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In an age dominated by digital navigation, the art of reading a paper map may seem like a relic of the past. Yet, for 4X4ers mastering this skill is not just about tradition but also about safety, independence, and the thrill of exploration. Topographic maps, or topo maps, offer a wealth of information, depicting the beauty and challenges of the terrain ahead in a way no GPS can. Topographic maps are distinct from ordinary maps. They don’t just show roads and trails; they enable you to visualize three-dimensional terrain on a flat piece of paper. This is accomplished through contour lines, scale, and a legend that deciphers symbols and colours. Map reading is an essential skill for safety and emergency planning. By understanding the terrain and features of your chosen area, you can identify potential hazards, such as steep cliffs, river crossings, or dense forests. This knowledge allows you to plan safer routes, avoid risks, and prepare for emergencies. Moreover, in situations where technology fails or GPS signals are lost, a paper map becomes an invaluable tool for finding your way back to safety. This guide aims to give you an intro to paper maps. How to read them, how to use them to work out where you are, and how to use them to plan a route understanding what…
There’s no shortage of odds and ends, doo dad’s and what’s its we fit to our rigs, all with their own unique story and purpose. But some bits of 4X4 kit are a little more special than that. In fact, the Engel range of fridges may as well be considered family heirlooms. For a comparable price as their competitors, the Engel range of fridges have a track record 60 years long, with many of those early fridges still bouncing around the tracks in the back of 4X4s to this day. To find out what gives Engel their staying power, we sat down with tech-guru Peter from Engel, here’s what he had to say. Dan: Righto Peter, let’s cut right to the chase, what do you do at Engel and how long have you been doing it? Peter: I’ve been with Engel for 29 years. I’ve worn a lot of hats over the years, everything from helping set up the business to sales rep., State Manager for several states, looking after our national accounts like Kenworth, etc., I’ve worked in our customer service division and done a lot of staff training internally as well as external retail training. Yeah, just about everything. D: For those who have been living under a rock for the last 60 years, can you give us…
For over two decades, Pat Callinan has built himself a reputation as a no-nonsense outback tourer. His shows, websites, magazines, and 4X4s have all been about exploring the Australian landscape focusing more on the natural beauty and the excitement of discovering new tracks, than showboating. But with last season’s Everest and Ranger builds serving as big-lap proven tourers, and the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a 2024 F-150 Lariat, what happens when Pat wants to have a little fun? What does it look like when he sets out to build a rig that’ll put a smile on his face whether he’s parked up trackside in Innamincka, or just heading to his local watering hole to spend an afternoon with mates? Enter ” Project Thirst Responder”, a vehicle that marks a departure from Pat’s utilitarian ethos to embrace the sheer joy of motoring down an outback track with the promise of good times and better mates at the end. The Rig Ford’s F Series line of trucks has had an on-again-off-again relationship with Australia. Factory-backed, we’ve seen a few models over the last 50-odd years including the F-250 in the mid-2000s, and the F-100 and Bronco back in the 80s. While you’ve been able to buy grey import and locally converted F-150s for a while now, Pat’s 2024 model…
Venturing off-road with your caravan or camper trailer opens up a world of adventure, granting access to Australia’s diverse and beautiful landscapes. However, it’s a journey that requires skill, knowledge, and above all, preparation. In this guide, we’ll explore the art of off-road towing, offering tips and tricks to ensure you, your 4X4, and your trailer return from your adventures in one piece. Understanding Your Trailer’s Capabilities A Strong Foundation Before planning any off-road excursion, it’s crucial to understand the capabilities of your trailer. Its design and construction determine where it can and can’t go. For instance, if you own an ‘on-road’ caravan, it won’t be suitable for off-road adventures due to low clearance and lighter-duty suspension components and construction. You run the risk of literally shaking it apart at the seams on even mild corrugations. Instead, consider a semi-off-road or dedicated heavy-duty off-road van, built to handle low-range tracks, sand, and other challenging terrains with better ground clearance and stronger construction. The Importance of Clearance Clearance is one of the most critical factors when taking a trailer off-road. Trailers with good clearance can tackle most rough terrains without scraping their underbelly against rocks and ruts. A trailer’s clearance is often determined by its suspension package specification. While independent, coil-sprung, or air-bagged setups are desirable, even a well-rated leaf spring…
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