Hey Ronny, the track width comment made a LOT of sense... I would have liked to see more of his interior camper layout and how he fitted it all in. Nice Zippo!
I seen this rig when i was getting my 8 speed done, nice rig no expense spared. but on the 8 speed its a game changer, REALLY, mate it makes the cruiser a more useable vehicle and 4x4 so much better go anywhere now. great vehicle
Track width is a good point! I remember a family driving a 6x6 and they had very bad experiences with tire damage. "The Kapchevkys" or so, more than 10 years ago I read their articles. They had a MAN KAT1 6x6 - great car, but not for the job. btw: 10 years ago fuel had a different price than today, with 1,70€/l. A 6x6 KAT1 takes roughly 45 of those - every 100km.
If you setup a 4x4 for touring and spend the $$$ there and then buy a $80k to $120K caravan then you get this 6x6 Expedition Tourer for the same money and you aren't towing a caravan (room for a trailer of toys - bikes, buggy, boat 🤣)
There's a second pinion gear/shaft on the back of the forward ring gear which drives the intermediate shaft. Pretty dirty imo but still pretty neat overall. Also worth noting is there's no way to disconnect a rear axle for on road.
Yep, I looked at F trucks, RAM and Iveco but the same build would cost $150k to $200k more and my comments about problems with wide track vehicles are correct. If you wanted to pull a caravan then the F Truck etc would be my preferred vehicle.
Every episode on this channel eeks me closer to finding a RHD ‘Yota wherever I can. I know our (USDM) Toyota’s are great, but the rest-of-the-world market has amazing diesel platforms! Amazing build-love the channel!!
6x6 Australia in Coraki NSW did the 6x6 conversion. 6x6 and 8x8 conversions is all that they do and have been doing it for 30 years......they are the only company in Australia that I would trust. I can't say that they are easy to get an order in with because they are so busy but they do have a good distributor in Go4x4 in South Australia who I hear do good work (ask for Tom). Cost is around $70K. But, if you setup a 4x4 for touring and $$$ there and then buy a $80k to $120K caravan then you get this 6x6 Expedition Tourer for the same money and you aren't towing a caravan (room for a boat 🤣)
Thanks for the reply John. I know these rigs have mega bucks spent on them. I have a Y62 patrol which is a large 4x4 at the cheaper end of the spectrum but with electrics, drawers, barwork etc would still owe me $125k. ASW currently has his troopy for sale for $220k. Adds up quick. My biggest fear as always is that my wife sells the car for what I told here I spent on it. 😂
would love some links for some of rhe upgrades ram auto gearbox oil pan and what breed was his centerconsole fridge . also how much was this rig at the end of the day great video mate staight to the point no waffling on
People dont realize how much weight those canopies put up high. A great way to combat that is two axles and 4 tires under them. I bet this thing is more stable than youd think.
The gearbox is a ZF 8HP75 made in Germany. It is the best in the world where manufacturers such as Aston Martin, Chevrolet, Alfa Romeo, Dodge, Ford, BMW and Roll-Royce use and all rely on ZF transmissions. The 8 gears give better spacing through the gears and at 100 kph the revs are 1500 rpm and at 110 kph around 1600 rpm so this is why my fuel economy in a mix of driving over 495km went from 19-20L/100km with the 5 speed manual to 15L/100km with the 8 speed automatic.
Yep. It's ridiculous but if you look at the guys on carsales asking over 200 grand, for a *_lot_* less 4X4 - is it worth it? Not for me, I could buy a live aboard catamaran AND a decent, 4X4 AND a bit land AND a dirt bike for the money.
@@handroids1981 The 6x6 conversion Cost is around $70K (6x6 Australia in Coraki or Go4x4 in SA). If you setup a 4x4 for touring and $$$ there and then buy a $80k to $120K caravan then you get this 6x6 Expedition Tourer for the same money and you aren't towing a caravan (room for a boat 🤣)
The 6x6 conversion Cost is around $70K (6x6 Australia in Coraki or Go4x4 in SA). If you setup a 4x4 for touring and $$$ there and then buy a $80k to $120K caravan then you get this 6x6 Expedition Tourer for the same money and you aren't towing a caravan (room for a boat 🤣)
@@johnhooper194 Yeah, I get the values. As long as your happy - that's all that matters. I'm not hating - anyone that is, doesn't have the money OR a 6X6!
Need more full size trucks (AKA US full sizes) down the trails. Eventually they will be wider for everone. That said I take my 2500 Power Wagon down Jeep trails, we call them goat trails, with no problem. Pin stripes to be expected.
If i wanted to pull a caravan then I agree F Truck or RAM's are ideal but I can build a 6x6 Landcruiser for the same price....US luxury with Caravan or custom Expedition build, it is a personal choice 👍
Hi guys, would like to get some details on how you have mounted the Uniden handheld radio? I have been wanting to do the exact same thing as I have a charging point in that precise location but can’t find a clip to mount the radio?
Too bad Australian Mercedes dealers cannot sell the 6x6 to regular citizens, so we have to wait for the army ones to become available for sale when they are retired. The earliest 6x6 from the army are probably another 4-5 years away from coming onto the public domain. But they will only have a 3.0 V6 whereas this is a 4.5 V8, so the Toyota has the bragging rights.
If you look at any of the 4x4 Medium Rigid trucks (Fuso Canter, Iveco Daily, Isuzu NPS, etc) next to a Landcruiser, they're much wider and much taller than this vehicle is, and he'd run into all the same issues that he spoke about with a US pickup.
Nope, I've got one, canter are slow, noisy and not that reliable, neither are the Isuzu NPS. We looked at everything and this is by far the best for us. Nothing stops it, carries weight like a boss and can still sit well above most in the NT
2620 long x 1900 wide (built strong for 6 tonne carry capacity) with 2000 trundle draw and 90L inbuilt diesel tank - on top is a 500 x 1900 wheel box (dog box) plus the base of the camper is 1600. the tray was done by Soward Steel & Aluminium Fabrication in Lismore NSW. 6x6 Conversion: 6x6 Australia in Coraki (also in SA with Go4x4) Wheel Box Canopy: DAM Steel Fabrication Pty Ltd in Sydney 8 Speed Auto Conversion: Simply Tuning - Zero to 60 in BNE
It was not about tray size but about axle load and wheel load. Yes. you could put the boxes on a single cab tray but even if you limit yourself to 4.49 tonne you will have about 1.4 tonnes on the front axle and 3 + tonnes on the single rear axle which in my opinion is dangerous. Most Rims are only rated for around 1.5 tonnes which is OK on flat but cornering load transfer will go to outside wheel and seriously overload the rim and axle. If you stay on sealed roads etc then a lazy axle is the way to go but they have problems on sand. As this build is for desert remote tracks often solo, we wanted something not overloaded and capable. Our load is 1.4 tonnes on front axle and 4 tonnes divided between two rear driving axles at 2 tonne each with each having a rating of 3 tonnes
Just had a thought, with 6 tyres contacting the road plus the aerodynamics of a brick, PLUS the aero drag from the pop top PLUS the 5.5 tonne load I will say there is no way you are getting 15L/100kms at 100kmph. Maybe at 80kmph
The 15/100KM is real over 495km in and around Sydney with a mostly 110kph trip to Newcastle and back - with the 8 speed auto 100 kmh is 1500 rpm and 110 kmh is about 1600 rpm
👍 The improvement in fuel economy is impressive - with STD 5 speed manual is was getting average 19/20L/100 km but with the 8 speed automatic it dropped to 15. At 100 kph it is running at 1500 rpm 😊
Great truck. But i really cannot understand the reason of buying a truck and modify it in this scale. By a Unimog from the beginning 😅😅😅. Well done Ronny great video!!!
Why not a Unimog ? - I looked at all options before this build. A Mercedes-Benz Unimog starts at around $225,000, but that’s for a bare-bones single-cab vehicle. Add the double-cab, the tyre inflation system (and who wouldn’t want that!) and a few other necessities and the price rises rapidly. Then add a canopy and you well into $0.5m territory. Yes, you can buy a 40 year old ex army vehicle and build something for under $200k but it is still 40 years old and the tyres are rated safe speed of 80kph and you feel like being in a milk shake blender on rough roads. It is a personal thing but I prefer this LC 79 6x6 build to a Unimog 13:28 build. 🤔
@@johnhooper194 I agree with you entirely with regard to the Unimog; either new or used. I was looking in 2019 at Unimogs, Man and the Japanese contingent. The 40 year old ex military Unimogs basically require you to wear ear muffs to stop you going deaf, plus they are as uncomfortable as anything unless you spend some serious money; plus they are about the biggest thing out there, other than the MAN units. Both of these trucks do have issues with width in tracks, I know as I followed a Unimog and it was like following a grader. Personally my preference is for 6x6 vehicles, they carry the weight easily and they are just that little bit better in almost all conditions; personal experience a very long time ago. I would think your turning circle would enlarge by about 800-900mm to a metre more over standard, not a real issue. How have you found the middle axle with regard to scrubbing of the tyres as they crab in tight corners? Wheel rotation at shorter intervals was the answer on the 6x6 trucks I drove last century. Your alternator being equipped to provide 4.8kW is a very nice addition, something quite a few people don't think of as being very useful. It appears that you don't have a CTIS, or did I miss that. Inflating or deflating tyres on the run is an unbelievable feature; which we have enjoyed for the last couple of years. With regard to your fuel economy, I can believe that under the conditions you mentioned, it is definitely a possibility. With the modifications to various things, eg: transmission change, coupled with narrow (ish) tyres and correct (ish) tyre pressure, it's certainly doable. Overall your frontal brick print is small for a vehicle of this type. I'm running an Isuzu NPS at just under 6T, wide (by comparison) fat tyres, plus a slightly wider cabin, but definitely wider tray and higher at 3.2m. We've managed roughly 18.2 l/100 over the last 10,000km, with our best being 17.8 l/100 cruising at 92 km/h on a couple of occasions in favourable conditions. Unless I'm very much mistaken, the speed limit in NSW for any vehicle over 4.5T is 100 km/h; thoughts?
@@allanhugh2044 where to begin? you are spot on with your comments. The improvement in fuel economy is impressive from STD 5 speed manual where we were getting average 19/20L/100 km over a 495km mixed driving sealed road trip but with the 8 speed automatic it dropped to 15L/100km because of the 8 gears giving better changes and at 100 kph it is running at 1500 rpm. At 110 kmh it is about 1600 rpm. In NSW the maximum speed limit for a vehicle more than 4.5 tonnes Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) is 100 km/h however, not so in all other states such as NT. It amazes me when sitting on 100KPH that a speed limited to 100 kph GVM exceeding 15 tonnes truck pushes me or overtakes me in NSW at 115 kph ??? ALSO, a 4.49 tonne GVM car or ute towing a 3.5 tonne or even 4.5 tonne is not limited to 100 kph. Why?? In my opinion the driving rules should change in Australia from GVM to GCM. The current situation is that any idiot in Australia can hook up a 3.5 tonne caravan and drive away with a 7 tonne mass when a properly designed 4.5 tonne vehicle has to have a restricted speed limit and a driver educated to pass a Heavy Vehicle HR test (driving test is LR).
If you setup a 4x4 for touring and spend the $$$ there and then buy a $80k to $120K caravan then you can get this 6x6 Expedition Tourer for the same money and you aren't towing a caravan (room for a trailer of toys - bikes, buggy, boat 🤣)
Last night I watched a channel which was reviewing an amazing MAN 4x4 converted truck for touring (German bloke in the EU) who seemed to be planning or having already done overseas trips in the truck. Beautiful and capable truck but I just don't understand the necessity for an actual truck to go on extra long haul trips (The guy obviously can afford the fuel) due to their width let alone their height. If spending that sort of coin, something like this LC 6x6 makes more sense in my opinion. I guess the german bloke isn't keen on spending too much time outdoors seeing as a truck offers the complete caravan experience on the back of the vehicle.
You clearly haven't been in that part of europe the last few weeks. It rains a lot, even in summer it can rain a lot. So much so that building a vehicle where all of the utilities are completly outdoors is hard for me to wrap my head around. Even when i go camping on my motorcycle i make sure i have a tent where i can cook while staying dry.
@@autobootpiloot Fair enough explanation however that does not explain why someone would need a MAN truck to go camping in Europe. Unless of course they have $ to burn because no one needs a 4x4 MAN truck to camp in Europe.
I’m getting 12L/100 from a very modified X class with a 2.3L motor. Given the frontal area I would say the transmission and the tune would account for much of the fuel economy, BUT over 5 tonne would have thought closer to 18L/100
Modern engines are not tuned to be efficient. They are tuned to pass emission regulations. Through clever engineering they managed to make engines more efficient than older engines despite the emissions, not because of them. So a tune made to maximize efficiency can make a engine really good on fuel. I have seen over 25% improvements on engines with deleted restrictive emissions hardware and a good tune. And they always make more power. Also, the ZF 8 speed is some kind of magical device. It makes every vehicle it's bolted on to quicker and way more efficient on fuel. Sometimes by a lot. Although 15 litres is most likely on cruise control on the highway and not the average on a long offroad trip.
@@autobootpiloot I still don’t see how you can get that mileage with 6 tyres contacting the road which creates drag, I have a 7 speed auto which is ticking over at 1,800 rpm at 100, which has been tuned for best area under the curve for torque, have a more aerodynamic body with 4 tyres and 3.5t touring load. In clean conditions(no wind) I get 11.5 per 100 with a 4 cylinder 2.3L motor. Again I don’t see how you can get that low tech V8 to be that efficient, reason I know this is our company have built a 79 6x6 with a 10kw power system winch at the back , full Jmax conversion with twin snorkels and Torquit exhaust. Try closer to 18 to 20 per 100, with tune in manual form . I understand the auto is a good box but a transmission WILL NOT make up for wheel and aero drag.
@@autobootpiloot I have been getting a few questions on the 15L/100km. The 15L/100KM is real over 495km in and around Sydney with a mostly 110kph trip to Newcastle and back - With the 8 speed auto 100 kmh is 1500 rpm and 110 kmh is about 1600 rpm. AND, no it is not on cruise control. Cruise Control increases fuel consumption and does not help because it accelerates and brakes to “hunt” around a set speed…..
The rear Runva 13xp 12 volt winch requires 470 amps over a 8m plus long cable if the battery is located in the engine bay🤔 what cable size would you recommend? How would you earth it? Would you use the chassis or run an 8m + earth cable back to the battery? How would you connect a front winch, a rear winch, alternator, lights etc to a crank battery in a confined engine compartment? How would you insulate & protect heavy cables in such a long run? Considering all of this, the decision was locating a battery near the rear winch made sense.
It does have the STD Toyota VDJ79 transfer case…. The STD 5 speed manual gearbox has been replaced with a ZF 8 HP75 automatic - I have uploaded a link to the conversion in comments
If you setup a 4x4 for touring and spend the $$$ there and then buy a $80k to $120K caravan then you can get this 6x6 Expedition Tourer for the same money and you aren't towing a caravan (room for a trailer of toys - bikes, buggy, boat 🤣)
Probably not too much of an issue in the middle of Australia. I am struggling sometimes with my Hilux in carparks, I can't imagine what it would be with this!
He said it's about the same as a 79 with a chassis extension, so it's not terrible. Wouldn't be great in a super windy mountain track, but for remote outback touring it would be fine.
@@Alsinsin👍 I don’t often take it to the supermarket for shopping - it is not meant for that though the turning circle is not much worse than STD. The 8 automatic and surround cameras help a lot in tight spots
@johnhooper194 I am sure the cameras help a lot. This is something I would like to have. Even on a Hilux, rear visibility is very limited and it is difficult to appreciate the distances when backing up.
@@autobootpiloot The 15L/100KM is real over 495km in and around Sydney with a mostly 110kph trip to Newcastle and back - With the 8 speed auto 100 kmh is 1500 rpm and 110 kmh is about 1600 rpm. The Simpson Desert / Central Australia trip of about 8,000 km with STD 5 speed manual transmission averaged 22L/100 km with the desert dunes around 24L/100 km - with the 15L / 100 km average post transmission upgrade I estimate the 24L/100 km will be under 20L/100 km. I was very happily surprised how much the 8 speed automatic makes a difference 👍
@@autobootpiloot We have not done the Simpson Desert with the 8 speed automatic yet. Last year with the manual 5 speed we were consuming between 22 to 24L/100km in the desert and that was when we were getting 19-20L/100km on mixed sealed road driving. With the automatic and the three extra gears and taller rations where we cruise at 100kph at 1500 rpm and getting 15L/100km so I would expect 19-20L/100km in the desert. Happy to report back on offroad fuel consumption if Ronny will do another segment as an update.
Yes, I was getting poor economy with the STD manual gearbox at around 19/20L/100km. The 15L/100KM is real over 495km in and around Sydney with a mostly 110kph trip to Newcastle and back - With the 8 speed auto 100 kmh is 1500 rpm and 110 kmh is about 1600 rpm
He thinks it’s too expensive Remember he gets a lot of accessories free and then sells the vehicle for $220 He would have trouble selling a 6 wheeler, limited market
If you setup a 4x4 for touring and spend the $$$ there and then buy a $80k to $120K caravan then you can get this 6x6 Expedition Tourer for the same money and you aren't towing a caravan (room for a trailer of toys - bikes, buggy, boat 🤣)
Because this VDJ79 was purchased in 2020 and most of the modifications done before the market went crazy there are two questions 1) what did it cost and 2) what is it worth to buy. PM me if you want to discuss.😊
I like manuals also and have had many of them - but the sand on the top of a dune gets really hot and if you are forced to stop there to change gears because you are loosing momentum you will bog (badly) or you will have to ride the clutch and risk burning it out. Whereas an automatic will let you drive straight through. When you go through a few clutches and Automatic starts to look very attractive plus here we get an extra 3 gears which means with better ratios at 100kph you are sitting on 1500 rpm giving huge fuel savings on long trips driving to and from the desert etc.
@@johnhooper194 so many people green with envy in the comments section! Personally I am very happy that you can get out there and do what you do with the truck that you've got! Kudos to you and top marks for helping fellow travellers get unbogged. 🙂
I like how this video is straight to the point and shorter than older ones
Very well done modification. Absolutely a dream build. Life is too short not to go for your dreams.
Sam Neil has done well with his build!
Hey Ronny, the track width comment made a LOT of sense... I would have liked to see more of his interior camper layout and how he fitted it all in. Nice Zippo!
Absolutely right, our track, the Toyota track. The Ram is a beautiful tow car but an elephant in a china shop.
Andrew Saintpier White has the same reason for using a 70 series and not a ram
I recon Ronny could have spent two hours on this truck and still not covered all.
Thanks
That's craziest modification i've even seen!! . That's awesome !!!!!!!
Very well thought out rig. Nicely done! Love a 6x6. I always wanted a 6x6 pinzgauer but ended up with a 4x4 version . Amazing rig.
I seen this rig when i was getting my 8 speed done, nice rig no expense spared. but on the 8 speed its a game changer, REALLY, mate it makes the cruiser a more useable vehicle and 4x4 so much better go anywhere now. great vehicle
Track width is a good point!
I remember a family driving a 6x6 and they had very bad experiences with tire damage. "The Kapchevkys" or so, more than 10 years ago I read their articles. They had a MAN KAT1 6x6 - great car, but not for the job.
btw: 10 years ago fuel had a different price than today, with 1,70€/l. A 6x6 KAT1 takes roughly 45 of those - every 100km.
Well thought out build, this guy has a tonne of experience. Nice edit Ronnie great questions.
For me it’s the best episode so far
well done 👍🏽
plus a ton of money
Thank you Sam Neil's Aussie brother, amazing !
So many jealous comments. Awesome build John
So much thought and experience in this build, not to mention $$$$
If you setup a 4x4 for touring and spend the $$$ there and then buy a $80k to $120K caravan then you get this 6x6 Expedition Tourer for the same money and you aren't towing a caravan (room for a trailer of toys - bikes, buggy, boat 🤣)
A good review of a great vehicle. A well thought out concept. Although I have no use for a 6X6, I still want one.
That thing is crazy and just a dream of mine
One of the best built 6x6 I have seen , this is the ultimate bug out vehicle. 👍
Epic!!
Can’t get better than that
Thanks for another great video. Your host is a very knowledgeably guy. All was very brilliantly planned. Very well done mate. 👌
Absolutely love the build!
Wow, what a vehicle! ❤️
Wow what a awesome cruiser
Very impressive vehicle. Thanks for sharing.
That truck looks dope
wow that truck is amazing, wonder what it cost. cheers for the video Ronny
Consumption numbers are great
Awesome build!
Nice one. I like the pop top
Very good informative show thanks
Great ep Ronny, a good question to ask if he would have done anything differently.
How about a technical episode about how the dual axles are geared together?
There's a second pinion gear/shaft on the back of the forward ring gear which drives the intermediate shaft. Pretty dirty imo but still pretty neat overall. Also worth noting is there's no way to disconnect a rear axle for on road.
Iv got a f250 and done all round Australia in the most remote places off road and never had a problem with the width of it 👍
Yep, I looked at F trucks, RAM and Iveco but the same build would cost $150k to $200k more and my comments about problems with wide track vehicles are correct. If you wanted to pull a caravan then the F Truck etc would be my preferred vehicle.
Phenomenal vehicle.
Every episode on this channel eeks me closer to finding a RHD ‘Yota wherever I can. I know our (USDM) Toyota’s are great, but the rest-of-the-world market has amazing diesel platforms! Amazing build-love the channel!!
I was hoping to hear a bit about the 6x6 diff set-up and who did the work..
6x6 Australia in Coraki NSW did the 6x6 conversion. 6x6 and 8x8 conversions is all that they do and have been doing it for 30 years......they are the only company in Australia that I would trust. I can't say that they are easy to get an order in with because they are so busy but they do have a good distributor in Go4x4 in South Australia who I hear do good work (ask for Tom). Cost is around $70K. But, if you setup a 4x4 for touring and $$$ there and then buy a $80k to $120K caravan then you get this 6x6 Expedition Tourer for the same money and you aren't towing a caravan (room for a boat 🤣)
Thanks for the reply John. I know these rigs have mega bucks spent on them. I have a Y62 patrol which is a large 4x4 at the cheaper end of the spectrum but with electrics, drawers, barwork etc would still owe me $125k. ASW currently has his troopy for sale for $220k. Adds up quick. My biggest fear as always is that my wife sells the car for what I told here I spent on it. 😂
Hi🖐️ Great job Ronny 👍 Great Car 👍 Regards from Poland 👍🍻😀😀
would love some links for some of rhe upgrades
ram auto gearbox
oil pan and what breed was his centerconsole fridge . also how much was this rig at the end of the day great video mate staight to the point no waffling on
The product links have been posted in the comments
There are so many questions we would like answered to. Who did the conversion, the tray ,the canopy.how much for the auto?, how much for the build?
6x6 Conversion: 6x6 Australia.
Tray: Soward Steel & Aluminium Fabrication.
Wheel Box Canopy: DAM Steel Fabrication Pty Ltd.
8 Speed Auto Conversion: Simply Tuning - Zero to 60
Impressive!!!!!😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎
Plucking epic
ZF gearbox is interesting. Great gearbox, is it an unusual choice for a Landcruiser?
Could you make it any better than this! Bloody hell.😅
People dont realize how much weight those canopies put up high. A great way to combat that is two axles and 4 tires under them. I bet this thing is more stable than youd think.
I think most people do realise that.
Would love to know how he's managed to run 2 scanguages
It’s an absolute beat mate! Curious to know details of the auto box and all that…????
The gearbox is a ZF 8HP75 made in Germany. It is the best in the world where manufacturers such as Aston Martin, Chevrolet, Alfa Romeo, Dodge, Ford, BMW and Roll-Royce use and all rely on ZF transmissions. The 8 gears give better spacing through the gears and at 100 kph the revs are 1500 rpm and at 110 kph around 1600 rpm so this is why my fuel economy in a mix of driving over 495km went from 19-20L/100km with the 5 speed manual to 15L/100km with the 8 speed automatic.
An amazing $400k Land Cruiser.
Yep. It's ridiculous but if you look at the guys on carsales asking over 200 grand, for a *_lot_* less 4X4 - is it worth it?
Not for me, I could buy a live aboard catamaran AND a decent, 4X4 AND a bit land AND a dirt bike for the money.
@@handroids1981 The 6x6 conversion Cost is around $70K (6x6 Australia in Coraki or Go4x4 in SA). If you setup a 4x4 for touring and $$$ there and then buy a $80k to $120K caravan then you get this 6x6 Expedition Tourer for the same money and you aren't towing a caravan (room for a boat 🤣)
The 6x6 conversion Cost is around $70K (6x6 Australia in Coraki or Go4x4 in SA). If you setup a 4x4 for touring and $$$ there and then buy a $80k to $120K caravan then you get this 6x6 Expedition Tourer for the same money and you aren't towing a caravan (room for a boat 🤣)
@@johnhooper194 Yeah, I get the values. As long as your happy - that's all that matters. I'm not hating - anyone that is, doesn't have the money OR a 6X6!
Amazing vehicle, but we didn't see anything fro the inside of the camper. A couple shots is not enough. What happened to the long tours?
Need more full size trucks (AKA US full sizes) down the trails. Eventually they will be wider for everone. That said I take my 2500 Power Wagon down Jeep trails, we call them goat trails, with no problem. Pin stripes to be expected.
If i wanted to pull a caravan then I agree F Truck or RAM's are ideal but I can build a 6x6 Landcruiser for the same price....US luxury with Caravan or custom Expedition build, it is a personal choice 👍
So, when you getting your 6x6 Ronny?
Great to see a vehicle built by someone with a fair bit of experience with a practical approach, unlike the SEQ wanker builds (explore life)
What an absolute forken weapon
What brand is the pop top roof tent?
When i grow up i want to be 6x6 ❤
Andrew White should take some notes
I'd really love to own ene❤❤
15L/100k -> is that with a 100kph tailwind or drafting a road train?
Happy to take your money if you bet on it. The 8 speed at 100 kph is 1500 rpm and 110 kph is about 1600 rpm
Hi guys, would like to get some details on how you have mounted the Uniden handheld radio? I have been wanting to do the exact same thing as I have a charging point in that precise location but can’t find a clip to mount the radio?
I’m guessing from the presentation style that it’s up for sale soon….
No
Like the Austrailian Military Mercedes-Benz G-Class 6x6
Too bad Australian Mercedes dealers cannot sell the 6x6 to regular citizens, so we have to wait for the army ones to become available for sale when they are retired. The earliest 6x6 from the army are probably another 4-5 years away from coming onto the public domain. But they will only have a 3.0 V6 whereas this is a 4.5 V8, so the Toyota has the bragging rights.
The army is trialling a 79 6x6 in QLD
Has the owner got his own channel or any online content? I have a chance to buy a 6x6 79 it would be good to follow him.
Any 6x6 rig for hire. I'm planning an off roading holiday trip in Australia.
Although being an incredible machine, wonder if wouldn't be far cheaper to start as a base, with a Mitsubishi Fuso, a Iveco Daily, or even a Unimog.
I believe it's because of the size
Potentially, but as far as having a responsive engine and cruising speed. All of these options are nothing compared to the vdj paired with the 8speed.
If you look at any of the 4x4 Medium Rigid trucks (Fuso Canter, Iveco Daily, Isuzu NPS, etc) next to a Landcruiser, they're much wider and much taller than this vehicle is, and he'd run into all the same issues that he spoke about with a US pickup.
Nope, I've got one, canter are slow, noisy and not that reliable, neither are the Isuzu NPS. We looked at everything and this is by far the best for us. Nothing stops it, carries weight like a boss and can still sit well above most in the NT
Rich people never think about cheap
LENGTH and height ?
Cost $400k plus ??
How big is the tray
2620 long x 1900 wide (built strong for 6 tonne carry capacity) with 2000 trundle draw and 90L inbuilt diesel tank - on top is a 500 x 1900 wheel box (dog box) plus the base of the camper is 1600. the tray was done by Soward Steel & Aluminium Fabrication in Lismore NSW.
6x6 Conversion: 6x6 Australia in Coraki (also in SA with Go4x4)
Wheel Box Canopy: DAM Steel Fabrication Pty Ltd in Sydney
8 Speed Auto Conversion: Simply Tuning - Zero to 60 in BNE
You should get single cab got same size tray and a lot cheaper 😉
It was not about tray size but about axle load and wheel load. Yes. you could put the boxes on a single cab tray but even if you limit yourself to 4.49 tonne you will have about 1.4 tonnes on the front axle and 3 + tonnes on the single rear axle which in my opinion is dangerous. Most Rims are only rated for around 1.5 tonnes which is OK on flat but cornering load transfer will go to outside wheel and seriously overload the rim and axle. If you stay on sealed roads etc then a lazy axle is the way to go but they have problems on sand. As this build is for desert remote tracks often solo, we wanted something not overloaded and capable. Our load is 1.4 tonnes on front axle and 4 tonnes divided between two rear driving axles at 2 tonne each with each having a rating of 3 tonnes
where can I buy this mix and who imports it to Europe for me?
Just had a thought, with 6 tyres contacting the road plus the aerodynamics of a brick, PLUS the aero drag from the pop top PLUS the 5.5 tonne load I will say there is no way you are getting 15L/100kms at 100kmph.
Maybe at 80kmph
The 15/100KM is real over 495km in and around Sydney with a mostly 110kph trip to Newcastle and back - with the 8 speed auto 100 kmh is 1500 rpm and 110 kmh is about 1600 rpm
The gearing of the 8 speed saves it
Do you know who did the transmission work? A seriously impressive vehicle 👏
Zero to 60 - Simply Tuning in BNE
@@johnhooper194 impressive 👍
👍 The improvement in fuel economy is impressive - with STD 5 speed manual is was getting average 19/20L/100 km but with the 8 speed automatic it dropped to 15. At 100 kph it is running at 1500 rpm 😊
Rig!!!
Great truck.
But i really cannot understand the reason of buying a truck and modify it in this scale.
By a Unimog from the beginning 😅😅😅.
Well done Ronny great video!!!
Why not a Unimog ? - I looked at all options before this build. A Mercedes-Benz Unimog starts at around $225,000, but that’s for a bare-bones single-cab vehicle. Add the double-cab, the tyre inflation system (and who wouldn’t want that!) and a few other necessities and the price rises rapidly. Then add a canopy and you well into $0.5m territory. Yes, you can buy a 40 year old ex army vehicle and build something for under $200k but it is still 40 years old and the tyres are rated safe speed of 80kph and you feel like being in a milk shake blender on rough roads. It is a personal thing but I prefer this LC 79 6x6 build to a Unimog 13:28 build. 🤔
@@johnhooper194 I agree with you entirely with regard to the Unimog; either new or used. I was looking in 2019 at Unimogs, Man and the Japanese contingent. The 40 year old ex military Unimogs basically require you to wear ear muffs to stop you going deaf, plus they are as uncomfortable as anything unless you spend some serious money; plus they are about the biggest thing out there, other than the MAN units. Both of these trucks do have issues with width in tracks, I know as I followed a Unimog and it was like following a grader.
Personally my preference is for 6x6 vehicles, they carry the weight easily and they are just that little bit better in almost all conditions; personal experience a very long time ago. I would think your turning circle would enlarge by about 800-900mm to a metre more over standard, not a real issue. How have you found the middle axle with regard to scrubbing of the tyres as they crab in tight corners? Wheel rotation at shorter intervals was the answer on the 6x6 trucks I drove last century.
Your alternator being equipped to provide 4.8kW is a very nice addition, something quite a few people don't think of as being very useful.
It appears that you don't have a CTIS, or did I miss that. Inflating or deflating tyres on the run is an unbelievable feature; which we have enjoyed for the last couple of years.
With regard to your fuel economy, I can believe that under the conditions you mentioned, it is definitely a possibility. With the modifications to various things, eg: transmission change, coupled with narrow (ish) tyres and correct (ish) tyre pressure, it's certainly doable. Overall your frontal brick print is small for a vehicle of this type. I'm running an Isuzu NPS at just under 6T, wide (by comparison) fat tyres, plus a slightly wider cabin, but definitely wider tray and higher at 3.2m. We've managed roughly 18.2 l/100 over the last 10,000km, with our best being 17.8 l/100 cruising at 92 km/h on a couple of occasions in favourable conditions.
Unless I'm very much mistaken, the speed limit in NSW for any vehicle over 4.5T is 100 km/h; thoughts?
@@allanhugh2044 where to begin? you are spot on with your comments. The improvement in fuel economy is impressive from STD 5 speed manual where we were getting average 19/20L/100 km over a 495km mixed driving sealed road trip but with the 8 speed automatic it dropped to 15L/100km because of the 8 gears giving better changes and at 100 kph it is running at 1500 rpm. At 110 kmh it is about 1600 rpm. In NSW the maximum speed limit for a vehicle more than 4.5 tonnes Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) is 100 km/h however, not so in all other states such as NT. It amazes me when sitting on 100KPH that a speed limited to 100 kph GVM exceeding 15 tonnes truck pushes me or overtakes me in NSW at 115 kph ??? ALSO, a 4.49 tonne GVM car or ute towing a 3.5 tonne or even 4.5 tonne is not limited to 100 kph. Why?? In my opinion the driving rules should change in Australia from GVM to GCM. The current situation is that any idiot in Australia can hook up a 3.5 tonne caravan and drive away with a 7 tonne mass when a properly designed 4.5 tonne vehicle has to have a restricted speed limit and a driver educated to pass a Heavy Vehicle HR test (driving test is LR).
1 more question you should have asked, what’s the cost?
If you setup a 4x4 for touring and spend the $$$ there and then buy a $80k to $120K caravan then you can get this 6x6 Expedition Tourer for the same money and you aren't towing a caravan (room for a trailer of toys - bikes, buggy, boat 🤣)
Last night I watched a channel which was reviewing an amazing MAN 4x4 converted truck for touring (German bloke in the EU) who seemed to be planning or having already done overseas trips in the truck. Beautiful and capable truck but I just don't understand the necessity for an actual truck to go on extra long haul trips (The guy obviously can afford the fuel) due to their width let alone their height. If spending that sort of coin, something like this LC 6x6 makes more sense in my opinion. I guess the german bloke isn't keen on spending too much time outdoors seeing as a truck offers the complete caravan experience on the back of the vehicle.
You clearly haven't been in that part of europe the last few weeks. It rains a lot, even in summer it can rain a lot. So much so that building a vehicle where all of the utilities are completly outdoors is hard for me to wrap my head around. Even when i go camping on my motorcycle i make sure i have a tent where i can cook while staying dry.
@@autobootpiloot Fair enough explanation however that does not explain why someone would need a MAN truck to go camping in Europe. Unless of course they have $ to burn because no one needs a 4x4 MAN truck to camp in Europe.
6 Wheeling in WA
My head hurts 😅
How is it getting 15L/100? I know people with barely modified troopies getting 12/13 and this one weighs 3 tons more!! 🤣 not to mention the wheels
I’m getting 12L/100 from a very modified X class with a 2.3L motor.
Given the frontal area I would say the transmission and the tune would account for much of the fuel economy, BUT over 5 tonne would have thought closer to 18L/100
15L/100 km is correct average after 496 km. With 8 speed transmission at 100 kph you are only at 1500 rpm
Modern engines are not tuned to be efficient. They are tuned to pass emission regulations. Through clever engineering they managed to make engines more efficient than older engines despite the emissions, not because of them. So a tune made to maximize efficiency can make a engine really good on fuel. I have seen over 25% improvements on engines with deleted restrictive emissions hardware and a good tune. And they always make more power.
Also, the ZF 8 speed is some kind of magical device. It makes every vehicle it's bolted on to quicker and way more efficient on fuel. Sometimes by a lot. Although 15 litres is most likely on cruise control on the highway and not the average on a long offroad trip.
@@autobootpiloot I still don’t see how you can get that mileage with 6 tyres contacting the road which creates drag, I have a 7 speed auto which is ticking over at 1,800 rpm at 100, which has been tuned for best area under the curve for torque, have a more aerodynamic body with 4 tyres and 3.5t touring load. In clean conditions(no wind) I get 11.5 per 100 with a 4 cylinder 2.3L motor.
Again I don’t see how you can get that low tech V8 to be that efficient, reason I know this is our company have built a 79 6x6 with a 10kw power system winch at the back , full Jmax conversion with twin snorkels and Torquit exhaust.
Try closer to 18 to 20 per 100, with tune in manual form .
I understand the auto is a good box but a transmission WILL NOT make up for wheel and aero drag.
@@autobootpiloot I have been getting a few questions on the 15L/100km. The 15L/100KM is real over 495km in and around Sydney with a mostly 110kph trip to Newcastle and back - With the 8 speed auto 100 kmh is 1500 rpm and 110 kmh is about 1600 rpm. AND, no it is not on cruise control. Cruise Control increases fuel consumption and does not help because it accelerates and brakes to “hunt” around a set speed…..
And also hi Ronny
As if those things didn't cost too much already 🤣
That's my dream, Babe
I run a 0 AWG cable to my rear winch and it runs great.
The rear Runva 13xp 12 volt winch requires 470 amps over a 8m plus long cable if the battery is located in the engine bay🤔 what cable size would you recommend? How would you earth it? Would you use the chassis or run an 8m + earth cable back to the battery? How would you connect a front winch, a rear winch, alternator, lights etc to a crank battery in a confined engine compartment? How would you insulate & protect heavy cables in such a long run? Considering all of this, the decision was locating a battery near the rear winch made sense.
Wow! Amazing rig. Absolutely stoning. BUT I don’t believe this 15L/100km.
Read elsewhere in comments
It’s funny Ronny believes in if a car doesn’t have a low range transfer case it’s not a reliable 4wd??? 🤔 so what about this zf 8 speed auto???
It does have the STD Toyota VDJ79 transfer case…. The STD 5 speed manual gearbox has been replaced with a ZF 8 HP75 automatic - I have uploaded a link to the conversion in comments
@@johnhooper194 thanks John! Think they forgot to talk about low range in the video, but thanks for the clarification
How much ?
If you setup a 4x4 for touring and spend the $$$ there and then buy a $80k to $120K caravan then you can get this 6x6 Expedition Tourer for the same money and you aren't towing a caravan (room for a trailer of toys - bikes, buggy, boat 🤣)
The problem with a vehicle like this is the horrible turning radius.
Probably not too much of an issue in the middle of Australia. I am struggling sometimes with my Hilux in carparks, I can't imagine what it would be with this!
He said it's about the same as a 79 with a chassis extension, so it's not terrible. Wouldn't be great in a super windy mountain track, but for remote outback touring it would be fine.
@@Alsinsin👍 I don’t often take it to the supermarket for shopping - it is not meant for that though the turning circle is not much worse than STD. The 8 automatic and surround cameras help a lot in tight spots
@johnhooper194 I am sure the cameras help a lot. This is something I would like to have. Even on a Hilux, rear visibility is very limited and it is difficult to appreciate the distances when backing up.
After me kids, "All the gear and no...:"?
that's half a million
15 L /100km calling bs!
Happy to take your money if you bet on it. The 8 speed at 100 kph is 1500 rpm and 110 kph is about 1600 rpm
@@johnhooper194 what's the average on a long offroad trip like the simpson desert? That can't be 15L
@@autobootpiloot The 15L/100KM is real over 495km in and around Sydney with a mostly 110kph trip to Newcastle and back - With the 8 speed auto 100 kmh is 1500 rpm and 110 kmh is about 1600 rpm. The Simpson Desert / Central Australia trip of about 8,000 km with STD 5 speed manual transmission averaged 22L/100 km with the desert dunes around 24L/100 km - with the 15L / 100 km average post transmission upgrade I estimate the 24L/100 km will be under 20L/100 km. I was very happily surprised how much the 8 speed automatic makes a difference 👍
@@autobootpiloot We have not done the Simpson Desert with the 8 speed automatic yet. Last year with the manual 5 speed we were consuming between 22 to 24L/100km in the desert and that was when we were getting 19-20L/100km on mixed sealed road driving. With the automatic and the three extra gears and taller rations where we cruise at 100kph at 1500 rpm and getting 15L/100km so I would expect 19-20L/100km in the desert. Happy to report back on offroad fuel consumption if Ronny will do another segment as an update.
15L/100 😂 it is a boat maybe he sails it around
Yes, I was getting poor economy with the STD manual gearbox at around 19/20L/100km. The 15L/100KM is real over 495km in and around Sydney with a mostly 110kph trip to Newcastle and back - With the 8 speed auto 100 kmh is 1500 rpm and 110 kmh is about 1600 rpm
needs portals
No I don’t 😂
I think this is what Andrew St. Pierre White actually wants. What he should have…
That guy 🤦♂️
Who is she?
He thinks it’s too expensive
Remember he gets a lot of accessories free and then sells the vehicle for $220
He would have trouble selling a 6 wheeler, limited market
No way is that 15L/100km. Judging by some other comments, im not the only one who isnt fooled by this statement.
Happy to take your money if you bet on it. The 8 speed at 100 kph is 1500 rpm and 110 kph is about 1600 rpm
Should of asked the price that’s a weapon
If you setup a 4x4 for touring and spend the $$$ there and then buy a $80k to $120K caravan then you can get this 6x6 Expedition Tourer for the same money and you aren't towing a caravan (room for a trailer of toys - bikes, buggy, boat 🤣)
$500K ??
Because this VDJ79 was purchased in 2020 and most of the modifications done before the market went crazy there are two questions 1) what did it cost and 2) what is it worth to buy. PM me if you want to discuss.😊
Thanks for the offer, I’ve already got my teeth sunk into a Grenadier!
The only video Ive ever cut off early. 3 mins into it. This dude just fancies how good he is.
Glad you lasted 3 minutes - always nice to have a fan 🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@johnhooper194you reckon these guys are haters, wait till you own a Triton 😂😂😂😂
@@peterstone5356 👍 the Triton are really good value for money 🤔
Ronny I love you mate but, he said 180 and 270 awnings. That's a 450 degree circle.
Technically, no.
3 sides of the rectangle…makes 3 x 180degree planes to cover = 540
Do a Google search of 180 and 270 awnings to learn & understand what are product terms for awnings.
do a google search for "sense of humor"@@johnhooper194
Sorry but litres in Australia is spelt litres not liters 😂👍
🇵🇬🇵🇬,,,
$$$$?
I like manuals also and have had many of them - but the sand on the top of a dune gets really hot and if you are forced to stop there to change gears because you are loosing momentum you will bog (badly) or you will have to ride the clutch and risk burning it out. Whereas an automatic will let you drive straight through. When you go through a few clutches and Automatic starts to look very attractive plus here we get an extra 3 gears which means with better ratios at 100kph you are sitting on 1500 rpm giving huge fuel savings on long trips driving to and from the desert etc.
you could've easily gone down the Iveco daily/unimog route instead of building this pointless 79 series. this dude has too much money and no idea
The iveco etc would be twice the money. Who has no idea 🤔😂
@@johnhooper194 so many people green with envy in the comments section! Personally I am very happy that you can get out there and do what you do with the truck that you've got! Kudos to you and top marks for helping fellow travellers get unbogged. 🙂
15L per 100, 😅 stay away from meth kids
Agree
Happy to take your money if you bet on it. The 8 speed at 100 kph is 1500 rpm and 110 kph is about 1600 rpm
@johnhooper194 Happy to think you're a shambles aren't yah
First
Old Ronnies views have gone down the gurgler....450k odd subscribers & lucky to get 30k views per video.
🤔 you should check the viewer count now and be prepared to apologise soon. 😂
@johnhooper194 In darkness we find ronny's weekly upload 😂 still 2k views short lol