Rig options and costings for travelling Australia

[@trevorhicks7852]

Love your enthusiastic attitude! Built our own lightweight slideon poptop camper for $15k. with all the luxuries we wanted to our own design. 5yrs on it's still fantastic and we take it literally everywhere! Total weight under factory GVM.

[@4solitude4S]

That sounds so awesome guys!! I would love to do that,Are you on Instagram I would love to see photos of it. Thanks for watching 😊😊😊👍👍

[@trevorhicks7852]

Not on Instagram, sorry.

[@TheTravelBug123]

I’m at this exact stage!! I went to the Ballarat camping show on the weekend and was surprised at how underwhelming I found caravans to be.. way to bulky and heavy for my needs. Looked at pod type setups as well, but still not for me. Not interested in rooftops at all either. Never thought I’d say this but, I’ve come to the conclusion that a “4x4” van is going to suit my needs more at this stage, so I will be doing a self build to my liking. Yes, I’m going to be a “Van Lifer”🚐😊

[@4solitude4S]

I don’t think you’re alone in your thinking. I think 4x4 van life is going to explode in Australian. All the best with the build, nothing better than doing it yourself!!

[@Thommoed69]

Dream rig, v8 converted jeep gladiator with a sleep in canopy, rear of the car converted to storage!

[@4solitude4S]

Great choice!! Those jeeps are weapons off road. I have seen a few of these sleep in canopy and they look awesome. Thanks for watching 🤙👍

[@Thommoed69]

Agree keep the troll, do the needed work and a gvm, sleep in canopy with under tray draws. The td is a good motor and very reliable. Im a subscriber now , enjoy the videos guys!

[@4solitude4S]

Welcome to the 4 solitude family 😊 I just can’t part with my troll, I love it. So I think a gvm upgrade is on the cards. Thanks for your comment 🤙👍

[@julielee4820]

Just stumbled across your channel and had to comment. For what its worth we were in a similar position in 2015, like you at the Perth show trying to work out what to do and what to get. We had travelled across from East to West with a Pajero, a tent and a dog with little to no knowledge about travelling, 4x4s and setups but wanted to continue on with something a little better. We ended up getting a reasonable camper trailer and continued but in those days they had alot of canvas and were very difficult in wet pack-ups. We survived, JUST!!! Moving along near to 10 years later, a camper, 2 caravans, 2-3 cars, another dog and a heap more knowledge we are now 70 series devotees. You cant beat them for travelling as you can get parts anywhere, alot of the work you can do yourself and they are just about indestructible. I would hate to have one of those American trucks when it all starts to get a little older. Anyway for what its worth, and subject to money of course, I dont think you could go past the Troopy with a headspace or similar conversion. They will be good for at least 500k km, you can get a massive range of accessories and go just about anywhere - confidently.

[@4solitude4S]

First of all, welcome to the 4 solitude family!!! 🥳🥳 You guys definitely sound like you have had quite the adventure,tried out plenty of the different setups and seen some amazing country I bet. I agree it’s definitely hard to go past the troopy it definitely ticks all the boxes it’s just so expensive!! Did you guys do a rear track correction on your 70 series? Thanks heaps for watching and your awesome comment!! 😊😊👍👍👍

[@simonannells3758]

Keep the Trol and chuck a boatloader on top for a tinny, look at a pre loved Ultimate camper, lightweight, superbly built in Australia . If you need more grunt, turbo , fuel pump and intercooler upgrade and you're smiling

[@4solitude4S]

Yep think this is what I am doing, can’t part with the old girl. 👍👍

[@melaniewilliams1830]

Have you seen the track trailer Tvan. They are a light fully offroad trailer that also has a sit down area which is easily set up. You can get good second hand ones for about $30K. Thanks for your great videos! I am following your example at the moment. Have a 4wd with 270 deg awning, a black wolf tent but also an airvolution swag for short stays or places where you cant get the tent pegs in!

[@4solitude4S]

Seen a few tvans over the years they do look like they are built for off-roading, happy travelling maybe we will see you on the road one day.

[@visualjon]

Expedition truck would be epic but I keep coming back to an off-road caravan which free's my 4x4 up for side trips once it's unhitched. Don't have to buy new, there are some mint off-road vans around under 40k if you can handle the dated decor in some of them.

[@4solitude4S]

Definitely a great option and you will save fuel exploring once the van is unhitch. I think the 2nd hand market is a great option!! Thanks for watching 👍👍👍

[@qmp666]

Heads up. Islands like Stradbroke will not give you a beach camp permit IF. YOU ARE CONSTANT ALL WHEEL DRIVE. . IVECO 2ND HAND 120 K. ISH. If you tow anything. It's 2 regos. Extra tyres and wear n tear. Insurance ect. That will stop you going where ever you want. My wish truck. Isuzu. FTS 250. 4x4. With a custom pod on the back. 48v power system. Dual winches. Long range fuel tank diesel heating and air con ... and a Swedish blonde back packer to ride shotgun... 😂

[@4solitude4S]

Thanks for the info on Stradbroke, I love the wish truck including all the features 😉😉 thanks for the comment and watching 👍🤙🤙

[@Vantastic_Aus]

A tailgate camper, is another good option, but they are expensive but would probably not need to upgrade the patrol, and still tow a boat. The other option I would suggest is a Track Tvan, second hand are still dear but not as bad as new, but will go anywhere the Patrol will go, and have some inside area for wet weather, but can't tow a boat, but maybe a tinny on the roof of the patrol.

[@4solitude4S]

Thanks for the suggestion and your great comment, will have a look into them!! 👍👍👍

[@tedpanozzo7632]

Why would you need to throw 30k at the troopy engine? Theyre fine stock.

[@4solitude4S]

From everything I have read and everyone I have spoken too they have said the ideal minimum is, GVM upgrade Heavy duty clutch Rear track correction Exhaust Tyres Tune Water tank You are right they aren’t all engine mods We said that wrong.

[@GanGoz]

​@4solitude4S that's garbage, track correction is a scam, only need a clutch if you tune, and I tow with no tune. GVM might be required if you load heavy. I use a removable water bladder. Exhaust is only noise, DPF models you get no power gains. Don't get sucked in to the after market hype

[@Wilbargosh]

I’ve all ready got the Dmax with a Norweld canopy. I think I would buy a 2nd hand UEV490

[@4solitude4S]

I did camp next to one of those UEV490’s a couple of days ago and they look nice!! Thanks for watching 👍🤙

[@youlross6544]

A peterbuilt prime mover a 42ft pan fit it.out with drop down back so 4x4 would fit in the back

[@4solitude4S]

Home and garage on wheels😳Love it!! 🤙🤙

[@GeorgeSoan]

Great video guys! I saw you mentioned slide on campers (might have been the MW Canopy Camper?). We have had a few campers and settled on the Tommy Camper. Really happy with it. I have a few videos on my channel running through it if you wanted to check them out! The biggest downside, as you mentioned, is the weight. We have a GVM upgrade on our Ranger. My dream rig would be a Troopy, but they are so expensive! A Ute and Tommy Camper is a good (more affordable in my opinion) option! Cheers guys, keen to see what you do next! :)

[@4solitude4S]

Hey George, yeah it was the MW we saw at the show but a lot of people have suggested the Tommy Camper as a good option for us. I’ll have to check out your channel for a closer look at one. I agree the troopy is a awesome rig !! I just can’t understand why they are so expensive 🤯. Thanks for watching and your awesome comment. 😊👍👍

[@GeorgeSoan]

@@4solitude4S awesome! We looked at heaps of different brands and settled on the Tommy. Yeah and as you said in the video, 60k for a rust bucket which needs heaps of work… doesn’t make sense to me either! 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@streetdoggyofficial1456]

Look up 4xoverland.he just done a video of a Toyota hiace 2wd that a company is transforming them into a 4x4 with landcruiser parts. Could be up your alley.basically turning them into a proper 4wd transit van.

[@4solitude4S]

Yes I have heard of this, but after spending many years driving hiace vans for work they are so uncomfortable 😳. Thanks for the tip and watch, really appreciate it. 😊👍

[@stephenlane3078]

Hi guy's, have a look at Ronnie Dahl old video he did a review on a GU patrol with a light weight canopy that is made in WA with sleeping up top and a internal access from the side, just a though

[@4solitude4S]

Thanks for the hot tip, I will definitely check this out I don’t remember ever seeing that. Thanks again 😊🤙

[@Phil62nz]

Planning to go pretty basic! With a Triton and roof top tent in next year or two, but if had some extra $$ Red Centre Hattah 4x4 :-)

[@4solitude4S]

Those red centre Hattah’ look nice. I recon you will have just as much fun in the Triton and RTT. Safe travels it will be here before you know it 👍🤙🤙🤙

[@raybourne5781]

I think the 4x4 hiace bus conversion would be better way to go than the Troopy….. can’t say I’d like travel full time in a set up like you are doing…. But you do what you wanna do/ gotta do as they say.

[@4solitude4S]

4x4 van is by far the most popular. Yes our setup definitely isn’t for everyone but we love it most of the time. Thanks for watching and you comment!! 😊😊😊👍👍

[@Werkar27]

Great conversation starter eh. The old 2020 tax is still around and things are getting more expensive by the day. I reckon the best setup for you guys might be a used slide on camper like the Tommy or Jacksons Carry-Me one. Along with a GVM and GCM upgrade a removeable camper will still allow you to use your ute and camper separately. If you do want a go anywhere affordable trailer, nothing comes close to the BRS Sherpa. Used ones should be reasonable, I reckon. A troopy or a LC79 doesn’t make any sense whatsoever in the current market. If you want to spend that amount of money, you’re better off looking for a Land Rover Perentie 6x6 ambulance body and doing the fit out yourself. You’ll get a permanent 4x4 with selectable 6x6 and a lot more space. That’s if you can find one as those things are just hard to come-by, especially the ambulance body. Whatever you guy’s get I’m really excited to see that and wish the best for the both of you. Cheers.

[@4solitude4S]

Thanks mate, you have given us plenty of options to look into that we haven’t heard or thought of, Na got very excited over a 6x6 ex Ambulance!! Just didn’t realise how expensive the 70 series had gotten is just ridiculous!! Thanks again for watching and you support as always. 😊😊😊

[@jeetts59]

Great vid guys, campervan for me that was a true 4x4. I’ve got a 2012 Landcruser no sleeping in it but it’s everything I want for both long and short travel

[@4solitude4S]

Thanks mate, the 4x4 camper van seams to be the most popular. The 2012 landcruser is a good vehicle it will last forever. Do you tow a caravan with it? Thanks again for the support 😊😊👍👍

[@jeetts59]

I used to, but now I’ve gone soft and stay in cabins or a tent. Actually hate towing

[@4solitude4S]

Nothing soft about trying different types of accommodation.

[@unitedstates3068]

2nd hand walk through camper with boat loader... trackabout is the beesknees

[@4solitude4S]

So many options on the market, we will check it out, thanks for watching and for your comment 🤙

[@unitedstates3068]

@@4solitude4S maybe hit @TrackaboutOffRoadCampersAus up for a 6 month loaner/sponsorship 🤷 I just wish they would extend the canvas forward over the front toolbox for greater awning and internal space

[@stevegoodwin5841]

MY18 Isuzu SX 4x4 space cab chassis. Alloy tray, Canvas canopy with engineered alloy roof and rails. GVM/GVM upgraded to 3600 kg and 7000 kg. Tray of drawers permanent bed base with double swag always set up. Fridge in cabin, 12 2ns battery in cabin. Heaps of gear secure in cabin. Camp gear on passenger side drawers, recovery gear in drivers side drawers. HR X bar for recovery and towing. TJM bull bar and side steps and scrub rails. Boos under carriage bash plates. TJM winch. Load up the fridge, a tub of food and two tubs of clothes carried on swag. 270 degree awning. 200 watt solar panel on cabin roof bars, 2nd spare on canopy roof. 40 lt water under tray 60 lt extra diesel tank under tray. Gas bottle storage for use in its location for cooking with pull out table and bench with drawer system from Drifta. About $75,000 all up but I did a lot of labour myself. 12v system ala me with travel oven. Room beside double swag for Jerry can, Weber Q baby and crates for spares and the like. Last big trip 10,000 ks, 6 weeks Melbourne to Darwin and between including Oodnadatta track last August. Tourer build with travel GVM about 3250kg.

[@4solitude4S]

Wow that sounds like an awesome build you have done, and doing it yourself make it cheaper and more satisfying if you ask me. Thanks for the comment and watching 😊👍👍

[@brettkuhnold216]

Try thinking of the Hiace 4x4 from Bus4x4

[@4solitude4S]

This has definitely been a popular choice! But don’t think I could bring myself to spend 70k 🤯 on the conversion to make it 4x4. Thanks for your comment😊

[@JasonChrimes-bt6fy]

Awesome video. Thanks for raising my future problem's. $$$$$$$ How about a kitted out bus towing a troopy with a roof top tinny.

[@4solitude4S]

I actually saw a bus towing a troopy last year and as I did a double take asking myself did I just see that??? Another one went past 🤯🤯. Thanks for watching. 😊😊👍

[@bestpix100]

We have a 4wd and pop top caravan, I would really like a camper van perhaps an all wheel drive. Since coved and the explosion in demand...sadly everything is so expensive.

[@4solitude4S]

The old Covid tax!! Can’t believe how crazy the costs have gotten!! Love those all wheel drive vans , I feel like this is going to be the next big thing In Australian. Thanks again for watching 😊

[@danielbiljna9012]

Awesome video! Have you guys looked into the Tommy Campers set ups? They are a good setup and practical!

[@4solitude4S]

Thanks mate, you are the second person to suggest the tommy. We had never heard of them before, but are on the list to check out now!! Thanks for watching and you suggestion 👍👍🤗

[@VaughanMunro-js4nr]

My choice would be a Troopy. Nothing to tow, and you can camp anywhere.

[@4solitude4S]

Love this option!! ❤️ thanks for watching 😊😊😊

[@RustyCandyAdventures]

Go and have a look at going overland. The ev video is a good one to watch. 190ltr total water. Aluminium. 1000kg tare weight, gvm 2000kg. Plenty storage. 2nd hand 20k. Have a look at Tyler Thompson, Tim Bates, Aussie Arvos. Look at 3ltr patrol. Have a look at the outfit, inflatable boat. I think I could put a small tinny on my camper

[@4solitude4S]

190lts of water 🤯 I could be off grid for so long with that!!! 👍👍

[@RustyCandyAdventures]

I have a chemical toilet in slide under seat. I removed top bunk, got 3/4 seat. Queen bed spring mattress. I have the joolca outdoor triple room, shower toilet. I have a awning on patrol, with a second toilet, either for awning or tipple room. 200ha batteries in camper. 75 ltr slide out fridge. Plus 80 ltr in patrol. I made a removable diesel heater.

[@deborahisrael4989]

Thank you!

[@intimatespearfisher]

Andrew St Pierre's new build might interest you.

[@4solitude4S]

Will be interesting to see how much he spends on the build

[@intimatespearfisher]

@@4solitude4S I can't watch him for more than ten minutes at a time. Let me know how it goes lol. I saw a camper/hybrid at the Brissy show that might suit your needs. I can't remember the name of it. It was set up beside the stage down the bottom near mits alloy. It opened like a clam shell rtt, but you could sit inside with hot shower, air con and heater. Second bed folded out over draw bar. Around 50k

[@4solitude4S]

I can only handle him for 5 minutes at a time🤣🤣 so neither of us will ever find out🤣🤣🤣. Thanks for the tip about the camper.

[@biancabroekhuizen8495]

if I won the lottery I would definitely buy an Isuzu dmax and an offroad caravan! that would be the dream 😍😍

[@4solitude4S]

Great choice! What colour would the dmax be?

[@Victorianoffroadtravels]

Old Troopies are known rust buckets, new ones will go that way too eventually, They are a Toyota after all. Happy with what you have? Happy with what you can afford? I cant afford what I have to be happy lol. I'm looking at 2nd hand 4wd SUV, 2nd hand caravan and 2nd hand roof topper tinnie. But then, I don't have hundreds of thousands to spend either.

[@4solitude4S]

Yes I am learning about how rusty they get. Nothing wrong with second hand, I have never bought a new 4x4 plus it doesn’t hurt as much when you scratch it. We don’t have hundreds of thousands either but nice to dream! Thanks for watching and your comment 👍😊

[@zoezoe610]

Buy a Hybrid van and a decent inflatable dinghy if you want a boat too.

[@4solitude4S]

The problem is we already have a 4.2m boat waiting for us to pick her up and take her on an adventure

[@zoezoe610]

@@4solitude4S Probably a slide on camper on your car with a bit of a rear suspension upgrade might be your option. That would give you somewhere to go out of the weather and still tow.

[@GanGoz]

Troopy does not need engine work or any of the other crap influencers are peddling. I have a 2022, that I camp in, tow a caravan with, cart my dogs in etc. The V8 does it just fine. I off road in the high country, it's done sand dunes at Birdsville etc.

[@4solitude4S]

That’s so awesome to hear, I would love to drive one stock off road.

[@andrewt3952]

Looks like you have a td42t, is it a coil cable? If so, you’d be flat out beating it for an all round rig. Live axle, reliable, strong driveline, and if u need can make good power. I’d keep that old girl and base everything off that. Maybe u could go something similar to a patriot trailer with boat on the roof. As for awnings, check out supapeg. Gold Coast business, make awesome awnings, at a good price. I have a 270 of theirs, wich starts at the bullbar, with some valance walls for about $1300. It’s not freestanding, but it takes no time to setup and only weighs 20kg. And they Aussie made. Worth a look. I liked ur video 👍🇦🇺🎯🍻

[@4solitude4S]

Yep it’s a Td42, we absolutely love this car, super strong goes everywhere and easy to fix. I think you are right we should build it around this vehicle. I haven’t looked into the patriot trailers but will do. Love the idea with roof top tinny, you are speaking my language!!! Thanks heaps for watching and your comment. 😊😊👍👍Will have a rig walk around out soon as it has been very much requested.🤙🤙

[@gutmincer2]

100% thats a lot for a car , Troopie or HiAce 4x4 mini bus/van

[@4solitude4S]

HiAce 4x4 🤔 thanks for watching 🤙🤙🤙

[@BigggRoss]

Honestly I would get a new 4x4 with a slide-on camper

[@4solitude4S]

Love this option!!! What 4x4 ?? Thanks for watching 🤙🤙🤙

[@BigggRoss]

@@4solitude4S I am kind of a fan of Nissan (I am too tall body for Toyota) or Ford as they pretty much lead the trucks here in the USA (here comes the bowties to try and defend their copy)

[@4solitude4S]

Nissan for the win 🎉🎉

[@raymacmullan1011]

Get a Unimog

[@4solitude4S]

I am not buff enough to change a unimog tyre. 🤣🤣🤣

[@glenwilkie1331]

A slide-on pop top camper not the one at the show.

[@4solitude4S]

Yes unfortunately there weren’t any of them at the show that we could find, definitely a great option

[@glenwilkie1331]

Mine would be perfect for you both it weights 400kg empty. Full queen bed over cab storage under bed and under kitchen bench seat. 2060W x 1860L surprising amount of space....

[@glenwilkie1331]

There's no smell until you empty them, putrid! A portable compost toilet for this camper all the way every day.

[@4solitude4S]

Love the idea of a composting toilet. They are definitely getting more popular.

[@pnjeastley6320]

Do yous have a Facebook and IG

[@4solitude4S]

No facebook but IG is shannon_n_naomi link is in the description 👍