I was definitely content after that purchase... Until we started planning our Christmas trip to Kangaroo Island with a few friends on the back seat, I was really worried about where to put everything. The sports back really limited carrying capacity. Thus a quick visit to Rhino Racks.com and:
That was the last purchase for the truck, it was perfect at that stage, and no need to add anything..... So, after the KI trip, a tour through the Flinders:
and then Robe:
I felt it was time to get a new set of more "robust" rubber. Reading through this site and talking to the guys, the Bridgestone Duelers AT 265/70/R16 looked like the set to go for. I spend most of my time on the black stuff, so didn't need or want anything too aggressive:
I was definitely content with the way the truck was looking and it was perfect... So following the arrival of our new family member (Rocky the golden retriever), I was once again concerned about space. I didn't love the sportsback. I noticed a WTS here of an Mitsu canopy by Tuff Troop. Scott was nice enough to meet me half way and help drop it onto the back. Ended up with:
Quickly repainted to avoid any soccer mom misconceptions:
And thanks to Motoz, managed to get some LED's wired up into the back. Cheers to him in general as he's a great lad to give a hand and give a few pointers. Also a mean chef on the trips...
At this stage, I knew the mod bug had bitten and I warned the girlfriend... So, after a Bordertrack trip with the NTN last May, i started to think I was a bit of a smuck for sleeping on the ground. It was bloody cold down there. The RTT's were starting to look very nice. A good deal from Glen and 4wdSupplies meant a Red Dog RTT was quickly installed:
I also threw on a side awning I got from Tigerz on sale (sorry no pic).
Following the external mods, I dropped the truck in for it's 105k service. I had read about carbon build up, but as the car was outside warranty, I wasn't too sure what to do. So, I got talking to them and they mentioned it was the old manifold, and would have to be changed. After a few days and a bit of discussion, they offered to put it in under "good will" warranty. I thought brilliant! So, went home and order the prevent (eBay) and the EGR blank (GLX-R Alex), so they would be ready after the new manifold was installed:
Next few mods are already planned. I had noticed on the Border track that A LOT of space was not being used under the canopy, so I decided to start building my own drawer system. Last summer I noticed it got a bit warm here in Oz, so a fridge (and thusly a dual battery system) will be needed. That will then be it I think....
I feel sorry for people who don't drink...
When they wake up in the morning, that's the best they're going to feel all day.