CAPE YORK PREP / KURANDA SCENIC RAIL / GOODBYE RANGER / 1ST HOOKUP ON Y62 - 027

[@greg3095]

Awesome couple awesome family just love it. Just bought a series 5 Y62 and cannot wait to tow my 3tonne van in it s opposed to my NTrek Warrior

[@wazheamadman6086]

Love how open you guys are at Sharing eg your shopping spend

[@robyndehavilland1609]

I know this episode happened ages ago now (I’m still playing catch up, started from ep 1 and still working my way through watching and liking every episode) I am soooooo excited for your Cape York adventures. 😀😀😀

[@seanchristie7150]

Awesome video as usual, just a couple of tips, wear a white shirt at the butterfly sanctuary you will attract them to you. Vacuum pack your meat or go to a Butcher who mostly will pack for you, a little bit more expensive, but way better quality and mostly Australian meat. Enjoy the trip to the cape

[@BigOzExplorers]

We pretty much always go to a butcher but we’ve been slack lately. Good tip about the shirts. When we got there the people who had bright shirts seemed to attract the butterflies and we were quite plain that day! Thanks for following our journey and the tips guys! 😁😁

[@jenwilko1692]

Very exciting, like the way you’ve prepped and packed! Well done! Looking forward to the Cape Trip vids! The Y62 is impressive too! Cheers Jen!

[@BigOzExplorers]

Thanks Jen! Can’t wait to start showing you our trip next week! 😁

[@roypowell3450]

Loved this and hello mum! So the big journey begins guys in the Nissan...Love it!! UK behind UK you :)

[@BigOzExplorers]

Slowly the story comes together for you… ☺️👌🏻

[@roypowell3450]

@@BigOzExplorers Great!!

[@JohnS-mi4er]

Loving the vids especially since you got the Patrol haha. I have been towing around in my S5 for the past 3 weeks and have loved every second. Similar to you I changed from a Ford Everest to the Patrol so I know what you mean by power difference. Also how much does it suck trying to line up the tow ball in the Patrol when you’re used to the Ranger/Everest camera! Anyway one thing to add, I have airbags as well and was told that when it comes to coils the bags should be inflated before your caravan goes on the tow ball, this stops the bag expanding into the coil gaps and will give you a bit more height when filling without the load first 🤷‍♂️

[@BigOzExplorers]

Haha it’s nice to hear someone understood our pain! The S5 camera is off centre and made it so hard that first time 😂😂 That’s a good point about the bags, we’ll give it a go and see if it makes a difference. Thanks so much for following!! 😁

[@tnt__4x4]

Great episode guys and great feed back about the Y62, can't wait for next week's keep up the great work guys and be safe 👌👌👍👍👏👏🙏🙏

[@BigOzExplorers]

Yew thank you TNT! Glad your loving the series 😁😁👍🏻

[@JourneyUnknown]

Loved it guys! Thanks for showing us the shopping and packing / organising tips! Picking up my new caravan tomorrow, absolutely stoked!

[@BigOzExplorers]

Eeeeeppp that’s exciting!!! Bet your hanging to get on the road and go somewhere with it! 🎉🎉

[@RideAustralia]

Awesome guys Been watching for a while and am really enjoying your videos. We sit down as a family and watch each episode as they are released. Just wanted to let you know you have motivated us to start using our caravan and really see this country with our children.

[@BigOzExplorers]

Oh wow Damien, that is really cool. Thank you so much for telling us, that gives me such a happy smile. 🙋🏼‍♀️🥰 We want to inspire others to hit the road and travel Australia like we are. We’re so lucky to have this back yard and yet so many of us don’t see it. Thanks for tuning in with the family each week, we really appreciate your support 🙌🏻🥰

[@RideAustralia]

Big Oz Explorers So cool that you write back to everyone. Thanks heaps. Can’t wait for the next upload

[@BigOzExplorers]

Damien Davies we try our best! It might take us a few days but we always get there eventually, you guys are what makes us, us 😁🥰

[@duncanpark9984]

The sound volume is great keep it up really good watching you guys.

[@BigOzExplorers]

Thanks Duncan, that’s great to hear, literally 😝 👂🏼 Thanks for following!

[@klarastrangis6308]

Another fantastic vlog. Love how organized Sian is with the grocery shopping. Love Jack with his squishy cheeks. Can't wait to see how the Y62 handles the Cape. Did it once in 2005 and again in 2012 in our old GQ now we're looking forward to tackling it one day in our Y62 too. Keep up the good work 👌

[@BigOzExplorers]

Thanks Klara, we’re so excited to share how the Y62 went! Not long now 😁🎉

[@JustAnotherReviewwithAlek]

Should invest in a vacuum sealer! We use one in our van and it keeps food longer and saves heaps of room.

[@BigOzExplorers]

We have one now, we’ve come a long way! Lol 🥰🙌🏻

[@JustAnotherReviewwithAlek]

@@BigOzExplorers lol! I’ve just come across your channel! We are about to do the same

[@BigOzExplorers]

@@JustAnotherReviewwithAlek you’ll have to catch up on episodes, we have a lot of information to share as you get through the series and our mistakes made (so you don’t have to lol) you’ll love this lifestyle, can’t beat it 🙌🏻🥰

[@krisfairweather5794]

Cant wait for your cape adventures

[@BigOzExplorers]

It was so good!! 🥰🙊

[@katherineporter2654]

Another great video, loved the shopping and how you managed to get all out away. Look forward to seeing you guys next week. Take care. 🤗😊

[@BigOzExplorers]

Tetris skill, A+ 😂 it’s nice to be back in civilisation and doing a normal shop that fits easily 😂 see you next week! 🥰

[@ladysusanjane2682]

Really looking forward to the Cape! Yr new car looks awesome👍🏻

[@BigOzExplorers]

Thanks Susan! The Cape episodes are going to be epic!!

[@jjwoody6532]

We bought our S5 in Nov and were meant to head off in March on our great adventure from Melbourne but Covid put and end to that. I have yet to tow our 3t van yet so loved your reaction when you finally got to experience the Y62 with a loaded van. Maybe one day soon.

[@BigOzExplorers]

Oh no that’s horrible! It was hard waiting a few weeks for us let alone months! Hopefully they’ll have covid under control soon and you’ll be able to get out and about. I hope we can fill your bucket in the meantime! 🙌🏻

[@johnboyle4355]

Hi Guys another fantastic video, I noticed that you have a Trail mate jack on your A frame, if you leave it in place while traveling make sure you put a safety chain from the bottom plate on the jack to a secure anchorage spot just in case the jack drops down.I have been vanning for over 12 years with jack on the front never been an issue. looking forward to the next video, take care and travel safe, cheers JB

[@BigOzExplorers]

Funny you say that as we learnt this lesson the hard way on the way up the Cape! We had no idea until it all went wrong ☹️ we will always secure the new one though 🤪🤞🏻 Thanks for following and the advice! ☺️

[@hanshonstatzky961]

Hi, great videos, Did you say your airbag pressures are at 70 psi? If so I'm thinking that far to high, thats how thinks brake. You might want to look at springs with a higher load rating. Kept up the good work. Cheers

[@BigOzExplorers]

Hey Hans, we have increased our springs to Pedders trakryders and the bags are usually at a max of 60, this is the max recommended by airbag man (we later realised lol) ☺️ thanks for following! 🙏🏻

[@barkly1992]

Hey Chris - get some Clearview mirrors - I have just got rid of my strap on towing mirrors but they were a pain in the arse. Clearview absolutely brilliant.

[@BigOzExplorers]

Hey Terry, we used to have them on the ranger but have decided not to go with them this time as they have cameras under the standard mirror which allow a 360° view! 🙌🏻

[@DW-10]

Clearview now has their NextGen and Compact mirrors that can run BSM and camera for 360 systems.

[@diannemclellan3250]

Hi just come across your video's enjoying them we had two patrols went around & criss crossed over Aussie, & Tassie when we went to the cape we had Hilux truck & camped the food was very expensive but there was a woolies at weepa that was 2000 was one of the best trips we had a tinnie too take care Cheers Dianne

[@BigOzExplorers]

Oh wow sounds like you would have had a killer time! The Cape is definitely an amazing and memorable trip! Thanks for tuning in and watching, hopefully we’ll help you relive some of your journey 😁

[@Behappy-h6j]

Well done guys. I know it costs money, but I would be getting a rear bar on the Patrol. Imagine reversing into the hitch.

[@BigOzExplorers]

Gotta think of weights though, that’s a lot of weight to save a scratch or two! We have it down pat now, that was literally our first time 😂

[@northstormbags]

Another great vid guys! 🥰 Feel special because this is the first thing I’ve sat down to watch in a week. 🤓 Gotta make time for our favourite travelling fam. Love it legends can’t wait for the Cape vid 🙌🏼 🤎

[@BigOzExplorers]

At the moment our premiere is pretty much the only thing we find time to sit down and watch too 😂 feeling very special Lisa, thank you 🥰🥰

[@chrisandshazza01]

Ha! I’m a hermit and not social but I like you guys - very natural and easy to watch without the ‘look at me’ persona. She’s great, he’s pretty relaxed and the kids are gold. I’m 43 with a wifey and 2 girls and have a caravan. Stuck in NW WA for 7 months but am finally road tripping home in 4 weeks to see the family. Gunna hook the van up that I haven’t seen in person yet and go and chill somewhere........might even take my better half and kids. Road trip will be great - 5069km/54hrs according to the phone, can’t wait! Excellent video and I love the big Patrol - don’t have the Y62 I think they look great on the road. Cheers - Chriso

[@BigOzExplorers]

Mate, we love hearing from people like yourself. Thanks so much for watching and enjoying what we have to share. We will never become ‘look at me’ people as we’re not that way at all 🤪... Hopefully we might catch up with you on that 5K journey at some stage. Definitelytake the wife and kids if you can handle it, they’re helpful to have around (sometimes) 😉🍻 Cheers 🤙🏻

[@chrisandshazza01]

@@BigOzExplorers haha yeah definitely will take the family, looking forward to it. Leave Port Hedland on Tuesday 17th Nov and heading home via Newman, Meeka, Norseman, Nullarbor, Peterborough, Broken Hill, Dubbo and home. Really looking forward to the drive to wind down and prep myself for 2.5 months holiday just enjoying being home! A few things I’ve learnt since being away, - the ANZACS spent more time away in trenches with their feet rotting away in the trenches with their mates piling up around them - no phones, no money, basic food and not knowing if they’ll see home again. Has really made me appreciate more what all of our past diggers have done. It’s nice to have nice things like caravans but since I’ve been up here I’ve had to go back to basics and buy all my camping gear again. I’ve done so much basic camping along with workmates that are retirement age, and we’ve all had a ball. It’ll be nice to camp in a caravan but I think I may even sleep outside for a few nights😁 Love the pepper and soap to get the washing hands message across, my wife Sharon did it with our kids, I think it’s going viral with the school mums🤣 Anyway safe travels!! 🤘🤘

[@Ben-hi5lr]

Great episode guys , love the patrol, I’ve had 5 since I got my license without a single breakdown and the 62 will be my next car

[@BigOzExplorers]

They are such a great car as you know! So happy we joined the Nissan family 🥰

[@suesclater8099]

You will have found out by now what a weapon the Y62 is towing up steep hills like they are not there and still be able to accelerate. Just dont watch the fuel consumption while you are, but it sure beats a long slow crawl up hills . We averaged 22 litres per 100 kms in a recent 3 week trip towing a 23.5 ft van in our Y62, so you will likely be close to that too.

[@BigOzExplorers]

Hey Sue, 100% agree it is a bloody weapon! There is nothing this car can’t handle… We definitely haven’t watched our fuel consumption while at the Cape if I’m honest, we’ve given it the berries on lots of occasions and I look forward to normal highway driving to have a good idea of what our real fuel consumption numbers will be! 😂 thanks for tuning in 🥰

[@paulyg8375]

@20:10 dirty mark on door after that detail, you got it dirty before dropping off to the shipping company lol. The rangers a good cars I’ve got one 😜 the Patrol sounds so tuff though and looks great, keep up the great content guys 💯👌🏻

[@BigOzExplorers]

I know right! It happened the morning of drop off 🤦🏼‍♀️ I saw it when editing and thought ‘I should have cleaned that’... lol Rangers are a great car, we have a soft spot for our old one 🥰

[@russellleigh6473]

Seen you guys at the cairns expo, so glad you enjoyed cairns and can’t wait to see your new adventures👍

[@BigOzExplorers]

Hey Russel, did you say hi? We saw quite a few people there, it was awesome! Thanks for following our journey 🥰

[@sunshinecatcher8779]

they look great together (Caravan and Car) :) so scary reversing to a car unlike a ute. more room for error on the ute :) love it

[@BigOzExplorers]

I know right! There’s so much room for error when there’s a shiny silver painted bumper right behind the DO35 hitch 😂😲

[@lauriwatson537]

Hi, Love the content, Great packing, just a precaution as I once got caught out, with a bottle of drink that burst in a locker on rough roads. Inverters etc don,t mix well with the fluid, better to stick with dry storage next to electrical components. Wish I was there, viewing your great vids helps. Lauri

[@BigOzExplorers]

That’s a good point, we hadn’t really thought about that! Hope it wasn’t too much of an expense to fix up. Thanks for following us 🥰

[@brentwall9786]

Congratulations guys on 8000, keep up the gr8 viewing. 👍

[@BigOzExplorers]

Thanks Brent 😁🥰

[@Patrolling_Oz]

Hi Chris you mentioned that you upgraded the springs when did you do that or did you order it with the upgrade?

[@BigOzExplorers]

We upgraded them ourselves. The car was stock when we bought it. :)

[@Patrolling_Oz]

@@BigOzExplorers Thanks Sian I would be interested in what you put in with regards to springs and air bags as i am tossing up between Trailhawk or Y62 Patrol my van has gtm of 3.3t Just started watching the vids and i am enjoying them during covid lockdown

[@deirdrefisher2773]

Enjoying your videos, just wondering why the car upgrade. So much cheaper to do a GVM upgrade on the Ranger which has served you very well.

[@BigOzExplorers]

Hey Deirdre, we would’ve happily done a GVM upgrade on the Ranger if that was the problem but the GVM was fine, the issue was our GCM. With Queensland registration, you can’t legally upgrade your GCM. We were always a little over 6t GCM and with the Patrol we have 7t to play with 👌🏻

[@deirdrefisher2773]

Big Oz Explorers what a shame, it is a great rig. Not sure why our states don’t get together and have same rego requirements with common sense. Travel safe, enjoying your vids. 👏

[@km4fsi827]

I did a conversion on the $543.22 Austrian money you spent, i just wanted too see what it would cost here in the US, the best i can tell it would have been in us dollars....$392.22. we pack up our caravan in the same way and for the food and meat this is about what we spend also. love the videos !! yall be safe!

[@BigOzExplorers]

That’s interesting!! This was enough for approx three weeks, it felt like SO much as I usually shop once a week and try not to over buy LOL... thanks so much for tuning in all the way from the USA! 🎉 🥰

[@yapkanlin4268]

Do you wash the chickens from supermarket before you cut it , stored & later cook it ?

[@BigOzExplorers]

Depends on how fresh it seems. Sometimes I wash before but mostly I wash after as they’re always a bit more juicy when you defrost them again.

[@newport5504]

I want a y62 now what a beast!

[@BigOzExplorers]

They’re a bloody amazing car, it honestly walks over everything 👌🏻

[@adamslattery5445]

Hi guys, I'm not sure how far you are ahead from this video but to let you know Weipa up the Cape has a pretty good Woolworths been a miners town

[@BigOzExplorers]

Hey Adam, yes we found that! I did another top up shop on the way up when we realised how long we were going to take! It was the only well priced shop the whole trip LOL 😂

[@zoezoe610]

A big power step up from the Ranger

[@BigOzExplorers]

Oh yes!!!

[@zoezoe610]

@@BigOzExplorers I tow with a 200 and while different to yours it is like " What hills " ? LOL

[@BigOzExplorers]

Haha yep! Totally hear you there! We’re at risk of having a speeding ticket again 😂

[@artbail]

Hi Guys, with all that extra food how did it affect the caravan weight? Love the series.

[@BigOzExplorers]

Seriously still towed like there was no van on the back! The Nissan is a bloody weapon! 🤤😎

[@charleschapman]

How did you tackle the GVM limitation .....or did I miss it?

[@BigOzExplorers]

It will be revealed in next build episode. We had some delays with the build because we did the Cape!

[@sp2074]

The best thing we did to our S5 is wrap the horrible fake woodgrain dash! Absolutely transformed the car.

[@BigOzExplorers]

We so want to do that! It’s just a matter of finding the right person to do it and being in that place long enough for it to happen!

[@sp2074]

@@BigOzExplorers usually takes a day, got ours done at 360 Wraps in Slackscreek south Brisbane.

[@BigOzExplorers]

S P Springwood used to be our local area for things! If we were local I’d check them out ☹️ soon enough!

[@brettoaussie6747]

Have you thought of vac sealing some food, Keeps better and saves a little room!

[@BigOzExplorers]

We used to have a vac sealer and for some reason we put it in storage before we left... I know, rookie error! 😂 we will most likely get another one at some stage I’d say 😁

[@Eddie_Turbo]

Hey guys, great series! Just realised you have the spare on the roof? Did it not fit deflated in the original spot?

[@BigOzExplorers]

Bit of a long story with that one! Will explain it all in our next build series but the short version is that wiring was fed through the area which took the few cm of space we needed 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@QldFan67]

One of the things that husband and wives should never do together - hook up a caravan - its the only time my hubby and I argue :) Hey guys - what is the caravan hydraulic jockey - did that come with the van or was it retrofitted and what is the brand - it is awesome.

[@BigOzExplorers]

I know right! The only times Chris and I argue is often when we’re trying to hook up or set up camp 😂 The jockey hydraulic jack is by Trail-a-mate, such a cool little addition to the van and more secure than the wheel!

[@leestevo]

How many days did you spend driving & exploring the Cape starting from Cooktown and return? Thanks

[@BigOzExplorers]

37 days total from Cook Town and back to Lions Den! 😎

[@danielsundberg1977]

What was your thoughts on the Cairns Expo? Saw you getting around.

[@BigOzExplorers]

Well for the first expo we’ve been to since Covid, pretty good I guess! 🤪 Nice to be at a public event again 😁

[@darrindouglas1]

70 psi in the bags?? Did I hear that right?? Even with the heavy duty sleeves Airbag man (assumed) max pressure in 60psi I think. The ball weight must be heaps..... I popped one towing my camper on Fraser @ 30 psi and no sleeves....live and learn...... Me thinks you need a HD 2 inch lift, but you probably already know that. Hope to get to the cape next year. Good luck and safe travels.

[@darrindouglas1]

Did you fit/get from factory, an additional trans cooler?? Do it sooner, rather than later. I'd hate to think what it would cost to replace the box in a Y62........

[@BigOzExplorers]

Hey Darren, yeah you heard right and I probably should’ve edited it out! This was our first day and we were yet to read the manual and we are totally aware of the max psi being 60. We usually run anywhere between 50 to 60 with sleeves now. Depends what the caravan load is like on the day. Still a few more mods to go onto the patrol but they will be coming soon! Stay tuned for more ☺️

[@BigOzExplorers]

We haven’t fitted and additional cooler, not something that I’ve really heard of regularly to be honest… The car is been performing amazingly as it is for now!

[@darrindouglas1]

@@BigOzExplorers For a new vehicle it should be performing well. Heat will kill an auto quicker than blinking. Better to have it and not need it, then need it and not have it.

[@Mrbeast0099]

Gday guys nice vid, loved it!! Couple of questions: do you think you should run a weight distribution hitch for safety if you happen to get into a bit of a situation? And I think 70 psi in your air bags seems like way too much pressure?? What are your thoughts? Love your vids 👍👍

[@BigOzExplorers]

We can’t use a weight distribution hitch with the DO35 as it takes away the point of having a DO35. Unsure how I feel about them if I’m honest. I should have really re-listened to what numbers we spoke about re airbags. We ended up back at 50-60psi after they settled in and have kept them around there when towing. That is also the max they should be used at also (60) we later learnt. Thanks for joining us from Emerald again Steve ☺️

[@Mrbeast0099]

Big Oz Explorers ah cool yeah I don’t know much about the DO35 hitch, but I really think that pressure is way to high, they should be just helping out the rear springs not pumping up the back that far, you are right on the limit of their working pressure if one bursts while travelling at 100 kph you might get into trouble, I would hate for that to happen, in saying that I’m no expert something there just seems a bit off , maybe get some professional advice, love watching you guys, just want you to be safe👍

[@gracecinematic65]

What's your fuel bill compared to the Ranger?

[@BigOzExplorers]

It works out approx .20c a km in the ranger and .30c a km in the Patrol. Taking into account diesel is more expensive than petrol but the Patrol used more fuel.

[@TheWrighty01]

Awesome vid guys 🤙

[@BigOzExplorers]

Thanks mate 🙌🏻

[@AusOffroadAdventure]

What suspension where you running on the ranger?

[@BigOzExplorers]

Bilsten’s front and back, 5” adjustable coil overs in the front and 300-500kg constant leaf springs in the rear. It was sitting at 2”

[@stevecurtis5321]

Have you thought about vacuum seal the meats ?

[@BigOzExplorers]

We have and I don’t know why we don’t have one to be honest... Another purchase to be made at some stage!

[@troyhansen7749]

Hey guys, how long does that food last you?

[@BigOzExplorers]

Hey Troy, this was 3-4 weeks prep with the intention of shopping for fresh fruit/veg while up there as well. We ended up taking nearly 6 weeks and had a very expensive shop or two at the top end 😅

[@davidrickhuss2984]

Hey m8 I sent u a message when u got the patrol about the fuel consumption has it got better and are u happy with patrol so far, I’m thinking of getting one as well!

[@BigOzExplorers]

We’ll get to fuel more after we’ve left the cape, hard to tell as the roads up here are so different to day to day driving! But we will compare them etc... we still love this car and have zero regrets! Go test drive one, you’ll love it!!

[@seanrichard-preston6088]

Was the ranger under performing?

[@BigOzExplorers]

It was over performing if anything. Our big van was very heavy for it! We mainly changed as we were nearly always over GCM and we wanted to be legal though. We’ve gone from 6t to 7t GCM now.

[@davetrendell8841]

Chris: "The slightly different colour." Sian: "All the males are more beautiful. I don’t know what happened with the human race." Awesome snap, Sian. Apply cold water to that burn, Chris.

[@BigOzExplorers]

I come out with some good jokes huh 😜 I can’t always share Chris’s jokes on here as they’re not PG most the time, but I can promise you he gives it back just as much!! 😂😂

[@karenedwards8946]

Your new car looks awsome, go the V8 👍👍👍👍

[@BigOzExplorers]

We love it!! Thank you! 🥰

[@georgesbackyardgym]

You must have share in a Oil company

[@BigOzExplorers]

I wish! That would be the life 🔥

[@lukedoggett4478]

Chris looked more upset about the ranger going than get his nuts knocked out.

[@BigOzExplorers]

He says you were right lol... he loved that Ranger, so sad it didn’t have a higher GCM and we couldn’t increase it after rego 😭

[@joshaddis1]

I spent 5mins thinking why you mean November stupid me haha can you imagine the face I was making reading it haha

[@BigOzExplorers]

I’ve spent 5mins wondering what you mean by November too?? 😂😂 I’m confused?! 😆

[@lucykelly6050]

What do you mean??

[@joshaddis1]

I read the date wrong haha

[@lucykelly6050]

Ah got ya

[@CriticalThinker1967]

5 minutes in and nothing about tips. Not a good title