This monstrous expedition vehicle has come a long way over the last 2 years.
In August 2009 we brought you an article about a massive side-project PME were undertaking to recondition and modify a decommissioned RFW Bigfoot 4x4 tour bus to create a disability-friendly monster tourer, capable of taking its occupants nearly anywhere. The article can be viewed by clicking here.
If you are unfamiliar with this project, the bus was originally built by RFW for 4x4 outback tours in Queensland. The 8.3m Goliath later ended up in the hands of Pinnacle tours of Western Australia for a glorious beach-side stint climbing sand dunes. However the sand, saltwater, hard use and neglect took its toll and the bus was decommissioned. Bill picked up the sad and sorry expedition vehicle and two years later, while it is not quite ready to storm the sand dunes or take on outback Australia, it has come a long way.
The vehicle is being equipped for long periods of outback travel, able to go without supplies for at least two weeks and cover any terrain. The vehicle has been completely re-engineered to suit the demands an of expedition vehicle of this sort and as a result everything has been rebuilt, remade or is new. This includes redesigned airbag towers, reengineered upper and lower control arms and redesigned cross-members; a completely brand new ADR35 compliant braking system; and a complete rebuild of the body to suit requirements of expedition vehicle. It also includes a custom, one off bull bar and the design construction and installation of a custom wheelchair lift.
Other features either installed or on their way shortly include solar panels, a generator, inverters and deep cycle battery system; stainless steel water tanks stored up front under the bullbar; storage spaces in every place possible throughout the bus; and a slide out external kitchen and fridge. Work is currently underway on the design and construction of a quad bike carrier to the rear of the vehicle whereby the quad bike is to be swung up to the highest point of the bus so that the good approach and departure angles are maintained. The quad bike will be used as a mobility tool when the conditions are too difficult to navigate in a wheelchair.
The plan for the completion of this project is as follows: Rewiring will commence shortly with the window package to go in following that. Next, the vehicle will be transported to Stockton beach for testing and then returned for final fitout and adjustments. All this will take at least another year to complete.
Take a look at the gallery below for just a small insight into the work that has gone into the expedition vehicle. At this stage in the project there is a lot going on and updates will be more frequent. Make sure you keep an eye out on our news page.
