Why We Chose the Troop Carrier For Our Lap of Australia - COULD IT BE THE BEST OVERLAND VEHICLE?

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About us:
We're Jack & Megan, and in late 2020 we sold our belongings and packed our lives into our 2005 Toyota Troop Carrier to travel Australia. Our original plan was to complete a full lap of Australia and return home to Perth to resume our 'normal' lives. We decided we wanted to document our lap for the future and began sharing weekly travel vlogs of our life on the road and fell in love vlogging, filmmaking and sharing our lives with you. We completed our first lap and couldn't imagine living any other way so we decided to continue travelling and calling the Troopy home. We have gone on some crazy adventures since then and it is all thanks to you tuning in to join us every week.

[@mheradiranto6110]

Toyota Land Cruiser Troopie is the Australian icon

[@itsJackandMegan]

Sure is!

[@markgardiner1767]

AMEN TO THAT. TRIED, TESTED AN PROVEN IN THE TOUGH AUSSIE CLIMATE👍👍

[@eaglen00b]

Hey guys, not quite sure if you've noticed this for your rig, but for mine the fuel consumption in the city is the same as long distance cruising in the country. My 1995 HZJ75RV-MNQ troopy with the 1HZ gets 12.5L/100km wether its in the city or the country. I guess being a normally aspirated, indirect injection bombproof old school tech engine, it only uses as much fuel as it can possibly burn...... it won't go fast, but it consumes fuel at a steady constant rate. Even after a day along the powerline track in Mundaring, in low range fuel consumption only went up a little bit to 12.6L/100km. Being fully loaded or unladen seems to not make any difference either....... As for durability and reliability, mine's just clicked over 526,000km. Still original engine from new (Bought it back in 1995, and drove off the dealer's lot at New Town Toyota with 1km on the clock).

[@itsJackandMegan]

Hi mate yep no matter what we are doing it’s the same diesel consumption the only time I really noticed it was when we did Fraser Island and had the tyres down to 15 psi 4wd high range the whole time for 2 days by memory we only got 480kms to a tank. Other than that it’s pretty much always the same.

[@mitchandprince]

Thank you for the comprehensive and confident review. You’ve helped me secure my decision 😃😃😃

[@tonycordova9702]

I just got an used LC 70 2011 troopy in good condition after owning a 2003 4runner. So exited to get in this new LC adventure!! Great video mate!

[@raydav25]

top vid cobber, really appreciate your thoughts on the troopy.

[@itsJackandMegan]

Thanks mate appreciate it!

[@matthalpin1981]

Hi Jack. I am in the middle of trying to decide which model Troopy I want to buy. After lots of reading and research I was getting confused over the variety of Troopy models and engines. Your video was a HUGE help in clarifying my decision. Thank you very much for making this video!

[@itsJackandMegan]

That’s awesome mate! No worries at all 😊

[@DanCabban]

Great troopy love them. Also love your vids thanks for sharing 🙏

[@itsJackandMegan]

Cheers mate thanks for watching appreciate it! 😊

[@michaelalliston6657]

Yep, I'm sold! Great vid.

[@itsJackandMegan]

Thanks mate!

[@adelarsen9776]

The sun visor makes all the difference. Have you hopped into another 70 series without a visor and gone for a drive ? You realise how amazing they are. You arrive everywhere refreshed.

[@itsJackandMegan]

Oh yeah it is awesome having the visor I have been in a mates Troopy with no visor and it’s a huge difference!

[@adelarsen9776]

@@itsJackandMegan If only the majority of people realised what an advantage it is..... You're on a winner.

[@kenworthcummins8105]

That and they look a million bucks

[@vforvendetta275]

@@kenworthcummins8105 cost so much too!

[@jackilott8488]

cheers mate. was very iffy and ah about getting a 75 or an 80, but your video has truely driven me to the 75. cheers. sick setup btw!

[@itsJackandMegan]

Love to hear that mate thanks so much for watching!

[@pmcpmc1257]

Spot on!

[@itsJackandMegan]

Cheers mate!

[@tayloraverett3138]

Hey, guys sorry if I missed it but what year is your 78? I am from the US and starting in 2024 the first 78 models will be importable, which I am so excited for.

[@TheCandyman351]

Nailed it 👌

[@itsJackandMegan]

Cheers mate!

[@joestout9496]

I just secured my HZJ75 troopy and I am so, so excited. They're rare as hen's teeth in America and I am a lucky guy.

[@itsJackandMegan]

Hey how’s it going, That’s awesome congratulations! Didn’t realise they had a 75 series Troopy I thought they olny made 75 series utes? And troopys under the 78 series.

[@joestout9496]

@@itsJackandMegan They were 75s until the 1999 model year then they went to 78s. At least that's my understanding.

[@elijahtaugata]

love it, twinss!

[@itsJackandMegan]

👍

[@kparker4894]

Very informative for those interested. I'd rather break down in the back of nowhere in a Toyota than in a brand new Dodge Ram!! Imagine limping into a workshop in the middle of nowhere in one if them!!🤣 No thanks. Most outback workshops carry most common and service parts for Toyota and Nissan on the shelf. Catch you next vid.👍👍

[@itsJackandMegan]

Exactly right mate! Thanks for watching 😊👍

[@antswildsounds4283]

Hi. Where do you buy the gas bottle and water bottle holder from?

[@spudboy1328]

All good reasons. I've just got a Troopy and have spent the last few days chopping the roof off and fitting an Alu-Cab Hercules RTT. That's a nerve-wracking thing to do to a car! Mine is a V8, so not quite sure what fuel usage is going to be but yours, at 15L/100, is the sort of thing I am expecting. Toyota says 10.5L/100 but I think that's a bit optimistic! I've gone for Terrain Tamer parabolics with KONI RAID shocks.

[@itsJackandMegan]

Hey mate thanks for watching! You will love the conversion, it will all be totally worth it that first night out camping in it will be awesome. Yes fuel consumption is pretty good I’m pretty happy with what we are getting. Those v8s have got some awesome power as well you will have no problems at all up those long hills 😂 Have only heard good things in regards to the terrain tamer parabolic leaf springs, they will be something I will 100% be looking into after our trip!

[@christophersaul]

I have a v8 with the AluCab - I seem to get about 15l/100, but I do spend a lot of time in the UAE on the motorway.

[@Legrascestlavie88]

Depends of what tyres you put.

[@andrewskiller9192]

Just wondering about comparison of troopy vs Ute with slide on such as a trayon. I guess troopy easier to sneaky sleep but trayon you can just use the Ute and maybe more room inside. Thoughts?

[@brucelawrence123]

Just a side note is that side Maxtrax table legal as in some states you cant have anything protruding past the body line.

[@itsJackandMegan]

Hey mate I’m honestly not sure we have never been pulled up for it. It doesn’t stick out any further then the mirrors. I’ve been unable to find any info on it.

[@johndiaz7240]

Thanks

[@itsJackandMegan]

No worries. Mate! 👍

[@markgardiner1767]

HI JACK, GREAT FOOTAGE. IVE A 1997 TROOPCARRIER. OWNED IT SINCE 2000. IVE OFTEN THOUGHT UPGRADING, BUT THIS BEIGE GIRL HAS BEEN SO GOOD,THAT ITS HARD TO LET GO OF. SO I THINK ILL JUST UPGRADED HER, MAYBE POPUP CONVERSION, RESPRAY ETC. SHES GOT 485000KM ON WITH NO SIGN OF LETTING UP. IN FACT IT SEEMS TO BE GETTING STRONGER( IN REGARDS TO 1HZ ENGINE) HAS HAD BRAKE BOOSTER UPGRADE, FULL LENGTH DRAWER SET INSTALLATION,A SUSPENSIONS UPGRADE. SOON ILL GET INJECTOR PUMP AND NOZZLES SERVICED. WHAT I LOVE SO MUCH ABOUT THIS VEHICLE IS ITS OVER ENGINEERED SIMPLICITY. NON COMPUTERIZED AND AS TOUGH AS THEY COME. PEOPLE SAY( OWNERS OF LATER MODEL VEHICLES)" ISNT IT HARD RIDING"? THE VEHICLE HAS 285 KM2 's THAT I RUN AT 38PSI ON ROUGHER DIRT ROADS AND THE OEM SEATS ARE REFURBISHED. SO ITS NOT NOT BAD RIDE COMFORT WISE.TRAK RYDER SHOCKS AND REBUSHED LEAF SPRINGS. SO AS FAR AS IM CONCERNED,IASK MY SELF" WHY GET ANYTHING ELSE "? THATS MY STORY. REGARDS MARK👍👍

[@bogomirr2578]

what made you choose the hzj78 over the hdj78? price point is much higher but reliabilty should be similar between the models as well as the advantage of the turbocharged setup. If you get the RV model of the hdj78 you also have advantages such as central locking, power windows, rear sway bar etc... all of which have stood the test of time and are no less reliable then the good old wind ups.

[@itsJackandMegan]

Hi mate good question I had a feeling this question would come through 😂 Price did play a big part mate I forgot to mention that in the video😅 Also, I just wanted something nice and simple and not have to worry about electronics or turbos failing ect, its our first time travelling the way we are and obviously on a budget I believed that the 1hz would be cheaper in regards to repairs if anything major was to happen. I would however after finishing our trip love to invest in a hdj and put that to test for sure, central locking sounds pretty bloody good 😂 But in todays market they may be incredibly hard to find, some of the prices are through the roof.

[@scorpiontail2561]

Watched a couple of you vids..very informative and well presented. Just wondering if you know of any vids that cover hiring a troopy in the northern territory, as I've been led to believe there are sometimes hidden costs and restrictions. Or could you or someone you know tell us the best companies to try.hoping to be ther in June covid depending.

[@itsJackandMegan]

Hey thanks for following along! You could try camplify.com they seem to have a good range of vehicles 😊 hope this helps 👍

[@Adam-rh8fj]

what do you think of petrol troopys?

[@Legrascestlavie88]

Hey. What is the brand of the fender flares?

[@velthraytor6179]

Can't fault the old cruisers, just bought a hzj75 ute a few months back. Payed 8-9k for it which was a steal considering the market now. Dam good vehicles, can't fault the old yota engoonering

[@itsJackandMegan]

That’s a steal mate! Yep you will not have any problems they are built to last 👍

[@velthraytor6179]

@@itsJackandMegan the only down side is that the previous owner painted it in a epoxy black. It it was polyurethane it would be fine but now the paint is all chalky. So after the Hilux is done I'm stripping the old cruiser down for full respray. But even then it was still a steal, gear box was rooted but it had a hard life

[@michaelalliston6657]

Can you give me some advice on a rear bar? First question is, based on your experience do I need one for my lap. I'm looking at the Kaymar rear bar - its quite expensive. Any thoughts on it being a necessity? value for money? Cheers. Michael.

[@itsJackandMegan]

I’d say from my experience so far a rear bar is needed. My biggest regret with our build is not buying the Kaymar in the first place, you will not regret buying quality!

[@robdotcom71]

I'd love a Troopy as a tourer... or the Ineos Grenadier.... or (if I win the lotto) an Earthcruiser. I liked at Andrew St Pierre White (4Xoverland) did with his Troopy and I bet he regrets selling it now.

[@itsJackandMegan]

Hi mate yes I believe Andrew St Pierre white has recently purchased another Troopy because he regretted selling the other one. They really are a great tourer! Thanks for watching 👍

[@robdotcom71]

@@itsJackandMegan His 79 build was looking good... until I seen the dogbox on the back.... lol

[@itsJackandMegan]

@@robdotcom71 Exactly right it was just way to big wasn’t it would have been a nice sleeping area but just to bulky I think.

[@ianfraser7612]

When you want to upgrade you will have no issues selling this vehicle for top dollar. I want to buy one and cant find many second hand bargains for sale at the moment.

[@itsJackandMegan]

Yes it’s great that they hold there value. Very hard to find a good deal at the moment, I was looking the other day and the prices have skyrocketed. It’s crazy out there in the car markets today.

[@reddirt9803]

When people get their hands on one they don’t let them go too easily

[@Oscarsfishing]

Mate it’s my dream car

[@itsJackandMegan]

They’re pretty bloody good mate! Thanks for watching 👍

[@joshuacowling7844]

Hey mate, did having a vehicle with or without srs airbags come into play when choosing a vehicle to do the lap in?

[@itsJackandMegan]

Great question mate! The answer is no it never actually crossed my mind. I feel safe without them but in saying that I wouldn’t say no to having them if that makes sense 😅

[@jensstrang1501]

Good vehicle, unfortunately no longer saleable in Germany (diesel). Petrol vehicles are only available from special dealers. Apart from today's topic, your rear bracket for the 2 water canisters and gas bottle just caught my eye. The weight is far away from the mounting point. This results in a long "lever travel". Vibrations can cause cold deformation and cracks. Have you noticed anything at the welding seams? Or on the sheets themselves? Have a nice trip and greetings from Germany. The package with the snow should have arrived by now. I think the contents will now be liquid.

[@itsJackandMegan]

Hi mate yes they are a great vehicle! So far the rear bar seems to be ok, it is something I’m aware of and check frequently and will be the first thing that will be coming off and redesigned after our trip. I also only fill one water tank up most of the time and leave the other empty- only filling for a long distance trip. Thanks for the snow 😂😊

[@fienardiwijaya425]

hi Mate, where did u purchase the flares.? Thanks

[@itsJackandMegan]

Hey mate they were purchased from a company in Perth that unfortunately is no longer in business!

[@martinhazel4862]

Man....so jealous, we don't have the Landcruiser available in Canada anymore. Toyota! are you listening.....??? we want it

[@itsJackandMegan]

Yes I have heard that they don’t have them over there bloody sucks hey!

[@burmwout5525]

Do you have the R151F transmission, or did you swap or strengthen it? Seems to be the weak point of the HZJ?

[@itsJackandMegan]

Still the original R151F mate and it’s still going strong! But have heard story’s that they can just give way at anytime.

[@markgardiner1767]

THE R151 GEARBOX IS ALRIGHT. THE BIGGEST THING IS NOT TO TOW TO MUCH IN 5TH GEAR. IVE OWNED MY 1997 TROOPCARRIER SINCE 2000 AND NSEVEF HAD AN ISSUE WITH IT👍👍

[@ImJustWantToComment]

Got a patrol not sure if if I need the upgrade or not.

[@itsJackandMegan]

Nothing wrong with patrols mate! Have owned heaps they’re a tough car!

[@bugsy1254]

Do you have approximate prices of the Troopy. Is yours petrol or diesel?

[@itsJackandMegan]

Hey mate it’s a diesel! We run though a few costs in this video if you want to check it out- kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6GbZ4ttl6llZsk

[@1hdt]

have you blocked egr in your 1hz? if so have you found any performance improvements

[@itsJackandMegan]

Hi mate no I have not everything’s stock besides the snorkel.

[@DanCabban]

I’m pretty sure the 1hz doesn’t have an egr

[@1hdt]

@@DanCabban 105 series 1hz do have mate

[@DanCabban]

@@1hdt well there you go, I did not know that. Thanks 👍

[@outlandyishrig2557]

@@1hdt Hey mate not all 105 series have EGR, mine is 98 model, I think after 2001 is when EGR was introduced 👍

[@adolfadolfovich7297]

Toyota land cruiser 70series 🇯🇵👍👍👍💪💪💪💪i❤️car!! 🎥👍

[@itsJackandMegan]

The best!

[@adolfadolfovich7297]

@@itsJackandMegan Yes!!!, the best of the best 4×4!!!!👍💪👌

[@jeetts59]

My choice after 40 years of having a 4x4 is the prado,

[@itsJackandMegan]

Good choice of vehicle mate. Very comfortable overlander! 👍

[@CHATSW00D]

Hi Harold, may I ask why the prado? I’ve just bought my first prado so I’d love to know

[@christophersaul]

Perfect vehicle. Is it not a 75 series though, rather than a 78?

[@itsJackandMegan]

Hi yes it may just be the perfect vehicle. It is a 78 series.

[@christophersaul]

@@itsJackandMegan I need to educate myself about when the numbers changed, it’s confusing. Keep up the great content!

[@itsJackandMegan]

@@christophersaul 1990-1998 are 75 series leaf springs all round and only available with the 1hz 1999-2021 are coil sprung up the front and leaf spring at the back 2000-2006 came out with the 1HZ and the HDJ turbo engine known as the 78 series. There was some petrol engines somewhere along the line but not 100% of the top of my head. Hope this helps mate!

[@christophersaul]

@@itsJackandMegan Thanks. All clear. As I mentioned, keep up the good work and enjoy the Troopy. I manage to do two or three nights here in the UAE 'working from my car', but the dream is a long trip one day. At least I can live vicariously through you guys for the time being!

[@robertgregory8964]

@@christophersaul The 78 rear leaves are also longer for greater articulation. The 78 has a reduced tendency to tip over. My HZ78 also has an extra side door added by the original owner as a crew carrier with all forward facing seats.

[@cooperstrachan8576]

How much did it cost when you first got it?

[@itsJackandMegan]

$20,000 bargain at the time and it was stock not one modification This will all be in next Thursday’s vid mate going to be going through everything in regards to costs.

[@cooperstrachan8576]

@@itsJackandMegan awesome cause I am only 14 now but really wanna explore aus and didn’t know if it was gonna be realistic. Cheers very helpful.

[@itsJackandMegan]

You will have no problems mate. Start saving, stay positive and you will 100% be able to do whatever you like.

[@braydenclark5828]

Bloody love ya troopy man very well setup

[@itsJackandMegan]

@@braydenclark5828 Thanks mate appreciate it.

[@tradesman8348]

The 1hd-fte is a far better motor!! 24 valve factory turbo. Quicker more reliability and much better fuel efficiency.. however very rare and much more expensive to purchase

[@waltap1205]

What's she weight ?

[@itsJackandMegan]

Would say around the 3.8t Mark mate

[@paulczernotowycz2305]

Toyota, end of story!

[@itsJackandMegan]

Exactly right 😂

[@neilarmitage6632]

Definitely NOT! the Iveco Daily and other Iveco trucks plus the MAN 4x4 trucks.

[@itsJackandMegan]

Definitely not what?