Ultimate Troopy 2-Person Overlander. 2021 Onward

Ultimate Troopy 2-Person Overlander. 2021 Onward

In the Beginning . . .

I order a new Troopcarrier V8 in December, and it finally arrived mid July.

Between June 2021 and May 2022 I built a version of what I regard as the best two-person light overlander in the world.

The epic scene in the show were I must take it out for the first time in support of the Range Rover.

Viewer Numbers

YouTube Viewer Numbers. Click the YouTube logo to go to the playlist on Youtube.

The 34 videos released June 2021 to November 2022 attracted 2,35 million views, averaging 71,3K views each video. In addition, the 13 episodes when the Troopy supported the Range Rover on the Canning Stock Route in June 2022, attracted approx. 610K views in two months. That series has been removed from public view due to interest from TV agents.

step by step

2021-2022

Watch The Story Now

A Challenging Goal

I wanted to build what I consider to be the perfect two-person long distance off-grid and off-road exploration vehicle. These were my goals:

  • Heavy duty four-wheel drive chassis and drivetrain, with excellent off road performance.
  • A range of no less than 1200 kms built into it.
  • A camping set-up that was easy and fast. And by fast, I mean under 2 minutes for the tent up, table out, cooker warming or beer in hand. 
  • Sufficient load-carrying ability to enable isolated trips of up to 14 days without supplies.
  • A measure of live-in, needed in the case of foul weather.
  • Quick pack-away, and easily achieved inside 15 minutes.
  • Why these are important to me is shared in the videos.

Amazing Support

     

    • We’ve had amazing support from accessory makers here is Australia. The list below provides links to their products:

    • Custom Overland Solutions designed and built the interior fit-out.

    • EGON supplied a DC-Hub, a single unit through which all 12V accessories and chargers are connected.

    • EGON supplied a Water-Hub through which all water inlets and outlets are plumbed.

    • Terrain Tamer supplied the parabolic rear springs and progressive front coils.

    • Diesel filter upgrade, diff breathers and catch-can from Terrain Tamer.

    • ARB twin compressor.

    • Wheel arch flares by ARB.

    • ROH supplied Vapor 16″ alloy wheel rims.

    • Off-Road Animal supplied the bull bar, steering protector plate and front recovery points.

    • Runva supplied the 12000 lb winch with synthetic rope.

    • PVS Automotive supplied the head-light upgrade, LC200 steering wheel and 9″ entertainment head unit.

    • 270° Awning and En-Suite privacy curtain by QuickPitch.

    • Seats by Recaro. Model is EXPERT-M.

    • Seat covers and carpet mats by Takla, South Africa.

    • Water tank built by John Graeber.

    • Interior lights by Lumeno, supplied by Custom Overland Solutions.

    • Side steps are a home conversion from LC 79 OE steps, coated with Line-X coating.

    • Sun visor and grill are both Toyota parts, although I did apply wrap grey to the lettering.

Kit And Links

    • Mud flaps is a kit made over east and I’m still trying to find out who supplied it.

    • I have two SnoMaster fridges. One is a 12L centre console fridge and a 66L Expedition dual-compartment in the back.

    • The 40-series Landcruiser badges on the sides are OE Toyota and I found them  on Ebay.

    • 2x30A DC-DC chargers and 3000W inverter and Cerbo GX by Victron.

    • Batteries are 2x compact 200A/hr Amptron LifePO4.

The First Run

March 2022 at last our new hero Troopy is ready to be tested off-road. But the initial drive was spent acting as a support vehicle for the 45-tear old Range Rover, also being taken for an off-road test in the dunes.  

Watch The Build and Tips

2-Person Troopy tourer

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Performance upgrades. From October 2022

Phase-2. Perfecting what’s perfect . . .

Brakes upgrade.
Terrain Tamer brake rotors, fortified brake pads, replacement brake booster.

Upgraded raised air intake.
Torqit stainless snorkel and air-box.

Engine performance enhancement.
Torqit Module-Map, Throttle Controller.

Heavy Duty Clutch
Any engine performance increase requires upgrading the clutch too, so I fitted a Terrain Tamer fortified clutch.

Upgrade of the alternator.
This one is proving to be more of a challenge. News to follow.

Camp Lighting
A rear flood lamp by Laser and some enhancement to general camp lighting. From Perth Pro.

 

In no particular order, these are my 5 favourite items fitted

  • Gull-wings by Explore Glazing, Holland. Quality unmatched.
  • EGON Water-Hub through which all water inlets and outlets are plumbed. Instant hot shower.
  • Terrain Tamer parabolic rear springs and progressive front coils. Ride is outstanding.
  • PVS Automotive LC200 steering wheel. Just love it.
  • Terrain Tamer brake rotors, fortified brake pads, replacement brake booster. This thing stops on a dime.