Western 4W Driver Edition 103 e-book

103rd EDITION Winter 2017 WA’s own 4WD MagazineMore Power toAmarokHallsCreek toPurnululu CopperD to the MAX TrailsUp the Coast to Wotsaname Euro’ver and Out - Pinning down the Polluters Tri-Turbo Audi

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WINTER 2017 CONTENTS DESTINATIONS East Kimberley Extravaganza - Linda Bloffwitch revisits Halls Creek and Purnululu____________ 8 The Shakedown - Amanda and Mike christen a new camper_________________ 64 Up the Coast to Wotsaname - En route to the Murchison_________________________________ 146 Copper Trails - Ruins, ragged hills and rugged tracks______________________ 194 TESTING Pumping up the D-Max - with Rob Robson__________________________________________ 34 Smooth Sailing with Bluewater - Alex Garner checks out a forward folding camper___________ 51 Amarok Re-powered - Volkswagen goes for Six____________________________________ 84 Tougher than a Five Buck Steak - Or a Rhino Hide___________________________________________ 127 Audi Tri-Turbo - Overkill or Porsche beater?________________________________ 1604 Western 4W Driver #103

FEATURESThe Early Days - A longitude Solution_________________________________________ 59A Simple Wheel Bearing Service - Keeping the wheels on your trailer___________________________ 95On the Way There - Ian Elliot explores some en route highlights_________________ 100Euro’ver and Out - Neil Dowling pins down the polluters________________________ 109Reader’s Ride E-BOOK!Now in: - Vee Ten Vee Dub______________ 119 Go to:wFesoterrnM4wodrriveer.com.auSteps to Survival - Signalling for help_____________ 137Naming Rites - A blast from the past___________ 206 REGULARS What’s New? 21 80 WIN! Happy Dayz 113 Fishy Business COLUMNS Over the Bonnet 131EdSed Gear to Go Camping 169Wildtrax What’s in a Name 6 Workshop Chat 183Bindon’s Lore 45 - Suspension Clewed Up 47The Things you See 73 Capture the Moment 191 125 157 Goings on 203 Subscriptions 208 Supplier’s Directory 210 Silly Snaps 212 Western 4W Driver #103 5

Westate Spoilt for Publishers Pty Ltd Choice ACN 009 360 169 Ididn’t consciously choose to wake up at 3 this PO Box 510, morning but once there, the choices of what to Kalamunda, think about were manyfold. WA 6926 Phone: (08) 9291 8303 And what better subject for my column than Email: choice itself? [email protected] Casting my mind back to a recent and rare (not by Editor choice) occasion of a private camping trip up to the Nick Underwood Murchison River, Susie and I found ourselves around Contributing Writers the campfire asking the question, “where had the Phil Bianchi day gone?” Peter Bindon Leaving our phones and all contact with the Linda Bloffwitch outside world at the last available signal, we were John Bormolini anticipating a few lazy days of unwind and we did, Ben Broeder in spectacularly busy fashion. Amanda Burton A typical day went something like this: First up puts Graham Cahill the billy on, check for bull ants and contemplate a Jo Clews clean-up of the previous night’s merriment. At the Ray Cully river, jam a stick at the waterline to check the tide and Neil Dowling plan the day. Rig the rods, have a fish, don’t clean Ian Elliot any (I’m very selective you know) cook brekky, read Alex Garner for a while (‘Girt’ by David Hunt - very funny Aussie Chris Harwood history - do yourself a favour). Jump in the kayaks Colin Kerr and explore the river, lunch with the flies, re-align the Lyn Mitchell solar panel, marvel at passing motor bikes, always Ron Moon in a hurry, get thrashed at scrabble (those bloody Rob Robson vowels - where’s a consonant when you need one) Susie Underwood grab the camera and stalk a stork (or an egret) for that prize-winning wildlife shot, back in the yak for Advertising a fish, don’t clean any, cook dinner (not fish again), Nick Underwood have a sherbet, nod off at the fire having solved the Administration problems of the world. So that explains where the Marilyn Dawson day went and that’s how the trip went. Typesetting At work or play, in this beautiful part of the world we really are spoilt for choice and what unwinds us is BENSON indulging the many simple pleasures our camping lifestyle offers. ADVERTISING Back in range, missed calls and messages catapult us back into the hurly burly. Lucky for me I don’t Printing Vanguard PressDisclaimer: The views expressedin this publication are notnecessarily those of WestatePublishers Pty Ltd or the editorsbut those of the authors whoaccept sole responsibility andliability for them. While everycare is taken with images &photographs, and all othermaterial submitted, WestatePublishers Pty Ltd accepts noliability for loss or damage.Edition 103Winter 2017

Ed Sed with Nick Underwoodneed WIFI when I’ve gotWIFEY. I have one of those old-fashioned mobile telephonesthat I just talk to people on.They’re also very handy when we get separated ina shopping centre. Susie has the full shoomboogie, all bells and whistles, widescreen, internetworked handheld lifeforce with individual ring tones for everyoneshe knows that carries on and vibrates every time one of her friends send amessage to one of her other friends.Fair dinkum! As far as I’m concerned phones are for talking at and thumbs arefor pressing numbers, turning pages, signalling ‘all good’, hitting with hammersand helping pull the hook out of the occasional recalcitrant fish. If I really needto know something that my wifey doesn’t - which is rare because she is a goldmine of knowledge - she’ll look it up for me on the interweb. She tells me mostof this stuff is now stored on a cloud somewhere, and I thought they were justfor rain, lightning and morphing into likenesses of dogs or faces of people youknow. Despite the scorn and scoff I get for my old-fashioned views and withoutgoing into my concerns about the internet dumbing down our ability to think, readand remember, I will acknowledge everyone’s choice to embrace it. What’s more,because my mission in life is to bring pleasure, I’m going to embrace it myself andproduce for the first time an electronic version of Western 4W Driver.WHOA! STOPTHE PRESS! A Western 4W Driver e-book.That’s it - a flipbook of your favourite mag you can turn the pages of with a click of abutton (use your thumb).The key benefit of such an endeavour is that you can viewthe occasional video and link directly to advertiser’s websites to browse their rangeof products and services.This converts the mag into a much bigger entity than theprint version and is a portal into the entire world of 4WD online.One thing we won’t be doing is condensing any content. All the words written forWestern 4W Driver are by people of integrity with the willingness to share theirknowledge and opinions with our readers.Their words form the character of thismag and won’t be compromised for the sake of the medium.The good news is the electronic version will be free with every print subscription,so print subscribers will get the best of both worlds - a version of the mag to takewherever you go regardless of internet coverage and a version for when you wantto explore the on-line world. Now that’s choice with a capital ‘C’.A blast from the PastFollowing on from my last editorial on white fella place names, we’ve found(courtesy of Mr. E.) a SundayTimes editorial from over a hundred years ago thatcovers similar satirical ground . Check out ‘Naming Rites’ on page 207. Western 4W Driver #103 7

East KimberleyExtravaganza Part 2While the Gibb River Roadmay be the most populardestination for Kimberleytravellers, there areplenty of other stunningattractions in theregion’s east asLinda Bloffwitchhas discoveredover the years.8 Western 4W Driver #103

We revisit the magnificent Cathedral Gorge Amphitheatre in Purnululu National Park. Western 4W Driver #103 9

ith the first leg of the What you miss out at Marella Gorge is Kimberley’s Duncan Road soon made up for at the magnificent well and truly under our belt, Sawpit Gorge which is just under 70 kilometres from Flora Valley. I think thisW we’d travelled just under 300 gorge would have to be one of the jewels in the region! While you can’t see muchkilometres of its total 440 kilometres. of the gorge from the Duncan Road, it’sWhen driving this section of the Duncan, not until you take the turnoff and finallyif there’s one thing you can’t help reach the car park that the gorge trulybut notice, it’s passing the enormous reveals itself.outstation of Nicholson. This was The scenery around here is nothingonce a bustling central hub of the LordVestey property empire, but there’s noresemblance of that today.It looked well and trulydeserted as we drove by,and we understand that it’snow used as an outstationof nearby station, FloraValley. One of my long-timefavourite attractions alongthe Duncan is Marella Gorgeon Flora Valley Station.Being located on privateproperty, it was never oneof those places to take forgranted, so a simple phonecall ahead to the station generally got Massive termite mounds canyou permission. Unfortunately, with be found along the Duncanmany visitors showing a lack of respect Road the closer you get toby arriving unannounced, driving station Halls Creek.tracks, and leaving behind mounds ofrubbish, the gorge is now off limits to short of spectacular, especiallythe public. travelling early in the dry season when the lure of the10 Western 4W Driver #103 gorge’s cool water of the Black Elvire River is hard to resist. You can camp at the base of the gorge, but my preference is to cross the creek bed to make your way up the hill on the other side to a couple of secluded campsites that come with sensational views.The camping up here is excellent, but with space at a premium, it only fits a vehicle or two. With that said, it’s definitely going to be first in, best dressed!

With Sawpit Gorge being a top spot The Duncan is usually in prettyto recharge our batteries, we ended good shape.up staying a couple of days beforecontinuing further west to the tropical After stopping for morning smoko, it wasoasis of Palm Springs. Put simply, this too early in the day to set up camp, so itis an amazing place, and a highlight in was back on the road to Old Halls Creek.the region.The springs are only a couple Historically, the old town was founded inof kilometres from the gorge, and being the 1880s, after prospector Charles Halla permanent spring, there’s never a found a gold nugget in a local creek. Hisshortage of water.The towering date find inspired a gold rush, and at its peak,palms that surround the spring were the town supported an incredible 4,000planted by Afghan cameleers during the people on the goldfields.There’s no doubt1800s, and while they seem a little out of conditions were harsh; and as it turnedplace when you’ve become accustomed out, the gold rush was short lived. So asto towering Kimberley boabs, they add quick as the prospectors came, they left.an element to the tropical feel. While not a lot remains today, we spentThe tropical oasis at Palm Springs.

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time looking around theruins of the old post office.Unfortunately, the structurethey’ve built over the topof the ruins makes nofashion statement, but I’mall for it if it helps preventany further decline. Otherbuildings have succumbedto the elements or beendismantled and theirmaterials used elsewhere,except for some handmadestone walls at the cemetery.Taking a wander through the cemetery, The China Wall is no smallthere are plenty of sad stories to read on wonder as it wanders acrossthe fading headstones, as there are with the rocky terrain.so many pioneer cemeteries around Oz.Alongside the old town is the actual creek Flat-pack fabrication of the 19thgiving the town its name - we ended up century has lasted well into the 21st.following some tracks on our left justafter crossing the bridge which led to in supplies and transporting the gold wassome campsites. It’s one of those places made from Wyndham to the town of Oldwhere you could easily park yourself Halls Creek.The hut here was the lastfor a few days - you’re well off the road, stop where horses were rested beforesurrounded by some shady tall trees and continuing into the old town. While it’swhere water flows…I reckon this could considered a local attraction, signagepossibly be the perfect campsite. was non-existent when the vehicle trackOur next stop happened to be the ended, but after a short walk of aroundruins of an old stone hut located off the 200 metres across the dry creek bed, weDuncan Road. While many would simply easily spotted the ruins.drive past this attraction’s turnoff as it’s Back out on the Duncan Road, Caroline16km off the main drag, we were glad we Pool (signposted) is a magnificenttook the diversion. During the 1880s, the swimming hole with plenty of shade,hut played an important part during the which makes it popular with both localsgold rush era, when a track for bringing and visitors. Having visited on several occasions, it was also a top spot to camp, however we’ve learnt from recent enquiries that the pool is now for day use only. Along the Duncan, the closest attraction to the new town of Halls Creek is the striking China Wall. It’s a natural vein of quartzite which rises nearly 6 metres and stretches for around a kilometre over some rocky terrain. We think it looks good at any time of day, but time your visit in the late afternoon, and the reds Western 4W Driver #103 13

seem richer, and the whites are at the local bakery is always a mandatorymuch brighter. one, as their pies have become a bit of aJust prior to reaching Halls Creek, there’s favourite on each trip. We’ve learnt overa quarantine bin located along the the years that food runs out quickly at theDuncan Road. Although it’s unlike the bakery, so there’s a tip – get in early!quarantine inspection point located out Although Wolfe Creek Crater is not reallyof Kununurra on the Victoria Highway, a part of this east Kimberley loop, I’mit’s been placed there for travellers to covering it because besides absolutelydispose of any prohibited items. loving it, I think you’ll kick yourself havingNow, if you’re confused as to why there come all this way if you don’t see it. Ifis both an Old Halls Creek and today’s time’s an issue, it’s only a day trip out ofnew town of Halls Creek, the “new town” Halls Creek along theTanami (just get anhas only been going for just over 60 early start), or there’s a campground notyears. When you look around the old far from the crater if you want to pull uptown, you’ll quickly notice how rugged stumps for the night. Access to the parkthe terrain is, so any ideas for expanding is free, and seeing the 900m wide craterthe town back then were deemed to be from the top provides one perspective,cost prohibitive. After several surveys in but take a walk down to the crater floorthe late 1940s, the location of the new for an amazing and completelyHalls Creek was chosen where it was different experience.thought to be more conducive for land Returning to Halls Creek and with re-and air transport, as well as future fuelling and our appetites taken care of,town expansion. it was strange being back on the GreatToday’s town has a range of services that Northern Highway black top as weyou’d expect from a town of this size. headed for Purnululu.There have beenThere’s the local IGA, post office, hotel, loads of changes within the national parkfuel, mechanical repairs, a gift shop, and since my first visit here in 1991, nonethe excellentYarliyil Art Centre. Our stop more so than the need today to pre-book A couple of the best things about the Kimberley - boabs and sunsets.

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the class, Simon. Cores and tanks of and pretty soon just about every carthe Big Boys are sized and shaped in the series had a Paul Weel Racingspecifically to each engine and radiator, and for good reason, becauseoptimized plumbing, taking in bore, they’re precision-made and havearchitecture and length are all designed black thermal-coated cores – as usedfor the best flow dynamics. in Formula One engines – and there’sThe product also uses the best nothing better in heat dissipation.Australian-made cores built and sized The Oz-made Legendex Big Boyto Big Boy design by PWR. intercoolers have a three year warrantyBet you haven’t got the foggiest about and excellent after-sales service.who or what PWR is? Cast your mind Also, they come complete with easy-back to early days of V8 Supercar to-follow instructions, so you can fitRacing and you might recall the name them yourself, even if your mechanicalPaul Weel? knowledge doesn’t extend muchYes, it’s come back to you? beyond the workings of a wheelbarrow.Well then you’d know that young Paul’s Check them out at:car was the coolest running of the pack, www.genie-exhaust.com.auUpmarket Trailhawk disappearance of the Overland petrol and Summit diesel versions.JEEP has powered up for 2017 with a The diesel-onlyTrailhawk is priced at new Grand Cherokee range that, for $74,000.To reflect its off-road ability, the the first time, introduces a more off- new model gets an electronic limited-road competent model, the Trailhawk. slip rear differential, an expanded range of the air suspension that lifts groundThe new, more serious version of the clearance to 260mm - the highest ofluxury Jeep flagship now shares its any Grand Cherokee - and increasesname with highly-capable off-road wheel articulation.versions of the Renegade and The body upgrades include red frontCherokee with similar attributes to tow hooks, four skid plates, a grey grillethe Wrangler Rubicon. that is slimmer than in previous years,TheTrailhawk is the only new Grand grey coloured mirror covers, and aCherokee model for 2017 that sees the

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matte-black bonnet decal. 3.0-litre V6 diesel; and the SRT’sThe 2017 models open with the 344kW/624Nm 6.4-litre petrol V8.rear-wheel drive Laredo V6 petrol at Standard is an eight-speed$47,500 (up $500 on the outgoing transmission with dual-range 4WDequivalent) and top out at $90,000 fitted in all versions except the 2WDfor the most expensive Grand Laredo and the SRT.Cherokee, the SRT.The 2017 models The 3.6-litre V6 has been increasedare identified by a slimmer grille, in power by 3kW from 210kW andfront spoiler, new-style headlights fuel consumption has been reducedand LED daytime running lights. by four per cent.The fuel economySix new paint colours join five has been enhanced by the newcarry-over hues while restyled idle stop-start system. The Granddesigns for the 18-inch and 20-inch Cherokee has Jeep’s latest ‘There andalloy wheels also identify the latest Back Guarantee’ that is a five-yearwagon. There are also changes transferable warranty, lifetime roadsideto the infotainment centre with assistance and capped-price servicinga significant upgrade that now for life if conducted by an authorisedincludes off-road functions under the Jeep dealer.Jeep Offroad Pages function.The upgrade, available in the Uconnecttouchscreen infotainment systemon all models except the SRT, addsinformation including driving modes,wheel articulation, and oil, water andtransmission temperatures.Inside, the cabin adds a new gearselector with features to prevent roll-away and an acoustic windscreen andfront-door glass. Safety features havealso been enhanced, now includinglane-departure warning alert and parkassist. The Grand Cherokee carriesover its three engines - 213kW/347Nm3.6-litre V6 petrol; 184kW/570NmA/T IN PC OR LT FOR SUV OR 4WDPC, in our youth, meant police constable. provide limitless adventure. But now people, especially those One of our team usedYokohamas on his classic racer a while ago, and hiswho are mobility-aware, enthusiasm for the new-found comfortknow the letters apply to tyres: and grip, not to mention a two secondsPassenger Construction. a lap improvement on lap times, hadLikewise, LT is the international code him fair bubbling with delight.for Lithuania. Or, in vehicle talk, But the Geolandar A/T GO15, to giveLightTruck tyres. it its formal name, is more for SUVs,Which is whereYokohama comes into 4WDs and utes than for track days atthe picture, because it has an all-new Barbagallo Raceway.edition of its Geolandar A/T (that’s for The good-looking tyre is a toughie,AllTerrain) tyres, which they say will resisting cuts and chipping,30 Western 4W Driver #103

temperature changes such that the lug grooves areand wear, because it self-cleaning, discouraginguses a new compound pebbles and mud anddeveloped to ensure dispersing water. To get backit’s suitable for a to the LT and PC, you can getwhole lot of surfaces yours in either form.and conditions. If we believe the popularYokohama sure press, 90% of 4WDs neverknows what it’s talking go off road, so those are theabout, bearing in mind ones who will plump forit has been making the PC variety.tyres since 1917 – yes,100 years – and apart from But if you’re a dyed in thetop traction on whatever wool mud-plugger, get the LTssurface, it also claims long tread for better load carrying, puncturelife, great handling, low noise and a resistance and off road traction.comfortable ride. Also, the design is More detail on: www.yokohama.com.auShake a Teat - err, creep up your nether regions to give you a glaze of the eye. They come withTake a Seat a lifetime warranty and you can get yours from any ‘arf-decent 4x4 outlet.SEAT covers used to be tailored to From $367. Go to: msa4x4.com.au suit specific vehicles. Bon choix. Today they’re engineered. Western 4W Driver #103 31Well, those made by MSA 4x4Accessories are. What? Oui, true.(We needed to say ‘oui’ because yourtransport might be of the Holdenvariety, which is now part of thePeugeot family, following the Frenchtake-over of Opel.) Alors!Your car,ute or fourbie’s seat was designed aspart of the puzzle that goes into safetystandards, one of the prime ones beingairbags. If they don’t deploy properly,they cannot save you and yours in theevent of an unpleasant meeting withsomething solid. Now some seat coversare just that: covers for seats.The MSA ones are purpose-made andADR compliant, and most importantis that they will not interfere with theairbags at all so if need be, they’ll go offat 1/1000th of a second and leave youwith a head, rather than a heartache.What’s more is they look good too.They’re tough, durable and they won’t

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PUMPING UP THEIt was way back in 1963 when Isuzu’s firstute rolled off the production line – called theWASP it was a ute version of Isuzu’s passengercar, the Bellett. A long line of Isuzu utes havefollowed (who could forget the Chevy LUV andthe Isuzu KB) with the D-MAX first arrivingin 2002. The latest in the D-MAX lineage wasreleased in February this year at an all-bells-and-whistles launch on the Gold Coast.34 Western 4W Driver #103

Off-RoadD-MAX RwRioothbbson Western 4W Driver #103 35

he launch attracted motoring WA for a couple of days. writers from all over Australia and The Ed and I spent several hours some of Isuzu Japan’s hierarchy scrambling up and down rocky and rutted tracks on a property in theT joined the kingpins of Isuzu Bullsbrook Hills. I also had a bit of a play around on Lockwood Road in theAustralia to extol the virtues of the new Darling Scarp. It is usually a pretty good‘Pumped Up’ D-MAX. gravel road but with the lack of rain andGraham Cahill and I were lucky virtually no maintenance it proved to beenough to get a guernsey as the two a real test for the stability control andWA representatives and we shared braking electronics on the vehicle.the driving of a range of D-MAXs and So, let’s have a look at what the newMUXs at the launch. ‘Pumped Up’ D-MAX ute has to offer.The program took us from the Gold Engine upgrades including newlyCoast, south into New South Wales – designed pistons, fuel injectors, fuelthrough the rainforest to the hills of theMcPherson Range – and then down to supply pump and a new variable geometry turbo haveEvans Head for a bit of beach driving increased the torque of theand a play in a nearby Quarry to test 3-litre motor from 380NMthe vehicle’s off-road abilities. A return to 430NM. Although powertrip via the Pacific and Gold Coast remains the same the torqueHighways had us back at the airport by is now available over a wider4pm. It was a full on day, driving many rev range and, according todifferent configurations of D-MAX and Isuzu, the engine is more fuelMUX on a variety of surfaces. efficient and producesThis type of drive program is pretty less emission. To makelimiting when trying to get a handle the most of the extraon how a vehicle performs so it was torque, further improve fuelpleasing when Isuzu were able to consumption and reducearrange a Special Edition LS-Terrain emissions, the D-Max has(LS-T) D-MAX for us to test at home in been fitted with a six-speed36 Western 4W Driver #103 Aisin auto transmission. Also on offer is an Isuzu designed six-speed manual gearbox. The auto transmission is a pretty sophisticated bit of gear for a ute with adaptive learning and a lock-up converter which activates in all gears bar first. It also has an uphill/ downhill transmission control system which holds gears in varied-gradient ascents and selects and holds a lower gear on steeper descents to take advantage of engine braking. To handle the increase in torque a re- designed diff has been slotted onto the leaf sprung rear end but there is no LSD or Locker fitted as Isuzu reckons the traction control is sufficient. Rear brakes remain as drums with discs up front.

A raft of electronic safety features, six Nav being standard in the higherairbags and a high strength passenger spec models.safety cell help to give the Crew Cab a 5 Our LS-T had all the fruit, Bluetoothstar ANCAP safety rating. phone and audio, DVD, CD, MP3, radioThere are four trim levels in the D-MAX and Aux jacks plus three USB ports -4x4.The workhorse is the single cab- two in the front and one in the rear.chassis EX, followed by the SX, LS-M, 4x4 pricing starts at $34,800 for theLS-U and the Special Edition LS-T. In cab-chassis EX manual and tops out ataddition, Isuzu have also included a $54,200 for the Crew Cab LS-T auto.limited-edition D-MAX X-RUNNER On the highway, the D-MAX cruisesloaded with bling to celebrate 100 years comfortably at the speed limit but Iin the automotive game. noticed that the slightest pressure onA new bonnet, grill and headlight the accelerator had the auto kickingdesign are pretty much the limit of the down to 5th from 6th. Flicking thenew externals although the LS models Tiptronic shifter across to manualget daytime running lights. sorted that out but I wonder if a bit ofA rear view camera is standard on all rejigging of the software might helpLS models and an option on the EX and reduce the hunting for gears. On theSX.The LS-M has a 7” touch screen and other hand, if I was to be really picky, Ian 8” on the LS-U and LS-T, with Sat- would say the fly-by-wire accelerator is a tad slow to react when given a boot- full from slow speeds. Western 4W Driver #103 37



The ride was firm Cab feels big and roomy.but not too intrusive (Background: not our backyard.)– after all it is a leaf Most bits are protected but there’s ansprung ute not a opportunity for an aftermarket autoRange Rover! sump bash plate.My biggest criticismis the amount of instilled plenty of confidence,engine noise when although I was very mindful of itsaccelerating or under limited approach, departure and rampload. Even though over angles, not that they are anyIsuzu have made worse than most other 4wd utes inefforts to reduce noise this category.with the addition of Hill Descent Control worked a treat andsound and vibration Hill Start Assist helped on steep inclinesinsulation, the engine although it would be of more use innoise is very obvious the manual than it was in the auto.Thein the cab. Traction Control System did the jobThe seats are comfy, (leather and even without the LSD in the rear.electric adjustable on our LS-T) and Our sand drive at Evans Head showedthere is plenty of storage in the twin the engine and auto combination to begloveboxes, deep console, a winner. With tyres at road pressuresunder steering wheel tray andin the door trims.The dash is Western 4W Driver #103 39simple with the informationdisplay set up between thetacho and the speedo. Cruisecontrol and audio controls areon the steering wheel with theclimate control easy to reachand operate, positioned underthe touch screen.The tiptronicshifter gives plenty of controland is easy to use.The cabfeels big and roomy withgood vision all round.The underbody is reasonablywell protected albeit made of prettylightweight stuff.There is a front skidplate, sump and transfer case guardsand a full length plate under the fueltank. Notably the auto trans sump doesnot have any protection!Once on the 4wd tracks I dialled up 4Hbut soon decided 4L was a better optionfor greater control on those rockyBullsbrook Hills. In low range therewas nothing that that came close tobothering the D-Max.The combination of the torquey 3 litreengine and the auto-transmission

Graham and I found the softest bit of Under the bonnet the first thing thatbeach we could - the D-MAX just grabs your attention is the brightate it up. orange intercooler hose - stands outMy jaunt down the very corrugated and like the proverbials. Apart from thatslippery Lockwood Road showed how there doesn’t appear to be too mucheffective the Electronic Stability Control different from the previous model.can be and I was hard pressed to make There is enough room to fit a secondthings untidy. Similarly with the Anti- battery in front of the fuel filter butskid Brake System (ABS), Electronic doing so would make changing the fuelBrake-force Distribution (EBD) and filter a bit of a mission. Speaking ofBrake Assist (BA), each doing their job which, there is no service schedule forto stop the vehicle as straight and as the fuel filter replacement.quickly as possible. According to Isuzu’s Service Director,Back home I gave the vehicle a quick Andy Gibson, it gets changed whenwash before returning it to the dealer the fuel filter light comes on - even more reason to carry a spare and know how to change it if you’re going out of town! The jack and tools are in a small compartment under the driver’s side rear seat with another cubby hole on the other side which would be good for stowing a few more tools, spares or other Tie- downs closer to the deck would be a bonus. Engine upgrades add 50 Nm and better fuel economy.in Wangara the following morning. stuff you’re not likely to need on aThe tray had quite a bit of dust regular basis.inside even with the fitted hard GVM is 2950Kg across the board forcover. And while on the subject of all 4x4 models and tare weights varytrays the D-MAX tray is similar to from 1675Kg for the single cab-chassismany others - the tie down pointsare as useless as tits on a bull. Fairdinkum, how do they reckon youare going to secure much at allwith the two points towards thetop of the tray up front and twodown low next to the tailgate - itjust doesn’t work!The couple of tow points under thebumper might be OK to use with abridle but certainly not up to the task ifusing a snatch strap.40 Western 4W Driver #103





(plus tray) to Handy We Reckon ...1970kg for the cubbyLS-U giving holes In the super competitive 4wdthe LS-U a pay under the ute market the D-MAX mayload of 924Kg. rear seats. lack a bit of the sophistication of others in this league but ifMaximum tow- this new D-MAX lives up to its enviable reputation as aball weight is rugged and reliable ute then these upgrades can only help350Kg and to make it more appealing and we should see its market sharea 3500Kg braked continue to grow.towing capacity.The single fuel tankholds 76 litres giving arange of 938km if Isuzu’sclaimed 8.1 litres/100kmis correct. A long rangetank of 130 litres wouldget you from Perth toKarratha with a bit tospare.The ‘Pumped Up’ D-MAXcomes with a ‘Pumped Up’ serviceand warranty package, called ServicePlus 555.The program includes 5year warranty, 5 year road side assistand 5 year/50,000km capped priceservicing. Service intervals are 12months/10,000km and there are now9 service centres in the Perth metroarea and 8 in regional WA. Nuts ‘n’ bolts ISUZU D-MAX LS-T 2017Price: $54,200; Steering: Power-assisted rack & pinion;Built: Japan; Wheels: 18” alloy;Body: Body on frame; Track: Front - 1570mm / Rear -Safety: 5 Star; 1570mm;Engine: 3ltr, 4-cylinder turbo diesel;Power: 130kW @ 3600rpm; Approach Angle: 30 degrees;Torque: 430Nm @ 1,700 to 3500rpm;Fuel Economy: 8.1L/100km (stated); Departure Angle: 22.7 degrees;Fuel Tank: 76 litres;Transmission: 6-speed auto, 2-speed Ramp Over: 22.4 degrees; transfer case; Turning Circle: 12.6m; GVM: 2950kg; Weight: 1970kg;Drive: Part-time 4wd; Tow Ball Load: 350kg;Suspension: Front - double wishbone Towing Capacity: 3500kg – maximum; and coil springs / Rear - leaf springs and live axle; Warranty: 5 years/130,000km;Brakes: Front – discs / Rear – drum; Service Interval: 12 months/10,000km – capped price servicing. Western 4W Driver #103 43

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PROSPECTOR’S INITIALS Wild TraxOn 8 July last year I was with a Campfire Escapes trip that with Ian Elliot visited Gordon Springs in the Schwerin Mural Crescent, aplace I’d long wanted to see. While wewere there I noticed old initials cut intothe rock face high up on the waterfall.The initials were CH but I had no idea incoming tide. I was with aTellurometerwho this could be. Since then I’ve SurveyTeam working out of Collie tobeen compiling Carr-Boyd data and upgrade South-West trig points. Duringone of the items I was provided with the absence of Surveyor Laurie Shortwas an exploration diary purporting and Leading Survey HandTed Binghamto be Carr-Boyd’s. The entries ran on a visit to head office, the rest of usfrom 14 August 1896 to 21 March 1897 (five in all) had been given a few anglesand detailed a prospecting expedition to read down around Busselton. It was two days’ work and, if we finishedtSwtrltpeBtNapoaTiwhhhennntuhurowertaaevoodgieltrywAtitteessadnyttdoCaputpeofsgrich’ghltpanieeehseeehtithracrasssahrdadebyiatedproesdidwrynlatniewdenthiuRphrhgawrHs.caacrrearooaaiAahoestgHynwtmrwrlswehgatvrclpiaeyaeidceaonerrsllesuescctmnlosatoadomncga(plnrocHenesr’Reortot,dlnhaomHhsvGnaeaeaculpaemrgouvdyoaosewaedesnrcddeegrdu“iboiteeenaehent.nNgdd?.e.orcWsi)a.tonlwbt,uuW.reinsyaobpibtCsth.nroiphaevueedt.lreimrorctesl-oy,suoepsrmatoneledeRosNsmawodaaat3amhrmy1iittelenun3yffereghr,roCsv(waewanoalretaohbioestsweotv’tladpo.sreuv.eieo),bgtg.,et”nesh3olftirdeo½tghofntoihkmsitnitmpTshonteniriowonnodeS.tchgmf’xDeosWaaacfthi.tnuihcurisodvreIsmihdtenstfemeawebhhretshtowddtoaadpbwdoitsrelmecshallnoafudceoaliieyprhCraTtstsnovdhio’imratasnwgliue.ioifodnpgrgtApygiwufdtaetotmioihfhtssnonnthrr.kegigaeWntsprh,daeestfor nine months and were the first we opted for a counter meal at Cavesto prospect about 1,500km of desert House for our evening sustenance,country out near the border. I found but, somehow, this led us to becomethat they camped at Gordon Springs involved in a darts tournament, whichtwice for several days in January meant we didn’t begin seeking a1897 and I think it’s a fair bet that the campsite until after closing time. It wasinitials we saw at Gordon Springs were my cadet companion who suggestedcarved by Charlie Haden. Another little Bunker Bay (apparently he’d campedmystery solved. It’s what I live for. there often with his parents), so that’sBunker Bay where we went. Negotiating the rugged track down to the bay at aboutMy earliest visit to beautiful Bunker Bay 11pm, the vehicle headlights revealednear Cape Naturaliste was in 1972. I’ve a steeply shelving, deeply scallopednever forgotten it because it was the beach of loose, coarse sand surroundedscene of an early 4WD embarrassment by granite outcrops. Having nowhen I managed to get a Lands Dept. experience in sand driving at that time,Land Rover stuck in the ocean on an I was reluctant to go further but the Western 4W Driver #103 45