GoUrOwnWay

11/05/2026

With the American Truck & Van Jamboree happening this weekend, the excitement is definitely building 🔥🚛

I figured it was the perfect time to finally do a full reveal of the Chev, because she still wasn’t finished in time for last year’s Jamboree. Back then, I was deep in the process of designing and finalizing the canopy before it could be built and fitted.

Fast forward to now, and “Optimiss” — as she’s officially been named — is finally complete… and I honestly couldn’t be happier with the end result 😍

The original build work carried out by Big Dog Builds has been spot on from day one 👌
They took care of:
✔️ GVM upgrade
✔️ Suspension
✔️ Wheel package
✔️ Lights & bar work
✔️ UHF
✔️ AIRIQ & airbags
✔️ VIAIR system
✔️ SwitchPRO system
✔️ 20,000lb winch
✔️ Long-range fuel tank

I drove the truck for around six months while working through the canopy setup… and yep, the design stage definitely dragged out longer than planned 😂 (totally on me!)

I knew I wanted something different — a proper one-off custom canopy setup. Thankfully, I was introduced to James at Alloy Ute Canopies, and the guy is an absolute weapon when it comes to custom builds 👏

Not only did he manage to fit in everything on my wish list, but he also added heaps of clever ideas and hidden features I’d never even considered. The amount of thought, detail and innovation packed into this canopy is unreal 🤯

A few of the canopy features include:
🔋 620AH custom lithium battery system
⚡ 3000W inverter
🔌 80amp DC/DC & AC charger
📱 RedArc Redvision with Bluetooth/app control
🧊 130L Bushman upright fridge
❄️ 2 x 30L Bushman drawer fridge/freezers
☕ Espresso machine
🍟 Microwave / convection oven / air fryer combo
🍳 Dometic twin induction cooktop
🥘 12V Marine Travel Buddy oven
💧 2 x 60L water tanks
🛠️ DRS, loads of storage & kitchen sink
🪜 Rear ladder & fold-down workbench
📦 Trundle tray
📱 Wireless charging phone holder
🔌 Multiple charging ports, 240V in/out, solar input & Anderson outputs
🛞 Twin spare wheel carrier
🎥 Cameras & sensors relocated within spec
❄️ Fully lined with Evofoam insulation & double-skin roof
🚤 Mozzi Boat Loader carrying a 3.7m Seajay Nomad High Side with a 20hp Tohatsu on the roof

I’ve probably missed a few things 😅 but that’s most of it!

Since August 2025, this rig has been used properly — including completing a half lap around Australia — and everything has worked flawlessly 👏

Massive thanks to James and Jimmy. In my opinion, they’re right at the top of the game when it comes to fully custom canopy fit-outs 🙌

The electrical fit-out definitely deserves a mention as well ⚡👏

Wired Auto Electrical and Airconditioning absolutely nailed the setup on this build. The workmanship is incredibly clean, precise, and professionally finished 🔧👌

You can really see the attention to detail throughout the entire fit-out, and I couldn’t be happier with how it all came together 🙌

If you want to check the fit-out out in person, come find me at the American Truck and Van Jamboree at Goomeri Caravan and Bush Camp this weekend — I’m more than happy to show you through it 👍

Otherwise, keep an eye out somewhere on the road, because “The Lap That Never Ends” continues around Queensland from here 🌏🚐

11/05/2026

11/05/2026

🌧️🍃 Visited the beautiful Horsetail Falls near Queenstown and walked the awesome boardwalk out to the falls 😍

Right when we got there, the rain absolutely poured down ☔😂 so it was a quick dash back to the Chev 🚙💨 Still managed to grab a few photos though 📸

Just across from the falls is Iron Blow Lookout — a haunting but fascinating reminder of Tasmania’s mining history. The colourful open-cut mine and barren landscape make this area feel almost like another planet 🌄

Definitely worth the stop… hopefully next time with sunshine instead of rain! 😅🌿

10/05/2026

Alright… what’s the DUMBEST thing you’ve ever done while traveling? 😂🤦‍♂️

Here’s mine…

Day 4 driving north, pull into Warwick ⛽️. I’m HANGRY 😤 so fuel up, head inside, check the pies… yeah nah 🥧❌

There’s a line, so I duck to the loo… meanwhile I’m mentally planning food like I haven’t eaten in weeks 🍔🌭 (and remember… I’m a bloke, can only focus on ONE thing 😂)

Do my thing, walk out, glance at the pies again (still no 😅), jump in the Chev, Tracy loads up, and off we go 🚗💨

About 1.5 hours later… TEXT FROM POLICE 😳🚨
First thought: SCAM 🙄
Second thought: …wait, that’s my rego 😬

Yep… turns out I FILLED UP AND DROVE OFF 🤯💸

Cue instant panic 😅 Tracy’s scrambling to find the servo number while I’m imagining highway patrol flying up behind me 🚓💨

Call them up apologising like an idiot 🙏 bloke’s super chill, takes my number…

I’m still sweating bullets 😅

Finally get the payment details, pull over, pay it straight away 💸✅ and send another apology for my absolute brain fade 🤦‍♂️

Meanwhile Tracy is trying NOT to lose it laughing at me the whole time 🤣

All sorted now… but wow… what a muppet moment 😅

Surely I’m not the only one who’s done something this stupid?! 😂

Let me know below!!!!! 👇

09/05/2026

Happy Mother Day to all these amazing Mums in my life. I hope you have an amazing day!!!!

08/05/2026

One of the best things about travelling full time is the freedom and the amazing experiences along the way, but it also means missing some special moments with family. 💙

While we were travelling around Tasmania, my niece and nephew welcomed their first babies into the world — two beautiful little boys — and they are absolutely gorgeous.

I’m so incredibly happy for them, and for my sister and brother-in-law as they become first-time grandparents. There’s truly nothing that prepares you for the love you feel for your grandkids… it’s a love that’s impossible to describe.

So much happiness for our whole family right now. 💙💙

07/05/2026

11,500kms later… from QLD to Tasmania and back again 🚐💨🇦🇺

The van’s finally earned a well-deserved service — this round: new brakes and bearings 🔧⚙️

People reckon I’m OCD with maintaining the Chev and the van… but when you’re doing big kilometres with barely any problems, it proves maintenance is EVERYTHING 👌🔥

Look after your gear and it’ll look after you 💯

06/05/2026

Exploring Tassie? Get ready for some seriously cute wildlife encounters 🐾🇦🇺

While you’re there, you’ve got a great chance to spot heaps of native animals! Our must-see list included 🦔 Echidnas, 🦆 Platypus, 😈 Tasmanian Devils, and Wombats. We didn’t manage to catch a Tassie Devil in the wild (still on the bucket list!), but we saw all the others 🙌

🌅 Hot tip for Wombats: Head to Ronny Creek around dusk — it’s almost guaranteed you’ll spot one waddling about 🐻✨

💧 Platypus spotting spots:
📍 Behind the Apex Caravan Park in Deloraine
📍 Mole Creek Pub
📍 Lake Gairdner
Keep it quiet and be patient… they’re shy but worth the wait 🦆💙

🌿 Echidna? We saw plenty! The trick is to slow down while bushwalking 👀 They rustle around quite loudly when digging for food, so listen out for those telltale sounds 🍂

Tassie is basically a wildlife wonderland if you know where (and when) to look 🧭

Please keep following GoUrOwnWay to see where "the lap that never ends" takes us

06/05/2026

A huge shoutout to Lee and Anya for plugging me into this incredible educational platform 🙌🔥

Learning AND earning with 1House — this is what it’s all about 💸📚✨

If you’ve been curious 👀 and wanna know more, hit me up 📩

06/05/2026

Strahan, Tasmania is such a gem 😍—packed with history, stunning scenery, and heaps of places to stay!

We set up camp at the Golf Club ⛺️ (great value 🙌), had access to water when needed 💧, AND scored the cheapest beers in town 🍻… honestly, what more could you want?! 😂

Took a drive out to Macquarie Heads 🚗—epic spot with awesome camping options and beach access 🌊🏕️. Definitely worth the trip!

We also checked out Hogarth Falls 🌿🐾—a beautiful, pet-friendly walk with a peaceful stream along the way. It’s an easy 2.4km return from Peoples Park, with a few stairs at the end… and totally worth it for the falls 💚

Plus, you’ve got the West Coast Wilderness Railway 🚂 and World Heritage Cruises, 🚢 right there too!

Make sure you give yourself a few days to explore—Strahan is 100% worth it 🙌✨and please hit LIKE and follow GoUrOwnWay on the "The Lap That Never Ends" to find out more about this amazing island!!

05/05/2026

Back on the “Big Island” 🌴… but my camera roll is still living its best life in Tassie 📸😂

One unforgettable highlight? The World Heritage Cruises, (aka the iconic “Red Boat”) out of Strahan 🚤✨ Cruising along the stunning Gordon River is an absolute must-do! From the wild entrance of Hells Gates to the haunting history of Sarah Island, plus the peaceful Heritage Rainforest Boardwalk and the incredible Huon Pine sawmill 🌿🌲—every moment felt like stepping into another world.

And the weather? Pure perfection 😍 A breezy start that melted into a calm, sunny afternoon in the low–mid 20s… honestly, postcard stuff ☀️

What makes it even more special is that it’s a family-run cruise with roots going all the way back to the 1800s—so you just know you’re in good hands. The stories, the history (some of it pretty brutal and controversial), and those rugged, untouched landscapes… just WOW.

I’ll spare you all the details—but trust me, if Tassie’s on your list, this is non-negotiable 🙌

Also… apologies for the photo spam 🤭 I somehow narrowed it down from nearly 240 pics… YES, it really is that breathtaking!!

And please, hit the like button so I know you're there and keep following GoUrOwnWay on "The Lap That Never Ends" for more amazing locations

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