27/08/2025
For those following on with the Mahindra Pik-Up build, here's where we're up to on the latest test rig for PowerPaul products...
There hasn't been massive progress just yet, but this week and next week will see lots of stuff done (I hope).
Yesterday it was up at Connected Auto Electrics where Bobby and the team got to work on the suspension. Rybuck Engineering supplied the new shocks for all 4 corners, as well as new rear springs and hardware. This provides a combined 55mm of extra ground clearance which will be very useful. The wheels were also supplied by them and they step up to 8" instead of 6.5", and a little extra offset. Tyrepower Cranbourne did the tyres (Maxxis Razr AT 811, 265,75R16) fitting and alignment post upgrade. I need to get it out on the rough stuff to see how much difference it makes, but the look is a lot better and on road it already feels better too.
The rear tub rack lights have been connected to the wimpy reversing light, so now I'll have some genuinely good reversing vision. Smaller lighting (rock lights) are set up to light the tub and project rear when setting up camp.
Next week the UHF, winch, 2 x Cub batteries (new prototypes), 3000w inverter, shunt and DC-DC go in, along with powering up the LED spotlights for those nights when I can't sleep so I decide to drive.
I also have a set of bits supplied by Ezypowerbox for me to do my own custom power outlet in the rooftop tent. I'll get onto drawing that up soon I hope.
The intention is to have a 2 way switch for the winch. One way will run off the starter battery and alternator, and the other will run directly from the 2 Cub batteries behind the back seat. It also serves as a full disconnect. I'm interested to see how this setup goes and what the difference is between the two. This sort of option can be useful for the times when something has gone very wrong with the engine and it's no longer running (maybe too deep water). It means the winch should still be able to easily pull the vehicle out of trouble. Time will tell as winches can have some silly high loads at times.
I already removed the rear bumper as it was pointless for anything other than decoration. I'll work out a suitable replacement including tow bar eventually, but for now there's no urgency.
BTW... I got hold of a USB Android Auto adapter and this works with the phone, so I now have proper connection like I hoped. It's weird that the cable doesn't work though.
