Latest addition

On Thursday, 26th February, we ordered a new Toyota 4wd. We need more creature comforts as we are getting older, and the 200 Series VX Twin Turbo V8 will definitely meet that need. It is packed with so many comforts that our GXL single cab chassis can only dream of. 
The only downside is that we will no longer have a canopy to store items like our chainsaw and generator, but I'm sure we will sort that out.
The build date was 15th March, and the vehicle arrived at the dealer from Japan on 18th April. The dealer has fitted weather shields, a bonnet protector, and tinted the two front windows to match the privacy glass on the rest of the vehicle.

The past month and a half has involved us gathering information and making decisions about the aftermarket accessories we're having fitted. The first item before the vehicle was registered was a Lovell's GVM upgrade suspension kit. This upgrade increased the carrying capacity from 3300 to 3800 kg. This allows us to fit accessories like bull-bars, long-range fuel tanks, and drawer systems while remaining legal, without affecting our insurance or causing any licensing issues.

The Dunlop Grand-treks that are standard issue have been traded in and replaced with Bridgestone Desert Dueler D697. These tyres will provide better puncture resistance and off-road traction. 
Our local TJM outlet in Coffs Harbour has installed the suspension along with all the other accessories. Here are some before-and-after shots of the changes that have taken place over the past nine days.

These accessories comprise a bull-bar and steel side steps to replace the alloy ones that come as standard with the vehicle.

 A 170-litre auxiliary fuel tank, which replaces the 45-litre sub-tank, giving us a total of  263 litres of diesel:

To fit the larger fuel tank, we have relocated the tyre and mounted it on a Kaymar rear bar.

The third row of seats has been removed to accommodate a Black Widow draw system, a drop slide for our Engel fridge, and a cargo barrier. 

Other external enhancements include Clearview towing mirrors and a Safari snorkel.

A Genie Legendex stainless steel exhaust system:

A Fuel Manager 30 micron pre-filter water separator/alarm to help reduce the risk of contaminants reaching the final filter. 

The fuel manager's alarm has been installed inside the glove-box to help keep the vehicle's interior as clutter-free as possible.

A Firestone air compressor and on-board air tank have been installed in the RHS area of the drawer system, along with a Redarc 450 watt pure sine wave inverter in the LHS.

Other additions include a GME TX3540S UHF radio and antenna with the control box hidden inside the dash, two recovery points, a Redarc Tow Pro brake controller, and wiring for connecting our van to the vehicle.
The current configuration of the standard 6.1" LED touchscreen in the 200 Series only provides for the rear camera on the 4WD. We also have a camera at the rear of the van, and the easiest way to connect this was by purchasing a Hema HN7. Aside from the AV IN connection for the van's camera, this device comes complete with the full range of the Hema digital map collection. 
It is also loaded with the latest addition of the Camps 8 book and associated camp photos, Australia-wide caravan parks, and a listing of dump points. 
The original batteries have been replaced with a 750 CCA start battery, a marine deep cycle battery, a Redarc BCDC 1240 battery charger, and associated wiring for connections at the rear of the 4WD, along with wiring for connecting the van.
We now have a very capable touring 4WD that will tow our van with ease and carry us in comfort. Oh, and by the way, did I mention just how fabulous this vehicle is to drive?