Mt Dare via the Simpson Desert and back

[multihull]

I had a fun drive 2 weeks ago. I went from Brisbane to Birdsville (1550km) then to Mt dare via the French line. We averaged 21 kph for the first two days as the track was very rough and undulating because of no rain for months. Then from Purnie Bore to Mt Dare the speed picked up but rocky corrugated roads thundered under the car and up through the suspension. Had a few beers a Mt Dare pub for the night and back to Innamicka through the Simpson Desert again via the Rig Rd & back to Brisbane.
4700 km in 16 days
Carnage - One front sway bar extension bolt worked loose. (my fault for not re-installing with Loctite.) Car got stuck in low range (un-bolted the TC shift motor & manually reset in position. I gave it a clean and relube when I got home. After 180,000km of hard work and grime it was needed & all Ok now.)
The other car a 2005 Patrol - exhaust broke away from the exhaust manifold & front diff leading arm and panhard bushes flogged out.
2100 red sand dunes later, many fantastic nights under clear diamond skys and blazing camp fire to keep out sub zero temps, great company, sepctacular scenery, amazing fauna and flora - WOW what a trip.
What a trip. I'll post a few photos soon.

[multihull]

[multihull]

You might notice my 95 litre long range fuel cell I made which sat on top of the roof just under the roof rack box. When I needed to put more diesel into the main tank I just gravity feed it down to the filler via a hose. It worked a treat and I could still carry my spare under the rear. I also had my rear swing out tailgate x 3 Jerry can holder for water at the rear.

[Hanna]

Looks like fun mate! Loving the set-up, thanks for the pics.

How do you have the cargo area of your Commander set up? I assume that you have removed the 3rd row seats for extra space. Do you have a storage box and/or a fridge slide set up in there?

We are looking at getting a Commander and want to get some ideas on how to best set up the cargo area for camping/touring. I have seen plenty of photos of home made storage boxes online, but not much else. My wife wants something more practical for packing gear away neatly and with a fridge slide if possible. Any ideas would be appreciated.

Cheers,
Hanna

[paul mac]

Great pics thanks, bought back some memories.
Mistake showing my 8Yo girl she wants us to go NOW!!

[multihull]

The photo of the bones is a camel. My kids were bored so they gathered a heap of old sun bleach bones and put them together and realised it was a camel.

[multihull]

I have removed the 3rd seat row, I don't have a fridge slide system but this would be great on a big trip and not hard to build and set up. My storage is in square plastic collapsible crates but a draw system would also be good. You can easily make your own system if you have the time.