Fortuner does Central Australia, Simpson Desert and Big Red

[gbrought]

Jut got back from 3 weeks in Central Australia. The Fortuner performed well although my manual is now experiencing the 6th gear problem - in for its 20,000 km service on Monday.

[Mick66]

Hello gbought, Hope you had a good trip! If you don't mind, could you tell a bit more about your issue with the 6th gear in the manual gearbox? Was it the "hard to change gears after a long run in one gear" issue? Good photo's! Are they BF Goodrich muddy's you're running?
Thanks, Mick66.

[gbrought]

Hi Mick, yes and yes. I went a slightly larger 265/70/17 with the muddies. And yes 6th to 5th - and even sometimes back to 4th - after long runs on 3 seperate occasions in the in the last 3 weeks including this morning. cheer Geoff

[Mick66]

Thanks Geoff. You're probably already onto it, but have you read Bugeye's post about his manual issues, and the Toyota fix?
https://www.fortunerforum.com.au/for...n-long-drivers
Keep us posted on your outcome.
Thanks once again, Mick66.
Sorry Geoff, just realised you posted in the above link.

[Kiat]

Hi gbrought, how did the tires hold up during the trip? Did you had to do any repairs during the trip? I noticed one less tires on your roof rack at the hotel.

[gbrought]

Hi kiat. No issues at all with tyres. I was carrying a spare for my bro-in-law as well at various points of the 3 weeks.

[AFreebie]

Hi Geoff,

Thanks for the post, I am thinking of heading out to the Simpson next year. Just need a few more accessories to help out. Just wondering if you can tell us about your storage systems? What roof rack system did you use, how did you manage extra water and fuel within the vehicle. Did you take a fridge?

Cheers Andrew

[gbrought]

Hi Andrew, roof rack was pretty essential with four of us. 60 litre water bladder hanging off cargo barrier, 40 litre engel fridge, home-made rear storage system that holds fridge on left side and two x crates on right (see attached - 3rd row seats removed of course), 2 x jerries but would only take one again (used only 69 litres b/w Mt Dare and Birdsville)

[gbrought]

The best side view with the rack fully loaded: maxtrax up front, followed by 3 x swags (1 x double, 2 x singles) then pelican box with 20 litre jerry at rear plus camps chairs tucked under straps. All worked pretty well.

[DaveC]

Loving the photos! It's good to see a nice dirty Fortuner out in the bush

[John]

Hi Geoff photos look good! did you have to fit any suspension upgrades to fit the 265/70R17s? I am interested in upgrading to that size tyre and want to know if they'll fit my stocker. Also do you experience any guard rub when your articulating?

[gbrought]

They re set of HD Lovell Springs (Standard shocks) which gives about 40-50mm lift. No rub with lift except on full lock there is the slightest rubbing

[DaveC]

Hi Geoff,
Any comments on the hanging water bladder? is it the FexiMake one (http://www.fleximake.com.au/Home/Eac...e-62dfea1b8f1e) ?
What cargo barrier do you have?
Do you use a 12v pump, or gravity feed, where have you got the outlet tap?
Any pics ?

I'm considering some tweaks to my storage system and this looks like a decent way to carry more water.

Thanks,
Dave

[Anthony]

Water bladder; a mate's got one in his prado & fits nicely between his cargo barrier & 2nd row of seats. Good use of otherwise dead space & no need for water jerry cans.

[gbrought]

Hi Dave, No pics and I've only just taken it out again after another trip to the Centre. Hangs off Toyota cargo barrier. 60 litres from fleximate and fits nicely in the floor depression when fuil. I rely on gravity feed which is fine for about 45litres ... getting access to the last 10-15litres is a bit fiddly without a pump ... but I kinda like the idea of having 15 litres of "emergency only" water on board. No issues with water tasting off. If you have kids just make sure they turn the valves off properly once they learn to use .. had one major leak inside the vehicle

[DaveC]

Thanks,
So it hangs on the rear (boot side) of the cargo barrier and sits in the 3rd row footwell? i.e. It's not wedged between the barrier and the 2nd row seats?
Did you run the outlet to the back of the boot? or just access it via the rear doors?

Dave

[gbrought]

Yep, and I have a homemade box with fridge slide (rear seats removed via your instructions if I remember correctly), etc and it hangs neatly into that footwell and the box. I just have to remember not to push too hard on the fridge when the bladder is full!. And access is easy with the standard fitting hoses to the rear drivers door.

[DaveC]

Thanks, I'll definitely consider the bladder if I need to carry more water. I'm currently refilling the 10 and 15L bottles from the supermarket, which is fine for a few days, using for drinking only. Would always be nice to have more though.

[4Tuner]

Seen these ? http://blubag.com.au/

I like it as packs up small when empty when short on car space.