Building the perfect vehicle is always an exciting yet lengthy process—whether it's for work, play, or overlanding. People from all walks of life have unique visions of what their dream rig should look like. We recently had the opportunity to chat with Dan and Wendy from Getting Lost Again about their Toyota Troopy build. Their setup includes our 90L Stainless Steel Water Tank (TLC78V8SSW) and our 155L Rear Replacement Fuel Tank (TLCZ75PRR), both essential for long-distance adventures. Let’s dive in and learn more about their journey and their build!

Dan and Wendy may now call Melbourne home, but their roots stretch across the globe. Dan grew up in the Middle East, while Wendy spent her childhood in South Africa. Their shared passion for overlanding and travel began at a young age. For Dan, this love of adventure really took shape in Europe during the early 2000s. He spent much of his time camping, exploring mountains, and venturing into the deserts of the Middle East with family and friends. As a teenager, he even travelled thousands of kilometres to discover secret windsurfing and surfing spots in Oman.

For Wendy, the spark for adventure was ignited in South Africa. She grew up taking camping trips around the country's stunning mountain ranges and embarking on road trips to Cape Town with her family to explore the diverse and beautiful region. Together, their shared love of travel and the outdoors laid the foundation for their overland journey today.

Over the years, Dan and Wendy have owned a variety of 4WDs and vehicles, but their standout rig was a 1996 Land Rover Defender 110 with a 300TDI engine. While it was a reliable companion for many adventures, it came with its share of challenges. The Defender required constant maintenance and occasional repairs, including a full rebuild they undertook while in Europe. Despite these hurdles, the Land Rover served them well, taking them on countless journeys across Europe for nearly five years, providing the perfect base for their travels and exploration.

Fast forward to today, Dan and Wendy are in the midst of building their ultimate overland tourer—a 2023 78 Series Troopy. This rig will serve as the foundation for their global travels, designed to take them on adventures around the world.

As part of their Troopy build, they’ve included some key upgrades, including the Long Range Automotive 90L Stainless Steel Water Tank (TLC78V8SSW) and the 155L Rear Replacement Fuel Tank (TLCZ75PRR), both expertly installed at our workshop in Lilydale, VIC. The 90L water tank is integrated into their water system, providing a steady supply to their water heater and shower. Notably, their setup features two separate circuits—one for potable water and one for non-potable water used in the shower—ensuring clean and efficient water use. For more details on the water system installation, check out their full blog post here: Troopy Build Series Water System Install 

The 155L Rear Replacement Fuel Tank in their Troopy build was modified to include an additional fuel pickup for their onboard diesel heater. This clever modification allowed Dan and Wendy to avoid altering the vehicle's stock fuel system, giving them peace of mind by not risking a warranty void.

For Dan and Wendy, the primary reasons for adding both the water and fuel tanks to their Troopy were to increase their range and enhance their independence on the road. Over the years, they've developed a travel style that is flexible and free-spirited, without being tied to a rigid itinerary. With the extra fuel capacity, they can venture further without the constant worry of running low on fuel. Plus, it allows them to take advantage of cheaper fuel when they come across it, adding an extra layer of convenience and cost savings to their adventures.

When I asked Dan and Wendy if they'd ever had any "uh oh" moments, like running out of fuel, they shared a memorable experience from about 20 years ago in Bosnia. While exploring remote mountain tracks, they suddenly realized their fuel was running low. To make matters worse, their GPS had failed, leaving them uncertain of their exact location. Surrounded by NATO warning signs about landmines, the situation quickly became tense and anxiety-inducing. This close call had a lasting impact on them, and it played a key role in their decision to include a long-range fuel tank in their current build. The experience reinforced the importance of having extra fuel on hand when venturing into unpredictable, off-the-beaten-path areas.

So, where are Dan and Wendy at with their Troopy build so far? It’s almost complete! The final touches are underway, with just a bull bar and winch left to install. They’ve already completed most of the major work they set out to do, including a rear setup, roof conversion, axle track correction, GVM upgrade, 12-volt system, water system, hot water shower, and a 2kW diesel heater. It’s shaping up to be the ultimate overland tourer!

As for their future plans, they’re gearing up for a three-month adventure later this year. Their route will take them across Western Australia, with plenty of time to explore the stunning Yorke and Eyre Peninsulas along the way. But their biggest goal lies further down the road: a global trip planned for 2027. Their plan is to leave Australia via Darwin, head to Timor Leste, and then make their way through the Stans to Europe—a journey that promises to be an epic adventure.

Want to learn more about Dan and Wendy’s Troopy build? Or follow their travels as they embark on these exciting journeys? You can explore their website, which features an in-depth blog about their travels, vehicle build, gear, and experiences. You can also keep up with them on Instagram and YouTube for real-time updates and inspiration!