Posts by author
Dan Everett
Wildtrak X Returns, But Is It A Winner?
ARB Newcastle Grand Opening
How to Keep the Dirt Out of Your Jocks: Dust-Proof Camping Gear
Are Salties Moving South?
Is Your Rig Illegal? How to Keep Your 4X4 On the Right Side of the Law
Ford Ups The Ante With Limited Run Wildtrak Everest
The Tragic, Beautiful Madness of the Burke and Wills Expedition
There’s something about the outback that stirs the soul, or mine at least. Kilometres of endless, red-hued nothingness, interrupted only by raw and utterly jaw-dropping beauty, or a homicidal kangaroo throwing itself at your bull bar, reminding you just how vast and unforgiving this country can be. For most, it’s a place you tackle with a fully-equipped 4X4, and these days, even a caravan, as well as enough supplies to feed a small army. But 160 years ago, two blokes decided to take on this landscape armed with a dining table, some camels and a bit of swagger. This is the story of The Burke and Wills Expedition—a saga of ambition, disaster, and sheer stubbornness. What fascinates me about this story isn’t just the exploration or the tragedy—it’s how you’re constantly reminded of their journey when travelling through outback Australia. You can criss-cross their route, stand at the same camps, and feel the echoes of history whispering through the landscape. Their expedition has become part of the outback’s very DNA, and if you’re like me, it’s a story that never quite leaves you. A Grand Idea or a Fool’s Errand? In 1860, Melbourne was flush with cash from the gold rush, and the city’s leaders were itching to make their mark on the map. The idea was simple: be the…
Stay Mozzie Safe In Outback NSW
Get the Ultimate 4X4 Adventure Hub With The Mr 4X4 App
Catch Every Moment of Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Adventures Season 17
How Far Can Ya Go? Touring Ranges with The Long Ranger
Australia’s vast and rugged landscapes beckon adventurers from all over the world. From sun-scorched deserts to lush rainforests, the continent offers a myriad of remote destinations that are a dream for any 4X4er. But venturing into these isolated areas isn’t just about having a capable rig—it’s about ensuring you have the ability to get there and back safely. This is where fuel capacity becomes not just important, but essential. Embarking on a remote adventure in Australia is very different to a quick weekend getaway; it’s a commitment that requires meticulous planning. Remote tracks often stretch hundreds of kilometres without any facilities or fuel stations. Running out of fuel in these areas isn’t just inconvenient—it can be dangerous. “One of the greatest advantages of a long range fuel tank is the peace of mind it provides,” says the crew from The Long Ranger. “Whether you’re traversing the Simpson Desert or navigating through the Flinders Ranges, knowing you have extra fuel allows for more spontaneous adventures.” In this guide, we’ll delve into the significance of fuel capacity for big trips across some of Australia’s most iconic routes. We’ll provide insights on the distances involved, the expected fuel requirements, and how to go about getting the right long-range tank under your 4X4 Big Trip Guides: Distances and Expected Fuel Capacity Canning Stock Route …
Season 17 Wraps Up with Coastal Magic at Kalbarri
Driveway Bushwacker Install – Tough Look, Easy Job
Opinion: Tow Ratings Are Rubbish
In the world of 4X4s, numbers are everything. Manufacturers love to throw around figures like 3,500kg towing capacity, trying to convince you that their mid-size Utes can pull anything you throw behind them. But dig deeper, and you’ll find that those numbers are more about marketing hype than real-world capability. Some may go as far to say they’re an outright exaggeration. Me personally? I’d just say they’re bullshit. If you’re towing heavy loads, it’s time to start knocking a chunk off from the claimed capacity to get a more accurate idea of what your vehicle can actually handle. The reality is, if you’re hauling something more serious than a hybrid camper or lightweight van, you’re going to need a serious towing vehicle. Despite what the brochures say, most dual cab 4X4s aren’t up to the task when fully loaded. Let’s take a closer look at the Toyota HiLux GR Sport, mainly because it’s comical how bad it is. Toyota advertise it as rated to tow 3,500kg, with a Gross Combined Mass (GCM) of 5,850kg. Now, let’s say you’re towing the full 3,500 kg. Subtract that from the GCM, and you’re left with 2,350kg. That figure has to cover the vehicle’s weight (its kerb weight is 2,270kg), which leaves you with a measly 80 kg of payload. Oh yeah, we need…
SA Government Bans Camping on Wauraltee Beach
Shark Bay to Steep Point: Pat Tackles WA’s Rugged Coast
Ranger Raptor North Edition: The Everyday Sleigh For Santa
Ningaloo Calling: Pat Takes on WA’s Stunning Coastline
Issue 067 is Here: Your Guide to Conquering the Red Centre
How To Call For Help In The Outback
Christmas Gift Ideas for That Special 4X4er
Amazon Enters the Outback Internet Fight with Starlink Rivalry
Could 4X4s Be Next Under South Australia’s New Licensing Laws?
Pat takes on the most remote 4X4 track in the world
The Internet Is Terrified Of Swimming… Is It For Good Reason?
HOW TO BUY THE BEST ROOF TOP TENT FOR YOUR BUDGET
From bush tracks to beach camps its undeniable the roof top tent has taken over as the sleeping arrangement of choice for 4X4ers. There’s second hand $200 offerings ratchet strapped high above P-platers first cars, and high-end insulated offerings with LED lighting and charging points clamped firmly to the lightweight alloy rack of brand new 4X4s. They’re universal from hardcore weekend rigs to outback proven tourers, and there’s as much variety in the tents themselves as the rigs you can bolt them to. Sound great? Yeah, they kind of are. But before you dive in and slap one on your rig, there’s a bit to consider. The market’s packed with options, and while choice is a good thing, it can also leave you scratching your head. That’s where this guide comes in. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about buying a rooftop tent, so by the time you’ve finished reading, you’ll be ready to make an informed decision and hit the road with confidence. WHAT IS A ROOFTOP TENT? First off, let’s cover the basics. A rooftop tent is exactly what it sounds like, a tent that mounts to the roof of your 4X4, or beat up hatchback if you’re a backpacker “finding yourself” in the Aussie Outback. Unlike your standard ground tents that require flat, even…
Billy Goat Bluff Gets Graded: What You Need to Know
Super Duty Ranger Takes Towing Seriously
WA’s Speed Limit Shake-Up: What It Means for Outback Travel
With Rising Road Tolls, Should There Be a Licence to Tow?
HOW TO BUY A ROOF TOP TENT
From bush tracks to beach camps its undeniable the roof top tent has taken over as the sleeping arrangement of choice for 4X4ers. There’s second hand $200 offerings ratchet strapped high above P-platers first cars, and high-end insulated offerings with LED lighting and charging points clamped firmly to the lightweight alloy rack of brand new 4X4s. They’re universal from hardcore weekend rigs to outback proven tourers, and there’s as much variety in the tents themselves as the rigs you can bolt them to. Sound great? Yeah, they kind of are. But before you dive in and slap one on your rig, there’s a bit to consider. The market’s packed with options, and while choice is a good thing, it can also leave you scratching your head. That’s where this guide comes in. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about buying a rooftop tent, so by the time you’ve finished reading, you’ll be ready to make an informed decision and hit the road with confidence. WHAT IS A ROOFTOP TENT? First off, let’s cover the basics. A rooftop tent is exactly what it sounds like, a tent that mounts to the roof of your 4X4, or beat up hatchback if you’re a backpacker “finding yourself” in the Aussie Outback. Unlike your standard ground tents that require flat, even…
Pat Callinan’s 4×4 Adventures Season 17 Trailer Drops!
What the end of the 3G Network Means for 4X4ers
Field Tested: AMP Research PowerStep Running Boards
Get Your Own ‘Thirst Responder’ With Engels Latest Release
Pat’s F-150 – Project Thirst Responder hits the outback
The new REDARC BCDC Alpha will solve your Power Woes
Calls for More Outback Roads to Be Sealed: But Is It All Bad News?
Aussies Are Buying the Wrong Utes
Us Aussies have a deep-seated love affair with our utes. They’re part of our national identity, a cultural icon that’s been around for over 90 years. These vehicles have shaped who we are and how we live, becoming as ingrained in our daily lives as a meat pie or a cold beer on a hot day. But here’s the kicker, we might just be buying the wrong ones. That’s right, I’m about to drop a controversial opinion, but hear me out. I reckon a significant chunk of the utes parked in driveways across Australia, especially out in the bush, are simply the wrong size for what people actually need. Let me explain. THE CHANGING FACE OF 4X4ING A decade ago, the typical 4X4 setup was all about toughness. Solid axles, super flexible suspension, bulletproof barwork, and aggressive mud tyres were the norm. Folks would work all week, then push their rigs on the toughest local tracks over the weekend, only to spend Sunday night fixing them up for the Monday commute. A camping setup was as basic as it got—a swag under a simple awning, a hot plate for a few snags, and maybe a fridge running off a single AGM battery if you were serious about touring. Fast forward to today, and while 4X4ing has never been more popular,…
How 4X4 Drive Modes Work
The WA Outback is Blooming
NSW Government Cracks Down On Exhaust Noise
Ford Bronco May Finally Go RHD
Ranger Plug-In Hybrid Will Run Your Campsite
Quick and Easy Caramelised Bananas
From Coolers to Currents – An inside scoop with Engel
Dan Everett: Right. Ben, could you start by telling us a bit about who you are and what your role is at Engel? Ben Ranford: Sure, I’m currently the sales representative for Western Australia and the Eyre Peninsula at Engel. It’s an interesting role that keeps me pretty engaged with a diverse range of tasks. I’ve been the sales rep for nearly three years now. But I actually started with Engel back in late 2016. Since then, I’ve been involved in quite a few different areas within the company, ranging from general office duties to managing aspects of our warehouse. It’s been a great journey. DE: That sounds quite comprehensive. How many people are on the team at Engel? BR: The team isn’t very large. We have one person based in New South Wales, a few in other states and around ten people in Queensland. So, it’s a tight-knit group where everyone has a significant role to play. DE: It seems like a setting where everyone needs to contribute quite a bit, right? BR: Absolutely, Dan. In fact, as a company policy, we generally promote from within. This means whenever there’s a vacancy, our first step is to assess internal candidates who might be interested and capable of filling the role. This approach has helped us build a strong, internally-driven…
Big Red Bash to Take a Breather in 2025, Returns in 2026
ARB throws a lifeline to Hoonigan
Get More From Your Drawers: The Ultimate Packing Guide
There are a few hit list items that it seems like just about every 4X4 needs to have whether they’re gearing up for the Canning, or a summer of beach camping. Items like bull bars, driving lights, lift kits and mud terrain tyres are all obvious must haves. Things like awnings and roof top tents are other nice-to-haves, but a bit self-explanatory too. But when it comes to storage, most 4X4ers seem to be aware they should have it, but very few actually maximise them to their fullest potential. Packed right, and with the right checklist in them, a set of drawers in your 4X4 just might be the most essential upgrade you make. Here’s the kind of kit banging around in the Offroad Systems setup across the Mr 4X4 fleet. SPARE PARTS & TOOLS: BETTER TO HAVE THEM AND NOT NEED THEM This is one that’s changing over the years. The odds and ends required to keep the Leyland Brothers trundling through the Simpson Desert will look vastly different to the tools you need to keep a modern-day rig running. Sure, throw a spare belt and some hoses in the back if it makes you feel better. But silicone tape and a coke can will fix most issues no matter which hose blows. An OBD scanner is an absolute…