Love our 79 series affectionately called the no flex! We’ve done the 300ml extension which has increased the turning circle but it’s still doable. We have a tong camper on the back of ours which we had fitted out to suit ourselves. The good part like Gwen says is the dual cab giving you storage so you have a place for everything without having to shuffle stuff around as much. We’ve kept weight down by having a 95ltr upright fridge instead of dropdown.we also have a lift up bed with clothes storage underneath plus comfortable seating for 3 with a slide out table so we can get out of the weather if need be. I love watching your videos & adventures, constantly learning new ideas. Thankyou
Best Aussie invention is the Plastic bullbar saves lives not just human livestock and wildlife, seen a guy it cattle at 100 kph in his Pajero no damage to the bar whatsoever and the calf ran away after being struck at 100!
As noted, this game is all about compromise. To an American RV’er you guys are backpackers. To many Africans, you have more luxuries in your camper than they own. Luxury is in the eyes of the beholder I guess but the biggest luxury of all is being able to get out there and enjoy some of the most beautiful places on earth. Enjoy the travels.
RVing in the US is for retired people and boring imo, where Overland Rigs in the US, My weapon of choice is my FZJ80 before that was a 79 Scout II. We have had overlanding a long long time here but it was always just called camping trips in the back country.
I truly appreciate your honesty in the last minute. You have invested a great deal of time, thought, and effort into building your new rig. And to publicly state that your not in love with it is huge. That is a great display of humility. I love that about you. Just because we have an idea,and then put forth all the effort to bring it to fruition, does not mean that it will become successful in the ways we imagined it would. However, by going down that path, we demonstrate our courage to take chances. THAT my friend....IS ADVENTURE!
We associate vehicles with periods in our life, they remind us of happy times. So when you see a Troopy, it takes you back to Africa. Same with the Classic Range Rover. For me it is the 76, fortunately, mine is parked outside. 30 years old but still gorgeous.
I think you’ve nailed it there, even if we don’t even realise it, those good memories will always influence our emotions and take our minds back to good times 👍
@Peter Alan Clark Look after these simply old girls, people think I am nuts driving and old vehicle with not so great fuel consumption. I just smile an know I don't have to pay a mechanic to fix it. Not sure where you are Peter but in the UK they want at least £70 per hour. I am pleased I have all my tools and have spent time learning how to fix my LandCruiser.
Great Video Andrew!! Always great to have Gwynne on the show. I think both are great builds to be honest but I see your point regarding the troopy. I wonder if you'll do something other than a 70 series cruiser next. Regarding Gwynne's idea for a TARDIS like vehicle, what about not trying to live inside the vehicle itself? If you had a roof top tent similar to the campers (James Baroud Explorer Evolution is one example) with an easy to deploy awning room (ARB do one, but not as easy to deploy as an oztent or your shower unit). Just use the vehicle to store things and live around it. Then you could go back down to troopy sized or even to a 76.
I enjoyed the honesty in this one. Every time we do a trip in my Troopy I wonder if I should have bought something else, bought a trailer instead, etc, etc. Then I realise I just love the Troopy, so I’ll put up with its disadvantages and enjoy its (still many) advantages.
I am so envious of you and to have a problem like a choice between the two of them would make my day every day 👍🏻👍🏻 Another great video thanks 🙏 looking forward to the next one from 🇮🇪☘️
I can only imagine the looks one of these would get cutting around the Wild Atlantic Way, maybe one day I'll ship it back. It's a shame they were never available over there.
Great review. Always a hard decision on what is best. I spent lockdown in SA restoring an 1990 Syncro. Just been on a 4000km trip from Cape Town to Kruger and back. Some little issues to resolve.
I have traveled Australia as a single, with partner, family with four kids to now just the wife and I. We all go through different setups due to cost and what works at the time. We've had ground tents, camper trailers and even an offroad caravan. Yoy cant travel Australia with a family of 6 without towing or a big rig. When looking at what works for us as a couple now we went back to the light weight of a camper trailer. This allows us to disconnect at camp and still have an exceptional offroad vehicle for exploring. Our vehicle is a Jeep JKU and a custom built teardrop (squaredrop) camper. It will follow the jeep anyway it goes. It doesn't require canvas to camp but once the kitchen is pulled out and the 270° awning is up boy base camp is easy and grand. #toughtear is our best setup so far. If you don't want to tow then your options lead you down the path you have taken which is such a nice rig.
If your not in love with it does this mean a new build will be coming in the not so distant future 😎😎 The utes good but big and heavy. Been there and did that when you done your troopy build a few years ago. Now gone back to a wagon, however my needs of the vehicle have changed too. Keeping it light weight without all the fruit is key.
For years, this channel was my no 1 favorite RUclips content, inspiration and source of learning. I got a feeling "the vehicle" subject is stealing all the lights. Anyhow, I'm still hoping to see some more stuff.
You have to understand that it's a new vehicle and that's why it's a point of discussion. And with the limitations they had with traveling bans, content couldn't be the same as always.
@4xoverland Andrew, I installed a rear camera which is not switch on via the reverse gear. It solved a lot of blind spot issues. I recommend one with IR mode for night viewing coupled with a rear light to switch between the two modes.
Yup. The troopy was perfect in terms of looks. The colour had a look to do with it too I reckon. It's my go to colour and look in terms of the car I want.
This THE most honest review I've seen for a vehicle. The last "love-affair" reveal was particularly direct. A very entertaining and revealing review. Congratulations on your new experiences!
Both vehicles are absolute wonders (and I confess I have been daydreaming about building my own ute-camper back on an old brazillian F1000 with a beast of an MWM motor). Both vehicles are benchmarks of what an overlanding vehicle is supposed to be in my opinion. BUT I have to agree that the troop carrier looks SO GOOD it's hard to beat. The ute is gorgeous, but the troopy is just... something more.
Please tell me you’re doing this only to get subscribers because it’s seems like a dog chasing its own tail. You’re the overland expert. It’s about remoteness, wild life, scenery, the sun, anything but trying for overland perfection. Most of my best experiences are when everything goes to shit. It doesn’t matter where you store your clothes.
I actually have tears in my eyes from laughing at Gwynn. Just had a Teams video call as working from home. My boss asked if I was okay as she thought I'd been crying. "you have to slap her around a bit" 😂😂😂👏👏👏
I'm sure that the dual cab is more practical, but IMO it doesn't have the same cool factor that the troopie does. It's an uncanny phenomenon where aiming for a more "ultimate" version actually makes the final product less likeable in some respects. The troopie as an inherent design is one of the all-time greats.
I think to get what you need from a dual cab ute you will likely need to extend it and do a 6x6 conversion and add more functional space sometime it takes making mistakes to get what you need..
Modifications are dependent in which state you reside. Eg Andrew reside in WA, if he ventured to NSW, the police must likely would defect the vehicle and force it to be re-engineered to nsw standards. Fit this reason, is not worth the time and money to commit to such ideas
It sounds like you created a monster with limit item usability and I would like to know if the weight issues that prevented you from going up a hill in a previous video has been sorted?
Weight issues did not prevent me from going up the hill. Risk management and 35 years experience in the bush did. Trying a challenging obstacle like that, alone, very far from help and the first time out would have been stupid. PS. Hills always look flatter on video. Much flatter! And it was far too slippery to walk down the hill. We walked through the spinifex. More risk management there too.
@@sarahrichards6667 It was empty and was driven by someone who had climbed that hill 100 times. If you can't understand the concept of risk management, then I'm wasting my time here.
Give the bloke a break, it's not like it's a pavement princess designed to overcompenate and that's it. I'm wondering how many of you would straight off the bat taken your brand new custom built cutting edge vehicle you are unfamilar what it is caplable of up super tough terain you never driven, or you would have chickened out and got precious? How about all you internet trolls learn how to respect your elders and get a sense of humour? Ignore them Andrew sir, they're obviously all G-Wagon drivers...
@@PeterKnagge I am pretty sure that Andrew is selling a product and that it is the right of the customer to inspect and question the product that he is selling. Also, to speak of age and trolling is very presumptive of you.
@@pahnked _"selling a product"_ _"very presumptive"_ ok boomer maybe lose the smart alec attitude and speak for yourself! He and his wife answered your question in older videos and this video, didn't you watch any of the videos? He already has the Troopy he is familiar with he can use for climbing. The camper is roomier, carries more equipment, and more capable of longer expeditions, without being too overwhelming*. (*I'll think he'll find those expedition megatrucks also cost millions and are unaffordable to most.) He is not comfortable driving the camper yet and it is the mark 1 version, they hope to sort out any issues with mark 2. He used his experience in risk management and not his ego and avoided the hill, very wise considering his situtation and world's situation at the moment. Enough with badgering and pressuring the man and be paitent!
Wow! Glad I listened until the end, I agree the troopy is a beautiful vehicle. With that being said, if you ever want to sell the camper please let me know.
Andrew, seeing the two cars side by side, I'm forced to agree. The Troopy is one incredible beauty and the tourer looks like a more common and giant car. I love the color from Land Rover, however I have to be honest with myself and with you, that green from Toyota is killing and changing the scenery. I would take the gold out and put the Toyota green, even that "huge box" would probably painting in the same color (green) with a few notes in white, like the bad, white or very light gray. My best regards and good adventures. Portugal, 2020.
I always believe that Troopy is his specialty especially in Oz market. it's his signature. Stretched 79 has been done by many, it probably serve the purpose better but less special. Earthcruiser fuso probably has same wheel base as this ute.
Your conclusion summed it all. Your vehicle is a love affair. I can find many reason why my 2012 Jeep JKU with 270k arrive second place to à 4Runner of the same use but yes, for me, it’s the best things. On the topic of family/confort, because I like the base camp concept and because I want my family to be there, I pull a small M101 CDN2 trailer. Is it a pain to install and to break camp, yes, a bit but if I’m alone, I throw the RTT on top of the Jeep and I’m gone. It brings flexibly which for us compensate for the hassle of the trailer setup/breakdown. I really liked that episode.
great vehicles! and i love the builds Andrew but... i still dont get why they are so overpriced! and to have to widen the rear wheel track so it performs on a brand new 80k+ vehicle is absurd. How these vehicles are allowed to be sold in this configuration in Australia has me baffled!
The market is just too small for Toyota in Australia to make sure real changes or to reduce the price. Without the mining industry, this series of LandCruiser would be unviable and would be retired.
Truth is that the rear track difference is not a problem. I speak as someone who has owned many Landcruisers including HDJ and VDJ 70series and I cannot pick a problem caused by reduced rear track width. If anything, my VDJ is more stable than the HDJ because the front track is wider.
I will take the Troopy anyday, prefer being in my vehicle when I stop to camp if it rains, and it looks better, just the Troopy in the colour of the Aussie Dream Tourer
Interesting sentiments. I was surprised at the choice of a dual cab cruiser over the troopy. I think a 76 series with a detachable compact camper trailer with RTT (like the patriot campers X1) would offer you all the functionality of your dual cab but with more versatility. That dual cab is an absolute whale. At least a 76 series has a good turning circle and can do some proper off-road wheeling.
I dont know guys, the camper just seems soooo big and heavy! Obviously its super cool with tonnes of cool stuff but I dont know...heavy, long, top heavy. Need to have somethig a bit more nimble IMO. But I have nowhere near the experience you guys do.
Thank you Andrew and Gwynn for this fair and impartial review. I drive my JKU with a RTT around Switzerland and I love it. I got that taste for 4x4 camping because of you two. Thank you for that!
Hey Andrew, that Tommy camper does look big and bulky considering the amount storage, kitchen side has bugger all storage, always looks messy and hard to setup for cooking. Only one chair inside? For sure better than the troopy, but for me is not the ultimate camper, especially for the cost
One has to reach a point where you realize you will never be able to to get it perfect. If you keep chasing perfection, you will never enjoy the thing you created for what it is. Perfection doesn’t exist, to keep on chasing it cost money and sleepless nights. I mean come on Andrew, you have your camera, your wife and that 220v kettle that you always dreamed about...and you don’t tow anything...what more do you need? 🤪
I think Gwynn nailed it within the first minute, when she said (to paraphrase) "It's a beast that needs wrestling into submission". To me, it's like comparing a pocket calculator to a laptop computer. If you only NEED a calculator, everything about a laptop is going to be an extra burden. If, OTOH, you make reasonable use of a laptop, it's VASTLY more capable than a calculator. Massive respect for being able to discuss this in a relatively objective manner, questioning the decisions and choices you've made, without allowing your ego to assert that everything about this vehicle is perfect. Maybe the real lesson, here, is not to underestimate the importance of "gut feeling"? You've previously made video's which demonstrate how to list priorities objectively. Maybe it's okay to put, right at the top of the list, something like "MUST be based on a Troopy", and then the rest of the build will be contingent on that? I'm thinking, what you really want is to take a 79 dual-cab (possibly with the extended wheelbase), graft the rear shell of a Troopy onto it and then fit a pop-top to the roof. Or, that might be a bit simpler if you used a LR Defender 130 as the base vehicle. Go on. You know you want to. ;-)
The questions I'd have to ask myself are: 1. The cost difference of purchasing and fitting out of your Troopy and the Dream Tourer if it was done at the same time? 2. The basic weight difference of the two and what if the Troopy got a GVM upgrade?
Hi Andrew, Ive been following you for a while now, and i total agree with the comments below, (You dont talk about the 79 and the way you did with the troopy) Can i suggest you do something no one has ever done before? ( I feel a MACH 2 or Series 2 build comming) Having access into your camper from the inside your troopy. (Heavy mods will have to be done, especially if you still want the versatility to use it as a ute and as a seperate stand alone camper) But to be able to enter a Camper from the rear of the dual cab 79, i dont think its ever been done before? can it be done? Anyways its fantastic to see Gywnn to be in more of your episodes. and her opinions. (Big thumbs up) and hopefully you can use the time being stuck in WA to Collaborate with Rohny Dahl again. Keep up the good work. Lu :)
I loved the troopy and it was really cool. But the dream tourer has a lot of advantages over the troopy - such as storage, room to live comfortably and room for gear. Just weight has to be monitored, but that’s no big deal though. I would rather use the tourer especially if I’d travel with my significant other; the troopy would be too cramped.
He wants easy access to his camera gear and feels a single cab is quite cramped as there's no space in there beyond the driver and passenger. Perhaps a king or extended cab if they were made. Unfortunately ASPW does not want to do a Hilux!
Understanding the purpose of your new vehicle, understanding the increased comfort, it is so much more cumbersome and heavy that i would rather prefer the troopy. Even more, I would completely abandon the V8 for the new DiD much lighter, much more efficient, gaining range and weight. But the colour of the new one is far nicer. 1 positive in my eyes. The only one. All the best.
I have one simple question .... why did you bought a double cab? Following you on the journey on RUclips I have ask my self the same question and I would have gone the route of single cab. Bigger load bed, more space, better turning circle and less cost?
Hi Folks, I've another completely bonkers vehicle you might consider, a Pinzgauer 6x6? Similar length to the 110 LR but a huge amount of space inside. A ridiculously sharp turning circle with a flat floor. Engine a Mercedes Diesel. Currently used by Australian Special Forces so parts available.
Nice video, as always. I hope see you testing a pajero Sport, at least once. Firstly because I know you don't like too much the original pajero, but we know the pajero Sport is a completely different animal.
@@xpusostomos yes, got to be onto something though because it would appear even Andrew prefers the troopy, can't imagine this current wagon being a long term proposition.
We live in Galicia Spain in our troopy since a year and a half now. Galicia is moreless like Scotland weather. It rains a lot. Really much. We cook inside the troopy, we work inside the troopy (sometimes Rosa in the bed reading I me layed down on the couch. We shower inside the Troopy. We use a 600x400x170 plastic box on the floor and a Decathlon courtain hanged on the bed, we have 110x110 shower up high.. with the stationary air heating system On, we shower every 2 days wherever it rains or not comfortably. In your camper you have to cook outside, you have to shower outside, make the morning coffe outside and make the evening soup outside. We know Australia clima is different... But in Europe... We have to make almost everything inside. Cooking outside is simply impossible and most of the time forbidden. We really prefer you beautiful troopy any day.... Magnificent job on your 79 though Andrew. Thanks, sincerely, for this video.
If you want to take your dog to Esperance, and then visit the national park, my family owns a dog kennel there that caters for this exact thing.. (you cant take the dog to the National Park) I might be able to pull a few strings, as its often nearing capacity, full of dog from people doing the same thing.. Feel free to reach out,.
Hi, How about the idea of installing rear view cameras or side view cameras which can solve the back and side view problem due to the bigger size of the camper.
No, they are arch enemies and competitors. It would turn into a fight to the death and Ronny would gorge himself on the flesh of the defeated Andrew St Pierre White
Remember happy wife happy life, you want space then you have to pay the price. In my stage in life with the good wife camping with me I would have to take the 79 over the troopy or else she would not handle it, you will never get the perfect solution just use the one we gets you out and enjoy the country.
Just get a high VW 4WD Multivan 6.1 (the .1 is important, it is higher than the traditional T6) and add a Vanessa kitchen cabinet/bed for camping... you have a passenger van, a van, a campervan (sleeping inside!) and a 4WD that may not do everything a SUV does but you won’t miss it...
Hi, I am currently converting a Defender TD5 and I am constantly chewing over the is use of comfort versus weight. This is especially true to weight high up. I want a lift roof and lift bed and like a lot about the Alucab and Ex-Tec(no lift bed) roof tents but have concerns about the weight. The Alucab system is at least 120kg less the original Landy roof weight which puts it near or over the recommended roof weight by Landrover. I also need roof carrying capacity for a small inflatable boat, outboard, bikes etc. Am I worrying too much about this. What weight do other overlanders find acceptable to have on top? The video mentions the lack of space because of these systems having a front hinge as apposed to a front and rear cantelever lift as seen on VW conversions. This and the fact I would like to be able to reverse the front passenger seat to create a small front living space has led me towards commissioning or building my own system based on the usual vw camper conversions hinges available. Has anyone any thoughts or experience on this subject. Andrew, if you have any insight or thoughts, particularly on the roof weight it would be great to hear them. Cheers all. Stephen Sharp
Andrew, I understand your reasoning for the greater versatility of the dream tourer and in a way i also love this idea. But what do you actually do with it as an utility vehicle? In my home country similiar vehicles are only used as farming or construction vehicles...and even that not very often due to our poor weather conditions. So i am in a bit of a loss of it's usefulness for everyday life.
Wouldn't it be possible to make some sort of smart little system that allows you to swap from camper to ute bed without having to carry both at the same time? Maybe you could make some mounting system that fit both the camper shell and the ute bed so you didn't need the bed on to mount the shell? That would certainly cut down on the weight as that aluminium (?) bed has to weigh quite a lot?
Dude I love how honest you are!! Look that troopy was stunning, very hard to find another vehicle that looks as cool as that thing!!! But when you take the camper off and you are carrying stuff back from IKEA or Bunnings like an absolute boss you will be grinning from ear to ear!!
Had the privilege to see both your cars, and of my recent in the show the other week. What I love was your electric setup, it was a masterpiece. What I hated, was you whole canopy/ camper is open. So from the outside you can see your bed, drawers and everything inside. I guarantee you will hate that over time as you will get dust everywhere up north. You couldn’t put smelly clothes, oils, fuel etc inside as you be breathing it all night. Poor design by Tommy on that. It looks cool, but in my opinion not as practical as you think. Would love to show you my defender and camper setup (I am in Perth) and be cool to do a video on pro’s and con. Anyway love the videos!
Here in North America we can get the Australia black series off road caravan they are nice there is so many ways to Over Land Camp now a days its hard to pick one
Where in australia can you go in this 79 build that you couldn't go in a Iveco daily type? Maybe get the new build re wrapped in the original troopy green.
I own an 80 series that I am busy kitting out for overlanding and love it but I have to admit, yesterday I had a troopy drive past me while I was waiting at the lights and it winked at me. :-)
I completely get the last minute of this video.
Yes! The last sentence is exactly what my heart say.
That’s been my thoughts right from the first time Andrew said he was taking this path. Practicality is great but it is lacking in soul.
Love our 79 series affectionately called the no flex! We’ve done the 300ml extension which has increased the turning circle but it’s still doable. We have a tong camper on the back of ours which we had fitted out to suit ourselves. The good part like Gwen says is the dual cab giving you storage so you have a place for everything without having to shuffle stuff around as much. We’ve kept weight down by having a 95ltr upright fridge instead of dropdown.we also have a lift up bed with clothes storage underneath plus comfortable seating for 3 with a slide out table so we can get out of the weather if need be. I love watching your videos & adventures, constantly learning new ideas. Thankyou
I agree on the last sentence, but to be fair. This is than more an emotinal than a fact driven Topic.
I have a picture of my 1996 model troopy beside my bed! It's long gone now, but every time I see one i yell out Troopy!! They get under your skin.
The troopy was simple. The tourer to me looks over engineered. Sometimes the simplest of things are what we truly adore...
I agree. this build doesn't excite me in the slightest. I haven't even been able to watch these series.
Agree wyith this sentiment but I'm just a simple engineer who likes to keep things simple.
Best Aussie invention is the Plastic bullbar saves lives not just human livestock and wildlife, seen a guy it cattle at 100 kph in his Pajero no damage to the bar whatsoever and the calf ran away after being struck at 100!
Get rid of the mansion on the top.
As noted, this game is all about compromise. To an American RV’er you guys are backpackers. To many Africans, you have more luxuries in your camper than they own. Luxury is in the eyes of the beholder I guess but the biggest luxury of all is being able to get out there and enjoy some of the most beautiful places on earth. Enjoy the travels.
True
RVing in the US is for retired people and boring imo, where Overland Rigs in the US, My weapon of choice is my FZJ80 before that was a 79 Scout II. We have had overlanding a long long time here but it was always just called camping trips in the back country.
I own a bike therefore I am a king 👑
"got to slap her around a bit" 😂😂😂 Gwynn, you are the absolute best, please adopt me 😁
😂
And Andrew having an involuntary giggle whilst filming!
The David Attenborough of the overlanding world. Nicely done...
yeah you nailed it he is good at what he does
Excellent comment.made me smile
He sounds like David Attenborough as well.
Exactly what I thought !
Great video, as usual! Troopy has also the extra feature of providing an in-house living room and kitchen, I think that's quite nice.
I truly appreciate your honesty in the last minute. You have invested a great deal of time, thought, and effort into building your new rig. And to publicly state that your not in love with it is huge. That is a great display of humility. I love that about you. Just because we have an idea,and then put forth all the effort to bring it to fruition, does not mean that it will become successful in the ways we imagined it would. However, by going down that path, we demonstrate our courage to take chances. THAT my friend....IS ADVENTURE!
We associate vehicles with periods in our life, they remind us of happy times.
So when you see a Troopy, it takes you back to Africa. Same with the Classic Range Rover.
For me it is the 76, fortunately, mine is parked outside. 30 years old but still gorgeous.
I think you’ve nailed it there, even if we don’t even realise it, those good memories will always influence our emotions and take our minds back to good times 👍
@Peter Alan Clark Look after these simply old girls, people think I am nuts driving and old vehicle with not so great fuel consumption.
I just smile an know I don't have to pay a mechanic to fix it. Not sure where you are Peter but in the UK they want at least £70 per hour.
I am pleased I have all my tools and have spent time learning how to fix my LandCruiser.
So honest and fair.
6:50 Nissan triton, my favourite ute
Haha
Glad to see I am not the only one...
@@big5astra What? Nissan bought a Triton?
I noticed that as well. Surprised though, Andrew didn’t catch it while editing or he didn’t bother to correct it :)
Nissan triton...because who cares ? it’s not a Toyota
Great Video Andrew!! Always great to have Gwynne on the show. I think both are great builds to be honest but I see your point regarding the troopy. I wonder if you'll do something other than a 70 series cruiser next.
Regarding Gwynne's idea for a TARDIS like vehicle, what about not trying to live inside the vehicle itself? If you had a roof top tent similar to the campers (James Baroud Explorer Evolution is one example) with an easy to deploy awning room (ARB do one, but not as easy to deploy as an oztent or your shower unit). Just use the vehicle to store things and live around it. Then you could go back down to troopy sized or even to a 76.
I enjoyed the honesty in this one. Every time we do a trip in my Troopy I wonder if I should have bought something else, bought a trailer instead, etc, etc. Then I realise I just love the Troopy, so I’ll put up with its disadvantages and enjoy its (still many) advantages.
I am so envious of you and to have a problem like a choice between the two of them would make my day every day 👍🏻👍🏻 Another great video thanks 🙏 looking forward to the next one from 🇮🇪☘️
I can only imagine the looks one of these would get cutting around the Wild Atlantic Way, maybe one day I'll ship it back. It's a shame they were never available over there.
Great review. Always a hard decision on what is best. I spent lockdown in SA restoring an 1990 Syncro. Just been on a 4000km trip from Cape Town to Kruger and back. Some little issues to resolve.
I have traveled Australia as a single, with partner, family with four kids to now just the wife and I. We all go through different setups due to cost and what works at the time. We've had ground tents, camper trailers and even an offroad caravan. Yoy cant travel Australia with a family of 6 without towing or a big rig.
When looking at what works for us as a couple now we went back to the light weight of a camper trailer. This allows us to disconnect at camp and still have an exceptional offroad vehicle for exploring. Our vehicle is a Jeep JKU and a custom built teardrop (squaredrop) camper. It will follow the jeep anyway it goes. It doesn't require canvas to camp but once the kitchen is pulled out and the 270° awning is up boy base camp is easy and grand. #toughtear is our best setup so far. If you don't want to tow then your options lead you down the path you have taken which is such a nice rig.
If your not in love with it does this mean a new build will be coming in the not so distant future 😎😎
The utes good but big and heavy. Been there and did that when you done your troopy build a few years ago. Now gone back to a wagon, however my needs of the vehicle have changed too.
Keeping it light weight without all the fruit is key.
Love that you are so honest. There is definitely just something about Troopy’s!
For years, this channel was my no 1 favorite RUclips content, inspiration and source of learning.
I got a feeling "the vehicle" subject is stealing all the lights.
Anyhow, I'm still hoping to see some more stuff.
You have to understand that it's a new vehicle and that's why it's a point of discussion. And with the limitations they had with traveling bans, content couldn't be the same as always.
Personally for me, I prefer the troopy. But in the same colour as the new camper
@4xoverland Andrew, I installed a rear camera which is not switch on via the reverse gear. It solved a lot of blind spot issues. I recommend one with IR mode for night viewing coupled with a rear light to switch between the two modes.
“ It’s a bit of a beast that needs to be slapped around and man handled “ I’m still laughing 😂 . Oh she’s a funny one lol .
Yup. The troopy was perfect in terms of looks. The colour had a look to do with it too I reckon. It's my go to colour and look in terms of the car I want.
This THE most honest review I've seen for a vehicle. The last "love-affair" reveal was particularly direct. A very entertaining and revealing review. Congratulations on your new experiences!
Both vehicles are absolute wonders (and I confess I have been daydreaming about building my own ute-camper back on an old brazillian F1000 with a beast of an MWM motor). Both vehicles are benchmarks of what an overlanding vehicle is supposed to be in my opinion.
BUT I have to agree that the troop carrier looks SO GOOD it's hard to beat. The ute is gorgeous, but the troopy is just... something more.
The Troopy was your first Aussie vehicle and represented a new start; a new adventure. That’s why it holds a place in your heart.
Please tell me you’re doing this only to get subscribers because it’s seems like a dog chasing its own tail. You’re the overland expert. It’s about remoteness, wild life, scenery, the sun, anything but trying for overland perfection. Most of my best experiences are when everything goes to shit. It doesn’t matter where you store your clothes.
I actually have tears in my eyes from laughing at Gwynn. Just had a Teams video call as working from home. My boss asked if I was okay as she thought I'd been crying.
"you have to slap her around a bit" 😂😂😂👏👏👏
I'm sure that the dual cab is more practical, but IMO it doesn't have the same cool factor that the troopie does. It's an uncanny phenomenon where aiming for a more "ultimate" version actually makes the final product less likeable in some respects. The troopie as an inherent design is one of the all-time greats.
I think to get what you need from a dual cab ute you will likely need to extend it and do a 6x6 conversion and add more functional space sometime it takes making mistakes to get what you need..
I love your videos even more ever since your wife decided to join!!! She's adorable!
Agreed
Modifications are dependent in which state you reside. Eg Andrew reside in WA, if he ventured to NSW, the police must likely would defect the vehicle and force it to be re-engineered to nsw standards. Fit this reason, is not worth the time and money to commit to such ideas
It sounds like you created a monster with limit item usability and I would like to know if the weight issues that prevented you from going up a hill in a previous video has been sorted?
Weight issues did not prevent me from going up the hill. Risk management and 35 years experience in the bush did. Trying a challenging obstacle like that, alone, very far from help and the first time out would have been stupid. PS. Hills always look flatter on video. Much flatter! And it was far too slippery to walk down the hill. We walked through the spinifex. More risk management there too.
@@sarahrichards6667 It was empty and was driven by someone who had climbed that hill 100 times. If you can't understand the concept of risk management, then I'm wasting my time here.
Give the bloke a break, it's not like it's a pavement princess designed to overcompenate and that's it.
I'm wondering how many of you would straight off the bat taken your brand new custom built cutting edge vehicle you are unfamilar what it is caplable of up super tough terain you never driven, or you would have chickened out and got precious?
How about all you internet trolls learn how to respect your elders and get a sense of humour?
Ignore them Andrew sir, they're obviously all G-Wagon drivers...
@@PeterKnagge I am pretty sure that Andrew is selling a product and that it is the right of the customer to inspect and question the product that he is selling. Also, to speak of age and trolling is very presumptive of you.
@@pahnked _"selling a product"_ _"very presumptive"_ ok boomer maybe lose the smart alec attitude and speak for yourself! He and his wife answered your question in older videos and this video, didn't you watch any of the videos? He already has the Troopy he is familiar with he can use for climbing. The camper is roomier, carries more equipment, and more capable of longer expeditions, without being too overwhelming*. (*I'll think he'll find those expedition megatrucks also cost millions and are unaffordable to most.) He is not comfortable driving the camper yet and it is the mark 1 version, they hope to sort out any issues with mark 2. He used his experience in risk management and not his ego and avoided the hill, very wise considering his situtation and world's situation at the moment. Enough with badgering and pressuring the man and be paitent!
loved the honest ending!
Wow! Glad I listened until the end, I agree the troopy is a beautiful vehicle. With that being said, if you ever want to sell the camper please let me know.
Andrew, seeing the two cars side by side, I'm forced to agree. The Troopy is one incredible beauty and the tourer looks like a more common and giant car.
I love the color from Land Rover, however I have to be honest with myself and with you, that green from Toyota is killing and changing the scenery.
I would take the gold out and put the Toyota green, even that "huge box" would probably painting in the same color (green) with a few notes in white, like the bad, white or very light gray.
My best regards and good adventures.
Portugal, 2020.
Both of those vehicles are AMAZING Andrew. Drool worthy!
A Ute with a swag, awning, and Engel will do me just fine thanks 👍
Agree.. Good for about 3 days though
I always believe that Troopy is his specialty especially in Oz market. it's his signature. Stretched 79 has been done by many, it probably serve the purpose better but less special. Earthcruiser fuso probably has same wheel base as this ute.
Have to say they both look great - I personally prefer the new build & suspect it will grow on you Andrew as you use it more!
9:05 - This would make a brilliant cover photo! The 79 in its natural habitat!
Your conclusion summed it all. Your vehicle is a love affair. I can find many reason why my 2012 Jeep JKU with 270k arrive second place to à 4Runner of the same use but yes, for me, it’s the best things. On the topic of family/confort, because I like the base camp concept and because I want my family to be there, I pull a small M101 CDN2 trailer. Is it a pain to install and to break camp, yes, a bit but if I’m alone, I throw the RTT on top of the Jeep and I’m gone. It brings flexibly which for us compensate for the hassle of the trailer setup/breakdown. I really liked that episode.
great vehicles! and i love the builds Andrew but... i still dont get why they are so overpriced! and to have to widen the rear wheel track so it performs on a brand new 80k+ vehicle is absurd.
How these vehicles are allowed to be sold in this configuration in Australia has me baffled!
The market is just too small for Toyota in Australia to make sure real changes or to reduce the price. Without the mining industry, this series of LandCruiser would be unviable and would be retired.
I don’t think they’re overpriced...you can’t compare them to any other car in Australia.
Truth is that the rear track difference is not a problem. I speak as someone who has owned many Landcruisers including HDJ and VDJ 70series and I cannot pick a problem caused by reduced rear track width. If anything, my VDJ is more stable than the HDJ because the front track is wider.
@@aslkdfjhg I am not sure. I live in Country QLD and every 2nd farmer has one of these.
80k Australian not American
I will take the Troopy anyday, prefer being in my vehicle when I stop to camp if it rains, and it looks better, just the Troopy in the colour of the Aussie Dream Tourer
When you pull up next your ex and you get them feels.
Interesting sentiments. I was surprised at the choice of a dual cab cruiser over the troopy. I think a 76 series with a detachable compact camper trailer with RTT (like the patriot campers X1) would offer you all the functionality of your dual cab but with more versatility. That dual cab is an absolute whale. At least a 76 series has a good turning circle and can do some proper off-road wheeling.
I dont know guys, the camper just seems soooo big and heavy! Obviously its super cool with tonnes of cool stuff but I dont know...heavy, long, top heavy. Need to have somethig a bit more nimble IMO. But I have nowhere near the experience you guys do.
I agree. As for being slightly longer; take the spare off the troopy and the 79 is a whole lot longer!
@@donotwantahandle1111 yep he’s reaching there haha
That last part nearly made me cry!
Take the backend off a troopy and stick it on the back of the 79 with an extra axle... problem solved.
Partly solved. There are some much sleeker campers that give you the same space and features (Jackson's "carry me camper" and "Tailgate campers".)
Thank you Andrew and Gwynn for this fair and impartial review. I drive my JKU with a RTT around Switzerland and I love it. I got that taste for 4x4 camping because of you two. Thank you for that!
Hey Andrew, that Tommy camper does look big and bulky considering the amount storage, kitchen side has bugger all storage, always looks messy and hard to setup for cooking. Only one chair inside? For sure better than the troopy, but for me is not the ultimate camper, especially for the cost
One has to reach a point where you realize you will never be able to to get it perfect. If you keep chasing perfection, you will never enjoy the thing you created for what it is. Perfection doesn’t exist, to keep on chasing it cost money and sleepless nights. I mean come on Andrew, you have your camera, your wife and that 220v kettle that you always dreamed about...and you don’t tow anything...what more do you need? 🤪
What's better is any vehicle that's paid for and still in good mechanical condition!
I think Gwynn nailed it within the first minute, when she said (to paraphrase) "It's a beast that needs wrestling into submission".
To me, it's like comparing a pocket calculator to a laptop computer.
If you only NEED a calculator, everything about a laptop is going to be an extra burden.
If, OTOH, you make reasonable use of a laptop, it's VASTLY more capable than a calculator.
Massive respect for being able to discuss this in a relatively objective manner, questioning the decisions and choices you've made, without allowing your ego to assert that everything about this vehicle is perfect.
Maybe the real lesson, here, is not to underestimate the importance of "gut feeling"?
You've previously made video's which demonstrate how to list priorities objectively.
Maybe it's okay to put, right at the top of the list, something like "MUST be based on a Troopy", and then the rest of the build will be contingent on that?
I'm thinking, what you really want is to take a 79 dual-cab (possibly with the extended wheelbase), graft the rear shell of a Troopy onto it and then fit a pop-top to the roof.
Or, that might be a bit simpler if you used a LR Defender 130 as the base vehicle.
Go on. You know you want to. ;-)
The questions I'd have to ask myself are:
1. The cost difference of purchasing and fitting out of your Troopy and the Dream Tourer if it was done at the same time?
2. The basic weight difference of the two and what if the Troopy got a GVM upgrade?
No doubt about it, the Troopy in my opinion looks much much better than the camper and it is more fit to off road
Hi Andrew,
Ive been following you for a while now,
and i total agree with the comments below, (You dont talk about the 79 and the way you did with the troopy)
Can i suggest you do something no one has ever done before? ( I feel a MACH 2 or Series 2 build comming)
Having access into your camper from the inside your troopy.
(Heavy mods will have to be done, especially if you still want the versatility to use it as a ute and as a seperate stand alone camper)
But to be able to enter a Camper from the rear of the dual cab 79, i dont think its ever been done before?
can it be done?
Anyways its fantastic to see Gywnn to be in more of your episodes. and her opinions. (Big thumbs up)
and hopefully you can use the time being stuck in WA to Collaborate with Rohny Dahl again.
Keep up the good work.
Lu :)
I loved the troopy and it was really cool. But the dream tourer has a lot of advantages over the troopy - such as storage, room to live comfortably and room for gear. Just weight has to be monitored, but that’s no big deal though. I would rather use the tourer especially if I’d travel with my significant other; the troopy would be too cramped.
Photoshop it the same colour green as the Troopy then look at it often for a few days / mull it over ! it might tempt you to fall in love ;-)
Would it have been better to have a single cab and bigger Tommy camper?
He wants easy access to his camera gear and feels a single cab is quite cramped as there's no space in there beyond the driver and passenger. Perhaps a king or extended cab if they were made. Unfortunately ASPW does not want to do a Hilux!
Excellent video, really enjoyed this comparison.
Understanding the purpose of your new vehicle, understanding the increased comfort, it is so much more cumbersome and heavy that i would rather prefer the troopy. Even more, I would completely abandon the V8 for the new DiD much lighter, much more efficient, gaining range and weight. But the colour of the new one is far nicer. 1 positive in my eyes. The only one. All the best.
I have one simple question .... why did you bought a double cab? Following you on the journey on RUclips I have ask my self the same question and I would have gone the route of single cab.
Bigger load bed, more space, better turning circle and less cost?
Love both vehicles...
No need to choose. Keep em both 👍
Hi Folks, I've another completely bonkers vehicle you might consider, a Pinzgauer 6x6?
Similar length to the 110 LR but a huge amount of space inside. A ridiculously sharp turning circle with a flat floor. Engine a Mercedes Diesel. Currently used by Australian Special Forces so parts available.
Nice video, as always. I hope see you testing a pajero Sport, at least once. Firstly because I know you don't like too much the original pajero, but we know the pajero Sport is a completely different animal.
Theres no comparison in my eyes. For me it's the troopy all the way.
Have you owned one? The external access is crap
@@xpusostomos yes, got to be onto something though because it would appear even Andrew prefers the troopy, can't imagine this current wagon being a long term proposition.
The 79 looks cool but is so so so bulky, odd and bloody heavy. Why so much weight? Steve 🇦🇺
We live in Galicia Spain in our troopy since a year and a half now. Galicia is moreless like Scotland weather. It rains a lot. Really much.
We cook inside the troopy, we work inside the troopy (sometimes Rosa in the bed reading I me layed down on the couch.
We shower inside the Troopy. We use a 600x400x170 plastic box on the floor and a Decathlon courtain hanged on the bed, we have 110x110 shower up high.. with the stationary air heating system On, we shower every 2 days wherever it rains or not comfortably.
In your camper you have to cook outside, you have to shower outside, make the morning coffe outside and make the evening soup outside. We know Australia clima is different... But in Europe... We have to make almost everything inside. Cooking outside is simply impossible and most of the time forbidden.
We really prefer you beautiful troopy any day.... Magnificent job on your 79 though Andrew.
Thanks, sincerely, for this video.
hahaha "i'd rather give up the will to live" than to tow a caravan. haha love it.
They are both Toyota & very nice vehicles - don't see many of these in Canada
If you want to take your dog to Esperance, and then visit the national park, my family owns a dog kennel there that caters for this exact thing.. (you cant take the dog to the National Park) I might be able to pull a few strings, as its often nearing capacity, full of dog from people doing the same thing.. Feel free to reach out,.
Hi, How about the idea of installing rear view cameras or side view cameras which can solve the back and side view problem due to the bigger size of the camper.
Any plans to get this on modified with Ronny Dahl?
Great idea. Andrew please listen to this guy!
Yeah, another nice Colab with ronny would be awesome
Great idea
No, they are arch enemies and competitors. It would turn into a fight to the death and Ronny would gorge himself on the flesh of the defeated Andrew St Pierre White
Tosgem the troopy is already on modified and Thayer have done lots of other collaborations in the past
Remember happy wife happy life, you want space then you have to pay the price. In my stage in life with the good wife camping with me I would have to take the 79 over the troopy or else she would not handle it, you will never get the perfect solution just use the one we gets you out and enjoy the country.
Just get a high VW 4WD Multivan 6.1 (the .1 is important, it is higher than the traditional T6) and add a Vanessa kitchen cabinet/bed for camping... you have a passenger van, a van, a campervan (sleeping inside!) and a 4WD that may not do everything a SUV does but you won’t miss it...
I thought this was david attenborough talking.
Troopcarrier 4 ever
Hi,
I am currently converting a Defender TD5 and I am constantly chewing over the is use of comfort versus weight. This is especially true to weight high up. I want a lift roof and lift bed and like a lot about the Alucab and Ex-Tec(no lift bed) roof tents but have concerns about the weight. The Alucab system is at least 120kg less the original Landy roof weight which puts it near or over the recommended roof weight by Landrover. I also need roof carrying capacity for a small inflatable boat, outboard, bikes etc. Am I worrying too much about this. What weight do other overlanders find acceptable to have on top? The video mentions the lack of space because of these systems having a front hinge as apposed to a front and rear cantelever lift as seen on VW conversions. This and the fact I would like to be able to reverse the front passenger seat to create a small front living space has led me towards commissioning or building my own system based on the usual vw camper conversions hinges available. Has anyone any thoughts or experience on this subject. Andrew, if you have any insight or thoughts, particularly on the roof weight it would be great to hear them. Cheers all. Stephen Sharp
I’m not a toyo fanboy but I’d take a Troopy over the 79 anytime
"It's not like we have to buy another troopcarrier to give this another go".... then goes ahead and buys another troopcarrier to give it another go.
Andrew, nothing like the Troopy!! I have one in Colombia and nothing comes even close! Cheers!
I bet the turning circle on my 89 suburban would make the turning circle on your dual cab look like a toyota corolla
Andrew, I understand your reasoning for the greater versatility of the dream tourer and in a way i also love this idea. But what do you actually do with it as an utility vehicle?
In my home country similiar vehicles are only used as farming or construction vehicles...and even that not very often due to our poor weather conditions.
So i am in a bit of a loss of it's usefulness for everyday life.
I could use it to go pick up lumber instead of paying for delivery.
We all miss the Troopie Andrew, but we will move on.... 😌 We can’t have both can we....
Informative video, as always! Lots'a love, cheers, & Mabuhay, from tropical Philippines!
Even though we can’t get either in the state the video was very interesting. Damn forbidden fruit! I have agree with Dest Droid about the last minute.
Wouldn't it be possible to make some sort of smart little system that allows you to swap from camper to ute bed without having to carry both at the same time?
Maybe you could make some mounting system that fit both the camper shell and the ute bed so you didn't need the bed on to mount the shell? That would certainly cut down on the weight as that aluminium (?) bed has to weigh quite a lot?
Dude I love how honest you are!! Look that troopy was stunning, very hard to find another vehicle that looks as cool as that thing!!! But when you take the camper off and you are carrying stuff back from IKEA or Bunnings like an absolute boss you will be grinning from ear to ear!!
Andrew how are shooting less than 24fps in these night shots? I like the cool effect. Please tell us 😁😁
Comparison is the thief of joy.
Color match?
What I like about him is that he is very honest about everything.
Had the privilege to see both your cars, and of my recent in the show the other week. What I love was your electric setup, it was a masterpiece. What I hated, was you whole canopy/ camper is open. So from the outside you can see your bed, drawers and everything inside. I guarantee you will hate that over time as you will get dust everywhere up north. You couldn’t put smelly clothes, oils, fuel etc inside as you be breathing it all night. Poor design by Tommy on that.
It looks cool, but in my opinion not as practical as you think. Would love to show you my defender and camper setup (I am in Perth) and be cool to do a video on pro’s and con.
Anyway love the videos!
Gwen presence adds quite a lot to the videos. I enjoy watching Andrew but two is somehow better in my view :)
Great show ... Thank you 👍🏻
Here in North America we can get the Australia black series off road caravan they are nice there is so many ways to Over Land Camp now a days its hard to pick one
Where in australia can you go in this 79 build that you couldn't go in a Iveco daily type? Maybe get the new build re wrapped in the original troopy green.
the troopy is awesome
I own an 80 series that I am busy kitting out for overlanding and love it but I have to admit, yesterday I had a troopy drive past me while I was waiting at the lights and it winked at me. :-)
Stick with the 80. It’s overland royalty
Your last comment after seeing the Troopy one year later says it all. You still love the Troopy. So do I.
Anyone else want to tell Gwynn the pot was boiling over?
Thanks for sharing all of this.
Troopy for me. Big problem for me is that everybody trying to build the ultimate 79 series, even here in South Africa.