UNSEALED 4X4 ISSUE 014

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BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO

THE KIMBERLEY

RECOVERY TIPS

(THAT MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE)

PREPARING YOUR RIG

POP-TOP

FOR THE BIG TRIPS

CUSTOM

DEFENDER

EMISSIONS LAWS

BINNS TRACK AND YOUR 4X4

THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE

12V FRIDGES

TO

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CONTENTS ALMOST VINTAGE:

BEST TRUCKS OF THE

’80s I LIKE THEIR OLD TRUCKS BETTER THAN THEIR NEW TRUCKS…

Could it be the Toyota Tercel? Well, no... they were rubbish

TRACK REPORTS

UNSEALED 4X4 INDUSTRY NEWS

INDUSTRY NEWS BURSON GROUP NOW OWNS 55 OPPOSITE LOCK STORES

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CONTENTS PAT’S

BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO THE

KIMBERLEY

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CONTENTS PREPARE YOUR 4X4 FOR THE BIG TRIPS

WE SHOW YOU HOW TO AVOID BRINGING A KNIFE TO A GUNFIGHT WHEN TRAVELLING REMOTELY

LOCKERS

RULE!

DIFF LOCKS EXPLAINED, AND THE REASONS WHY MORE FOUR-WHEEL DRIVES SHOULD HAVE THEM FITTED

THE ESSENTIAL

GUIDE

FRIDGE/FREEZERS

TO

UNSEALED 4X4 GETS THE LOW-DOWN ON THE COOLEST FRIDGE FREEZERS (GEDDIT?) ON THE MARKET

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CONTENTS AUSTRALIA’S BEST

DEFENDER? THAT

NUMBERPLATE WHAT DOES THIS LAND ROVER DEFENDER HAVE IN COMMON WITH VICTORIA BECKHAM? Well, they both regularly flip their lid and just can’t help being posh.

4X4 BOX OFFICE

THE RIDES OF UNSEALED 4X4

4X4 ADVENTURE CINEMA

OUTBACK CHALLENGE SPECIAL EDITON Well, the cat is out of the bag – Unsealed 4X4 is officially a key sponsor of this year’s Outback Challenge event. To celebrate this huge occasion, our staff have assembled the best moments of the

OBC, all captured on video. If these clips don’t inspire you to head into the desert and witness the spectacle that is the toughest off-road event in the country, perhaps it’s time to check you’re still breathing!

LAWRIE STERNBECK AND HIS V8 POWERED ’LUX… TURN THE SPEAKERS UP FOR THIS ONE!

A ZOOK WITH A GOD WINCH VERSUS AN 80 SERIES… WHICH WILL WIN IN THE OUTBACK?

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2014 OUTBACK CHALLENGE 2015 PROMO TO GET YOUR BLOOD PUMPING. WILL YOU BE AT THIS YEAR’S EVENT?

WILL YOU BE AT THIS YEAR’S EVENT?

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CONTENTS HOW TO SAFELY RECOVER YOUR FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE FIVE KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER EVERY TRIP YOU GO ON

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ADVERTISER INDEX ADVERTISER DIRECTORY

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I Am the new Amarok Core 4x4.

I Am the biggest tray in class

I Am rear diff lock

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.

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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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Discover 5 reasons to stop with Tow-Pro.

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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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UNSEALED 4X4 I

INDUSTR

BURSON GROU 55 OPPOSITE

From the end of July, Burson Group will become the owner of 55 Opposite Lock four-wheel drive stores across Australia. This will add the backing of a huge company behind the off-road aftermarket accessory supplier, with the aim of promoting their products to a mainstream level. The reason for this decision comes as no surprise; the four-wheel drive sector has grown substantially over the last few years.

In fact it is the fastest growing sector in the automotive industry, so there is obvious merit in the decision.

In an exciting twist, there are plans to further expand the Opposite Lock brand, with the possibility of more outlets, and distributing Opposite Lock products through other automotive retail outlets owned by the Burson Group.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

RY NEWS

UP NOW OWNS LOCK STORES

To highlight just how much financial power the Burson Group has behind them, they are in the process of purchasing Metcash’s automotive operation for an estimated $275 million. This gives the Burson Group ownership of automotive business such as Autobarn, Autopro, ABS, and Midas Mufflers. The acquisition of Opposite Lock was a mere drop in the ocean, coming in at a claimed $12 million.

Stay tuned for more updates, as we are sure this will be big news for the four-wheel drive community, as well as newcomers to the off-road scene.

FOR MORE INFORMATION and up-to-date news checkout https://oppositelock.com.au

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ROAD AND TRACK REPORT 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

ROAD AND TR

WHAT’S H IN YOUR NECK towards the southern end of Bollards Lagoon is closed permanently. One thing worth mentioning is the amount of rubbish we are seeing left behind – people don’t seem to have the respect for the land they did years ago. It’s simple guys, if you can bring it in you can take it out”. We couldn’t agree more, Fenn!

BIRDSVILLE ROADHOUSE: PETER BARNES CAMERON CORNER STORE: FENN MILLER

“The roads are pretty good out here with just a few corrugations between us and Tibooburra to watch out for, especially if you’re towing. Walkers Track is opened after drying up a bit, as is the Old Strzelecki Track, but there are still plenty of puddles around which can be avoided. Bore Track

“The Birdsville Inside Track is still closed due to flooding, and it’s not just closed to cars… it’s closed to all vehicles! Birdsville Track on the SA border to Mungerannie is opened, but there are warnings in place with some sections being flagged for wheel ruts. Detours are in place between Mungerannie and Kalamurina, with the road only open to four-wheel drives and heavy vehicles. Good news on the

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RACK REPORT

HAPPENING K OF THE WOODS? Strzelecki Track – it’s open and flowing smoothly… just drive to the conditions and you should be sweet”.

ARCHER RIVER ROADHOUSE: BRAD ALLAN

“We have heard reports that Lakefield Road from Ranger Station North is open only to four-wheel drives and it is encouraged to drive to the conditions. The same goes for Fairview, Maytown and Palmerville Road. There has been plenty of visitors up this year – we are expecting over 20,000 by the end of the season – so the tracks and corrugations are getting pretty severe. Allow enough time to get through, as some tracks look more like a Sydney main street in peak hour”.

NORTHERN TERRITORY:

The road is closed between Wickham four-wheel drive track and Buntine Highway intersection. Broadarrow four-wheel drive track is also closed between Wickham track and the Buntine Highway intersection, with all park facilities also remaining closed.

Flooding has caused closures on Kurundi Road between Canteen Creek turn-off and Murray Downs, Elkedra Road Intersection. Dorisvale Road between the Daly River Causeway and Wombungi Station is also closed due to flooding in the area. Barkly Stock Route is opened only to fourwheel drives with high clearance due to changing surface conditions. This affects roads between the Stuart Highway Intersection, and Tablelands Highway Intersection.

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CUB EVENTS

Awesome...

Cub camper trailers are

…especially when 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:

François Peron National Park is closed due to heavy and ongoing rainfall in the area. Avon Valley National Park is closed until further notice – the Avon Descent White Water Race is running currently and the Department of Parks and Wildlife apologises for any inconvenience. Four-wheel drive access to Fitzgerald River National Park, especially Hamersley Beach/Dune Track is open to four-wheel drives with high clearance but reducing the tyre pressures is mandatory when driving on the sand. Moir Track is closed due to wet soil conditions, as is Pitchie Ritchie and Quoin Head, even to high-clearance four-wheel drives.

NEW SOUTH WALES:

SNOW, SNOW, SNOW! There has been plenty of snow falling in the Blue Mountains region, with more forecast. Roads between Katoomba, Lithgow and Bathurst have been affected. Unsealed roads in the Coonamble Shire are closed due to flooding and caution is advised for those passing through the area, with similar conditions being experienced nearby in the Bogan Shire. Mutawintji Road between Mutawintji National Park and White Cliffs is closed due to flooding, with several roads also affected by flooding in the Condobolin area.

› 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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A

EMIS

STAND

KILL

YOUR DI

MODERN DIESEL ENGI BUT WILL THEIR RE CONTROLLED SY LAST IN TH

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ARE

SSION

NDARDS

LING

IESEL 4X4?

INES GO LIKE A CUT CUT SNAKE, SNAKE, ELIANCE ON COMPUTER COMPUTER YSTEMS MEAN THEY’LL THEY’LL HE REAL WORLD? WORLD?

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4 x4

SUV

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Tighter laws controlling the emission standards for light vehicles were announced in Australia in 2011 and introduced in 2013. While this is a great thing for penguins, and those suspicious members of society who claim to be all about the environment (yet happily drive the band-aid solution on wheels that are hybrid cars – clever marketing, not any better for the environment), is it a good thing for four-wheel drives and Australian four-wheel drivers?

Ultimately, yes it is. It is about time we all took responsibility for our actions. If these strict standards

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result in less noxious gasses being produced by motorists, I would have to be a sociopath to say otherwise.

The problem comes down to the fact that these mechanical fixes are killing modern diesel engines according to many in the know.

Here are some facts on what goes wrong, what works well, and why it isn’t a good idea to think you know better than a new vehicle engineer (disregarding the person who designed the Daihatsu Terios – that engineer made some poor life choices).

IT IS ABOUT TIME WE ALL TOOK RESPONSIBILITY FOR OUR ACTIONS

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WHAT ARE VEHICLE EMISSIONS?

According to the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure there are two types of damaging emissions that are produced by vehicles.

The first being Air-Toxic Emissions that are detrimental to personal health.

Secondly, we have Greenhouse Gas Emissions, which are said to be a major contributor to climate change.

negative impact being to those with respiratory or cardiopulmonary health issues. Areas with high levels of vehicle traffic and poor ventilation are naturally more susceptible to particulates.

GASES: Not a big surprise here, but vehicles are one of the largest contributors of air pollutants with a claimed figure of up to 80 per cent of carbon monoxide, 60 per cent of the GREENHOUSE GASES: Greenhouse oxides of nitrogen and up to 40 per cent gases as a result of vehicle emissions of hydrocarbons. are comprised of mainly carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.

PARTICULATES: Internal combustion As fuel is consumed, greenhouse propelled vehicles (i.e. any petrol gases are produced, so it is fair to or diesel powered vehicle) produce microscopic particles that unfortunately say vehicles that have high fuel can be inhaled. These ultrafine particles consumption are worse for the environment than frugal vehicles. are damaging to health, with the most

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WHAT IS EURO FIVE?

Euro Five emissions standards initially kicked off in November 2013, known as ‘Core Euro Five Emissions Standards’. Even stricter emission standards are due to be phased in from November 1 2016. This relates to all new cars, four-wheel drives, and light commercial vehicles being sold in Australia from that date.

Now, what this boils down to is the maximum level of pollutants and particulate pollutants that cars and light commercial vehicles are allowed to produce: • Carbon Monoxide: 500mg/km • Particulates: 5mg/km (an 80 per cent reduction in emissions compared to Euro 4 standards) • Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): 180mg/ km (a 20 per cent reduction in emissions compared to Euro 4 standards) • Combined Hydrocarbon and Nitrogen Oxide Emissions: 230 mg/km

EURO SIX… THE REALITY

Even stricter emissions standards for new vehicles are planned to take affect for new models released from the 1st of July 2017, and for any existing models after the 1st of July 2018. Once these changes take effect, it is expected emissions from modern vehicles are expected to be reduced by up to 50 per cent, particulate matter by up to 90 per cent and Nitrogen Oxides by up to 70 per cent. These are not unsubstantial changes, so how are vehicle engineers expected to turn burnt dino-oil into results?

THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF DAMAGING EMISSIONS WHICH ARE PRODUCED

BY DIESEL VEHICLES

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PLAY VIDEO

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DIESEL ENGINE EMISSION CONTROLS CLOSED CRANKCASE VENTILATION SYSTEMS (CCV): These channel gases (caused by blow-by) back into the engine’s combustion chamber where they are mixed with fresh oxygen and fuel. These gases are then reignited and burnt, reducing atmospheric emissions.

DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF): A device that filters diesel particulate matter and soot from the exhaust system. All modern diesel vehicles will be fitted with a DPF. These systems have come under fire from many diesel experts, as if the vehicle is not driven for long distances and at speed (too much stop-start driving in town for example), the filter can clog and need replacing.

DIESEL OXIDATION CATALYST (DOC): Similar to a petrol engine’s catalytic converter (honeycomb shaped internal construction), a diesel oxidation

catalyst is a device which breaks down pollutants produced by a diesel engine, triggering a chemical reaction that reduces gaseous emissions by up to 50 per cent.

EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR): Exhaust gas recirculation valves redirect small amounts of spent exhaust gas back through the engine’s combustion process to be re-burnt. This reduces the amount of noxious emissions, but the system isn’t without its flaws.

SELECTIVE CATALYTIC REDUCTION (SCR): An emission control system that injects a liquid agent, known as AdBlue or Diesel Exhaust Fluid here in Australia, through a unique catalyst in the exhaust system. The Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) sets off a chemical reaction, which converts nitrogen oxides into nitrogen, water and small amounts of carbon dioxide.

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Deep Cycle Batteries

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WHAT THE EXPERTS THINK This is a touchy subject, as from an engineering point of view modern emission controls such as EGR valves are quite clever. Talk to any mechanic however, and they will have reports of excessive carbon build-up on vital engine components. Many a modern diesel owner will be aware of the issue with carbon building up in the inlet manifold to the point where engine lights come on after periods of engine surging.

So at the end of the day, yes – EGR valves are responsible for killing engines... well, wounding them when carbon build-ups cause them to stick and gunk up. BUT (and it’s a big one), there is no reason why preventative maintenance can’t solve this issue without resorting to illegal modifications such as removing and blanking off the EGR valve. By having your inlet manifold and EGR professionally cleaned, you will go a long way towards

preventing internal engine damage. This is done the old-fashioned way, using carburettor cleaner and a wire brush to remove carbon build-up.

Diesel particulate filters also require long driving cycles to introduce regeneration processes as mentioned.

So for those who do lots of stop-start driving, you could be up for the cost of a new DPF before too long. In some cases the DPF can be cleaned out, however for the most part they are a throwaway, non-serviceable, expensive item to replace.

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ELEVEN TIPS

FOR MODERN ENGINE LONGEVITY 1

Use the correct quality, oil type and viscosity

7

Never run out of diesel; this causes air to enter the injection system

2

Don’t idle a diesel engine for extended periods, they like to be under load

8

Change glow plugs before they fail; they can literally fall to pieces!

9

With low-micron fuel filters being needed for common-rail injection systems to run effectively, regularly swapping your filter out is more important than ever

3

Only use trusted fuel. Contaminated diesel can do major damage to the injection system

4

Have the injectors cleaned as per your manufacturer’s maintenance schedule 10 With diesel engines being able to rev higher than ever, regular oil and filter Regular (once every year or two) changes are still one of the keys to a dyno tuning is the best way to happy and healthy oil-burner ensure smooth operation and 11 Preventative maintenance is the engine longevity key to longevity – fix things before Check air filters regularly, as blocked they break filters can blow turbo seals and cause poor running

5

6

GOT ANY MODERN ENGINE LONGEVITY TIPS TO SHARE?

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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THOSE SCARY EGR VALVES CAN BE CLEANED; IT’S CALLED PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE PEOPLE!

PUB COMEBACK TO PEOPLE WHO KNOCK YOUR MODERN TRUCK: Computers scare you

GET WITH THE TIMES MAN

– JUMP IN SOMETHING NEW-AGE! We all play a part in reducing our carbon footprint

Change scares you

New diesels can actually drive up hills at the speed limit

You like lying on your back skinning knuckles and being greasy don’t you?

Those scary EGR Valves can be cleaned; it’s called preventative maintenance people!

You care not for penguins

I bet your old truck has some rust now, doesn’t it!

You think a particulate filter is what cooks your chips

Your family wont be embarrassed to drive with you anymore

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FIT MY

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4X4

FIT MY FIT MY

4X44X4

ONLINE QUOTE

FIT MY

4X4

AN IRONM &

NEWS EVENTS

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TAMING THE SIM camping

Family Owned Australian Company Since 1958

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suspension

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winches bull bars

Ironman 4X4,

MPSON DESERT fridges

rear bars rooftop tents

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ALMOST V

BEST TR OF TH

I LIKE THEIR OLD TRUCKS BETTE

I really don’t have a soft spot for new vehicles. There… I said it. Sure, modern trucks are reliable, safe and capable of performing the task at hand, but so are hand-knitt ed socks and I don’t really like those either (sorry Mum).

When you take away the rust holes, the slow engines and the rough riding suspension fitted to trucks made in the ’80s, you take away that fun factor that got us hooked on four-wheel driving in the first place. Trucks of the ’80s are simple fun with a capital F! So if you are like me, and would prefer to be bouncing – rather than gliding – down a track, a four-wheel drive made in the 1980s could make plenty

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VINTAGE:

RUCKS HE ’80s

ER THAN THEIR NEW TRUCKS…

of sense. That and you might be broke like me, and let’s be honest there are some absolute bargains out there if you are prepared to put in some elbow grease. Besides, most will still have the luxuries we all demand such as power steering, air-conditioning and armchairlike seating. Make no mistake about it though; they are still very much trucklike. Just not as truck-like as say a G60 Patrol, Series Land Rover or early 40 Series ‘Cruiser, with the only comfort item being an ashtray and windscreen wipers that might even still work! These were the best four-wheel drives (in no particular order) available in the ’80s, and the ones you should consider buying for an almost vintage project.

Could it be the Toyota Tercel? Well, no... they were rubbish

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=

CONTAMINATED FUEL

COSTLY REPAIRS

S

n o i t olu

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

See the evidence

Fuel Filter Bracket Kits

by Diesel Care

™

WHATS included?

NED BRACKET SIG S DE

There are 2 types available, what’s the difference?

IA

•

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KALILETD L A EQU IDGNIEN VER R O TOHFTEEN COPIE R

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Will it suit my vehicle?

See what our customers are saying

Premium protection for your diesel engine

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PURCHASE ONLINE

>> www.diesel care.com.au

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RANGE ROVER CLASSIC

The original Range Rover stormed the Australian market in 1972, and by 1986 four-door models with automatic transmissions and electronic fuel injection were available, making them rather ahead of their time. Australians loved the Range Rover Classic too, with sales here overtaking mother England by 1985. There are no surprises here; you have a comfortable four-wheel drive that is also extremely capable, fitted with a throaty V8 engine, flexy coil springs on all four corners and disc brakes all ’round, too. This is the stuff

dreams were made from on paper, however much like communism, some things work better in theory than in practice. Now, we’d like to try and avoid the line every other publication seems to follow and say the early Range Rovers were unreliable, and that if you bought one made on a Monday or a Friday that you would have troubles. But really, they are… and you will! They do make a tremendous platform for a project vehicle though, or a cheap toy if you are mechanically minded and have stocks in big oil…

THEY DO MAKE A TREMENDOUS PLATFORM FOR A PROJECT VEHICLE IF YOU ARE MECHANICALLY MINDED AND HAVE STOCKS IN BIG OIL…

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Daylight on Demand.

Now available in two sizes, the ARB Intensity LED light range provides increased mounting flexibility, while continuing to deliver outstanding performance in all conditions.

Highlights • • • •

AR32 – 32 LEDs with 50,000+ hour lifespan AR21 – 21 LEDs with 50,000+ hour lifespan Vibration tested to military specifications Virtually indestructible polycarbonate lens and cover • Dust and waterproof to IP68 rating

• • • • •

Submersible to 3m Over and under voltage protection Integrated thermal management Engineered in Australia by ARB Built in the USA

SEE ARB INTENSITY LED LIGHTS IN ACTION

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TOYOTA HILUX

A WELL-SORTED

LIVE-AXLE

HILUX AT FULL FLEX IS A

THING OF BEAUTY; THOSE FRONT ENDS SURE LIKE TO BOOGIE

Ah, the mighty unbreakable HiLux… Still to this day it is one of the most popular vehicles sold on the new car market. Not just the four-wheel drive market, but the entire new car market locally and overseas. They just plain work at the end of the day, and sure they were slow and had little problems like rust or the weak(ish) diff centres if abused. And if you like rock-crawling you will have busted a few tailshafts or CV joints by now, but they have a habit of being able to always get you home no matter what. And for that, we have to say bless the old Luxy. The ’80s saw the introduction of the 4Y petrol engine, which later paved the way for the legendary 22R 2.4 petrol motor, as well as the 2L 2.4 diesel motor that later advanced into the 2LTE turbodiesel motor found in import Toyota Surfs. The real benefit of the HiLux though, was the mass amount of ground clearance built in from the factory as well as the shear magnitude of modifications you can perform with nothing more than a spanner and can of WD40. Oh, a well-sorted live-axle HiLux at full flex is a thing of beauty; those front ends sure like to boogie with the right mods!

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SUZUKI SIERRA

Hands up who started their off-road career in a Suzuki Sierra? Yep, me too. It was an LJ50 that my great uncle used to bounce up near vertical mountains or float over muddy quagmires with us kids in the back, smiling from ear to ear. And that is what Zooks are all about – the fun factor. They literally are like a motorbike with four wheels and are about as easy to work on and cheap to run as a postie bike, too. Look for a post 1988 model, and you even get the benefit of wide-track axles, which increased stability and raised the gearing for lower revs on-road. Hard-top, soft-top, LWB, SWB and ute variants were all available too, so there is a Sierra to suit any purpose. Well, unless that purpose is transporting large, valuable and fragile items. In that case you would be better off using just about anything else, because Zooks ride rough. They are also as slow as a wet week, and about as refined as a meth addict during detox. But if you can live with that, you will find yourself supported by a fraternity of fellow likeminded Zookers, and once you’re in, you won’t ever want to leave.

Two mates and a Suzuki vs Cape York.

Will they make it?

(Language Warning!)

PLAY VIDEO

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TOYOTA LANDCRUISER 60 SERIES NOTABLE MENTION

THE

PAJERO

Just like the timeless mullet, the Pajero is all business up front and party at the back thanks to its independent front suspension and live rear axle. The comfy IFS allows for a nice ride and decent handling for a vehicle of its age, and the solid rear axle does its best to put power down to the ground.

The Pajero was also one of the first fourwheel drives offered in Australia with a turbo-diesel engine, and finally provided a comfortable, Japanbuilt off-road vehicle to the masses… no offence Rangie fans.

Leaf springs... comfortable? No way. Actually, yes way! The 60 Series proved it. The 60 and later 62 Series took the best bits of the legendary 40 Series and made them even better, kind of like taking a gold bar and wrapping it in money. “They had issues though”, I hear the wise-arse in the pub corner mutter, and he is right… not that I’m at the pub.

Any-who, it’s rust and they just love the stuff. If you manage to find a rust free example, it just means the previous owner has had it cut out, so be sure to bring a magnet along on your inspection and run it over the roof gutters, turrets and rear wheel arches in particular. Other than that, they have a tough-asnails driveline, the option of petrol or diesel engines, manual or automatic gearboxes and even the venerable 12HT factory turbo-diesel in the last years of production. This engine is as rare as a rust free 60 Series. Find the two combined, then do whatever it takes to make it yours! But be aware that the 60 Series was only available as a four-door wagon, so if you are chasing a different variant such as a ute or SWB, perhaps the 60 isn’t for you. Or perhaps you should take a look at your life choices as the 60 Series rates very highly as one of the all time greats!

PLAY VIDEO Who needs a boat, when you have a 60 Series, some PVC pipe and an angle grinder

IF YOU MANAGE TO FIND A RUST FREE EXAMPLE…

BUY IT!

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NISSAN PATROL MK

(Whoa, calm down GQ owners… hear us out)

Anybody who has ever twisted a set of auto-locking hubs will appreciate that the GQ Patrol was a bloody great four-wheel drive, which was sold in Australia from 1988. They are solid, reliable and very capable off-road, but the MK Patrol (the last of the M series Patrols) in many ways did things better. Firstly, there was a choice of L28 petrol engine (which has race heritage) or the SD33 3.3L six-cylinder diesel and then finally the magic SD33T turbocharged engine. Also the SWB version had a removable rear roof that was perfect for warm summer days or even those who enjoy a spot of hunting. It also paved the way for the GQ in terms of design (they actually share a few of the same panels), so have some respect for your elders you lot!

These days, it seems the MQ and MK Patrols have been forgotten, which is a shame as they can be picked up for the price of a hot meal. The SD33T would have to be one of the best production factory turbodiesel engines ever made, something it took Nissan many years to better with the TD42T found in the GU Patrol. We won’t mention the RD28T found in the GQ and later GU though, as these had a habit of cracking heads at around 200,000km. Long live the MK!

Check out Evan Spence wheeling his old MK Patrol when he was a young fella still on his P-plates!

THE SD33T IN THE MK PATROL WOULD HAVE TO BE ONE OF THE BEST PRODUCTION FACTORY TURBODIESEL ENGINES

EVER MADE

Words By Evan Spence

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LOCKERS

RULE!

DIFF LOCKS EXPLAINED, AND THE REASONS WHY MORE FOUR-WHEEL DRIVES SHOULD HAVE THEM FITTED

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www.clearviewaccessories.com.au

FIND OUT MORE

VIDEOS

FRIDGE SIZING GUIDE • Patented Aussie design lowers fridge up to 290mm • Monster 1500N gas struts to neutralise fridge weight • Safety locking mechanism • Heavy duty slides with right hand lock • Additional travel lock holds fridge securely • 180Kg capacity, 37Kg nett weight • Crash tested and ADR compliant • 36 month warranty on moving parts

Now available Click here to purchase

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›TEN REASONS YOU NEED LOCKERS

1 2 3

Enhanced off-road traction (well… duh)

There is some confusion out there among the four-wheel drive community. It seems some feel that having diff locks fitted to a vehicle is overkill, yet having a big lift kit and a catalogue worth of weighty accessories is money better spent.

If you genuinely feel that way, ask yourself: why do most new fourwheel drives come with (or have the option of) at least one diff lock from the factory? Yet how many new vehicle manufacturers offer a lift kit as part of their factory optional accessories? Not many!

It is quite simple when you break it all down – traction is king off-road.

Setting up a four-wheel drive in my opinion takes a three-pronged approach. You need clearance, which comes from fitting slightly taller suspension. You need better tyres for puncture resistance and off-road grip (a taller size will provide more diff and ground clearance too), and (at least) one cross-axle differential lock to provide you with a minimum of 3WD when required. In fact, it is amazing where you can take a stock four-wheel drive these days thanks to having just one locker.

Stronger than factory components (like the differential carrier)

The ability to continue driving in an emergency situation with a broken axle or CV joint (with the offending part removed)

4 5 6 7 8 9

Unmatched off-road control with the ability to drive obstacles slower

Minimised track damage thanks to reduced wheel spin

Less chance of breaking driveline components

Lifting a wheel no longer translates to “get the winch out” Increase in vehicle resale value

Pneumatic lockers require compressors that in some cases will inflate tyres too

10

Air lockers make that cool ‘PSSSSHHTTT’ noise… You know what I mean!

›

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Priced from just $500, you'd be mad not to tick the factory locker box

› FACTORY DIFF LOCKS

Some four-wheel drives are offered with the option of installing factory diff locks.

Think Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, Mitsubishi Pajero, Toyota LandCruiser… there are plenty. In fact, a rear diff lock was only a $500 option on Mitsubishi Tritons… you would be mad not to tick that box!

It must be mentioned though, that factory lockers if not standard inclusion can cost more then aftermarket units, so always do your sums before signing on the dotted line. Also, tracking down replacement components for factory diff locks could prove tricky in remote settings, whereas aftermarket suppliers will have the parts on the shelf ready to send out (well, in theory).

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be installed front or rear in a part time four-wheel drive. Many choose to install them in the front differential, as with the hubs unlocked (in the ‘free’ position) the locker has no affect whatsoever.

Put the vehicle into 4WD with the hubs locked though, and you will experience a want for the vehicle to keep travelling straight, no matter how you’ve got the steering wheel turned.

› LUNCHBOX AUTO LOCKERS The cheapest form of traction enhancement is known as a lunchbox, drop in or simply an auto locker. These units are designed to sit inside the factory differential carrier, replacing the stock spider gears and in some cases the side gears and cross-shafts. There are no compressors or external lines required, operation is automatic and completely mechanical.

These lockers are actually un-lockers, as in a straight line with power applied they offer drive to both wheels, but will un-lock when different torque loads are detected, such as with no power being dialled in while going around a corner.

And this is how you need to use them… power on – locker is engaged, lift off the accelerator for a corner and the device will un-lock.

They can be quite agricultural in operation though, with many users reporting clunking and banging noises similar to a pistol shot when driving on high traction surfaces. Keep in mind, fitting any auto locking differential to the front differential of a full-time 4X4 will make it drive worse than a poorlymaintained steam roller, but they can

For sheer simplicity and cost effectiveness, lunchbox lockers are a great entry-level option for those who are prepared to alter driving styles and live with their quirks.

EXAMPLES: 4WD Systems Lokka, Powertrax Lock-Right, Yukon Spartan, Detroit EZ Locker, Aussie Locker PERFECT FOR: Those on a budget, or in the front differential of a parttime four-wheel drive for weekend warrior types Priced from:

$450

(not including fitting)

IT IS QUITE SIMPLE WHEN YOU BREAK IT ALL DOWN…

TRACTION IS KING OFF-ROAD

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DRIVING LIGHTS: REIMAGINED The shape of driving lights has changed forever!

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IT IS AMAZING WHERE YOU CAN TAKE A STOCK FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE THESE DAYS

THANKS TO HAVING JUST ONE LOCKER › FULL CARRIER AUTO LOCKERS

The holy grail of auto lockers are known as full carrier replacements.

They do just that; replace the stock diff carrier and internal gears with the only components retained being the factory crown-wheel and pinion (this is the perfect time for a diff-ratio change if you have larger-than-stock tyres).

Locker activation is more civilised compared to lunchbox lockers, as by design the engagement is less vicious. This is due to the gradual teeth engagement profile, and ratchet style locking mechanism. As with lunchbox lockers, full carrier replacements are always locked, yet will unlock while cornering with less throttle applied.

More specifically, they will not allow a wheel to spin slower than the input from the driveshaft. They will however allow one wheel to spin faster than the driveshaft, which is exactly what the outside tyre wants to do while cornering.

run which is part of the appeal. These lockers require no input from the driver while off-road, so the chance of getting bogged is reduced. On-road handling is compromised slightly, but as with lunchbox lockers, a change in driving style and an awareness of the locker’s presence is all that is required to combat this.

EXAMPLES: Eaton Detroit Locker, Yukon Grizzly PERFECT FOR: Those who want added levels of traction without requiring driver input Priced from:

$950

(not including fitting)

Full carrier replacements are constructed from stronger than stock materials in most cases, including forged steel or high-grade nickelchromium molybdenum. There are no buttons to press or activation lines to NON-INTERACTIVE VERSION | PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR INTERACTIVE MAGAZINE

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VIEW THE FULL SPECS HERE

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Manually switched lockers offer the best compromise between on-road handling and off-road traction

› AIR ACTIVATED LOCKERS

Air operated selectable lockers can be fitted to the front or rear diff of both Air or vacuum operated selectable part-time and full-time four-wheel lockers (pneumatic lockers) have long drives. There are negative points though. been favoured in this country by tourers If a compressor or pneumatic line is and hardcore four-wheel drivers alike. damaged, the locker will not activate.

The reason for this is the fact they can Also, as they are manually selectable diff be locked or unlocked with the push locks, if you forget to switch them on in of a button; meaning uncompromised time it could be too late. handling on-road and traction when you need it off-road.

There are a few different varieties of air operated selectable lockers, however they all work in similar ways. Compressed air is fed into the differential housing from a permanently fitted air-compressor through a pneumatic line. Air pressure is regulated from the compressor to roughly 95-115psi, and this compressed air enters the differential through a specially designed seal housing. Once activated, a piston slides the clutch gear into the locked position. This locks the differential side gears to the housing, thereby locking the differential. Vacuum lockers used by the Land Rover crowd work a bit differently, as they are activated by negative pressure created by the vehicle’s vacuum pump, but it’s essentially the same principle.

EXAMPLES: ARB Air Locker, TJM Pro-locker, Maxidrive Locker, Ashcroft Air Locker, Yukon Zip Locker PERFECT FOR: Those who want the best of both worlds. An open differential for on-road use, 100 per cent locked when required off-road.

Priced from:

$1000

(not including fitting)

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› ELECTROMAGNETIC LOCKERS

The latest kids on the locker market are electronic lockers such as the ELocker made in partnership by Harrop and Eaton. Harrop manufacture the diff locks in Melbourne using forged gears sourced from Eaton in America. The benefit of electronic lockers is the fact that no air compressor or pneumatic lines are required. They are still fully selectable as per pneumatic diff locks with simple push button operation; yet need only two wires to be run to the differential. If these wires are damaged off-road, they can be repaired far easier than repairing a pneumatic line.

Operation is damn near silent, and is also instantaneous. The mechanism utilises an electromagnetic locking system with four pinions. This allows the diff to perform as an open differential. When the locker is activated, the electromagnet engages pins that effectively lock the differential’s side gear to the carrier.

No fancy pixie dust or black magic, just good old Aussie engineering.

The ELocker comes with everything required for the install too, such as a wiring harness with convoluted tubing, in-dash switches and even a few cable ties to make installation far neater.

EXAMPLES: Harrop Eaton ELocker PERFECT FOR: Those who want a selectable locker, but don’t like the idea of running compressed air or pneumatic lines into their diffs

Priced from:

$1500

(not including fitting)

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LOCKERS MINIMISE TRACK DAMAGE THANKS TO REDUCED WHEEL SPIN

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› WEIRD AND WONDERFUL

KAM LOCKERS: These just look cool!

Kam manufacture beefy half-shafts and diff ratios, as well as limited slip diffs and full diff locks. Their lockers are electronically controlled, and protected with their own sturdy diff pan cover.

KAISER LOCKERS: Brazil based Kaiser manufacture auto lockers for a range of outside-the-square vehicles such as the Daihatsu Feroza and Kia Sportage. If you own something other than a Patrol or LandCruiser and can’t find a locker for your truck, it’s time to start learning how to speak Portuguese!

AIR LOCKER (RIP OFFS): You might have seen these on 4X4 forums, or online auction sites. Hey, they might look the same as ‘the branded ones’, but how can you be sure they aren’t made from recycled coke cans and melted down Holden Barinas?

LINCOLN LOCKER: CIG Locker, Lincoln Locker… also known as a welded diff.

This involves welding the stock spider gears together, locking the diff solid.

Don’t make the mistake of welding the crown wheel to the pinion; actually… just don’t weld your diff at all unless the vehicle is strictly off-road only. It’s dangerous and highly illegal!

MINI-SPOOL: Spools replace the factory spider gears with a solid piece of metal (usually heat treated steel), locking the axles together. These are permanently locked, and not legal for road use. For off-road use only though they are far neater solution than welded diffs.

OX CABLE OPERATED LOCKERS: Cable operated diff locks? Yep! And they work bloody well too. There is something satisfying about clunking the shift lever into position, even though they can be set up to run pneumatically, too.

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THE ESSE

GUI

FRIDGE/F

TO

UNSEALED 4X4 GETS THE COOLEST FRIDGE FREEZERS (

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ENTIAL

IDE

FREEZERS

E LOW-DOWN ON THE (GEDDIT?) ON THE MARKET

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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If you don’t already have a 12V fridge in the back of your four-wheel drive or camper trailer, it is a fair assumption that you want one. And heck, we’re not here to change your mind… Fridge/ freezers rule! Sure, iceboxes have come a long way in recent years, are more affordable and can keep your food and drinks cool for a day or so. But if you have ever had the joy of pasta salad exploding in your icebox, covering your contents including drinks in a slippery, watery goo (I’m speaking from experience here), the idea of going back to the ages of using ice to chill your consumables will send shivers up your spine. So you want a 12V fridge, but with so many models on the market how do you know which best suits your needs?

Once again, Unsealed 4X4 has your back!

This is our list of the coolest fridge/ freezers around.

TEN THINGS TO LOOK FOR

1 2

Reputable Compressor: Don’t expect them all to be created equally.

Decent Insulation: Better insulation results in less stress on the compressor.

3

Tie Down Points: Sounds silly, but fridges are heavy and should be secured.

4 5 6

Low Voltage Protection: Save your battery from being overly discharged.

Quality Internal Seals: Again, simple stuff, but cold air in a fridge is good.

Included Accessories: If the fridge needs a transit bag, it should be included.

7 8 9

Power: The ability to run a fridge on mains 240V and 12V is really handy.

Warranty: Decent warranty means the manufacturer backs its product.

Drain Plug: Look for an easily accessible drain plug (larger the better!). Upending a heavy fridge to empty it can be hard work.

10

Spare Parts: Things do go wrong, so parts backup is vital.

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ARB PORTABLE FRIDGE/FREEZER

It must be said, you see some common trends when it comes to 12V fridge designs. Some of them look mighty similar if you get our drift. Not the ARB model though – it looks like something you would find in a trendy, architecturally designed inner city loft thanks to its blue and cream colour scheme, and rather unique latch design.

ARB says looks played a very small part in the design though, as everything has been primarily engineered to handle the extreme conditions we face in Australia. Starting with a steel cabinet construction for strength, ARB fridge/ freezers also incorporate steel recessed carry handles that double as tie-downpoints. A rather unique feature is the removable lid, which allows for easy access in tight spaces such as wagons with storage drawers fitted. There is

also an internal LED light for late night snacking. Spills or busted drink cans are inevitable while travelling, so it is also refreshing to see a drain plug for easy cleanups, too.

SPECS › SIZES: 35L, 47L, 60L, 78L › PRICED FROM: $1099 › WARRANTY: Three years

from

1099

$

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BUSHMAN FRIDGE/FREEZER

internal temperatures. Bushman even claims this feature reduces compressor Here is another uniquely clever design cycle times as you can accurately from Australian company Bushman, control the temperature you require, which is part Transformer, part fridge/ taking out the guesswork. In the largest freezer. The benefit of Bushman’s 52L configuration, this unit can be run design is their adjustable extension as a fridge, freezer or crisper. The top collars, which allow you to alter the final basket houses fruit and vegetables, the capacity of the fridge/freezer from 35L, middle looks after dairy and the lower to 45L or an impressive 52L depending basket says frozen (just so you know). on which extension collar you choose (7L or 10L high lid included). But it isn’t SPECS just the adjustability of the unit that deserves a mention. Bushman provides › SIZES: 35L, 45L, 52L some big inclusions as standard, such › PRICED FROM: $1295 as a powdercoated steel cabinet and › WARRANTY: Three years Danfoss compressor. A built-in digital thermostat helps keep an eye on

from

1295

$

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RIGHT NOW

EXTRA GRIP IS WORTH GOLD

That’s why you fit Cooper tyres Beware of tyres that imitate the Cooper look but are not built to perform

M

ost 4WD tyre brands make only one all terrain tread either one with a round edge or one with a square edge. Cooper

tyres come in a choice of tread edges so you can match your tyres to your terrain. The result?

Extra grip off-road.

To find out more visit coopertires.com.au or call 1300 COOPER

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

CHECK OUT ROOTHY’S TIP ON GETTING EXTRA GRIP

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from

775

$

DOBINSONS FRIDGE/FREEZER

Dobinsons is better known for its four-wheel drive suspension; in fact it has been manufacturing suspension in Australia for over 60 years. More recently it has moved into the off-road accessories field, with everything from bullbars to storage drawers available. So it makes plenty of sense to offer fridge/ freezers as well. Either a 40L or 50L models are available, both constructed from high-impact ABS plastic. A Danfoss BD-35F compressor is the heart of these fridge/freezers, with a claimed power draw of just 1.4amps when used as a freezer at an ambient temperature of 25°C. Dobinsons fridge/freezers can be run on either 12V, 24V, 110V or 240V depending on your requirements, and in the interest of battery protection,

three stages of low voltage cut-off protection can be selected. An internal LED light again allows for easy access at night, as do the removable baskets that make loading the fridge gentler on your back and knees.

SPECS › SIZES: 40L and 50L › PRICED FROM: $775 › WARRANTY: One year on fridge, two years on compressor

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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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ENGEL LEGACY FRIDGE/FREEZER

The MT45FP range of fridge/freezers from Engel have been around since the earth was still considered flat. Engel’s theory has always been if you are onto a good thing stick to it, but there are no reasons why you can’t enhance the product. In the case of the Legacy range, there is more than just a flat army green paint job going on. This range of fridge/freezers is a tribute to those who fought for our country 100 years ago in WW1, hence the name Legacy, as well as the Legacy badges adorning the unit. This fridge/freezer incorporates the same features as the MT45FP, such as the Sawafuji Swing Motor (famous for only having one moving part) and a rugged steel construction. There is also an optional camouflage transit bag

available to further complete the look.

Numbers of Legacy fridges are limited though, so check with your local retailer as to availability before rushing out and buying a matching ex-army Land Rover Perentie or Mercedes Unimog to complete the package.

SPECS › SIZES: 45L and 60L › PRICED FROM: $1399 › WARRANTY: Three years

from

1399

$

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to Australia's

MOST READ

4X4 magazine

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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EVAKOOL FRIDGEMATE

If you think the Evakool Fridgemate looks like a giant icebox with a compressor bolted to the side of it, you are pretty much on the money. And while this design won’t suit everybody (thanks to the external compressor robbing vehicle interior space) there are plenty of benefits to this model. Firstly, an externally mounted compressor means more room inside the fridge/ freezer, which is always a bonus.

Secondly, the cabinet is well insulated thanks to its polyethylene construction.

This won’t conduct heat as much as a steel cabinet, nor will it rust. Evakool claims the Fridgemate will use just 1.0-1.3A/HR of power when used at an ambient temperature of 32°C, and that no transit cover is required unlike other fridge/freezers thanks to the polyethylene cabinet. The Fridgemate will run comfortably on up to a 30° angle, with the choice of selecting either ‘normal’ or ‘economy’ mode via the new digital controls depending on how cool you actually need the unit to be. In a bold move, Evakool are now manufacturing their own compressor unit for the updated Fridgemate, which it claims is quiet in operation while low on power consumption.

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IRONMAN ICE CUBE 65L

First of all, yes there are other sizes and designs in the Ironman Icecube range, but the 65L model offers something special. Dual-compartment access means you can isolate your fridge or freezer if need be. By having two separate access lids, you don’t need to disturb the flow of the freezer if you just want to grab a cool drink from the fridge. You also have the option to run the Ironman Icecube as a dual freezer or fridge if required instead of a fridge/freezer.

Temperature adjustment is handled by dual digital controls for accurate management, and the actual control panel has been recessed into the side of the unit for greater protection. An internal LED light is always good to

see, as is the inclusion of a Danfoss BD50F compressor that is backed by a five-year warranty. If you need a larger fridge, Ironman offer a 74L unit in a similar design but with only single lid access. If you would prefer a polyurethane construction with a single lid, Ironman offer the Icecube in 30L, 40L and 50L sizes too.

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NATIONAL LUNA

If you want options in regards to finish and sizes, National Luna have roughly 20 fridge/freezers to choose from.

There is the option of aluminium or stainless steel cabinet construction, as well single or twin access lids.

Because of this, it is hard to pick and discuss just one model, so we will try and cover all bases here. National Luna fridges were initially designed to meet World Health Organisation specifications for transporting medicines in harsh African conditions.

Quite a serious task! This is the reason for the all-metal (stainless steel or aluminium) construction, making the

units easy to clean and extremely durable, according to National Luna.

In fact, National Luna claims its fridge/ freezers will maintain genuine freezing capability with outside temperatures of up to 43°C thanks to the construction quality and design. The Danfoss compressor doesn’t hurt here either...

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PRIMUS MAMMOTH

Primus is perhaps best known for its three-way camp fridges that will run off gas as well as 12V and 240V. So it is interesting to see it now has a range of single and dual zone fridge/ freezers available as well. What is more interesting is the fact Primus claims to have upgraded many components since the release. There’s an upgraded control panel for clearer display, upgraded control software for more accurate temperature display, and even upgraded handles for ease of opening.

What hasn’t been touched however, is the three-stage battery protection to prevent battery discharge, and the internal LED light to provide easy access no matter what time of night or day.

You’ll also find metal handles, a design that allows for removable internal baskets and steel lid latches to keep things closed when they should be.

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TRAILBLAZA STANDARD

carry vaccines and precious medical resources through the world’s harshest Have you ever seen a fridge made out of warzones and countries. So you should chequerplate steel? Well, you have now! be right keeping a few cases of beer and Trailblaza from Norcoast Refrigeration some meat cool on the way to the Cape.

Company is an all-Australian made, Oh, don’t worry if you’re not a fan of the owned and operated business, with chequerplate finish… there are other the owner Margaret Albiez steering the options too including 2mm thick marine ship for over 30 years. These special grade aluminium. purpose fridge/freezers appear to really mean business, with inclusions such SPECS as 75mm thick insulation, right up to › SIZES: 50L, 60L, 70L, 80L, 90L, 100L the optional 125mm thick insulation.

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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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WAECO CFX

A portable fridge/freezer with a built-in USB charging point? Yep, now we have seen everything. But then again, you would expect some little niceties from a manufacturer like Waeco which has been building fridges for a long time.

The CFX range is relatively new on the Australian market, and is the result of years of R&D gathered from their experiences with previous fridges in the Aussie climate. This is also the reason why a genuine Waeco compressor and CFXVMS02 electronics are used that incorporate soft start and turbo

cooler. Impressive names for some sort of techno-wizardry we can’t pretend to understand, but we can assume it means less power consumption when turning the fridge/freezer on, and the option to cool things insanely quickly if the need arises.

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Words

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Most people know that the legendary Barnsey (Peter Barnes) at Birdsville has recovered many broken down vehicles from the Simpson Desert. Fewer know that Dusty Miller, owner of the Birdsville Bakery, also runs a recovery service; and even fewer are aware that David Cox with wife Mel (who have been at Mount Dare since 2002) have also performed some remarkable rescues of stranded Simpson travellers. They are just a small sample of people across Australia who make a living from saving behinds in times of need.

They may not realise it, but people who have had their broken down vehicle recovered by such people owe their lives to them; it’s not just about getting your vehicle back. The sad truth is that mostly bodies are located while people are being searched for, and they are generally found away from the stranded vehicles. The live ones are still with the vehicles … and this is why you need to be prepared. If your vehicle does break down and you know what to do if you are hurt or stranded, you won’t perish. The equation is simple; a reliable vehicle, an educated driver and a well-prepared traveller are not a danger to themselves. But if Murphy’s Law has anything to do with it, something will go wrong.

Don’t travel to remote areas without a satellite telephone RULE ONE … stay with your vehicle.

A vehicle is easier to see than a lone person, who is probably sitting under a tree and out of sight. Your vehicle offers shade in the day and protection from the elements at night. Being composed of metal and glass, it is reflective and ‘winks’ in the sunlight from the air. If you have a tarp, use it to set up shade, if possible a few metres away from your vehicle. Being metal, your vehicle will heat up and being inside or close to it can actually dehydrate you further, however it’s a good source of retained heat when the nights get cold.

A fire offers warmth and provides a location marker

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RULE TWO … know where you are going and let others know too. It’s all about the planning! Make sure you spend plenty of time planning your route, calculating the distances you’ll travel (thus the fuel you’ll need to carry) and where you’ll be on certain days. This way if you don’t turn up as planned, someone will be wondering where you are.

Also, a bright blue tarp stands out against the greys and reds of the desert … and you thought green tarps were a better choice!

The whole point is to draw attention to yourself, so if you can, light a fire and if it truly is an emergency, throw your plastic bottles (preferably ones you’ve used and don’t need) onto the fire. You’ll end up with a tower of smoke that can be seen for many kilometres and someone will come to investigate it, plus a fire in the desert at night can be seen from the air.

What you are trying to avoid though, is just looking like a traveller who has stopped to camp. Grab something to write the word HELP in large letters – rocks, drawn in the sand – anything you’ve got. But if someone knows where you planned to travel, they will know where to look.

Your sat phone (we’ll get into these a little later) is a great way to call in your location each evening so your loved ones know that you’ve made it there safely … and of course, a call in the morning when you are heading off is a good idea too. Some people baulk at ‘bothering the folks at home’ or running up a sat phone bill, but they are there to save lives. Of course, if you’ve had a terrible accident or are physically unable to call, it’s the call they don’t receive that alerts them.

At least if you’ve plotted your route, they’ll have an idea where to send help. Whilst your UHF is great for short distances, it’s your sat phone or HF radio that is remote area proven. However, it may take a few days to work out where you are and actually get to you.

Stay

with your vehicle – don’t wander off.

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EMERGENCY WATER

Pile dirt removed from hole around the top to hold down the plastic

CAN BE GATHERED BY BUILDING A SOLAR STILL

Drinking tube

Weight down the plastic cover over the container

Add sources of moisture into the pit

RULE THREE … carry more water and supplies than you need for the days you intend to travel. You can only last two to three days without water, and around ten days without food. In arid regions, you’ll need around five litres a day per person just for drinking (more for cooking and washing); but if you don’t exert yourself, the bare minimum is one to two litres per day and you’ll need to ensure that you are putting this ration to good use. Take care to stay in the shade, don’t move around too much, and drink the water in small sips throughout the day. Be careful not to just wet your mouth though, as you need to actually swallow the water for it to be properly absorbed by the body.

‘Saving’ your water by not drinking it

Line the hole with darker rocks if available until after the first day only puts your body under stress … so you’ll only make yourself less capable to deal with adverse conditions.

You can actually draw water in an emergency by building solar stills, which use condensation to get water from the ground and plants. This is why a wide roll of Gladwrap is mandatory kit for remote area travel – see diagram for instructions. The important thing is to make sure you build them where they get full sun all day, but build several (it’s a good idea to build a few in various spots to make sure you get enough water) very early in the morning before the sun comes up. This way they get a whole day of sun, and you aren’t exerting excess energy by building through the day.

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RULE FOUR … carry reliable communication options and an emergency beacon. We previously mentioned the sat phone, and for good reason. It’s a foolhardy person who heads into remote areas without one.

Your mobile phone simply isn’t going to be of any use to you without coverage, and as your sat phone runs off satellites it will always have reception. Don’t be put off by the cost of calls … it’s there as a safety net and emergency hotline.

LifeSaver water purifying system

Sometimes you will be able to find water in arid regions. Dry creek beds often yield water once you dig below the surface, and a good bet is to look for places where birds are hanging around as they need to drink twice a day to survive. A line of trees indicates that there is water underground.

It sounds pretty vile, but in an emergency (and only when things get dire) you can distil your own urine by pouring it into the hole you’ve dug for your solar still. Only the water in your urine evaporates, all the nasties are left behind. You can also use this method to distil any dirty water you may find, but a fantastic product to keep in your vehicle is a LifeSaver water bottle or jerry can – they allow you to drink whatever water you find in safety. It’s better if you can actually alert someone to your plight quickly enough to not have to take these measures.

First and foremost though, make sure it is ALWAYS fully charged and, of course, connected to a reliable carrier before you set off. You need to make sure it’s ready to go in an instant. If your battery is flat and your vehicle has broken down, you may have no way to power it if your breakdown is an electrical issue. But if you are really in a bind and need emergency assistance quickly, you can’t go past an EPIRB. There’s also HF radios which (unlike UHF which are only really reliable as a ‘line of sight’ means of communication) ‘skip’ signals off the ionosphere – making them capable of transmitting signals over the horizon. Of course, a reliable vehicle is less likely to break down; and a few basic mechanical skills can often get you going again.

RULE FIVE … carry spares and learn some basic mechanical skills. Only a crazy person would expect a tired, neglected vehicle to push itself all that harder on a long trek and come out unscathed at the other end. Think of your daily drive to work like a stroll in the park, and a desert trek like a marathon … you can’t expect your vehicle to handle the strain without getting it prepared first.

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Stock up on spares;

radiator hoses, fuses, oil filters and air filters, brake pads, oils etc (see our section on repairs and spares). But there’s no use carrying spares if you don’t know how to fit them Taking a good, hard look at your 4X4 is the first step. You need to ask yourself whether your vehicle is capable of such a journey; and we aren’t just saying this in regards to older vehicles – we recently took a 50-year-old Nissan G60 across the Simpson Desert! That annoying little oil leak, slight overheating issue, dodgy wiring or not-so-fresh shock absorber can be inconvenient at home – but it can quickly deteriorate into a lifethreatening situation if you are in the middle of nowhere when it decides to ultimately fail.

Your best bet is to book your truck in with a qualified mechanic who is familiar with 4X4s and touring requirements, and make sure you do it a few weeks ahead so you have the time to fix any problems that might arise. Your mechanic needs to be very thorough, checking for cracks in the chassis, testing your suspension, checking for leaks and compression loss; it’s not just about changing the spark plugs and oil, and making sure your indicators work.

Get a full, major service done and make sure your tyres are suitable (ditch the road tyres, or you’ll be ditching them halfway down a track somewhere) and have plenty of tread, and that your

spares are at the correct pressure. Test run your winch, driving lights and radio comms as well. And it’s also a good time to stock up on spares: radiator hoses, fuses, oil filters and air filters, brake pads, oils etc. But there’s no use carrying spares if you don’t know how to fit them – do a basic mechanical course at your local TAFE in the months before you head out … it’s money very well spent! If you (not your vehicle) are the one who has broken down however, well … you can’t get spares for that …

And while courses are great, each vehicle is different – some markedly so. This is where a comprehensive vehicle workshop manual will come in very handy. Do your research, and choose the books that the specialist mechanics actually use. These books can be bulky, so see if there is a digital version available for your tablet or laptop. As vehicles become more sophisticated things like ‘limp modes’ are becoming more prevalent, whereby vehicles will drop to their lowest suspension height, or decrease power, in order to limp back to the mechanic. A comprehensive workshop manual might just give you the information to negotiate this kind of problem.

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keeping you connected WATCH PRODUCT

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9/01/2015 4:28 pm

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RULE SIX … do a course and carry a first aid kit. Medical help can be days away, so you’ll need to be able to look after yourself until it arrives. At least one person in the group (preferably two, and in different vehicles) needs to have a good kit and be proficient in remote area first aid. You can do a course over a few days and for the cost of around $400, it’s a good investment for the safety of your family and friends.

Do a thorough check of your kit before you head out to make sure all supplies are topped up and everything is where it should be. Be sure that any travellers in your group have their personal medications with them, and keep a list in the first aid kit of who takes what in case you need to advise your rescuers.

In the event that you are calling for help due to a medical emergency, try to give as detailed a description of the problem over the sat phone or radio as possible; and make your location is easy to find by giving coordinates and lighting a fire.

RULE SIX … Common sense prevents common mistakes. Australia can be an unforgiving place and you can only work in harmony with something you understand. Overseas tourists have perished in our deserts due to not having a good comprehension of the conditions they are driving into. Researching your destination is not just about plotting it on a map; find out average temperatures, distances between towns, driving/ track conditions; and find out (jump on a forum) about the experiences that others have had. Never driven corrugations or dealt with washouts before? Know your enemy, as the saying goes … do your research and do an accredited training course. Not only will you learn a lot – but they are fun and a great way to make friends!

The Outback is no place to show off.

The name of game is to get from start to finish unscathed and have a relaxing, enjoyable trip on the way. It’s not a race, it’s not about who is the best and it’s not about ‘conquering’ the terrain … work with the land, respect it, and it will treat you well.

In the event of an accident, follow your first aid training to the letter.

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One safety measure that is often overlooked (with disastrous results) is stopping periodically to check under the vehicle. The reasons? ‘It’s too hot … it’s okay, I can’t see anything from here … it will slow us down’. A fire will slow you down, for good. Grasses and vegetation (especially Spinifex) can get caught up under your vehicle and catch fire very easily. Even a small amount – like you may see growing sparsely in the middle of the track – can end up in contact with your hot exhaust and quickly catch alight.

There have been stories of travellers pulling up for lunch only to see their

vehicle burst into flames while they are finishing their sandwiches. Stop repeatedly … every 500 metres of so if you are slugging through it. And don’t stop, then wander off to check it later; do it the minute you pull up, as your exhaust will remain hot for some time.

Get right up under your vehicle and have a really good look.

Another one is not checking or walking a water crossing. You never know what lies a metre either side of your wheel tracks. Learn more about these techniques in the Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Starter Guide.

PAT CALLINAN’S 4X4

STARTER GUIDE

IS AVAILABLE NOW. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE

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Vehicle fires are remarkably common in spinifex country.

Be aware of how many seconds your extinguisher will last for, and ensure it is easily accessed

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WHEN IT COMES TO SURVIVAL TECHNIQUES, YOU CAN’T JUST JUMP IN YOUR 4X4 AND GO

When it comes to survival techniques, you can’t just jump in your 4X4 and go.

There’s a lot of preparation for remote area travel, with some people spending up to six months just doing the planning.

There are things like water and fuel supplies to calculate, fire extinguishers and EPIRBS to organise, your sat phone needs to be connected, and there’s that First Aid course to do.

service call centre and throwing your vehicle onto the back of a truck; it can run into thousands of dollars if you are needing to be dragged over sand dunes or through rivers. It’s a major operation and can cause a major dent in your bank balance. And don’t be tempted to just abandon your vehicle either – huge fines apply for this.

Remember: If you do break down in Finally, recovering a vehicle from a a remote area, you can survive until remote location will be costly. It’s not just help arrives if you put some effort into a case of calling your regular roadside planning beforehand.

Words by Ian Glover.

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2015 F-TRUCK

F250 SUPER DUTY SEE THE F250 IN ACTION

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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A PROVEN WORKHORSE WITH A LEGENDARY BLOODLINE. WATCH THE VIDEO TO FIND OUT MORE

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The days are counting down to that big trip you have been planning. You’ve spent an eternity poring over maps and itineraries, ensuring you’ve got the right mixture of distances and downtime, with all of the sights you want to see. Now, how’s that 4X4 going?

Your desert-crossing machine might also be your daily driver. Has the daily grind got it down? You’d have rocks in your head if you didn’t give your bus a big service and inspection before leaving on that trip of a lifetime. I have been going through this process myself for my upcoming Madigan Line adventure (check out our sister mag Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Adventures Issue 18 for the full rundown on the trip) and have put together some points and tips that might help you in your trip preparation.

How long has it been since you have greased your universal and slip joints?

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• 36 x 3W LEDs producing 108 watts of power • Over 60 meter wide beam pattern out to 500 meters (driving configuration) • 912 meters @ 1 LUX (spot) - independently tested • Dual illumination background positioning lights • Hard coated impact & scratch resistant polycarbonate lens • Clear polycarbonate filter included • 5000K colour temperature • 10/36V DC input voltage

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SUSPENSION

There are two important things that you need to think about with your suspension before you go. Firstly, what sort of condition is it in? On my Defender, the springs and shocks looked to be OEM spec, and probably over 10 years old. Rather than winging it and half expecting to blow a shock along the way, I got it changed over with some quality aftermarket stuff. There are plenty of options on the market, I chose King Springs and Bilstein shock absorbers for my Defender 130.

This leads into the second part: is your suspension suited to the trip? Desert crossings typically bring with them corrugations and big hummocks for the suspension to cycle over, paired with big loads in the back of the 4X4. If your shockie looks more like a bicycle pump than a damper, it’s probably not up to the task. Get something decent under there, and you have one less thing to worry about.

Pressure testing a cooling system is the best way to check its health. Any competent 4X4 workshop will have the tool, along with heaps of other specialist stuff.

Components that haven’t been checked or maintained become a ticking time bomb that usually cost you a lot of time and money when they eventually break.

I took my 4X4 to All Four X 4 in Newcastle, because I wanted a good 4X4 workshop with a good reputation and specific experience with 4X4s. I got a complete check over, with this document at the end.

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A BIG, THOROUGH SERVICE

You don’t have to fix every problem like a weeping gasket.

But you should know about it, so you can stay on top of and manage it.

This should be an obvious one, but it isn’t always the case. Do every fluid and filter possible on your rig, and see if there are any tell-tale signs with the stuff that comes out. Look for metallic, milky or burnt oils, and you might be onto an issue. Grease anything that has a nipple, and if it isn’t a replacement job, give it a good inspection. Eyeball your steering joints, for example, and test your suspension bushes with a prybar and don’t forget to give the brakes the once over while you’re under there.

BE PREVENTATIVE

Change things before you go, if they are suspect or unknown, before they break.

Belts, universals, master and slave cylinders should all be in your firing line, for a start. The good thing about changing things before they break or die is that now you have a good, known spare for your kit. My tip here is to just spend an hour or two crawling around, inside and under your 4X4, and having a good old-fashioned sticky-beak. Push, tap, twist and poke things; you’ll learn so much about your vehicle’s condition by just poking around.

KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

No single 4X4 is perfect, no matter what the diehards say. Sometimes the trick isn’t finding and fixing a weakness with a heavy-duty or upgraded replacement, but rather just knowing the weakness, being aware of it, and treating your car accordingly. Weak diffs or axles?

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Good quality suspension in good condition is what it’s all about; don’t skimp on the bouncy bits.

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especially in low range. Got no power?

Lower your tyre pressures more than normal, and rely on low gearing to get over obstacles. We’ve lost count of the amount of problems and breakages we’ve seen out in the bush that wouldn’t have occurred if the vehicle was driven with a bit of mechanical sympathy.

PREPARE YOURSELF, WITH SKILLS

Alright then, your vehicle is nicely sorted out now. You’ve gone all preventative, and you have a good list of spares and tools loaded into the car. There’s one tool you’re forgetting though: the one behind the wheel. Changing mechanical components or attempting repairs for GET YOUR 4X4 CHECKED the first time in the field is far from

BY A PROFESSIONAL satisfactory. Instead, have a practice You might think you are the MacGyver of run at home in the driveway. Get your home servicing and repairs, but the truth hands on an old tyre and practice using your repair and removal gear on it. is that 99 per cent of us would benefit Take your drive belts on and off, and hugely from a visit to a ‘real’ workshop. anything else you feel dicey about.

Pick an actual 4X4 mechanic, and That’s just repairs, as well. Get trained someone who has specialist knowledge in your make and model if possible. Any up with first aid before you go, and consider doing a recovery or driving competent workshop can do a fairly course if you’re inexperienced or a bit complete pre-trip inspection, and they rusty. It could easily make the difference have skills, tools and diagnostics that the DIYer doesn’t have. They’ll check the between driving out under your own steam, or under somebody else’s. condition of your hydraulic fluids and pressure check your cooling system, for example. Even just getting the car up onto a hoist is a good idea.

Skills like bush welding and tyre repair need to be well-practiced before you get out there; spend some quality time tooling yourself up with the right skills.

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AUSTRALIA’S BEST DEFENDER?

THAT

NUMBERPLATE WHAT DOES THIS LAND ROVER DEFENDER HAVE IN COMMON WITH VICTORIA BECKHAM? Well, they both regularly flip their lid and just can’t help being posh.

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When Glen and his partner Katrina (the owners of this neat-as-a-pin Defender) stopped to show off their proud new purchase to friends and family for the first time, they couldn’t work out why people continually asked them if they “wanted to be posh”. It was becoming a joke, had everyone lost their marbles?

This is a Defender, not an Audi or BMW wank-mobile! The penny dropped though, once a family member gave in and pointed the confused couple in the direction of their factory fitted numberplate.

Now, as they had not asked for a custom numberplate, the initial thought was someone had pulled a prank, or a slapped on a clever sticker about oil leaks or another (NOT) hilarious Land Rover stereotype. On closer inspection, they saw what all the fuss was about. The numberplate reads as BP0.55H, or in non-SMS speak, Be Posh. Once the laughter had subsided, it became apparent that the new truck had earned a nickname, and a definite place in the family. Unsealed 4X4 would like to introduce you to Victoria, quite possibly one of the best touring spec Defenders in the country.

You have to admit, she looks nice just sitting there, but wait ’til you see how good she looks with her top lifted up!

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The mighty Defender takes on Nolan’s Brook in Cape York and comes off second best

THE VEHICLE

This is one of the earlier Ford Puma engine spec Land Rover Defenders available in Australia, which is also why there has ben a few teething problems.

Victoria has gone through a few diff centres, a couple of batteries (right before the last Cape York trip too!) and one or two EGR valves in the engine quite early on in the piece. Otherwise, the ‘posh one’ has been a reliable and solid performer. “The early releases had problems with weak diffs”, says Glen, “but the way I see it, mine lasted a fair few trips, and now I have two brand new diffs which were fitted hassle free under warranty”. Well, that is certainly one way to look at it.

The Ford turbo-diesel engine has no problems pushing around the aerodynamically challenged Landy, however Glen mentioned that since loading it up with aftermarket touring accessories he has noticed a lack of performance. “It still drives better than my D1 Discovery, and a little better than a TD5 powered Defender, and I’m sure that by fitting a chip or playing with the exhaust we could get the power levels up again,” he tells us. “Not that I am going to bother mucking around with the mechanics as I want this vehicle to remain as reliable as possible for the type of trips we do.”

THE NUMBERPLATE READS AS BP0.55H, OR IN NON-SMS SPEAK,

BE POSH

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WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE YOU TO

VICTORIA,

QUITE POSSIBLY ONE OF THE BEST TOURING SPEC DEFENDERS IN THE COUNTRY.

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Packed up and ready to go in less than 2 minutes.

Now that’s impressive!

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO

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THE MODS Let’s not bore you with details of the mild suspension lift including Terrafirma big-bore shocks, or the well proven BFG all-terrain tyres fitted on factory alloy wheels. Nor the TJM Steel winch bar with matching TJM winch, or the Xray Vision HID driving lights fitted by the team at TJM Parramatta. Nup, we know you are all reading this part for one modification only – the Mulgo Pop-Top Roof conversion.

which can also be used as a step to access the internal bed. “We had homemade drawers in there initially,” mentions Glen. “While they worked fine, I’ve never owned commercially built storage drawers, so thought it was about time to change that”.

On top of the modified roof sits a Front Runner roof rack, which houses anything and everything from kayaks to tools. Glen is really happy with the rack, saying that it is light yet strong, It’s not a cheap addition, coming and he has no problems popping the in at over $10,000, but it is fully engineered, and absolutely transforms roof up even with the weight of the roof rack. Whilst at Mulgo having the the Defender. The pop-top provides roof conversion performed, Glen also a bed for two people, full weather had them knock him up some rock protection, and is so quick to set-up sliders which have been bolted up to then pack down it’s almost laughable.

Best of all, the fuel consumption hasn’t the chassis to prevent damage to the risen since performing the conversion sill area and doors. These are as neat as they are strong, and match the lines of – something that couldn’t be said if the Defender so well you would swear they decided to fit a roof top tent or tow a camper trailer. Rounding out the they were factory. conversion is a set of ORS drawers,

We found this poor bloke stuck in a deep mud hole while out on the photo shoot.

Victoria the Defender to the rescue, and she had no problems pulling the stuck Ford Ranger out safely. The Ranger was a little worse for wear, though.

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A novel way to mount twin spare tyres, Glen has opted to install a Rijidij rear swing-away tyre carrier to cope with the extra weight

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

Here is the main attraction, a neat Mulgo Pop Top Roof conversion. Glen and Katrina rate this as the best modification they have done to any of their vehicles.

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LAND

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ORS drawers look the goods, and from a practicality point of view also act as a step.

Check out the cool Camel Trophy signage on the cargo barrier, too!

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D ROVER

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It’s the little things that make all the difference, like these door hinge extensions, which allow the door to open enough to slide the fridge out

THE OWNERS

Glen and his partner Katrina live and breathe fourwheel driving. While there has been a Zook or two and a Toyota parked in the driveway previously, the dynamic duo are green oval fans through-andthrough. Glen was partly responsible for organising the Camel Trophy re-enactment that took place in 2011, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the famous Australian event also known as the 4X4 Olympics. Seven drivers in Defenders met in Cairns with the aim of finding the original route travelled, which proved more difficult that anticipated. They still had one hell of an adventure in the process.

These days, Glen and Katrina seem to always have the next trip planned. They have just returned from Cape York, being one of the first groups through for the season, with the scars from Nolan’s Brook to prove it!

Next up is a six-week journey driving straight through the centre of Australia from the most westerly location (Steep Point) to the most easterly (Cape Byron). “This will be the trip of a lifetime”, says Glen. “It started with an idea from a friend. We have a plan that is still being revised, and we have a starting point, a destination and an end date… that is it.”

As it turns out 2016 is a special year for Land Rover enthusiasts, being the 50th anniversary of both the Leyland Brothers’ west-to-east coast expedition as well as the formation of the Sydney branch of the Land Rover Owners Club, of which Glen and Katrina are both active members. What better vehicle to do it in than this modern classic, complete with every modification you could wish to make? Let’s not forget that amazing roof camper conversion either; it sure beats swagging it for six weeks straight, which is probably why the couple rave on about it as being the best upgrade they have ever undertaken to a Land Rover… period!

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HOW TO SAFELY RECOVER YOUR FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE FIVE KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER EVERY TRIP YOU GO ON

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PROTECT YOUR FROM RUST

4WD

Electronic Rust Prevention • Prevents Rust • Protects not only the outside of vehicles but also all the inner and hidden areas that traditional sprays can’t reach • Prevents stone chips from developing into protusion rust • Maintains vehicle resale value • Unmatched record of 19 years of Australian manufacturing • Saves on maintenance costs • Enhances paintwork HOW IT WORKS INSTALLATION PLAY VIDEO

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By now, most of you would be aware of a tragic incident that occurred at a popular off-road destination in Western Sydney recently. A young man has been left fighting for his life after a failed attempt to snatch-recover his vehicle from a bog hole. It is too early to say what exactly went wrong, however early indications are a shackle or recovery point has broken and subsequently flown through the rear window of the stuck vehicle, inflicting life threatening injuries.

Accidents are unavoidable, and our thoughts go out to this young bloke and his family. We’re not going to get preachy and say that if they had used a strap damper on the snatch strap this wouldn’t have happened.

Nor are we going to harp on about the use of tie down points as recovery points being completely inadequate, as we weren’t there (and the police won’t inform us accurately of the details as the crime scene is still being investigated). What we do want to achieve with this article is to highlight five straightforward key points for you to remember and execute every time the need for a vehicle recovery presents itself. If this saves just one close call, we’ll consider it worthwhile.

IN ISSUE 011 WE FEATURED “THE MOST EXTREME RECOVERY FAILURES” VIDEOS.

MISSED IT? CHECK IT OUT HERE

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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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YOUR GEAR

Recovery straps have a limited lifespan, so you should never use them more than 8-10 times (this is brand specific so it pays to check).

Always wash and inspect recovery straps after use. It is easier to replace them while at home before a trip than finding unserviceable items while in the bush.

Rated recovery points are a must on any four-wheel drive. Don’t buy that 40in LED light bar you have been eyeing off until you have rated points front and rear fitted first.

Always wash and inspect recovery straps after use

Buy the best quality gear you can afford; cheap recovery gear is usually just that – cheap. A good tip is to ask driver trainers what their preferred brands of gear are, as they are the ones using this equipment day in and day out.

Use rated recovery equipment, which is useable to your situation. You don’t need a 12,000kg snatch strap if you drive a Suzuki Jimny, nor will a 6,000kg item be suitable for a fully loaded Nissan Patrol. If you tow a camper trailer, factor this into your equation too.

one

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VistaRV Caravan Models

The Name in the Outback Touring Market

The VistaRV Crossover

The Vista RV Crossover is the mid sized all round caravan designed to work just as well off road as it does on the highway. It’s made for Australian conditions. This is the caravan that started a revolution on Australian roads!

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The VistaRV TVK

The smaller off-road / highway caravan. This camper van has been designed for easy towing and can be set up easily and quickly, and packed up just as fast. A smaller caravan, but with no compromise on handling or style!

Read More The VistaRV Crossover XL For those who want a bigger caravan with more comforts, but still able to handle the rough stuff, and tow on the sealed roads with ease. This caravan has it all! Larger than the standard Crossover, but still easy to tow!

Read More

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THE SITUATION

Assessing the situation before diving in is the most important aspect of a safe recovery. Ensure nobody is hurt, and ascertain if the vehicle is safe to be recovered.

What terrain are you attempting to recover from? If you are in soft, boggy terrain such as sand or mud, will you be able to go forward or is backwards the only way? If stuck on rocks or in ruts, could track building be a better option, allowing you to continue driving? Don’t be afraid to drop a few more psi from the tyres if you think it’ll help, too.

Remove any debris blocking smooth progress, such as logs, excess mud or loose rocks. This makes the path of recovery far less severe, putting less strain on both the recovery devices and the vehicle.

Decide what is needed to get out of the situation.

Will a snatch recovery be necessary, or is winching the best plan of attack? Will a shovel and a few people pushing extract the vehicle, or does a member of your travelling party have traction aids on hand?

If you decide to winch, is there a suitable anchor close by, such as a tree or another vehicle? If not, this could limit your ability to self-recover and anther plan of attack could be the best option.

If you are in soft, boggy terrain such as sand or mud, will you be able to go forward or is backwards the only way?

IF YOU DECIDE TO WINCH, IS THERE A SUITABLE ANCHOR CLOSE BY, SUCH AS A TREE OR ANOTHER VEHICLE? IF NOT, THIS COULD LIMIT YOUR ABILITY TO SELF-RECOVER AND ANTHER PLAN OF ATTACK COULD BE THE BEST OPTION.

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UNLESS YOU ARE BOGGED ON AN INCOMING TIDE, THERE IS NO RUSH THERE IS NO HURRY

Unless you are bogged on an incoming tide, there is no rush. You are not in a competition situation; the goal is to get you and your vehicle mobile again safely.

Talk through a plan of attack, identify hazards and take the time to assess the situation and all risks thoroughly.

Appoint a leader – the person who makes the calls. As many eyes and ears as possible is a good thing, but too many people yelling commands makes a stressful situation even more so. In fact, everybody who is not a direct contributor to the recovery should be directed to stand well clear of the vehicles involved in the recovery.

Don’t go at it like a bull out of a gate; if winching or snatching there is no need to be running around madly. You will only wear yourself out, and the potential to slip and injure yourself is greater.

Once the vehicles are safely recovered, take the time to debrief. Look over the equipment used, check the vehicle for any damage and ensure everybody is safe and well. It only takes a few moments.

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LONG RANGE FUEL AND WATER TANKS

THE BIG TANK

BIG COUNTRY

BY THE LONGRANGER 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

DISTRIBUTED BY

THELONGRANGER.COM.AU

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SNATCH RECOVERY KNOW-HOW

1 2 3

NEVER, EVER use a towball as a recovery point!

Always have all onlookers a safe distance away from the vehicles.

Try to clear obstacles from the path of the vehicle being recovered.

4 5

Always have a recovery blanket or damper over the snatch strap.

Only use quality and correctly rated recovery straps. To help you choose the best strap for your requirements, check out the major snatch strap comparison we did in issue 12 of Unsealed 4X4.

WINCHING SINS

1

4

Never winch directly off a tree, tree truck protectors aren’t expensive and don’t take up much space after all.

2 3

Never step over a live winch cable with tension on it. NEVER!

Don’t shock load your winch by trying to drive while winching. Let your winch do the work, you are not in a hurry.

4

Don’t run your winch flat out. Use it in bursts – some recommend 10 seconds on, 30 seconds off. Use that as a guideline to avoid excess heat build-up and strain on your electrical system.

5

Perform regular maintenance your winch – once a year is a smart plan, or more if it has been dunked regularly in mud or water and left to sit.

5

WordsMAGAZINE

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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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BINNS TRACK GEMTREE TO

DAVENPORT RANGES NATIONAL PARK FROM OPEN PLAINS TO MOUNTAIN RANGES TO DESERT COUNTRY - THIS IS ONE OUTBACK TRACK THAT HAS IT ALL.

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PROUDLY

SPONSORED BY

NOMINATE for Mad Max here!

160 Km of outback Australian tracks on private properties competing along-side Challenge and Ultra 4 vehicles.

Click on the link above to get on the list.

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Binns Track is a touring route of over 2000km from Mt Dare in South Australia to Timber Creek in the Northern Territory. Named after ranger Bill Binns, the track traverses a variety of terrain and offers a range of driving experiences.

Less travelled is the section between Gemtree on the Plenty Highway and the Davenport Ranges southeast of Tennant Creek. Although it crosses several cattle stations and passes Ampilatwatji and Elkedra Communities, this leg seems more remote and travellers need to be experienced and self-sufficient.

Gemtree is a fascinating place; a wellappointed camping ground with the Four-wheel drive tourers often use bonus of being able to fossick for the section from Mt Dare to Alice garnets and zircons in the nearby gem Springs, travelling through the bulldust fields. Driving along the Plenty Highway beside the Finke River, visiting the Old to Harts Range (Atitjere) provides Andado homestead and the Mac Clark views of the rugged range dominating Conservation Reserve, heading north the skyline to the south of the often beside red dunes and into the colourful corrugated road. Approximately 20km Rodinga and Allambarinja Ranges and east of Harts Range, Binns Track leaves Train Hills, and finally the MacDonnell the Plenty Highway and starts to wind Ranges and “The Alice�. its way north.

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A worthwhile detour and highlight of the trip is to drive to the Mac and Rose Chalmers Conservation Reserve (Tower Rock). Paying a fee of $10 per vehicle at the Mount Swan Station store allows unlimited camping. From Mount Swan it is another 27km through pastoral country to Tower Rock.

The stunning rounded granite boulder outcrops come as a surprise after the flat land.

The Mac and Rose Chalmers Conservation Reserve is the Northern Territory’s newest reserve, created in 2011 when the Chalmers family signed the first voluntary conservation covenant on pastoral land in the Northern Territory.

THE GRANITE BOULDERS THAT GIVE THE

DEVILS MARBLES

THEIR NAME HAVE BEEN FORMED OVER MILLIONS OF YEARS

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Charles Chalmers took up the lease in the early 1920s and named it MacDonald Downs, originally running sheep. The Chalmers were well respected by the traditional owners of the land and had a great love of the country. Within the reserve, at their favourite picnic spot, are the graves of Charles’s son Mac, who died in 2004, and Mac’s wife Rose, who died in 1999.

The 470 hectare reserve has a wide variety of plants and wildlife. Tower Rock is a great place to spend a couple of days watching the changing colours and the birds and wallabies.

The clamber to the highest point is rewarded with spectacular views of the granite outcrops and surrounding country. There is a large designated camping area. Firewood should be collected before entering the reserve.

The two long drop toilets are rustic, with the seats placed on half oil drums and thin hessian walls that wave about in the breeze and won’t suit the modest toilet goer.

The route back to Binns Track is well signposted and the track heads north at “the old truck”.

The 470 hectare reserve has a wide variety of plants and wildlife.

The Chalmers were well respected by the traditional owners of the land

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The sunsets around these parts have to be seen to be appreciated The slowest and roughest section of track is near Derry Downs Homestead. Several arms of the sandy Bundey River are crossed and make shady spots for a cuppa. After the river section there is a narrow rocky length of track before returning to gravel road and eventually onto the Sandover Highway. At Amaroo Homestead the track leaves the Sandover and winds its way to Hatches Creek and the ruins of the wolfram mines and into the Davenport Ranges National Park.

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There's plenty of wildlife, with more bird species than you can count and even wild donkeys on offer

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The jewel in the crown of the Davenports is Old Police Station Waterhole, a long, almost permanent waterhole on the Frew River. The selfregistration camping area has toilets, tables, wood barbeques and shady trees. It’s a fine place to have a swim

and wash off the travel dust. Wild donkeys inhabit the area and can be noisy at night. There is plenty of other wildlife with water birds, parrots, beeeaters, western bowerbirds, wood swallows, corellas, the occasional eagle, and the ever watchful whistling kites.

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The Frew River 4WD Track cuts through rocky country offering an alternative route for experienced drivers in high clearance vehicles.

Binns Track to the Stuart Highway passes Epenarra before turning west.

A worthwhile side trip in this section is the short, loose track to the top of Cloughs Bluff. Binns Track meets the highway just north of the Devils Marbles and it is worth the detour south to spend some time in rock formations that will remind you of the Tower Rock area. You will probably wish you were back there and away from the bitumen road tourers.

FROM ROCKY OUTCROPS TO SANDY DESERT

TO DIRT ROADS. The variety of terrain is amazing, and combined with the remoteness, will give you a real sense of

WHAT THE OUTBACK IS ALL ABOUT

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The alternatives once reaching the highway are to continue on the Binns Track route up the highway, onto the Buchanan Highway, Gregory National Park and Timber Creek, or to travel to Darwin, Mt Isa or Alice Springs.

No matter which route you select you will not have the sense of remoteness that the middle leg of Binns Track offers.

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OUTBACK GOURMET

SPICY APRICOT

LAMB SHANKS HERE’S A NEW TAKE ON A CLASSIC SLOW COOKED FINGER LICKING DISH THAT IS SURE TO BECOME A STANDARD GO-TO RECIPE WHEN OUT CAMPING.

It will feed 2 people depending on appetite. Takes 1.5-2 hours If you are feeding more than 2 people just double the quantities Heat oil in a small to medium cast iron camp oven, brown shanks for about 5 minutes, add onion and cook for a further 5 minutes, add the spice, apricots and apricot nectar.

Bring to the boil on the stove top then transfer to the fire place, sit oven on sturdy wire rack over 4-5

coals, heat beads or a small amount of fire coals with the same amount on the lid and simmer over moderate heat for about 1.5 hours.

Replace coals regularly to maintain an even cooking temperature, remove lid from oven and cook for further 30-40 minutes uncovered to reduce liquid.

Shank meat should be tender, juicy and falling off the bone. Serve with mashed potato and veggies, hearty comfort food at its best!

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INGREDIENTS › 2 lamb shanks › 1 small can of apricot nectar › 1 onion roughly chopped

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› 1 small can of apricot halves and their juice › ¼ teaspoon of dried chilli flakes, more or less depending on your spice tolerance › 2 tablespoons of oil

See Jo cook this

ENGELAUSTRALIA.COM.AU

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PAT’S

BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO THE

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Writing about the Kimberley, it’s hard not to feel like a cliché factory. Ragged red mountain ranges, crystal clear waterholes, last frontiers – the whole shemozzle. But for the four-wheel drive tourer the Kimberley is all that – and much more.

Sometimes, first-timers to new 4X4 destinations get slightly disappointed by parts of the journey. Cape York travellers might complain about the lengthy and sometimes boring transport stages. But I’m yet to hear a single complaint about the Kimberley.

Sure, it’s huge, but it really does impress and inspire you in an unexpected way.

Just when you think you know the region, it will surprise you. So here are my tips for your first drive into Western Australia’s Kimberley.

› THE GIBB RIVER ROAD

It really is the only way to see the most remote (read: the best!) parts of the Kimberley. In times gone by, the Gibb River Road used to be a treacherous track, with awful corrugations. Yet with more traffic and more tourists, the locals have widened the road and generally improved the surface the entire way. There are still tight corners that might catch a speeding driver, and corrugations do certainly exist, but the conditions have seriously improved. In fact, you’ll find no need for low range through your entire journey. Offshoots from the Gibb River Road are where you will need to take things more seriously, and the road out to Kalumburu and Mitchell Falls is

certainly one of those. The road quickly changes from 100km/h super-highway to rutted water crossing within the space of metres, and it’s easy to cause your vehicle damage. The key here is to keep speeds down, and be prepared for the unexpected.

› CAN I TAKE MY CAMPER TRAILER TO THE KIMBERLEY? The bulk of the Kimberley sits on shallow, rocky soils, and this provides a solid base for all vehicles, so towing a camper trailer is a breeze in most locations. The only exception is on the soft sandy tracks heading out to the northern coastline.

On my last journey up to Kalumburu we were on one of these single lane sandy tracks out to the coastline and came upon a camper trailer coming the other way. We tried hard to pull off to the side, but the soft sand made it hard to do. The oncoming 4X4 and camper-trailer had to stop, and when they tried to drive again they bogged down. We gave them a quick recovery snatch, but that gives you some idea of how you might get stuck. Likewise, some of the beaches around Cape Leveque on the west coast also feature similar soft sand.

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› MOST UNEXPECTED SIGHT

You make your way out to these remote locations, and you certainly don’t expect to see a fleet of helicopters – all five of them – sitting there waiting! There were no toilets and barely any facilities, yet you could pay with your credit card for a short or long joy flight over Mitchell Falls. Handy if you’ve got a film crew in tow and want to get some aerial shots!

The flight over Mitchell Falls does give you a brilliant perspective, and for a few extra dollars they’ll fly you over the Kimberley coastline. It’s a fun experience, but certainly not what I’d call essential viewing.

And speaking of Mitchell Falls, be sure to take your swimmers as the walk out there is inevitably hot and steamy. And don’t forget your water bottle either – you’ll drain it by the time you get back.

› BEST FREE TOURIST EXPERIENCE

This is a tough one. Bell Gorge is one of those locations that makes you feel like you’ve really made it to the Kimberley. It is remote, it is spectacular, and you can grab a swim while you’re there. Sure, it would be nice if the carpark was a little closer, but that helps keep the waterhole in pristine condition. The waterhole itself is obvious, but take some time to explore the area up the gorge for some even more private oases.

And the other Kimberley classic experience is the sun setting on the west coast. Everyone has heard about the Cable Beach sunsets, but for a less crowded experience, try those at Cape Leveque. During certain times of the year you’ll be lucky enough to see the ‘Staircase to the Moon’, where the full moon reflects off the calm ocean to create a visual staircase right into the sky.

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WHETHER ON AN INCOMING OR OUTGOING TIDE, THE WATER TURNS INTO A HORIZONTAL WATERFALL, AND YOU CAN RIDE STRAIGHT OVER THE FALLS IN THE BOAT. IT’S AN INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE, AND

FAR MORE FUN THAN I WOULD HAVE IMAGINED

› BEST PAID TOURIST EXPERIENCE

Most people only get to the Kimberley once or twice in their lives, and there are some places that even a 4X4 can’t access. I climbed aboard a seaplane at Derby on a tour to the Horizontal Falls on the northern coastline. The seaplane ride itself was spectacular, as we ventured out over an amazingly picturesque coastline. We then landed on a remote inlet, and jumped in an oversized inflatable boat, powered by twin 300hp engines.

The waterfalls here are a unique phenomenon, where a crack in two rock formations traps massive tidal water flows. Whether on an incoming or outgoing tide, the water turns into a horizontal waterfall, and you can ride straight over the falls in the boat. It’s an incredible experience, and far more fun than I would have imagined. But the tour doesn’t stop there. You’ll also get a boat tour around the waterways, you’ll go croc-spotting and you will even visit an elevated reef. I’d explain it, but it has got be seen to be believed.

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› FRESHWATER CROC EXPERIENCE

Windjana Gorge is literally loaded with freshwater crocodiles. These are the ones that only have a hunger for fish, not humans, so they’re considered a lot safer than their saltwater brethren.

But given their massive concentration at Windjana Gorge, I wouldn’t bother heading in for a dip. You would be likely to get an accidental nip for sure. The bushwalk to Windjana is excellent, as you pass through cracks in rocks, however, beware as the tour buses have found this place. Best to visit early morning or late afternoon if you want to experience some serenity with the local lizards.

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› BEST BEACH

Lombadina – write that name down! It’s a beautiful little aboriginal community, and then you pop put onto the one of the most beautiful white sandy beaches in Australia. You’ll find it at Cape Leveque, and provided the cycles have been behaving themselves, there’s a beautiful thatched roof shade shelter that looks like it could be in the Caribbean, not the coast of WA. Just be sure to get permission to drive on the beach from the local community office (you’ll find it – there’s just the one!).

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› EL QUESTRO STATION OR HOME VALLEY?

Given their proximity to each other, many travellers feel the need to choose where they should stay – El Questro Station or Home Valley Station. Having stayed at both, I’d recommend you do too. El Questro is certainly a more ‘polished’ resort experience, as it sees more tourists and offers everything from tent sites up to serious boutique accommodation. And its natural wonders like palm fringed pools and massive gorges are unbelievably impressive. There are tracks to drive on around the station, some of which are 4X4 only. So El Questro to me is a certain starter for the Kimberley firsttimer.

Home Valley Station, being a working cattle station, is closer to its station roots. Everyone dines together in the big open-walled dining area (the Dusty Bar & Grill), and it’s a great feed indeed. And throughout the day, you can experience natural horsemanship displays and horse trail rides.

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› ROAD CONDITIONS

While the mighty Gibb River Road used to be a torturous test of damageinflicting corrugations, it’s not as bad as it used to be. Sure, being dirt, it does still suffer from heavy traffic and poor weather, but you can drive a lot of it at between 80 and 100km/h. And the worst bits through mountains have even been painted with a coating of bitumen. But the side roads, those exits out to the coast and even up to Cape Leveque are more of a challenge.

The road north to Kalumburu starts out easy enough, but is punctuated by unexpected washaways and slender creeks, which if taken too rapidly could inflict some real damage. The road to Mitchell Falls also needs to be taken slowly and with care, though at the right speeds it doesn’t represent any issues. North of Kalumburu and out to the coastline the tracks become slow going and soft and sandy. For the lone vehicle it’s an easy run, but it’s more of a challenge if you’ve got a camper trailer or off-road caravan in tow. Dump those tyre pressures down sooner rather than later, or you could be dragging out the winch!

› WHEN TO GO

June through to September is the best time to visit the Kimberley. Then you’ll have comfortable night temps, and beautiful warm days (28-32). Any earlier, it could be too wet, and any later, too hot. I’ve been there in late September and in the middle of the Kimberley experienced 460C temps daily. It cools down on the coast, but also becomes more humid and around 320C. NON-INTERACTIVE VERSION | PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR INTERACTIVE MAGAZINE

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JUNE THROUGH TO SEPTEMBER IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE KIMBERLEY. THEN YOU’LL HAVE COMFORTABLE NIGHT TEMPS, AND BEAUTIFUL WARM DAYS (28-32) 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

WANT TO SEE PAT TAKE ON THE HORIZONTAL FALLS?

By Pat Callinan.

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THE EDITOR

ARE YOU A

IF SO, YOU’RE EVERYTHING THAT’S WRONG W I consider myself lucky in my job. I get to go plenty of places and meet plenty of likeminded off-roaders, the vast majority of whom are fantastic, down to earth, bush DEX loving, fair dinkum folks. The type of people you’d be happy to share a few beverages with around a campfire swapping stories.

And then there are the bogans.

Now don’t get me wrong here, we all like to blow off steam when we’re offroad and let it all hang out once we’ve left the blacktop in the rear-view, but there are limits that most of us observe and respect. However there are a few people who just don’t get it. I’m talking about the mouth breathers who think it’s cool to tear up grassy campgrounds doing donuts in their stupidly lifted, holes in the muffler, cobbled together sh*tboxes with the sound system cranked to eleven at 3am – usually while other campers, often those with young families, try to get some shut eye.

Let me give you an example. Just last weekend I was up the beach with a couple of mates. It was the wee hours of the morning when a single-cab HiLux, complete with four idiots in the tray, roared up at full noise to our sleepy campsite, eighteen LED lightbars blaring and the stereo pumping out some earbleedingly craptacular techno “music” through the 4in splits in the front door panels. I stuck my head out of my swag just as old mate behind the wheel, apparently unconcerned he’d woken us up and put the fear of God into my poor dog, rudely asked me where Jonno was.

Now, I have no idea who Jonno actually is, let alone where he was, and I politely (ish) informed the knuckle dragger in the `Lux of this. After drunkenly swearing at me, punctuated by giggles from the cast of Deliverance sitting in the tray, he backed out of our camp at full noise, kicking sand everywhere and leaving me to reflect on the fact that the penalty for punching someone in the mouth is too high in our society…

And don’t get me started on the oxygen thieves who riddle the bush with their rubbish. Sure, a lot of dumping is not done by four-wheel drivers, but too

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R’S COLUMN

A BOGAN?

WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVING IN THIS COUNTRY. much of it is in places where a 2WD can’t get to, and you can bet your last dollar that we’re the ones who’ll cop the blame for it anyway.

The reality of the situation is that the huge majority of us are respectful and responsible people who are “real” environmentalists, yet we’re being sold out and represented to mainstream And I guess that’s what I’m getting society by the minority of fools. I reckon at. For too long the notion of being it’s time for the silent majority to start a reckless d*ckhead has been pulling the loud minority up, before synonymous with being an off-road we’re all tarred with the same brush and enthusiast. I can’t tell you the amount of we’re locked out of the bush forever. people whom I tell I’m into four-wheel driving and they immediately assume Dex. I’m some sort of enviro-vandal tearing up our pristine bush.

WHAT DO YOU GUYS RECKON – IS IT TIME TO START TAKING SOME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACTIONS OF ALL FOUR-WHEEL DRIVERS OR IS DEX OVERREACTING TO A STORM IN A TEACUP?

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As you read this,

sitting brand-new in dealer showrooms around the world is a vehicle which has the uncompromising aerodynamics of a brick and door hinges akin to those on a shed. It has shared the same basic design since its inception, and its assembly and construction has more in common with a child’s playset than a modern, robotically-assembled vehicle.

The Land Rover Defender is built by hand in England almost the same way it has been since it was introduced in 1948. On December 20th, 2015, after a continuous run of 67 years, the last Defender will roll off the assembly line in Solihull – with declining sales as much to blame as tightening emissions and safety standards.

We live in a disposable era where our vehicles subject to planned obsolescence, and our electronics are deemed old and outdated if they’re not the latest-and-greatest model.

It seems after a long run even the Defender has also become a victim of its age. But with age comes acquired wisdom. Since rolling off the line in 1948 as the Series I, the Land Rover has progressively refined itself, with each iteration an improvement over the last.

It has brought us countless four-wheel drive innovations, many of which we now consider essential.

Off-road innovation at Land Rover continues to this day on models like the Discovery and Range Rover, but it seems to be for the sake of maintaining the brand’s heritage and key selling features, rather than building better four-wheel drives.

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LAND ROVER’S

TECHNOLOGICAL

GADGETRY

IS NOTHING SHORT OF IMPRESSIVE, AS EVIDENCED BY THE PERFORMANCE AND INCREASED RELIABILITY OF THEIR MODERN VEHICLES

Land Rover’s technological gadgetry is nothing short of impressive, as evidenced by the performance and increased reliability of their modern vehicles. However, I’m not sure it can ever compare with the brute utility and simplicity of the Defender. I would imagine drowning a modern Discovery 4 in a creek would be much more painful than taking your 20-year-old Defender for a swim. But is the death of the Defender, the vehicle that built their brand, really the fault of Land Rover?

Or does the blame lie with the general public and an advancing society?

With the exception of a few distinct locales around the world, there is virtually no need to have a utility 4X4 in day-to-day life. The places that still require a vehicle like a Defender are becoming progressively less wild each day as modern society encroaches, replacing dirt tracks with paved highways. The Defender is the “canary

in the coal mine” for the future of fourwheel drives. Frankly it is impressive that vehicles such as itself and the LandCruiser 70-series, which is also running on borrowed time, have survived as long as they have.

When Land Rover decided to rename their “Land Rover” in order to cope with an expanding product line, it is ironic that they chose the name Defender.

As time progressed and competition increased due to the expanding fourwheel drive market, the time-tested Land Rover became the theoretical defender of the market. The vehicle was, and in many ways still is, the standard by which off-road capability and utility were measured, for the Defender had always stayed true to its functionover-form heritage. It can truthfully be said that each generation of the Land Rover, concluding with the Defender, was more capable off-road than its precursor model.

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SEASON 7

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Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Adventures is Australia’s first nationally broadcast 4WD and Touring show.

Now filming its 8th Season this DVD features the latest episodes from Season 7 - the boxed DVD set includes extra content that was not broadcast on television.

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COMPLETE SEASON 6

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It is the sliding scale of expectations that is most concerning. By lack of option, four-wheel drive enthusiasts are choosing softer and softer 4X4s, vehicles that place city prowess over off-road capability, and ride comfort

over load capacity. Throughout its run, the Defender has relentlessly defended the notion of what a utility vehicle should be. When it’s gone, who will be the defender of the proper four-wheel drive?

WHEN IT’S

GONE, WHO WILL BE

THE DEFENDER OF THE PROPER FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE?

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4X4 BOX OFFICE

4X4 ADVENTURE CINEMA

OUTBACK CHALLENGE SPECIAL EDITON Well, the cat is out of the bag – Unsealed 4X4 is officially a key sponsor of this year’s Outback Challenge event. To celebrate this huge occasion, our staff have assembled the best moments of the

OBC, all captured on video. If these clips don’t inspire you to head into the desert and witness the spectacle that is the toughest off-road event in the country, perhaps it’s time to check you’re still breathing!

2015 PROMO TO GET YOUR BLOOD PUMPING. WILL YOU BE AT THIS YEAR’S EVENT?

WILL YOU BE AT THIS YEAR’S EVENT?

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LAWRIE STERNBECK AND HIS V8 POWERED ’LUX… TURN THE SPEAKERS UP FOR THIS ONE!

A ZOOK WITH A GOD WINCH VERSUS AN 80 SERIES… WHICH WILL WIN IN THE OUTBACK?

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2014 OUTBACK CHALLENGE

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Want to see your pride and joy featured in Unsealed 4X4?

All you have to do is email evan@unsealed4x4.com.au with a few pictures of your four-wheel drive, and a couple of words letting us know what you have done to it, and where you like to take it.

ANDREW’S DEFENDER Andrew is a mate of ours here at the mag, and an all-round good bloke.

We say this not just because he drives a neat and well-used touring spec Defender, but he is actually a paramedic – so his skills could literally save our lives one day.

Getting back to the Landy though, Andrew has set it up just the way he feels a ’Fender should be. His is

THE RIDES OF U

a 1996 model, so it’s powered by the legendary 300TDi. He has then added a roof top tent, awning, fridge and some homemade drawers. A set of Maxxis Bighorns get the power to the ground, while ride quality is controlled by the well-documented King Spring and Bilstein shock absorber combo. Andrew definitely has the touring bug, and has been to Tassie a few times, as well as trips up and down the Eastern Seaboard coast and hinterland.

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UNSEALED 4X4

Don't ya hate it when you're minding your own business, dancing the YMCA, and some jerk captures it on camera...

GEORGINA’S WRANGLER Georgina has owned her TJ Wrangler for over seven years now, and has transformed it from bone stock to a one-of-a-kind off roader. And it isn’t just for show, as it seems she enjoys pushing the poor Jeep to its limits and beyond. Okay, are you ready for the head-spinning list of modifications?

Here goes!

Twin lockers, Currie Rock Jock 60 rear diff, triangulated four-link rear suspension with 3in wheelbase extension, a custom fuel tank, six-point

roll cage, custom paint job, high fender lift, 35in rubber, 12in coil-over shocks and hydro bump stops to name the bigticket items.

All this, and Georgina is only 24 years of age. Sure makes us feel ashamed for barely being able to put air in our own tyres when we were that age… seriously great work here, but that isn’t all!

Georgina has plans to swap the front diff out for the same diff she has in the rear, run PSC hydro-assisted steering and further stretch the wheelbase with matching coil-overs. Stop it, now you’re just showing off Georgie.

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Want to see your pride and joy featured in Unsealed 4X4?

All you have to do is email evan@unsealed4x4.com.au with a few pictures of your four-wheel drive, and a couple of words letting us know what you have done to it, and where you like to take it.

THE RIDES OF U

GRANT’S 40 SERIES … SORT OF Well this is something different! We spotted this 40 Series SWB out the front of Cross Country Intercoolers in Adelaide. And while it is not out of the ordinary to see a modified four-wheel drive parked out the front of a diesel based four-wheel drive performance workshop… this one has a big, tyre smoking petrol V8 engine in it! Once we found out it belonged to Grant, the owner of Cross Country, we were crawling over it like fleas on a dog. The suspension a 44-gallon drum, with the remaining three wheels firmly placed on the is quite a wild setup, and flexes as ground. Editor Dex also pointed out the well as any coil-spring affair. uncommon “Bandeirante” front grille, Grant told us the brief for the which incorporates square headlights suspension was that it had to be instead of the traditional round lights. able to place one wheel on top of Pretty sweet play truck, that’s for sure!

Modular.

Removable.

Safe.

Quality.

You will use it every day on every trip

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UNSEALED 4X4

DAVE’S FJ CRUISER

DE

ED

A

RS!

TDOO

IAN

OU

RA U ST L

MA

. NO refrigeration required . NOT freeze-dried or dehydrated! . 18 months shelf life . NO artificial preservatives . Gluten free & vegan options . All Australian meat used Simply heat the pouch in a pot of boiling water or in a microwave!

FOR TH E

READY TO EAT CAMPING MEALS STRAIGHT OUT OF THE PANTRY!

FOOD

Dave, or Twisty as he is better known in the four-wheel drive scene, would have to take the cake when it comes to awesome custom vehicles. From his previous HiLux, Zook and red hot 40 Series, to this neat-as-a-pin FJ Cruiser you see before you. Each of his builds has pushed the envelope in-terms of quality. This here FJ Cruiser has been tweaked heavily by the team at Fourby’s in Moorooka, and so far it has a full King suspension including Monster Rides upper control arms, 35inch Mickey Thompson MTZ tyres on Trailready simulated bead-locked rims, front and rear ARB lockers and a host of neat custom barwork and touring mods. As you can see, Twisty loves nothing more than strapping on the surfboards and hitting the beaches of his native QLD. And with a fun truck as good as this, who could blame him?

& OWN

®

THE REVOLUTION IN CAMPING FOOD!

CHOOSE FROM 11 GREAT VARIETIES!

SHOP NOW & GET 15% OFF happycampergourmet.com.au use|code UNSEALED15% NON-INTERACTIVE VERSION PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR INTERACTIVE MAGAZINE

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HID Driving Lights • LED Driving Lights QH Driving Lights • LED Off-road Lightbars

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CREDITS Editor Dex Fulton

Art Director Kirsten Nutting

Deputy Editor Evan Spence

Key Account Manager Allan Goldby

Journalist Sam Purcell

National Sales and Marketing Manager Edward Whitfield

Head of Digital Media and Sales Eldon De Croos Director of Sales and Marketing Mark Muras

Customer Service Manager James Fox Graphic Designer Laura Boshammer

This edition of Unsealed 4X4 was brought to you by the following sponsors:

Beer, Parental Disappointment, Skinned Knuckles and Irony.

Thanks guys.

Publisher Pat Callinan Publishing Pty Ltd

Contact us here

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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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ADVERTISER INDEX Aeroklas

McHitch

Airbagman

Mullins Wheels

ARB 4X4 Accessories

National 4X4 Outdoors Show and Fishing & Boating Expo

Bilstein Century Batteries

Offroad Systems

Clearview Accessories

Opposite Lock

Cooper Tires

Outback Challenge 2015

Cross Country 4X4

Oztent

Cub Campers

Performax International

Dolium

Powerful 4X4

Electronic Rust Prevention Systems

RB Sellars

ENGEL AUSTRALIA

REDARC

Evakool

Sax Suspension Technology

Fourby Fitouts

Spotters

General Tire

Steinbauer - Diesel Care

Getabout 4WD Training

Terrain Tamer

Happy Camper Gourmet

Travelander

HEMA Maps

Ultimate Offroad Campers

Ironman 4X4

Uniden

Johnno’s Camper Trailers

Vista RV Crossover Pty Ltd

Lightforce

Volkswagen

Longranger Fuel & Water Tanks

Whats Up Downunder

Lotus Caravans

Xray Vision

Mars Campers

Yamaha

Maxtrax

ADVERTISER DIRECTORY

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15

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INSIDE

E U S S I UIDE NEXT

LG N A I T N ESSE SLIDE-O TO MPERSailer CA u need a tr id yo rt?

Who sa vel in comfo to tra

!

S S E N D A M G noise at full lock

We go full $200K and 285kW with nearly rcedes G-Wagen. worth of Me

+ FORGOTTEN HUTS OF THE HIGH COUNTRY

Forget Blue Rag and Craig’s Hut, there’s a lot more to Victoria’s favourite playground.

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