Today I made some orders to start getting my full-time overland kit established for Victory. The first order was for Starboard to start the sleeping platform. The frame will be made of aluminum and Starboard top. Although Starboard is quite heavy in comparison, it fits my needs for long duration durability, UV protection, strength, and aesthetics. The plan will be to mount the sleeping platform level with the NL Weekender and custom mattress on top. If you have seen the AT version of the LR3/4 install, it is similar only I plan to make it cost effective and customized for my uses.
Finally, I will retain one left back seat with a fold-up option for situations where I need to get another passenger in the vehicle. Typical use will be the back left passenger seat is folded down with the sleeping platform panel installed over the top. The center seat NL Weekender fridge/freezer in the middle and in place of the back right seat will be potentially internal encased water tank option with floor pan drain and a few other goodies under that panel. The back will have two full sliding drawers with the ultimate goal of keeping it less than 200lbs total dry (150lbs optimum). With the removal of over 240lbs of seats, brackets, hardware, and if can remain under that delta with the new platform install, I believe the weight economics goals have been met. Ultimately, low CG and weight savings are of prime concern for me in the end.
Additionally, I purchased some external fuel management tools/kit. The first is to get my Scepter tanks back up to snuff because they leak miserably while on their sides on the roof rack. Roof mounting is only temporary as I will keep with plans of installing external fuel single Scepter on the left side dual swingout since I will have internal freshwater eventually. Currently, I hold emergency water in a water Scepter on the roof next to the fuel Scepter. I found this guy on YouTube a while back and then decided this is what I needed for long-term fuel cap maintenance free life. If you don't know, the Scepter was designed for diesel only, and petrol destroys the flange in the caps, eats the non-vital seal and causes leaks......my major problem. JagMTE solved this and also a bit pricey, new plastic caps are the same cost and will eventually fail like my current ones. JagMTE resolved the issue with the caps by making an aluminum flange plate and new seal, and this should be the last time I need to purchase anything other than new vital seals years down the road.
I'm not yet endorsing this product in any fashion, but if you have issues like millions of other Scepters, I'll let you know if my money was well spent.
JagMTE Scepter Cap Modification
http://www.jagmte.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=59
The next thing I did was purchase what I believe to be a decent siphon kit. I was able to get this Siphon Pro XL kit off Amazon for around $22 after my gift card and rebate I had hanging out in my cart. I wanted a good quality siphon kit for my toolkit anyway, so I will make a cute bag and leave this in the truck for emergencies and primary source of siphoning from my roof tanks to my Scepters. Even when mounted on the bumper, it will keep me from having to play pour games into the tank. I could have made one for less I am sure, but $22 is not going to keep me from eating this month, so I bought it.
Siphon Pro XL
https://www.amazon.com/Siphon-Pro-XL-Largest-Diesel/dp/B01M5D2XZQ
More to follow as I use the gear on my trip out to the desert next week.
Rover on my friends, Rover on!:smiley_drive: