Meet Jackson Dawson and Charlie the Cruiser. Jackson’s pretty new to over-landing, but as you’re about to see he’s already set up Charlie, a 60 Series Landcruiser, nicely for him, Libby and their fur baby to enjoy.
I’ve definitely been a big fan of adventuring outdoors since I was young and my old man was definitely the outdoorsy type as well. The idea of over-landing really gives us the freedom to explore what NZ has to offer in an even more exciting way. We’re really only just getting started with the whole over-landing idea, getting the truck set built and set up the way we want it and all that. I’m a big fan of being able to just jump in the truck and set up camp wherever the wind takes us. We are always adding new spots to the list to try out in the future and a trip around the South Island is a big goal we hope to tick off.
Charlie at the start 
Fur baby…bed warmer
I love all old 4WD’s with round headlights and Toyota Landcruisers in my personal opinion are one of the most robust and reliable 4×4’s out there. When I first came across a 60 series I knew I had to have one. I spent months on end searching for the one I wanted and admittedly Charlie wasn’t my first choice of 60 series but after spending so long searching I decided this would be the one, and it turned out to be the right choice.
So. As my daily driver I’ve got to have it set up to carry around my work gear, which means in the boot is just a basic plywood shelf type set up that sits level with the 60’s tailgate and all the gear gets hidden away underneath while I’m also able to carry plenty of load on top of the shelf too.
When it comes time to head out for an adventure, all we’ve got to do is swap out work for play. Over the trips, we’ve worked out what’s needed and what isn’t. It’s all kept in plastic storage bins which keeps things simple when it’s time to load up. We use a simple Gasmate 2 burner stove with a Woods Equip hot plate which makes things easy as while on the road. You can’t start your morning without a decent coffee, so our stovetop espresso maker takes care of that.
A fridge is still on the wish-list so for now the Iceytek chilly bin does the job, but running out of ice in the middle of nowhere can be a bit of a pain in the arse though!
In terms of what’s up top, I’ve always liked the rounded edge roof tray design so that’s what I opted for. When it came to getting a roof tent, I couldn’t look past Feldon Shelter for design and quality. We’ve had a fair few trips sleeping in the Feldon and it’s safe to say that it lives up to its name. We also run the Feldon annex with the tent which creates a really handy little room underneath which also allows sheltered access to the back of the 60, handy when you haven’t quite played the weather right!
Awnings are also handy as to have when out camping as it adds way more shelter from the elements. I’ve bolted our RMR awning directly to the roof tray’s brackets to make sure it sits as nicely as possible and doesn’t stick out too far from the side of the truck.
We’ve got a few more overloading related additions to make in the coming months so with the ‘build’ nearing an end we’ll be able to get out for some real proper trips so there’s going to be a heck of a lot more over-landing to be done.
I want the 60 to be able to go anywhere and do anything. I’ve set it up with a 3” lift and 33” Yokohama M/T’s, and a part from general maintenance you’d expect with an old truck I haven’t really had to do much more on the mechanical side of things. It’s a really reliable old rig. On the cosmetic side, Charlie is a one off in NZ in terms of colour and decal combination and definitely turns heads wherever you go. I’ve recently added factory style flares to help cover the tyres and they really help bring out the body lines of the truck.
Ha! The infamous Auckland ’60 Cult’ as its named. There’s been a couple of events so far, ’60’s in the sand’ and more recently West Supply’s annual ‘Cruising West’ event featuring all Toyota Landcruisers. The 60 meet-up’s are usually just a get together for all the Auckland 60 owners to chat all things 60 related and head out in the trucks for a play around at the beach. There’s plenty of people out there that share the same love for these old trucks so it’s good to be able to showcase them at these events.
Charlie The Cruiser has his own dedicated Insty handle, check out more inspiration HERE
