Fun in our Isuzu DMax

[reaver]

I really wish we could get the d-max in the states. I would buy one in a heartbeat! Sweet rig!

I especially like the kitchen box setup. Any chance you could elaborate on that one a bit?

 

[caspoint220]

I really wish we could get the d-max in the states. I would buy one in a heartbeat! Sweet rig!

I especially like the kitchen box setup. Any chance you could elaborate on that one a bit?

Yeah sure, so I have large dogs, and my rig is my every day drive too so all my stuff has to be as modular as possible ..... I hunted for ages for a perfect kitchen set-up. I found a guy who made his own on YouTube (Europe Overland) I tried to find something similar but the closest thing was a sort of really expensive hamper. I messaged the guy on his channel and he doesnt sell them but was willing to give me the plans..........

Around the same time..... one of the UK dealers, Tuff-Trek trialled and imported the Hectic Leisure Camp Kitchen from South Africa. I was one of the first people in the UK to get one We love it! it's nice and compact and has everything we need! Have a look on the Hectic Leisure website,

Hectic Leisure Gear

I'm sure someone in the US will be building something similar? or see if they import to the states?

 

[reaver]

I appreciate the details! I have a rather odd sized stove, and will probably have to build something that works. I really liked the layout of yours, and may mimic it while adjusting the size to match my stove.

 

[SMHinthewild]

Pretty successful 5 day camp on Isle of Lewis 3 other Overlanders and 10 million midges for company.

A shakedown trip preparing for the run to 71 North in October. Kitted out and loaded in full scandi-camp spec I needed to make sure that the stock suspension was up to the job. A bit of a sag but £1700 avoided this side of 2020. (next job)

Bearmatch 52L fridge freezer was great despite bargain price and low expectation after the Engle. Low power draw and top up from 100w solar panel gave 80AH aux battery no problem for 5 days - also a big plus.

 

[Polaris Overland]

Yep the Midges can be hell

 

[caspoint220]

Im sold on the Bearmach likes, added to the list. If nothing its looking like a reliable entry level fridge/freezer!

 

[caspoint220]

So it's probably time for a little update. I have been working away from Sept until early Dec so been quite quiet.

That hasn't stopped the purchasing and planning though. We have an NYE NC500 trip booked in, headed up by @Polaris Overland which we are all looking forward to.

I've bought a new front runner load bar kit to replace the terrible factory bars, still to be fitted.

Bought, installed and tuned a new Thunderpole T3000 CB which I got at a black Friday deal.

Bought (cant wait to try it) a frontier stove, I am most excited about this!!! Also got my hands on a coleman duel fuel burner to try out as another (cold weather and solo travel) means of cooking when I dont need to lug around my HL kitchen.

Looking forward to getting on the road again! Pics to follow.

 

[Polaris Overland]

You not tried out the frontier stove in the garden yet.
When I got ours it was summer in Cyprus but I still had it set up and burning in the garden ;-)

 

[caspoint220]

You not tried out the frontier stove in the garden yet.
When I got ours it was summer in Cyprus but I still had it set up and burning in the garden ;-)

It's taken all my will power not to do it......... I might do it tomorrow....

 

[blackntan]

R

 

[blackntan]

Left the d
max and went south in me boogie bus

 

[caspoint220]

Left the d
max and went south in me boogie bus

Quality mate! good to see you back on the road! Hopefully we can catch up soon!!

 

[caspoint220]

So it's been a busy few week, some of the OB members hit the NC500 over NYE, not even the blasting cold winds could stop us!

My Aux battery install is complete, this means I have scene lights providing 270 degree light around the rear cab, internal lights for truck/tent and multiple plug in/charging points.

The wife wasnt to keen on the cold, so I bought a cheap copy of a 5kw Planar diesel heater, built it into a metal box and fitted a plug to my aux battery, what a fantastic bit of kit! Lovely heat in the RTT and the doggos love the heat in the back.

I finally feel that my wife and I have this modular thing down to a T, having been testing and adjusting since 2017. Keeping our core principle of modular multipurpose items as a driver!

Anyway, heres some photos

 

[caspoint220]

A little April lockdown blurb......

Like everyone else, we have been in lockdown. So no adventuring. It has given me time to do little jobs.....

When I installed the aux battery on the left side of the RSI canopy, something I never foreseen as a problem was the way the joints flex in the canopy, this opened up the teeniest of holes in multiple points alone the seams. It meant a little water was getting into the tub everytime it rained, not much but enough to annoy me. So I re-siliconed all the canopy seams, dry as a button.

I HATE chrome..... the DMax comes with alot of it. I already sprayed it with a rubberised black paint, this started to flake over the winter so, time for an upgrade. I had my on UPol Raptor for some time and lockdown has provided a perfect opportunity..... we are de-chromed.

I'm even looking at doing the wheels in the same paint .

We had a successful West Europe virtual camp fire last weekend and it was a great laugh.

Thanks to @Michael and @Corrie for the surprise guest video call to the West Europe team! also the daily online videos and the beta app release, this update is being done on my phone through the app so all good!!!

 

[Tim]

Nice work! Putting me to shame but should get a few jobs done over the long weekend. Just as soon as I get the ‘house diy’ done! Hopefully catch everyone round the virtual campfire at some point.

 

[blackntan]

A little April lockdown blurb......

Like everyone else, we have been in lockdown. So no adventuring. It has given me time to do little jobs.....

When I installed the aux battery on the left side of the RSI canopy, something I never foreseen as a problem was the way the joints flex in the canopy, this opened up the teeniest of holes in multiple points alone the seams. It meant a little water was getting into the tub everytime it rained, not much but enough to annoy me. So I re-siliconed all the canopy seams, dry as a button.

I HATE chrome..... the DMax comes with alot of it. I already sprayed it with a rubberised black paint, this started to flake over the winter so, time for an upgrade. I had my on UPol Raptor for some time and lockdown has provided a perfect opportunity..... we are de-chromed.

I'm even looking at doing the wheels in the same paint .

We had a successful West Europe virtual camp fire last weekend and it was a great laugh.

Thanks to @Michael and @Corrie for the surprise guest video call to the West Europe team! also the daily online videos and the beta app release, this update is being done on my phone through the app so all good!!!

Like the raptor work ive done the whole truck

 

[blackntan]

And

 

[caspoint220]

Well, been quiet of late. What with COVID lockdown, then work commitments, plus a bit of adulting becoming a home owner..... i've sort of forgotten to keep things up to date!

Although the truck is in the garage sleeping, where he has been for a few months..... I have been busy running around in Kenya for work..... in fact, as an apology here is some of my photos. . . . . . my only gripe, is my work vehicle is a Landrover Puma...... i HATE it I need my DMax back!

 

[Polaris Overland]

Well, been quiet of late. What with COVID lockdown, then work commitments, plus a bit of adulting becoming a home owner..... i've sort of forgotten to keep things up to date!

Although the truck is in the garage sleeping, where he has been for a few months..... I have been busy running around in Kenya for work..... in fact, as an apology here is some of my photos. . . . . . my only gripe, is my work vehicle is a Landrover Puma...... i HATE it I need my DMax back!


View attachment 216587
View attachment 216586
View attachment 216585
View attachment 216584
View attachment 216583
View attachment 216582
View attachment 216581
View attachment 216580

Africa is an Overlanders heaven