UNSEALED 4X4 ISSUE 013 by UNSEALED 4X4

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LED SCOOP!

DRIVING LIGHT GAME CHANGER

THE 25 COOLEST

PRODUCTS IN AUSTRALIA

NAVARA

NP300 FIRST DRIVE

WE LIST THE TOP OFF-ROAD ACCESSIBLE SURF BREAKS

THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE

4X4

ROOF TOP TENTS + 4X4 SUSPENSION: 7 THINGS YOU’RE DOING WRONG

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CONTENTS

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CONTENTS

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CONTENTS

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CONTENTS

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I Am the new Amarok Core 4x4. I Am the biggest tray in class

I Am rear diff lock

In conjunction with Pat Callinan, the Amarok Core 4x4 will feature in wthe adrenalin filled Mud, Sweat and Gears 4x4 competition this July. For more information and to follow the action visit mudsweatgears.com.au.

I think, therefore I Amarok. Tough to its very core, introducing the Volkswagen Amarok Core 4x4. Built on a robust ladder chassis frame and distinguished by high standards of German engineering—with 16” alloys, Pirelli ATR tyres and rear differential lock—it’s the Amarok you’ve been waiting for. Packed with smart technology, clever and efficient bi-turbo power, Bluetooth facility, multifunction trip computer and cruise control, the Amarok Core 4x4 combines the best and most solid aspects of a range that led this multi-award winning ute to the rank of Carsales’ ‘Best Tradie Vehicle for 2014’ and 4x4 Australia magazine’s ‘Best in Class’ ute. Available in both manual and 8-speed automatic, the new Core 4x4 is the ute for all forms of work and play. To find out more visit IAmarok.com.au or your nearest Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle dealer. NON-INTERACTIVE VERSION | PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR INTERACTIVE MAGAZINE

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www.IAmarok.com.au

I Am off-road ABS

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GEAR NEWS

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Because you’ve heroically chosen to download your copy of Unsealed 4X4, you can’t see what’s on this page. But trust us - it’s well worth looking at. To see it in all its glory go to unsealed4X4.com.au

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Tow-Pro.You Younever neverknow know Tow-Pro. whenyou youhave haveto tostop! stop! when

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Redarc’s revolutionary Electronic Brake Controller. It’s now the benchmark in the mar No other Electronic Brake Controller can match Tow-Pro which offers not one, but 2 types of braking. 0 2

Safe braking at your fingertips. Simple to Install and operate. Just the turn of dial selects ‘Automatic Mode’ (Inertia Sensing) for Highway conditions or select ‘Use Controlled Mode’ for off-road conditions. Suitable for 12volt or 24volt systems. Towwill operate both Electric and Electric/Hydraulic trailer brakes.

0 2

Tow-Pro takes towing safety to a new level.

RA3

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XRAY VISION REL

INDIVIDUALLY SWITCHABL

Every now and then an aftermarket accessory comes along that redefines how we think about the way things are done. The Warn 8274 high-mount winch, the roof top tent, the pneumatic diff locker, GPS…there’s no shortage of examples, and lighting guru Xray Vision reckon they’ve added their name to the list with their new quad-optic LED linear driving lights.

IN PENCIL, SPRE

Forget everything you know about LEDs, these things could be game changers. No, you won’t have heard about these things anywhere else, Unsealed 4X4 is the only mag that’s been told about the linear driving lights and you can bet your backside we’ll be testing one of the first examples in the country in an upcoming issue, but for now let’s take a look at the

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SCOOP

LEASES NEW RANGE OF,

LE LED LINEAR DRIVING LIGHTS

EAD AND DUAL BEAMS

next big thing from Xray Vision. Traditionally, LED lightbars have offered a fantastic spread of light but have struggled to offer any decent distance capability. They’ve also been limited by their very shape – you can only have them pointing in the one direction.

FORGET EVERYTHING YOU KNOW ABOUT LEDS, THESE THINGS COULD BE GAME CHANGERS

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EVERYTHING YOU KNOW ABOUT LEDS,

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THESE THINGS ARE GAME CHANGERS

NOTE THE CAST VERTICAL FINS ON THE REAR OF THE LIGHT. THESE SHOULD AID IN HEAT DISPERSION.

WHAT’S NEW ABOUT THESE THINGS?

and spot beams are individually switchable, so you can light up those long stretches of outback highway at night and then simply run the spread beams when it’s time to hit the low-range tracks. There’s also a parker light function for that “check me out with my cool new LEDs” factor.

• There’s a couple of design features on this light (apparently there’s a swear-jar in the Xray Vision factory for those who call it a lightbar) that have us excited to check this thing out in the flesh. The rear of the light body has cast vertically lined • Xray Vision also cooling fins that are reckon that their purportedly a lot lights have been more efficient than rated to IP67, which the more commonly is a fancy way of seen horizontal saying they’re sealed extrusions on normal against dust and lightbars. Makes water ingress. sense when you think that heat rises... • Finally, the mounting brackets • The other big ticket are apparently item is the fact pretty nifty bits of that the spread

gear, allowing full adjustability of the light in all directions, so you can angle it exactly where you want to be lit up. Like we said, we can’t wait to get our hands on one of these bad boys to see how it fares in the real world.

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LED

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SCOOP

QUAD-OPTICS

MOUNTING BRACKETS

• Quad-optic multiplexer • Vertical and projection technology horizontal beam accurately focuses adjusters provide and projects light infinite precision from the LEDs to alignment of the create true pencil exceptionally and spread beam accurate driving light driving light patterns beam pattern according to Xray • Versatile reversible Vision 360° rotating • Dual beam versions brackets provide have individual pencil unlimited mounting and spread beam options and angles switching for the • Four sizes in the ultimate control in range cover every every situation—onmounting bolt spacing road and off-road distance from 145mm right up to 1296mm

LEDS

• High power 10W CREE LEDs • Multiplexer system creates homogeneous light pattern distribution • Distinctive integrated LED position lights • Xray Vision linear driving lights are reported to be 30% lower profile than typical LED off-road lightbars!

THE NEAR-INFINITE

ADJUSTABILITY OF THE MOUNTING BRACKETS LOOKS PROMISING Words By Dex Fulton NON-INTERACTIVE VERSION | PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR INTERACTIVE MAGAZINE

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TRACK REPORTS If you see or hear of any road or track closures due to weather or restricted vehicle access, get in touch with us so we can let the rest of the four-wheel drive community know. editor@unsealed4x4.com.au

TRACK R

WHAT’S H IN YOUR NECK week and as a result we are starting to see more traffic, thank goodness. It had been a fairly slow start to the season”.

BIRDSVILLE ROADHOUSE: PETER BARNES

CAMERON CORNER STORE: FENN MILLER

“You beauty, all roads are opened now, including the New Strzelecki Track which had been closed due to flooding and in rubbish condition. Noccundra and Tibooburra had also been closed off due to over an inch of rain, but that has cleared now. In fact, all roads have opened up as of last

“The Birdsville Track from Mungerannie to Marree requires some caution as there is some ponded water on the tracks. The Birdsville Inside Track is also closed as a result of flooding. Mount Hopeless has lived up to its name, and there are plenty of soft sections and wheel ruts to take care over – remember you are on holidays not in a race or competition. We have also heard reports that Cordillo Downs Road is closed, specifically Innamincka to Arrabury turnoff due to rain”.

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REPORTS

HAPPENING K OF THE WOODS? ARCHER RIVER ROADHOUSE: BRAD ALLAN

“Plenty of areas are open up here at the moment, including Bloomfield Road and Archer Point Road. Mclvor Road to Starcke River Boat Ramp is open only to fourwheel drives, and care is required due to bad wheel ruts and washouts. Mt Webb and Wakooka Road is definitely closed in the Kalpowar section however, but other than that it is a good time to get up here”.

NORTHERN TERRITORY:

Broadarrow 4X4 track is closed between Wickham track and the Buntine Highway intersection. Park facilities are also closed in this area. Road damage has closed the road between Ross Highway and Ringwod Road intersection as well. Oolloo Crossing has been closed due to flooding in the area, and is not safe to pass until further notice. For more information visit: http://www.ntlis.nt.gov.au/ roadreport/obstructions-closures.jsp

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CUB EVENTS

Awesome... All camper trailers are

…until it comes time to trade up.

Cub Campers have a much better resale value than most.

AUSTR MOST P ALIA’S O FLIP TPOULAR CAMPE P R

Proudly Australian made since 1968

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TRACK REPORTS

WESTERN AUSTRALIA:

Mitchell River National Park, Lawley River National Park, as well as Camp Creek and Laterite Conservation Parks are closed due to bushfires. People are advised to avoid the area. Fitzgerald River National Park has recently been graded though, including Point Ann Road and the western side of the park including Gairdner Road. For more information visit: http://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/closurealerts/parks-trails-and-road-closures

NEW SOUTH WALES:

Flooding in the Bogan Shire has closed all unsealed roads in the area, except for emergency crews. Expect delays if travelling through the area. Water on the road has also closed Lachlan Valley Way and Mossgiel Road between Hillston to Booligal. Four-wheel drive only access is permitted on The Cut Line from Tibooburra to Borrona Downs and Wanaaring, with extreme caution required by motorists passing through. The Central Darling Shire area is also experiencing flooding, With White Cliffs to Mandalay open to fourwheel drives only. For more information visit: https://www.livetraffic.com/

â&#x20AC;ş WARNING! This road and track guide is as up to date as possible, but weather conditions can change in the space of minutes. Before venturing into the bush, check with local police, National Parks or managing authority for the area you are travelling in before leaving.

hemamaps.com.au

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THE COO

OFF-R

PROD IN AUST

THERE ARE A LOT OF FANTA ON THE FOUR-WHEEL DRI WE NAME TH

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E 25 OLEST

ROAD

DUCTS STRALIA

ASTIC PRODUCTS AVAILABLE IVE MARKET IN AUSTRALIA. HE 25 COOLEST.

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1. Foxwing Awning by Rhino-Rack and OzTent

25 Coolest 2. ARB Skydome Swag

Because you’ve heroica chosen to download yo copy of Unsealed 4X4 you can’t see what’s on this page. But trust us well worth looking at. T see it in all its glory go unsealed4X4.com.au

3. Ironman 4X4 Silicone Compact Camping Gear

Off-R

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one

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4. MSA Drop Down Fridge Slide

ally our 4, n it’s To to u

5.Ironman 4X4 Dual Zone 65L Icecube Fridge

6. Drifta Car Back Kitchen System

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4 x4

SUV

Because you’ chosen to do copy of Uns you can’t se this page. But well worth lo see it in all it unsealed4X

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’ve heroically ownload your sealed 4X4, ee what’s on t trust us - it’s ooking at. To ts glory go to X4.com.au

7. Doble Lighting

8. RedArc

108W Amorphous Panel

9. James Baroud Roof Top Tent Hard Shell

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11 13 1

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11. Rigid Industries RDS Curved LED Light Bar

12. SPOT

Personal Locator Beacon

13. Red Hornet Dual Motor Winch

13. ARB BP-51

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15. Snow Peak Folding Campfire and Grill

16. Factor 55 Flat Link

17. MAXTRAX

18. Outback Armour

Snatch Block

20. Diesel Flexi-Tank

19. Goal Zero YETI 400

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CAMPER TRAILER AND CARAVAN

21. TVAN Camper Trailer

22. Hitchmaster DO35 Trailer Coupling

23 22. Lotus Caravan

23. RedArc

BMS 30 Amp

25. ARK Corp Extreme Off-Road Jockey Wheel

25 Coolest

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By Matt Scott

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TOP

ENGINE

FAI

FACTORY 4X4s HAVE A GETTING THINGS WRO NEED AN ENCYCLOPAEDI HERE’S THE TOP SIX BEEN BUGGIN

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EERING

ILS

A LONG HISTORY OF ONG, AND SINCE WE’D IA TO COVER THEM ALL, X THINGS THAT’VE NG US LATELY

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ARB.COM.AU

1300 ARB 4X4

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DPFs like this will eventually clog up and reduce the efficiency of your engine – all in the name of emissions reduction

Let’s be honest, most of us

could find something wrong with our trucks without looking too hard. We’re not talking about that dent you collected last weekend when dropping down off that ledge or that driveshaft you booger-welded back together on the track that’s been making you feel like you’re driving during an earthquake; but fromthe-factory problems that make you wonder if the engineer who came up with the idea got their degree out of a cereal box. There’s no one make or model that’s more or less guilty than the others – they all do it. So let’s take a look at six of the most aggravating things you’ll find on many modern fourwheel drives.

EMISSIONS JUNK

Ok, I understand that things like diesel particulate filters (DPF) and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems are necessary evils these days to keep manufacturers from falling foul of numerous government entities, but they are probably the cause of so many problems and failures that you’d swear they were designed by career politicians. Take EGRs for instance, which work by opening a valve to allow already burnt exhaust gasses back into your engine’s intake to be re-burnt in an effort to reduce emissions. And y’know what? It works… for a little while. The fundamental flaw is that by circulating ‘dirty’ gasses through the intake over and over again, carbon deposits will eventually build up and start clogging things. In other words it’s essentially engineered to fail, yet they’re a legal requirement. What the…!

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WAIT, HOW MANY COMPUTERS?

You remember that old joke about the space-race, when the Americans spent millions of dollars developing a pen their astronauts could use in the vacuum of outer space, while the Russians simply used a pencil? I kind of feel that way about the abundance of computer-controlled electrickery in modern 4X4s.

There’s over 90mm of track difference all up. It’s actually illegal in most states to correct this and make it safer to drive. Mind blown.

TOYOTA TRACK WIDTH

Not to pick on Toyota here, but the latemodel Toyota 70 Series has an inbuilt design feature that is lazy at best and downright dangerous at worst. There’s a lot to love about these things: timeproven suspension, inherent toughness aplenty and one of the best-suited engines to ever be bolted to a pair of chassis rails. So why on earth are they running a narrower rear diff than the front? Yeah yeah, the V8 wouldn’t fit without the front end being kicked out and the rear body is too narrow to accommodate a wider diff – I’ve heard all that. It’s still a gaping engineering flaw that should have been remedied at CAD stage. Why any car builder would introduce a potentially dangerous handling characteristic, particularly on a vehicle so well suited to towing and carting heavy weights, is beyond me.

No, I’m not suggesting we all go back to leaf springs, carbies and manually cranking windows, but when you need eight separate computers to operate the reclining mechanism on the seats I feel like we’ve crossed the line into technological overkill. It’s fast becoming “because we can” instead of “because we should”.

Electronic failure is more often than not the cause of very expensive tow jobs like this.

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Worse still, computers are often mounted in places that are susceptible to damage off-road from dust and water – just look at the cause for most vehicle-on-a-tow-truck stories during big trips. More often than not it’s due to a faulty sensor or dust-filled control unit rather than mechanical failure. Fuel injection, climate control and in-car entertainment are all great things, but the increasing reliance on electronics to be able to do just about anything (including drive) with our vehicles is a real worry. Personally I blame the P38 Range Rover for starting the madness. Just ask anyone who’s owned one – there are more computers in those things than in a stealth bomber, and many modern four-wheel drives are trying their best to emulate it.

Given that every new 4X4 on the market today has electronic fuel injection, you’re never going to do away with it completely, so a little preventative maintenance is always a good idea.

BIG TRUCK – LITTLE DRIVETRAIN

We’re seeing a trend towards four-wheel drives becoming bigger and heavier with each new model. Just take a look at the latest HiLux next to one of the original models to see what I mean. However, despite adding higher output engines and more sheet metal than ever, manufacturers still insist on running transmissions, diffs and axles that are better suited to a vehicle with half the power and pant-size. And once owners add bar work, winches, bigger rubber and a week’s worth of camping gear the problem only gets worse. That they don’t over-engineer these common weak points from the get-go makes it hard to trust their decision making capabilities, doesn’t it? Nissan is one manufacturer who got it right, bolting massive diffs and transmissions that weigh more than a Sierra underneath the Patrols, and then they go and put it all behind the ZD30…

Even built axles on comp trucks can grenade themselves with a combination of big rubber and a bigger right boot. If only manufacturers had the foresight to beef the drivetrain up

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E X PER I EN C E T H E A L L N E W 2 015 F R EEL A N D ER Freelander is the perfect touring van for exploring Australia in absolute style and comfort. + Modern interior design options + Leather upholstered lounge with head and foot rests + Control Rider independent suspension and 16" wheels + Two 120W solar panels and two 120A batteries + Packed with quality features that others call extras

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Check out the two steering arms (and swaybar) just waiting to be bent by the first decent boulder that’ll fit between the leaves. Lucky they’re made from half-melted butter!

STEERING ARMS – YOU’RE JOKING, RIGHT?

Due to the design of most mechanical steering set-ups, the tie-rod(s) and draglink are right out in front of the axle. This means that if you’re going to impact a rock off-road, it’s often the arms which are the first point of contact. Now common sense would dictate that you’d build these things pretty stout right? I mean, we routinely push our 4X4s over unforgiving terrain, yet the factory saw fit to bolt on a drinking straw to operate one of the most important parts of the entire vehicle. How do these people stay in a job?

THEY’RE THE CAUSE OF SO MANY PROBLEMS AND FAILURES THAT YOU’D SWEAR THEY WERE DESIGNED BY CAREER POLITICIANS.

We’re not talking staking a tyre here, we’re talking inbuilt factory faults and yes, your 4X4 has them

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CONTAMINATED FUEL

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n o i t olu

PROTECT YOUR ENGINE WITH AN EASY TO INSTALL D.I.Y. KIT

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DIY SERVICING? FORGET IT!

This one grinds my gears in a big way. Manufacturers are willfully making it harder to service your vehicle at home. Most new 4X4s don’t even come with a dipstick for the transmission, and a couple have even stopped putting them on the engine! Then there’s the exaggerated service intervals they keep telling us about – I don’t know about you, but I’d reckon there’s a big difference in driving 20,000km through the Outback towing the camper as opposed to doing 20,000km of commuting to work and dropping the kids off at soccer practice. Not to mention I’d rather do my own servicing so I know exactly what fluids and filters have gone into my vehicle, and it gives me a chance to run my eyes over things like driveshafts, ball joints and mechanical linkages and make sure

everything’s ship shape – probably a bit more thorough than the first-year apprentice who’d be doing it at the local workshop. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a lot to be said for dropping your rig off at a shop and picking it up a couple of hours later running like a champ, but taking the choice away from those of us who enjoy doing the work ourselves is just stupid.

What’s the dumbest thing you’ve seen bolted, welded or mounted to a four-wheel drive on the tracks?

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BUSH-DOOF SIX OF THE BEST OUTDOOR SPEAKERS UNITS TO BRING ON YOUR NEXT TRIP

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BUSH

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› FUGOO TOUGH

If you have held back on buying an outdoor speaker because you are hard on your gear, the Fugoo Tough rates a mention. Built from fibrereinforced resin and solid aluminium, it is as tough as a set of ten-ply mud terrain tyres. The built-in battery lasts a claimed 40 hours of happily blasting tunes through 360-degree sound speakers. Priced from $290

› UE BOOM

Are you looking for a speaker unit with ‘awesomely rad’ marketing lines such as “life resistant finish”? Well the UE Boom is for you then (seriously… life resistant?). Get past the colourful presentation, and the UE Boom has lots going for it. Small in size, 360-degree sound, wireless Bluetooth connection for up to 50ft from the device and an inbuilt rechargeable battery that will last a claimed 15 hours. Priced from $199

› GOAL ZERO ROCK OUT 2 SOLAR

The Goal Zero Rock Out 2 Solar sounds more like a lame dad joke than an outdoor speaker. Much like a wise father though, it kind of has an answer for everything. Built in solar: check… Bluetooth connectivity: yep… Shock and weatherproof: you know it! The whole package even zips closed when in transit for easy storage.

Priced from $169

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H-DOOF

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› OUTDOOR › JBL ONBEAT MINI › DIVOOM If you like to watch movies VOOMBOX TECHNOLOGY BIG TURTLE SHELL on your iPhone or iPad OUTDOOR Oh, I get it… it looks like a turtle. Cute! But if you stop and think about the reason behind this quirky design, it has more to do with 3D sound projection, which is really clever. Big Turtle Shell manufacturers claim the unit is water resistant as well as dust and shock proof, and it also features Bluetooth for wireless sound production wherever you may roam. Priced from $199

Mini while at camp, the JBL OnBeat Mini is also a cradle for your device. It will charge your tablet or phone while using them, and also has a USB port for charging other devices and accessories. An AUX input is also included so those without Apple products can still listen to music through the speaker with a 3.5mm mini-jack cable. Priced from $99

One of the more affordable units on the market, the Voombox Outdoor has many of the same features of more expensive outdoor speakers. The built in battery provides a claimed twelve hours of use, and the whole unit is weather resistant. Bluetooth is also a given, and there is a built-in microphone to make and take phone calls wirelessly. But do so at your own risk – nobody wants to hear work calls over music while camping. Priced from $89

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FIND A DISTRIBUTOR

IRONMAN

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ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO

ROOF TOP TENTS HIGHER GROUND SO YOU WANT A ROOF TOP TENT BUT DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START? HERE ARE THE ROOF TOP TENTS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT!

ROOF TO

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OP TENTS

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Roof top tents would have to be one of the most lusted after accessories in the four-wheel drive industry. Once you spend a night up high over your vehicle away from the reality of damp campgrounds, insects and perhaps larger creepy-crawlies, it is hard to go back to a conventional tent. But they are not without their flaws. Are you prepared to pack up the tent each time you need to drive your vehicle? Are you happy to lug around a giant box on your roof? Does the reality of never fitting into a shopping centre car park excite rather than terrify you? If so, roof top tents are for you! So once you know you want a roof-topper, what are your options when it comes to picking the right one? Here is our take on the best roof top tents on the market that could be yours.

ARB SIMPSON III

The Simpson III is the biggest roof top tent in the ARB range, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s manufactured from poly cotton fabric with an Oxford polyester flysheet as well. ARB claims the big feature with the Simpson III is just how quick and easy it is to set up and pack down. Internal storage pockets provide safe locations for personal items such as phones or keys, and a solid, retractable aluminium ladder is included for tent access. A major complaint with some roof top tents is the quality of the supplied travel cover that can fall to bits after a few hours on the highway. ARB supplies a laminated PVC cover that is also UV stabilised, which protects the tent and your belongings during transport and storage. An optional annexe is also available if you need more room or protection from the elements. Price $1,549

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BUNDUTEC BUNDUTOP

There is plenty to talk about with the all aluminium South African designed and manufactured Bundutec Bundutop roof top tent. Thanks to its electronic activation set-up takes just 18 seconds with the push of a button. Access to the sleeping area is through all four sides, where you will find a huge 100mm thick mattress inside (most others use 50mm or 75mm thick mattresses). A full mechanical back up is incorporated in the event that there is no 12v power, and there is even a auxiliary outlet inside the tent to power your electronic devices, as well as an internal light if you do have access to 12v. Price $3,490 (with free delivery Australia wide)

BUSHRANGER OPEN SKY

Bushranger’s Open Sky roof top tents have been on the market for some time now. It is pretty easy to see why they have stuck with this design too, as it has some rather handy inclusions. A good base is the foundation for any roof top tent, and Bushranger has chosen a rustproof aluminium frame with aluminium clad insulated base and stainless steel hinges for this reason. Access is via the front or rear of the tent, which as also covered by a shaded flysheet. Four internal storage pockets hide your valuables, and the integrated flysheet keeps the tent cooler in summer while reducing condensation overnight, according to Bushranger. Price $1,299

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JUST ADD WATER Carry the water you need when you want, where you want, the convenient modern way with BOAB Poly Water Tanks. • designed to withstand harsh off-road conditions • heavy duty durability with a lighter load weight! MORE FUEL The quick, convenient way to extend your vehicle’s range without or major expense. BOAB Poly Diesel Tanks major are a ‘drop in’ installation with a simple gravity fuel feed. See website for additional sizes and designs Manufactured and Distributed by Dolium Pty Ltd

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DARCHE PANORAMA 2

If you enjoy the freedom of sleeping in a swag, the Darche Panorama 2 could be for you. It features a rather unique zippered sunroof, which when fully opened provides a room with a view. The sunroof also allows for enhanced airflow on warmer evenings. Darche has chosen a checkerplate alloy base construction for strength and rust resistance, and the entire tent has been made from 340gsm proofed poly/cotton double pass ripstop canvas, with an included 210 denier Oxford polyester ripstop annex. The Panorama also arrives complete ready to bolt to your vehicle, with guy ropes, window poles and instructions are all supplied as part of the package. Price $1,799

DINGO DOZA

You have got to love Aussie engineering and marketing. According to the Dingo Doza team, their roof top tents come with an unwritten warranty – if you have any hassles… call them and they will help you. Kind of hard to argue with that! Dingo Doza roof top tents are made in Australia from Australian Bradmill Supadux, 65 per cent polyester and 35 per cent cotton canvas. Number 10 YKK zippers are used all ’round, which according to Dingo Doza are the best you can buy. A 75mm high-density foam mattress is included, which should comfortably sleep two adults. To keep insects out, midge- and sandfly-proof Finetex mesh has been sewn in, and the whole tent takes approximately one minute to set up. Price $2,397

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EEZI-AWN FAMILY T-TOP

If you have a few kids or just want as much tent space as possible high off the ground, the Family T-Top from EeziAwn measures up to a huge 2.2m wide! It is also 2.4m deep, so there should be enough room for even the tallest traveller. A unique feature is the centre removable partition that separates the tent into two living spaces, perfect for families or perhaps his-and-her rooms on garlic prawn night. Eezi-Awn tells us the tent is so large it can fit up to four adults, or two adults on one side and up to three children on the other. It also needs to be mounted to open towards the side of the vehicle, as once again, it is rather enormous. Price $4,395

FRONT RUNNER FEATHERLITE

Are you sick of bulky roof top tents creating wind drag and reducing fuel consumption? The Featherlite roof top tent has been designed with this in mind, with a frontal area that Front Runner tells us is 30 per cent smaller than other models, in theory significantly reducing wind drag and fuel consumption. Construction methods also seem to be of importance to the Featherlite team, who have incorporated fully insulated and laminated aluminium floorboards, which are then powder coated in a non-marking ripple finish for added durability. Thanks to the use of poly/ cotton fabric on the main tent walls, the entire unit weighs in at just 42kg, too. Price $1,595

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SMART COILS. Australian made, TERRAIN TAMER SMART COILS are designed to reduce rebound forces travelling through the coil spring. This unique design with a tapered wire is made for front coil springs only. As the driver turns or changes lanes, the progressive Smart Coil increases driver control and reduces wear on the suspension system. To view this video demonstration please visit terraintamer.com/suspension

Terrain Tamer Smart CoilsTM

OE Fitted

INFO@TERRAINTAMER.COM

1300 888 444

TERRAINTAMER.COM

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HANNIBAL TOURER

If you are into long-distance touring, then Hannibal roof top tents would be familiar to you. The unique feature of the Hannibal Tourer roof top tent is just how much shelter the tent provides whilst set up. Combined with an awning itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have you damn near ready for any trip, and Hannibal even provide the option of screening this area with annex walls with windows for more cover. Hannibal has used Australian made 380gsm Dynaproofed polyamide cotton canvas. A 75mm foam high-density mattress provides comfort at night, and if you want even more luxury a dual mattress option is available as well. Starting From: $3,347

HOWLING MOON DELUXE

Howling Moon claim to be the original roof top tent manufacturer, with roots going back over forty years to their beginning in 1972. The Deluxe was one of the first roof top tents they designed, and is still a favourite both here and overseas. Howling Moon recommend the Deluxe roof top tent for those who crave simplicity on weekend or touring trips, as it lacks the creature comfort of a full extension. In saying that there is still an optional shower skirt for occasions where more shelter is required. The use of 380gsm polyester cotton ripstop canvas keeps weather off the included 75mm thick high-density mattress, and Howling Moon insist only superior materials are used throughout, such as anodised aluminium and stainless steel. Price $2,150

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IRONMAN 4X4

The whole point of roof top tents is that they’re quick to set up and off the ground, which also frees up internal vehicle space by storing bulky bedding inside the tent during transit. The Ironman 4X4 roof top tent ticks all these boxes, and they even have a video on their website showing one person completely setting the tent up in eight minutes, including an awning. It’s not just quick to set up though – the Ironman 4X4 tent has some quality inclusions such as YKK zippers, a rugged 1000D waterproof PVC on-car cover and a 65mm high density foam mattress for a comfortable night’s sleep. It is also competitively priced at just $1240. Price $1240

JAMES BAROUD EVASION EVOLUTION

If you thought all roof top tents were made just from canvas, think again. The James Baroud Evasion Evolution is the most compact roof top tent in the James Baroud line-up, and like most of their roof-toppers, it is a hard shell design, constructed from an upper and lower reinforced hull. The top section quite literally pops up on AL-KO supporting gas struts once the transport clasps are released, and the James Baroud team insist the tent takes just seconds to set up. The tent walls are constructed from breathable fabric that is UV resistant and 100 per cent waterproof, and once inside there is a high-density foam mattress waiting for you. Price $4,400

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KIMBERLEY KAMPERS MYCUBE

Comes with a

ORS Premium Fridge Slide The Best Slide on the Market.

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Products

According to Kimberley Kampers, the MyCube roof top tent has been designed to fit almost any roof rack while remaining lightweight enough for smaller four-wheel drives and SUVs to safely carry. The most obvious point of difference with the MyCube lies with the included wind-deflector shield on the front of the tent, which is said to minimise wind drag. The actual tent has been constructed from waterproof Australian-made canvas, which sits on an aluminium honeycomb floor for a balance of weight and strength. Integrated LED lighting makes access at night far safer, and for those who fear cooler weather, an optional under mattress heater is also available. Price $2,849

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KULKYNE 2 PERSON

Even though the two person roof top tent from Kulkyne is priced at the more affordable end of the scale, you still get some cool features. Firstly, a 65mm high-density foam mattress gets the nod, as well as a retractable aluminium ladder and complete fitting kit with instructions to actually bolt the tent to your roof racks. The tent itself is constructed from 280gsm ripstop canvas, which keeps the weight of the tent down to 53kg. All windows have awnings for protection from the elements and large flyscreens allow for good amounts of airflow in warmer weather. Kulkyne backs its product up with a two-year warranty, and also offers a 30-day money back guarantee if you aren’t 100 per cent stoked with your purchase.

MR SWAGMAN

Another proudly Australian owned and operated company, Mr Swagman roof top tents are what the head honcho of Mr Swagman describes as multi-use roof tents. Mr Swagman can make the roof top tent to not only fit onto your current roof rack set-up, but also the racks of a trailer or ute back project, too. All they need are a few dimensions and the height of your racks to the ground. Amazingly for such a large tent, the whole package weighs just 55kg, and the main section can be set up in just a few minutes by one person. Optional extras such as a rear awning and side room can also be purchased for those who need to create larger living areas. Price $3,300

Price $995

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OZTENT JET TENT HANGAR POWERFUL 4X4 KALAHARI The Jet Tent Hangar is the first roof top tent from Oztent. The Jet Tent Hangar is the second tent in this buyer’s guide that is electronically operated, and will open or close at the push of a button. Powering the tent is as simple as plugging the extension cable into your 12v socket, and pushing a button on the wireless controller. The Oztent team guarantee the 190g Ripstop polycotton construction is 100 per cent waterproof, and a 75mm high-density mattress should provide you with a solid night’s sleep. The Jet Tent is also compatible with the Oztent Foxwing awning for those who require additional space and shelter, or already own one and wish to incorporate a roof top tent into their camping setup. Price $2,499

Powerful 4X4’s range of roof top tents and accessories goes by the name Kalahari. For those not in the know, the Kalahari is a desert that stretches across Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. In other words, some pretty darn harsh terrain! With a name like that, you would expect some serious cred behind the product. The first point of interest with the Powerful 4X4 Kalahari roof top tent is the inclusion of 600gsm ripstop canvas. Secondly, they include a 220D polyester PU coated annex, which should provide enough space for relaxing during the day or additional sleeping quarters for two adults at night. According to Powerful 4X4 durable zippers are used, and the tent can be shipped to you Australia wide for a fixed $50 shipping fee. Price $1,450

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SHIPPSHAPE SHACK

The main selling point for the Shippshape Shack roof top tent is the fact that no poles or pegs are required to set up the main tent area. This makes the Shack one of the quickest to have unpacked and ready for a good night’s sleep, according to Shippshape. The process can even be undertaken with just one person. A massive 2.1m x 3.3m awning provides plenty of shade and shelter, and this awning can also be configured to suit your needs. Shippshape recommends the Shack for those who are often on the move, however if you prefer an even larger tent and awning area, there are two other roof top tent products in the Shippshape range.

TJM YULARA

The Yulara from TJM is the largest roof top tent in the TJM range, and offers shelter via a pull out veranda over the ladder to minimise the chance of getting wet while hopping in or out in the rain. TJM says it has manufactured the tent from a breathable poly/ cotton fabric that is also mould and waterproof. A 65mm high-density foam mattress takes care of comfort duties, and all windows and doors are fully screened for insect free evenings whilst still catching a breeze. Thanks to the design, there is also the additional option of a zip on annex, which connects to the pull out veranda. Price $1,746

Price $2,995

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A lot of people want the comptruck look, but fail to realise these rigs often have a heap of custom design work to make them work properly. Not many are running simple bolt-on lifts.

TOO MUCH LIFT

A mild lift and suspension upgrade is a modification that you will benefit Here are five reasons why from every time you sit in the driver’s we don’t like wild lift kits: seat. Go too far with the lift though, and things start going backwards very A higher centre of gravity will quickly. The key word mentioned here make your vehicle unstable is upgrade by the way, as just seeking Big lifts cost money that could more altitude under your vehicle is the be better diverted into accessories wrong way to think. The performance of your suspension is far more important. that will actually take you further, like lockers or quality tyres

1 2 3

Four-wheel drives are tools – they don’t just need to look good. If you’re lifting your vehicle purely for looks, consider a different hobby

Driveline angles will suffer meaning increased vibration, excessive component wear and ultimately an unreliable vehicle

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› WHAT YOUR LEAVES SHOULD Good

SHACKLE ANGLETH AND SPRING LENG Leaf springs are quite simple, yet it seems that very few people understand how to get them performing off-road. You see all sorts of ridiculous methods being used on the path to leaf spring nirvana, such as heavily arched springs to gain ride height, drop (wacky) shackles, or those who fit overlyextended shackles and wonder why their vehicle now rides terribly. The secret to a good ride and off-road performance from a leaf spring revolves around the shackle angle and spring length, then matching a shock absorber that is long enough on extension and compression.

› 450 shackle angle

Bad

› Vertical shackle

Short/Broken Spring

› Inverted spring

This is the shackle angle you should be aiming for

A vertical shackle will ride firmly as the spring is unable to compress. Go too far flat and you will be on a one way trip to body roll city. So how do you get it right? A 45 degree shackle angle is what all the cool kids run. Many raised leaf springs are actually shorter than stock, and have additional radius (arch) built into them to simply achieve a lift. This is lazy engineering and cost cutting at its finest. A good aftermarket leaf spring will be longer than stock, keeping the shackle angle at its happy place while still providing a lift. If you crave even more articulation, NON-INTERACTIVE VERSION | PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR INTERACTIVE MAGAZINE

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LOOK LIKE

LARGE LIFT KITS

BUMP STOPS – THE FORGOTTEN COMPONENT

some hard-core guys will cut off the leaf spring shackle mount, move them forward and re-weld to the chassis to avoid vertical shackle syndrome. Needless to say this modification will require engineering approval, and is not for the faint of heart.

I’m going to tell you something no suspension manufacturer ever will. Did you know that suspension lift alone is not enough to fit larger tyres to your four-wheel drive? Every vehicle will have bump stops fitted from the factory. These small rubber blocks are used to limit the amount of suspension up-travel, which prevents the tyres traveling into the wheel well too far, causing body damage. They are also used to absorb high-speed impacts and bumps progressively too. In IFS vehicles, bump stops are

BACK IN THE ’90S,

WERE AS COMMON AS BAD MULLET HAIRCUTS AND BARBED WIRE ARMBAND TATTOOS

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ETRY M O E G N IO S N E P S U S

The wheel may be off the ground but forward movement is still maintained. Balance and traction always trump travel

incorporated to ensure the amount of down-travel doesn’t exceed the working limitations of the CV joints or ball joints. So why do we keep forgetting them? Why is it that few suspension manufacturers offer extended bump stops with their kits? If, for example, you install a two-inch lift kit, while articulating, the vehicle might not even reach the factory bump stops anymore. Coil spring destroying coil bind and inversion of leaf springs will occur, and you will actually get less suspension travel, as the axle is not being forced downwards where it belongs (known as forced articulation). Worst of all, if you have fitted larger tyres they will still rub, as the wheel will want to push to the factory bump stop despite having a lift kit installed. The other benefit of fitting extended bump stops is being able to install longer shock absorbers, which hold more oil, therefore resist cavitation (shock fade) while working hard offroad. In summary, ask your suspension expert why they don’t provide extended bump stops, and if they claim it is for additional up-travel, walk away…

While lifting your truck has a range of benefits for the off-roader, it also affects the suspension geometry that factory engineers spent a lot of time getting right. The result? It can turn an easy-to-drive 4X4 into an absolute pig, both on and off the tracks, yet so many people are content bolting in longer springs and shocks and calling it good, despite the dangers. On a solid front axle equipped vehicle you’re playing with the caster, pinion angle, driveshaft angles, brake line length, centre of gravity, Panhard rod angle and changing the range of movement within the suspension bushes to name the big ticket items. IFS rigs will need to look at camber through the range of movement, ball joint angle, half-shaft (CV) angles, and tie-rod alignment. As you’ve probably guessed, this is not stuff you want to wade into without knowing what you’re doing. There are a fair few ways to correct your steering angles and suspension geometry for just about any lift these days. Sure, it may cost extra, but having steering and handling that’s as good as, if not better than, the factory setup is worth it. Keep in mind that significantly altering your ride height will always bring about a degree of compromise in the way your vehicle drives, so don’t be surprised when your lifted, big-tyred truck no longer accelerates, stops, turns or drives in general like it did off the showroom floor.

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ARS REMOVING SWAY B We’ve been hearing it for years now. “If you want flex then remove your sway bars!” And while strictly speaking it’s true, for anything other than a rock crawler, flex is a vastly overrated piece of a much bigger puzzle.

AIRBAGS AND GVM Airbag helper springs, particularly those fitted to utes, have copped a fair amount of bad press lately and it’s largely undeserved. The problem is that people fit them up and mistakenly assume that their vehicle’s gross vehicle mass (how much weight you can carry) has magically been increased, when all the airbag is designed for is to compensate for the extra weight that’s still within the GVM when you’re loaded up for touring or towing. Folks go ahead and throw everything including the kitchen sink onboard, then hitch up their deluxe multi–axle caravans and head off touring and then turn around and wonder why it doesn’t last. Y’see, by adding an airbag to a chassis that’s well in excess of its GVM, you’re basically adding a stress locating point. In other words: hit a big enough bump at speed in an overloaded vehicle – that’s where she’s going to bend. Which is exactly what happens. Hardly the airbag’s fault, I reckon…

Take a GQ Patrol for example: Ditch the sway bars and all of a sudden the rear end is flexier than a drunken gymnast. Only, your body roll is now 400 per cent worse, and the front end is actually flexing less. All of sudden you’ve got a poorly balanced truck that looks great on the travel ramp for no noticeable gain off-road. Hot tip: keep the rear sway bar in – the extra resistance actually forces the front end to work. You won’t win a ramp-off with your mate in his slinky-mobile, but yours will drive a whole lot nicer, and probably further, too. The moral of the story? Your sway bars are an integral part of your suspension and are there for a host of very good reasons – leave them on. Traction and balance trump a few extra inches of largely unusable flex every time in the real world.

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DRIVELINE ANGLES Back in the ’90s, large lift kits on solid axle four-wheel drives were as common as bad mullet haircuts and barbed wire armband tattoos. Thanks to modern traction aids and independent suspension, these lifts are no longer necessary, or even really possible to achieve. When you raise a vehicle, driveline angles change. These could range from the CV joints in the front of your truck, as well as driveshafts in the front or rear, as universal joints have a limited range of movement.

Consider fitting a diff drop kit to the front diff of an IFS vehicle if you have raised it, as this will reduce the severity of the angle placed on the moving driveline components. With leaf sprung vehicles, castor wedges can be installed under the spring plate to change the diff’s pinion angle, and adjustable upper or lower control arms are used with coil-sprung applications to bring driveline angles as close as possible to factory. Get it right, and you will notice less vibration, and provide these components a fighting chance at lasting the distance on or off-road.

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SNO

THE TR Last issue we sorted the big modifications on the outside of the vehicle – a suspension system, bull bar, and roof rack. So I guess it makes sense to head inside the vehicle now and take care of the next modifications we’ll need!

Luckily, OffRoad Systems was able to custom-design a pretty comprehensive drawer system that not only allowed us to store everything we’ll need, but also allow us to sit inside if it’s rainy, wet, or otherwise miserable outside. There’s even room for a cheeky sleep on the side Since we plan on taking Snoopy The of the road if we’re pushing hard on the Troopy on a big lap of Australia, we pavement to make it to a destination. wanted to make sure that we had a Ironman 4X4’s new 65L IceCube fridge good living system that allowed us to has been an essential item in the time sleep inside the vehicle if we needed, we’ve had it, and we’ve absolutely and a massive fridge to keep us fed well fallen in love with its twin compartment for those longer trips. configuration, and at a price point of just

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OOPY

ROOPY $1190, with a fridge bag, who wouldn’t fall in love with it? So far it’s drawn relatively little power, and the build quality is on par with more expensive fridges – so give it a closer read in the next few pages. To make sure we’re able to see on the road, we replaced the factory headlights (which seemed to be powered by candles) with a set of Narva’s brand-new LED headlights. These place less strain on the electrical system, while putting out more light and being more durable. The United States Military runs these on

all of their vehicles because they’re next to indestructible – so they should be fine for a lonely old Troopy! Last but not least, we put a Uniden UHF radio in the vehicle so we can start paying attention to what our mates are doing around us. We love the radio, but miss the blissful silence that we used to have without our mates chatting in our ear 24/7! Anyway, it’s a great safety item to have, especially if you’re heading out into the bush. Read more about it on the next page!

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INSTALL AND

UNIDEN

You’d be forgiven for thinking that Uniden is a new player in the 4X4 UHF radio scene – but that couldn’t be further from the truth. They’re one of the most respected names in wireless communications, so when I went looking for a high-quality UHF to fit to Snoopy, I went to the blokes at Uniden, and they recommended their new UH8050S. It’s a DIN mount size 5W UHF CB radio and features their Masterscan technology, which allows you to communicate more effectively without interruption by switching to unused channels. Masterscan also scans for other radios that share the same CTCSS or DCS tone, and when the radio detects a signal with no code, or the wrong code, it’ll switch to another unused channel.

My absolute favourite feature of this radio, aside from the Masterscan, which you’ll need a degree to understand, is the replay function. Now I’m sure you’ve been bouncing down a rugged track and your mate keeps talking on the radio, but you’re too busy paying attention to the track and you missed what he said. The Uniden radio allows you to automatically replay that message so you don’t have to call out on the radio ‘could you repeat that’. It’s really handy, and something I don’t think that I could live without. Uniden claims an 18+ kilometre range with this particular unit, and frankly I have no reason to believe that it wouldn’t reach that far. I won’t say that I got the tape measure out and figured out how far the unit was reaching, but I never have had a problem related to range, and I run a pretty standard antenna.

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ND INITIAL TEST:

N UH8050S

I guess the problem is that I’ve installed this radio in the summer and the autumn, and it’s just too hot down in the flat country right now to get a good test. I’ll be able to speak more on range in my long term review. As far as installing the unit goes, I had the fine gentlemen at Action Communications in Kingswood, NSW handle that, and I couldn’t be happier. Snoopy the Troopy has an overhead console up front, so it was the perfect place to mount this DIN unit since it has a forward-facing speaker and easy to use and reach controls. Action Communications was even smart enough to professionally install a quick-disconnect on the antenna wire to allow me to upgrade my antenna in the future. It’ll also be handy if I have to test a few aftermarket units.

The only downside to this unit is that I can’t for the life of me figure out how to turn off the confirmation ‘beep’ that comes with every transmission you make or receive. This is especially annoying if you’re getting cross traffic and pick up a million transmissions. It’s a bit loud and it gives me a headache. It might sound a bit nit-picky, but it’s worth mentioning. I look forward to a good few years of service from my Uniden UH8050S, and I might just have to take it on a big trip to give it a good range test – sounds like a good excuse!

UNIDEN 1300 366 895 www.uniden.com.au

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NARVA

LED HEADLIGHTS

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock for the last few years, you’ll undoubtably know that LED lighting is quickly becoming the way of the future. It’s more compact than HID solutions, more rugged than halogen bulbs, and most importantly, more efficient than almost anything else on the market today. So, when I get the chance to swap something over to LED, I often take the leap.

Narva’s new 7-inch LED is worth the leap, but you shouldn’t expect too much from it. After all, contrary to what you may think, the purpose of a headlight isn’t actually to be as bright as humanly possible. Its job per ADR regulations is to deliver a well-focused beam of light that doesn’t disturb other road users, and to that end, the Narva LED headlight delivers its promise. It’s most certainly bright – slightly brighter than the headlights fitted at the factory by Toyota – but nothing groundbreaking.

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The benefit of the LED headlight isn’t exactly paid out in brightness. As mentioned previously, it’s paid out in durability and efficiency. Provided everything continues to go well with the Narva LED, which I suspect it will thanks to its high-quality construction, these replacement headlights will likely outlast my vehicle, and considering they’re fitted to a Troopy, that’s saying a lot.

Let’s be honest, there’s something cool (we’re not talking about the colour temperature) about having LED headlights on an older vehicle. They lend immediate distinction as well, separating you from the hordes of other four-wheel drive vehicles equipped with standard seven-inch round headlights. There’s also the parking lights, which add a bit of ‘flair’ to the otherwise old look of the 4X4. If they’re not your style, they can be disconnected, but ssshhhhh – we didn’t tell you that.

THESE REPLACEMENT HEADLIGHTS WILL LIKELY OUTLAST THE VEHICLE

The biggest performance advantage of the Narva LED headlight is its decreased draw on your electrical system. Compared to an upgraded H4 round headlight, the Narva draws approximately 2.5 times less power. This puts less stress on your electrical system; and if you’re like me and frequently leave your headlights on, it means you’re less likely to end up with a flat battery. If you wanted to get very particular in ‘expedition’ lingo, it would also mean that if your alternator was to fail and you absolutely had to get somewhere at night, you’d be able to make it a lot further before your battery died. But that’s not why you fit a set of LED headlights – you fit them because they’re cool, and the Narva LED headlamp replacement is plenty cool. NARVA 1800 113 443 www.narva.com.au

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OFFROAD SYSTEMS

DRAWERS

There are only a handful of companies still making off-road drawers in Australia, and one of them, OffRoad Systems, just so happened to be down the road from us. So when I was looking

to get a semi-custom drawer system installed into my project Troopcarrier, it made sense to give them a call. It didn’t hurt that they’re also one of the best in the business for this sort of thing.

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THE BACKSTORY

YOUR S FOR

ONLY $ 30 +P&H *

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COOKBOOK

Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Adventures, Recipes from the Road is a superb companion for anyone who wants to travel the countryside and eat really, really well. Whether you’re a camper, caravanner, motor-homer or four-wheel driver, you and your fellow travellers will benefit greatly from this cookbook. The glovebox sized book contains 99 recipes covering breakfasts, lunches, dinners, desserts and snacks plus chapters on the Bush Bakery and the Bush Barista, the book also comes with a bonus Bush Cooking DVD featuring cooking from Pat Callinan, Duncan Elliott, the Flying Chef and Ernie Dingo and Jo Clews.

OffRoad Systems didn’t start life by making off-road drawers, rather they began their journey by creating bespoke hi-fi speakers and home theatre furniture. Why does this lend credibility to their pursuits in offroad drawers, you ask? Because hi-fi speaker enthusiasts are some of the most particular consumers on the market, and the designs required to create the perfect sounding speaker make the engineering behind an off-road drawer pale in significance. These expert skills in woodcraft and the availability of dozens of computercontrolled milling and cutting machines means OffRoad Systems is able to create things in ways that few others can. Their attention to detail shines brightly in the system that they were able to create for my Troopcarrier. It doesn’t creak, rattle, chirp or move – no matter what kind of terrain you’re putting the vehicle through. For me, that’s the first measure of a good drawer system, as I’ve seen way too many that turned the inside of your vehicle into a tin box filled with marbles.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS PRODUCT DOES NOT CONTAIN MAGAZINES. *$30.00 + $17.00 p&h for orders Australia wide.

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TROOP CARRIER

The second measure of a good drawer system for me is how it functions. A drawer system needs to be easy to use, durable, and flexible. I had a rather obscure design in mind which OffRoad Systems’ Steve Jones was able to turn into reality for me. I was a bit surprised that it worked out exactly how I wanted because my sketches were less than stellar, and my directions confusing at best, which must mean Steve has some kind of telepathic power. This means OffRoad Systems is a perfect starting point for those of you that only have a vague idea of what you want.

THE DESIGN

Essentially I wanted a drawer system that was party in the back, business in the front, with the ability to sleep inside if I absolutely needed to. This meant a fridge with easy access so I could grab a cold beer after a day on the tracks, plenty of cooking space, and the ability to quickly access snacks and food which would be stored in one of the drawers. Up front, I wanted the ability to sit inside and get some work done, as I’m often creating a good portion of this magazine from the bush, and it’s nice

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CONSTRUCTION

I HAD A RATHER OBSCURE DESIGN IN MIND WHICH OFFROAD SYSTEMS WAS ABLE TO TURN INTO REALITY FOR ME to have a dust-free dry environment to work from. It also needed to have plenty of water for extended treks, and to add to the difficulty I specifically said I wanted the tank mounted low and centred between the axles for better weight distribution.

OffRoad Systems constructs their drawers with a CNC formed metal base structure (either galvanised steel or aluminium for weight savings) and timber panelling made from waterproof plywood and marine-grade carpet. I opted for the alloy frame as it’s significantly lighter (a 30 per cent reduction) and it means less weight for my not-so-powerful 1HZ to lug around.

There’s also an option to fit two ball bearing runners on each side of the drawer, which doubles the already large carrying capacity. There’s a good chance this is the absolute strongest option on the market, perfect for those who like to carry around bricks or conceal bodies in your drawers. When I extended them and sat on the ends of the drawers — they didn’t move one bit, and I’m not exactly the lightest bloke around … though I wish I was.

Steve said none of this would be a problem and that most of it could be completed with their modular ‘off the shelf’ components. I also was surprised when he said that their manufacturing tolerances were tight enough that the compartments and drawers would by default become dust-free areas to store my camera gear. It ended up working out well in the end. The addition of two large cubby compartments forward of the drawers meant I had efficient use of storage, and the ability to have a built-in seat inside of the vehicle. Down the track, I’ll be able to add a small table mount so I can comfortably eat inside. NON-INTERACTIVE VERSION | PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR INTERACTIVE MAGAZINE

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SIDE WING STORAGE

STAINLESS WATER TANK

Carrying water with you is important, because rumour has it that you can’t live without it. Being able to cleanly integrate a water tank into my drawer system build was an area that OffRoad Systems really excelled in. They’ve designed their stainless steel water tank for the LandCruiser Troopcarrier with some smarts in mind. It sits equidistant between the front and rear axles and is angled as to not ruin the ability for the seats to be reclined. It’s constructed from high quality food grade stainless steel and includes a useful hose with a shut-off valve that hasn’t leaked so far. I’m sure the tanks they have designed for other models are just as thoughtful. Mine holds 70 litres, which is a good balance between too much and too little. At first, I thought I would prefer the water to be stored outside, and underneath the vehicle to improve centre of gravity. But after further thinking, I’m very happy with storing it inside as, generally speaking it will be better insulated from warm and cold weather, keeping the water more drinkable. Right now the system is gravity fed, and down the track I may look into fitting a water pump and a heater, all of which is doable with the OffRoad Systems design.

Because most vehicles have wheel arches in the back, it’s impossible to have a drawer take up all of the space. This means they can only be as wide as the space between the arches. To make use of all available space and to create a flat sleeping platform, it makes sense to create side ‘wings’ to allow for additional storage. While this is pretty common throughout the drawer world, I was impressed with the bracing and fit that OffRoad Systems builds into these drawers – you can put your full weight on the wings and they feel as solid as everything else. ‘

DRAWER TABLE

OffRoad Systems designed a simple little drawer top table platform that’s so simple you’ll wonder why you hadn’t thought of it years ago. It’s literally just a table top with two grooves in it that matches up to the sides of the drawers. It creates the perfect platform for a quick snack, or a great place to park your camp stove or cutting board, with easy access to everything you need right next to you.

OFFROAD SYSTEMS 14 Orielton Rd, Smeaton Grange N.S.W. 2567 Australia (02) 4647 6322

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Once you’ve been spoilt by a fridge, it’s really hard to go back to using an esky on your 4X4 adventures. You see, while a fridge has its drawbacks, they’re much less annoying than dealing with a half-melted esky sloshing over every single corrugation, driving you absolutely insane. Ice, as it seems, is also quite hard to come by when you’re camping in the desert. Imagine that. WILKINSON SLIM FIT STRAIGHT LEG JEAN

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So let’s take a look at Ironman 4X4’s 65L Icecube fridge/freezer. It’s part of Ironman’s revamped product line, so leave your opinions at the door. The cool thing with this unit is the ability to run two fridges, two freezers, or a combination of both. I know what you’re thinking – ‘I’ve just upgraded from an esky, do I really need this?’ The answer is … yes – if you’re doing some serious fourwheel drive touring.

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4X4 ICE CUBE FRIDGE The problem with fridges is that you become quickly reliant upon them, and your average-sized 40-50L fridge quickly becomes too small. But as we’ve found from our last few trips, the 65L dual zone is right on the money, especially with the separated fridge and freezer. Because after a while, if you’re on a budget and you’re travelling for an extended period of time, having a freezer becomes a cost-saver. The Ironman 4X4 65L Icecube uses the same compressor as some other well-known dual compartment fridges, and shares roughly the same design. However, it does this at nearly half the price point ($1199) and even includes a fridge jacket to keep it better insulated. I was a bit surprised when I found out the price, because Ironman 4X4 could really be selling this for more money. You adjust the fridge by way of the built-in digital panel, which tells you the current interior temperature of each compartment, along with what you’ve set it to. In addition, there’s a three setting low voltage battery cutoff built in (which actually works), and the option to turn up the compressor to cool things down quicker. It’s really handy if you’re throwing a warm carton of beer in, and you absolutely need to have it cool down as fast as possible, though it does use more energy.

TROOP CARRIER

The build quality is good, but don’t expect perfection at this price. For example, the latches seem a bit ordinary, but they do their job just fine and don’t come undone on even the roughest tracks. And the seals on the inside seem like they could be a bit more substantial, but then again, we’ve found this fridge to be quite efficient, so maybe I’m just crazy. Granted, my testing period has been almost exclusively during autumn, so temperatures haven’t been extreme, but it runs on my auxiliary battery for a day or two without worry, and what more do you really need?

THE VERDICT?

I’m impressed. I think Ironman 4X4 has finally struck the balance between price, performance, and quality. It’s a solid fridge and it has all of the features you’ll find on fridges twice the price, yet on the inside it has the same compressor (which is the big focus) as the big boys. Not to mention for $1190, it comes with a insulation bag of good quality. I’m sold, and it’ll be staying in Snoopy for the long haul, so stay tuned for a long-term review. IRONMAN 4X4 1300 731 137 www.ironman4x4.com

NON-INTERACTIVE VERSION | PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR INTERACTIVE MAGAZINE By Matt Scott

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THE

NISSAN N

HAS NISSAN FINALLY BROU

The Navara has seemingly always been content with being number two in the four-wheel drive dual cab ute scene, but the brand new 2016 Navara NP300 is a clear statement that they’re gunning for the top spot.

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NAVARA

UGHT US A HILUX-KILLER?

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WHICH TYRES SUIT THE TERRAIN YOU DRIVE ON?

You need a round edge all-terrain tyre

Serious dirt, gravel & rocks

You need a square edge all-terrain tyre

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EXTERIOR:

I’ll be the first to say that looks are subjective, but I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that the Nissan Navara is the one of, if not the, best-looking of the trio of just-released dual cab utes. Its neutral styling lacks the ‘surprised’ sweeping look of the Triton, and the ‘squinty’ look of the HiLux, yet still manages to be modern. The new Navara is comprised of a series of relatively complex shapes; there isn’t a single flat panel on this ute. It’s a serious step up from the previous generation D40 Navara which had a bit of a plasticlike feel to the whole vehicle.

THE NISSAN NAVARA IS THE ONE OF, IF NOT THE, BEST-LOOKING OF THE TRIO OF JUST-RELEASED DUAL CAB UTES

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INTERIOR:

The inside of the new Navara is a nice place to be – much nicer than the plastic coffin that was the D40. You’ll find almost everything you need – an ample sound system, comfortable seats (power and heated is available), and a well thought out touch screen multimedia system. There are air vents for the rear passengers, which is a nice touch, and the rear seat folds flat for additional storage room. It’s also perfect for throwing the dog in without worrying about ruining the fabric. In summary, it’s modern, but it doesn’t look fragile, and it looks easy to clean.

RIDE QUALITY:

This is where the new Navara really shines, and where it begins to separate itself from the rest of its competition, including the just-released Toyota HiLux. The NP300 features a five-link coil sprung rear end, which eschews the traditionally unbalanced ride of a dual cab ute and gives it a more civil characteristic. On a closed course, we hit significant triple digit speeds on rough corrugations, and I haven’t personally driven anything that comes close to this vehicle’s suspension. On a side note, the five-link looks like it will be an absolute weapon once the aftermarket gets hold of it. There’s also going to be an option for leaf springs in the future. NON-INTERACTIVE VERSION | PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR INTERACTIVE MAGAZINE

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Performance Intercoolers for Landcruiser, Hilux, Patrol, Navara, Triton, Mazda and Ford

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OFF-ROAD CAPABILITY:

Because you’ve heroically A five-link coil sprung rear end, with chosen to download your coilovers on decent length control copy of Unsealed 4X4, arms and the option of a rear locker, you can’t see what’s on means this latest Navara is going to be a this page. But trust us - it’s goodie. Unfortunately we didn’t get to do well worth looking at. To anything too extreme on our test drive, see it in all its glory go to but I can confirm that there’s a decent unsealed4X4.com.au low range, and quick tests make it look like the Navara might be in contention for the top spot as far as dual cab ute capability is concerned. We can’t wait PRICING: for all of the next generation of utes to The RX will serve as the base model 4X4 land on Aussie soil so we can do a proper dual cab, and will be priced from $39,990 comparison. with a manual transmission. The mid-level ST dual cab will be priced from $45,990. The range-topping ST-X, equipped with all the bells and whistles, starts at $51,990. Automatic transmissions are $2,500 extra on all models.

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FIVE THINGS TO DO IN THE (THAT YOU PROBABLY DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT)

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Fit

Extra Large

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Retro

Looking for eyewear with a classic style and a generous fit? Try Grit.

Slim temples slide on under your headwear

Big wrap supports the cranially well endowed

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Inside Australia – permanent sculpture exhibition: Lake Ballard – 51km West of Menzies WA Situated 130km North of Kalgoorlie, the region around the town of Menzies was better known for its early gold rush days. That was until 2002 when British artist Antony Gormley persuaded the citizens of Menzies to pose for naked digital body scans, which he then cast into 51 almost extra terrestrial steel sculptures. The sculptures were then spread evenly and eerily across the white salt plain of Lake Ballard – forever cast in time. Best viewed early morning or late afternoon, the sculptures of Lake Ballard offer a slightly different take on the normal ‘installation art’ and in one of the more remote parts of the country. For more information, head to www.lakeballard.com Because you’ve heroically chosen to download your copy of Unsealed 4X4, you can’t see what’s on this page. But trust us - it’s well worth looking at. To see it in all its glory go to unsealed4X4.com.au

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keeping you connected WATCH PRODUCT

IN ACTION

We have the products for your next adventure Whether you need to keep in contact with friends in the convoy, or simply communicate when you’re outside the vehicle exploring, there’s an ideal Uniden product to keep you connected. Even in the most remote locations without mobile reception.

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9/01/2015 4:28 pm

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Postman Pat for a day: Coober Pedy, SA It’s not quite in the same league as our most famous Outback postman (Tom Kruse and his trusty Leyland Badger, during the mail run from Marree to Birdsville in the mid 1900’s). However, you too can come close to experiencing the true harshness as well as some of the history of the early days of remote mail delivery and be Postman Pat for a day on ‘The Mail Run Tour’. A true Outback experience with a difference, the tours start from Coober Pedy and travel North to Oodnadatta, along the Oodnadatta Track and parts of the Old Ghan Railway before stopping for a drink at the iconic William Creek Hotel. You’ll also travel through the world’s longest man made structure – more commonly known as the Dingo Fence – as well as one of the world’s largest cattle stations – Anna Creek Station. It’s a 620km Outback trip with a difference. The mail run leaves every Tuesday and Thursday.

YOU’LL ALSO TRAVEL THROUGH THE WORLD’S LONGEST MAN MADE STRUCTURE – MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS THE DINGO FENCE – AS WELL AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST CATTLE STATIONS – ANNA CREEK STATION.

For bookings, head to desertdiversity.com/mail.htm

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Outback Opera or Rock and Blues Concert at Undara Lava Tubes: Mount Surprise, QLD

THE UNDARA EXPERIENCE TRANSFORMS INTO A MUSICAL

WONDERLAND WITH A TWIST

Set in Outback Queensland’s Gulf Savannah country, the Undara Lava Tubes offer an incredibly unique geological experience all on their own. But twice a year, the Undara experience transforms into a musical wonderland with a twist. Whether you’re into opera music or prefer more of a rock and blues theme, the music festivals at Undara have something to offer everyone in a purpose built amphitheatre adjacent to the Lava tubes themselves. You’ll be mesmerised by the stars on stage as well as those in the sky above as you sit amongst this truly unique landscape and enjoy local food and wine over two volcanic nights of music. Check it out at www.undara.com.au/events

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Walk to the summit of Mt Augustus: Mt Augustus National Park – 430km East of Carnarvon, WA

AT MORE THAN TWICE THE SIZE OF ULURU,

MOUNT AUGUSTUS

IS AN ABSOLUTE COLOSSUS AND ONE OF THE MOST IMPOSING INSELBERGS IN THE COUNTRY.

At more than twice the size of Uluru, Mount Augustus is an absolute colossus and one of the most imposing inselbergs in the country. At more than 700m above the surrounding plain and 1100m above sea level, the walk to the summit isn’t for the faint hearted – you’ll need to be fit and carry plenty of water! For something a little less strenuous, there’s multitude of easy access walks and trails around the nearly 50km base which offer a variety of difficulty levels. Ancient aboriginal petroglyphs and rock art abound throughout and offer a tiny window into the lives of the Wajarri people who once roamed the area. There’s also plenty of flora and fauna to be seen in some of the hidden gorges and water holes and, if you’re keen, a spectacular reward at the top with views that seem to go on forever above the desert plains below. For more information, check out parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/mt-augustus

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Tiptoe over Pink Lakes: Murray Sunset National Park, 50km South West of Mildura, VIC There’s no need to travel to central Australia and Lake Eyre to see spectacular salt crusted lakes. The pink tinged salt of Lake Hardy and Lake Crosby is just a stone’s throw (well, almost) from Melbourne. The lakes are best viewed in late Summer and early Autumn when the water has mostly evaporated, leaving a concentrated red carotene salt crust over the black mud beneath. Camp beside the lakes and use this as a base to explore the many 4X4 tracks throughout the area, including the sandy desert tracks of the southern section of the National Park or grab your canoe and head up to the Murray River overflows and Lindsay Island in

the northern section of the park. Either way, kick back, relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of Victoria’s remote and spectacular Outback Mallee country. Check out the Pink Lakes of Victoria at www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/ parks/murray-sunset-national-park By Tim Stanners

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OUTBACK GOURMET

A FEW OF JO CLEWS’

FAVOURITE THINGS

(AND HOW TO MAKE CAMP OVEN ROAST CHICKEN) I love finding new and interesting products and foods to use when I'm going away camping, and I especially enjoy finding shortcuts that are going to make my life easier so I can enjoy myself as much as anyone else when spending days on the road. Over the years I have noticed butchers have become a very creative bunch. As well as the usual steak, chops and mince, which are all still tasty and versatile, we are now seeing a wonderful range of boned, stuffed, rolled, marinated, spice rubbed and skewered meat products in butcher’s fridges.

people per roast, so they make it very handy for planning meals for the mob as well. Boned lamb roasts cook up a treat in the camp oven along with pork and beef. It's now even possible to get turkey and duck all year 'round if you want to try something really different. Not forgetting to mention whole shops dedicated to chicken products – who would have thought that from the Sunday roast less than my lifetime ago, chicken would be one of the most favoured sources of protein on many people’s dinner plates.

It is a veritable smorgasbord of choice that sees us being able to have an interesting and different meal every night of the week.

When cooking a roast in the camp oven I always use what have become known as sacrificial potatoes instead of a trivet.

My favourites are the boned roasts – the chicken ones are particularly good and on average feed about four

Cut two or three potatoes in half, place them cut side down in the camp oven, lay the roast on top of the potatoes, then season and oil as desired.

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See Jo cook roast chicken

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I LOVE MY HERBS AND SPICES

AND FOR AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER HAVE HAD A PARTICULAR FASCINATION FOR NATIVE AUSTRALIAN BUSH SPICES

JO CLEWS ENGELAUSTRALIA.COM.AU

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The rule of thumb when it comes to cooking a roast is approximately one hour per one kilogram of meat and a few extra minutes. Boneless roasts may take a little less time as the heat doesn’t need to penetrate and cook the bone. Place a little heat underneath the camp oven – either fire coals, heat beads or bagged charcoal – then most of the heat will be from a ring of coals around the outermost edge of the camp oven lid.

I love my herbs and spices and for as long as I can remember have had a particular fascination for native Australian bush spices. They are much easier to source these days as a lot of other people have discovered the delicious flavours they impart to everyday cooking. Bush tomatoes are my favourite and make a delicious sprinkle to put on a roast, rub on a steak or add to casseroles.

Bush tomatoes or Kutjura (AkatjurraAlyawarra language) have a sweet, Make sure you check your coals caramel, intense tomato flavour and regularly in case they need to be are delicious eaten whole (don't eat replaced with fresh coals to maintain a too many as they can have a laxative consistent heat. effect), or ground to a powder. I can almost guarantee the potatoes will not be sacrificed as they absorb all the beautiful meat juices and are often fought over as the best bit of the roast in my camp kitchen.

Kutjura are part of the Solanum family which include the domestic tomato and potato family. The most commonly grown one is Solanum Centrale – it is under propagation in Central Desert Communities in Water is always a precious resource the Northern Territory and South and even more so when you are relying Australia. on your own meagre storage capacity, so finding foods that need little or no Only purchase your Kutjura from a water to be reconstituted helps make commercially grown source, as there the valuable commodity go further. are many bush tomato varieties in Australia, but only about six of them I have found that Cous Cous makes are edible. Being able to recognise the a good substitute for rice, pasta or ones that can be eaten needs a fair potato in a lot of dishes and is as bit of knowledge that is not always useful cold for salads as it is hot for a possessed by the average Jo. side dish for dinner. I am sure we all have our favourite Shelf ready (no need for refrigeration) things, but it’s always interesting to Udon, Hokkien or Singapore noodles learn of other people's, as some day are awesome with any Asian style they may become our favourites as well. recipe that calls for rice and can be used straight from the packet and need no water at all. NON-INTERACTIVE VERSION | PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR INTERACTIVE MAGAZINE

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THE TEN B SURFING The best off-road surf spots in

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BEST 4 4 BEACHES this land of world class waves.

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Kangaroo Island

Affectionately called K.I by the locals, Kangaroo Island is home to superb waves, many of which are only accessible by 4X4 or a decent hike. You’ll need your wits about you as gigantic swells regularly pound the island. Chances are you will be surfing by yourself, except for the abundant seal population… and the great white sharks hunting them. There are waves right around the island, meaning that whatever the swell/wind combination there should be somewhere to surf that suits your taste. If you like the taste of blood, there are plenty of heavy waves around, with the remote southwest copping the most swell. Pack your testicles.

Many spots require permits, so do your research before you lock in low and head off on your adventure.

Double Island Point

On the northern tip of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast lies Double Island Point, a short $7 ferry ride across the Noosa River and a one hour cruise up the beach – or longer and less comfortably at high tide. Alternatively, take The Freshwater Track from Rainbow Beach Road. The southern side of the headland offers protection from the summer northeaster, classic beach breaks and a dangerous rip. Churn through the cutting to the northern side and Rainbow Bay is protected from a southerly wind and needs a big east or northeast swell to work. It can dish up some of Australia’s longest waves. Beware – many a fourbie has been lost to the sea on the Rainbow side.

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4X4 SURFIN

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15 hours from Perth

Gnaraloo

Fifteen hours from Perth, in remote northwestern Australia lies Gnaraloo Station, home to one of Australia’s best waves. Tombstones – as the name suggests – is a serious wave with a heavy barrelling takeoff, pitching over sharp coral and gurgling endlessly down the line. Low tide can be deadly. It’s not all death pits and hellmen though, when it’s two-to-four foot, there are plenty of fun, workable walls to be had. Basic camping is available at the nearby Three Mile Camp, and countless 4X4 trails (and waves) are waiting to be explored in the surrounding coastal desert and dunes.

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Seal Rocks

While Seal Rocks itself does not require a 4X4, like most things, the real jewels in the crown are found when you lock in the hubs. Whether you camp at Yagon, Mungo Brush or the more refined Treachery Camp, there are tracks snaking in and out of dunes and onto beaches that will take you to countless options – reef and beach breaks, mellow and heavy.

The real jewels in the crown are found when you lock in the hubs.

Whatever the combination of wind, swell and tide, you’ll be hard pressed not to find waves to your liking in these parts.

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NG BEACHES

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Stockton Beach

A couple of hours north of Sydney lies NSW’s longest beach, which is accessible by 4X4 and offers kilometres of potential waves. Hoovering up south swell, the north end of Stockton can really turn it on, although it is fickle and has a reputation for great white sharks. If the waves are poor, go dune surfing or drive down the beach until you find a better sandbank – although be sure you don’t get trapped by an incoming tide. There are two entrances onto the 31.8km beach, although tracks and camping have been restricted since the 2012 storms. Access is currently under review with, keep an eye on Unsealed 4X4 magazine as we bring you the most up to date news on Stockton access as it unfolds.

Fraser Island

Are you looking for a 4X4 mecca that sucks up any available swell and delivers it as warm water wonders reeling down pristine beaches dotted with scantily-clad Swedish backpackers? Say hello to Fraser Island. The only drawback is the waters are a breeding ground for sharks, with massive schools regularly spotted hunting the abundant fish population. Indian Head has excellent waves, as does Waddy Point and Champagne Pools when it’s smaller. Conveniently, these locations are also frequented by said Swedish backpackers.

IF YOU DO BRAVE THE WATERS YOU ARE LIKELY TO CATCH WAVES LEAVING YOU WITH A SMILE BIGGER THAN THE

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4X4 SURFIN

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Cactus Beach

Big waves, bigger sharks and a beautifully desolate landscape – that’s Point Sinclair on the lonely Eyre Peninsular, fringing the Nullabor. Waves abound here with the world famous Cactus Beach a key drawcard, while nearby Caves, Castles, Crushers and Supertubes ensure plenty of options. Open to the full force of regular Atlantic storms you’ll be unlucky not to score, although it can be windy. Autumn is the best time to go for the highest probability of offshore winds and solid swells. Ensure you have a reliable 4X4, plenty of gear, food and water along with a decent first aid kit. A Shark Shield wouldn’t go astray either.

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Trial Harbour

Do you like adrenalin? If so, tackle one of Tasmania’s heaviest waves accessed by one of its most notorious 4X4 routes. Climies Track begins (or ends) in Granville Harbour and hugs the west coast as it meanders south through serious 4X4 territory before popping you out at Trial Harbour where a thick, heavy and unforgiving wave is waiting to eat you. Huge waves travel from Antarctic storms and consistently erupt at this eerie lefthander which breaks over shallow reef, delivering either the barrel of your dreams, or your nightmares. You’ll need a northeasterly wind, a thick wetsuit and a wingman with gonads as large as yours.

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Saltwater

One hour south of Eden in Ben Boyd National Park lies one of the East Coast’s most idyllic camping spots, Saltwater Creek. It is also home to a seriously good right hand point break. Protected from a southerly wind, and needing a solid swell to come to life, Saltwater can break for up to 300m with long walls and barrel sections. When it’s not breaking, there is fantastic fishing and coastal walks from this intimate campsite that books out early during holidays. You’re unlikely to need 4X4 in the national park (except after heavy rain) as the dirt roads are well maintained, however there are plenty of trails to play on in adjoining state forests.

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Three Bears

Found about an hour’s drive north of Margaret River in WA, Three Bears is only accessible via some pretty serious off-road antics. Papa, Mama and Baby Bear are three waves, all in close proximity and breaking with various levels of intensity corresponding to their names. Nearly everyone has a fourbie in these parts and it can be crowded when it’s on – especially weekends. If it’s packed, jump in your car and go exploring, there is plenty of excellent coastal four-wheel driving and many a pro surf video has been filmed in the waves around here and Margaret River.

Which is your favourite? Kangaroo, Double Island, Gnaraloo, Seal Rocks, Stockton, Cactus or Trial Harbour?

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THE EDITOR

CHANGING O I’ve been in this here Editor’s chair for a while here at Unsealed 4X4, and I’ve loved every minute of it. This mag is still Australia’s most read 4X4 publication MATT SCOTT and we’ve been proudly dedicated to delivering top quality, no bullsh*t articles since day one, and y’know what? We’re only getting bigger and better as time goes on. But it comes with a slight negative (if you can call it that). Y’see, I’ve been so busy testing products, driving any number of 4X4s to any number of beaut destinations, editing the mag and building up Snoopy the Troopy that I’ve barely had time to do any big trips on my own in my own rig. And that’s exactly what I’m planning on doing. Yep, the time has come to hand the reins over to someone else while I hit the road for a few months and tackle the big lap. Snoopy is raring to go and so am I! The next few months will see us tackling the best this country has to offer, and we’ll be ranging all over the

Cape and the Top End – of course you’ll be reading all about it here in the mag. It just means I won’t be able to wear the Editor’s cap while I’m out enjoying the bush. So that’s why I’m handing things over to Dex Fulton. This guy will already be familiar to a lot of our readers as he’s been in the 4X4 media game for a while now, and he definitely knows his fourwheel driving having owned at least one highly modified example of each of the big five brands over his wheeling career. Plus he’s currently building a pretty special Toyota which I’ll let him tell you about in detail, but I’ll just say the words “stretched 80 Series chassis, HJ47 cab, homebrew-turbo 1HZ and fully engineered on 35s” and you’ll get an idea of how much this guy loves his plasma torch and MIG welder. As for me, I’ll still be around. I’ll still be contributing articles from both here and in the States, giving my opinion on what’s good gear and what you should steer clear of, and generally pulling no punches – hey, it’s what I do. Oh, and if you see me out on the tracks make sure you come up and say hi!

Matt.

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R’S COLUMN

OF THE GUARD

DEX INTRODUCING DEX FULTON.

THIS GUY WILL ALREADY BE FAMILIAR TO A LOT OF OUR READERS AS HE’S BEEN IN THE 4X4 MEDIA GAME FOR A WHILE NOW

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10 WOR

OF ALL

Ian Glover has been around the 4X4 industry have been alive. On that merit, we decided worst four-wheel drives of all time – even

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RST 4 4s

L TIME

longer than some of the people reading this to let him loose and get his opinion on the if we disagree with him on some of them.

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› DAIHATSU FEROZA

› CHEVY BLAZER

The word that springs to mind when driving a Blazer was “nervous”. With a width over two metres, it took up an entire lane from white line to white line – piloting one in traffic was like ferrying a barge through a series of locks in flood. It didn’t get any better in the rough. This was not a vehicle you’d take along tight bush tracks unless you didn’t like the colour and knew a spray painter who’d give you mate’s rates. Foot-operated park brake, steering wheel that looked like it had been lifted from a ’57 Cusso, bench seat so long you needed a telephone to talk to the passenger – sheer Americana in the worst sense of the word. But the real reason I didn’t like the Blazer was that it was so damn big it made me look like a 13 year old who’d stolen it.

‘Mild and Wild’ was the advertising slogan for Feroza when it appeared. If you say it in Jinglish, it’s ‘Mired and Wired’, or should that be ‘Mired and Weird’? This was either a 4X4 with pretensions to being a car or vice-versa. As was the rage then, it had three-stage shock absorbers – Soft, Medium and Hard (they didn’t even have the nous to call the last setting ‘Sport’). It’s academic anyway, because changing the settings made absolutely no difference to ride quality at all – obviously it was just something to play with in Tokyo gridlocks (mobile phones weren’t invented then.) The Japanese rarely made mistakes in the old days, but this was one of them.

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› FORD BRONCO

Another one of those American monsters that was so big you could rent space in it for a couple of families to set up house and still have enough room to sleep in it yourself. “Yee-hah Billy Lee, gimme m’goddamn Smith & Wesson – I feel like shootin’ sump’n.” While the Bronco may have been fine barrelling along the interstate blasting groundhogs into vaporised fur, it didn’t cut the mustard on steep firetrails. No air rushing past the brakes to cool them, see. They heated up and pulled the damn wheel cylinder halfway into the axle housing. Had to urinate on the wheel all the time to cool things down while I was getting it out to an abandonfor-tow point. “Hello, Ford? I need to give you some map coordinates. You’ll need a 4X4 flatbed…”

› HOLDEN JACKAROO

“It’s just like a mini Range Rover,” said the Holden PR. I needed about five minutes in the first generation Jackaroo to realise that about the only thing they had in common was ‘a’, ‘r’ and ‘o’ in the names. All this plastic! Where was the burred walnut? Unforgiving suspension, lack of power and torque… Later iteration Jackaroos improved greatly, being the best bar none to punt along loose dirt roads, steering on the throttle, wonderfully controllable, like a rally car, but the original was about as much fun as a Celine Dion concert, and bore about as much resemblance to the then on-road/off-road king as, well, a Holden Jackaroo.

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› HONDA CR-V

I first drove a CR-V in New Zealand’s South Island, the only place in the world that never emerged from the last great Ice Age. Gawd, it was cold, and the mountain roads treacherously slippery with snow and ice, as you’d expect when the temperature soared to three degrees in the middle of the day. The Honda worked magnificently, keeping us on course at all times. Good heating system too, so that I could sit in the cabin, warm and dry while the photographer stumbled and slithered about outside, flirting with death by hypothermia. This was an impressive vehicle – hardly a proper 4X4, but for the SUV market, practically perfect. On return to Sydney, I took one to the beach. No way I could make any progress; the front wheels bogging down before the 4X4 system could sense that it was needed. What? No beetling off to favourite surfing spots, no picking oysters off the rocks, no beach camping? I felt as you do when a love affair goes sour and it’s not your fault. A plague on your house, CR-V!

› JEEP CHEROKEE

The current Cherokee is a magnificent package, but back in the early ‘80s, it was a different story. The steering was horribly light and overly reactive to inputs, the fuses kept blowing, necessitating silver paper substitutes from the ciggie packet of whoever happened to be a smoker at the time, and on dirt roads, the Cherokee obviously preferred to reverse, because at the first hint of slip, the back would snap out so you were facing 90° to the intended direction of travel, staring pop-eyed into the oncoming shrubbery. They also leaked fluids from the engine, transmission and transfer case… and you thought that was purely a Land Rover problem!

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