toolkit/spares ideas @ ExplorOz

AnswerID: 270719 Submitted: Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 10:37

HGMonaro replied:

yes, you should take a Toyota :)

seriously... it probably depends on how far from civilization you're going to be. Having parts with you means that even if you can't fit it, someone else might be able and you don't have to wait a day or 3 to get the bits. Of course, Murphy's Law says, the part you need will be one that you haven't brought with you.

However, you can't have one of everything. We took radiator hoses, serpentine belt (all accessories fan belt) and some spare shockers for the camper. Didn't use any, but was happy to carry them in case.

Cheers, Nige

Reply 1 of 7

AnswerID: 270735 Submitted: Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 12:12

Member - John T (NSW) replied:

Hi SoloGirl

If you go to the "Topic" section in the header and click on servicing you can get a heap of ideas from the spare and parts listing there. Mind you, if you decide to take all that is mentioned there, you might have to trade up to a bigger vehicle haha

Should give you lots of ideas

Cheers and enjoy the trip

Top of the range at Murrurundi - last Sat - 10th June 2007

Click Image to Enlarge

John T
VKS-737 Romeo 2619
Selcall 2619
"Argue for your limitations and sure enough they're yours" - Richard Bach in his book "Illusions" (think abo

Member: My Profile

Reply 2 of 7

AnswerID: 270738 Submitted: Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 12:28

Member - MrBitchi (QLD) replied:

December / January can get bloody hot so I,d concentrate on the cooling type stuff, radiator hoses, heater hoses, fan belts, spare coolant, make sure the water pump is in good nick etc.
Make sure you have Ultra Cover through the RACQ or equivalent and you won't have to worry too much about spares.

Click Image to Enlarge

Cheers, John.

Member: My Profile

Reply 3 of 7

AnswerID: 270754 Submitted: Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 14:11

Moose replied:

Hi Tracy
I suggest that a repair manual for your vehicle would be a great investment. I also suggest that a chat with the local Mazda dealer as to which bits he recommends may prove useful. A first aid kit and a fire extiguisher must be priorities.
Cheer from the Moose

Reply 4 of 7

AnswerID: 270767 Submitted: Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 15:36

Member -Signman replied:

With a name like 'SoloGirl' ...maybe you should pack a 'SoloGuy'..

Someone who can do the repairs, change the wheels, put up the tent, (and of course get the campfire going) !!!

Click Image to Enlarge

Each morning I seize the day...
but by mid afternoon it has escaped!
Signman- NSW
VKS737 R3364 Selcall3364
Amateur Callsign: VK2EZY

Member: My Profile

Reply 5 of 7

FollowupID: 533776 Submitted: Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 16:25

orange posted:

Where do you find the sologuys who can do all those things? Especially repairs and wheels. I'm sure sologirl can put up tent and light fire.

FollowUp 1 of 3

FollowupID: 533781 Submitted: Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 17:15

Tracy I posted:

Well, Signman and Orange - it's kindof a catch-22 situation: no SoloGuy hence I HAVE to do all that!
But I like your thinking Signman......:)

Click Image to Enlarge

Bullbar Bending Babe

Member: My Profile

FollowUp 2 of 3

FollowupID: 533783 Submitted: Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 17:25

madCrow posted:

orange posted: I'm sure sologirl can put up tent and light fire.

Now quote the song "Baby you light my fire"

PS this is not meant as sexist, just a non PC comment,

trés silly!

FollowUp 3 of 3

AnswerID: 270834 Submitted: Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 20:28

Member - Phil G (SA) replied:

Tracy,
I gather from the previous thread that you're doing the Tanami and then down to Exmouth. I guess you already know how hot is is out there at that time of year. If you really are travelling alone, as your name suggests, can I suggest that you stick to the bitumen and go up via Katherine - it will take you just as long, and it would be lots safer. Also the Tanami can get the tropical rain over summer and gets closed.

You haven't told us what model/year/mileage your Mazda is.

What I do is replace the stuff before I leave - so if the vehicle is more than a couple of years old, I put on new belts/hoses/filters etc etc and keep the old ones for the spares - then I'm sure that the spares will fit, and are unlikely to be needed. When you tell us more about your vehicle, you maight get a more detailed reply.

Cheers
phil

Click Image to Enlarge

79series

Member: My Profile

Reply 6 of 7

FollowupID: 533850 Submitted: Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 21:01

Tracy I posted:

Hi Phil,
Thanks for the input. Yes, I'm aware of the heat and rains up that way; experienced similar back in Africa.
My Mazda is a '99 Bravo with 84 000kms. I'm the second owner. I've beaten it around a bit since I've had it to see what rattles and what may fall off, and so far so good.
My navigator/spanner girl/tea brewer is my 14 year old daughter - and she's also blonde! We're looking for the roads less travelled and I'm aware of the pitfalls. Taking it easy is how we're going to get there and back in one piece. Done heaps of research! I appreciaite the heads up and concern. A good idea you have about using new spares!
Cheers!
Tracy

Click Image to Enlarge

Bullbar Bending Babe

Member: My Profile

FollowUp 1 of 3

FollowupID: 533858 Submitted: Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 21:28

Member - Phil G (SA) posted:

Tracy, you are asking all the right questions, so I have no doubt you're doing the trip well prepared, and enjoy the experience.

I don't know much about the Bravo, but if you have it fully serviced (all filters/oils/coolant) and replace the hoses and belts, have good tread on the tyres (and 2nd spare on rim), then you've hit the common problems on the head. Take a spare fuel filter. Check that you can undo the wheel nuts and retighten before you go, and check that the jack works well.

Some superglue, cable ties, fencing wire and a roll of duct tape, fix many camping and car problems.

A tyre pump and tubeless tyre plug kit are very useful. Don't worry about all that beadbreaker stuff unless you're keen to know how to use it.

Tools: screwdrivers, metric spanner set, metric socket set (10,12,13,14,17,19,21mm), pliers, wirecutters, shifting spanner, are good.

Don't be tempted to travel too fast on the Tanami - it just increases the chance of a tread puncture, and vehicle rollover. We stick to 80kph on the good outback roads. An EPIRB would be very handy. And a good size silver tarp for shade, and water in multiple containers.

All this is off the top of my head. Any questions about anything specific, please ask.

Cheers
phil

Click Image to Enlarge

79series

Member: My Profile

FollowUp 2 of 3

FollowupID: 533891 Submitted: Friday, Nov 09, 2007 at 06:28

Member - Kiwi Kia posted:

Good advice above from Phil G.

I would add; A good recovery strap and means to attach it to your vehicle. A couple of hose clamps suitable for your radiator hose and heater hose. A funnel could be handy for filling water containers. And of course a good first aid kit.

Someone else on this forum will let you know when Rabbit Flat is open for fuel it used to be closed a couple of days each week so be sure and check this out before you go.

Member: My Profile

FollowUp 3 of 3

AnswerID: 270982 Submitted: Friday, Nov 09, 2007 at 20:24