Peter Mathieson talks about fitting out his Pajero 4WD to go camping

[@Bananas1973]

What an amazing setup, so many great ideas all perfectly executed. The water tank and plumbing really is mind blowing.

[@peterm3533]

Thanks heaps, I did adapt an idea I saw another chap do and incorporated a few extra features. There are so many options and you can have some fun in the trial and error to get the setup that really works for you.

[@maz3x]

I can't say it better. WOW!! an amazing setup.

[@allanpower8041]

This has to be one of the best thought out set ups I have seen.

[@theescapadewithnapclacier6043]

How Peter set-up his Pajero is wicked. I'm also impress how he fitted the on-board air compressor inside the hood.

[@peterm3533]

Thanks Nap and Clacier! Yes, the on board compressor makes life a bit easier. One of the reasons I did that was when you inflate 4 tyres, the compressor builds up quite a bit of heat. Then, you have to wait a while before packing it away, or risk burning something. Under the bonnet it is protected and the heat is not a problem. It's far enough away from any heat source there too, being right up aginst the firewall. Another advantage is that you can run heavy cable to it, so you don't get any volt drop, which is common with long power leads (often under-rated) and alligator clips that compressors are usually supplied with. The other major advantage is that air is always on board, so if you do happen to be in a situation where you need to deflate, you can do that without having to remember to bring the compressor. The third and final advantage is it allows you to plumb in a little air tank. I have a 4 litre Scintex tank, it is quite small but gives you enough air to use an air nozzle to blow the dust out of the back of the car. Here's the one I have. It fits neatly behind the grille on the Pajero. www.scintex.com.au/products/portable-air-compressor-tank

[@darrenbryans8288]

One of the best I’ve seen Peter, as mentioned the workmanship is amazing. The attention detail is phenomenal I’m super impressed with what you’ve done. I wish I was half as handy as you

[@peterm3533]

Good onya Darren, thanks! I hope it gives you some inspiration.

[@DENMONKEY]

Nice work Pete

[@peterm3533]

@@DENMONKEY thanks a lot, I've watched all your Pajero videos and got a lot of inspiration from you!

[@DENMONKEY]

@peterm3533 cheers mate. It's not a bad hobby either. Nice to be of service

[@LS-lp3vl]

Hey Peter. Great job. You inspired me to make my own fold down table for my Pajero NT. Followed your basic design but with the following changes. My table is slightly wider to fit a dual burner gas cooker with enough room for cups etc. I did away with the locking knobs and used 18mm cabinet magnets and metal plates to lock in place. I made left and right side panels shaped to fit the sides of the panel compartments using the same 12mm ply and these are screwed into the back panel and provide surfaces to screw in the large hinges for the table itself. The magnets are screwed into the back door plastic panel where the original Pajero screws held the plastic fence in the top compartment. Unlike your mod. I have not altered the Pajero's lower compartment at all. The metal plates are recessed into the 12mm marine ply. All parts sourced from Bunnings. I also mounted a clip to the ply to slide a bit of bent coat hanger wire into it that also clips over the door handle to be ensure that the panel ply cannot release and fall down while driving on rough surfaces.

[@peterm3533]

Thanks, great to hear you got some inspiration from it. As with many good things the general ideas are not original, I've seen quite a lot of table setups over the years but it is very good to incorporate your own thoughts into the design and build it your way, so I'm glad you are happy with your setup. Great idea to use heavy duty magnets, some of these rare earth magnets are amazingly powerful and quite convenient with no moving parts to worry about.

[@kimberlychicago7608]

The slide out solar panel is brilliant.

[@peterm3533]

Thanks so much, yes its a great concept and you can buy them ready to mount from Dunn and Watson in Queensland. Since making this video with my good mate Dave, I've now got a Tracklander roof rack which is larger (and actually lighter, made of aluminium) and it is sitting on Tracklander Tough Bar mounts which are far superior to the FRP ones that come standard on the Pajero. On my new rack, the panel now slides out the front over the windscreen which I am very happy with.

[@samwilbur6155]

Quality build, I'm in the process of renovating my old inherited 1993 pajero. Getting inspiration from folks like Peter is giving me some good ideas

[@peterm3533]

Great to hear Sam, I hope your build is going well. I love Pajeros, I had a 1996 NJ V6 before this NW, it was an awesome vehicle. Heaps of power, if a little thirsty. But very capable off road.

[@jbyrnes55]

Outstanding workmanship. I recently bought a 2001 Mitsubishi Montero for overlanding with my wife. These vehicles are harder to find here in the states, but surprisingly affordable compared to Toyota or Jeep. I love everything about what you did, and more importantly, why. I may need to borrow some of these ideas, but I will pay my respects in advance. Thank you for sharing.

[@peterm3533]

Great, thanks, I hope it helps you with some ideas and best wishes for your overlanding expeditions!

[@zacknasa2375]

Genius, the mods done on the Pajero is fantastic. Awesome mate and thanks for sharing!

[@peterm3533]

Thanks so much, greatly appreciated. I've done a few more mods since, one of the best is the awesome Bush Company 270 XT awning. Love it, its so easy to set up and pack away. I had a roll out awning which never got used much 'cos it was a pain to pack away and you always needed pegs and ropes. This Bush Company one is so good, you are always looking for an excuse to fold it out. If a longer stay or windy I still peg it down with at least 2 poles, but for a normal quick stop it can support itself. It covers the back door and table nicely too!

[@jasonwooler801]

I had the same thought for the solar panel under the rack. Nicely done.

[@peterm3533]

Yes, Jason, it works well! You can buy them fully assembled from Dunn and Watson, just have to mount it to your rack. Good luck with it.

[@peterm3533]

Great, I hope you get one fitted up there.

[@hapidaze]

That solar panel roll out is brilliant.

[@brianleecalo3511]

I've meet this mate today and it was my pleasure to meet the owner of the Redtrack Tours. Very accommodating and hope to join the tour very very soon. I can't wait! please visit his website for schedule of the tours. Thank you once again mate.. more power to Redtrack Tours 😎🤙

[@peterm3533]

Living the Dream!

[@jim8289]

Good stuff gents. Very informative and practical set up.

[@chappy6817]

What a brilliant setup, just starting out with my blank slate NX. Lots of ideas thanks gents.

[@peterm3533]

Great to hear you are fitting out an NX, the Pajero is an awesome vehicle that does many things very well. Good luck with your fitout and travels....

[@antonmironenkov]

Fantastic job, Peter! If only you could go into details of the folding table in rear door. This is the neatest one I've seen! And that spice shelf! OMG! Thinking about fitting one in my Pajero, so pretty inspired with your's!

[@peterm3533]

Hi Anton, further down in these comments you'll see a couple with a few more details on the table setup, good luck with yours.

[@AtTheEndOfTheDay77]

Wow. Outstanding setup. Given me some ideas (esp the solar panel) im gonna use.

[@andrewford80]

This is an awesome setup! Nice one Peter!

[@big.red.76]

brilliant build Peter, some great ideas and finer points to inspire us starting on the build journey - I sense and engineering background, based on your level of thought 👌

[@wanderingambience799]

This is amazing, truly a great build! I’d love to learn how to do this. ❤

[@70xr7Cougar]

amazing work, good motivation for me when i buy mine finally

[@MrJimmyspin]

Great setup, very inspiring, well done Pete!

[@peterm3533]

Thanks so much, glad you liked it.

[@243WW]

What a cracking setup! love the details.

[@peterm3533]

Thank you so much! I always try to encourage others and details are helpful, especially things like suppliers you have had great service from and so on. Abber Tanks, Dunn and Watson and so on. All the plumbing gear I got from my local Reece Plumbing store, the chap there was super helpful.

[@243WW]

@@peterm3533 Yea good to see ingenuity and innovation! Everything looks like it is holding up ok as well. I use Blacksmith canvas bags from South oz. I see you have some, but the BS ones have handles over the top as well. Great for carrying out of the kitchen when loading up.

[@diggydownunder1807]

Bravo Peter, amazing work! 👏

[@peterm3533]

Thanks very much!

[@Dizzyish]

Awesome build!!! Love the clever usage of space.

[@peterm3533]

Thanks Dizzyish, yep, its always good to use the space you have effectively. These days I look for any nook or cranny and think hmmm, what can I stash in there? But I'm always mindful of weight, its easy to carry stuff you don't always need and it all adds up - surprisingly so. Since this video I have added a rear shelf too, this sits above the fridge and Travel Buddy, it's great for light stuff like paper towelsm stubby holders and walking poles, led cam light etc. I made my own out of an old aluminium window security screen, however you can get them from Kaon - see www.kaon.com.au/

[@Dizzyish]

@@peterm3533 yea i’m tryin to figure out the layout in my swb gen4,…..gotta be crafty with space, learning from your setup. Thanks man!!

[@pbeemy]

Looks great, the only thing I would comment on is that the factory rails are only rated for 70kgs and with what's up there, you'd be close to your limit already. Maybe think about upgrading your rails to after market metal ones to increase your payload on the roof.

[@peterm3533]

Absolutely right, you are spot on. I was apprehensive about those factory rails and I am always cautious about having too much weight on the rack. Since making this video with my good mate Dave, I've now got a Tracklander roof rack which is larger (and surprisingly it is actually lighter, as it is made of aluminium) and it is sitting on Tracklander Tough Bar mounts which are far superior to the FRP ones that come standard on the Pajero. On my new rack, the panel now slides out the front over the windscreen which I am very happy with. The Tracklander rack is really nice. It enabled me to fit a Bush Company 270 XT awning which I couldn't before, due to the weight.

[@davidngugi001]

Brilliant and very well organized!!

[@SubSonicsPixelators]

Peter needs a channel and to do a full run through and maybe some tutorials damn I subscribe in an instant

[@noflyzonnn]

Definitely i will subscribe too. Wonderful work Peter 🎉

[@hapidaze]

Really helpful. Thanks guys

[@torrentbits]

Awesome build

[@bernardobatistasantos9188]

Best set up I ever seen

[@peterm3533]

Thank you, yes I had a bit of fun putting it together!

[@exploremoorelife]

what a great setup well done

[@EWOverland]

Very interesting video and thanks for sharing

[@peterm3533]

Your'e welcome Emil, I hope it provides some inspiration....

[@philliphickox4023]

I almost had my first Pajero setup the way it suited me for camping and 4x4. Sadly it got written off when another car went through a give-away sign. It has 2" lift, Boos BashPlates, ARB steel bull bar and winch, fabricated rock sliders. I mistake I made was putting in a long range fuel tank. Dual battery system, side awnings. I had upgraded the headlights from MARS. Diff breathers and snorkel. Now I am starting again. Sadly I wasn't fast enough to buy the wreck from the insurer.

[@EdwardQuixote]

Sorry this happened. Why was it a mistake putting in a long range fuel tank?

[@philliphickox4023]

@@EdwardQuixote The long range tank was prone to scraping it had a few rock gouges in it, as it hangs down a bit low. It did increase my range but not really made for rock hopping.

[@peterm3533]

Sorry to hear that Phil. I have that ARB Frontier tank as well, it is definitely a bit on the low side so I avoid really rocky or technical tracks if I can. But I love the range I get with 127 litres or thereabouts, compared to the standard tank.

[@johnhannonHanno]

I have a 2002 Exceed, 3.8Lt petrol. Not sure about water crossings and independent suspension all round.

[@jahismoi2397]

Awesome pajero peter! where was the rear drop down table from?

[@peterm3533]

Thanks, I made that table myself out of 12mm marine plywood. The underside is covered in car carpet so it looks nice, and velcro sticks well to it. The top I just painted satin black and it is holding up well. The edges I sealed with edge binding, the iron on stuff. To secure it I used a couple of stainless hinges and for the locks, the same concept as the original Pajero plastic cover, which has a cam lock type system. I have threaded mounts in the plywood and plastic knobs to secure it, this works really well as you can tension it perfectly so it doesn't rattle. To support it horizontal I have two lightweight stainless cables made out of shark fishing trace wire. You can get all the parts you need for these cables from Low Cost Wire in NSW.

[@craigneilson3214]

Couls you please find out where Pete got the mould for the speakers

[@peterm3533]

Hi Craig, the rear door speakers are standard in the Pajero that has the premium Rockford Fosgate sound system. Mostly this is in Exceed or VRX models in Australia. Mine is an NW 'Activ' which also had the premium system.

[@TheTristanharris1997]

Hello, I would love to get some more information in regards to the under rack solar panel please!

[@RedtrackTours]

I will ask Peter for you as he is with me at present on my Bremer Bay Tour!

[@TheTristanharris1997]

@@RedtrackTours thank you so much !

[@peterm3533]

Hi Tristan, Google Dunn and Watson in Queensland, they have them set up ready to fit for $800.

[@louiskudlak2241]

Very cool and great use of spaces, only downside is it’s a Pajero, GO TOYOTA

[@FlorianR59]

Wow Impressive setup ! How can we contact him please ? I have a pajero and if we can share the designs that would be awesome 👍

[@paulrodrigues5562]

Snap. I converted my 2010 pajero sport with same functionality albeit in a different way. Currently have a 50l water and pump with tap and shower and two independant lithium battery and fridges with separate solar panels. Long distance fuel tank, full 270 deg awning convert able to tent and rooftop electric deploy bundu tent. Opens lotsa possibilities not dragging a trailer. Also designed similar slide drawers and laser cut for a friend's jimny.

[@peterm3533]

Thanks, your mods sound excellent, good luck on your travels. I've seen those electric Bundu tents, they are amazing, so easy to set up.

[@paulrodrigues5562]

@peterm3533 Yep, I'm out in Europe and wife has just returned from a solo hiking trip in drakensberg with her female school friend and everything worked well.

[@ianmccormick3453]

WOW !... When can you fit my NX 2018 in??? ha,ha. What a great set up!!!

[@peterm3533]

Thanks Ian, I hope it gives you some ideas. So far it has been really great for us. The only thing I would change now if doing it again is to incorporate lithium batteries in the design, much lighter and more efficient than the heavy AGM I have in there. Mind you that AGM Baintech Power Top battery has been awesome, its 5 years old now and still works well. You can get some great lithium batteries now in slimline format, which gives you some more mounting options.

[@ianmccormick3453]

@@peterm3533 Absolutely BRILLIANT. I wish I was electrically and mechanically minded as you!. I can't decide if the top mounted solar panel pull out or removeable storage is my favourite!. Thanks for showing us your setup, truly jealous - all the best.

[@amarino27]

Greetings, could you indicate if the water pump you use for the water tank is 45 psi or 60 psi? Thank you

[@peterm3533]

It is a Shurflo 4009 pump and the manufacturer quotes Pump: Type: 4 Chamber Diaphragm Pump Ports: 1/2” - 14 NPSM-Male Inlet PSI: 30Psi (2.1Bar) Max Shut Off Pressure: 45Psi 12MM BSP fittings can be used

[@tommytang7687]

Very organised

[@peterm3533]

Thanks Tommy, I hope it may provide you with a few ideas for touring.

[@adventuretimephotos2423]

Did you make the wings yourself, or purchase them from somewhere? I’m currently building out my gen 4 Pajero. Would you be able to send me all the dimensions for the water tank?

[@peterm3533]

He there, I made the wings out of 12mm marine ply. This was one of the trickiest things to do, as they are hard to mount and work around the existing trim. My goal was not to damage any of the existing trim, I could have made it easier by chopping some of that out but elected not to do that.

[@madscavens6363]

Is this setup possible in the short wheelbase version of the pajero?

[@peterm3533]

The drawers, electrical system and so on, and so on, I can't see why not. You still need a cargo barrier though. The water tank under the floor, I don't know if the SWB Pajero has that seat well, so possible not. In my old NJ Pajero I fitted a Boab water tank behind the rear seats. You might be able to do that instead. There's also water bladders you can get that fit in rear footwells. This keeps the weight nice and low, and avoids the need for bulky plastic water containers.

[@steveberg2685]

Very clever design.

[@peterm3533]

Thanks Steve, hope it provides inspiration....

[@malikabey]

Are you within the rear axle limit with all that stuff at the back?

[@peterm3533]

Hi there, yes indeed, I am very close to the GVM when loaded for a trip. I need to be careful when towing with trailer ball weights. That is the factory specified GVM though, and I have Lovells extra heavy duty suspension upgrade all round and airbags in the back springs to level the ride out if needed. I have made a few enquiries and you can't find anyone to upgrade a GVM on the Pajero as it is a monococque construction, so they won't do it.

[@JoshSinnott97]

How long would it take to remove just the drawers? I'm Also looking to buy an easily removable setup

[@peterm3533]

To remove the drawers themselves, 30 seconds each or less, with the XTM design of spring loaded latches. This is how you can save weight quickly with little effort, just when running around town. For the drawer housings, around 15 minutes to unbolt and lift them out. I usually take the battery out first, because its heavy. This takes about 5 minutes. The Travel Buddy oven is bolted to the top of the battery housing. The key to this quick removal is to have everything secured with captive nuts. Mine are built into the plywood floor. Basically a nut which is silver soldered to a washer which is then recessed using a forstner bit, and held in place with a couple of small screws. That way, you just spin the bolts out easily with a socket, and out come the drawer frames. It is a bit of work to set up this way, but you will love it each time you remove and refit them.

[@MusthafaAboobacker]

Where is that side mirrors from?

[@moisemayali]

Crazy stuff 😊

[@geraldyeoh8962]

Where did you get the table that’s fitted at the back from? Ta

[@peterm3533]

Hi Gerald, the table is one I made from 12mm marine plywood, finished with iron on edge banding. The surface is painted with hard wearing satin black, and the underside (which faces outwards when it is folded up) is covered in black car carpet. This not only looks nice, but you can velcro anything you like to it. I removed the standard Pajero rear door cover which is flimsy plastic. Then I cut some 12mm ply to the shape of the Pajero rear door panel, and made a little shelf which fits into the well normally occupied by the tool bag. On this I place a few bits and pieces like tea bags, spices and so on. This ply is fixed to the original Pajero interior door trim with rivet nuts and stainless fasteners. I also made a little door so I could access the space behind the plywood. This space is only small but it holds some tools and other small things. I then made the table and attached it with stainless strap hinges. It is held horizontal by two stainless cables. These I make up using shark fishing trace and electrical terminals, which are strongly crimped, then a bit of heat shrink to finish it off. I used the original Pajero concept for securing the table in an upright position. To achieve this, I installed some threaded inserts into the table, then used plastic knobs with threads. Attached to the threads are small piece of flat bar that slot into the original Pajero slots when you turn the plastic knob. If you look at the standard Pajero one you can see how it works. With my adaptation, its great because you can tension the adjustment on the table so it snugs up against a couple of rubber bumpers - no rattle at all, and it stays put even on very rough tracks. This is a very handy little table to have, and it doesn't take up much room or weigh a lot. All the stainless hardware I obtained from Whitworths in Leederville. They have a really great range of stainless fittings that you can't find in other hardware stores. Check out www.whitworths.com.au/

[@TheHobsonic]

@@peterm3533 wow, thanks for your thoughtful detailed response. Love your work, very well though out and organised. Cheers mate.

[@peterm3533]

@@TheHobsonic thanks Brenton, hope it gives you some ideas and good luck on your travels....

[@declanburke5157]

Where did you get all your fittings and pipe for the water tank?

[@peterm3533]

All hoses, taps and fittings from Reece Plumbing, the BEST water filter from Camec, and the Shurflo pump from the 12v Shop. The hand held sprayer and hose came from Whitworths Marine Supplies.

[@oceandriveimages]

Where did you get the 3 way T valve's from Peter?

[@peterm3533]

Hi, you can get them at Reece Plumbing, there's stores in many locations. www.reece.com.au/

[@briggsy60]

Brilliant

[@peterm3533]

Thank you Alan, yes, a bit of trial and error with some experimentation and I'm happy with the end result. None of these concepts are original, what I have found is that the internet abounds with all sorts of ideas from some very inspirational and resourceful people and the trick is to learn from them and adapt the fitout to suit your circumstances and budget.

[@tonygersbach375]

What was the name of the company that made the water tank please? Thanks

[@TheFugunator]

Abbertanks

[@tonygersbach375]

@@TheFugunator thank you

[@steadyeddy-goingnowhereslowly]

What wattage solar panel does he have there?

[@peterm3533]

Hi, it is a 130 watt panel.

[@csjtbanks]

Peter, I'm based in Perth as well. Interested in doing something similar. Any chance of getting in contact and picking your brain ?

[@Dealy12]

this ir porno. looking to get my 2005np kitted out even half as good

[@dars0n]

how much money do I need to throw at Peter for him to do all of this to my NX

[@peterm3533]

Haha, I dunno dars0n but it took me quite a few weekends to get it sorted....

[@lweleven3423]

Wow that’s a lot of work . I’m the opposite keep it simple

[@chrro466]

Great work 👍🏻👍🏻if doesn’t look as neat as this in my pajero.

[@gavinclarke8832]

Hi, noticed that you have 2 speakers on your rear door, where did you get the mounting system from plz ,ty

[@peterm3533]

Hi Gavin, the speakers are standard in certain models of Pajero, including VRX, Exceed, and mine, which is called an Activ. Any Pajero that is quoted as having the 'premium sound system' will have them. Its a Rockford Fosgate system. The speakers are great, although the amplifiers have been known to cause problems with parasitic drain on the battery. Mine did this and I replaced it with a Kenwood amp and modern Kenwood head unit. The standard Mitsubishi one is OK in NX models, has Android Auto/Apple Car Play etc, but mine is an NW and the unit in it was a dinosaur. The Kenwood is awesome. Fully integrates with smart phone and has DAB.

[@gavinclarke8832]

@@peterm3533 grt thank you