5 blokes, 5 more-than-capable 4x4 vehicles. With many years of experience behind them, these guys know a thing or two on all things 4WDing and the accessories required to ensure their vehicle’s go the extra mile.
The Experts
Rick Hain – Touring DownUnder
Rick manages the Facebook page Touring DownUnder and drives an 07 single cab 79 Series Landcruiser. Fully set up and self-sufficient, he has been able to travel to some of the country’s most popular destinations and some locations that are so remote that they can’t be reached by the everyday vehicle. Exploring WA is on his bucket list and looks forward to the challenge. Follow along here.
Ned Cakovan –
Ned runs the Y62 Patrol Owners club of Australia website, and you guessed it drives a Nissan Y62. He’s driven the entire coast of Australia including Tassie and all the way from Melbourne to Darwin and back. Ned says the thing he loves about his vehicle is the big V8 petrol engine, having driven his first 4X4 in 2000 which was a GU Patrol and has never looked back since.
Ronny Dahl – 4Wheelin in WA
If anyone knows more about the in’s and out’s of 4x4’s its Ronny Dahl who has been 4wding for 17 years. He runs a popular YouTube Chanel on 4x4 how-to videos and more. Ronny also drives a 79 Series and says the number one question he always gets is what vehicle should I buy with only a 10k budget. His answer is to buy something that is in good order and has a name for reliability like a Hilux, Prado or Patrol. Check out his YouTube channel here.
Jed Currey – Explore WA
Jed runs a tag-a-long tour company in WA, so he has intimate knowledge of what it takes to build a capable 4x4. So much so, he’s kitting another one out right now. After retiring his Landcruiser lead tour vehicle, clocking at over 400,000 km, he has decided to convert a 105 Series with a 1hdfte Diesel engine and make some other changes as well. Explore WA 4wd Adventures is now commencing its 4th season of a Tag along tour. Check it here.
Michael Donnan – Airing Down
Michael runs Instagram page Airing Down and has been 4WDing for as long as he can remember. He even has home films of himself in a cot on Moreton Island at 5 weeks old! His other half, Stacey is also no stranger to the 4X4 life, having travelled around Australia with her family for almost 2 years when she was a youngin'. “4WDing is literally in our blood”, says Michael. They have driven a variety of vehicles over the years, and currently, have a 200 series (no surprise there) as well as an old-school original HJ45 Ute. Check out some of the cool snaps here.
The Mods
We asked them a simple question: What is an effective 4x4 upgrade that everyone should implement in their vehicle for off-roading?
1. Tyres
This one was number one for mostly everyone we asked. And for good reason too.
“Speaking from my own experience,” says Rick. “I remember tyres were my very first upgrade on all vehicles I have owned. It allows you to have a little more confidence on the tracks no matter your skill level. My go to now is the cooper STT Pro and I find them unreal!”
A good set of All Terrain or Mud terrain tyres should do the trick, depending on the vehicle and what you want to do with it. Having the right set of tyres ensures you will have a long, safe and comfortable trip.
Ned, for example, runs two sets of wheels and tyres, All Terrain tyres for his daily use, beach and general touring and Mud Terrain for his off-road use. “This way I get the best of both worlds”, he says. Check out his guide on 4x4 upgrades every serious tourer should consider.
2. Recovery Equipment
There’s nothing worse than getting bogged down in the sand or mud and not have any recovery gear on board to get you out of trouble.
“These should be your first investment”, says Jed. “Even the best-prepared vehicle needs items like snatch straps, rated recovery points, long-handled shovel and shackles.”
And if you’re travelling solo, then winches and exhaust jacks are some alternatives (but much more expensive) to consider as well.
3. A Dual Battery system
Food going off, beers going warm and a flat battery is just a recipe for a bad time. Take it from Ronny Dahl who swears by investing in a capable and robust dual battery system to get you out there and home again.
“After the basic needs, look at charging systems and dual batteries as a fridge is a top/important accessory for long distance travel.
Cold drinks are a luxury which also becomes a necessity. Who wants a soggy sandwich and a lukewarm beer in the outback? Having a charging system also makes the vehicle more reliable as you can keep track of State Of Charge. A Solar Blanket or Portable Solar Panel is also a good idea.”
Check out the full video here.
4. Rear Draw System
“A really simple yet so practical upgrade is a rear drawer system”, says Michael. “It organises all the chaos and allows all recovery gear, cooking utensils etc. to be all packed ready to go each trip without having to always remove it (and possibly forgetting to repack).”
5. UHF Radios
Michael says another useful upgrade is a UHF CB Radio. “Especially when you're going on some 4WD tracks, they tend to have signs with what channel to be on for each track which helps to communicate with other 4WD'ers on the track.”
“UHF radios are a must anywhere you travel”, adds Ned. “It lets you communicate easily with your convoy and get updates of any traffic hazards around from passing vehicles. A Sat phone is a must when travelling really remote. It took us 3 days to cross the Simpson Desert, and we only passed a couple of cars in that time. And obviously your mobile phone. They take most of my photos when I’m away.”
Finally, Michael summarises that there are plenty of options in the market, but it all comes down to really doing your research and looking into best you can afford in your budget.
Thank you to Rick, Ned, Ronny, Jed and Michael for their contributions.
Cover photo credit to Sean Scott photography
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