all the lights, electric toilet, water pump, range hood, toilet and bathroom exhaust fans, TV/DVD player, stereo system.  My caravan fridge runs on gas unless I am plugged into 240 power.

When deciding on how much power you need to look at what amp hours all of your appliances are going to draw then look at a battery with sufficient battery power to cope and solar panels that will put back those amp hours.

On the caravan with clear sunny skies I find the solar has fully recharged all that I have taken out of the batteries overnight by around 11.00 am.  Also remember solar will charge while you are driving.

With your friend, it would depend on how big the fridge is as to how big he needs to go.  I know people with big fridges in caravans and have up to 600 watts of solar power and battery systems of similar sizes.  Mind you they also use an inverter to run washing machines, bread baking machines, coffee machines and microwaves,  ;D

Like jclures said, you can't have too much :)

astroboy wrote on Apr 11^th, 2013 at 10:02am:

We bought a new patrol last year and have been setting it up for a bit of everything so far I've put in a snorkel, duel batts, made a single draw with a drop slide for the engel, 2 inch suspension upgrade OME nitrochargers shocks & springs and have a 3 inch exhaust and diesel chip on the way for a bit of extra grunt. But I picked up one of these last week and think there a good bit of kit its a supawing awning and has a massive 12m2 coverage when set up, great for day trips or a bit of extra cover when camping cover the whole side and rear of the vehicle and only needs pegs to stand up no guy ropes for less hassle when setting up. Astro. http://i50.tinypic.com/23t2vdu.jpg http://i45.tinypic.com/73h2k3.jpg http://i47.tinypic.com/99kkrr.jpg

Looking good Dave.  It is similar to the Foxwing I have.

Maggie said to me the other day, What are you going to do with all this when we eventually trade it in (she thinks ahead :) ).  I said, a few bolts and it is all removable  ;D

Derek wrote on Apr 14^th, 2013 at 1:55pm:

The panel as said is 100 watts and pumps in quite a bit of power. (Doesn't work inside the shed  Cheesy )

OH NO!  Take it back under warranty for being faulty   ;) ;) ;) ;) ;)