The new wagon

[callum92]

Hey all, thought I might as well start the build thread seeming as though the mods are starting to happen.

Picked up a brand new GX to build as something I can comfortably drive most places after getting a bit over having rough and ready 4wds.

Its first trip was wedge island, went surprisingly well for a stock car, and got some awesome pics. Watch out on Toyota's social media for more of these as they've shown some interest.

First thing was dual batteries to run the fridge and all the other stuff you end up needing, ended up going;
-ARB Tray
-Projecta IDC25 charger
-N70ZZL hybrid from Challenge batteries here in Perth (ran these in every dual battery set up so far and never had any complaibts)
-Ran it as tidy as possible using as many factory tie ins as possible (midi fused off the stock terminal, second accessory fuse block) and chucked in an anderson plug for a solar panel.

Next to be installed is an ARB Summit bar next week, so I went ahead and blacked out the front and rear while access was easy. Plastidip made it easy, and reversible.

I also managed to get a Rhino rack flat platform for 25% off, so that is going on very shortly too.

From here its more little things as well as a snorkel, but I'd rather wait and see what the safari option ends up looking like.

[White One]

nice one . I ve done a dual battery myself but not decided on a DCDC charger yet , hoping that someone works out how to disable the temp compensating alternator first. If you ever get a primary fuel filter you may need to modify the battery side bracket a bit , gets very tight in there with both fitted.
with your solar panel , i presume you will just open the bonnet and plug it in there every time? I'm considering placing the plug on the nudge bar somewhere.

[John]

Hey White One, If youre still looking at DCDC chargers check out the Intervolt http://www.intervolt.com/product/in-...ttery-charger/ I just matched one of these to a 100Ah SLA all under bonnet. Its made here in Perth and is rated to 85 degrees and feels like its built well. The display showing what state of charge your battery is in a nice bonus. It is also a MPPT solar charger like the others. It charges in boost mode up to 14.4v @ 25A and will maintain and float your battery @13.2v if youre using a SLA. can use AGM aslo. I was sceptical at first to the benefit but im impressed, it does a better job than the alternator for charging and maintaining a second battery.

[callum92]

For the instances when a solar panel will be plugged in (not very often) I didnt mind just popping the bonnet and plugging it in. I'd be going DC to DC charger anyway, we've been moving away from VSR's for a while. The new projecta looks well built, is inexpensive and rated for under bonnet and fits in the same spot as a redarc would.

[Rusty]

Nice rig mate. Like the black out.

How did you manage to get 25% off the rhino platform?

[callum92]

AutoBarn was running a promotion, far better than the usual 15%.

[Keith]

Fuel Range and Gauge

After travelling across Australia I discovered the driving range reading is totally inaccurate. The other day it said I had 34 KLMS until I run out of fuel and the fuel gauge was just above empty so I filled it up with 61 litres of diesel but it is suppose to be an 80 litre tank ? Towing a caravan it uses 20 litres per 100 klms. Range shows 504 klms ? 80 litres should equal 400Klms.
Toyota dealer service manager in Albany confirmed this is a problem with the computer and fuel gauge but there is no solution found as yet.

[callum92]

Bullbar, recovery point, lights and rack on ready for christmas break.

[MyTuna]

Hi mate - is that the 1928mm pioneer platform or the shorter one? how did it go with the shark fin aerial? cleared it ok

[callum92]

Built single drawer and fridge slide into the rear over the christmas break, everything is much more tidy and secure now.

[Deeds]

Another Blue one, here I was thinking it was the odd colour out.

Nice build mate, love it!