Smirke's 21-64 OB ....getting closer

[Smirke]

Well, we were told today we are at orange status now, soon to sign off on our plans. So far we have modified the 21-64OB so it has:
all standard outback stuff
extended drawbar
150W solar
deleted shower n toilet and replaced with cupboards. (never have enough storage)
Apha Pack
entertainment pack
3 tv points (2 inside, 1 outside)
a few more double power and 12v points (asked for those usb points instead but told no....bummer)
185L 3 way fridge
2 x 4 seasons roof hatches
2 annex lights
esc
ibis aircon (asked for the new model that's out, but need to wait n see if it gets installed)
internal door to rear boot area (thanks bellbirdweb for that one!)
21.5" tv
smoked glass side splashback.

This is all, I think. Considering we are upgrading from a swan OB, that's alot.

We were offered the waterproof flys, but can't have both those and the shade ones. Thinking of staying with the shade ones as we are very rarely in rain (other than in Coral Bay this April when it flooded. ) Not sure about it so will think about which way to go while waiting for plans. Any help on deciding would be appreciated.
Our 'house on wheels' is due on 5/12/14, and we are picking it up from the factory on the 17th.
First trip will be from factory to sydney, then goldcoast, dubbo, anglesea then gradually make our way back home to Perth. Should be interesting!

 

[dagree]

Sounds like you got a good list there @Smirke
Haven't looked closely at the 21's but I cannot see why you couldn't have the privacy screens as well as the bed end covers?
I think I remember you are ordering through Caravanland.... If so, who are you dealing with?

 

[Smirke]

Thanks Dagree. We are going thru Ken, as we got our swan thru him back in 2009. He gave us the option of one covering or the other but not both. Not really sure if it was a jayco thing, caravanland thing or just because you only choose one option on the computer. Because 99% of the time we go north for the warmth, we thought just the shade cloth type would do, but now are wondering if we should get the other type and then buy the shade cloth ones later ( am assuming the shade ones are cheaper). It's the added storage of them that I don't like. Would love for them to be able to be folded up with the beds.

 

[dagree]

Unfortunately don't know Ken but do know Nick and Jim fairly well. Calling in Friday to drop ours off for ESC installation. If I remember I'll ask one of them if both can be ordered and if not which will be the best option for now and retrofitting.....
Tried folding our canvas covers under the bed when folding up but it's a lot easier and quicker to just remove them. They do fold/roll up and pack away quite small. Store ours under the dinette seat with room to spare for other gear

 

[Smirke]

Thanks for that. I can see the benefit of having them, but worried if we got them they'd be like our awning walls...........never used but taking up space.
My only real worry now is making sure the car can pull our 'house'. We couldn't get it out of second gear going on Brookton highway thru armadale hills with an empty swan!

 

[dagree]

Know what you mean by the annex walls but we only take ours with us for extended stays... Otherwise they are stored in the shed. The bed ends are a lot smaller when packed up and don't take up much room so they will come with us "Just in case".

I don't think it matters what vehicle you have on some of the hills out of Perth..... Had to drop the Prado into second to maintain 80 kms/hr going up Red Hill when we went to Toodyay

 

[dagree]

OOPS... Just re-read your post.....
The Patrol shouldn't have had an issue with a swan????

 

[Smirke]

That's what we told the dealership , who say there's nothing wrong with it. We reckon we have a lemon. Going thru the Northampton hills, with swan in tow, we can start the hill doing 110km/hr and be doing 40km/hr at the top! Not safe one little bit.
Going thru the hills, I couldn't get the patrol out of 2nd. Every time I changed into 3rd it sounded like it was going to conk out, so back into second I went. Hubby didn't believe me until he drove it. Going to a sparky this wed to get new 12 pin trailer plug put on and get wiring checked. Not sure where to go after that.

 

[bigcol]

what Patrol do you have @Smirke ????

I may be able to advise you on who and where to go for more information
I am a member of www.westernpatrolclub.com
as well as http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/forum.php
and http://www.patrol4x4.com/forum/

 

[Smirke]

We have a 2012 diesel manual (y61 I think it is) has no engine mods but has been lifted etc.

 

[bigcol]

dont stress too much, my 1999 GU 4.2Ti struggles up that bloody Brookton Hwy hills

3rd gear
2000RPM
12lb boost - (alarm goes off at 11lb)
400* on EGT - (alarm goes off at 400*)
110* engine temp - alarm goes off at 110*)

and Im only pulling a 16'

 

[bigcol]

ok, @Smirke
its a 3L
okies, get your wallet in shape, then head over to United Fuel Injection on Gt Eastern Hwy in Redcliffe
speak to a guy call Matt Craig

you probably need a bigger intercooler (I know I do) and they / he can maybe play with your fuel settings, as I have said in another post, what he has forgotten about diesels most have not yet learnt

 

[Smirke]

Ours was pulling an empty swan. Scared we will get to Vic, hook up new van and conk out!
( unfortunately all those stats are wasted on me..... I just put my foot down and expect the car to go. It's a girl thing. :nevreness

 

[bigcol]

@dagree you should have seen the look on Bill's face when he went from the Eagle to the "cubbie"
he said "oiy, you can feel that behind you - could never feel the Eagle"

Patrols are a very very strange breed of car......... some are freaks and some are not.........

 

[bigcol]

I know you will quote the

I just put my foot down and expect the car to go. It's a girl thing. :nevreness

but when you speak to Matt, tell him honestly what you want to achieve, and he can guide you..........

 

[Smirke]

Thanks Bigcol. Already took your advise and emailed him about it. Haven't heard back yet, but will give him a call on Tues after long weekend. Don't want to spend too much on the car as we only have it til dec 2016 ( we lease it). But something needs to be done.

 

[bigcol]

also, what size tyres are you running............??????

 

[Smirke]

Meant to add, that it was in the other post where you had the video clip

 

[bigcol]

yeah, I would try and ring him, I have a bugger of a time getting in contact with him all the time

and Ive known him for about 6 or 7 years...... hard man to pin down

atleast if they / him look at it, they can advise you on if there is a problem or if there is something that can be done
my opinion, it will do the Job easy........ but slowly.......

 

[Smirke]

Cooper ones st maxx. Can't remember the size.