I'm getting my gear together to go back out to the goldfields, (300 klms west of here), next Winter. I took my Kia Sportage last year, & it was OK, but seriously underpowered. Especially when fully loaded with all my gear & the Scram. So I'm retiring it this year, & I just scored myself a 01 VW Transporter Syncro to replace it. It's the 2.5l 5 cyl petrol model, which has plenty of grunt, & is surprisingly frugal (aprox 25mpg) considering it's size & weight. It's been kitted out as a camper in the back, with a bed, table, & plenty of storage. It's also wired for 240v AC power, & has a separate deep-cycle battery. So it should be a good home away from home. This model Syncro (VW speak for 4X4) isn't as good off-road as the previous T3 model. But it's much more powerful & therefore a much better cruiser on the road. There's a lift kit available to increase ground clearance anyway. & I'll probably fit it, before heading out bush. There are a few other small things to fix too (A/C needs re-gassing, bushes are a bit worn, etc). But I won't be going bush until at least April (when the Monsoon's due to end). So I've got plenty of time to get it right. I think my biggest problem is going to be that it's such an effortless cruiser. 300 klms is only going to wet my appetite for travelling. & I'll keep going past the goldfields, continuing on across the top end of Australia to WA.
Oh well. There's worse ways to waste your days.
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