I came to a land down under

[Redman]

On the 21st of March 2022 we arrived in Australia... (Neither myself nor my wife have ever set foot here before so everything we experienced was brand new to us all). This is not a thread to discuss why we moved nor to compare Mzansi with Kangarooville... (Will gladly answer any questions though)

Australia has a very big and active 4x4 scene. A lot Aussies enjoy hitting the back roads, camping in the bush, doing tracks and driving on the beach. With this comes a massive industry to support these passions. (Over 2'000 4x4 dedicated companies with annual business valued at $6 billion).

The idea of this thread is to share some products, builds, ideas, vehicles, accessories and issues I observe over here. Who knows there might be something that gives someone an idea or inspiration for DIY build.

I will also post pics of local vehicles (modified). Some are really nice and some bogan as they come. Some nice Patrols (for Ian). If Manny asks nicely I'll even post pics of modified Jeep Gladiators... But this is mostly PPC country (Prado's, Patrol's and Cruiser's)

[Hedgehog]

So... You are offering to be a spy?

[Redman]

More like EWC - Examination Without Compensation

[Johannes]

Ok. So what do you have for us ?

[Redman]

Installed this rear shelf in the Fortuner from Kaon. This is a nice way to utilise this dead space close to the roof. Swambo already annexed this for our hats and sunscreen. Managed to secure a spot for our first aid kit. Now it is easily reachable

[Hedgehog]

I like that!

[Paul#25]

I see that it uses the grab handles mount point for the two side mounts like most of them do. Is there anything that supports the central area at the front?

[Mad Manny]

https://www.tauro.co.za/project/cargo-b ... roof-nets/

Tauro has been selling SUV rear shelfs for years.

Although the Tauro one uses webbing not mesh for the base...

(Scroll down, the first few are dividers).

[Paul#25]

I'm not a fan of the net's I've seen as they sag badly with even a few jackets in them.
The box that foldes down like the one Andreas has fitted to his Patrol is a very nice idea. I helped make the latch plate for it but don't have nice photos of the installation.
This is the one I've got.

[Mad Manny]

Webbing shouldn't sag much, it's not elastic.

A nice hinged shelf with a latch that can drop down would be nice if you can make it 100% rattle free.
But I would still only store light items up there - so that may be overkill.

[Ricof4e]

Daai rak is bloot vir mans wat nie kan pak nie.

[Paul#25]

Webbing does stretch Manny. If you pull a tie-down strap tight by hand, you then wind it up a lot more with the ratchet. You can't tension a net to the extent for it not to sag in a light weight frame.
I'll ask Andreas if I can take a few more photos of the box that he built and fitted in the rear roof are of his Patrol. It's nicely done and shouldn't rattle at all with it's carpet covering.

[Mad Manny]

Webbing will NOT sag, unless the Jacket you are referring to weighs a few hundred kilograms.
There are Reimpie style chairs that use webbing - you sit on webbing.
Certain car seats - you sat on webbing.
WWII Troop carrier planes, carrying paratroopers - they sat on webbing.

You would have to be a special class of stupid to make a shelf up there & put items so heavy they can stretch webbing in it.
Because, when things go wrong, that stuff could hit you upside your head.

I've seen Andreas' drop down box, it's a nice concept and you can store smaller items that could fall out in a webbing or steel mesh style shelf.

[BushWacker]

… maybe you guys compromise
and use a taut riempie net ?

[HenriSteyn]

Webbing will sag. Gravity pulls it down, even empty.
Put even light stuff in it, it will sag.