We got a new van. 2020 Lotus Trooper

[@misdamagoo213]

Great stuff George. Lots of happy memories ahead for you & family. Good luck towing that monster up the High Country!

[@UncagedExpeditions]

Misda Magoo Thanks buddy. That is the plan. You would be surprised where I took the last one. I love a challenge 👍

[@malteweinreich8755]

Hiya Bud , Lovely Van build George you and the family will sure injoy the full van life and I wish you all the best in the years to come with your New Van !!!! . Kind REagrds Malte

[@UncagedExpeditions]

Thanks buddy. Sorry for the late reply. I would love to take off for a year or two traveling. Let’s see what the future holds.

[@highcountryrob5534]

Great van lay out George.It looks like the van’s quite well appointed indeed.It’s nice to see van’s set up for prolonged bush/free camping in mind.Safe travels.Cheers,Rob.

[@UncagedExpeditions]

Highcountryrob Thanks Rob. A fair bit of thought went into the design. Hopefully I have ticked most of the boxes with this one. Time will tell. Cheers

[@highcountryrob5534]

Uncaged Expeditions -PS: Check out the Ziegler & Brown gas bbq in lieu of the Weber.I went with the Ziegler.PSS-nice to see that someone else is rapped with the Coleman fuel cooker also. I’m on my second cooker.👍

[@jimbojones2457]

What an absolute ripper of a caravan George! So awesome. Love the Queen bed. If i ever want to buy a good van, this will be it i reckon. Congratulations mate! Enjoy it.

[@UncagedExpeditions]

Jimbo Jones Thanks Jim. So far we are really happy with it. Just can’t wait to get out there and use it now.

[@jimbojones2457]

@@UncagedExpeditions absolutely mate! Hopefully these restrictions won't be in place too much longer and we can all go out and enjoy the beautiful bush we have.

[@whatupg1]

Awesome setup mate, enjoy and thanks for sharing. All the best!

[@UncagedExpeditions]

Thanks buddy

[@MudducksTouringAustralia]

looks great George, Im a couple of years away from a van but can't wait. Stay safe. Cheers Steve

[@UncagedExpeditions]

Mudduck's 4wd Touring Thanks Steve. When you’re ready, have a look at the Lotus range.

[@MudducksTouringAustralia]

@@UncagedExpeditions I will look at them again for sure.

[@garyweir5635]

Great van mate looking forward to more clips on it. Safe Travels.

[@UncagedExpeditions]

Thanks buddy. Sorry for the later reply. 👍

[@johndiaz7240]

Good for you and your family , we have nothing like it here in the States . The Cruiser still looking good.

[@UncagedExpeditions]

John Diaz Thanks buddy. Wouldn’t change the cruiser for anything. They are a match made in heaven in my opinion.

[@visualjon]

Wow beautiful van! You'll have some epic trips in that

[@UncagedExpeditions]

Hey buddy. Sorry for the late reply. Thank you. We plan to travel a fair bit with it if we can.

[@Phil_McAvity]

Very nice George, I’m very jealous. I can’t wait to get out with my van again. Already looking forward to your next video 👍

[@UncagedExpeditions]

Phil McAvity Thanks Phil. Hopefully we can get out and about very soon. I am trying to put out videos a little more frequently now.

[@FunkMasterJunk]

That is a super cool trailer. The only two big things for me though is the outdoor kitchen. The post for the awning is really in the way of the outdoor kitchen. The other thing is the interior is very cold. Its not welcoming. But still very, very cool.

[@UncagedExpeditions]

Thanks buddy. I have since turned the kitchen around so you stand on the other side as the post did get in the way. We wanted a more modern interior with this van.

[@EFFICIENTSELF]

Awesome mate . Great how they let you in the factory to film the building of it .. 👍🍻

[@UncagedExpeditions]

EFFICIENTSELF Thanks buddy. I know the boys really well now.

[@mrdonny3501]

Very nice van George. Happy trips. Stay safe. Cheers.

[@UncagedExpeditions]

MrDonny Thanks buddy. Just need to be allowed out now lol

[@TechStories79]

Beautiful van. Gr8 family memories to be hard in that beast.

[@UncagedExpeditions]

TechStories79 Thanks buddy, that’s the plan 🤞

[@erwin4501]

Very nice 👍 !!!

[@Eddie_Turbo]

Good on your George, work hard, play hard and spoil the family!

[@UncagedExpeditions]

Thanks buddy. Sorry for the late reply. That’s what life is all about.

[@Susieandchris]

Great video enjoy your new van

[@UncagedExpeditions]

Kimberley overland Thanks buddy 👍

[@davidmilledge221]

Great looking van buddy , why go Ali frame over top and timber sides strange concept Please let us know

[@TechStories79]

Hey George, would you be able to do a tour of the TVSM and the solar setup in general? cheers

[@UncagedExpeditions]

Hey buddy. Sorry for the late reply. I will do one in the future for you 👍

[@andrewpapalaskaris5701]

Holy heck, that’s luxury off road living mate! 🤘

[@UncagedExpeditions]

Andrew Papalaskaris They sure are. Really well built vans.

[@1114ilias]

Happy Vanning. Enjoy!

[@UncagedExpeditions]

Ilias Dimitriou Thanks Lou. Hope everyone is well 👍. You know you guys are all welcome to join.

[@1114ilias]

Uncaged Expeditions Mate, with borders closed and when they ease restrictions that would be fabulous. Take care. Lou

[@CustomcrowdMitroc]

Goals. Hectic caravan mate One day I’ll have enough coin to get one 😞

[@UncagedExpeditions]

Enduro & trials NSW Thanks buddy. It all takes time. You don’t need that type of setup to get out and start exploring though.

[@jalentristen1258]

I guess Im kinda off topic but does anyone know a good site to stream newly released movies online?

[@nicholastitan2881]

@Jalen Tristen I would suggest Flixzone. You can find it by googling :)

[@gwynnemurkin1279]

Hi mate , was there insulation between the cladding and the wood ? Would have been good to see the wiring under the cladding to see if it’s improved.

[@MiniLuv-1984]

Good on ya George. Nice brake setup and suspension. As you were taking us for a tour around at the framing stage it occurred to me that they could have sloped the rear upward to increase exit angles. Maybe something for Lotus to consider for future models - the van clearly has the strength and suspension for off-road use. Very complete van too - well done! The way to reduce your water usage with hot water is to have a hot water storage system. There's loads of space underneath to fit one too.

[@UncagedExpeditions]

Benny Burger Thanks buddy. Really happy with the brakes and suspension. I had that rear cutaway on my previous van and loved it but unfortunately I couldn’t do it on this one as the shower is right at the back and I wanted a wood carrier. I will have to look into something for the hot water unless there is some sort of trick which someone can tell me about the continuous flow hot water units.

[@MiniLuv-1984]

@@UncagedExpeditions I've got a portable gas hot water service - the kind you hang somewhere outside the camper. Connect to power and LPG and you are ready for a shower. What I plan to do with that is use one of the 60L water containers in my camper trailer, insulate the container well and pump its water through the LPG portable heater and let the heated water run back into it. When the water in the tank gets to some predefined temperature it will turn off and when the temp goes below a lower temperature level it will turn on again - provided its connected to LPG and power. Our shower will come directly from the 60L tank via a second pump. We just need to fill it up when the water level drops. Since there is no pressure, there is no need for anything exotic and rated. The advantage of this approach is the hot water in the tank will also take the bite off the temperature in the camper at night when its cold - the hot water tank can be exposed to the inside of the camper at will.

[@tokiboy6929]

this is awesome

[@UncagedExpeditions]

Thanks buddy 👍

[@brenjud]

I love the new van George. The disc brakes and airbag suspensions are starting to appear on upmarket off road vans now. Do you have a GCM upgrade? The van is heavy and the DO45 hitch gives it away. My New Age Bid Red van is 3K tare and is on the limit loaded so I'm off to Jmacx for a GVM/GCM upgrade. Hope to see you out there one day so I can watch one of your cooking episodes. lol BTW while the little one is sleeping in your bed there won't be any more little Georges. Been there done that.

[@UncagedExpeditions]

Hey buddy. Sorry for the late reply. Thank you. I have been really happy with it so far. The discs are much better at pulling the van up and I love the airbags. I won’t own another van without them now. I have just ordered a new suspension setup from Lovell’s. They give a 7400kg gcm upgrade. The van is roughly 3100 tare. I put on the do45 as I have upgraded the van to 4t as I am hoping Lovell’s will do a 4t btc upgrade for the 79 in the near future. Are you happy with your new age? If you ever see me out and about you are more than welcome to join in and watch the cooking segment lol. He is just too cute to kick out of the bed, but we did get creative, if you have seen my latest vid, I now have a daughter also.

[@brendanobrien7458]

@@UncagedExpeditions just watched your latest vid. Great to see you out and about again and congrats on the new little girl.

[@UncagedExpeditions]

@@brendanobrien7458 thank you very much. It feels great to be out there again.

[@km4fsi827]

looks great mate!!! i just bought a new caravan about the same time this crazy virus crap hit here. so i have not even got to use it, maybe the state parks and camp grounds will open soon.

[@UncagedExpeditions]

Congrats buddy. Sorry for the late reply. I got to use mine once before lockdown happened lol. Have you been using it now? What did you get? Are you happy with it?

[@km4fsi827]

@@UncagedExpeditions Its good to here from ya mate!! i was starting to wonder about ya! Yes we have used it all summer here and put lots of miles on it. It is a 21 foot starcraft. I have done so many mods, like solar, huge inverter, water system that will fill the tank from a creek or can if needed...and lots more. i need to get over my fear of talking on video and make more videos. cheers mate and yall stay safe!!

[@UncagedExpeditions]

@@km4fsi827 that is great to hear. So you have been happy with it. We are just going into summer here so hopefully lots of trips to be had. Yes, I agree, get over your fear, grab a camera and off you go. Would be good to see your setup buddy

[@jacjacjacki120]

Sorry if I missed it but what size is this van please

[@Dorko85]

Awesome setup, I reckon you will get another 100 amp lithium with all that gear. What’s the weight?

[@UncagedExpeditions]

Hey buddy. Sorry for the late reply. I have been thinking about it. I haven’t needed it as yet but let’s see how we go. The van weighs around 3100kg.

[@mountainconstructions]

Well Done George

[@UncagedExpeditions]

Hugh Jazz Thanks buddy. Absolutely loving it so far.

[@Mosesk1988]

Lovely looking van! How heavy is she once its loaded up water etc? 3.5T+? Cruiser made need some more ponies to pull her haha. Currently looking at forward fold campers due to little ones coming along, but looking at this may end up starting with a small van. Jayco or the likes.

[@UncagedExpeditions]

Hey buddy. Sorry for the late reply. Thank you very much. Fully loaded, she weighs in at about 3750kg. The cruiser pulls it along very well, just sorting out the legal side of things so we can have it fully loaded all the time. Camper trailers are good, but I would seriously consider a small van or even something like a Jayco Swan.

[@pholtaus]

George, we've got the same table in our 5th wheel and initially we traveled with it in the normal raised position but after about 10,000k the movement on the road caused the fasteners securing the base to the floor to work loose. You might already be doing this but I would recommend lowering the table for travel so that the top is supported.

[@UncagedExpeditions]

pholtaus Thanks for the tip buddy. Appreciate it 👍

[@mikesherwood5497]

Whats your Tare on that van mate? What is GVM / GCM on tug?

[@UncagedExpeditions]

Hey buddy. Tare is about 3100 on the van. Getting another suspension upgrade soon with 3900gvm and 7400 gcm. Trying to work on upgrading the btc at the moment to 4T.

[@mikesherwood5497]

@@UncagedExpeditions lovells right? Thats what i got... u will need eveey bit of 3900

[@UncagedExpeditions]

@@mikesherwood5497 yep. Lovell’s. My cruiser actually doesn’t weigh that much. Fully packed for camping with 80lt of water and 290lts of diesel, it weighs in at just under 3700. When I take the van, I don’t take that much gear in the 4wd. Which springs did you go for in the rear? Are you happy with the Lovell’s?

[@mikesherwood5497]

@@UncagedExpeditions Lovells the best engineered springs, went for max to cater for towing loads. Dont forget your towball download weight adds to vehicle GVM but does not come off the van ATM... you like me with Lovells upgrade will be close to line and measure weights in both carefully

[@UncagedExpeditions]

@@mikesherwood5497 great to hear you’re happy with it. I have also gone for the strongest ones. With the towball weight, the cruiser weighs in at 3960. I can easily drop the 80ltrs water out of 4wd to get it under. It’s very close but I have room to move with fluids. Hopefully they bring out a 4t btc upgrade in the near future and all my problems are solved🤞

[@notsuree]

are you loving it mate!! lol say it one more time pls

[@UncagedExpeditions]

Lol 🤦‍♂️

[@dickneal8409]

Great video. Are you happy with the Control Rider air suspension? Also have you sorted out the instantaneous hot water? Thanks

[@UncagedExpeditions]

Hey buddy. Absolutely loving it. Won’t ever go back to standard suspension now. I have turned the flow down on the heater itself so it has helped with not wasting much water.

[@pedroshetu4497]

What is the total cost of this van?

[@UncagedExpeditions]

Hey buddy. Total cost was just under $150k from memory.

[@conkiasas2097]

Wealth is a wonderful thing Especially if its created for you! Enjoy your house on wheels george.

[@UncagedExpeditions]

Nothing was created for me con. Lots of hard work. Will do buddy

[@conkiasas2097]

@@UncagedExpeditions haha yeah, go tell someone that doesn't know u gg!

[@Ghull17]

How long was the build time George?

[@sarahflanagan2706]

How much was it drive away??

[@gwynnemurkin1279]

How did you go with that instant hot water system? Did you sort it ?

[@Cattjhf]

I’m keen to know about this as well? How’s did you get on with the instant water system?

[@WestVicOffroad]

Hi Mate, Are you considering a chassis extension for the 79? or are all the people saying its needed talking BS? Van is Awesome by the way

[@UncagedExpeditions]

Thanks buddy. Absolutely loving it. No, I’m not a big fan of cutting the chassis and I have done a lot of towing and have never felt the need for it. I am happy with how it all works together. Just setup your suspension properly for the weight and you will be fine.

[@robertgrayson3394]

Nice George, I have a 2019 model and like some changes made since then, especially the airbags, Redvision and the slide out kitchen. Can you tell me if the kitchen is plumbed permanently or do you have to attach hoses each time to use sink? I am glad they also upgraded the battery system and will be doing ours next year. We have 200a/h and a 3500w inverter and have everything wired to inverter except aircon and washing machine, but we'll increase battery capacity and make aircon switchable between inverter and 240v. I also think the 60ltrs water only plumbed to the filtered drinking water outlet is overkill for us and am gonna also plumb it to the cold water taps on both sinks to preserve a bit more for the boss. Looking forward to the vids and reviews.

[@UncagedExpeditions]

Hey Robert. Sorry for the late reply. Have you been happy with yours? Those few changes were all added options and I am really happy I added them. They make life easier. For some reason they still don’t plumb the kitchen in. I have asked them about it and they said they can’t for legal reasons, but many other vans do it so I’m not sure what’s happening there. I think the changes you have mentioned are exactly what you need. I too don’t have separate drinking water. I think it’s a waste as we drink bottled water anyway. I still believe they are one of the best quality vans on the market. Cheers

[@gunny4082]

how much money do you make!!!!?

[@bsebse4313]

Haha😆😆😆.....obviously more than you and me

[@UncagedExpeditions]

Not enough lol

[@dichulley6341]

Very nice van mate. How long did the build take ?? From planning to completion/pick up. I'm in the market now for a family off road van as well.

[@UncagedExpeditions]

Dic Hulley Thanks buddy. This van took 3 months from start to pickup. It does vary a little with each manufacturer. What brands are you looking at?

[@dichulley6341]

@@UncagedExpeditions have been looking at the Lotus and Masterpiece as im in WA. I really do like the attention to detail in the Lotus tho.

[@texminchin4062]

Van looks Mickey mouse! Looks like you've got a serious tan on been at the salon haha? Also does the van have solar?

[@UncagedExpeditions]

Hey buddy. Sorry for the late reply. Fake tan all the way lol. Yes, it has around 750watts of solar on the roof.

[@23860]

100k ?

[@panibe00]

Plus plus

[@UncagedExpeditions]

Plus plus plus

[@trentbrown6424]

Lol you prick, your going to be one of those bastards traveling next to me on the freeway in peek hour sneaking away for New Years. With the dream setup ---- 79 series, bunk caravan. ooo buddy soon soon soon. P.s Love the vids

[@UncagedExpeditions]

Hey buddy. Just saw this message, must have missed it. Lol. Did you get away for New Years?