Building modified Everglade in Australia

[AusDevil]

Took it for its "first" spin 5k's out of town and back , we live in a logging area so the local roads are not in the best condition due to the almost constant flow of log trucks so I didn't go over 80 kph which is probably a good speed to stick to with a slide camper, the water tank is 75% full too.
Really felt the top heaviness of the vehicle and the front was lifted a bit so the steering felt lighter than usual, however the vehicle had no problem with the weight as such it cornered fine and handled the bumpy road quiet well.
Still another aprox 80kg of weight to be fitted though I'm thinking of removing the heavy duty tow bar as that must weight quiet a bit and is not required.As mentioned before I will have the suspension professionally examined and possibly modified before we venture out on our first jaunt.
Getting closer to finishing every day.

[ian bell]

Hi Richard . Taking of the towbar will only reduce the weight by 10kg . I would look at getting the suspension beefed up. Pedders or Fulcrum should be able to help with heavier springs and shockers
Ian

[chugalug]

Have any problems with windy days?looks like that rig could use a set of duals on back.just to make the footprint wider for stability.

[mrintense]

Congratulations Richard,

I am sure that getting the camper out and test running it must be very satisfying. I agree with you and other's that it would probably be best to get the suspension upgrade. Of course, I know the cold season is coming down there, but Perhaps there is still time to get in a few outings.

Well done.

[Lowka53]

I would suggest some turn buckles to hold the camper to the truck. Other wise you might find it sitting on the road as you drive away. Here in Utah campers are still used and the buckles are a must have item for safety

something like this or you might end up like this

[AusDevil]

Congratulations Richard,

I am sure that getting the camper out and test running it must be very satisfying. I agree with you and other's that it would probably be best to get the suspension upgrade. Of course, I know the cold season is coming down there, but Perhaps there is still time to get in a few outings.

Well done.

Thank you , it was & I will as it's important to be safe.

8) I would suggest some turn buckles to hold the camper to the truck. Other wise you might find it sitting on the road as you drive away. Here in Utah campers are still used and the buckles are a must have item for safety

Ouch!! I agree 100% , however you should have a "closer" look at my photo's

[AusDevil]

Hi Richard . Taking of the towbar will only reduce the weight by 10kg . I would look at getting the suspension beefed up. Pedders or Fulcrum should be able to help with heavier springs and shockers
Ian

Exactly what I have been inquiring about recently.

[Lowka53]

Congratulations Richard,

I am sure that getting the camper out and test running it must be very satisfying. I agree with you and other's that it would probably be best to get the suspension upgrade. Of course, I know the cold season is coming down there, but Perhaps there is still time to get in a few outings.

Well done.

Thank you , it was & I will as it's important to be safe.

8) I would suggest some turn buckles to hold the camper to the truck. Other wise you might find it sitting on the road as you drive away. Here in Utah campers are still used and the buckles are a must have item for safety

Ouch!! I agree 100% , however you should have a "closer" look at my photo's

It seems I missed the turn buckles on the back when I looked at your photo's before. do you have them on the front as well if not it will keep the wind while traveling from flipping the camper off the truck.

[AusDevil]

Congratulations Richard,

I am sure that getting the camper out and test running it must be very satisfying. I agree with you and other's that it would probably be best to get the suspension upgrade. Of course, I know the cold season is coming down there, but Perhaps there is still time to get in a few outings.

Well done.

Thank you , it was & I will as it's important to be safe.

8) I would suggest some turn buckles to hold the camper to the truck. Other wise you might find it sitting on the road as you drive away. Here in Utah campers are still used and the buckles are a must have item for safety

Ouch!! I agree 100% , however you should have a "closer" look at my photo's

It seems I missed the turn buckles on the back when I looked at your photo's before. do you have them on the front as well if not it will keep the wind while traveling from flipping the camper off the truck.

The anchor points are fitted on the front though I am yet to devise a satisfactory method to anchor to the vehicle at the front , I'm thinking inside the door well at the moment.
The rear turnbuckles are sufficient for 50mph/80kph test runs though I wouldn't go on a trip like that, as a side note I have a rubber mat underneath as well to stop it from sliding around.

[AusDevil]

It has been quiet some time since my last update & the 2 year anniversary is here and I still have a few things to finish off.
With the change in weather I've been able to finish off the Bathroom and install the 2 X 100W Solar Panels which do a very good job of charging the 100AH battery.The gas has also been installed.
We have also purchased a new vehicle which currently is being upgraded and certified to a One Tonner with the inclusion of suspension airbags.
Hopefully we can pick it up next Tuesday after ARB are finished with it.
More images at my website.

[psychobilly]

If you're having bags installed then you should really think about Horn Blasters for a proper air horn on that ute.

It's nice having onboard air at yr disposal. Here's some of my additions to my F250 ute. Note that the left and right side schradder valves are my bottom two rego plate (license plate for us US folks) mounting bolts. Hidden well there. I would post a pic of that but I don't know how to blot out numbers.

1 of 2 X 2.5 liter air tank under rear bumper

Air Bag

Onboard air

Sweet looking ute you have there and there will be some nice times in the bush spent!

[AusDevil]

Thank you psychobilly, I would love on board air though for now will have to maintain the air bags the ol'fashion way, we are very happy with the new ute it's much more comfortable than the old one and has a lot of grunt too.
We will have the camper on it within the week and take it for a test run, though we are very confidant it will perform very well.
The good news is that ARB got maximum GVM almost 1.2 ton certified woohoo.

[AusDevil]

Over 2 years an EPIC Journey has come to an end , will post more images at my website and last video on Youtube for this build very soon.
The image of the scissor steps was my first attempt I have since rebuilt them mostly from leftover pieces from the build and items purchased at the tip shop.The upholstery was completed just a couple of weeks ago along with a list of finishing touches.

[AusDevil]

Now working on anchor points on our new vehicle then we will be off on our next journey enjoying our beautiful state called Tasmania.


Thank you for all the encouragement and positive feedback over the last two years and may your journeys be as enjoyable as mine.

[hoodman]

Beautiful camper. I'm sure you will make many a fine memory with her.