WHAT would be your ultimate rig for doing the full-time lap of Australia? For Queenslanders Brendan and Nikita Shanley it’s this incredible portal axle-equipped 79 Series LandCruiser and the mind-boggling Bruder EXP-6 caravan. We certainly can’t argue with their choices.
The venerable Toyota workhorse has been the first choice as an expedition vehicle for many travellers for near-on 40 years, but the double-cab variety brought with it a new-found popularity with family adventurers. Such was the attraction for the Shanley family, but it hasn’t been a straightforward journey getting to this point.
Starting out with a LandCruiser 200 Series and Patriot Campers Toy Hauler, they whetted their appetite for travel and soon ordered the 2015 LC79 double-cab to give them some more flexibility.
“I always loved the 79 Series farm truck and wanted to build it into the ultimate off-road touring rig,” says Brendan. “The plan was to set it up to take the family touring this great country, on- and off-road and into those quieter ‘off the beaten track’ camp spots.”
With a basic tray behind the cabin, ARB bar work and suspension, Redback three-inch exhaust, Safari Armax snorkel, and the TH610 in tow, the four-door farm truck took them all over Queensland and to the Top End of the Territory, but the idea was always to set off on a full-time lap of the map.
To do that job the Toy Hauler was set up with two tents, one for Brendan and Nikita and the other for their daughters – Bella (6) and Hannah (3). A rack is fitted to carry a tinny with space to haul a pair of dirt bikes, the outboard motor, and all the tools and kit needed when you’re travelling with your toys.
This story is from the January 2021 edition of 4x4 Magazine Australia.
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This story is from the January 2021 edition of 4x4 Magazine Australia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
OUTBACK WATERING HOLES
SINCE OFF TRACK WINES WAS LAUNCHED, OWNERS ANNA AND BRETT FISHER HAVE DRIVEN MORE THAN 20,000KM UP, DOWN AND ACROSS AUSTRALIA SPRUIKING THEIR WINES-IN-A-CAN MADE FOR CAMPING. THEY DROPPED INTO PLENTY OF OUTBACK PUBS ALONG THE WAY AND THESE ARE THEIR SOUTH AUSTRALIAN FAVOURITES
BIG COUNTRY
THE PILBARA IS THE VERY DEFINITION OF BIG COUNTRY, AND THERE IS PLENTY TO SEE, DO AND ENJOY IN THIS ANCIENT LANDSCAPE IN WA'S RUGGED NORTHWEST
ISLAND PARADISE
NEAR THE TOP OF THE BUCKET LIST FOR EVERY AUSSIE FOUR-WHEEL DRIVER, K'GARI IS PACKED WITH STUNNING HIGHLIGHTS AND BOASTS SOME OF THE BEST BEACH DRIVING IN THE COUNTRY
WEIGHTLIFTING
INCREASING THE GVM OF YOUR 4X4 SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN LIGHTLY, BUT BY THE SAME TOKEN SHOULD NOT BE AVOIDED IF YOU NEED IT. WE GO THROUGH THE PROCESS ON OUR FORD RANGER TO EXPLAIN HOW TO GET IT RIGHT
NOW HEAR THIS
THE CEL-FI GO MOBILE BOOSTER WILL KEEP EMAILS, MESSAGES AND CALLS COMING THROUGH TO YOUR DEVICES WHEN EVERYBODY ELSE IS HEARING CRICKETS
LOOKING BACK
A PAIR OF MSA 4X4 TOWING MIRRORS ENSURE WE ALWAYS KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON BEHIND US WHEN WE HAVE A TRAILER HITCHED TO OUR MITSUBISHI TRITON
TRUCKIN' LIFE
CAN FORD AUSTRALIA'S NEW F-150 BE AN ACCOMPLISHED OFF-ROAD TOURING 4X4?
WHAT LURKS BENEATH
IT MAY LOOK LIKE A FAIRLY STANDARD (IF CLEAN) 80 SERIES, BUT DIVE A LITTLE DEEPER AND YOU'LL FIND A MONSTER BELOW THE SURFACE
EYE OF THE HURRICANE
RAM HAS DUMPED ITS HEMI V8FOR A SIX-CYLINDER, AND IT'S COMING TO AUSTRALIA
GETTING TANKED
GWM EXPANDS IT TANK 4X4 RANGE WITH THE LUXURIOUS TANK 500 WAGON
