Posts by author
Dan Everett
Thuraya Satellite Network Goes Down
How The Right Lift Kit In Your 4X4 Will Get You Further
The Story Behind Project Thirst Responder – Our F-150 with Attitude
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…
The Dark Arts of Towing Off-Road
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…