MUMSRIG aka Mitch and Tam's 17.56-2 Outback

[MUMSRIG]

Hi all,

Now that we have the Expanda in our possession I thought I better start a build thread and tell you what our intentions are for it..

We had a 2013 Outback Swan (ordered new) that was written off by CIL recently as it had water damage. We bought it back for its salvageable value and swapped a few things across to the Expanda and kept the battery and BBQ from it before on selling it to a friend in QLD for the same salvageable value that we paid. Needless to say, he got a pretty damn good deal!

We had to have our Expanda dropped off as we recently sold MUMSRIG which was our 2004 Prado with heaps of mods. It was actually featured in 4WD Action Mag and has had appearances in Modified 4x4's and later editions of 4WD Action. You can also listen to me dribble on in the DVD.

We've just ordered a new 2015/16 Mitsi MQ Triton Exceed to replace it with but its not intended to become as modified as the Prado. This is a daily duties vehicle that Tam will drive and we will use for towing duties plus the occasional off-road adventure. Nothing hardcore like we have done in the past.

The Expanda is a 2012 17.56-2 with a brand new updated roof installed (due to a leak from the solar install), only has a 90w panel and a brand new WineGuard Aerial. We are in awe of this beast as it has everything we ever wanted but originally couldn't afford.. We picked it up for a very reasonable price off a very fastidious work colleague who's family have outgrown it *read* 18 year old boy and 15 year old girl who are to cool to go caravanning with mum and dad anymore

It worked out really well for us and exceptionally well for them as they didn't have to advertise and we didn't have to search!

Tam and I have a 11 year old and a 5 year old (boys) so we should get a few years out of it yet

This is our third Jayco Outback as we had a 2008 OB Swan prior to our 2013 version.

Anyhow, let the mods begin!

I've started by transferring the Trigg Hitch from the Swan across to the Expanda, swapped the bed fans across, will be installing a 2nd deep cycle battery, 3000w inverter to run Tam's Thermomix (yes it travels with us) and the microwave if required, will fit storage box to the draw bar to house the gas bottles and Generator etc and fit a stone guard and some underbody protection for our impending trip from NSW to WA in December.. I've been researching ideas from this forum and there are plenty of good ones which I will take onboard as we go..

Cheers

Mitch

 

[MUMSRIG]

Grabbed a tool box today. Measured it up yesterday and concluded that it should fit ok. It's not ally but for $280 and here in Muswellbrook I'm not complaining. Might just carry a can of black hammer tone with us Had to pick it up in our borrowed Barina LOL

The tool box is designed to sit upright and had a shelf in it. I removed the shelf and have laid the box on its back and I think it fits nicely. Plenty of room for the jokey wheel handle to swing around without smashing your knuckles to!

Relocated the gas bottles and regulator plus the tap. Looking at options for securing the bottles at the moment and I'm thinking a strap arrangement like what was in our Swan. Also looking for some vents and I'm told Bunnings have them so I'll take a drive to the next town on Wednesday and have a look.

Also need to get a rear bar made up to carry the spare with a drop down holder and a bike rack bracket.

 

[MUMSRIG]

I'm searching with no joy for the gent in Newcastle that makes rear box section bumpers with swing down spare wheel holders. He had his own shop but had to close it up due to the mining downturn and was still doing work from his shed at home? Can anyone help out please?

I'm thinking its @Burnsy ?

 

[MUMSRIG]

Hi guys,
Look like the rig is coming along nicely, pretty sure Burnsy was manufacturing the bits you mentioned, try shooting him a PM.

Regards
HM

Thanks @Holden_man I've sent a PM, replied to his threads and also sent him a text message. Cheers for that

 

[TRAKADU]

Relocated the gas bottles and regulator plus the tap. Looking at options for securing the bottles at the moment and I'm thinking a strap arrangement like what was in our Swan. Also looking for some vents and I'm told Bunnings have them so I'll take a drive to the next town on Wednesday and have a look.

Also need to get a rear bar made up to carry the spare with a drop down holder and a bike rack bracket.


Hi Mitch,

Mods are coming along nicely. Good job mate. With regards to securing the Gas bottles, I used the Jayco brackets to hold them down inside the toolbox. You can also use the existing plates they have welded on the A frame. I just simply put longer bolts through the toolbox to secure them. I haven't got a photo of the setup but if you want to I can take one on the weekend. see below link for my setup.

http://www.expandasdownunder.com/threads/2014-expanda-ob-17-56.5403/page-3


cheers TRAKADU[/QUOTE]

 

[MUMSRIG]

Relocated the gas bottles and regulator plus the tap. Looking at options for securing the bottles at the moment and I'm thinking a strap arrangement like what was in our Swan. Also looking for some vents and I'm told Bunnings have them so I'll take a drive to the next town on Wednesday and have a look.

Also need to get a rear bar made up to carry the spare with a drop down holder and a bike rack bracket.


Hi Mitch,

Mods are coming along nicely. Good job mate. With regards to securing the Gas bottles, I used the Jayco brackets to hold them down inside the toolbox. You can also use the existing plates they have welded on the A frame. I just simply put longer bolts through the toolbox to secure them. I haven't got a photo of the setup but if you want to I can take one on the weekend. see below link for my setup.

http://www.expandasdownunder.com/threads/2014-expanda-ob-17-56.5403/page-3


cheers TRAKADU

[/QUOTE]
That would be excellent @TRAKADU. Are you using the existing Expanda ones or the white plastic strap type in the later model Jayco Camper Trailers?

 

[TRAKADU]

I used the round brackets that already came with the expanda to secure the gas bottles and then bought some L shaped brackets from Bunnings to secure the round brackets to the frame. (hope this makes sense). You would want the Gas bottles to be secured really well otherwise you'd be asking for trouble. I have also swapped the copper pipes with flexi gas pipes. I will take some pics on the weekend for you. (By the time I go home it is still dark here in sunny Melbourne .)

 

[MUMSRIG]

I used the round brackets that already came with the expanda to secure the gas bottles and then bought some L shaped brackets from Bunnings to secure the round brackets to the frame. (hope this makes sense). You would want the Gas bottles to be secured really well otherwise you'd be asking for trouble. I have also swapped the copper pipes with flexi gas pipes. I will take some pics on the weekend for you. (By the time I go home it is still dark here in sunny Melbourne .)

All good @TRAKADU I had a really good look over your build thread.. Impressed to say the least! I can't utilise the existing brackets as my bottles sit under the top of the tool box and have to slide in. I'm heading to Newcastle tomorrow arv so will drop by Jayco and see if I can order the ones that they use in the Jayco Campers.

 

[17triton]

I'm searching with no joy for the gent in Newcastle that makes rear box section bumpers with swing down spare wheel holders. He had his own shop but had to close it up due to the mining downturn and was still doing work from his shed at home? Can anyone help out please?

I'm thinking its @Burnsy ?

@hamish22 is good mates with @Burnsy he might be able to contact him for you?

 

[MUMSRIG]

@hamish22 is good mates with @Burnsy he might be able to contact him for you?

All good @17triton as we've been texting.. Cheers anyhow

 

[TRAKADU]

All good @TRAKADU I had a really good look over your build thread.. Impressed to say the least! I can't utilise the existing brackets as my bottles sit under the top of the tool box and have to slide in. I'm heading to Newcastle tomorrow arv so will drop by Jayco and see if I can order the ones that they use in the Jayco Campers.

Gotcha.. Your toolbox setup may not allow to use the existing brackets unless you make some modifications to the brackets. You might be better off getting the ones used in the campers. Anyway, good luck with it. Cheers

 

[Roosterman]

Well done on the Van mate, and the mods are coming nicely, were still in waiting mode for ours, prob early Nov were hoping...anyway good to see another Hunter Valley member on here, look forward to crossing paths..

Luke.

 

[MUMSRIG]

Thanks @Roosterman

Picked up the Camper Trailer gas bottle mounts today. $7.00 each LOL

Also picked up a collapsible ladder and the vents for the back of the box from Jayco.