First Time OFF ROAD with our 51 Year Old Caravan (mistake!?)

[@stevewebber3922]

Well that was my 5 minutes of You tube fame. I'm so glad you guys took my advice and went to the Breakaways. It's probably our favourite camp spot. I hope it was worth all the dust.😊

[@sallytodd8722]

@stevewebber3922 😂😂 🙈👏👏

[@simonmcmurtrie-ss3hz]

Little bit of dust…ahhh….maybe look at positive pressurising the van to stop the dust? Nothing broken and nothing rattled apart!! That’s a win I reckon! Well done 🙌🏻

[@Quarry4x4]

I would really like to see how this turns out.

[@ianlangridge3412]

Positive pressure systems work very well. We have senn this on a number of AUSSIE off roaders channels. From their experiences it is well worth the effort!!!

[@kathienichols]

We look forward to your videos every week. Hubbie & I totally enjoy your adventures. Retired now, but often think, we would do exactly what you both are doing if we were young again. Living vicariously through your travels, living every moment. What a great life, living to the fullest, taking the good & the bad. What stories you'll have as grandparents. Your parents must be so proud of you both, well done. ❤🙏.

[@itsJackandMegan]

🙏 Thanks for the kind comment guys!! We appreciate you following along.

[@philandclarepatch6262]

Really good to see your Toyota set up! Yes! And the talk time was fine! All your talking is fine, cause that's why we are all watching you! Thanks again! Lovin it, Phil

[@kiaoraable]

Hey you two, I watched the whole build of Myrtle and she’s come up a real treat, hats off to you both. Love the colour scheme. Well to take Myrtle on those s corrigation you are lucky she’s in one piece, and I’m not referring to your handy work at all. I’ve been on some bad corrigations in my camper and have decided I don’t want to go on long roads of corrigation. Rattles me up as well. You’re going to see many wonderful times in that caravan. Cheers Judy

[@brianharrigan2625]

Well done. Just seeing your smiles on what you have achieved is simply the best. Keep up the great work. Cheers.

[@itsJackandMegan]

🙏

[@peterwest5661]

Great vid guys. Two things you need. Positive air pressure system and a Stone Stomper. Loving Myrtle. So cool seeing a van her age kicking butt on the ourback roads.

[@neilringram]

Hi Jack & Megan. New silicon around the rear window frame between the frame and the caravan wall should stop most of the dust coming in. Check to see if there was an old dust seal around the door should stop most of the dust coming in there. And air vents in the door or walls will allow dust in. Some off road caravans, MDC comes to mind, has canvas covers that attach to the outside of the vents by the use of press studs that will stop a lot of dust from coming in! Just remember to remove when you’re parked up for the day! Dometic sell a 12volt dust prevention system that will pressurise your van and stop most of the dust coming in. We also fitted a lockable door handle to our van that crosses across our door that stops the door from springing open when traveling!

[@trevorhicks7852]

From a couple in their later 50s: pressurise the van against dust, and learn to live with the stone chips. Us over 50s, like Myrtle, look a bit dusty with quite a few chips, even after regular renos!

[@JenenaMaughan]

Wow! This takes me back. Mum & Dad had a caravan almost identical back in the 70's. Spent many fun holidays around WA in that van as a teenager. Good one guys!

[@barrybrew3897]

Hi guys love the vid , great camp site One suggestion you may need to get stone stompers to both protect the van and also stone deflection to the rear window of your vehicle

[@frankschouten2740]

Hey Jack and Megan you should buy a little gate latch for your door that will keep it latched while your driving and your front window stone guard what I do is when you close it I tighten the two slider knobs as well when it's closed it keeps it closed better when you pass a truck also your towel rails I have the same they do rust but I get a scotch brite clean up the rust and then I put a smear of petroleum jelly on them stops the rust keeps them looking nice

[@barrydyer6543]

Enjoy the walk around your car Jack, I was going to say Megan and jacks cars, but it’s jacks baby,

[@Terranmmhl]

Good on ya Steve for the awesome Campsite recommendation! I've said it many times before, and i'll keep saying it.. but.. That. Drone. Footage!!! im such a sucker for it. Your B-Roll is sensational. Once again, this is another fantastic edit from Megan! Ohh cmon, the 2 hours of Jack talking about the Cruiser would've been pretty interesting hahaha. It'd be interesting to see how good all the new gear is that you got, I was sussing those tripod lights out a few weeks ago. Also, cracked up laughing with the toolbox code part.

[@chrissiejoy]

You don't get to really appreciate just how vast Australia really is until you see it from those amazing drone shots in the air. Amazing adventure and beautiful camp spots x P>S - good save Jack on the us 50+ year olds still being young haha

[@lauriekibblewhite]

That was my first extended dirt road trip with a then new van back in 2010. The Breakaways are magic. I use a camcorder for my video work. I can run it for hours continuously powered by my inverter without heating, and without running out of space. Inbuilt zoom is a winner. I have it mounted in my screen, switch it on when I travel anywhere, and off at journeys end. I have wireless mic connected. I don't have someone else to operate the cam when driving, so the setup works for me. But no overheating camera. I have a second camcorder for drive-by "shooting". Camcorders have advantages over DSLR, because they are video cameras, not cameras that shoot video. As usual, great video. Enjoy your travels.

[@michaelmcpherson3440]

With your old van you might want to consider a van pressurising fan that you turn on before hitting the dust that keeps the dust out.

[@paulinetaylor9508]

Fantastic! You guys have persevered for many months. What an awesome reno. Whatever happens enjoy, your creating a life time of memories.

[@itsJackandMegan]

🙏 Thanks so much for following along Pauline!

[@jasonbarnes5605]

Awesome little test for Myrtle. Looks like all you need is a dust suppression system, better door locking system and a stone guard to protect the front end. Pretty good result. Looking forward to your next episode!

[@philandclarepatch6262]

And go myrtle! You are fast becoming a legend van! And what an incredible sunset! Thx again, phil

[@TessYear3]

I really enjoyed this! Myrtle survived her maiden voyage 🎉🎉 and I loved your new set up for the van with a great swag. Thank you! 🎉

[@outside.normal]

Well done Myrtle, so great to see her out and about.

[@PenelopeA57]

I’m so way behind with viewing your videos but so excited to see you on the move! Love the little Russell Coight emblem on the rear view mirror!! To me it speaks victory!! 🎉. You have achieved so much and you should be very proud of yourselves! Now just one more item to add to the agenda…..a proposal 😉

[@montyman-j]

wow guys, you're off and running. All looks good!....its exciting to watch and see the new experiences ahead. Some funny moments, (dust, drilling the door shut etc.) all adds to the journey. Cannot wait to see the next vid. Cheers and be safe!!!! Monty

[@haveswagwilltravel]

You survived the corrugation!! 🎉 we vote to ditch the extra weight - no matter what it is. More braking power/speed wins every time.

[@4wd4mentalhealth58]

Awesome. You have got a lot to feel proud of with what you've done with this build. It's natural to have some teething problems. Time to do some dust proofing and the door...... Definitely needs a more permanent solution.

[@alexsteel8167]

best caravan shakedown video so far 🤘

[@itsJackandMegan]

Thanks Alex!!

[@alexsteel8167]

@@itsJackandMegan you're welcome. Looking forward to more caravan trips from your channel 🙏💯

[@stuartrundle5352]

I used a bit of Vaseline on the solar shade suction caps which seemed to have worked a treat! FYI

[@itsJackandMegan]

Had a few good suggestions come through someone said olive oil as well.

[@howie_on_tour]

​@@itsJackandMegan olive oil starts to smell after a while and vaseline doesn't. It's a staple for touring as well as duct tape and WD40 😂

[@garywinrow3517]

Great video. When we go camping without the van we have 2 sets of four plastic draws each which we put on the back seat and one faces to the passenger side and one to the drivers side. This we put the cloths we use and some food can stuff in the bottom draws. Maybe one of the reasons you are getting lots pf dust in is because the door opens up facing the front and as the van rattled the door flexes open a bit. You could try leaving the roof fan on and try to pressure the van up. Keep an eye on your AFrame as they are quite weak on some of the older vans and lower the tyres down to 20 on the van. Loving the videos guys.

[@alanjohnston243]

Crackin vid guys, make sure you season your swag incase it rains

[@joking7081]

Good video. Just a heads up. Fines for no towing mirrors. They are particularly strict in Victoria, pulling up all vans at random locations to check compliance.

[@itsJackandMegan]

Appreciate the heads up mate! 🙏🏼

[@scroungasworkshop4663]

Hey guys, two tips: get a set of Melenco towing mirrors as they really are the best, it doesn’t matter what style, and if you intend to drink the from the tank in the car, then replace the garden hose going to the rear outlet with proper drinking water hose or you’ll get to enjoy the taste of plastic. Cheers, Stuart.

[@itsJackandMegan]

Appreciate the tips Stuart! Thanks for watching ☺️🙏🏼

[@peterdickinson9800]

@@itsJackandMeganyes I agree Milenco Grand Area mirrors are the best

[@sindygirl7]

Get some proper truck mirrors that strap onto the doors ,brilliant !!

[@paultabone2010]

Great episode With the tow ball , I though exactly the same thing if someone is in trouble. So I thought of it if it happened I would just take the hitch off there car and tow the boat or caravan for them. Love all the setup. Take care.🦘🦘🍻🍷😃

[@itsJackandMegan]

Thanks for watching Paul! Hmm you got a good point with the tow ball!

[@kittencraft7938]

With your a style and colour the artist in me can see some small hand painted Australian flora hand painted in a small corner on the van. She just feels so Aussie I love it.🥰

[@davewain363]

I did that road in 2004 with a Goldstream RV in tow. Spent Christmas eve night at Wave Rock after crossing the N'bor to arrive at a mates in northern Perth on Xmas day. It was just coming out of wild flower season and I had to stop many many times along the way to take photos of the flowers for my (now) wife. ( I proposed to her that NYE). You too will make awesome memories on your travels...but you guys already know that 😄

[@williamdavis9253]

Myrtle got christened finally 👍❤️👌 You can expect some dust to come in😞 without a dust reduction system. However you have done an excellent job renovating Myrtle.👍 Considering it is not a designated Off- Road caravan your upgraded suspension has helped It looks like you were on the Hyden Norseman Road. Mcdermid Road is a smaller version of Wave Rock and also has a free Campground with facilities. 😊 We were a month too early and consequently missed most of the wild flowers 🌺🌹

[@RoryHopkinson]

You guys are back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ❤

[@itsJackandMegan]

We never left!! 😂

[@andyh0p]

Great video guys, and some nice film work and editing too 😉

[@itsJackandMegan]

Thanks so much! Appreciate it 🥰🙏🏼

[@aerialworxwithspikee]

love this video this week, Wave Rock looks like a giant title wave that could surf.

[@patryanlrd666]

You guys are my favourite, always make me laugh 😂. Maybe try some “Foam tape” around the back window and door to stop dust. Also get another eyelet for hook on the door for when it’s closed, no more screws to keep it closed for normal roads.

[@fatmanoverlanding]

"Sir John" is looking good. Such a great touring setup. It looks like you guys got a good one. I'd highly recommend a double stretcher to put your swag on. It makes it far more comfortable all round having the swag on a stretcher. 👍

[@itsJackandMegan]

Thanks for watching mate! The cruiser has done very well so far. You’re the second person the recommend a stretcher now so I’m definitely considering it!

[@PenelopeRobertson-d2y]

Have you thought about flipping the door hinges so the door opens on the right and then as you drive the wind isn’t forcing the door to open. New rubber seals on your door and windows should help reduce the dust. It’s not too hard to do. We have a van same age and learnt from same sort of issues you are now having. We also checker plated the front and sides and could not be happier. Stay safe out there and enjoy making lots of amazing memories together. ❤

[@rachelleherron8389]

We have a 40 litre kings fridge with bag which we use as a freezer and now we have just ordered the 50 litre with bag for a fridge. Living in the country it is so handy having these for transporting food. It also means our daughter can use one for her car and one for ours.

[@Outandabout-au]

Dust reduction system might be a good idea? Lovely campsite, thanks for sharing!

[@itsJackandMegan]

100%

[@Outandabout-au]

@@itsJackandMeganwe have a Dometic in our van, works well but others swear by Carafan. Also a stone guard on the draw bar will protect Myrtle a bit but more importantly help stop rocks rebounding onto the vehicle and breaking a window!

[@waynebrown6553]

I put the same cheap chrome rail on...instantly rusty. Cleaned like you...instantly rusty again. Didn't want to buy stainless and just want with galvanised. Cheapest option and no rust. 👍

[@cross8manroberts119]

Add a small roof top air scoop to pressurise the cabin . Well done 👍

[@HammerRocks]

Perhaps look at getting the Darche double stretcher to put your double swag on, to keep you off the ground. This also makes it getting in and out of the swag so much better.

[@itsJackandMegan]

Interesting that sounds pretty good hey!

[@debbiebeatie9886]

Love watching you guys, l'm in Bali atm and watching this episode😊❤❤❤❤

[@clarrievivian6934]

DUST what a pain!! have you thought about pressurizing myrtle ? a couple of fans drawing in filtered outside air, could be worth a look. If it is workable it could save a lot of cleaning up .

[@Webpromotions]

I got the same toolkit but found it a pain to find anything so I swapped it out to a couple of the clear top bags (the same ones that are in your drawers). It makes it easier to store and also makes it easier to find the tools you want.

[@greggenge481]

Hi you two. Well done Myrtle. What about looking at a scupper vent (cheaper than a Carafan etc) that may help a little. (better something than at the moment nothing). Stay safe

[@haveswagwilltravel]

And check for spider and ant holes before selecting a spot. Some of the holes we saw in central WA made us thank the gods we were in a roof top tent and we still parked way away from them.

[@damiant5876]

Rubber dust strips from Bunnings for the door and windows might be a good first step to reduced dust. Its just a learning process and if you can just get less dust it makes it a bit more fun to go to all these great locations.

[@joyrendle9341]

Hi guys really enjoying your videos. The Myrtle looks great (you already know that) but great work guys. You have done amazingly. Well done.

[@jamieh4x4]

I did that road xmas last year and a few days later I lost my front left wheel while doing 110kmh. Don't forget to check your wheel nuts occasionally :)

[@robertgarland9342]

Hi Guys. Another great video of you two and you look well prepared for anything. One thing I did notice is you have 2x CB antennas on the Bull Bar. They are too close together and can interfere with each other. It's best to have them minimum of 300mm apart. I know it's not optional in all cases but you will find a big difference in the performance and range of the radios if they are further apart.

[@itsJackandMegan]

Hey thanks for pointing this out!! I’ll see if I can change it up. Thanks for watching 😃

[@howie_on_tour]

Maybe install a tubtara, that's a better way than drill and redrill a hole in the caravan. There are ones that are shut at the end. Then you'd have a metric thread to reuse to shut doors for good. Also as a first measure put a tarp over the rail and fix to Myrtles corners while driving to have a cheap cover against chips. Good to see you on the road and seeing all the beautiful spots 🎉

[@Karen_richwillo]

Loved the episode and seeing how you enjoyed your trip. Well done.

[@andrewr171]

Wonderful 1st trip!!! So happy for you..... and full moon!!! Those slides that keep opening... can you buy some dowels to put in the tracks which would stop them opening?

[@GanGoz]

I have enjoyed the build series guys, but as a fellow van owner, I think you guys should consider putting your Cruiser and Myrtle over the scales ASAP. I weighed my van and V8 troopy last year on a trip, and got a very rude shock! Cruiser wagons have comparatively little payload and run out of payload/GCM very quickly. I would strongly suggest you do it before you start fitting awnings etc, as I suspect you might get a nasty surprise! (270 awning = 25 - 40kg depending on brand) Bull Bar 60 KG Winch 30kg rear bar 80kg + jerry cans etc steps and rails 40kg Drawers 80kg 2 x people maybe 150kg Fuel 1kg/litre in round numbers 140kg Fridge 50kg water tank ? 80kg (guess) roof rack ? 40kg with solar (guess) Myrtle Ball weight 200kg (guess) That's 950kg and you haven't put anything in the drawers yet, and I didn't include the power box. Keep up the great work, thanks for sharing your challenges and successes with us.

[@ronrogers9610]

A great video thanks guys i stayed at the breakaways last year a great little place all the best Ron

[@itsJackandMegan]

Stunning place hey!! Thanks for watching 😃

[@napierroffey-mitchell6553]

All vehicles create a vacuum when driving. That's why you need a pressure fan to ensure no dust gets in your van. Good seals are not enough.There are commercial ones available.

[@treeman3663]

Like you pair myrtle will become iconic and once you head east it will hit home

[@takingawander198]

Hey guys you should get some over centre fastener from Bunnings so you don’t have to keep screwing your door closed They would work really well.

[@Karramar1]

What a great buy your landcruiser was, love the set-up (especially the table). Would love to see how the water hose at the rear works, I assume its on a reel in the wing kit? With regards to the extra dust under the door on the second day, that would likely be due to screwing in the top of the door and not the bottom - top pulled in, bottom then bows out. Can't wait to see where you go in Myrtle, she's a credit to you. xx

[@rachellewis907]

Love your style guys! And check out museum putty! That stuff hold everything in place on shelves! ❤

[@Elizabeth-k5u2v]

In our 79 Millard we had a cabin hook on the door. We would lock the door and place the cabin hook in place in case the door opened.

[@CarolWhite-il7ki]

Thankyou that was great, take care.

[@itsJackandMegan]

Thank you for watching!

[@65cj55]

I had a scrub bull walk over my swag once, i just thought i would share that lol....

[@haveswagwilltravel]

😮OMG

[@65cj55]

@@haveswagwilltravel I know, lucky i wasn't in it..yet.

[@darylschubert8980]

Have been watching you for a long time but this is my first time to make a comment! Well done! I travelled in the 70s with my family in a caravan like the one you have! Fond memories! You did a fantastic job on the van! Love your videos😎

[@itsJackandMegan]

Thanks so much Daryl! Would have been a whole different world back then hey. We would have loved to have traveled back then.

[@rosemaryshepherdsmith5110]

So happy for you both, another adventure to live and enjoy. Only way to go I reckon I love cruising and seeing different scenery and meeting some awsome folks. I'm 70 in December so never stop as life is precious 😊❤a dust vacum thingy would be great. I need to sort one down the track to😊

[@itsJackandMegan]

Thanks for watching! The people we have met on our adventures have all been incredible!

[@francesclark363]

We have a dust reduction system wh8ch works well with dust in our van.many vans have fans. Both fill van with air to keep the dust out. It's Australia u will miss so much if u stick to the black top. The breakaways are .magical ❤

[@martinfinn674]

If you're in Esperance any time soon...(today is 22/09/2024) im in the Acclaim caravan park. I'd love to see Myrtle (and you guys too). I'm on a very very slow lap 2 in my old Merc van. I have a Kings fridge/freezer and yes it freezes really well. I also have 2 x AGM batteries and 3 x solar panels. Your troopy travels were awesome. Myrtle build was a test for both of you. I couldn't do that and film it. I wish you all the best for your safe and happy travels.

[@nickvm4651]

Great video again. Thank you

[@AuthorPaulGDay]

Great video. Have you considered getting a caravan cover for the dust? Love seeing Myrtal being used at last.

[@Kenlctd105]

Hey guys you should invest in a sock for your snorkel to slow down the dust on your filter

[@lukeschort]

Kaon makes a starlink attachment for the rhino racks you should look into... is a neat product. Love seeing you back on the road. Great video guys.

[@itsJackandMegan]

Great to know! Thanks so much for letting us know and thanks for watching ☺️☺️

[@fliss362]

You could add a dust removal fan, it stays on while you drive and blasts dust out.

[@mothbythesea]

I just did that trip to Mungo in my Coaster and wow the dust was epic 😂 I'm still tasting it. ❤

[@aussieadventurenerd8137]

Tech nerd here and I’m surprised you didn’t get starlink sooner BUT the starlink mini is the one you should have gone for. You get similar speeds and can run it natively from 12v

[@63holden]

Enjoy the fruits of your labour ❤

[@prado150outahere]

Like the set up guys! 👍👍

[@caroledunn6586]

Oh no! My poor curtains 😢

[@matth9700]

Congratulations to you both on the first successful journey off-road with Myrtle:) I have watched the whole series of you both building Myrtle, and I appreciate how you both must feeling now. I hope you enjoy the Km’s of travel to come with her and your Landcruiser! I just thought I would mention that you could have a look at Positive Pressure systems for Myrtle to help to reduce the dust coming into Mrytle. Have a read online and see what you think:) Take care and safe travels. Regards, Matt,

[@aerialworxwithspikee]

that place be awesome to fly the fpv drone through.

[@danielgumbleton2702]

Love build videos and now getting to follow along to see how it all holds up is great! Have you checked what the fuel consumption of the tow rig is? Just want to know how thirsty it is towing a can compared to the v8 petty version

[@Gordon_L]

I'm impressed with the LandCruiser setup , great that those quality slides were already fitted . An old caravan I once owned had a removable padded vinyl stone blanket on the front from below the window , lightweight and did the job , no idea if they're still available. Good to be back on the road hey ? 😊

[@peterbrain-y1s]

Hi guys l am Peter l am a caravana to but what you need to do is buy a nother water pump with at least a 30 metre blue water hose, that way you can pump out of a river or creek for fresh water and top up the tanks 😉

[@itsJackandMegan]

Hey Peter thanks for the tip mate appreciate it!!

[@cbeuck5024]

Where does one start!! (Memories) It would have the early 90's that my father (plus corgi) and his friends (plus golden retriever) set off in their old Viscounts - Holden's for an around Australia trip. Forget how long it took - months - but they made it back safely to South Aust. And my father also drove Solo - same set up to far N.Q. to visit me. Safe & happy travelling for everyone Jan Adelaide

[@robyndehavilland1609]

How cool that you get to meet your followers on the road, there are nearly 53k of us so your’e going to meet a few more now that you are easy to recognize with Myrtle ❤️. Are you even travelling Aus if you don’t have red dirt in your van 😂

[@itsJackandMegan]

So good meeting everyone!! I think you’re right there’s no hiding in mert 😂😂

[@michaelmcpherson3440]

Clark rubber sell pinch weld seal for the tool box lid. You will need some over centre catches to close it will the seals on.

[@itsJackandMegan]

Yea of course!! Will get that when we get into the next town!

[@bertkelly7650]

Looks like you are ready for overlanding and caravaning. Hope you have a good vacuum. ; - )

[@itsJackandMegan]

Lucky we do have a pretty decent vacuum 😃

[@ScottWGeezee]

A small drop of cooking oil on those solar shades will help them stick. Make sure it's clean first

[@timhaynes739]

You can get arubber sheet that has chequre plate pattern on it for across the frount.

[@Geordo1960]

First time viewing your video and immediately subbed! Love your huge, beautiful caravan! Looking forward to being able to see more of it in your videos. If your caravan is Aussie built it should pretty much hold together just fine right?

[@Heavensentadventures]

A great addition to those mirrors is your cheap Grunt 1m pull straps(motorbike straps) to replace the rubber

[@itsJackandMegan]

Thanks for the recommendation mate!

[@belindaclarke7803]

myrtle is a toughy she will shine .

[@deniswray6232]

Myrtle has a great stance, looks better higher than traditional low look

[@bjgtrev1970]

Make sure that your spare vehicle belts are the same size as the 100 series they must be the same . If you need to change 1 you have to change both . Talking about coffee I remember when you tried to stop having coffee.😂

[@itsJackandMegan]

😂😂 yes that didn’t last long hahah

[@sleepingaroundfromtowntoto4312]

I recommend MSA mirrors. They are the best not as big as the other mob.

[@itsJackandMegan]

Thanks for the recommendation!

[@fatmanoverlanding]

"Game Changer". I don't like using this term much (as it's so over used), but having Starlink is one. I consider it a "must have" gear for people travelling/touring around Australia - particularly those going in remote areas. It helped us a heap when we did our Simpson Desert crossing. 27Mbps upload is good. I only get 18-19Mbps on my home NBN on fibre optic.

[@HammerRocks]

Good to hear it works well in the Simpson Desert. We are planning to get the Starlink Mini just before our Simpson Desert trip next year.

[@itsJackandMegan]

It absolutely is hey! We can’t believe how well it has been going. Just need to get it hooked up on the roof so it can stay up top permanently!

[@callumbailey9574]

@@itsJackandMeganhey guys how are you goin

[@LZYEYEST0081]

Game changer for us that have wireless NBN at home too. Coming up to 3 years I've had it now. So good!