Minotaur

A pint in the pub on way home, 2-3 days a week, a beer or two when I get home - just little stubbies. Then 2-3 glasses of red with me food. If I got the taste might have a stubbie or two during the evening. But that sme lot - can't drink anymore, could neck 10-12 pints a night regular when I was younger but can't manage half that on a good night now!

Thanks for the replies D22 has a well documented engine problem, that to their shame Nissan tried to avoid, deny and denounce - thanks to the chaps at knackered Navara they eventually had to admit to the fault and start to put it right. But NOT before it cost many people alot of money, work, their job, etc. Perhaps a bit old hat. Similiarly Land Rover denied the head gasket fault on the K series petrol engine as fitted to the Freelander. As I know to my cost and disgust. So the older Navara's out NP300 is a bit old, but hopefully the no more reliability problems D40 Navara, unfortunately has some problems , but none that compare with the D22 Navara. However, I don't like all the electrics and the lack of a proper lower box controlled by a gearstick, rather than a button. Perhaps a bit too lifestyle. Not sure how it would cope in N. Africa, which is somewhere I quite fancy visiting with whatever truck I end up with - if I do end up with a 4x4. L200, old shape, just too old for my liking. L200, current shape, like the single cab, but really don't like th elook of the club or double cab. There are some comments around about various reliability problems or faults, but none that stands out that would stop me buying. Hilux - old shape, another truck with a great reliability record, but rather underpowered and not the best tow tug. Plus hideously overpriced for such an old vehicle. New shape Hiluxs, good reliability reputation, one friend has driven his 4 times to West Africa full loaded with no problems. However, they have a very poor recommended tow weight rating at 2250kg, although they are plated at 2800kg, and several reports of them towing that sort of weight without a problem - although I do wonder if thaty s the owners talking 'up' his truck. LR130/110, superb off road ability, against Iron age design and ride, but the only truck witht he benefit of permanent 4wd. Well aware of their ability, as I took a 130 overland to Cape Town. Very expensive but hold their price well - apparently. This is probably the case, until I buy one then they will become the only truck that nobody wants! Why, oh why, don't LR make a Disco dropside/utility/pick up, etc. Never really fancied an Isuzu, was told they were a bit behind the field in design and ride quality. Ford Ranger/Mazda, old shape performs well as a work truck by reputation but on a very old and underpowered engine. Ranger/Mazda current shapes - seem to have become very popular, but is that down to price alone? Lots of comments that they struggle to tow anything like their plated load. Land Cruiser 40 series is ancient but almost unstoppable. 60 is a station wagon only 78/79 series have an awesome reputation for longevity, I know someone who owned one with in excess of 500, 000 miles in Africa and despite looking like scrap was still going stong. And the ability of the straight six is just legendary. I have driven quite a few of them and really like them if only they were available over here. But think they would have forced LR hand years ago. The heart says LR but the head says a Toyota, however perhaps pricewise an L200 or Ranger??? Still in a damn quandary!

Ok this is how my list would rank: TLC 79 series - just go and go LR 130 - all round ability & perm 4x4 LR110 - as above Hilux current model - just so reliable, quite capable, but poor towing capacity L200 - all round ability Ford Ranger/Mazda current - all round performance but some probs Old Hilux - maybe ranks high but starting to age, but reliable, tow capacity not great. NP300 - working truck but reliability issues, (engines go pop) Navara current - too many electrics, and a bit of a toy? Be honest, I have no experience or knowledge others like the Isuzu - but open to advice Sam - sorry but the faults of LR against the reknown reliability of a 79 knocks the British Brick off top spot. I am mainly looking for opinions of the Jap kit as I have lots of LR experience having driven a LR130 London to Cape Town, RSA. Ta

Five tonne trailer - I call that a little over the legal limit! Thanks for all the replies. Still undecided - I really like Hilux's but the current models don't seem to be up the the workman like quality of the old model. Although some of the Aussie sites might say different. One of my worries with a Lux would be the official tow weight of 2250kg, but they are plated to 2800kg, so a bit puzzling!?!? Search continues - let me say I agree that a 79 series Cruiser would walk it, but unfortunately there are'nt any over here inthe UK, and christ knows how long and how much it would take to import one. Although my brother does live in Sydney - mmmmmmmm, maybe gonna give him a call!

Lovely bit of kit - bet its priced to match though!

Gutted for you James Got it all crossed that they sever their legs have to call an ambulance and then your kit is found - well you know what i mean.

I can see both sides to the opinions/arguement here - if you've only got a couple of weeks work then you shouldn't really be doing the job, certainly not without another experienced hand to guide you, and be the second rescue climber. However, we all have to start somewhere, but best if you get that experienced person on board, and maybe look for a job with an established firm. If you don't have the experinced person to call on, then approach an established firm to do the job and keep a few quid and work with them for the experience. Just my tuppence worth!

Got quite a few friends in the forces, one of whom has recently returned from Afhan/Stan/ghan. Those lads are one of the worlds Elite fighting units, Royal Marine Commandos, to be having to deal with that sh*t on a daily basis must be gut wrenching and morale draining but they do it for each other. They'd happily fight an enemy they can see, but you can't fight hidden bombs, IEDS and w***kers who use kids to do their dirty work. My thoughts are with them all the way. Come home safe lads.

Tully, I totally agree with you, however, your decision whether to charge or not obviously depends on your relationship with the client, poss future work, referrals, whether this might effect you and your reputation etc, etc But I would do the job on the re-appointed day, then maybe have a civil discussion with the client - maybe he agrees to pay a few for your lost day/costs. Better luck next time.

What is the score regarding PA1 & PA6, does everyone require them by law or are there 'grandfathers rights', think the terminology is right, like driving 3500-7500 tonne trucks and towing trailers before or after certain test dates? Hope that makes sense? Chris

Looking for LOLER course suppliers in Kent or SE England Please Ta in advance

Just wondering what the opinions are out there, with regards alround performance/on road/off-road/fuel economy etc from the Jap pick ups. Pref from those that have tried/driven/owned more than one Ford Ranger/Mazda Mitsubishi L200 Toyota Hilux current shape MK6/7 Nissan NP300 - old shape Others???

Hodge do you use the 130 as your everyday vehicle or is it in addition to another truck - just wondered as the rear box/pick up body seems a bit small, and I worrying that if I opt for a doucle cab I mind struggle with the size and space. How have you found it?

Agree with alot of whats been said: Graham, Hamdryad, etc But the problem with all these things is the few people who step out of line and take their 4x4's off-the track, trail bikers who tear about with no care for others, quite a few ramblers who think that they should have the right od acess alone, and farmers who block ROW or padlock gates, put up posts etc. I am a 4x4 driver and enjoy walking, have driven some lanes and ROW, and have suffered all the above - makes my blood boil at times. Don't see the ramblers doing much to help, but several groups of 4x4 users have helped re-build paths, lanes, ROW etc, using their 4x4's to pull in the materials needed to execute the repair. But as said the ramblers will win in the end!

I have got the info from a couple of body builders, as I have been looking at the size and weights etc.

Matt great thread mate well done. Can't believe how much you do/have done as a volunteer, got alot of respect for you for that. No chance of getting taken on full or part time as a Ranger? Good luck and keep them coming. Chris

Supposing the following approx sizes then approx cubic metre capacities will be: LR130 single cab, 2.65m long – 8’8”, 1.85m wide – 6’, 1m - 3’3” or 39”, high= 4.9 cubic metres approx – if built to 1.2m high = 5.8 cubic metres approx LR130 crew cab, 1.70m long – 5’6”, 1.85m wide – 6’, 1.2m – 47” high = 3.75 cubic metres approx LR110 single cab, 2.15m long – 7’,1.85m wide – 6’, 1.2m – 47” high = 4.75 cubic metres approx Hope that helps

TreeDrAlex - who is the trainer at EMSC?

Hands up didn't look at the photos in the album before posting them up - wrist slapped.

So is this a recommendation or a legal requirement?

Why don't they just add another cost/stealth tax to the ever growing list!? Some colleges have been stating that tickets are only valid for 3 years period - for sometime now. It is not the case - at present!

There are good and bad examples of any vehicle ever made. All depends on the service history, treatment, condiotions its been driven in, etc Unfortunately some vehicles, particularly British built are also subject to the 'friday afternoon syndrome'! - poor build quality! Jap and some German vehicles are less prone to the build quality issues but can be prone to the advances of rust! I have driven both LR's - 110's, 130's, Disco's and RR's and Toyota 70's, 80's and 100's - extensively and overlanded models from both manufacturers. Toyota Land Cruisers are a good alternative: 100's, or 80's also known by some as Amazons - these run 4.2td or 4.5/4.7 petrol engines or 70's, 90's aka Prado's 3.0td and also some 2.4td older models and 3.2 petrols. Great bits of kit, many also have diff locks as standard, known for their reliability but definitely more expensive for parts etc - obviously need less of them. Whatever you buy, look for the best you can get/afford - look on the club forums etc, as the trucks owned by fans of the brand are often better loved and cared for - true of any make /model. Waiting to be shot down in flames by the LR loving crowd.

Wind blown - 75-80 ft odd Beech. Root plated had all but completely rotted away - very lucky that this tree fell where it did. Any other way and it would have hit one of the surrounding properties, and as it came down in the early hours it would very likely have crushed the occupants in their beds!

Easy Lift Guy perhaps a bit of thought for your safety and family - replace that 'thing' with something remotely modern!

Did anyoner notice/remember the names /surname of the family?