Vehicles that can handle the Cape?

[richo36]

Gonna break our Cape York virginity in June/July 2011 - This year we are up for a new vehicle and want to take this trip into consideration when choosing - thinking of Triton - any advice but preferable without bias?

[dingo]

Now this topic will open a can of worms I bet.

A few questions for you first
Gong with Kids and missus ?
Dual Cab
Petrol or Diesel
How much weight will you be carrying, camping gear etc.

Also not being bias but you will find that a lot of people up that way have either Toyota or Nissan for the reason they are proven and then there's spare parts, servicing etc.
Not bagging a Triton as I have driven one for work and found it great. However I don't think I would take it to the top

[batesy]

Probably hard to beat the Triton on price, Richo.

It wouldn't be my first choice, however. I'd probably buy a secondhand diesel Cruiser or Prado.

Ant will tell you to buy a 50 year old Sahara that runs on vegetable oil and sweet-talk.

Campdog will tell you to buy a Patrol ... but he really needs one of those army duck things.

Nedly will tell you to steal a telecom truck ... and then try and buy the Telstra stickers off you.

And KingChevy will tell you to buy the biggest piece of shit available just so he can tow you out of the first crossing for the standard RACQ salvage fee... plus a bottle of rum.

And all the other mob on this board will tell you nothing that makes sense... which is exactly why they should be totally ignored! :)

Hope that clears things up?!

[Scorcher]

Gonna break our Cape York virginity in June/July 2011 - This year we are up for a new vehicle and want to take this trip into consideration when choosing - thinking of Triton - any advice but preferable without bias?

Richo,

Depending on the time of year, most 4wd vehicles will adequately handle the road/track conditions. I've taken a variety of vehicles up, ranging from a dodgy old model Jackaroo, a hilux, and a variety of Toyota Cruisers.

I'm not sure what things are currently like up that way, but the biggest issue has always been the availability of spares should something go wrong. Toyota spares have always been easier to come by, purely because of the greater % of them being used in and around the Cape.

If nothing goes wrong on the trip, then it wouldn't matter what you purchased, whether Toyota, Nissan, Mitsu, Land Rover.

Kingchevy might be able to give more input on spares availability.

Cheers

Scorcher

[Scorcher]

Are you still around Batesy??

How's that book going?

[batesy]

Are you still around Batesy??

How's that book going?

Working on it right now.

The big mining companies and China keep messing up my storyline. The pricks have been doing it to me for several years.

Anyway, better get back to the dirty language and gratuitous sex scenes ... and that's just my marriage.

Well, I wish it was. ;)

[campdog]

Probably hard to beat the Triton on price, Richo.

It wouldn't be my first choice, however. I'd probably buy a secondhand diesel Cruiser or Prado.

Ant will tell you to buy a 50 year old Sahara that runs on vegetable oil and sweet-talk.

Campdog will tell you to buy a Patrol ... but he really needs one of those army duck things.

Nedly will tell you to steal a telecom truck ... and then try and buy the Telstra stickers off you.

And KingChevy will tell you to buy the biggest piece of shit available just so he can tow you out of the first crossing for the standard RACQ salvage fee... plus a bottle of rum.

And all the other mob on this board will tell you nothing that makes sense... which is exactly why they should be totally ignored! :)

Hope that clears things up?!
Nah Batesy. Id say take an old one and dont worry about the scratches, dents and rattles for ever after and flog it when you get home, then buy a new truck.
John

[geoff.hardiker]

A mate of mine went up in an old Navara, but he did need some extra zip ties, a tree sapling and an old thong to hold the radiator and tray in place.

Just take your own zip ties cause they cost him $7 each at Archer River.

Regards

[geoffjy]

Ant will tell you to buy a 50 year old Sahara that runs on vegetable oil and sweet-talk.



Only rednecks that live near the Wenlock River drive Sahara's.

All jokes aside, if i didnt want to spend too many $$ i would go a second hand Toyota or (heaven forbid) Nissan. If you dont go for one that has a turbo and just the standard models you will find they are cheaper again.

[Nedly]

Hey Batesy, no need to buy the stickers, when it's dusty enough the Telstra imprint can still be seen.

Richo36, I've never owned or driven a Triton, so cannot comment on their capabilities.
Whatever you ultimately decide to buy, make sure you'll be OK with it getting scratched.
I'd suggest a white vehicle, and definately NOT metallic paint.
Landcruiser Troopies are bullet proof, 80 series are good (though you didn't hear that from me) and Patrols are strong.
We had a new Pajero short wheel base with us in 08, handled everything surprisingly well, towing a camper trailer.

[loxsmith]

Probably hard to beat the Triton on price, Richo.

It wouldn't be my first choice, however. I'd probably buy a secondhand diesel Cruiser or Prado.

Ant will tell you to buy a 50 year old Sahara that runs on vegetable oil and sweet-talk.

Campdog will tell you to buy a Patrol ... but he really needs one of those army duck things.

Nedly will tell you to steal a telecom truck ... and then try and buy the Telstra stickers off you.

And KingChevy will tell you to buy the biggest piece of shit available just so he can tow you out of the first crossing for the standard RACQ salvage fee... plus a bottle of rum.

And all the other mob on this board will tell you nothing that makes sense... which is exactly why they should be totally ignored! :)

Hope that clears things up?!

I'm glad you left me out of that rant Batesy! It's time we met, I like your sense of humor.

Take any car you like richo36, just take your time and all will fall into place. I would do it in a 2wd hire car out of Cairns given the chance.

Glen

[Nedly]

I'm glad you left me out of that rant Batesy! It's time we met, I like your sense of humor.

Take any car you like richo36, just take your time and all will fall into place. I would do it in a 2wd hire car out of Cairns given the chance.

Glen

As everyone knows, all 2WD hire cars are actually 4WD's in disguise ;)

[fishingal]

I'm taking a 2010 triton up there end of sept and most of oct...I'll let you know how she goes if you can wait that long. I must admit I'm pretty much in love with it already...lol

[campdog]

I'm taking a 2010 triton up there end of sept and most of oct...I'll let you know how she goes if you can wait that long. I must admit I'm pretty much in love with it already...lol
Ive heard they float a lot better than Patrols.
John

[BLU-125]

I must be mentally challenged, as I am coming up in one of our Jeep Cherokees, and only because my old Wrangler doesn't have enough space for luggage.....;)

[loxsmith]

If we can nurse Postie bikes up and back then anything can do it! Time and patience are the most important factors

Did I hear someone mention lack of space for luggage ???????

[richo36]

Now this topic will open a can of worms I bet.

A few questions for you first
Gong with Kids and missus ?
Dual Cab
Petrol or Diesel
How much weight will you be carrying, camping gear etc.

Also not being bias but you will find that a lot of people up that way have either Toyota or Nissan for the reason they are proven and then there's spare parts, servicing etc.
Not bagging a Triton as I have driven one for work and found it great. However I don't think I would take it to the top

Going with the Mrs - however, kid (only one of three left at home) has chosen the 'stay at home and party' option :eek: Going for dual cab, diesel and will be pulling an off-road camper trailer that has already been to the Cape (without us). From the responses am starting to think second hand Toyota or Nissan Patrol could be the go???? To 'lift' or not to 'lift' is another query?

Richo

[dingo]

The plans now become clearer.
I also meant to ask where you intend to go as it now makes a difference with the camper.
As for lifting, my personal views are nothing extreme is needed, just a basic 2", (50mm) lift will get you through 90% of most of the popular places.
I know of a Standard 100 series that did the Cape Last year. Stayed on the PDR, OTL and Creb track for 90% of there trip and had no problems.

[fishingal]

Hehe I'm glad they float well I don't fancy swimmin with the lizards up there...lol

[Grahame M]

Hi fishingal,

I am travelling to the cape in july in a 2009 triton dual cab pretty tricked up so i can let you know how it goes.

Cheers,

Grahame M

[batesy]

Richo,

I've been thinking about your car purchase and I reckon you should go with something that you will be comfortable with as a daily driver when you get back home.

A trip to the Cape will only represent a small percentage of your total ownership time of the vehicle.

The reality is that any car is capable of doing the Cape run. It just depends on how far you want to push it.

I had an old lowered Datsun 180B that survived the PDR several times. Also had a busted arse Series 2 Landy that kept popping out of gear on steep declines (leaving more than a few skidmarks when going Laura-Maytown!). I've seen people drive new 2 wheel drive cars up to Bamaga, as well as 30 year old Fairlanes.

Of course, you can turn around once at any number of creek crossings and see a brand new Pajero drowned in less than a minute.

The point is: there is no definitive vehicle suited to the Cape.

You're best off buying what is suited to your daily life and then drive it accordingly when visiting the Cape.

Hope that helps?

[Nedly]

WOW
A serious response from Batesy :eek:
Congratuations Richo, they come around that often.
He must be mellowing in his old age.

[batesy]

WOW
A serious response from Batesy :eek:
Congratuations Richo, they come around that often.
He must be mellowing in his old age.

It's this friggin' flu, Nedly. Haven't been able to kick it for 3 weeks.

All sorts of crazy stuff going on in my head ... even been nice to the kids, plus giving the missus a hug every now and then ... that's how I know when I'm sick as a dog!

Hope it clears up soon. :)

[fishingal]

Hi Grahame,

I would love that thanks.... r u stock or have you done some mods? are you towing anything?

Cheers
Al

[Grahame M]

Hi Grahame,

I would love that thanks.... r u stock or have you done some mods? are you towing anything?

Cheers
Al

Hi Al,

My 09 triton has a 2inch lift,mickey thompson MTZ tyres, canopy,roof basket over the canopy,snorkel,rear step bar,bullbar,winch,side rails,dual batteries & spotties. We are also towing a Kimberly Camper trailer.

Cheers

Grahame

[campdog]

It's this friggin' flu, Nedly. Haven't been able to kick it for 3 weeks.

All sorts of crazy stuff going on in my head ... even been nice to the kids, plus giving the missus a hug every now and then ... that's how I know when I'm sick as a dog!

Hope it clears up soon. :)
Now how you feel Batwsy. Just had 2 weeks in Samoa and had every bug and flu since we got back. I just keep trying different spirits each night to see which one helps. Still trying.
John

[fishingal]

Hi Al,

My 09 triton has a 2inch lift,mickey thompson MTZ tyres, canopy,roof basket over the canopy,snorkel,rear step bar,bullbar,winch,side rails,dual batteries & spotties. We are also towing a Kimberly Camper trailer.

Cheers

Grahame

We think alike, we have done the same but no basket or rear step. We are towing a bartel camper. We are travelling with our nine yr old and this is our first cape trip so we are really excited.... (I'm praying for an early wet and to get standed actually...lol)

Would appreciate updates:D

Cheers
AL

[batesy]

Just had 2 weeks in Samoa...
John

You fly .... or chuck an outboard on the Patrol?!

Anyway, it's good to see you heading a little further north each year. I'm jealous.

[Grahame M]

We think alike, we have done the same but no basket or rear step. We are towing a bartel camper. We are travelling with our nine yr old and this is our first cape trip so we are really excited.... (I'm praying for an early wet and to get standed actually...lol)

Would appreciate updates:D

Cheers
AL

Hi Al

This also our first trip to the cape & we leave sydney in 19 days so we are really excited.(cant wait) I will try to keep updates rolling in if we can get broadband coverage.

Cheers

Grahame

[campdog]

You fly .... or chuck an outboard on the Patrol?!

Anyway, it's good to see you heading a little further north each year. I'm jealous.
Batesy, I could float all the way in the Patrol. Would love to do a Cape trip but the mrs keeps booking holidys overseas. Off to Tonga in August and taling a fly rod. Apparently the bone fish are the go.

[Scorcher]

Batesy, I could float all the way in the Patrol. Would love to do a Cape trip but the mrs keeps booking holidys overseas. Off to Tonga in August and taling a fly rod. Apparently the bone fish are the go.

:roll:

I'll take your Bone Fish & raise you 2 x Barra, a couple of Coral Trout, a few Northern Blue Fin Tuna, and wash it down with some nice & hot Chilli Mud Crab, Campdog !

I head off on the 25th June, and will pass on my respects to Vrilya Point for you !

I might even leave a few Cherabin for you at your favourite hole, for your next trip.

Cheers mate,

Scorcher

p.s......no, I'm not excited about my upcoming trip....MUCH !

[campdog]

:roll:

I'll take your Bone Fish & raise you 2 x Barra, a couple of Coral Trout, a few Northern Blue Fin Tuna, and wash it down with some nice & hot Chilli Mud Crab, Campdog !

I head off on the 25th June, and will pass on my respects to Vrilya Point for you !

I might even leave a few Cherabin for you at your favourite hole, for your next trip.

Cheers mate,

Scorcher

p.s......no, I'm not excited about my upcoming trip....MUCH !
Scorcher, after Samoa and the Yellowfin Tuna, Albacore, Giant Coral Trout. Sailfish, Swordfish and Lobster for $5 au Im going back to Samoa.Cape can wait for next year, But I would give it all up for Virilya.

[Scorcher]

Scorcher, after Samoa and the Yellowfin Tuna, Albacore, Giant Coral Trout. Sailfish, Swordfish and Lobster for $5 au Im going back to Samoa.Cape can wait for next year, But I would give it all up for Virilya.

That does sound tempting Campdog.

At least Cape York will be there next year, Samoa may not be (with Global Warming) !

What sort of money do you pay for half day/day fishing trips over there? I'm always looking for new destinations for quick family holidays.

Cheers

[campdog]

That does sound tempting Campdog.

At least Cape York will be there next year, Samoa may not be (with Global Warming) !

What sort of money do you pay for half day/day fishing trips over there? I'm always looking for new destinations for quick family holidays.

Cheers

Cant see Samoa dissapearing next year Scorcher.Ive heard the Cape is going to snap off and float away anyway.Too deep a river crossing then. Too many good firefighters around for the earth to get too hot.
I will be back on the Cape when time permits.
We didnt go on a charter for our fish, just walked to the fish markets. Crays $5.00 and a couple of kilo of fresh yellowfin for $10 no need to stretch the wallet or the back.
Next year a charter.

[geoffjy]

Which part of Samoa did you go to? Western or American?

[campdog]

Which part of Samoa did you go to? Western or American?
Western Samo, most beautiful place in the world. Going back next year.Trip number 3.

[geoffjy]

I was only looking at a job position there about 2 weeks ago that would have been good to take on. It was in Apia and it was a new 95 room hotel that had opened up.

[campdog]

I was only looking at a job position there about 2 weeks ago that would have been good to take on. It was in Apia and it was a new 95 room hotel that had opened up.

Woulds be a great place to live. Im not keen on Apia but its easy to keep out of the city area.We spend most of our time on Savai which is the biggest island but no city, only beautiful villages.The fishing is magic and plenty of variety of fish. I only hope that the pay would be good as Samoa can be expensive if you had to live there. Hope you get the job, we will visit you next year.

[richo36]

Richo,

I've been thinking about your car purchase and I reckon you should go with something that you will be comfortable with as a daily driver when you get back home.

A trip to the Cape will only represent a small percentage of your total ownership time of the vehicle.

The reality is that any car is capable of doing the Cape run. It just depends on how far you want to push it.

I had an old lowered Datsun 180B that survived the PDR several times. Also had a busted arse Series 2 Landy that kept popping out of gear on steep declines (leaving more than a few skidmarks when going Laura-Maytown!). I've seen people drive new 2 wheel drive cars up to Bamaga, as well as 30 year old Fairlanes.

Of course, you can turn around once at any number of creek crossings and see a brand new Pajero drowned in less than a minute.

The point is: there is no definitive vehicle suited to the Cape.

You're best off buying what is suited to your daily life and then drive it accordingly when visiting the Cape.

Hope that helps?

Batesy appreciate that feedback cos I (as the Mrs) would prefer to have something that suits both enrivonments. We keep looking at other utes but are coming back to the Triton. We are looking at what Grahame has done as far mods. Will be interested to get updates from Fishingal and Grahame when they do their trips.

Cheers!
Greg & Lyn

[Grahame M]

Batesy appreciate that feedback cos I (as the Mrs) would prefer to have something that suits both enrivonments. We keep looking at other utes but are coming back to the Triton. We are looking at what Grahame has done as far mods. Will be interested to get updates from Fishingal and Grahame when they do their trips.

Cheers!
Greg & Lyn

Hi Greg & Lyn,

I would be more than happy to let you know how my car goes at the cape.
We leave in 9 days can't wait.

Cheers

Grahame

[Taffy]

We went in a 2007 diesel pajero had no trouble whatsoever even did Gunshot.
Taffy

[richo36]

Hi Greg & Lyn,

I would be more than happy to let you know how my car goes at the cape.
We leave in 9 days can't wait.

Cheers

Grahame

Hey there Grahame

Wondering if you have been there and back to the Cape in your Triton yet? If so how did it go?

Cheers
Greg n Lyn Richo

[richo36]

I'm taking a 2010 triton up there end of sept and most of oct...I'll let you know how she goes if you can wait that long. I must admit I'm pretty much in love with it already...lol

Looking forward to your return FishinGal for an update on the Triton

Cheers
Lyn Richo

[Grahame M]

Hey there Grahame

Wondering if you have been there and back to the Cape in your Triton yet? If so how did it go?

Cheers
Greg n Lyn Richo

Hi Greg & Lyn

WE had a ball at the cape, the triton performed without fault( actually became a Toyota recovery vehicle 3 times). No problems at all.
Hope you have a great trip.
P.S. If you like fishing get in contact with Bat & go fishing with him he is a great guide & a top bloke to boot.

Cheers,

Grahame

[richo36]

Hi Greg & Lyn

WE had a ball at the cape, the triton performed without fault( actually became a Toyota recovery vehicle 3 times). No problems at all.
Hope you have a great trip.
P.S. If you like fishing get in contact with Bat & go fishing with him he is a great guide & a top bloke to boot.

Cheers,

Grahame

Thanks Grahame. Good news for us as we are about to order Triton.
Who is Bat? or do you mean Batesy?

Lyn

[Grahame M]

Thanks Grahame. Good news for us as we are about to order Triton.
Who is Bat? or do you mean Batesy?

Lyn

Hi Lyn,

Bat is Andrew Tod from tropical boating adventures.
His website is www.ifishalot.com.

Cheers

Grahame