'97 FZJ-80 1yr exped. prep advice

[Atomic Dog!]

Some people get phobic about putting anything on the roof, but from my experience, even with some pretty heavy loads in an 80 series is that you can do quite a bit with even a big load. Emergency maneuvers can be an issue, but just like having the respect that an SUV takes over a standard car, if you are a smart driver, the issues are minimized.

Good to know, I'll keep it in mind, I'm definitely gonna use the roof for some stuff..

-Adriana

 

[Atomic Dog!]

Water storage..
Also, check out Desert Dudes awesome water set-up in his 80. Maybe more fancy than what you're looking for, but the tank is good.

::Wow1esert Dude's set up is IDEAL! Wow, so sophisticated, I really had no idea you could do that with an 80. All the brain storming from folks was terrific. Unfortunately I tried looking at the pics but some of the links have gone bad. Still I can just imagine..

Any volunteers to help me create a similar set up? I've got no tools but I'm pretty handy for a girl. :drool:

Peace, Adriana

 

[gjackson]

What kind of water storage does everyone use? Michael, I appreciate your comments regarding the ability to clean the water tanks and carrying water of varying degrees of purity. I planned on having some portable storage as well as the onboard storage. I was going to transfer the contents of 5 gallon bottles into my storage system. Also, I’ll be bringing a water purification system so I don’t have to worry about bad water when I don’t find bottled. Without the tanks, I’ve got to find a way to carry 20-30 gallons of water. That would mean 4-6 jerry cans of water inside an 80 along with all the parts, camping gear, fridge, supplies for a year and room for dogs? Hmm, I’m having difficulty picturing how that is all going to fit. Everyone says I shouldn’t put heavy stuff like water cans on the roof. Suggestions?

Obviously Michael knows his stuff, but often in smaller vehicles (with ONLY 2 axles!!:sombrero: ) mounted tanks are the only way to efficiently store water. We have a 10gal tank on the 110, plus we carried 2 7gal jerrys and one 5 gal jerry. That's 36 gal capacity. I would have preferred and am planning on building a system with a second mounted tank and a ceramic filter system with a 12v pump. In Africa we used a Pur backpacking pump filter, and you only need to filter 20L of water once to know that is not the best system for overlanding!! Brownchurch in the UK makes a really nice filter and shower system:

http://www.brownchurch.co.uk/waterpurification.html

But it is *very* expensive. My advise it to spend the time and the money on day to day living stuff like water, packing, sleeping food storage etc. Things like winches and lockers and lights are very useful if you need them, but the opportunity cost of buying them and scrimping elsewhere can make your day to day living a lot less comfortable!

Sounds like a mounted water tank and a rear tire/jerry holder w/ jacking points would be your best compromise.

Just my 2c

cheers

 

[Scott Brady]

My advise it to spend the time and the money on day to day living stuff like water, packing, sleeping food storage etc. Things like winches and lockers and lights are very useful if you need them, but the opportunity cost of buying them and scrimping elsewhere can make your day to day living a lot less comfortable!

Exactly, and coming from a guy that spent 9 months living out of his Land Rover...

 

[michaelgroves]

I'm going to stick to my guns here. But only to restate the alternative view: there are very few advantages to a built-in water tank (compared to individual loose containers), unless you have under-chassis space. Otherwise, you need pretty much the same volume of internal storage space, no matter what solution you choose. (But containers can be moved around, optimising what space you do have).

A built-in tank sounds like a good idea, (and is perhaps a good idea if you have good water all the time), but you'll curse it when you unwittingly top up with tainted water from a service station, or suddenly see the dregs from the bottom of a well swirling up through your filler hose.

None of these things are make-or-break. But I'd choose to spend less money on what I think is overall a better solution, even with only two axles

If you do go the Nato plastic can route, it's also worth getting a through-the-lid outlet hose, to a 12V pump. The pump and tap can be permanent fittings somewhere convenient, and the outlet hose screwed onto whichever can is appropriate. When the can's empty, just transfer the hose to the next can. A push-on hose from the tap to a filter is handy too, for filling drinking water bottles.

Be aware with filters that they vary in quality, the best ones removing pretty much all suspended particles and the flora and fauna that might otherwise give you a very comprehensive guided tour of the local toilet facilities (or worse).

What they won't do reliably is to remove dissolved impurities such as poisons, salts, foul tastes, heavy metals, etc. There is no good way of doing that, short of distillation. Since most of the likely poisons and metals have a cumulative effect, it's good practice not to drink water for a long time from the same (untrusted) source.

You will almost certainly be safe drinking bottled water, though research done a few years ago in Nairobi, Kenya, showed that all but 2 brands of bottled water sold, turned out to be Nairobi municipal tap water, with no additional treatment! The same thing is doubtless true in many places (though perhaps not on the same scale!), but even so, you are unlikely to get anything worse than a bad bout of Delhi-belly from most city water.

Regarding quantities of water to carry, I have no idea what your dogs drink, but figure on at least 4 litres per day of drinking water for yourself, and maybe the same for the dogs. Washing and dishwashing can be skimped on when you are short, but for normal use, I'd say another 5 - 8 litres. Call it 20 litres per day, and you'll be comfortable but not prodigal. Laundry and a more comprehensive shower can be done when water is plentiful. You can count on being able to get water of some quality on most days - but you need to be able to go 3 days or so without, in some places. And you need a reserve for the engine, "lending" to other people, getting clean after maintenance or mud, etc. I'd say 80L in total would be sensible and ample, unless I got the dogs wrong. Always keep the last 20L or so for drinking only, if you find yourself down on stocks.

Rgds

M...

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

One more note, be careful if you look into those Opposite lock tanks, most of those mount exactly where the sliders would, so if you have sliders they wont work.

Its a bummer because that was the solution i was hoping for! :drool:

 

[Atomic Dog!]

Sounds like a mounted water tank and a rear tire/jerry holder w/ jacking points would be your best compromise.

That's what I'm leaning towards at this point. I looked at the Slee tank which is nice but as Michael said, is still taking up interior storage. And can I just ask, What is with all the carpeting? Carpet on the water tank, carpet on the drawers. As a multi-dog owner and total girl when it comes to cleaning I've spent the better part of 14 years trying to avoid carpeting!!

One more note, be careful if you look into those Opposite lock tanks, most of those mount exactly where the sliders would, so if you have sliders they wont work.

Since I don't have sliders, this may be a good option. I'm kinda thinking I want to go stainless steel though. I know these tanks could rust, but if so might still be reparable. Once plastic breaks I'm afraid that's it.

I'd say 80L in total would be sensible and ample,

Yep, 80L about 21 Gal that's about what I was thinking for a minimum. Dogs aren't great at conserving water. They some times spill as much as they drink. Also, when I travel with them and it is hot I often rinse them off and/or soak towels to keep them cool.

As for the purification system, this is the purification system I'll use: http://www.generalecology.com/ Seem like their system does it all, gets rid of the nasty bugs and takes care of chemical impurities and taste. Not cheap but when it comes to clean water I don't mind the expense.

-Adriana

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

Since I don't have sliders, this may be a good option.

I STRONGLY suggest putting sliders on your rig though! Almost as important as suspension and tires IMHO, especially on a rig that will see offroad use! Ask any 80 owner that has hit that area under the door, its a HUGE repair!

I'm kinda thinking I want to go stainless steel though. I know these tanks could rust, but if so might still be reparable. Once plastic breaks I'm afraid that's it.

Check out OOT4WD in Austrailia. That is who i bought my aux tank from and can honestly say the quality is AMAZING!!! They offer both Stainless and Aluminum water tank options for the 80 series.

Info here: http://www.thelongranger.com.au

Thats my .02

 

[tarbe]

I did not see this mentioned...you definitely want to replace the fan clutch with the new blue model if you are still running the original unit.

Lots of overheating in these trucks can be traced, at least in part, to a failed fan clutch.

Tim

 

[Atomic Dog!]

It was a grueling 9 hours in LA traffic but WooHoo! I’ve got my parts!!! :victory: I just got back from a trip to MAF where I picked up the following:

Replacement fuel tank 38 gal
OME 850/864 springs, LT shocks, steering stabilizer
ARB Bull Bar
Safari Snorkel
Dual Battery Kit
Water tank, (metal fits underneath slightly off center under passenger seat so no need to move spare. Yeah! Now I just need to get the Shurflo pump and figure out how/where to mount the fittings.)
Winch arrived yesterday

I wish I had a digital camera to take some before pictures. I’ve bought a disposable so eventually I’ll scan some pics in and upload so you can see.

Thank you everyone for your advice on this. I’m sure those Long Ranger tanks are great. It’s a cost thing.. I saved myself hundreds of $$$ by being able to pick the stuff up instead of ship it.

-Adriana

 

[Atomic Dog!]

I did not see this mentioned...you definitely want to replace the fan clutch with the new blue model if you are still running the original unit.

Lots of overheating in these trucks can be traced, at least in part, to a failed fan clutch.

Tim

Interesting, no I hadn't heard of this but will look into it, thanks..

-Adriana

 

[blupaddler]

Congrats!!!


I will interested to see how you like the water tank. I have heard they heat up the water b/c of their location.

Good luck!!!

:luxhello:

 

[rgsiii]

I may have missed it, but you should consider changing the starter contacts. As far as the PHH goes, I would place a high end job placed while doing the starter. This site sells a "kit" I think you could the same parts cheaper in some locations--I don't have access to the hoses locally. http://www.1fzfephh.com/

With the lift kit, I think extended stainless brake lines and lengthened breathers would be appropriate.

I have on board CO2, but I am not sure of the availability of refills and the size might make a portable air compressor system better for a one year trip.

Very likely you will need to add multiple 12v outlets. An OBDII reader might not be a bad idea along with a factory service manual.

I am not sure of your planned route, but malaria prophylaxis may be advisable. Some sort of first aid kit and medications would be a good thing. along with sunscreen and bug spray. Boiling water or a filtration system might be adviseable in some areas. Check on your health insurance and car insurance. There is an affordable air evacuation company Medjetassist and there are travel related health insurance companies. I am pretty sure my current health insurance would be worthless.

 

[Atomic Dog!]

I may have missed it, but you should consider changing the starter contacts. As far as the PHH goes, I would place a high end job placed while doing the starter. This site sells a "kit" I think you could the same parts cheaper in some locations--I don't have access to the hoses locally.

Thanks for that info.

With the lift kit, I think extended stainless brake lines and lengthened breathers would be appropriate.

Included in the kit.

I have on board CO2, but I am not sure of the availability of refills and the size might make a portable air compressor system better for a one year trip.

I'm planning on using a the Extreme Outback portable air compressor.

Very likely you will need to add multiple 12v outlets.

Right, one of the things, along with a water system and power converter that I'm going to have to take some time to plan.

An OBDII reader might not be a bad idea along with a factory service manual.

Hmm, my own reader? I hadn't considered that. The factory or Haynes manual goes without saying.

I am not sure of your planned route, but malaria prophylaxis may be advisable.. Boiling water or a filtration system might be adviseable in some areas.. There is an affordable air evacuation company Medjetassist and there are travel related health insurance companies.

I got the clean water situation covered, I just need to work on the plumbing and set up. As for the health issues, yep, there is a lot to do.. I got to get busy!

-Adriana

 

[rgsiii]

Also, I would go with the genuine Toyota air filter--it is washable and able to be reused.

This sounds like a fun trip!