Tradie Life - Q&A - Steve McCallum - Plumber
Steven McCallum is a plumber by trade, and has owned his Mitsubishi Triton GLX 4x4 since he bought it new in 2015.
Crafty: Why did you buy your ute?
Steve: The main reason I bought the Triton was I needed a dual-cab ute for work and play – and needed seats for kids. I looked into the other brands, but didn't want to spend as much money and the Triton seemed the best value for money so I bought it and took off the tub and put a tray and toolboxes on it, ready for work.
Crafty: What's a typical work day for your ute?
Steve: A typical work day would be a maximum of 30 minutes travel – usually a lot less – to the job. I sometimes do two to three jobs in one day; as well as picking up materials from suppliers, carrying most tools every day.
Crafty: Do you use it outside of work?
Steve: We use the Triton for some weekends away down the south coast with the family and our Jayco Eagle Outback camper-trailer. I unload most of the tools and load up clothes, bikes, paddle board, etc and occasionally head away for long weekends. We also do a little bit of four-wheel driving and driving on the beach.
Crafty: Any mods?
Steve: Redarc Tow-Pro Elite electric trailer brakes, rear suspension upgrade, tow bar, roof racks, nudge bar, and the tray: custom tool boxes each side, oxy/acetylene storage, under-tray box, trundle tray, monsoon roller door to lock everything up.
The toolboxes are alarmed; and the Triton has a reverse camera and navigation in-built in rear-view mirror.
I have done approx. 95,000km in the Triton so far and I am quite impressed. It has done everything I've asked of it; the cab is quite spacious, there's plenty of room in the driver's seat. It definitely needed the suspension upgrade as the payload sits so far back.
I did want to put a second battery under the bonnet, but it would be too difficult and would have to have a smaller battery, so I'll mount it somewhere else.
Crafty: Would you buy the same vehicle next time?
Steve: I will definitely consider buying another one when the time comes. I think they are good value for money for what I am doing with it.
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