Our Defender is in AUSTRALIA! Time for UPGRADES (Albo 3.0) - EP 105

[@bramafilm]

What a fantastic video! Thank you for the mention Nick and Mathilde, for showing off my LandRover, and all the laughs while we ripped poor Albatross apart in the front yard. Can’t wait to see how you like Australia and your adventures Down Under 🤙🏼

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Glad you enjoyed it Brad! Thank you for your kind help!!!!

[@torrentbits]

@bramafilm Dude! What a beast you got in your garage! You gotta build my next rig! I'll make a bit of dough first, lol

[@bramafilm]

@@torrentbitsalways good for a fresh build mate 👌🏻

[@torrentbits]

@@bramafilm I'll play the Powerball and get back to you ASAP lol

[@ROCKNROAD4X4]

Hey guys, fantastic informative video as always. Many thanks for the mention. 🤜🤛 So glad you like our new Bonnet Net & Bag. Cannot wait to follow your Aussie adventures. 🍿🍻

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Thanks again! We absolutely love love it !!! It is displayed proudly again for the adventure. And it is getting a lot of love from people we meet!

[@photographer-gf]

Very nicely put together presentation of all the hard work you and Brad have done with Albatross! Wish you all the best on your new journey. Australians are one of the friendliest people in the world.

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Thank you very much! That is so true! We love the vibe here !

[@theslowroad]

The best feeling!!! We are experiencing this too

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

yes !!! especially the seats !

[@flightycocktails]

Love the new canvas Guys! Cheers!

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

thank you !!! yes it does make a great change!

[@nicoleziegler6112]

You guys make great friends along the way! And those upgrades on Alba are next level! It's going to be like going from economy to first class!

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

it is exactly that hahahahah

[@anamsohail8904]

You guys did an amazing job making Albo all new! Brad was a great help in setting it up. I hope you have an awesome time in Australia. 😊

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

I hope so too! And yes Brad and his amazing workshop really were amazing in helping us set up all this comfortably

[@bramafilm]

Hey they brought lunch so I could hardly refuse! 🤣 (Plus it was good fun)🤙🏼

[@gyro65]

I am trying to work out why W A rego.... When I thought one could get vehicle insurance for a vehicle from out of Australia 🦘🦘. As U in Australia 🦘🦘 for a short time. Welcome to Australia 🌏🦘🌏🦘.

[@chinoyhealingfoodstravels8888]

Greetings from Redondo Beach 🇺🇸Nice van camping video. 🌷

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Thank you! 😃

[@lupitaolson7837]

For some reason, I lost you guys. I have found you again and will make sure I don't lose you again. As always, you are my favorite traveling buddies. Can't wait to explore Australia. I am ready🤗🤗.

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Welcome back! but I think you ve seen our three part documentary and the rally episode... right? you might just have missed the two first episodes in Australia maybe?

[@christopherharris6005]

Awesome video as always Nick and Matilda. Y’all did some awesome upgrades to Albo and now Albo 3.0 is ready to take on whatever Australia throws at so y’all can enjoy Australia to its fullest.

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

That's the plan! thank you Christopher !

[@johnsnake3467]

The avengers have reassembled!

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Yihaaaa

[@DevGraham]

loving the new build and the video :D

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Thank you so much ! Looking forward testing it all out

[@davidandrewmitchell5590]

Bonnet bag is great. Have one as well from Bluntforce

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

awesome! yes they are great !

[@Joni.b.]

Congrats on Albo 3.0! Looking good, so well organized, and fully ready to tackle the next adventures!

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

That's the plan! We can’t wait

[@stuartrollings602]

Howdy Albies! G’Day Mates! Wow y’all have been busy as beavers! ( do they have beavers down under?) beautiful sunset after the meetup! Loving the upgrades and so looking forward to your ride-a-bout! Saddle up! 🤠🇺🇸🇨🇱🐊kangaroo time!

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

hmmm first I have no idea about beavers here... second, I will use again the saying busy as beavers had never heard it!

[@lindyralph8792]

How exciting to have Albo back, he's looking fantastic. It's so funny how Australian men don't tend to do the fist bump haha! I can't wait to see the next part of the adventure and I'm curious to see if all the changes make you more comfortable - I hope so!

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

I know!! Hahahaha I love you noticed … is it a thing ? We already know it it going to be great. The inside was really dark and lacked a flow of air. We did not have the money to change that, Now it s going to be perfect!

[@grahames9228]

Wow, Albatross is now king of the overlanding Defenders. Enjoy Australia.

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Yes could not get better hahahaha time to go on the road and test all of this now

[@4TGL]

Changing the seats was one of the first things I‘ve done. Congrats for that beautiful comfort👍👍👍

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Omg what a good idea. We did not cause we lacked the budget when we left ! But just after 24 hours I can say I love those new seats …. It is such a life changer

[@carlosr.garcia9996]

Thank you so much to taking us on your journey! Now on a new continent! God Speed to both of you and also to Albatross! Be safe and Be well! I’ll keep watching along! 🙏🏽 I’ll be there someday

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

thank you Carlos!

[@terrahmama]

Fun and informative. My Saturday morning smile. Albo 3.0...ready, set, GO! Outback here we come🇭🇲

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

ooohhh that comment is our Sunday morning smile!!! (time difference hahaha)

[@Donneczka1]

Wow! Albo is getting newer and newer instead of older and older! That is one customized vehicle!

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Hahahahaha exactly with Nick we often laugh saying this exact thing : albo will come back newer than when it left

[@noelwhittle7922]

if you dont already have one you really need a UHF radio in Australia, at the very least get a 5 Watt hand held.

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

good point! we have one!!!

[@JasonChrimes-bt6fy]

Brakes and belts and hoses and coolant.

[@xandrabotha1862]

Woah! Albo looks amazing. Well done guys and let the adventures begin. See you next week 🎉

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Can't wait!

[@canterburyfour]

I get it now. Worth the work and the wait.❤

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

it depends for each person but for us totally!!!

[@carlalo9861]

👍Albo looks new. 🚙Upgrades look nice.👌I like the tan canvas top. Bad looking tires.👌 Hope seats are as comfortable as they look.🐨 Albo is now ready to explore Australia🌏🦘Good luck and safe travels. Mathilde, nice drawings.📝☮n ca usa🌲

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Thanks Carla 😍😍😍 yes really excited with all the upgrades

[@TheBearDenPhotography]

That's quite the upgrade for Albatross, aka Albo 3.0. You guys did so much in such a short time. Good planning and organization is the key obviously. Well done. Can't wait to see where you take us. Also, was thinking while watching this, how long are you planning on staying in Australia? You have a lot of ground, miles to cover and locations to see. As the saying goes... GET SET, (DONE), READY (DONE), and GOOOO.........! Have fun, stay safe, and keep well!

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Hey! We are not sure how long we will stay yet! Our visa is for one year but we might not stay the entire time. One could travel years in this country but we have other continents ahead so we will see where and when the wind brings us. Appart from the visa we don’t have much constraints

[@csofmaine]

Wow, Albo is kick a-- ready for Australia and beyond

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

exactly !!!

[@gregmorris309]

Love Albo 3.0. some great upgrades there ! you will find those new seats soooo much more comfy.. glad you got your tyres sorted... looking forward to seeing the trip down under unfold. Happy travels guys !!

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

oooh we already do... those seats are truly next level

[@waldeck325]

Surviving the bureaucracy, getting a ton of cool updates, now let the fun begin!

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Finally!!!!! It dragged a bit and we re so ready

[@sharonmoore9941]

Sunny Australia,love it.🌞

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

yes always sunny!

[@ursinidaho]

I hope that the upgrades help you to be comfortable! Hope you have a good time and have safe travels always❤️

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

we are trying out the set up now! iT is sooooo sooo much better. those are little things but make a world of difference

[@stevestott1514]

Ye haw ALBO is in Australia .. and What a great set of upgrades on ALBO . Looking forward to seeing your adventures to come in the new upgraded version of your awesome rig . Australia a wonderful place to visit with awesome people and places . Cheers from Steve Stott in Sutherlin Oregon U.S.A. :) :) 🌏🍻👍🏼😁

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Us too! Really want to test it all out !

[@Stephen-oy7fl]

PLease be sure you have the top level roadside assistance. A recovery from the middle of the country to a city on the coast could cost you $10,000. Also be sure you carry 50lt of water and top it up every time you get fuel. Oh, and one last thing, make sure you have a steel mesh stone guard in front of the radiator.

[@bernhardzioerjenmaarsen103]

super video! thx

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Glad you liked it!

[@adapa22]

Albo looks so beautiful! Great job! Australia we all are ready! 😉💖💖

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Hahahaa Australia you are warned !!!

[@IAmAlive101]

I’m as excited as if I was about to roadtrip around Australia again. And then reality hits 🤪😂 Wishing you an amazing(!!) time!!

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Thank you!!!! Come back! Another looooop!

[@uvraj947]

Nice to see you with Albatross in Australia| Fantastic setup👌Enjoy 👍.

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Thanks 👍

[@junefirst500]

You are blessed so much & hard worker! Thanks showing us all.

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

You are so welcome thank you for supporting us June!

[@kenshin-1135]

Welcome to Perth. I hope you have a wonderful and great time exploring out great state of WA.

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Thank you! Will do! We are really excited

[@alexandral6273]

Trop contente pour vous ! Vos équipements ont l’air incroyables !!! 😜🥳

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Oui vraiment c’est tellement plus agréable dans la voiture maintenant !

[@user-in4sg2ho9z]

Wonderful upgrades! So excited for the next part of your adventures❤

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Thanks so much! 😊 us too!!!

[@tipipulkkinen]

Very nice video! Good job! Happy Australian trails!

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!!!!

[@prernaz]

Hard work but you both are making it perfect! Yeahhh looking forward to travel with you from my home 😎take care and keep yourself hydrated!

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Thanks! 😃 get ready we all head to northern Australia !!!!

[@seabee167]

Welcome to Oz, but the storage bag on your bonnet may be illegal in some Australian states, bonnet protrusions ( which the bag is ) are illegal because they will potentially injure pedestrians, it also looks like it may block the drivers view, police here are pretty strict with those things. Check with registration office. Otherwise have fun.

[@russmartin4189]

As you go, you get more and more upgrades. There won't be any original parts when you arrive back home. Albo will be 9.0 by then! That's cool. Why buy new when you can rebuild to exactly what you need? Cheers Mates! See you next week!

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Hahahaha we laugh about that with Nick often. The albatross will come back newer than it left 😂😂😂😂

[@grahameroberts8109]

Time to fill Albo up with fine red bull dust! Lol. Nice upgrades. Stay safe and keep left. Cheers. 👍🏻🙏🦘

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Hahahaha yes !!!! After all the cleaning we did we are so looking forward just driving in a giant mud puddle aghahahahahaha so we can put this all insanity of cleaning behind us 😂😂😂

[@cedarcanoe]

Good to see you back on the road again

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

yes it is awesome! ready for some more!

[@cedarcanoe]

@@NextMeridianExpedition 👍

[@pat_3524]

very good video. A good understanding of mechanics on a Land rover Defender and you need for adventure down there !

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

let s go for the adventures !!!

[@user-bl7ii2ug2l]

Alright! Ready to go. Let the adventure continue 😎

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Yes!!! Finally!

[@paulharrison8114]

When you come east, call in to Mittagong for a coffee or stay

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

hi Paul! thank you so much! would you might extending this invite on our email? that way we will know how to reach out to you if we pass by. [e-mail]

[@emrysjones5266]

Probably for travelling the outback a UHF radio would be handy dealing with road trains grey nomads and over size loads is a whole lot easier when you can talk to them.

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Good point! We are already equipped! Channel 40 we ve heard

[@jorgecosta8815]

Hi guys, thanks for countless hours of fun watching your videos. I ask a question about upgrades, stainless steel exhaust pipe on the list too? Thanks from Portugal

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Hey Jorge! Thank you so much! Not really :) for what specific reason? For rust we would not do it

[@ronfinch5532]

Vary cool video. Grate upgrades, I felt a little sad too see the memory stickers go but the new setup looks very useful. I’m wondering if the heat shield will help in cold nights also. Awesome! Can’t wait to see your next expedition memories grow.

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Yes us too! Really sad, but we could not get them out most were already ripping Appart a but so well… we have a picture of them at least

[@g0ora]

Super video, great scripting, commentary, videography, editing. Keep up the good work. Bon Chance.

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Thank you very much! We will try to do better !

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Thank you very much! We will try to do better !

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Thank you very much! We will try to do better !

[@GeorgeSoan]

Awesome video and setup! We're currently on our big lap of Australia (and making KZbin videos) - we're just north of Perth now, on the Coral Coast - might see you on the road! Safe travels!

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Awesome! that is super cool! yes we might cross ways!

[@chriscrossglobalswiss]

well done! Looks nice! enjoy down under 🇦🇺 🌏and stay safe!

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

thank you Chris!

[@RichardVac]

I love! The upgrades you guys did, I would add replacing the shocks if you have not done so. The shocks will not work after so many miles ❤❤

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

we have replaced them in Mexico with Koni heavy duty !!! should be alright hopefully

[@RichardVac]

@@NextMeridianExpedition Great! ❤️❤️

[@philsec]

Grande amélioration de partout incroyable Bonne routes

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Oui vraiment !!!

[@JohnS-zq8ks]

Top quality work to be sure!

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

top top top indeed

[@andreasweber7828]

I did recognise Pat from Steph and Lee’s adventures in Oz. How funny to see him again. Any thoughts on a suspension upgrade by AirbagMan? Their air suspension seems awesome

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

oooh that is so fun you recognise him! ok we thought about it ... but we dont know especially if anything goes wrong a classic suspension is easy to fix... those in the middle of Asia... we dont know. but we think about it !

[@Love_rainy_days]

Mate, Glad you got Albo 🦢fixed up for Australia and the outback!🦘🦘 L@@King forward to many adventures stay safe and have fun. love the channel. Cheers 🍔🍔🤠

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

thank you rainy days!!! so ready now!

[@norbertosabido7274]

She looks ready for the road ahead. But you know water would have been a nice touch as water is hard to find on the open plains and passer bys are far and few. And you know it is hot as hell out there a nice cool bath after a long day of exploring would get you ready for the night rest.

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Very very good point. Diesel and water range is a challenge in Australia. At the moment we carry 115 liters of water and 115 liters of diesel. Which is already not too bad. But surely we will need to be super careful and find great water point whenever possible 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 who knows maybe meet amazing people refilling water 😁😉

[@norbertosabido7274]

@@NextMeridianExpedition yup was checking out the roads and are like 4 hours of driving between city's and not much rest stops on the route I see you have loads of food so that's good.

[@nachitojeje]

there are tons of bugs in AU, you might want to consider putting some kind of bugscreen for that new window.

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

That is a good point! Working on it actually !

[@AstroVanTribe]

Super stoked for you two - A little bummed you won't be traveling with my Astro Van Tribe sticker anymore :( - :)

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

hey! yes that was hard to get rid of that window... we actually started by trying to get the stickers out but that was close to an impossible task...

[@es-qc7lw]

good choice if tires i have bf goodrich tires on my d 90

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

they really are awesome

[@user-ky4rz2sn8v]

Just joined looking forward to your Australian trip and especially as your starting in the best state of tham all 🥴🥴🇦🇺Jon

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

oh welcome around here if you just joined! thank you for the wishes!

[@4witekm]

Good luck😃

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Thanks 😁

[@tristangarratt9927]

As an Aussie, the animal whistle is useless. I’ve hit many Roos with it installed

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Good to know !!!

[@mountainman599]

🤩🤩Albo😍😍

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

ouiiiii!

[@dancarl7126]

OMG… you guys will be so over-prepared. 😂 I remember, when I was there that some Aussie guys we talked to made it all the way across the outback in a beat up Ford pick up truck with about 150 beer cans in the back. 🍺😂

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Hahahahaha love the vibe. Honestly it was mainly because we arrived in a country where we could get stuff shipped. We often laugh saying the car will come back newer than when we left two years ago. And 150 cans of beer is not bad, hydrates and feeds at the same time! Efficient

[@andreloshon3344]

nice, how much did the upgrade cost........let the journey begin!!!

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Eventually nothing cause we had identified the products we wanted reached out to the brands and they gave us the items. We installed them ourselves. So it cost us a few bolts some small tools and that was it. We were lucky the brands accepted to support the expedition by donating the items.

[@pennygrubbauthor]

That was fun to watch. You took out the window with the stickers and I didn’t see where they ended up. Were you creating a future excuse to do the whole journey again to collect a new set? The heat shield was a bit suspicious too on that score. Looking forward to seeing where you take us next.

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

hahahhaha we might have!!!

[@daveclarke6986]

Brilliant, brilliant👍🇦🇺😎

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Thanks Dave !!!

[@VIAJANTEDATERRA]

ola meus amigos, a Albatroz ficou linda abraço

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

abraco !

[@AKAlhaj-rc2rq]

Fantastic g

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Thanks

[@BordertotheShore]

Welcome to Australia 🇦🇺

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Thank you!

[@deborahhumes7533]

Why didn’t you put a ROO BAR on the front of Albo ?

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

We ll try not to drive at night and avoid dangerous situations

[@dionspro]

God Bless....Indonesia ❤

[@CreatorInTrng]

Seat belt - check. Sunglasses - check. Water - check. Ready for fun - check!

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

yihhaaaaa

[@defendertripsjordan4630]

enjoy

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

thank you!

[@charlieonemillionth2951]

Am I missing something obvious ? Or am I missing something that is unique to Australia ? I fully understand (and support) the requirement for a roadworthy inspection - none of us are enamored of the idea of a "rolling wreck" unleashed in the unsuspecting public. HOWEVER.....WHY were you forced to spend 2.5 hours at the Department of Transport ? You Have: * Valid (non-expired) French Number Plates - Yes ? * Valid (non-expired) French Rego - Yes ? * Valid (non-expired) Proof of ownership - Yes ? * Valid (non-expired) Carnet de Passage - Yes ? * Valid (non-expired) International Driving Permit - Yes ? * Valid (non-expired) Insurance - Yes ?

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Hey Charlie, I think it is Australia s way to verify all those aspects and make sure you pay the mandatory road insurance . Without the paper of the DOt we would be illegal here. But it is true it is the first country of this journey where we had to do this

[@brent-nam]

Well done, I love the new upgrades and in a very impressive time period. Two questions, tire size (I'm guessing 285/75) and with the new seats, can you still get to the battery and fuses easily? Wish you guys all the best on your new continent. From Cape Town, South Africa.

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Hey Brent! Tire size is 265/75. And yes scheelman has a model made for defender !!! You can unclip the bottom to access battery :)

[@Немања905]

How come you guys don't have You Tube "Follow Our Journey" Decal on your Truck ?

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

We do :)

[@unluckyalf2007]

Question..would the Defender have been driven away from customs with fresh oils already in it? It would have to have been shipped with all oils removed, or is that not the case for Australian imports?

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

No we could keep the oils in! Just decided to do the change in Australia cause when we were in Argentina it was hard to get the right oils for decent prices

[@VintageWanderer]

Sweet video!! How long can you stay in Australia? Is it visa limited ? Cheers !!

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

We have a 12 months visa, we will maybe stay somewhere between 6 and 10 months ahhahaha we have no idea yet

[@tm8747]

the 2 of you should hookup with the guys of 24/7 offroading , shawn , graham there world travelers of offroading, look them up

[@torrentbits]

🎉🍿crunch crunch G'day mates!

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Hahahaha pop corn again! One day we ll watch one together

[@torrentbits]

@@NextMeridianExpedition right on, kiddos! Hope I can get outta this place, too, eventually (southern France). Heading to Vancouver in a couple of weeks to regain a bit of sanity! 🇨🇦

[@terrahmama]

sanity in Vancouver😂 you must be somewhere really hectic and 🤪

[@torrentbits]

@@terrahmama good point! Lol, I'll go see a family member then try and head north overlanding and what not. Need the wide open spaces real bad. Europe's doing my head in!

[@BendsMusic]

When in Australia turn your landy into the tried and tested troopy setup 👍😎😂

[@2586fransb]

Wash your mouth!! Land Rover, the original, the legend!!

[@peterbullen3347]

Upgrades to Albo3, did you know the prime minister of Australia is also called Albo.. ?

[@johnsebastianbach]

Do you have a carne?

[@jokoprasetyosubangun5483]

👍👍

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

🙏🏻😍

[@WannabeOverlander]

👋🏻🤠🇫🇮

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

🤘🤘

[@sagarschavan]

🙏👍👌❤️

[@apreddyignite5811]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏😇😇😇😇😎😎

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

🥰

[@user-kn4mm8tx6y]

White girl,white heart....you living my dream.shamim 🕊🦢🦌💑🎎🏡🏢🫂🌿

[@bertplank9892]

Sorry but these adventurers are obviously fakes and probably trustafarians......

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

You keep following us though? Thank you for the comments it does help the channel that allows us to stay on the road. Have a great day Bert 🫶

[@LittlesandRachael]

Gollie…I sure do LOVE coming with y’all. Thank YOU!❤ Can’t wait to see Australia!

[@NextMeridianExpedition]

Our pleasure! I hope you will enjoy!’n