Our Vehicles

We are both keen 4WDers and belong to the Dandenong Ranges 4WD Club in Melbourne.  Part of outback travel is having the right vehicle.  Since beginning our travels we have upgraded and modified several vehicles and now think we've got it right!

When we first set out, we travelled in a Mazda Bravo ute.  With the canopy on the back and the drawer system, we didn't struggle for space.  The crew cab had a back seat just big enough for our then teenage son to travel with us.  The downside of the ute was the dust ingress in the back, and, at that time, the comfort level in the cab left a bit to be desired.  That being said, it took us to some amazing places without issue.

In early 2011, Doug realised his long-held dream and became the proud owner of a new and shiny Landrover Defender.  It was everything he ever wanted in a car (and still is).  Within 6 weeks of owning it, it had gained it's first bush pin stripes, something that hurt at the time, but the pain was soon forgotten when the Landy demonstrated what a capable little car she was.  When it came time to sell up and hit the road, Doug couldn't bring himself to part with his Landy, so she's safely tucked up in storage, wrapped up in blankets, waiting for him to come back some day.

In the meantime, not to be outdone, I decided that the family needed a second 4WD.  Why should Doug have all the fun?  So I bought our touring car, a Landrover Discovery 4.  What a beautiful car she was; a real thoroughbred.  But like thoroughbreds, her maintenance bills were excessive and she could be "flighty".  Again, she took us to some wonderful places, and she did it in comfort and style.

But my love affair with the Disco was not to last.  When we upgraded our travelling accommodation to a caravan, it was time to move towards my next vehicle.
If the Disco was a thoroughbred, then my new (and still current) vehicle is a Clydesdale.  She is big and strong and capable and she puts her head down and she goes.  I'm talking about my 200 Series Landcruiser, which we bought in 2016, just a few weeks after taking delivery of the caravan.

We have modified her considerably since we got her, with an upgraded GVM suspension package, winch, rear bar and roof rack.  We also had the engine remapped.  But by far, the thing that has given us the most bang for our buck was the straight-through exhaust system we installed.  Not only does she have the most wonderful growl to her V8 engine now, but the power is amazing.  You really don't feel the 3.2t you're towing.

So now we travel with her full-time; we have comfort, space, power and reliability.  I think I've found my soulmate.