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FULL HOUSE continued...
Inside the canopy, a king single bed features on the passenger's side, under which are four large roll-out drawers. In front of the bed is a Waeco 60L fridge, while on the driver's side is a second Waeco 60L fridge, which is used as a freezer. The driver's side of the canopy is shelved in aluminium mesh to carry general camping gear, the outboard motor, the seats from the roof-mounted tinnie and all Pat's fishing gear - of which there's plenty! The custom-shaped tinted glass windows have insect screen and aluminium security mesh to keep all types of nasties (animal and human) out in the cold.
LED tail and clearance lights, the solar panel controller, fuse box, 240V outlet, air compressor, interior lighting and dual-battery monitor were also wired by the crew at Custom Vehicle Fabrications. Chris was also given the task of fitting dual reversing cameras - one up high near the boat-loader, the other down near the tow hitch to help line the caravan drawbar up. A dual-acting wheel carrier was fabricated to take either the new Ford's rim and tyre combination, as well as the standard rim and tyre combo, which is now used on the van.
OFF-ROAD ENHANCEMENTS
Not content to stick with the standard offerings from Ford, no sooner had Pat taken delivery of his shiny black F250, before he dropped it into TJM's Maroochydore outlet for a heap of good bolt-on gear. Besides a minor lift, the main objective of a suspension upgrade was to increase the GVM of the ute.
The front end copped 60mm raised heavy-duty leaves with Dobinsons shocks, while the rear had a similar treatment with the addition of a Polyair bellows kit to help carry the weight. While TJM did the suspension fit-out, an engineer was sourced to legally upgrade the whole show's GVM from 4.2t to 5.195t.
BFGoodrich LT 285/75R16 tyres wrapped around American Eagle alloy 16x8in rims replaced the standard wheels, which are now fitted to the Bushtracker caravan. This allows multi-fitting for spares should they be needed while out bush. To aid traction, Pat also added a TJM ProLocker to the front diff. Barwork comprises of a TJM steel bullbar with 10,000lb Ox hydraulic winch, TJM 4500kg-rated towbar, steel side and sill protection bars - manufactured by Maroochydore Exhaust Centre - and a Rhino rack with Rhino boat-loader to assist in the launching of the tinnie.
Two Rallye 4000 spotties and upgraded headlight globes help spot all things jumping while travelling at night-time. A TJM Megatronics dual-battery system ensures charge is correctly distributed to the two factory Ford starter batteries, along with another two Bushtracker (nothing to do with the caravan) batteries fitted in the canopy. While away from mains power and not driving regularly, a roof-mounted 120W solar panel trickle charges all four batteries.
To keep in contact with fellow road-train drivers, Pat uses a GME Electrophone TX4400 UHF radio, which is fitted into an Outback Consoles roof console, with an Electrophone AE4705 UHF antenna.
In case of emergencies, or when the UHF doesn't supply adequate coverage, a Globestar sat-phone is also carried. To carry liquids, a Long Ranger steel replacement fuel tank of 295L is employed to carry the diesel, while a plastic ute-mounted tank manages 160L of water - both good stuff for man and machine while travelling away from civilisation.
FLASH GEAR
Apart from being able to deliver the goods out in the bush, Pat and Michele were keen to make their big Yank tank look the goods, so shopping they went at both Ford Queensland F Series Spares and Custom Vehicle Fabrications. Once at the checkout, their shopping list read: American-style billet grille, American Eagle 8in alloy rims, headlight protectors and bonnet protector. Extended RV electric mirrors incorporating blinkers and clearance lights, dash mat, Cloudrider kick panels, sheepskin covers and fire-extinguishers round out the impressive list of gear this couple has had fitted.
BRIEFLY
Vehicle: 2005 Ford F250 XLT Supercab
Engine: 7.3L V8 intercooled turbo-diesel
Gearbox: 4-speed automatic
4WD Activation: Part-time, shift-on-the-fly, automatic-locking front hubs
Suspension: Front - rigid axles, 60mm-raised leaf springs, Dobinsons dampers. Rear - rigid axles, 60mm-raised leaf springs and airbags, Dobinsons dampers
Brakes: Front and rear - discs
Wheels: American Eagle alloy, 16x8in
Tyres: BFGoodrich 285/75R16
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