what should i get first

[the tractor]

okiay people I have some cash set aside to mod my spanking new patrol before the first cape trip, which of the below do you think I need first, in order.

rear drawers
rear step bar with 2 wheel carriers
newer tent
whinch with dynamical rope
suspension mods
chunky rubber
dual batteries
air compressor.
long range tank

[Scorcher]

okiay people I have some cash set aside to mod my spanking new patrol before the first cape trip, which of the below do you think I need first, in order.

rear drawers
rear step bar with 2 wheel carriers
newer tent
whinch with dynamical rope
suspension mods
chunky rubber
dual batteries
air compressor.
long range tank


Well Tractor, my order would be:
1) Newer Tent (depends on how old your other one is though - extra comfort is nice)
2) Dual Batteries (especially if you are intending to run a fridge)
3) Air Compressor (allows for the odd beach run, which will open up your Cape York options)
4) Long Range fuel tank (with prices increasing in the Cape, in the long run will save you dollars by filling up at cheaper outlets)
5) Winch (just in case......)

No preference on the others, i suppose it depends on how much gear you plan to carry. You can always throw a spare tyre (case only) on the roof, with the main spare underneath. Rear drawer systems are great, but you can always get away with good quality storage boxes if nothing else.

I just did the Cape with standard highway tyres & new shockies & springs (replaced the 12 y/o originals, but not lifted). Not even 1 flat this trip !

Scorcher

[ant]

okiay people I have some cash set aside to mod my spanking new patrol before the first cape trip, which of the below do you think I need first, in order.

rear drawers
rear step bar with 2 wheel carriers
newer tent
whinch with dynamical rope
suspension mods
chunky rubber
dual batteries
air compressor.
long range tank

Here is my wish list in order of priority.
Suspension (you don't really need mods, just make sure it is up to the job- as Scorcher has said)
Dual Batteries (I had this done earlier this year and do not know how I managed before)
Air Compressor (not a 'cheapie' either)

The rest of the list would not be a priority with the winch possibly taking the top of the list.

Good tyres are a must but by 'good' I do not necessarily mean 'expensive'.

Other things to consider are: Generator and/or Inverter to name just a few.

[campdog]

okiay people I have some cash set aside to mod my spanking new patrol before the first cape trip, which of the below do you think I need first, in order.

rear drawers
rear step bar with 2 wheel carriers
newer tent
whinch with dynamical rope
suspension mods
chunky rubber
dual batteries
air compressor.
long range tank

Hope you have a snorkel.
1- Dual Battery system, especially if running a fridge etc.
2- If your going to carry extra fuel etc, suspension is a must.
3-rear drawers help store all your recovery gear etc.
4- a compressor is a must if beach driving or repairing a tyre.
5- how may times have you needed a winch before unless your going to remote places, then you will need the long range tank and the chunky tyres.
As for a tent, also depends on how much you will use it after the trip.
6- Dont forget recovery points on the rear, Nissans are forever recovering Toyotas from bogs and creeks.I got stuck on top of a submerged toyota in Nolans Brook.

[the tractor]

on another forum where i posted the identical question the top response was:

get new tires
get better suspension
a whinch never rated a mention there

[Teabag]

If it was me working with a stock vehicle this would be my order....(for the Cape, other trips may differ)

Note: I'm already guessing you have a standard Nissan Bullbar and IPF lights?

1. A bloody good recovery kit and first aid kit for remote areas.
2. Tyres, good all rounder.
3. Suspension
4. Snorkle, a must for the many river/creek crossings
5. Dual Batteries, must keep the beer cold
6. UHF Radio, great when in convoy plus can talk to others as they pass and a safety device....
7. Air Compressor though a portable would work a treat.
8. Anything after that is a bonus......

[the tractor]

i guess i'll clear a few things up, I have a snorkel and most of the other stuff i need like reovery gear, its now up to the more expensive stuff over 500 bucks.

yep my car got the bullbar, spotties, snorkel and towbar from new

[campdog]

i guess i'll clear a few things up, I have a snorkel and most of the other stuff i need like reovery gear, its now up to the more expensive stuff over 500 bucks.

yep my car got the bullbar, spotties, snorkel and towbar from new

Just remember that if you load it up with acessories, the suspension will be first item on list,also a winch puts weight on the front.

[ant]

I personally don't own a winch. I am looking at eventually purchasing one, but it will be a hand winch as I believe they are a lot more versatile and practical.

[Emujim]

Hi Tractor,
I noticed you have a patrol so the first thing you need is a big toolbox.
Then i would do tyre's and suspension first. The other things are up to you considering how much you will use them.

[Scorcher]

on another forum where i posted the identical question the top response was:

get new tires
get better suspension
a whinch never rated a mention there

Hey Tractor,

I'm guessing that was on a 4x4 forum somewhere.

From the few responses you have already received here, it is obvious that we all have differing priorities.

Try posting the question on ExploreOz & you will be confused x 100 !!

To add to my original response, I suppose there are a number of factors that need to also be considered:

1) Rear Drawers - good long term investment, whether you buy factory made ones, or knock up a good set yourself (much cheaper obviously, and you can customise to meet your needs). It certainly gets rid of the regular unload/pack, by putting everything in a place, and a place for everything !
2) Rear step bar & wheel carriers - will certainly free up some space, but if you have a roof rack, 1 tyre underneath & 1 tyre case on top will usually suffice for a trip to the Cape.
3) Newer Tent - depends on what you already have & what you need. Replacing a little 2-man tent, for a 4 or 6 person Dome is worthwhile.
4) Winch - Depends a lot on whether you are planning trips by yourself, or with others that may have winches.
5) Suspension Mod's - good quality standard suspension will get you through most (if not all) of the Cape.
6) Chunky Rubber? - depends what is already on your car, % worn etc.
7) Dual Batteries - if you are running a fridge & other accessories, I believe is a MUST HAVE !
8) Air Compressor - Similar to winch I would suggest. Is a must have if travelling alone, but if travelling with others who have good quality compressors, you can bludge off them until it goes up your priority list ! I actually carry a $10 SuperCrap Auto one, as a spare only. Good enough to pump up tyres to get you out of trouble.
9) Long Range Fuel Tank - In the Cape, petrol outlets are close enough to never run out, BUT, if you want to reduce cost, and do a lot of travelling around (Beach runs etc), they can be invaluable. A couple of Jerry cans, on a roof rack (or inside if Deisel and no other choice), are just as good though. Just make sure that you empty them as soon as practical, to reduce the amount of time that you need to carry them.

My thoughts, anyway.

Scorcher

[dave]

I personally don't own a winch. I am looking at eventually purchasing one, but it will be a hand winch as I believe they are a lot more versatile and practical.

The boss takes a hand winch when goes up the cape, and its never left the bag in 3 trips

1, Suspension Mod's
2, chunky rubber 33s or biger
3, front diff lock.
4, fuel tank

diff lock is the go! no need to get wet and muddy hooking up winch cables ect" just push the button and drive out!

dave!

[xina]

Diff. lock wouldn't be much use if you were tipped on your side Dave. I've seen that happen, and the winch definitely came in handy in that instance.
Depends on where you're driving.
Cheers,
xina.

[plucker]

Okay I will have my 2c worth

Suspension - will raise you and help carry the extra load. You will not get hung up like normally.

Tyres (good ones) - should keep you out of all the rubbish that others are stuck in. AT's are adequate for the Cape unless you go in February where you will need Mud tyres and floaties. Your tyres will have to live with you for a long time after the cape also.

Air compressor - will save you heaps along sandy stretches that frequent the cape. You can also keep on pumping up tyres that have a nail or the likes which will help on repair bills, till later.

Long range fuel tank - can be of benifit for the fact of lowering the centre of gravity. There are enough fuel stops if you travel lighter, and without boats on the roof.

Dual batteries - are handy if you stay at one place for long periods with a fridge. Personally I have never needed one up there and use other means. I drank wine not beer up there although dont know how the AMP affects this style of travelling.

Winch - you can bludge of others if you do get stuck, although with tyres, air comp, and a good highlift jack you wont need one if you use common sense.

Rear drawers - if you want to be better organised, make them yourself for $$$ less.

Rear step bar for 2 tyres - 2 tyres are always good to have in remote spots. You can stake the sidewall easy, so 2 spares is the way to go. If you can store them otherways then great.

Tent - your call on how bad the last one is.

[Damo]

In order, i would go..........

suspension mods
chunky rubber
air compressor
winch with dynamical rope
dual batteries
rear step bar with 2 wheel carriers
long range tank
newer tent
rear drawers