Mate, did you think of buying a Sandman ute second hand as there are some for sale with virtually no K's on them.
I have a mental picture of your description of the outback roads you intend to travel and I am very envious. Wish I could do it !! But then I also picture a 2WD ute and rain. But at the end of the day you have a great looking ute and I'm jealous of the country driving you'll be doing. Good luck with it 'Camper'