Hey WUDUer’s, in this post we thought we’d give you a bit of a run down on the vehicle we have utilised for our Tour of Tassie.
For this trip, we borrowed from Marks 4wd (in Melbourne) for what we think is an Ultimate Touring Vehicle and Support Vehicle for making What’s Up Downunder, keeping Angie and Macca along with the crew fed and watered plus carrying all the gear, recharging all the 240 volt equipment used to produce the show plus tow Caravans and Boats to all the locations in comfort.
Starting with the Toyota Landcruiser 79 Series Dual Cab GXL the team at Marks have transformed the workhorse. They replaced the factory 5 speed Manual Transmission with a Computer controlled 6 Speed Automatic, making it much easier to drive and the lower the revs from the V8 Diesel at cruising speed resulting in lower fuel usage. The conversion looks factory with a custom console and more cup holders to boot. There is a Towing mode selected by a switch which changes the shift points to better harness the required torque for towing.
The vehicle is also fitted with Portal Axles which dramatically lifts ground clearance, whilst being able to run a smaller suspension lift and fit the larger tyres. All of these modifications are engineered and legal across the country. Several new and used vehicles are being converted in Melbourne from all over the country, many new direct from dealers and even shipped from overseas.
Recaro adjustable lumbar seats replace the factory front bucket seats resulting in much more comfort and the crew feeling less fatigued after covering many miles. A GME UHF keeps us in touch with the crew and other road users to facilitate overtaking and updating on road conditions. Trailer brakes are taken care of with a Redarc Remote Brake Controller.
An MFI Service body on the rear houses a National Luna 60 Litre Fridge on an MSA4x4 Drop Slide to keep the crew hydrated. A Goal Zero 1250 Yeti Solar Generator is powered by 12v from the vehicle and a 90W Goal Zero Boulder 90 Panel; this unit allows us to run all our 240v Equipment on shoots plus recharge all our batteries for equipment on the go.
A Uneek 4×4 Bull Bar, which is all made in Australia, protects the front of the vehicle which houses a mounted Warn 9500lb Winch, Fyrlyt Driving Lights and the GME Aerial. An Ironman Foamcell Pro Suspension Kit easily carries the weight and improves road holding and towing, drastically reducing body roll all whilst making a comfortable ride.
Tyres are a Mickey Thompson ATZ P3 All Terrains that are quiet and provide traction in all conditions. The wet bitumen performance is outstanding and the tyres are wrapped in Dynamic Wheel Company alloys.
Carried on board are a full range of tools, spares and equipment plus a first aid kit to keep us filming in all conditions. GoPros are used to capture extra footage in the cabin and from the outside of the vehicle.
Stay tuned for our next exciting post!
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