The vehicle preparation

I purchased our Landcruiser from a friend Guy Driemeyer, who owns a motor dealership called PMB Autosales in Pietermaritzburg. It is a fully imported vehicle and is not available as a new vehicle in South Africa and is known as a Troopie in Australia. It comes out standard with dual fuel tanks and aircon. The previous owner was Red Cross and it was used to transport people so there were bench seats down each side. I have removed these and built in a place to secure my National Luna double door fridge/freezer, in the right back corner of the vehicle. Between the driver seat and the fridge I have built a storage compartment, where I store my 2nd 105A/H battery, recovery equipment, tyre pump and tools. I have also secured a 65L fresh water tank against the side on top of the storage area. On the left side of the vehicle I have removed both side sliding windows and built a narrow storage compartment accessible from the outside. The one hatch is for our day-to-day cooking needs- cutlery, crockery, spices, pots and pans. The other hatch is to be shared by us for clothing. On the inside below this storage compartment is another long store area which is for our bulk food storage of rice, mealie meal, pasta, flour, tinned foods etc. Under the vehicle, I had built, by a good friend Dave Surian from Exhaust Shoppe, a grey water tank. The exhaust system passes through the center of this tank and warms the water while you travel. So when we stop, I set up a portable shower cubical outside the driver’s door, connect the shower rose and the switch for the pump and we have a hot shower! Up front we have a CB radio and an inverter for charging all those items that require 220V.
The vehicle came out with a 5 cylinder 3.5L diesel motor with a 4 speed gearbox. This was a very tired combination and I could not maintain 120km/hour on the flat even when totally unloaded. So I tried to turbo the vehicle but this was not successful. I then opted to change the engine and gearbox. After a lot of deliberation I decided on the Toyota 4.5L petrol with carburetor and a 5 speed gearbox. It goes like hell but is very thirsty - 22-24L per 100km in and around town, but it does drop down to about 18 on the open road. So with two 85L fuel tanks I cannot even get 1000km. To increase our range I am taking two additional jerry cans and I hope I have enough fuel on board!!! I have also installed a 2nd alternator and another 105A/h battery under the bonnet. The 2nd alternator is for the two auxiliary batteries. On top is the roof top tent and on the side we have an easy-awn pull out awning. We have sides, a front and a draft strip to make it a cozy room. I have also made a table that secures to the side of the vehicle below the side hatches in this “room”.