Last year we purchased a 2012 Toyota Landcruiser Prado. We weren’t looking forward to the process of buying a used car, but after less that a month we were the proud owners of a ‘new’ car. Being free of mods, Stu soon got on with the fun process of writing a long list of upgrades he wanted done to the car before it would be adventure ready. After a few back and forwards with ARB Artarmon, she was booked in for a major overhaul, and our credit card was booked in for a major flogging! Below is a list of the upgrades we had done.

• ARB deluxe bullbar
• Warn Magnum 10k winch
• IPF 900XS 100W spot lights
• Front recovery points
• GME TX3350 UHF radio & UHF aerial
• Safari snorkel
• Second battery with Redarc DC-DC charger with solar input
• 12V outlets at the back
• Vehicle mounted air compressor
• Upgraded front and rear suspension with 2 inch lift
• Cargo barrier
• BFG all terrain T/A KO2 tyres
• Rhino rack pioneer platform with Maxtrax and shovel holders

We have been really happy with the setup so far and are pretty confident we won’t be needing the services of the beloved Avalon for any more towing duties at this stage!

All was ready with the tug about a month before departure, but with little 4WD experience between us we booked ourselves in to the Toyota Landcruiser Club 4WD weekend course which was great fun. We each got to drive around for a day, going through a number of challenging terrains and scenarios. It was amazing just what these things can do, and we left feeling much more confident about taking on some tougher tracks once we were on the road.