Kicked off the Gibb River Road and the Landcruiser Damage Report

Part 5 - The day it all came to an end on the Gibb River Road. While Heading to Mitchell Falls we found out they were closing the Gibb River Road for the first time in history during the dry season. We couldn’t believe it. We had only just started our adventures on the Gibb and we had no choice but to leave. The hard drive over corrugation and the damage to Tallulah the 100 Series Landcruiser. The damage report #4x4 #australia #camper #4x4adventure #travel #love #landcruiser #trending #viral #adventure #rivercrossing #crocodile #cardamage #carrepair #carrepair #river #riverside #emotional #sad #disappointment #gorges #waterfall #waterfalls

[@bcjol]

We live on a dirt road, after going through ignition switches on several vehicles when we first moved here, found it best to have the ignition key alone in the switch without other keys hanging off it, haven’t had to replace one since.

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

Good to know… that’s a great tip and simple solution for the future. Happy travels

[@67hr74]

Great info, big bunch of keys or bottle openers cause a heap of wear to your ign barrel.

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

@@67hr74 as long as we don’t loose those bottle openers aye mate. Yeah good advice. Thanks again 🍻👍

[@campingozwithpete3341]

I to have had dealings with Fulcrum. My steering was never the same again after a full suspension and steering component upgrade even after giving them a second chance to fix it there install. I will never deal with Fulcrum again. Keep up the cool vids loving the scenery and revisiting some of the places I've been with my family.

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

That’s so frustrating.. know that feeling. Glad you’re enjoying the videos. It’s been a lot of fun making them. See you out on the road 👍🍻

[@zoezoe610]

I would check that front wheel bearing with all that movement. Thanks very enjoyable

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

Definitely… we were right on it. Glad you enjoyed the episode

[@johnwitte551]

agree ignition key with a tag only keep all your other keys in the console in any vehicle

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

That’s a great idea.. I’m going to adopt your suggestion.. thanks 👍

[@Agnemons]

I would suggest to anyone off road in Aus, or anywhere remote, to dump their fuses and replace with circuit breakers. Manual reset ones not the auto reset ones as they can mask a problem till it becomes catastrophic. The reason is quite simple, you can quite quickly run out of fuses if you are trying to diagnose a problem. With circuit breakers you just keep resetting. I would also carry a spare of each size.

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

That’s a great suggestion.. sounds like a mission but worth the effort. Thanks mate

[@amosbanjocaretakers3598]

Well done guys that was a bit of a bummer getting turned back but the adventure must go on I just had to subscribe cheers from the ol caretaker 👍🍻🇦🇺

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

Thanks for your support… too right, the adventure must go on. We have to come back and finish it. It’s amazing

[@chiimchim7987]

Enjoyed your vid mate, ill watch your previous vids now. Thanks for sharing. With your tools, im not sure what you have, but test light will help you daiagnise alot of your elec issues, again, thanks for sharing.

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

Thanks for watching.. appreciate the tip regarding the test light. I’ll give that a go

[@HammerRocks]

That croc casually crossing the river was epic.

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

It was so cooool to see the croc… couldn’t believe it

[@carl.colleen.rover.adventures]

Best colour landcruiser and its the same as mine 😀 I have the 2005 1HDFTE and it's awesome, we are off on our big lap next year and can't wait to get back into the Kimberly and NT.

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

Sure is a great colour but you have the better motor. That will be a lot better on fuel than our hungry old girl. Enjoy the lap.. that will be awesome

[@carl.colleen.rover.adventures]

@@steveandbernece4x4travels We tow a Stockman Rover trailer so keeping it light and simple 😀

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

@@carl.colleen.rover.adventures I recon that’s the way to go when we graduate out of the roof top tent. Keep the weight and size down

[@wazza33racer]

My uncle was coming home from Birdsville, heading south on the track. He was overtaken by a guy in a new Hilux going hard on the rough. An hour later, there was the same Hilux, on the side of the road with the left front wheel almost completely ripped off. Rough roads are hard on vehicles, drive to the conditions or there will be consequences.

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

Absolutely.. you’re not wrong. When we were there a couple told us of a young guy in a 79 over took them doing high speed. They came across him minutes later off the road with serious damage to the 79

[@KevinD_33x150]

You got out of that lightly. I was expecting a bit more wear & tear! I've come across starter issues like that a few times. All but one was a starter, another an ignition barrel & 2 with wiring rubbed through. The rest were main fusible link failures. The ends fall to bits with excessive vibration. I've made 2 spares for mine & only used 1, so far... 🤞 It's fairly common to any vehicle, so I've made dozens more for others, mostly on the fly.

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

Yeah we agree.. we got off lightly. We saw lots of more serious damage even cars on the back of trucks coming off the Gib. Thanks for the info about the starting problem. I’ll look into what you’ve pointed out and see if I can pin point it. I like your ideas.. thanks mate

[@KevinD_33x150]

@@steveandbernece4x4travels All good if you can drive out! 👍🤣🤣 There's not much that can stop a vehicle from starting. Just the intermittent issues that drive you nuts, feeling like a dog chasing it's tail. I've got a '90 model 80, just short of 1.8 million ks now. Most issues I've had are bushes, tie rod ends, shock ends, exhaust hangers, odd wire or 3 rubbed through. No problems with any after market parts or things I've made. I've secured everything else fairly well. So far, so good?

[@saxon7034]

Love the sound of your cruiser. What’s the exhaust system full exhaust with extractors or a cat back? What mileage do you get too ? Love the 100 series cruisers.

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

Mate.. she does sound nice and turns some heads. She came with Pacemaker extractors 2 into 1, 3 inch finishing under the front seats. It was loud. We were on a budget and made the rest out of scraps. I’ll explain more about the exhaust and it’s fuel consumption coming soon. At her best she was 20/100 but that’s with the tyres pumped up to 50 down hill with a tailwind lol

[@rockbiterhd]

Look under your steering column there is a main connector plug the wires usually rub check for wear

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

Awesome tip! I’ll have a look. Thanks heaps!

[@stevecam724]

The road to Cape York gets pretty bumpy just not forever 😀

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

We can’t wait… hopefully get up to the Cape next year. She should be fixed by then lol

[@salram2853]

We were at Mt Barnett Station when they announced the GRR closure in 36hrs, we high tailed it out of there. The river crossing at Mt Barnett was 0.5m when we left, and we were told that it got to 1m+ Warranted road closure to deter vehicles needing emergency assistance

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

Wow that river came up high. The road closures were for the best. Safety always first. Did you go to the Pentecost river or Derby way?

[@salram2853]

@@steveandbernece4x4travels We went to Pentecost

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

@@salram2853 wasn’t that a rough ride out? Glad you got out safe

[@salram2853]

@@steveandbernece4x4travels some were stuck for 2 weeks, we timed it well. Safe travels to you both 👍

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

@@salram2853 2 weeks… wow glad we got out. See you on the road 👍

[@DavidCalvert-mh9sy]

Did wot of outback trekking and camping in the 1970s and into the 90s. Rural and remote Australia is held together by fencing wire. Back in the day, apart from the myriad of associated spares, always carried a spare air filter. Those were the days.

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

We would have loved to have seen it in the 1970s. Our Landcruiser is held together with fencing wire haha. We picked up a new air filter in Kununurra. Thanks for watching.. see you on the road 👍🍻

[@rosewood1]

The problem with the Gibb is it's heavily used and it can have appalling battery plate destroying corrugations or you might get lucky and drive it after a grader has been through. Is it worth it? Well we left the caravan at Wyndum and that was a very good move.

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

I recon that was a good move. We definitely think it’s worth it and we want to go back and finish it. Happy travels 👍👍

[@TheCotswold]

Enjoying following your travels - my partner and I were up in the Kimberley last August and after a couple of days only drove a short way across the GRR, however, have plans to do the whole thing one day. We have a relatively new 200 that’s had no 4wD kms yet - what mods would you suggest are essential for the GRR? Safe journey

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

Thanks for watching.. are you towing a van with the 200? My first recommendation would be a good set of tyres. We ran Falken Wildpeak AT3W tyres and they were great. We had the tyres at 28 front and 33 in the back and had no punchers

[@davetunbridge6637]

Get underneath and torque everything up then use a paint marker to mark where it should be. Then when you do your DAILY undercarriage check you can see at a glance if anything is working loose. If you want to get fussy you could also “lock wire” the critical bolts/nuts, it’s a tedious job but give’s piece of mind.

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

@@davetunbridge6637 hey thanks, I really like your ideas. I’ll definitely do the torque and pen mark idea. Being able to check at a glance would be so much better than getting the tools out. Thanks again!

[@garywinkworth3380]

great video corrugations will destroy anything. at least you got out. good idea to go over the whole car when you get back. there a bottomless money pit but fun take care.

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

Thanks.. glad you enjoyed the video! Good idea to go over the whole car… and you’re right. It is a money pit lol but loads of fun. See ya on the road

[@iandibley8032]

Great scenery and adventure...but the gibb wrecks dozens of 4wds and caravans every year .Some vehicles not well prepared some by the driver exuberance . One has to way up is it worth doing it late in the season .

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

We did lots of broken 4wds and vans. You’re so right.. we feel like we got off light really. You really have to want to do it and be prepared

[@camdcam]

How did the formula shocks hold up? Just installed them in my car...

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

The formula suspension is great. Rides awesome under our heavy load 👍👍🍻

[@tempestv8]

@8:40 minute mark, is that coolant bottle looking a bit empty?

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

Good spotting! I topped it up just after that, but we didn’t have any issues with our cooling system thanks god. Cheers 🍻

[@hhh602]

It's more than likely a faulty fuse connection in main fuse block under bonnet. Really common in those rigs.

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

I didn’t know that.. thanks for the tip!! I’ll definitely have a look into it

[@hhh602]

Landcruiser no start issue on youtube

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

@@hhh602 copy! Thanks mate

[@kevinward4714]

Dust how did the pioneers manage dust (windows up & mask)?

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

Haha the recycling fresh air button wasn’t working and it filled up with dust even with the windows up

[@person.X.]

Fantastic scenery. Exasperating that the road was closed. I find the threatening attitude of the authorities these days unnecessarily aggressive, there is no need for it most of the time. I reckon with the starter motor you would hear clicking or at least have had some warming beforehand that it was on the way out.

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

I agree re the authorities!! Good point about the starter motor. That makes sense to me

[@phillipramplin1203]

Im pretty sure the heavy handed line from the powers that be is to stop people taking a risk you know the ones who think they know better

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

@@phillipramplin1203 absolutely 👍

[@GraemeGosse]

You missed out on what is really THE worst road in Australia. from the Gibb River - Kalumburu Rd into Mitchell Falls. 80km of pure hell

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

We did miss out.. we got the freshly graded version.. 80kms an hour but we only got to Drysdale. I’m sure we won’t be that lucky next time 🍻👍👍

[@grahames9228]

Yep, turn the music up and you can't hear any of the problems. Works every time.

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

Haha that’s it!!

[@Tom-ce8ib]

I never do a holiday or a vacation when travelling in Australia. Why? Holidays and vacations can be rife with time constraints, deadlines and a lot of disappointment. So in my opinion the only way to travel Australia is do it as an unplanned adventure, so to avoid the disappointments, the deadlines and constraints. Over all its a happier time and experience with awesome memories.😂

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

That sounds ideal.. I hope we can some day enjoy travel like that. Well done… see you on the road

[@spiderbrandt4066]

When you got to the Pentecost River you still had your High Beam on and their was a car on the other side ,

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

Yep you want as much light on the river when crossing at night. The cars on the other side were not crossing.. they were providing light for those coming off the Gibb. Thanks for your support

[@formston]

is it worth having a uhf radio

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

It definitely was especially for overtaking road trains. They are very accommodating to help you get past on the UHF

[@brutechurchill9394]

that wheel movement with hands at 12 and 6 o'clock aren't the tie rod end. Either wheel bearing or ball joints.

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

Yeah you’re exactly right. I’m slowly figuring that out. I think it’s the bearings. Going to pull it down this weekend all going well

[@67hr74]

Shaft at the back of the key barrel is about to break or has. A common fault, I believe there is an after market service kit for these.

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

Thanks for the info, I’ll look into it. Great idea. These suggestions are helping me diagnose it 👍

[@LoneWolfau]

The $1000 per wheel fine, or sometimes you get the $1000 per axle version, is just an attempt to deter people from driving on a closed road. As far as I recall only the police can fine you when they catch you and that depends on if regulatory signage has been used to close the road. The maximum fine is $200 I think with no loss of demerit points. Local Councils or Main Roads can take you to court if they catch you in order to recover damage caused to the road surface but this would involve a lot of evidence collection on their part and the fine if applicable would be determined by a magistrate etc. Also I would think that Councils or Main Roads would have no powers to stop you and to demand your details etc. In any case, road closures are in place to preserve the road surface and to protect the travelling public from hazardous driving conditions so always good to observe anyway

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

This is fantastic information thanks for sharing. Good to know if you’re ever caught in a situation but I agree it’s always best to follow the rules and recommendations for safety and road conditions. Thanks again 👍

[@flysoutbackadventures]

Car got shook to bits... Toyota, oh what a feeling 😂

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

😂😂😂 that corrugation was intense

[@prussiaaero1802]

Yes, I want to swim in an NT river, sure!

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

Hahaha

[@ianbell735]

Why is the Gibb closed

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

They closed it due to unseasonal wet weather coming. First time in history during the dry season

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

@@colinboyd7779 Thanks Colin.. that’s good to know

[@glengee4462]

Nice, I would strongly suggest any replacement parts should be genuine Toyota, I find them comparable in price to knock offs but there quality is unmatched.

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

I’ve heard this too.. Thanks for reaffirming

[@gowidenow]

Manaia le narrator lol.

[@jwoods6585]

oh guys that poor cruiser took a bit of punishment think i might bypass the gibb and just do el questro end stay safe

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

The Gibb was really rough but it’s not too bad if you’re not rushing to leave. El Questro is definitely worth the visit. So much to do and see and easy to get to. Enjoy you trip!

[@farmhandbruce4860]

Get some electrical contact cleaner and wash the dust out the ignition barrel, don't be frightened to have the fluid flowing through it.

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

Great idea thanks mate.. Recon I’ll give that a go this avo

[@gavindereus3643]

Starter motor

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

I still don’t know what it is but I’ve ordered the cheapest fix first to try and solve it and that’s the ignition switch. I’ll let you know if it’s the fix or not. You may be right

[@gavindereus3643]

@@steveandbernece4x4travels try tapping the stater motor a few times with a hammer, I bet it will work

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

@@gavindereus3643 I’ll see if I can get to it… the starter motor is in the valley under the intake manifold

[@Fwdking]

Wow folks , risky driving with all the unsecured belongings behind your heads.

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

It looks deceiving but behind our heads is a hanging basket that’s attached to the Holly shit handles and we put towels hats and jumpers in there. We got it from Sheen for 10 bucks. One of our best mods ❤️👍

[@Fwdking]

@@steveandbernece4x4travels that makes it safer. Good modification. Safe journey

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

@@Fwdking thanks mate.. happy travels

[@patbrown4117]

Maybe faulty starter relay

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

Hey that’s a good idea.. I’ll check it. Thanks that’s helpful!

[@rich3781]

Hand brake not working, isn’t that just normal yota business? 🤣

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

🤣🤣 you’re not wrong. I had it working before the trip too but that didn’t last

[@25052007]

Don't know how fast your going but you should not be going too fast with those front end issues

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

100% agree.. we had to limp her out of there

[@rodneygillespie9212]

Haha yeah good ol stralia, fine and tax our way to prosperity.

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

Right! It’s a bit rich aye? hence our rush to get out of there

[@philiplange428]

Fines are high to stop idiots from driving on roads that get ripped up when wet causing huge damage.

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

@@philiplange428 fair enough

[@davidcat1455]

If you don’t like it Rodney, you can always leave. Go live in a third world chit hole like America.

[@effkay3691]

@@philiplange428Well maybe a more comprehensive grading system for some of the more popular tracks is in order. Outback travellers keep these outback areas alive. Grade the roads after rain.

[@hisheroship]

The joys of owning a 19-year-old LandCruiser, are much greater than the joys of owning a brand-new heap of garbage.

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

Hahaha well she keeps us busy that’s for sure but it does bring us a lot of joy. We call it smiles per miles not miles per gallon lol

[@chrisandshazza01]

I dunno, have done 1.5 laps around Oz including the Canning in our trusty shorty 40, we just bought a Suzuki Jimny, man they are next level fun and just as tough as the ole 40🤘🤘

[@johnfenwick8129]

Sticky fingers in barrel

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

Thanks mate.. I’m not sure what sticky fingers is?

[@gregheaney4034]

Wow. Let’s go and bash the shit out of our 4wd and drive on corrugated roads. Sounds like so much fun. I just don’t get it. Big deal I drove the Gibb. So what

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

Awesome thanks for the comment!!

[@93jummy]

Sounds like someone should stay In Victoria Greg.

[@paulholubecki6386]

All for you tube content... And sook because the road is closed😂

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

@@paulholubecki6386 well it did cost us our savings in fuel.. 5k to get there from Brisbane and return and it was our only days off. It was genuine disappointment

[@haylz06]

lol why on earth would you guys have a coffee machine? It's what wankers take on a touring and off road adventure.

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

Thanks from the wankers!! You do you boo ❤️🍻🤣🤣

[@meganansley7742]

Hey there wankers, what’s the brand of the coffee machine you’re using ☕️

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

@@meganansley7742 hahaha it’s Nespresso.. we like it extra creamy 😂😂😂

[@keithcragg6474]

Having lived in Arnhem Land for years and travelling the Bullman road a few times then in and out of Gove a hundred times I would suggest you buy yourself and 80 series Land Cruiser, and that all I have to say about that

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

Haha yeah it seems like the older you get with a Landcruiser the better. I also had someone suggest I could have done it in a Corolla but I don’t think I believe him 👍

[@johnscanlon4536]

Great when ..MARKY,MARK. GRADES THE GIBB RIVER RD

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

He does a great job because it felt like a Highway 👍

[@tennesseethompson5287]

All your so-called damage is just wear And tear of touring outback roads, happy touring, best wishes

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

Hey yeah you’re exactly right.. she’s an old machine and really we got of lightly. Many thanks

[@meanderingmarnochs]

It's a Toyota 😂

[@steveandbernece4x4travels]

That’s it!! 🔥😂