Campers Road Trips

[Kiwivan]

Thanks Mate,

we went on holiday to the South Island when I was little, beautiful over there as well, closest I've ever come to snow was just outside Milford Sound, what an amazing area. Upside down waterfalls! I also really liked the country around Queenstown.

Have to agree beautiful country here as well.
But I do enjoy far North Queensland
Just love the pics as it does bring back fond memories.
How is the van running?
Are you pleased with her?
Any issues or advice if I were to buy one.
Thought one day I may have to get one when I find the sandy I have gets too hard to drive

Cheers Kiwivan

[davegmh]

Brilliant pictures Camper, really enjoying this thread.
The Amcat canopy you had fitted to your Ute, are you still happy with it ? And the 3M clear protection film, is it protecting the Ute as you had hoped ?

[Camper]

Brilliant pictures Camper, really enjoying this thread.
The Amcat canopy you had fitted to your Ute, are you still happy with it ? And the 3M clear protection film, is it protecting the Ute as you had hoped ?

The canopy has held up well, doesn't affect the handling in high winds, no sign of the seal going and I love the shape, plenty of people stop and ask about it.

Small issues, the back glass does not seal properly against the frame, lets in dust but not rain, have got water inside when washing and poking the hose around, a little more rubber around the edge should do it for water but may need a positive pressure fan to keep the dust out. I would like to have a better way of closing/locking the glass from inside, this is something I will have to address going forward, may have to change the lock mech completely. Would be great if I can get it to lock remotely with the cars key fob.

The film is hard to say so early, certainly small scratches/chips have not appeared and I have heard a few strikes. I have Opticoated over the 3m PPF so not sure which is taking the brunt of small strikes but have had no paint damage.

[Camper]

Hi All,

I'm back safe and sound, had a great time, saw some brilliant movies and some wonderful country.

How is the van running?
Are you pleased with her?
Any issues or advice if I were to buy one.
Thought one day I may have to get one when I find the sandy I have gets too hard to drive

Cheers Kiwivan

The van is running perfectly, never a moments hesitation to start, sounds smooth and is still nearly 4,000km til the first service! doesn't get hot, no oil issues, no leaks, will cruise all day at 110 no worries.

I am extremely happy with it, I have never owned a new car before and have only driven anything less than 15yrs old as rental/work cars so may not be the best judge.

It is so easy to drive, get in, push the button to start, select drive and go... cruise control on the steering wheel, slap the gear stick into sport if you need a bit more power to make that gap, remote start, hill hold, crawl at 5ks, reverse camera, heads up display - The VF2 Black Edition really is the best Commodore going, not sure what the end of the year holds, but I can't see them doing any better.

If I had the parts bin to play with I would ask for radar for the cruise control so it automatically follows the car in front, I would love the seats from the HSV (ventilated, heated and magnetic ride suspension), the Limited Slip Diff off the V8s and maybe the ride change ability of the Motor Sport (sport, track modes that I would hack and change to dirt, gravel etc.)

I can see myself adding some of these parts as wrecks come up and towards the end of my 5yr warranty. Would like to get rid of some of the interior trim from V6 and swap for the Calais.

Only real downside I have found is the A pillar issue everyone mentions, it's big and it's in your sight line. However it means a 5 star safety rating sooo... not sure if I would change it. I raised my seating position and learned to look through the side windows more, it's only on extremely tight left handed corners I notice it now.

I was surprised by the lack of a full metal tray (photo's in my original build post), but I guess these really are more sport car than tradie ute these days.

I have given it a fair beating these past few days and it has not only held up but feels ready for much more. The handling is great, I am impressed by the feel in the pedals and steering wheel, when it does let go it is predictable and easy to get back.

I have been on smooth slippery dirt, gravel, sand, black soil plains, half made roads covered in crusher dust, gibbers (fist sized rocks), brand new tarmac and the stock tyres and wheels do a great job of putting the power down and keep me moving.

All in all I am loving it.