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When you go four-wheel driving, you do it for recreation. And as much as I struggle to say this, I do it for work. Although many of my mates chip me, asking me: “Pat, when are you going on your next holiday?!” If only they knew. Yes, I still love it, but it is actually work. When you have a shower in your new shower tent, you don’t usually have to film it from multiple angles, then take still images, then worry about audio if a piece to camera is required, and then worry about what you might say about said shower tent. So yes, sometimes it is actually work. So knowing this, having remote internet is pretty damn handy. Wanna check up on the spec of my new shower or tent that I’m presenting? Plug up the Starlink, and a few minutes later you’re online, with faster internet than I have at home. It’s fast, efficient, and saves printing loads of documents like the old days. We’ve also used Starlink to help diagnose and fix mechanical issues and book cars into workshops when we’re way out of cell phone range. And then there’s the ability to video family and friends on WhatsApp. It definitely has its perks. Yet the downsides of Starlink are profound, and often hidden. The very…
When it comes to off-roading, one of the most critical yet often overlooked components in a 4X4 is the shock absorber. While many enthusiasts focus on adding accessories like winches, bull bars, and rooftop tents, the role of the suspension system, particularly the shock absorbers, is crucial in ensuring a smooth, controlled ride. Adjustable shock absorbers provide a versatile solution that allows drivers to tailor their vehicle’s handling to suit different terrains and driving conditions. But how exactly do they work? The Basics of a Shock Absorber Before we get into how adjustability works, it’s important to have a fundamental understanding of what is actually happening inside a shock absorber when you hit that pothole. At its core, a shock absorber is designed to manage the suspension’s movement by controlling the rate at which the springs compress and rebound. Without shock absorbers, your 4X4 would bounce down the track like a pogo stick after every bump, making for a very uncomfortable and potentially dangerous ride. Inside a standard shock absorber, there’s a piston that moves up and down within a tube filled with oil. When your rig hits a bump, the suspension spring compresses and the shock absorbers piston is pushed into the oil-filled chamber. The movement of the piston forces the oil to pass through small valves in the…
When the wilderness calls and the campfire roars, there’s no better way to feed your adventurous spirit than with a hearty, flavour-packed burger. This isn’t just any burger; it’s a culinary masterpiece combining the rustic charm of campfire cooking with a touch of gourmet indulgence. Here’s how to bring the Ultimate Bourbon BBQ Burger to life, ensuring a memorable meal that might just be the highlight of your camping trip. Why This Burger is a Campfire Winner This burger is tailor-made for outdoor cooking, designed to be both a feast for the senses and a practical choice for campers. It features robust ingredients that travel well and pack a punch in terms of flavour. The addition of bourbon-infused BBQ sauce and crispy bacon ups the ante, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for those cool nights under the stars. Plus, the hearty assembly guarantees no one will walk away hungry. Shopping List You won’t need a stocked pantry to whip up this creation but there are a few key ingredients you’ll need in the Engel, here’s what to buy. – Minced meat (1kg, for 4-5 burgers) – Salt and pepper – Maple bacon (8-10 rashes) – Pickles and pickled jalapenos (1/2 cup each, diced) – White onion (1/2, finely chopped) – Beef jerky (125g, finely diced) – American-style burger cheese…
I recently attended the New York Auto Show. And in case you were wondering, this trip was personally funded (i.e. NOT paid for by any manufacturer). Here are some of my key takeaways. VERY FEW CAR COMPANIES ARE RUN BY ENTHUSIASTS I’m quite certain that many car companies, nay, most car companies, have had an identity crisis over the past decade. Do we build petrol? Diesel? Hybrid? Hydrogen? Electric? And in that massive state of flux and indecision, most seem to have fluffed their product lineup and created ostensibly boring, heartless vehicles. I mean, by their very nature, electric vehicles are essentially heartless, as they have no singular fuel-burning engine. Instead, they have four little motors wired up to a supercomputer. So for a car enthusiast, it’s hard to get properly excited. Then there’s the range anxiety in Australia, plus the inefficiency when towing or accessorising. One company noticeably bucked the ‘boring’ trend in The Big Apple. Ford. I know what you’re thinking - “Pat, you’re sponsored by the buggers, quit talkin’ nice about them” and truthfully, I did spend more time on their stand than any other. But man, talk about something for everybody. Let’s list a few notables. A Mach-E Rally car, available to buy from your dealer. Think Dakar 911, in an EV. Dirt road rubber, a slight lift…
In the vast landscapes of Australia, few names resonate with the spirit of exploration as profoundly as Len Beadell. Often dubbed the “last true Australian explorer,” Len’s contributions to mapping and road-building in remote Australia are unparalleled. His stories of ingenuity, perseverance, and raw Aussie grit continue to inspire adventurers and 4X4 enthusiasts alike. Early Life and World War II Service Born in 1923 in West Pennant Hills, New South Wales, Leonard Beadell’s affinity for the outdoors was evident early on. His surveyor father nurtured young Len’s fascination with the bush. But it was World War II that shaped his destiny. Serving as a surveyor and a reconnaissance officer, Len mastered the art of navigation, honing skills that would serve him well in later years. Post-war Australia was a time of exploration, ambition, and nation-building. The British and Australian governments, eager to test atomic weapons, set their sights on the vast, uninhabited expanses of the outback. But there was a hitch – how do you access such remote sites? Enter Len Beadell. Selected to scout test sites, Beadell faced the daunting task of surveying and building roads across some of Australia’s most inhospitable terrains. With a small team – the Gunbarrel Road Construction Party – and equipped with a grader, bulldozer, and supply trucks, Len embarked on an epic journey…
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