Toyota Troop Carrier, Modified Episode 41

The second Toyota Troop Carrier to be featured on modified, this one being setup for traveling around Australia on a shoestring budget!

This is an excellent example for overseas backpackers and young couples or mates wanting to go around AUS on a budget.

Click Any Image To Enlarge Or Open Photo Album.

Only the necessary stuff has been added to this Toyota Troop Carrier and anything not used within 3 months gets replaced with something useful.

Sandra and Peter (the owners) have done a really clever and practical setup in the rear for sleeping, cooking, relaxing and general living.

The way it’s been laid out in the rear is categorised into how often its being used.

Enjoy the video.

Vehicles factory stats (NOTE modded details below):*

Make model: Toyota Landcruiser Troop carrier

Engine: 4.5 litre V8 Diesel

Drive train: Manual

Suspension: Standard Toyota (with rear airbags)

Peter & Sandra’s mod list for his 78 series Toyota Troop Carrier

Engine:

· no mods on engine

Electric upgrades:

· Dual battery system with Redarc BCDC25

· 120W Redarc folding solar panel

· 12V and USB outlets

· 350W Redarc inverter

Lights:

· Standard

· + camping headlamp :)

Comms & GPS:

· Smartphone with Google Maps

· Here App with offline maps

· Avenza Maps, Galileo for off-road driving

Suspension and tyres:

· General Grabber AT2 265/75/16R All terrain tyres

Bar work and exterior mods:

· Genuine Toyota bullbar

· 2x90L fuel tanks (Toyota standard)

· Rhino pioneer roof rack

· Bunnings garden flares

· Front Recovery points

· rooftop bag

· wheelie bin

· Rydge Rider 2.5m x 2m side awning

· Custom stickers on sides

Back of the wagon:

· Custom built sofa-bed, living space

· ARB 47L fridge

· 120W Redarc folding solar panel

· 350W Redarc inverter

· Slime air compressor

· 2x10L drinking water jerry cans

Recovery gear:

· Maxtrax mounted on roof rack

· 11t Oztrail snatch strap

· tyre repair kit

· shovel

· Bushranger pressure gauge

· Extra spare tyre (2 total)

Peter & Sandra’s top 3 trips in the 78 series Cruiser:

1 Fraser Island -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rl2s09Hvnfk

2 Blue Rag Track in Victoria High Country -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VA8l_DVUZwY

3 Ayers Rock/Uluru Red Centre -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hROoxZV8Ag

Unstoppable moment in the 78 series Toyota Troop Carrier:

Crawling up on the rocks of Blue Rag Range was one of the best moments. It really showed us what this incredible vehicle is capable of, and that it could go almost any terrain in Australia.

Most scary situation in the 78 series Cruiser:

Our very first 4wd-ing experience was Rainbow beach south of Fraser Island.

We came from Noosa via the ferry, incorrectly estimated our arrival time to Rainbow Beach, and arrived on an incoming tide.

We were a couple of hundred metres from our destination, we knew there was no way back, so we just had to take a deep breath and cross next to the Mudlo rocks. Luckily we didn't get bogged there. It was more of beginners luck than experience.

Peter & Sandra’s modification tips:

Always buy things as you need them. Plan what's the minimum you need in order to recover your car should you get bogged on your upcoming trip. This way you can keep your car as light as possible, and also spend your cash on trips.

Top 3 tips with Toyota:

1. There's no standalone clock in VDJ Troopy. To Turn clock mode on on the radio, push “SEEK/TRACK /\” button while pushing down number button 4! (and do the same for turning it off) – it only works when power source to audio system is turned OFF

2. To avoid shaking of the bonnet during trips, adjust the two rubber knobs above the headlights

3. When you are on a long trip and fill up both tanks, first use the rear tank to keep the centre of gravity in the middle, and also to lower fuel consumption.

Things to look out for if buying one:

Rust, especially at windows

Best 3 mod/s you have done and why:

1. Custom built furniture in the back

2. Redarc dual battery system

3. Unique stickers on sides