The Desert Rat

by Anthony
(Cairns, QLD, Australia)

Landcruiser 79 Series V8, single cab 2012

Modifications:

Steel bull bar
WARN XP 9.5 winch with Dynamica rope 11mm
Baha design LED bar lights spreads x 3, plus 2 x IPF spreads
Old man emu suspension 2 inch lift
Suspension upgrade to 3780 kg
Beaudesert stainless steel 3 inch
DP Chip
Air compressor under tray
Rock sliders
Steel Duratray with timber floor
Air lockers front / rear
BFG muddies 285's
Redarc Inverter pure sine wave 350W
Satellite exterior antenna
UHF radio
2 batteries
Steering damper
Radiator coolant level early warning
Radiator steel plate (under body)
Breathers

This is my second Landcruiser, I had the old 40 series before this, and simply I love them.

I am Cairns based, but most of my offroad driving is expedition, desert runs (A category deserts).

I have recently returned from an around Australia trip (the 3rd around Australia trip), and one of the highlights in this trip was the Simpson desert and Binns Track.

I travel single vehicle (solo), and depending on the particular terrain I will travel to, I configure my gear and my tray to suit the conditions. For example in my shed I keep a rooftop tent, a swag and a tent and I choose one that will suit my needs for that particular trip.
I also choose from a single Engel or twin Engel fridges with twin 110 amp hour batteries for the fridges, or just an esky. (the twin batteries for the fridges are additional to the 2 batteries under the bonnet)

Sometimes I will carry 3 extra tyres, but most of the times 2.

The truck always goes through a complete check and overhaul for each long expedition. The vehicle is 3 years old and this is my 3rd suspension and 3rd set of tyres, and second clutch.

Safety is paramount as I do not have the support of a second vehicle travelling with me.

Naturally I have full recovery gear to cover all situations. Also satellite phone, EPIRB and I keep SAR time.
2 fire extinguishers and full medical kit.

The rear of the tray is also configured to carry a second winch should I need to have one for that particular trip.

The Landcruiser gets beaten up a hell of a lot, but it has never failed me once. I trust it with my life.
I could never think of a better truck.

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The Desert Rat

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