My HDJ80 Overland Build

[chapel gate]

now, if your gonna chop the lid of your 80 off, this is how to do it!
looks very professional. good job.

 

[rob rule]

looking Good

 

[Michael Clark]

Been away for a while so just back on the project.

12V starter arrived from Australia.


As did the Intervolt DCC - locates nicely where the old 24V starter solenoid was located


And my overhead console (for the sub tank fuel gauge)



Webasto heating system all plumbed in a works like a treat - hot water (the blue tank) and a fan heater matrix (at the rear).

Water pump also installed just waiting on some fittings to plumb in



Still battling with the sub tank setup. Looks like not all my components I bought were from an 80 series, but the solenoids work OK so will just custom mount.

 

[Michael Clark]

So after finally getting the 12v starter conversion working (rogue lost wire plagued my progress), I could finally squeeze (literally) a 90A leisure battery into the vacant space.

 

[Bmonck]

Sorry if this is a basic question but is the ONLY reason to have two batteries to allow for 24v starter motors?
If yes the benefit of a 24v starter is what? Is it better in the cold or something ?
Wouldn’t two 12 v batteries in parallel be more reliable ? If one is flat the other would start the truck.
I am sure there is a smart reason and apologies if this is well covered elsewhere.

 

[Michael Clark]

Yes correct. 24v starter has in theory more turning power for cold conditions.

Most people convert to 12v to make the system simpler and also frees up a space for a leisure battery

 

[hopeless wanderer]

Sorry if this is a basic question but is the ONLY reason to have two batteries to allow for 24v starter motors?
If yes the benefit of a 24v starter is what? Is it better in the cold or something ?
Wouldn’t two 12 v batteries in parallel be more reliable ? If one is flat the other would start the truck.
I am sure there is a smart reason and apologies if this is well covered elsewhere.

My motivation for the 12v start was the ability to get a jump start from a normal car.
I'd also had problems when I first got it that one battery would drag the other one down and there isn't any hope of starting on 1 full battery.

 

[Michael Clark]

Went laning at the weekend with the tent setup removed as we were doing some narrow scratchy lanes. With the roof cover on it worked a treat.

Only 6 bolts, one plug and 10 mins to remove the tent and rack.

 

[Michael Clark]

Started on the other side. Gas storage, cupboard storage. Maybe a miniture sink on top too. Not sure yet

 

[guruvetim]

Is it safe to have a gas bottle stored inside the vehicle?

 

[Michael Clark]

Yes if its in a sealed cupboard with a floor vent. Gas is much heavier than air.

 

[rob rule]

lose the glass and fit a gull wing door.

 

[MetalDonkey]

Hi Michael,
Welcome aboard
Very good choice for your trip into the continent of Africa. I am getting my LC120 ready for my overland trip London to Ghana in 2020, all dependant on finance of course. . Please tell me though what size are those wheels and would I need a 2" lift kit.

 

[Michael Clark]

lose the glass and fit a gull wing door.

I did think about it but didnt really serve any benefit (given the cost)

 

[Michael Clark]

Hi Michael,
Welcome aboard
Very good choice for your trip into the continent of Africa. I am getting my LC120 ready for my overland trip London to Ghana in 2020, all dependant on finance of course. . Please tell me though what size are those wheels and would I need a 2" lift kit.

They are 16x7 (standard LC80 size) but lower offset by about 30mm IIRC. Tyres are 285/75/17

 

[Michael Clark]

Had a bit more time on the truck.

Draw slides came. Not cheap but really good quality. So much so I changed the design slightly with the whole floor slides out, with storage underneath hopefully for a fold up table.

 

[Ryan C]

Hi, new user here, this is already looking amazing. Looking forward to following your journey!

 

[Michael Clark]

Welcome Ryan. I assume you have a troopy! That would be have been a more sensible choice if there were a bit more common overe here in western europe

 

[Michael Clark]

Nearly there. Cupboards done and largest tap and smallest sink combo installed! Roof tent now wrapped black and front storage box installed.

 

[Ryan C]

Black looks great on that thing! Smart spot for a storage box too!