Western 4W Driver Edition 103 eBook

SAY HELLO TO THEPUMPED-UP NEW-LOOK ISUZU D-MAXGO YOUR OWN WAY IN THE 3-LITRE, MORE TORQUE, 6-SPEED ISUZU D-MAXThe new-look Isuzu D-MAX is a stand out performer on or off-road. With the legendary Isuzu 3-litre turbo diesel engine,a beefed up 430Nm of torque and an intuitive 6-speed transmission. Coupled with a Terrain Command 4WD system and3.5 tonne braked towing capacity+, the D-MAX is all you need to pump up any adventure. GO YOUR OWN WAY!Discover the new-look Isuzu D-MAX at your Isuzu UTE Dealer or isuzuute.com.au 5-star ANCAP safety rating on 4x4 D-MAX Crew Cab models built from November 2013 onwards and 4x2 D-MAX Crew Cab High Ride models built from November 2014 onwards. +3.5 tonne braked towing capacity on D-MAX 4x4 and 4x2 High Ride models when fitted with an optional genuine Isuzu UTE tow bar kit. ^5 years/130,000km whichever occurs first, for eligible customers. Excludes trays and accessories. >The Capped Price Servicing Program (“CPS Program”) applies to Eligible Vehicles with a Warranty Start Date on or after 1/1/15 at Participating Isuzu UTE Dealers only. The 5 years Capped Price Servicing covers the first 5 Scheduled Services for 16.5MY and later vehicle models for up to 5 years/50,000km (whichever occurs first). CPS Program is subject to change. For full terms & conditions and current pricing visit isuzuute.com.au/service-plus.



TESTIt’s pretty easy and affordable to tow a goodINGnight’s sleep and all the amenities behindyour vehicle these days. What’s not easy ischoosing a camper trailer from the sea ofoptions available. Alex Garner checks out aforward folder from the pool of choices.SMOOTH SAILING WITHBLUEWATERMost camper trailers on the market today are built in China, forward folding camper trailer. It wasn’t and Bluewater Campers are no a straight drop on and go, as this trailer exception. The difference here uses a rather unique hitch (unique tois that only the body and chassis are me at least). It’s called a Mchitch, andbuilt there. The Canvas is Australian once the receiver is bolted up to theand sewn together here, and the Navara; it offers a full range of motionsuspension is all quality Australian like a poly block coupling, while beingLovells springs and Ridepro shocks. much easier to hook up. Pulling out of the driveway and downI rocked up at Josh’s place in a Nissan the street I could instantly feel theD23 Navara, to which he attached a top weight of the trailer on the back.of the line bed-on-wheels; the Murray Heading up to destination Dwellingup, Western 4W Driver #103 51

the Navara was still pulling easily and to bring the trailer to a stop.holding speed up hills, but had lost that Let’s talk about that weight for aseat of the pants punch that I love when moment. As mentioned, the tare isthe beast is unloaded. On the road I 1480kg including the canvas and poleswatched the camper through the rear for the annexe and ensuite. The ATM isview mirror. While the Navara shook 1990kg, and the two water tanks totalaround a little in the bumpy corners, 170 litres, which is 170 kilograms. Thisthe Murray remained smooth. Upon leaves you with 340kg for food andhitting corrugations through corners everything else. In my mind that shouldon the gravel, the trailer held course be enough, but if you plan on carryingperfectly – even when the back end of more or installing the optional boatthe Navara wanted to kick out. rack – it might be worth consideringI didn’t stretch the capabilities of this the ATM upgrade to 2400kg. Looking at the size of the steel used in the chassis and the impressive suspension setup – this trailer will handle the weight no problem! When it comes to the final stop of the day, setting up isn’t too bad a job. The hard floor is held shut D23 Navara easily held up- hill speed under load. Wind’er up, wind’er down.combo too far off road. When I using over-cam latches and the dustdid, the trail consisted of loose sealing is seemingly impenetrable – Igravel, some minor washouts don’t see too many setups with terribleand a moderate incline. Even dust sealing really. With more than onewith low range selected and person present you could easily set upthe rear diff lock engaged, theNavara scrabbled all over theplace for traction; dragging mebackwards a tad at one point.With a dry weight of 1480kg,plus a bit of water on board;the highway terrain tyres onthe Navara are way out of theirdepth. If you plan on doing morethan gravel roads, you’ll want yourtow rig decked out with a meaner treadpattern. Thankfully you shouldn’t havethe same problem coming downhill, 12inch electric brakes are plenty sufficient52 Western 4W Driver #103

CAMPING AND LEISURE CHAIRS FROM IRONMAN 4X4 79RRP$ 69RRP$ 59RRP$ Deluxe Lounge Deluxe Hard Arm Deluxe Soft Arm • Fully enclosed design keeps your back warm • Rear locking tabs lock chair open or closed • Lightweight and easy to carry • Extra padding for increased comfort • Strong and durable solid arms with high • Soft durable arms with high • Wide design for real lounge comfort strength steel frame strength steel frame • Integrated can holder pocket • Includes integrated side can holder • Integrated can holder and • Lightweight and easy to carry insulated pocket in each arm • Handy side utility pocket RRP$125 39RRP$ Quick Fold Stretcher Mid Sized Low Back • Opens and folds in 2 seconds • Compact design • Lightweight and easy to carry • Heavy duty material construction • Ideal for juniors 2 SSEETCOUNPD • High strength steel frame • Opens and folds in seconds • Integrated foot and head padding • Includes carry bag for easy storage and portability Prices do not include freight or fitting and are subject to change without notice.W4WDFP(3)200417 Family Owned Australian Company Find u SAFER, STRONGER, SMARTERSince1958 faceboo For your nearest distributor call 1300 731 137, or visit www.ironman4x4.com

up the camper, but if required a winch Self-tensioning poles take the fuss outon the front helps you to open it, and of keeping canvas taut.a winch on the back helps you to closeit. Unfortunately there is no free spool Like a rooftop tent, a couple of supportmechanism on these winches; you poles can be installed and you havehave to wind it all the way out, then all plenty of ventilation for those hotthe way back in. Once the camper is nights with monsoonal floods.folded over, you’ll notice a very unique Not that I had to use the feature,defining feature; self-tensioning interior despite it being March I got pretty chillypoles.There’s no fiddling around trying down there in Dwellingup!to get the canvas taut, some sort of Always a deciding factor in whethermechanism does that for you! I like a camper is the quality andInside is quite well set out, except for ingenuity of the kitchen, and I’m quitethe multimedia audio system – while pleased with this one. A 3 burnerit sounds great I don’t see the value stove, sink with handy fold out dryingin having it at ankle height.There’ssufficient storage inside for anythingyou don’t wish to be accessible fromthe outside.The breakfast bar insidemakes for a pleasant spot to hide fromthe elements and could seat 3-4 people.The whole lot flips and shuffles aroundto become a double bed as well; notthat I chose to sleep there. While I’msure it’s comfy enough, the innerspringmattress was far more to my taste.Probably my favourite feature of thetent itself is the design of the windows.54 Western 4W Driver #103

Rock ‘n’ Roll is not the easiest to Commune or crash in the comfortable get at. seating/sleeping area. A fold-out drying rack is an excellentrack, cutlery and utensil drawers are feature in the kitchen.all simple elements that work nicely.The whole thing slides out which Western 4W Driver #103 55means the power and plumbing mustbe disconnected first.This soundslike a nuisance but it really isn’t.Thepositioning of the connections andquick release fittings make it workbeautifully.The kitchen is towardsthe back of the camper, while thefridge area is towards the front.Theslide can fit a massive fridge 860mmlong, 605mm high and 540mm wide,provided by you of course.There’s an adequate electrical systemon board, but another USB outlet ortwo wouldn’t go astray, seeingas every man, woman and childhas USB devices to chargethese days. I did think a fewof the connections could userepositioning; the plug for theinterior light is placed on theedge of the camper and slightlyunder a seat cushion. As a resultthis plug seems to have beensat on a bit and needed a littlejiggle to get the light going.Otherwise everything is sensiblyplaced.Two 100 amp hour AGMbatteries provide plenty ofjuice for most people, these aretopped up via an Anderson plugto the vehicle.

Battery storage and monitoring are easily accessible.Solar panels are an optional extra, Nissan have paired it well with theas are inverter systems. 7 speed auto. With no load, the firstFinally, I must say I’m quite impressed two gears feel too short, but with thewith the warranty on these trailers too. camper hitched up it’s apparent that5 years on not just the usual chassis these low gears are necessary.The fueland structure, but the suspension and consumption was quite reasonablecanvas as well.You’re getting a hell of a at 13.2 litres per hundred covering 78lot of trailer and a very good warranty kilometres of highway driving.for the price point, which at the time ofwriting was quoted on the website as ashow special of $28,990.How did the Navara tow?This was the first time driving theD23 Navara, this particular modelbeing built in late 2016 with justunder 5000km under its belt.The tiny2.3 litre twin turbo diesel had me alittle concerned with its capacity, but Nuts ‘n’ boltsManufacturer: Bluewater Campers Suspension: Lovells coil springs, twin Brakes: Ridepro shock absorbersModel: Murray Electrical: each side 12 inch electric drumsDesign: Hard floor forward folding Warranty: Twin 100AH AGM batteries, with annexe an ensuite Anderson plug charging, included managed through a digital control panel. OptionalDimensions: 5200mm overall length, upgrades for solar panel, 1900mm overall width, inverter, 240v wiring 1600mm high & larger batteries 5 years structural, 5 years onWeight & Capacity: 1480kg tare, including all canvas, 5 years on springs, 3 canvas and poles. 1990kg years on shock absorbers aggregate trailer mass, upgradeable to 2400kgWater: 170 litres across twin stainless steel tanks56 Western 4W Driver #103

The anywhere bed. Helinox Cot One is a camp stretcher that redefines lightweight overnightcomfort. Cot One gets you comfortably up off the ground – away from sharp rocks, uneven ground, crawling critters and unhealthy dampness. Add the optional extension leg kit for extra room to stow gear underneath. Move up to the next level of comfort. Wake up relaxed & refreshed, ready for a new day’s adventure! Packed length: 54 cm Weight: 2.3 kg. Capacity: 145 kg. Optional extension leg kit. Phone: 1800 925 525 buy direct > helinox.com.au FREE 5 LOVE ITDELIVERY or YEAR Return it WARRANTY Guarantee

Prepared to explore.Explore a new frontier ON & OFF ROAD NAVIGATION Features of your HX-1 Navigator Navigate all of Discover over Find campsites, Download tracks No computer isyour journeys with 1.2 million kilometres caravan parks, facilities, from other needed to get theprecise turn-by-turn latest updates and of 4WD tracks and supply points and explorers and download extra maps voice guidance outback roads much more share your ownFor more information on the HX-1 please visit: hemamaps.com/HX-1

THE NAVIGATIONEARLY DAYS with Barney Hutchison more you go further north or south of the equator, however, the direction and distance remain the same. As the world is a globe, well almost, the lat/long system is the more accurate system to indicate a position as they both refer to the 360 degrees of a circle. Although straight, longs start to converge on each other as you move away from the equator until they touch each other at the poles. In the early days of mapping, latitude was calculated from various star sightings.The degrees of latitude refer to the angle of the latitude line in relation to the plane of the equator, either North or South. Perth is roughly on the 32 degrees South line of latitude.Therefore the angle of the latitude line that runs through Perth is 32 degrees south from Equator 32oDuring some of my navigation 90o courses I have been asked Perth the question, “Why does our GPS’s position default show Lat South Pole(Latitude) and Long (longitude) andnot the UTM/UPS (Universal Trans the equator (Fig. 1).The South Pole has aMercator/Universal Polar Stereographic latitude of 90 degrees South. Longitudesetting which is used on the maps?” was a lot harder to calculate, so much so that in 1714 the British GovernmentThe UTM system uses a two- passed the Longitude Act placing adimensional grid system placed over prize to anyone who could accuratelya map of the world where the lines of calculate longitude. Many methodslatitude run East/West and the lines of of calculating longitude have beenlongitude run North/South.These linesrun parallel to each other which creates Western 4W Driver #103 59the ‘grid’.This grid distorts the globe the

considered over time, some considered So in 1773, longitude could quitethe motion of the moon, observing the accurately be calculated by comparingmoons of Jupiter and others thought local time compared to the time of a basethat time could be used to calculate line of longitude (prime meridian).Thelongitude.These were all ideas dating problem was, different countries wereback to the 1500’s.This is one of the using a different prime meridian. Francereasons there are so many wrecks along was using the longitude line that passedour West Australian coastline. Even Dirk through Paris as its prime meridian, England was using the meridian through Unable to accurately Greenwich, Russia – St Petersburg and Italy-Rome. It seemed as though each measure longitude, many country was using its capital as the prime meridian.This caused some confusion early explorers plying the as locations on the earth’s surface had a different lat/long depending on the Indian Ocean overshot nationality of the mapmaker. Finally, in 1884, the Greenwich meridian was and ran into Terra selected as the universal Prime Meridian or zero point of longitude.This now meant Australis. that each location could be designated an accurate position, using one line ofHartog’s discovery of the WA coast, latitude and one meridian of longitude.which we celebrated in October, didn’thave accurate longitude readings. Prime MeridianThe time keepers’ thinking was, there 0oare 360 degrees in a circle and 24 hoursin a day therefore you could calculate West Eastthat 15 degrees longitude is equalto one hour of time (360/24=15).This 115ocould be broken down even more toone degree of longitude equalling four Eastminutes (60/15=4) and even further that15 minutes of longitude equals one Perthminute of time. This starts to get a bitconfusing because we refer to longitude Perth is located at approximately 115and latitude in degrees, minutes and degrees East longitude. Fortunately forseconds and time in hours, minutes and us, technology has advanced that far thatseconds. In navigation use, one degree we are now using man-made satellites= 60 minutes; one minute= 60 seconds as our stars which can very accuratelysimilar to time. By using this method, display our location to within metresif you knew the time at your home port on the earth’s surface almost instantly.and the local time at your location you If you are interested in learning morecould accurately calculate the longitude about Longitude, I recommend readingby the time difference.This all sounded “Longitude” by Dava Sobel.good but there were no timepiecesthat were that accurate in maintainingthe correct time. John Harrison, a clockmaker, finally claimed the £20,000prize for his time pieces which allowedlongitude to be calculated to within “halfa degree” forty years after the LongitudeAct was proclaimed.60 Western 4W Driver #103



REACH YOUR ARB Summit, the next generation of vehicle protection systems for modern four wheel drives.

SUMMIT.ARB.COM.AU TEL. 1300 272 494

THESHAKEDOWNOur new baby arrived in the midst were going camping – this rig surely of a raging storm. Collecting her fell firmly into the “glamping” category. from the wharf at Fremantle, That said, beneath the very attractive the stress levels on the drive “paint job” was supposed to be a veryhome weren’t too dissimilar to that capable off-road unit. She definitely hadfirst trip home from the maternity the looks, the question that remainedhospital. Glaring at any vehicle that however was if she had the guts to getventured too close; stopping at orange us to all the same sort of places thattraffic lights; waiting for there not to be our beloved Oddy had, otherwise sheanother car in sight before crossing an was going to end up a very expensiveintersection (possibly shades of post granny flat in the back yard.traumatic stress there?). It was with a The only way to find out was going tosigh of relief that we finally got our new be to get out there and put her throughcamper safely home. her paces. My parents, our usual partners inSitting inside her for the first time, I crime, were tied up with harvest. So instead we found ourselves parkedhave to admit that I felt slightly guilty. up at Elachbutting Rock, north-east of Mukinbudin, with a group of completeAs I inhaled the smell of new leather strangers who also wanted to knowand marvelled at the flushing maceratortoilet, I questioned if we could everagain say with a straight face that we64 Western 4W Driver #103

– you don’t knowwhat you’ve got‘till you use itwhat their AOR campers Words - Amanda Burtonwere capable of. Images - Mike and AmandaOur first afternoon together was Burton & Sue Watsonspent checking out the differencesbetween the campers; mods thatpeople had made, howthey were packed; followedby an evening around thecampfire sharing tales oftravels past.Next morning we hit theroad, gravel of course, andbegan heading towardsthe Helena and AuroraRange. Nothing toochallenging to start with: The Fayes Bluff Track was an arduous affair. Expansive views from the H & A Range. Western 4W Driver #103 65

a detour via Southern Cross to fuel up, The perfect campsite after a hard daythen northwards towards the Mount on the tracks..Manning Range Nature Reserve. Afteran overnight camp stop beside the colour beneath sparsely scattered treestrack we were treated to ever changing that would have done Pro Hart proud.scenery as we meandered through We spent some time exploring thethe Great Western Woodlands.The old Mount Jackson homestead beforewildflowers were out in abundance eventually approaching the Helena andwith a huge variety from the tiny but Aurora Conservation Park from thebrilliantly coloured succulents around western side.the salt lakes to a kaleidoscope of We found the mapped track in off the Bullfinch-Evanston Road blocked off. Polaris Metals are busy digging up the north- west end of this unique banded ironstone range and shipping it overseas as iron ore. They have gated the road, put up lots of authoritative signs to tell you in no uncertain terms that you are not welcome and made a half-arsed effort at a detour track around The track up the H & A Range is a bit of a test for large vans.66 Western 4W Driver #103

their new J4 mine. On the bright side, Walking the closedit gave us our first opportunity to test track confirmed itsout the campers on an unformed track. unsuitability for vanAs we wound our way between the or vehicle.trees, following what could only begenerously described as wheel tracksover the rocky ground, the benefits ofa camper that is no wider or higherthan the tow vehicle became apparent.We eventually rejoined the main trackwhich took us in to the base of theHelena and Aurora Range.The map showed a loop track rightaround the range, so we headed inintending to camp around the lee sidefor a bit of protection from the wind.The “RidgeTrack – high clearance 4WDonly beyond this point” sign didn’tcause any concern, the clearance onthese campers was equal to the towvehicles.The track was rough, slopingand rutted but all was going fine untilour little convoy of five reached the topof the hill and progress was abruptlyhalted by a “Track Closed” sign.- Tailor made to suit your vehicle @solarscreenaustralia- 3 year warranty- Highest quality 9-layer thermal fabric- 100% Australian made & owned- Over 20,000 Satisfied customers‘Cool in Summer, and Warm in Winter’ learn more at: www.solarscreen.com.au Western 4W Driver #103 67

FORD RANGER PK MKII STEALTHBARThe brand new StealthBar, available now as a complete bumper replacement for the Ford PXII Ranger and Everest models, both Non-Winch and Winch variants. Discover more online at www.smartbar.com.au or call today 08 8384 0200 Follow along @smartbaraustralia

The loop track no longer looped. at heart were very excited to discoverTurning everyone around was going three bars ofTelstra at the peak, asto be a challenge. A steep track off to mobile phones went mad after days ofthe side with a tight turnaround at the having no reception.top was found, and so began a rather Next morning, if not for the Memoryinteresting game of follow the leader Map GPS mapping on the iPad, weas each rig tackled the steep slope, then would never have found the track intonose-to-tail looped back to the main Faye’s Bluff. By the end of the day atrack.The photos don’t do justice to the few of our party were probably wishingsteepness of the slope, and yet another we hadn’t. It started off OK as thebox was ticked off our shakedown list wattle swished down the sides of theas the campers all faithfully followed rigs brushing off the dust, suggestingthe tow vehicles without the need for this was a track that didn’t see a lot ofany roaring of engines or spinning of use.Then with a lurch the front end ofwheels and then made the tight turn our Landcruiser suddenly dropped.at the top, which would have driven Stepping out, it was simple to see whatmany others to jack-knifing, to get us all the problem was – a two inch longsafely back retracing our tyre tracks to mulga gash to your sidewall will tendthe flat ground below and our campsite to drop the air out of your tyre prettyfor the night. quickly. But these things happen.TheAfter a day spent exploring the range boys all pitched in and they soon hadwe headed off towards Pigeon Rocks, the tyre changed and we were back onwhich was another picturesque drive our way.over tracks that varied from gravel The track gradually became moreto sand to rock and back again. After closed in.The soft wattle gave way tosetting up camp at the base, weclimbed to the top of the rock to take The track into Fayes Bluff got tighterin the views and the young and young and tighter. Western 4W Driver #103 69

scratchy branches which were Even in clearing Fayes Bluff Track, ourbush-pin striping the rigs to tyres still took a beating.the soundtrack of fingernailsscraping on a blackboard. Thenit got narrower still and we hadto start cutting back branchesand clearing fallen trees to allowthe vehicles to pass. In the thickscrub turning around wasn’t anoption, so we pushed on hopingthat things would get better.They didn’t. Six staked tyresand eight hours later we hadcovered all of twenty kilometreswhen we finally made it outto a formed gravel road.Thescratches down the sides of the 4WDsand the no longer shiny new camperswere enough to bring a tear to youreye.The edges of the shade cloth stoneguards were shredded. Gas outletcovers were ripped open. Pop-toplatches had to be cable-tied closed.But all of that was really just cosmetic.The campers had not stopped us once.2 NEW COMPRESSORMODELS AVAILABLE BP300 Specifications Twin 60mm Compressor Maximum Air Flow 300 LPM Maximum Current Draw 90 Amps Maximum Working Pressure 120 PSI Maximum Restart Pressure 150 PSI Air Compressors BP200 Specifications Single 60mm Compressor Maximum Air Flow 200 LPM Maximum Current Draw 55 Amps Maximum Working Pressure 120 PSI Maximum Restart Pressure 150 PSI Phone 1300 896 247 Mobile 0433-217-895 or visit us online at www.airdevilaccessories.com.au Blueprint Industries 3/3 La Fayette Boulevard, Bibra Lake WA 6163 Blueprint also sells , HID Lights, Tyre Gauges and is an agent for DPCHIP70 Western 4W Driver #103

Wherever we pointed the vehicles, Excerpt from Hema’s WA State map.they followed.Around the campfire that evening, finished polishing out the scratches,after the stress of an extremely we’ll get planning for the next trip.challenging and quite expensive tyre-replacement-wise day, it would nothave been unreasonable to expectbetween our group of relative strangerseither strained silence or accusatoryscreeching about whose clever idea ithad been to take that particular track.For as you would all know, these typesof trips make great telling – but onlyabout six months down the track afterthe initial shock has faded. Howeverin our case the saying that ‘sharedadversity forms strong bonds’ heldtrue. Everyone was still getting alonglike a house on fire. Strangers hadbecome firm friends, already planninga reunion dinner and our next triptogether.The consensus was thatthe campers had passed their firstshakedown trip with flying colours.Sure, we still had to pitch them againstmud, soft sand and a water crossing orthree. No problem: as soon as we’veThe Helena and Aurora Range and Aurora Range is located within a(Bungalbin) located 100km north of conservation park, it’s not managedSouthern Cross in the Great Western for recreational use and there are noWoodlands. On the more direct route facilities.The unofficial campsite isit’s about a six hour drive from Perth; located on the north-west side of thefour hours to Southern Cross and range and is simply a level stretchthen two hours north to the range of ground beneath the trees.You’llvia Koolyanobbing then on to the need to be totally self sufficient andMt Dimer track which will deposit remember your camping etiquette, nowyou on the south side of the range. immortalised in the new must-haveThe approach from the west, off the Western 4W Driver sticker – “Don’t be aBullfinch-Evanston Road, is the long Tosser – save your rubbish for the bin”.way in but well worth the effort if Pigeon Rocks is just to the west ofyou have the time. As the Helena the Helena and Aurora Range and for anyone insane enough to want to try the track to Faye’s Bluff around the Die Hardy Range, at the moment it is cleared to Landcruiser width with complementary bush pin striping – bring plenty of spare tyres. Western 4W Driver #103 71

AOS Tracker Deluxe Dome SwagAOS Bushman Deluxe Swag Australian Made Swags AOS SPS - Swag Protection Systemwww.aussieoutbacksupplies.com Aussie Outback Supplies 08 9274 [email protected]

TO TAKE OR salesperson, of whom there were only a few, would rather be out fishing.NOT TO TAKE When asked whether a pamphlet was available on an interesting productRecently I had the chance to visit he or she was likely to say, “no we a camping and caravanning don’t have any of them mate, you’ve show. There were an enormous got to download one for yourself off number of exhibitors, more the Internet.” While this salesperson‘off-road’ campers that I had ever has little chance of making your walletimagined existed and thousands of lighter I would have thought theredifferent kinds of tents and swags in was also little chance of selling anyall the colours of the rainbow. There of the products on display in his orwere stalls inside pavilions and outside her trade stand. In fact, my mate andin the grounds; every imaginable I immediately lost interest in the gearcontrivance that could possibly be that he had for sale and went off to lookused in the bush was exhibited or for it elsewhere.being sold. After visiting a few stallsI discovered that there are two main It wasn’t difficult to find a similarkinds of salespersons working in this product, because there were whatindustry. One is extremely enthusiastic, seemed to be hundreds of trade stands.encouraging and determined to sell you We must have seen 50 different kindsevery requirement to make your trip of barbecues especially designedenjoyable. But, I suspect that although for ‘camping.’There were certainlyyour trip may be very enjoyable four or five varieties of ‘camping’ air-your vehicle will be tremendously conditioners. Now here is a productoverloaded. This salesperson will guaranteed to make you think youleave your wallet and bank account are still at home rather than sittingmuch lighter and make your 4WD next to a picturesque rock hole onmuch heavier. The second type of the edge of the Great Sandy Desert. And this was not the only product I Western 4W Driver #103 73

saw that was designed specifically to mowers, line trimmers and blower-make you think you were still at home! vacs.The list of what you should takeNow I understand that lots of readers is not all that much different from whatmay well have sold their suburban you might take camping if you werehouse, bought a big camper and left carrying everything on your back rathersuburbia behind never more to worry than in the back of the 4WD. Naturallyabout paying council rates, water you need a few articles directly relatedbills, electricity bills and dozens more to the vehicle like a basic toolkit,that I don’t like to mention. I don’t snatch-em strap, tyre changing gearbegrudge them their chosen lifestyle and perhaps some extra fuel. Put a fewfor one moment.They are welcome cable ties of assorted lengths in theto use a portableTV in their motor- toolkit because they are sometimeshome, but I would prefer not to hear it the best temporary repair item that willafter 9 o’clock at night in my little tent hold together gear and even bits of thepitched too close to them in a cramped 4WD in an emergency. Not only arecampground. By the same token I don’t they light to carry and very versatilewant to be woken by the sound of the they don’t need a book of directionswashing machine either.The toolkit hasor dishwasher always been my “.. They got me to thinking preferred placethat someonehas just about what one might really to store a bit ofwheeled out need to carry as a new-chum fire lighting kitfrom the cargo to be used in anspace under his camper seeking new and emergency. Nowbus at 6 AM. exciting outback vistas....” that smokers areIt’s not that I a rarity, matchesdon’t want them seem to be rare asto wash their dishes and their clothes; well. I like one of the magnesium barsI applaud their quest for cleanliness. I with a Ferro-cerium rod attached andjust don’t want their hygienic quest to that is equipped with a broken pieceimpinge on my aural space too early of hacksaw blade as my emergencyin the morning.There are also strange firelighter. In a pinch, this will light athumping and pounding activities that gas barbecue just as well as it will lightI object to.These sometimes seem to a pile of tinder mixed with magnesiumstem from night-time renovations in shavings. Anybody who intends toa converted school bus but they can use a petrochemical as their tinder willbe emitted by an industrious home generally get what they deserve.mechanic lying underneath the chassis I’m not going to say too much aboutof an off-road caravan working by the tents, swags, sleeping bags, yourlight of a neon tube powered by a noisy clothes, your boots and that sort oflittle petrol generator clattering away kit and I don’t want to venture intowhile I am quietly sipping a whiskey food and beverages and what kindnightcap. While all these gripes really of fridge or Esky you buy.Your usualconcern camping etiquette they got preferences and common senseme to thinking about what one might will prevail here and the householdreally need to carry as a new-chum management should have plenty tocamper seeking new and exciting say because of previous experienceoutback vistas and hoping to enjoy a and expertise.The only rule that webit of peace and quiet away from the have had which has proved useful isSaturday morning scream of ride-on that if we take stuff and don’t use it74 Western 4W Driver #103

“With a comfy bed and excellentventilation, every night’s a great night in our Howling Moon Rooftop” Lee & MarkNow awawvraanipilnaagbr!loeuwndith full• 280 gms/sqm, Polyester/cotton ripstop material. Fluoro carbon coated.• Foam mattress high density.• Made in South Africa where sleeping well above ground level is essential.• Insect protected doors and windows.• Apex air vents.• Internal cotton canvas condensation blanket.• Optional side walls available with zip detachable PVC groundsheet in main tent.Get yours from 61 McCoy Street, Myaree WA 6154 Tel: 08 9317 2344 MRB3101 DL19018

www.4wdinteriors.com www.facebook.com/outback4wdinteriors [email protected]

on a trip then we seriously consider similar is a good idea. It’s also a goodleaving it out of the packing list for the idea not to stand in front of or behindnext trip. Thinking back to the bloke a bogged vehicle that is likely to ejectunderneath the off-road caravan and this de-bogging material at speedhis workshop light, I did search around when the wheel grabs it and hurls itthe camping and caravanning show out from underneath itself.You havelooking for a headlamp that uses the been warned! Make sure that the planknew LED technology to replace my that you buy has plenty of grip on theold incandescent bulb job which has soil as well as on the tyre.This bringsbeen a great companion for 20 years me to the matter of a piece of mattingor so.These new types have wonderful that could serve as a doormat as wellbattery economy as well as being as a de-bogging mat. Clearly, a couple“bright as.” In fact some of them are so of square metres of shade cloth won’tbright that they should be fitted with suffice for both tasks – but I suggesta dip switch just in case you want to you should consider both functions,turn and look at your mate while you’re doormat and de-bogging and obtaintalking to him.The great advantage something suitable for each of them.is that they shine the lightwherever you are looking “.. Some of them (headlamps) areas long as you put themon the right way round. so bright that they should be fittedFor tasks around the camp with a dip switch just in case you once the sun has gone want to turn and look at your matedown they are invaluable.Fluoro tubes and similar while you’re talking to him”lights will attract plenty ofinsects for you if you are anentomologist, but if you prefer your I’ve always considered a postholespaghetti without beetles and moths shovel a great asset in 4WD campingI suggest using a headlamp, which gear. I like the turned up sides of theseems far less attractive to our flying shovel and the angle of the blade tofriends, especially if the bloke next the handle, which is especially useful ifdoor has his camp lit up like Santa’s the time comes that you need to shovelworkshop in December! He’ll be mud. De-bogging, latrines, fire adjusterplaying host to them and will be able for coals and ashes (especially if youto tell you all about it in the morning; use a camp oven) and other uses willand probably will. One product that I come to mind for this shovel. I’m notfound of great interest at the show was in favour of the supposed bushman’sthe de-bogging ‘plank’ mostly made trick of cooking on a shovel for a lotfrom recycled plastic and presented in of reasons, but if you break the lidgarish colours that could never be lost of your camp oven you might havein the bush.There is no doubt in my to resort to the shovel. While talkingmind that a high-lift jack, substantial about camp ovens, spend a few extrawooden jack block, posthole shovel dollars and get an Australian cast-ironand a metre or two of corduroy of one brand. Some of the imported jobs havekind or another is a necessity to keep rather questionable metals in theiron the 4WD when venturing off-road. composition. I take a big Billy can, largeReplacing the corduroy with a couple sized steel wok and a Bedourie ovenof good lengths of moulded plastic or as well in my tucker box.These foureven a decent strip of heavy carpet or things take care of most cooking tasks Western 4W Driver #103 77

– and in the bush there is always the a stick at although a stick will easily goopportunity of an earth oven with just through the lightweight blue ones. I’vesome al-foil as the container. found that an empty jam tin on top ofI’ve always been keen on carrying a the stick prevents this occurrence. Get afew bits of rope with me and before the tarp big enough to suit your needs andadvent of the synthetic snatch-em strap if you’re living in a tent rather than inI took a bit of cable as well. Somewhere a van, then you might like to include aabout the 4WD I can always seem to few tent pegs as well as the bit of ropefind 50 m of thin but strong rope, which to help you rig up the tarp.can tie down something in a storm, I’ve been a fan of Chux tissues for quiterig a tarp, serve as a washing line or a while. Similar things include wet-wipesjust tie stuff together. It’s another thing and a scented variety for cleanups,that doesn’t take up much room and is especially for the kids but equallyendlessly useful (I didn’t mean that). In applicable for adults. My preferred towelanother forum I have written recently after a quick wash in a muddy claypan isabout the utility of a tarp of some kind a handful of the large sized Chux tissues.or another in a camp kit. Although The regular towel stays cleaner for longernot greatly in favour of the common and the Chux can go on to another“blue tarp” that flaps all mightily in use unless you’d rather chuck them inthe slightest breeze, it will do in a the rubbish bag. While on the topic ofpinch. But I saw in our hardware store washing I should mention the canvasthis week silver and green tarps that bucket shower that can be filled with hotwere just a little more substantial and water and hung over the limb of a treenot many more dollars in price.They (put the de-bogging mat underneath)come in more sizes than you can poke and shower on. At times I have also carried water in one of these canvas Camping & 4WD shower buckets but there are purpose made canvas buckets for this. Once I Drifta Offroad Tourer used a canvas sink in which to wash the 6x4 offroad trailer, dishes but after buying the big steel wok 2.0 RTT that lifts on the collapsible sink became redundant. electric actuators. For me the ideal camping kit has always included the absolute minimum. Not Small footprint, quick only is the weight of the vehicle’s annual setup, the ultimate kit diminished, there is less stuff to look touring camper. after, less items to unpack and less to pack away again.This tends to leave Stainless Steel more time for enjoyable activities like Folding Fire Pit exploring, photographing, bird watching This is a compact, and some fraternisation with the locals. contained, folding fire A few comforts like a folding chair with a back in it and a lightweight folding table pit. Lots of have replaced the camp stools and lid of accessories and new the tucker box and it may be that soon gear on our website! a folding bed will replace the sheet of foam. I want to find one with legs that GLOUCESTER, NSW (02) 6558 2328 won’t punch holes in my groundsheet – the favoured solution is a shearer’s Have a look at our comprehensive website for all details bed. But I never saw one for sale at the camping and caravanning show. www.drifta.com.au78 Western 4W Driver #103



APPY DAYZ Send us a happy snap Simply email us a happy snap* with no more than 50 words telling us where you were and what you were up to and you’re in the running to win one of ten Hema HX-1 Navigators. YWOIUN’RNEERA!Sue BrennanGold fever and no curable antibiotic (yet)!!!!Hubby and I were east of Mount Magnet WA, trying our hand at prospecting with our new detector!The buzz of the flies almost drowned out the “kerplonk” signal from our machine!!After 10 mins of sweaty digging – I had my reward!!80 Western 4W Driver #103

WITHand you couldWIN!Nail a 1of 10 Navigator in each editionor a 2 yearsubscription: Explore a new frontier2 Year Sub! Jeanette Johnson We took the kids to the Purnululu National Park to see the Bungle Bungles. The long road in was a bit rough and we had 5 water crossings (albeit small) but it was well worth the effort! We were truly amazed at the scale of the place, it’s huge!*email your entries to: [email protected] Western 4W Driver #103 81

2 Year Sub! Terina & Keith Saunders “Black stormy tropical weather didn’t deter us from a trial run of the ‘new’ rig to Dundee Beach 150 kms, Southwest of Darwin. Glad we weren’t under canvas! And –Yes a good car wash was needed when home again! Kimberley’s here we come. 2 Year Sub! 2 Year Sub! Paul Abbott When I was sixteen I worked on the trawler Nor5 out of Carnarvon and we used to shelter at DirkIan Harrison Hartog Island. I promised myself someday I’d land on that island. On 25th of August 2015 at sixty twoOne of the joys of 4WD’ing is being able to years old I finally did it. What a happy man !!!explore our fantastic country with friends. This Thanks for letting me share a special moment inis a shot on Hancock Gorge in Karijini (at a safe my life.height!). After exploring all morning we went fora dip in Fern Pool to cool off.THREE KEEP ‘EM COMING FOLKS MORE HEMAS TO WIN!82 Western 4W Driver #103

See more amazing.Hyundai Tucson.

AMAROKRE-POWEREDA 4wd ute with a Porscheengine - well that mightbe something to getexcited about. vsypeeolorai.yumw.t.Avifaetienrrvcmrdteyohlrtmyaqhytueeisnipscustuokpbuslpetythlehe”edes84 Western 4W Driver #103

Off-Road RRwioothbbson Western 4W Driver #103 85

W’s new Amarok is now What the noise is all about - V6TD fitted with the same courtesy of Porsche, Audi et al. engine as that found in this year. It comes in two spec levels -Vthe Porsche Cayenne, Highline and Ultimate. The Highline is priced at $59,990 withAudi Q7, Toureg and quite a fair bit of ‘bling’ - 18 inch alloys,a few others, albeit with a tyre pressure monitoring, bi-xenondifferent tune and a quite a headlights, 6.3-inch colour touchfew modifications to make it screen with sat-nav, reversing camera,suitable for use in a 4wd.The front and rear park sensors, Bluetooth3 litre, V6 turbo diesel engine and four 12 volt outlets.The Ultimatepumps out a class-leading at $67,990 comes with even more165kW of power and 550Nm of ‘bling’ including 19 inch alloys, 14 waytorque then adds another 15kWthanks to the overboost function adjustable leather seats,– pretty impressive. alloy finished pedals,The Amarok was first cornering and LEDreleased in Australia in 2011 puddle lights.bringing European style and The auto drives throughperformance to what was largely a a torsion style centre diffJapanese 4wd ute market. It was fitted giving it full time 4wd.with a 2 litre, 4 cylinder, bi-turbo engine The rear diff has a lockerthat, considering its relatively small as standard and disccapacity, provided credible figures brakes have been fittedof 125kW and 440Nm - but it was the to the live rear end.comfort, space and ride quality that Leaf springs on the rearreally set the Amarok apart from are mounted outboardits competitors. on the ladder framedAs it stands at the moment theTDI550Amarok is only available as a twin cab All the usual fruitute with 8 speed automatic but there is plus tyre pressuretalk of a manual being available later monitoring on the Highline and even more86 Western 4W Driver #103 on the Ultimate.

Leading LightsIn Reliable PerformanceThe Authority in ECU Tuning & RemappingRichard's Autos Torque Converter Lockup 1300 619 437For Further InformationKits for 200 Series Landcruiser CALL NOW!Manta Performance Exhausts New Release: Carbon Winch CW12KJust $899 - Call 1300 619 437 IP67 Waterproof, 12000lb rating

BULL BAR VS TED THE ROO WATCH HOW A TJM BAR PERFORMS IN THE EVENT OF AN ANIMAL STRIKE TJM KEWDALE TJM O’CONNOR 521 Abernethy Rd 6105 Cnr South & Pritchard St 6163 6454 2200 9331 2788 ALBANY - 9841 2000 GERALDTON - 9964 8008 BAYSWATER - 9271 6898 PORT KENNEDY - 9590 6138 ESPERANCE - 9071 5407 SEE THE TJM GEAR FOR THENEW COLORADO

running out of Adblue is pretty remote but if you do, the vehicle will not start and will require a complete fill.The next shipment of Amaroks due to arrive in June will come from Argentina and will not be fitted with SCR Adblue. The ANCAP rating remains Leaf springs are outboard of the chassis and contribute to a quality ride. Some of the ruts got a bit deep east of Perth.chassis and combined with 5 star from 2011 but with no rear curtainshocks fitted in front of the diff, airbags it could be stretching the point.contribute to make the Amarok’s A raft of electronics is standard butride and handling a class leader. it lacks lane departure warning,Exhaust emission controls autonomous emergency brakinginclude EGR, Catalytic Converter, and radar cruise control - which areDiesel Particulate Filter and available on some of the competitor’sSCR Adblue (see breakout).The vehicles. However, it does have anseparate Adblue tank should Automatic Post-Collision Brakinglast about 7,500km according to System that automatically slows thethe service guys at Southside vehicle after a collisionVW.The vehicle information centre on The guys at Southside VW were goodthe dash monitors the Adblue level and enough to lend us a vehicle for a day sowill warn the driver many times before the Ed and I headed out to Mundaringit runs dry.The likelihood of actually to get some pics and put the new TDI550 through its paces.What the hell is Adblue? First impressions were how car-like this vehicle is.The dash is really well laidSelective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) out with lots of information availableis a technology that uses a urea via the menu stalk.based diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) anda catalytic converter to reduce oxides Western 4W Driver #103 89of nitrogen emissions. In this case theDEF is Adblue and it is injected into theexhaust system before the Catalyticconverter.The Adblue vaporises anddecomposes to form ammonia andcarbon dioxide.The ammonia reducesthe nitrogen oxides to water andnitrogen which are both harmless andare then released out of the exhaust.

Seating position is terrific and the Traction controls helped on-road tyresseat is really comfortable. Overall, on pea gravel tracks.it’s quiet, refined and oozes itsEuropean heritage. On the road, thecombination of power and torque ofthe V6 combined with the seamless ZFauto transmission makes for effortlessmotoring. If anything, under a lightthrottle I would say it feels a bit doughy,that is of course until a bit of right footis applied. It doesn’t become a wheelspinning fire-breathing monster butrather, it is a very subtle power thatpushes you firmly into the seat and thespeed limit comes up very, very quickly.The stop start feature turns the engineoff when stationary for more than a fewseconds which is a bit disconcertinginitially – it had me reaching for the keya couple of times, although it restartsas soon as the brake is released.Steering and suspension work togetherfor precise confident handling.On the dirt it’s the same, the electronicsI’M A DIRTY BUGGER SOMETIMESAND MY SEATS REALLY COP IT! Good thing they’re protected by Seat covers • Custom Madenow available • Airbag Compatiblefor your new deployment Amarok seam technology • Australian made and ownedPHONE 1800 SUPAFIT Or go to www.supafitseatcovers.com.au90 Western 4W Driver #103

in the form of stability and traction lowest gear the hill descent controlcontrol as well as a raft of braking aids was way out of its depth - moaning andadds another layer of confidence on groaning as I dabbed the brakes to tryslippery gravel roads. and slow things down. We were luckyOnce on the 4wd tracks the Amarok’s to come away unscathed!limitations began to appear. First up The next obstacle that revealed thewere the road tyres fitted to the 18” short comings of a lack of a low enoughalloys - great on the bitumen, not so gear was trying to negotiate a nastygreat for tracks.The limited Approach, rocky climb that required ‘walking’Ramp Over and to a lesser extent, the Amarok up and over the ruttedDeparture angles, make trying to track. Without an appropriate lownegotiate ruts and wash-aways without gear combined with the ‘slip’ of thedinging the plastic front bumper torque converter, it was very difficultand side steps an absolute mission. to manoeuvre the truck up the trackNeedless to say, a suspension lift and without lots of leaping and bounding.bull bar would help considerably. In the end a bit of brake and acceleratorIn my opinion the Amarok’s Achilles at the same time got thingsHeel is a lack of low range gearing. under control.First gear in the 8 speed auto does Apart from a close encounter with athe job off road quite adequately very lucky kangaroo we were back onuntil the going gets tough - then it the black top in one piece just on dusk.just can’t cope. Once back home it gave me a chanceOn our little jaunt in the Mundaring to have a look under the bonnet andhills we found a steep downhill section underneath the vehicle.The steeringof track with some substantial ruts that rack, front diff and sump are wellhad the Amarok with wheels in the protected by a set of steel straps.Thatair. With all the appropriate buttons is followed by the large cross memberpressed and the trans locked in its giving the trans a good amount of Western 4W Driver #103 91

protection, but from there on back the Reasonable leg room in the back withexhaust is going to cop a hiding and front seat in standard position.the plastic fuel tank is screaming outfor a protection plate of some sort. getting as much air out of the system asFitting a replacement long range tank possible it may be achievable.would kill two birds with one stone -more fuel and no need for a plate. An We reckon .....auxiliary tank is also available whichwould give a total fuel carrying capacity The new V6 Amarok may not performof nearly 200 litres combined. The as well as some of its counterpartsnew 90 degree V6 doesn’t leave much in extreme off road situations but onroom in the engine bay for an auxiliary road its power, comfort, class andbattery but I’m sure the likes of Piranha sophistication puts it in a leaguewill come up with something. The air of its own.inlet for the engine sits right behindthe V6 emblem on the grill - a bit lowfor my liking - a snorkel would be onmy list of must haves. Servicing isevery 12 months or 15,000km.The fuelfilter is scheduled to be renewed every60,000km but software is required toprime the filter, as without it the pumpand injectors may be damaged. I askedthe service guys at Southside VW if itcould be renewed in an emergencyout in the bush. Without committingthemselves they seemed to think thatby filling the fuel filter with diesel and Nuts ‘n’ bolts VW AMAROK V6Price: $59,990 Highline, $67,990 Steering: Power Assisted rack & Ultimate; pinion;Built: Germany;Body: Body on frame; Wheels: 18” alloy (HL) / 19” alloy (UL);Safety: 5 Star; Track: Front – 1654mm / Rear – 1658mm;Engine: 3ltr, V6 turbo diesel;Power: 165kW @ 2500 - 4500rpm, Approach Angle: 28 degrees; 180kW with Overboost; Departure Angle: 23.6 degrees;Torque: 550Nm @ 1,500 - 2500rpm; Ramp Over: 23 degrees;Fuel Economy: 7.8L/100km (stated); Turning Circle: 12.95m;Fuel tank: 80 litres; GVM: 3080kg;Transmission: 8 speed auto; Weight: 2169kg (HL) / 2216kg (UL);Drive: Constant 4wd; Tow ball load: 300kg;Suspension: Front - double wishbone, Towing capacity: 3000kg – maximum; coil springs / Rear – leaf springs, live axle; Warranty: 3 years/Unlimited km;Brakes: Front – discs / Rear – discs; Service Interval: 12 months/15,000km – capped price servicing.92 Western 4W Driver #103

120W SOLAR MAT KIT COMPACT ONLY 4KG& LIGHTWEIGHT 6COMPACT KGONLY 4& LIGHTWEIGHT PANEL INCLUD6ES SOLAPARNEL CONTROLLER 120W Solar Mat Kit Extremely compact and lightweight Easy to set up and use Everything included to charge your battery... Except the sun! 22.5% highly efficient SunPower™ monocrystalline C60 solar cells 12V Digital, 5 stage 15A PWM (pulse width modulated) weatherproof controller 6 x 20W panels, folding down to 40 x 30cm $799 Prices do not include freight or fitting and are subject to change without notice.W4WDFP(4)200417 Family Owned Australian Company Fin SAFER, STRONGER, SMARTERSince1958 face For your nearest distributor call 1300 731 137, or visit www.ironman4x4.com

FOR tougher “Durable “driving & braking on all typesquieter of surfacesbraking.Across Australia or around the block, wherever they go,Bendix 4WD/SUV brake pads get the job done brilliantly. EXTREME STRENGTHSure stopping, straight out of the box*S5*5S0SSMMTTTT.5OOPPOOGPPAAPPPPDLLIIENNPPIICNNGGIIEEENNDDLEIIPPGGSSRRRTTAAAEETDDNNISSOCCIISSNEESSUUCCSTTRRTAAAAOEELLCCPNNUUSLLCCFAARTTEEOEEDDMAAAA1TTFF0TT0EE11KRR00MTT00/EEHNNKKDCCMMUOORNN//ISSNEEHHGCCBUU8TTIIEVV4EE-55 D0Y.5NGAMDEOCMEELTEERRATSIOTANNSDTAORPDSPFERROFMOR1M00ANKMCE/HTEDSUTR. ING B8E4-55 BBEENNDDIIXX 44WWDD//SSUUVV WE GO TO DYNAMOMETER STANDARD PERFORMANCE TEST. CCOOMMPPEETTIITTOORR BBRRAAKKEE PPAADD EXTREMES SO YOU2200 6600 110000 114400 118800 CAN TOO! SSTTOOPPPPIINNGG DDIISSTTAANNCCEE** ((MMEETTRREESS)) -- LLoowweerr iiss bbeetttteerr..Bendix 4WD/SUV delivers:• Smoother, cleaner braking• Increased material strength under extreme conditions• Increased heat resistance at high temperatures• No bedding in• Instant pedal feel from first stop• Noise absorbing shimsBendix Brake Advice Centre Put your foot down with confidence™1800 819 666Choose your perfect braking solution online atwww.bendix.com.auBendix is a trademark of Honeywell International Inc.

If you tow a trailer of any sort, the lastthing you need is the wheels falling offyour trip of a lifetime. Now you can tickthis maintenance box as Alex Garnertakes us through a ....SIMPLEWHEEL BEARING SERVICEWheels bouncing down the highway, axles scraping through the tarmac, and you hanging on for dearlife; hoping this doesn’t end in a fatalcollision. If you haven’t paid a secondthought to wheel bearing maintenanceon your trailer, this could very wellbe your adventure turning sour. Don’tget too concerned though, it’s actuallysuper simple stuff!First of all, let’s check for play in thebearing. Jack each wheel off theground, support it on an axle stand,place one hand at the top of the wheel,and one at the bottom. Now attempt torock it back and forth.The wheel shouldstay firm, but if it clunks around, you’re Western 4W Driver #103 95

going to need to open it up and do a Behind this dust cap you’ll find alittle maintenance. While you’ve got the castle nut, held in place by a split pin.wheel on, give it a spin and listen for Straighten out and remove the splitany crunching or grinding.You really pin, remove the castle nut and swapshouldn’t be able to hear a thing. the castle nuts left for right. Now grabA loose wheel may not necessarily a breaker bar and socket to suit themean the bearing is shot, but merely nut, and tighten it just snugly until itneeds to be tightened. Start by stops. Check that the slot in the castle nut lines up with the hole in the stub axle, and if it doesn’t, loosen the nut just enough to get the split pin through. It’s better to err on the side of loose rather than tight, as heat expansion will take up the slack when your trailer is on the road. Okay; maybe it turned out that tightening your hub didn’t fix the problem, in which case your bearings need replacing. So again; off with the split pin and castle nut it is. Pull on the hub and the whole thing will simply slip off. Be ready for the outer bearing and washer to fall into the dirt, you might want to try and save that from happening! Flip the hub over and pop the seal out using a seal remover, or just a flat head screwdriver. Now you can remove theremoving the dust cap. A knock alongthe edges with a rubber mallet shouldopen up a gap where you can pry awaythe dust cap. If the grease oozes outwhen you open that dust cap, or an oilysubstance is everywhere then it’s certainlydue for new grease. But let’s worry aboutchecking that bearing first hey? inner bearing. Clean these up in a parts washer if you’re just re-greasing the bearings, and do the same for the hub. If they need replacing, and you’re not sure whether your trailer uses Ford or Holden bearings; take note of the numbers stamped on them.They’ll correspond exactly with the numbers you find on the bearing kits in your96 Western 4W Driver #103

“Setting the standard for Quality & Value” Established 1930 CNC Metal Sheet Metal Wood Workshop Lifting Cutting Machine Tool MeasuringMachinery Working Fabrication Working & Automotive Handling Tools Accessories EquipmentSTT-4W SDC-5D FREE!PISCIKMUPPLYTUOSOELTWHEITUHNIPQUURE•CC1vHaOpP*lCeiidcD•rAokwcOnaEUudSdiftfsipvhettieErooTtirhtmnotoe!iesnsomes:ellryeds.Service Tool Tray Steel Service Cart• 740 x 510 x 20mm top tray • 870 x 560 x 1085mm• 860~1200mm adjust. tray height • 320kg total load capacity• 34kg tray load capacity • Key lockable system• Padded vertical support • 5 drawers with ball Order Code: T758 bearing slides • 4 wheels (2 with $110 swivel & brake)SAVE $22 Order Code: T756 $349WBS-3D SAVE $47 VALUESteel Work Bench LOCKKEAYBLE $16.50• 2000 x 640 x 870mm M0010• 500kg load capacity HPT-30P• Bearing slide drawers Workshop Hydraulic- PDS-3BS• 3 Lockable Pneumatic Press Bearing Race & Seal Driver Set drawers • 30 Tonne • 150mm ram stroke • 10 piece set Order Code: A380 • Hydraulic & pneumatic • 39.5 - 81mm • Adjustable ram position $369 Order Code: P1475 SAVE $60 $569SHST-1.2H Order Code: P031Shrinker & Stretcher SAVE $80 $55• 1.2mm mild steel• Shrinking dies SAVE $11• Stretching diesPSHHRAOOIAEWNFFQCDTCERUVAOSOOIILPCOOSLEMMTUIOOOREONFNNLOSTARL& Order Code: S2262 SJ-24D EWM-75 Bead Roller English Wheel $229 • 1.2mm mild steel • 1.6mm mild steel SAVE $35 capacity • 711mm throat • Includes 7 diesCEYLAN • 470mm throat depthStaff Member • Steel construction Order Code: S225 • Roller holders on post • 6 x sets of rolls $517 Order Code: S641 SAVE $77 $349 SAVE $47 www.machineryhouse.com.au/signup PAPERLESS WARRANTY ONLINE PROMOS TRACK YOUR ORDERS EXCLUSIVE OFFERS $70 FREECLICK & COLLECT LATEST RELEASES COMPETITIONSUNIQUE PROMO CODE NEWSLETTERS DISCOUNT VOUCHERS W4DR1J VwIEwWwA.mNDacPhUiRnCeHrAyhSEouTHseES.cEoImTE.MauS/OWN4LDINRE1AJT 2_W_4WDriver_#103_010617ONLINE OR INSTORE! SYDNEY BRISBANE MELBOURNE PERTH (02) 9890 9111 (07) 3274 4222 (03) 9212 4422 (08) 9373 9999 1/2 Windsor Rd, 625 Boundary Rd, 1 Fowler Rd, 11 Valentine St, Northmead Coopers Plains Dandenong Kewdale Specifications & Prices are subject to change without notification. All prices include GST and valid until 31-07-17

local parts store. With everything some hubs will have two notchessqueaky clean it’s time to start installing manufactured into them to allow fornew bearings. Go and pop the new the punch. If you can’t get your handsbearing races in the freezer and let on a punch, a length of 20mm bar willthem chill out while you remove the old do fine. It can take a little time to getraces.Tighten the hub into a vice and them moving, but persistence is key!get busy with the hammer and punch. Once the old races fall free, grab yourMost bearing races will have enough new races from the freezer, apply a littleof a lip to drive it out of the hub; and grease around the outside and drive them in using a bearing race driver. If you don’t own such a tool, you can also use the old bearing race stacked on top, and tap that in with your hammer. Just be sure to stack them facing the same direction, because you’re going to need a good purchase on the lip of the old bearing race to drive it back out again! Hopefully the freezer trick made installing the new races a pretty easy job! Now it’s time to get messy and put fresh grease in the bearings. We used a bearing packer for this, but you can also do it by hand.Refitting bearings the easy way. You need to use a high temperature bearing grease, or a marine trailer bearing grease and nothing but! It will clearly state this on the grease.To work it in properly using your hand, get a palm full of grease and push the larger side of the bearing into this using a scraping motion, quite like the motion98 Western 4W Driver #103