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NEW CONCEPT STORE FOR SOUTHSIDERS Visitors to ARB’s state office in Gauge Circuit, Canning Vale while easily recognising the display of well known brand products, might have got the impression they were walking into more of an office environment rather than a retail experience. Well things have changed in Canning Vale in a big way. On Bannister Road at the intersection with Baile Road the famous ARB logo laps out from new premises to entice FREE! 4w drivers into a customer focussed experience where, as the signage says, To celebrate adventure awaits. their new Inside WA’s first new ARB concept store, ARB store you don’t feel hemmed in. aaPcfcbrrwuuoeoizsnpam.gtcyyYoitovmutaohiurfnSeee’yvgrpsRoeweteuoeghprrdoeaefytani.rtvSSiyKloeilomuiattuhrlptieoptleyueemrntvcadehakrageoysfiaenMnatdahnydiysotthotihneg Architectural lighting from high ceilings highlight every known ARB pfircekeuppyuonurcture repair kit. product and more. Big screens roll product video while an island reception draws the customer to enquire without the sense of a barrier the traditional counter presents. Western 4W Driver #106 99

your fitting can be executed within a reasonable timeframe and for smaller jobs a comfortable waiting area offers refreshments and wifi access. To discover all this for yourself, get on down to 77 Bannister Road, Canning Vale or call the team on 9455 4366 for an initial product enquiry. Product areas are easily identified across the store so you can browse around till you’re ready to ask the important questions. Behind the 350 m² showroom a huge warehouse encompassing six active fitting bays (with room to expand to 10) ensures $99 LANDCRUISER SPLIT CV BOOTSpluspost Suits 79, 80, 100, 70 series QUTIOCFKIT with solid axle front. Prevent sand and grit abrasion, water corrosion, pitting and seal damage to the swivel housing. Gearless Centre Differential using a no spin locker in the mining Landcruiser Ute to eliminate wind-up. PH: 0352 722 844 E: [email protected] www.gearingdynamics.com 100 Western 4W Driver #106

Godzilla of the Desert This imposing vehicle was parked as don’t know, but it did have four spare a promotional item on the plaza at wheels, a quartet of big air horns, a Dubai’s International Motor Show. silver camel bonnet ornament and, The towering 10-wheeled machine had amazingly, it appeared to be road elements of Jeep in its rear section, licensed. Dubai does have quite a few a power bulge on its vast bonnet and six-lane highways, but this 15m-long a grille reminiscent of a late 1940s creation will probably occupy about Chevrolet truck. three lanes all by itself. Then again, the What it had under its thick skin we giant Chinese-made tyres suggest it might be more of a desert cruiser. We asked the organisers for details of the monster machine, but nobody seemed to know much about its workings. Still, a hard-to- ignore creation. Overtake – if you dare. Western 4W Driver #106 101

SHUTTERBUGGERY BETWEEN 102 Western 4W Driver #106

THE CAPES By Susie Underwood The south-west corner of our state is certainly blessed in the photographic opportunity department. How lucky are we to have that wild coast, the tranquil manicured vineyards and towering forests all within an easy drive of the city? Western 4W Driver #106 103

he Campfire Escapes Outside our glamper trailer - and this Shutterbuggers weekend man thinks he can bribe me with a jar in November saw us of honey to do his dishes. Tconvoying out of Perth After setting up our luxurious accommodation at Conto’s we all on a Thursday morning. First headed to the coast, Joey’s Nose to stop was Carbunup where we be precise, to try and get that perfect collected the inestimable Mr surf shot. Unfortunately, the wind was Graham Cahill, star of stage howling by the time we hit the beach, and DVD and exhaustingly so we stood around with sandblasted enthusiastic, inspiring and calves while the lads unbogged a knowledgeable cameraphile. carful of gorgeous young schoolies (yes it was THAT weekend). I have This was to be a Red Letter to say regretfully that I have never Weekend for myself and the man of my dreams - we were glamping in a camper trailer. What bliss to be able to actually step out of bed onto a hard floor and ..... best of all ..... get dressed standing up. In fact, most of our fellow happy campers were in luxurious camper trailer or caravan accommodation this weekend, excluding our young lovers, who tucked themselves into a double swag under a peppermint tree. I remember when my knees used to be able to bend like that. Our destination for the weekend was Conto’s campground, not far from that tourist mecca, Margaret River. This is a lovely place to stay, close to beaches, wineries and the Cape to Cape track. There are 116 camp sites, all organised into separate areas, shaded by peppermint trees and with fire pits and clean toilets. It is well run by Parks and Wildlife. Sites are $11/adult/ night and $3/child/night (over 5 and under 16 years). You can book on line at Park Stay WA . A cool time in Boranup Forest. 104 Western 4W Driver #106

cartwheeled down a beach wearing a I’m sure everyone else soaked up bikini, but if I had known the kind of Graham’s pearls of wisdom and after a reaction I would get from the blue half restful night under the peppermints we of the population, I probably would were all raring to go the next morning. have given it a red hot go! Our first photo op was the stunning We repaired back to Conto’s to Boranup Forest. It was a lovely still comb our hair and prepare nibbles sunny morning, and the light filtering for the evening through the trees entertainment. “I have to say regretfully was just gorgeous. On the first It’s surprising night of these that I have never that just a stone’s tours Graham cartwheeled down a beach throw from busy gives a little talk, wearing a bikini...” Margaret River giving us budding you have this Annie Leibovitz’s oasis of forest with the run down on what to expect for no one around to disturb the serenity. the weekend and advice on camera Cameras clicked away happily before choices, lenses etc. It usually goes we repaired to the Boranup Lookout something like this - I sit down in my and then via a very lumpy limestone chair with a nice glass of something, and sand track to Boranup Beach. If ears pricked, eager to learn ..... and there’s one thing I can say about the wake up some time later when Nick 4WD tracks in this part of the world, tells me it’s time for bed. However, they certainly have cornered the LET’S MEAT AT YOUR CAMPSITE PLACE OYRODUERR Select from our extensive menu Get all your trip meat from the little and we will: butcher with the big reputation. • Vacuum pack your meat by the meal. Western 4W Driver #106 105 • Tag each pack by contents and day. Eg: breakfast - bacon & sausages, day 4. • Freeze for your convenience. 354 MARMION ST. MELVILLE Phone/Fax orders: (08) 9330 3863

Put a wheel wrong on the Boranup Track and you’re scraping a diff. market on large limestone outcrops our trusty cars and dizzingly deep rutted tracks. After for lunch. applying defibrillators to a few sweaty Our sandwiches drivers, we arrived down on the beach, should have and oh isn’t it worth half an hour of come with a gritted teeth to experience that flat warning “may white sand and glorious water. I swear contain traces the ocean down there fizzes, it is just of sand”. The like swimming in champagne, only subject of today’s photography was without the sticky residue. to be our vehicles, so there were a Once again the wind was howling off few tireless punters down the beach the ocean as we took shelter behind attempting to get that special hero shot of their car with the ocean as a backdrop. From the beach it was on to Hamelin Bay for a well earned icecream and to take some artsy shots of the old jetty. A gaggle of Japanese tourists were very intent on chasing the resident stingray which kept us amused for a half hour or so. It was then Boranup Beach is well worth the lumpy drive in. 106 Western 4W Driver #106

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Where the desert meets the sea Found at the southern entrance of the Ningaloo Marine Park, Gnaraloo offers the real thing: an Australian outback experience like no other and a retreat from everyday life. Sitting high on an escarpment, with panoramic views of the dunes and the beautiful Indian Ocean is Gnaraloo Homestead. Tel: 08 9942 5927 It offers a range of self contained accommodation to suit all budgets and for groups of all sizes. 3Mile Camp is a rustic oasis nestled along the Coral Coast. Tel: 08 9948 5000 Campsite facilities include hot showers, flushing toilets, wifi and camp shop. The wilderness style sites are complemented by a protected lagoon and great surfing and fishing spots. Bookings: 08 9315 4809 - [email protected] gnaraloostation WA

onto Cosy Corner, another provider Aint love of absolutely magnificent views, and grand? also an unlimited supply of free wind. After again applying the detangle spray there were a to our noggins back at camp, we all few wide-eyed assembled to have a look at the best stares captured shots of the day on the big screen. This as people has got to be one of the highlights of alighted from these tours for me. I love seeing the their vehicles! day’s events through someone else’s We stopped for lens and I am often amazed at how a restorative inventive people can be. Graham is cuppa (some unstinting in his advice and also praise, of the punters his enthusiastic “NAILED IT” echoed again requiring around the camp more than once defibrillation that night. and oxygen after After another restful night in our driving down luxurious accommodation - you that hill), before tackling the track north know the one with the hard floor and to Moses Rock and Cape Clairault, no ladder - we departed for points thankfully exiting via a much more west. This time our destination was a sedate sandy track much to the relief track along the Injidup cliffs. After a of all and sundry. Except Nick and completely hair-raising descent down Graham who have no sense. a lumpy rocky decline, we were blown Next stop was (surprise!) a winery, away (literally and figuratively) by the complete with kissing seat and wine astonishingly gorgeous cliffs and ocean tasting, a very salubrious intermission views along this track. Today we were in our busy day. Many photos were concentrating on people shots - I think taken of the resident young lovers taking full advantage of the kissing Not sure which is the ‘Cosy’ part but the seat. From there we had a choice - views are stupendous! Western 4W Driver #106 109

either to the chocolate factory or down had been beaten into submission and to Whaleback Rock. Disappointingly minced before being crumbed and Nick picked Whaleback Rock, so we deep fried. It was like eating crumbed took a small contingent back down to rubber. We tried the NZ alternative, the coast while the other lucky buggers paua, in Kaikoura when we were took off to wallow in the chocolate over in Nu Zulland in 2010, also an fountain. In hindsight though I think underwhelming experience. This time, we made the right choice. however, I was extremely whelmed by The great white hunter (aka Mr Cahill) these tender, tasty little morsels. The bounced down the rocks at Whaleback trick is definitely eating them fresh brandishing a screwdriver and came from the ocean and they certainly back with a bag of Roe’s abalone to were the culinary highlight of the trip have as a little aperitif. Now I have to for me. After that delicious interlude, tell you, abalone was never on my “go we packed up our chairs and a few to” list of dinner treats. I have only nibbles and drinks and wandered over ever tried it once, and that was after it GET PHONE DOWN TO FOR AN AMAZING RANGE OF 4WD Get Serious! 9534 6733ACCESSORIES AND AUTO PARTS 110 Western 4W Driver #106 U16 FALCON COMMERCIAL CENTRE, FALCON WA 6210 www.mandurah4x4.com.au

The dramatic Injidup coastline stretches south towards Cape Leeuwin. to the cliffs overlooking Conto’s Beach win the huge prizes on offer. to try and capture that perfect sunset We had a lazy start to our last day, shot. Conto’s has got to be one of the with a late breakfast followed by a prettiest beaches in WA, a perfect little leisurely coffee and a chinwag around arc of white sand tucked up against the breakfast table. I was intent on the cliffs. Thankfully the wind had finishing a tea cosy I had been knitting, finally dropped to a gentle zephyr, and only to have my project highjacked there was the sound of happy cameras by Nick and Plugga when I had to go clicking as we all drank in the glorious powder my nose. However all good sunset. Andrew had been anticipating things must come to an end, and after using his tripod all weekend and this was his time to shine! I have to say he did snag a spectacular shot and I look forward to seeing the tripod make an appearance on many more trips. What a perfect way to end the day. There were some absolutely cracking shots that night around the big screen and there was much speculation as to who would It was a happy bunch that took in the sunset from the Contos cliff tops. Western 4W Driver #106 111

A right pair of knitwits. Excerpt from Hema’s WA State map. hitching the luxury accommodation Next Shutterbuggers I plan on bringing back onto the car we headed into Canal some matchsticks to prop my eyes Rocks where Graham announced the open and maybe then I’ll be able to lucky winners to rounds of enthusiastic nail that perfect shot that will see me applause. I don’t think anyone came recruited by National Geographic. Still away disappointed. There was certainly there’s always photoshop ...... some talent on offer. Our way home took us past Capel Vale Winery and we dropped in for a lovely lunch at their Matches restaurant, well worth a visit if you’re down that way. Pajero pride restraint for the plastic drawers on the right next to the fridge. Great job Matt. Down on Boranup Beach for lunch, Matthew opened up the back of his Pajero to reveal the best utilisation of space we’ve ever seen on a barn door. Insulation on the back window keeps the heat out while two converted seat-back organisers provide multiple pockets for everything from crockery to coffee pot. Full width drop down bench has ample prep space and we love the simplicity of the shock cord 112 Western 4W Driver #106

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A very Savory Creek THE THINGS YOU SEE! Everyone doing the 1,800 km Canning Stock Route trip With (Truthful) has to cross Savory Creek, a heavily saline creek near Lake Phil Bianchi Disappointment. I have seen the depth vary from 300 mm to almost a metre, Images by Graham Sweetman normally such water depths wouldn’t bother most 4wdrivers, but the heavily four kilometres to the recognised creek saline water plays on people’s minds. crossing. While on the westward track, There is a crossing point most and dependent on the season, stop at 4Wdrivers use. The bottom is firm but some of the deeper pools and you’ll be one needs to choose a line that misses surprised at the oily looking nature of a couple of deeper spots or you’ll the water and the visible salt crystals. unnecessarily be in much deeper water. I have heard of drivers, seeking to avoid the salty creek crossing, continue Often the first topic of conversation when meeting vehicles going the driving up to 10 kilometres westward other way is, ‘How deep is the water at past the crossing point hoping to find Savory? Vehicles approaching Savory a shallower or no water crossing. Creek from the north meet it close to There isn’t one; apparently the where it joins Lake Disappointment, the creek, in places, does get shallower track then takes you westward for some but it’s also wider and marshy. They return to the usual crossing. Rather than charge the crossing as some are apt to do, select low range and keeping the revs up make a steady pace without having water splashing over the bonnet. On one trip on the Canning Stock Route I was asked how Savory Creek and Lake Disappointment were named. Never one to miss the opportunity to impart wisdom, the historian in me explained that Lake Disappointment was named by intrepid explorer Frank Hann in 20 April 1897, ‘I was Western 4W Driver #106 115

PIONEERING*T&C Apply. See website for details disappointed in not finding water in it’. I then explain: Savory Creek is one SPREAOTTECTION of the few waterways in WA that flow eastward. Although noted by explorers Demand only the best: Hann and Rudall in 1897; it wasn’t until • 100% protection from dust, dirt and AW Canning’s CSR well construction party of 1908-10 that the excellent grime properties of its salt were discovered. • Black Duck superior fit and quality Canning noticed that Savory Creek was • Tried and tested for over 25 years highly saline and had large deposits • Air Bag tested and certified of salt. When using it to salt beef and • Water resistant* camel meat, his party found it had • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* unusually good qualities in preserving • Australian owned and made “Once the Savory Hit the website for Creek salt deposit became seat covers to suit your known, it was highly vehicle. regarded.. commanding BLACKDUCK.COM.AU eight to ten times the value 1800 803 825 of regular salt.” 116 Western 4W Driver #106 and a savory taste over regular salt. Remember folks, no Engels out here, this was in the days before refrigeration was available and most food had to be canned or dried using salt or it would spoil quickly. Once the Savory Creek salt deposit became known, it was highly regarded and became valuable, commanding eight to ten times the value of regular salt. Intrepid bushmen packed it onto donkey teams and took it to Carnarvon for export by ship to the eastern states’ canning works. It was so high in quality it could be used without processing for canning of meat, fish and for making biscuits. Canned foods were marked ‘Savory Creek salt used’ and although much more expensive, they were highly sought after and considered gourmet tucker. That evening around the campfire I told them that Truthful had been at work and the creek was named after pastoral lease holder Fred Savory and the whole story about savory salt was a load of bull. The look on their faces was priceless; I got a few more nick names that night.

Continued from page 68 WHAT’Seasy to fit ‘plug and NEW? ECU 4 You play’ device with five different ECU maps FOURBIES are by nature and design which the driver can tough, fairly heavy beasties – they select by pressing the have to be to cope with the terrain of appropriate button our outsized island. So manufacturers on a neat control pad play it safe, using engine control units which you can fit in to limit demands on the mechanical bits the cabin. There’s so they’ll last long, at least as long as comfort, sport, they’re obliged to provide a warranty towing, traction assist for. But most owners yearn for more and standard mode, power, maybe a smoother drive and if the latter reverting to you’re towing something, a tad more the vehicle’s original torque. Plus less fuel gulping and less ECU settings. But turbo lag. Enter the Safari Armax engine you’d probably never control unit, commonly called an ECU go back to that again for the same reason people named after enjoying the Cholmondeley simply become ‘mate.’ driving upgrade of a smarter ECU. And no, Cholmondeley, it has zero to do with Edith Cowan University. Safari says its Made by Safari 4x4 Engineering, the dust and waterproof Armax is the total Armax ECU doesn’t replace the original package, no upgrades or extra stuff one, but like a good mate, it works with it needed and it comes specifically designed and the result is a marked improvement for most of the many 4x4 models. For in all the things mentioned earlier – more go to safari4x4.com.au without affecting Ol’ Faithful’s reliability or warranty. In fact, it comes with its own warranty and an industry leading one for your machine’s drivetrain. It’s an Tray Magnifique RHINOS are actually quite lovable Of course, the ingestion of powdered animals, and these days the few horn does nothing other than line the remaining are protected from stomach with abrasive dust – but try hunters and poachers to prevent people telling that to the randy clients of a with sub-zero IQs from using powdered dope-addled witchdoctor. rhino horn as an aphrodisiac. Anyway, that has absolutely nothing to Western 4W Driver #106 117

do with Rhino Linings, which, your vehicle. Or wheelbarrow. unlike abrasive dust, actually Here’s the proverbial cherry on top: does a great deal of good – to come time to sell your Rhino Lininged your ute, van, trailer or car vehicle, you’ll get considerably more boot, and ultimately to your for it than you ever thought, because it good self too. will still have sound construction, drive The product, developed quietly – and look damned good too. in1988 and available in some There are dealers in every state and 70 nations, is a spray-applied territory, but if you end up in East Africa, polyurethane film that forms remember the Swahili for rhino is ‘faro.’ a watertight, permanent bond Also, if you get up close and want to pat to any surface, eliminating one, the white variety is infinitely more abrasion and corrosion. friendly than the black. More than that, it’s flexible, But for your ute, you can have any tough, provides a lifetime colour you like. of protection and its non- For more info call 0498 988 896. slip finish stops stuff from skidding about in the cargo tray, or wherever it’s applied. Naturally, it reduces noise and vibration and is resistant to fuel, fertilisers and chemical spills. Also, it comes with a lifetime warranty against peeling, cracking and warping, it’s easy to clean and comes in various colours, so you can have it matched to SPECIALISING IN 6X6 AND CUSTOM MOTOR BODY BUILDING Go to bullantengineering.com.au or phone Sean 043 815 4281 118 Western 4W Driver #106

Performance ECU More power. More torque. Engine protection. Powered by technology.

Remapping, Chipping, ECU upgrades, Turbo Charger upgrades - it seems these days there are more ways to squeeze extra power and torque out of a diesel than there are to reach the summit of Calcup Hill. In this special feature, Ben Broeder looks at how to gain extra power without getting an unwanted BANG for your buck. 120 Western 4W Driver #106

Modern diesel 4x4 vehicles have growing industry, there are plenty of certainly come a long way in cowboys out there trying to cash in the last couple of decades. I without having the necessary training, can remember my first 4x4 experience and support infrastructure. boasting a whopping 65 horsepower To start with, let’s discuss how these and not yearning for much more. companies get that hidden power from your off-the-shelf diesel vehicle. Today is a different story, however. Virtually all diesel performance There is an ever growing market for upgrades aim to increase fuel and/ owners who want to extract even more or air volumes being delivered to the power and torque from their modern, combustion chamber. Putting it simply, high powered, diesel vehicles. the more fuel/air in there, the more There are many options on the market power. Pretty simple formula, yes? promising power, torque and fuel Well, not exactly. economy increases, however, some Injection timing and duration come are better than others and as with any Western 4W Driver #106 121

into play, extra fuel means extra heat development and testing processes. which needs to be managed as well as We’ve talked with some of the industry there being a risk of over-fuelling the leaders regarding the three main ways engine. Get any of these factors wrong to get that extra power under your boot; and it can result in catastrophic engine without risking costly engine damage as damage or severely decreased well as taking an in depth look into engine life. their products. All properly engineered, reputable During this process we have learned systems take these factors into many of the pitfalls and heard first hand account and engineer any risk out of some truly horrifying stories caused by the equation through their extensive the cowboys out there. Turbo Charger Upgrades Firstly, we will look at the ultimate and kits, which are designed to integrate the oldest way of diesel performance seamlessly with the vehicle and exhaust upgrades, installing or upgrading a system without modification. Through turbocharger to your vehicle. By installing an upgraded turbocharger, Toyota factory turbo (left) and GTurbo you will increase the amount of air upgrade (right). getting to the combustion chamber. This in turn safely allows additional their extensive engineering knowledge fuel to be injected and burnt, creating and industry leading equipment it’s incredible increases to power output. clear to see why this local company has It is extremely important to ensure achieved the reputation and success good quality components and vehicle that it currently enjoys. specific systems are used, Graeme The key to achieving the best turbo Bentink, Principal Engineer with over 10 upgrade is in developing a turbo that years’ experience from GTurbo explains ‘can just meet’ the user’s performance to us. Differences between various goal. This will ensure optimum turbo systems on the market may not performance at low speed as well as be visible to the average punter, but at full power output. To achieve this will make a massive difference to the requires a robust and extremely well customer’s overall experience and the balanced turbocharger. longevity of the system. As Graeme shows us around their engineering and development facility, it is easy to see why GTurbo are a leader in performance upgrades. Significant investment has been made to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars in tooling, diagnostic and service equipment specifically based around turbo systems. Some of the equipment in use at GTurbo is the only example in the Southern Hemisphere. GTurbo produces vehicle specific 122 Western 4W Driver #106

UNLOCK THE POTENTIAL with a master tune ECU re-map With over 15 years of knowledge and experience, we have the master skills to dramatically improve the performance of your 4WD without compromising safety or reliability. The gains • Improved fuel economy. • Better driveability and throttle response. • Increased power and torque. • Quieter and smoother power delivery • Improved towing. ECU re-mapping and dyno tuning - Diagnostic and solution specialists - Mine spec and vehicle modifications - Performance exhaust, suspension and accessories. 91 Kelvin Rd, Maddington, WA 6109 PH (08) 9493 0782 VEHICLE MODIFICATION SPECIALISTS Email: [email protected]

GTurbo’s turbo dyno - the only one of its type in the southern hemisphere allows accurate calibration and precise pairing of turbo to engine. The company’s CIMAT machines measure rotational force. This is where specialist kit like GTurbo’s support, spare parts and service that are CIMAT machine come into play. Capable offered by reputable manufacturers are of measuring down to four mili-g (mg) all aspects that need to be inquired into of rotational force, this is the type and weighed up when selecting one of of equipment that only the leading these systems. manufacturers have access to. GTurbo have two of these. Close inspection between a standard and a quality aftermarket turbo highlights the differences in build quality and attention to detail that are put into these systems. Minor differences such as the machining methods used, quality of materials as well as not forgetting the after sales ECU Re-mapping In recent years ECU Re-Mapping has Quite often the results from these become a popular way of squeezing ‘cheap tunes’ can cost you dearly later extra power out of your 4x4. Quite down the track. often ECU Re-Mapping or ‘Re-Maps’, Performing an ECU Re-Map involves are also performed as part of changing the injector timing and turbocharger upgrades. duration directly within the Engine ECU Re-Mapping is a contentious issue, Control Unit (ECU). Getting these with inferior interface equipment and parameters incorrect can cost you an ‘tunes’ being sourced from overseas engine as well as the risk of damage companies, as well as many ‘backyard’ to your ECU by the use of cheap operators without adequate training, ‘clone’ interfaces used by less experience and engineering support who reputable operators. are offering ECU Re-Mapping services. We spoke with Mark Taylor, Director at 124 Western 4W Driver #106



AMV Automotive. Mark has over dangerous” Mark says. 20 years’ industry experience and This is where it gets difficult for the holds trades in both Mechanical consumer to pick the right company and Auto Electrical. Mark walked us to use for an ECU Re-Map. Not all through the processes involved in Slave Tuners are dodgy. Slave Tuners, developing engine tunes and the R&D associated a with reputable Master processes that AMV undertake for Tuner, pose no risk as they work various vehicles. closely with the Master Tuner and can In terms of ECU Re-Mapping, there provide the right information to obtain are generally two classes of business, the right tune for the engine. Slave Master Tuners and Slave Tuners. Tuners with these associations also Whilst Master Tuners invest heavily in have high levels of local support to Mark Taylor cut his teeth in the re-mapping industry working on heavy equipment and still services the mining and agriculture sectors. ECU remapping is all about keyboards and dynos. equipment and R&D to develop and ensure everything goes right. customise their own tunes, a Slave To find a reputable company to Tuner relies upon sourcing tunes from perform your ECU Re-Map, Mark a Master Tuner. advises that you do your homework AMV automotive has invested and ask a few questions which can hundreds of thousands of dollars in help you determine the best option to engine software, vehicle interfaces and choose. Ask questions such as: diagnostic equipment. Having these - Do you develop your own tunes? If tools at hand allows AMV to develop not, who do you utilise for developing their own safe and customised tunes the tune? Also, check with the Master to suit various applications. It is always Tuner to ensure the company you are preferable to either use a company that develops their own tunes, or works closely with a local Master Tuner. Companies offering cheaper tunes are generally offering a generic tune or a Slave Tune using fake, Chinese clone interfaces and a generic tune CD from eBay. “It’s just dangerous, very 126 Western 4W Driver #106

looking to use is actually affiliated overnight? If so this will most likely with them. indicate that the tune is being done by - Do you need to keep the vehicle someone else, generally overseas. Piggyback ECU Modules Not to be confused with ‘chips’, been the distributor for Steinbauer Piggyback ECU Modules perform piggyback ECU modules for Australia nearly the same function that an ECU Re-Map does, but in a standalone Steinbauer modules with clear casing module that can be bypassed or on one to show circuitry. removed easily. This makes Piggyback ECU modules have the capacity to ECU Modules a good option for build in additional safeguards to owners of new vehicles who may be protect the engine from overheating. concerned with potential warranty issues. Piggyback ECU modules will and New Zealand since 2005. generally plug directly in-line with the Developing their own local, customised injector wiring harness so that the tuning for the Steinbauer modules module can detect what the vehicle’s through their extensive R&D processes, ECU is asking the injectors to do, Diesel Care deliberately limit the modify those signals and control the power output of their modules to 20% vehicles injectors directly. Essentially increases to ensure maximum safety tweaking the injector timing and and engine longevity. The systems are duration to maximise power. also demand driven, meaning they Some more advanced systems only come on when engine demand have additional built in safe- guards such as throttle position Western 4W Driver #106 127 detection, built in timers limiting maximum output duration and even all the way through to independent Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) probes and Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensors. “You can blow things up. The more fuel you put in, the greater heat you create, especially if you are towing or pulling great loads. The more heat, the greater risk you have of destroying things” Gavin Bradford, Director of Diesel Care warns. Gavin has over 33 years’ experience and has seen it all. Diesel Care, a Queensland company, are a fuel injection specialist. Having been around since 1947, they are experts with fuel injection and tuning of diesel vehicles. Diesel Care have

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requires it as well as winding back from been carried out, sometimes requiring maximum power if the vehicle is under the vehicle to be restored to factory full load for extended periods. This is to settings to complete the diagnosis,” prevent excessively high EGTs building, Gavin says. Gavin also mentions that particularly when the vehicle may not consumers should be careful when be fitted with an EGT probe to warn the combining multiple performance operator of dangerous temperatures. systems together. If these systems “It can be sometimes difficult to aren’t configured to work together you diagnose fuel system issues when can be in a situation where you are poorer quality ECU Re-Mapping has asking too much from your engine. At the end of the day, in the injection. This is to assist with reduction final analysis, when all said in vehicle emissions and other engine and done, reliability is king. factors. By increasing fuel rail pressure, Getting out and back these pre-and post-injection pulses will without incident should also deliver additional fuel, but not at be your key focus when a time that it is required. The result of considering a power upgrade. this is the possibility of over-fuelling the engine resulting in reduced life and Cheap as chips potential engine damage. That being said, a professionally We would like to make installed and tuned chip from a a brief mention of diesel reputable local manufacturer and performance chips, as due installed by a professional, can be to their relatively low price, safely used with a minimal negative they are an extremely popular option. long term impact on the engine. Again, Beware though. These systems operate speak with your local, experienced, by increasing the fuel rail pressure in diesel performance workshop to seek your common-rail diesel system. This expert advice on these low cost, high increased pressure causes the injectors gain type systems. to deliver more fuel for the same opening duration. Hence the increase in power output. Several key points to remember are that by increasing the fuel rail pressure you are placing your fuel pump, injectors and many other components of the fuel system under additional load. Particularly with injectors, it is common to see increased wear from the constantly higher rail pressures. Another point often over- looked with chips is that more modern diesel vehicles will generally run multiple injection pulses, pre-and post- Summing up first-hand, the pros and cons of the options that are available as well as It was a great opportunity to have an detailed information on what can go in-depth look at how various diesel wrong and why. performance systems work and to get There were several points to look for Western 4W Driver #106 129

when selecting a performance upgrade, around for the long run to provide you all separately echoed by our three with excellent service and support. experts. Essentially any reputable Cheaper in the vast majority of outlet or workshop will have nothing circumstances is certainly not better. to hide and a wealth of experience Your vehicle is one of the most that they will be only expensive assets you too happy to share will have. Also, being wdhdfpwahapssiipnronraieomihfeoetrpfmdhaieiidaispocotlxoeuksauyendwtwiuucrolnen?ttoteaunwosgsqFfwr.srofoirouawkeifFahuvrlr.eriylnikeet.eroAstsotWshrtpwiimseuitedoelkohyseaturnhta,hfdhpsaooteee,vfry,rmetosheuwe“drAhw,reoecanhesxwrherryiptaaaadivnrleircentelyherlhyhwibpaaeaydnuinvtdtcheaeabynl.oowe..uwqrsteetwuhtah.paa.otaioe”lontilrmtttwysrgihnekahpgnsrtsatoooophwdrnfreuooetcbhpctaesabu.smelsItyaiateAeoewnaunntl4ktarlpheidooxleictnlgenu4hprrslsrgog,eemeuaoushiamtdtmfrmoashveeyyobseaetosootythlt,eeryduuoirevamooi’uaaerfwurufqernpheioeigcudoiwlalnaculuhorslslhibltcetytota.eihkegnnyht from Graeme at GTurbo “A poor man spend some time seeking the advice pays twice”. and experience of a local workshop GTurbo – www.gturbo.como.au that specialises in these types of AMV Automotive – www. upgrades. Lastly, make certain you are amvautomotive.com.au/home/ buying high quality equipment from Diesel Care - www.dieselcare.com.au reputable manufacturers who will be FIT OUT YOUR 4WD TO MAKE TOWING A BREEZE With a Hayman Reese Towing System your caravan or camper will follow you safely and effortlessly outback and home. We also fit: Towbars, Bullbars, Roobars, Sidebars, Steps, Roof racks, Custom-built racks, Trade racks, Cargo barriers. Distributors for Flexiglass Canopies & trays. Major Fitter & WTeOsWtcoBttA R S Supplier of www.westcotttowbars.com.au (08) 9362 2902 - 1800 630 601 27 Welshpool Rd, Welshpool, WA 6106 We provide a FREE, NO Obligation appraisal of your towing system 130 Western 4W Driver #106

STRONGER FOR LONGER Looking for more lowdown torque for towing or to climb that big dune with ease? At GTurbo, we specialise in diesel engine optimisation and our philosophy is to provide you with a turbocharger that is a specifically engineered performance solution tailored for YOUR unique needs. Graeme Bentink - We only install equipment we would and do use on GTurbo principle our own vehicles. engineer. You can expect: • Boost and torque earlier in the rev range than standard. • Extra mid-range torque for towing or performance. Australian engineered performance - direct fit diesel turbo chargers. Phone: 0401 524 399 Email : [email protected] Unit 2, 18 Abrams Street, www.gturbo.com.auBalcatta WA Western 4W Driver #106 131

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The Rainbow centre on Albany which has numerous to Explore features worthy of packing up the four wheel drive, some fishing gear By all accounts we enjoy many and making time to look around at. great stretches of spectacular The town itself has as we know, some coastline and the beauty of some remarkable history but geographically wonderful surrounds and places it has a lot to offer. With the variety of to explore nearby. Each has its own coastal landscape, rivers and estuaries, special features and attractions but comes different fishing opportunities, without doubt our southern shores are depending on what takes your fancy. right up there with the best in Around Albany itself there are three the country. main bodies of water apart from the wider Southern ocean. Oyster Harbour Amongst all of it, the area around is a large inlet sitting inside a channel Albany and some of the country nearby at Emu Point and produces a range to the west and east is indeed pretty of estuary species like herring and special. And this is where for me, it’s gardies, the odd King George and once not always totally about the fishing even a few cobbler. It’s great kayaking because the scenery and opportunities or small tinny country if people are to soak up the landscape here add just looking for protected waters. as much to why you would want to Princess Royal Harbour is mostly suited go there. to boat fishing but there are places The so-called Rainbow Coast does such as the town jetty and boardwalk track that will turn up herring, whiting Walpole Inlet - heading to the mouth of the Frankland.

and flathead. Squid and crabs Delicious King George whiting, a in the right seasons are also a Rainbow Coast prize. reliable catch. black bream are the main target the The wider harbour of King odd mulloway can be caught. Dinghy George Sound is undisputedly fishers who can get to the hard to the King George whiting access snags, fare best though. mecca for us in the West. With Further east again is Nanarup and then a boat (and some pub time, the iconic Two People’s Bay some 35 beer bribery of a local in the clicks away on good road. Little Beach know) it’s not too hard to get close to Two Peoples is also worth amongst them. The best spots a look with both the beach and rock hold some real rippers and its sections fishing reasonably well at no coincidence that they take times. Usually there’ll be more people their name from the Sound. here given the accessibility but if surf They prefer broken reef and sand fishing is your thing check out Betty’s bottom and if there’s some sea grass Beach and Norman’s Beach a bit over or weed nearby, you’ll surely find fifty kilometres to the east of town. them. In the shallower sections the In the late summer and early autumn fish will be pre - spawning size up to season these stretches can really fire about 30 centimetres but once they for salmon as they do their migration reach about 45 centimetres they shift thing westwards and in the cooler to deeper water. Use a cube of coral prawn, ganged whitebait or best of all sandworms as bait with a simple short length of leader and ball sinker. If you tow a bigger craft (and the southern ocean swells don’t have you lamenting why you had that bacon and egg burger for breakfast) there are dhuies and most commonly, queen snapper to be found. Typically though this coastline is far more about exploring the land based and estuary fishing. Just east of Albany there’s the Kalgan and King rivers which are very worthy spots, especially for those who like to stalk black bream. The Kalgan in particular is a great waterway that flows into Oyster Harbour and with little effort can be explored on foot and fished from shore. Both can be fished where the road crosses over at bridges and whilst Salmon Holes can be a fatal shore to the unwary. 134 Western 4W Driver #106

months skippy can be berleyed up in One of my favoured spots that the surf as well. challenges the more serious, coastal Back towards the west side of Albany off road enthusiasts and has great there are places to consider as well fishing potential is Bornholm Beach. with lots of good fishing on offer I’ve written about this spot before and before reaching the confines of Denmark and further west, Walpole. Easily accessible, and right near the point of the Flinders peninsular in Albany is the Salmon Holes, a popular and quick-to-get-to spot if the salmon are running. The proximity and popularity with tourists can be a dangerous mix. There have been numerous fatalities here as unsuspecting visitors try to fish off John Bormolini hauls a big southern salmon up the beach. Mike Roennfeldt fishes a promising Bornholm gutter. the smooth rocks at the eastern end. it remains a great off road Once wet they become lethal and very trek about 40 kilometres few survive once washed in. west from town. This beaut Various safety measures have been stretch of beach is over installed but it should be treated with near West Cape Howe and real caution. is definitely 4WD only. The Eight kilometres further west is the access is pretty standard sandy track Sand Patch, a long stretch of great surf but the long descent down to the beach beach with reefy sections that can yield itself is a lot more testing and can be a wide range of surf species, especially a real challenge to get back up. Low in autumn when it fishes best. Along tyre pressures and decent clearance with the regular salmon, herring, will dictate things, particularly if the silver bream, whiting and skippy it’s track is dry and badly rutted by those a spot where the odd small snapper, who’ve struggled with the climb. Get mulloway and even tailor can be found. the local info before trying. The view It’s easy to reach by road but then a from up top is worth taking in carefully testing walk down (and more so back before committing. It will point out up) via the very long stretch of stairs. any salmon shoals in the vicinity for starters, but show where the best gutters are set out. Salmon can be found here almost year round and prospecting the grounds for other surf species if they’re not, is a good idea. Big mulloway can be a good target instead. Western 4W Driver #106 135

Big southern bull herring and dinghy owners and a perfect young garfish, great fun from the family friendly, fishing spot to explore. southern surf. The long stretch of Ocean Beach out The state of the tides and what the front is not to be ignored and a the breeze is doing will determine good surf fishing spot. It’s one of the how you tackle things, but even places where jumbo tailor are caught if salmon don’t appear present in by a lucky angler or two, every year. big black smears, don’t assume McGeary’s Rock is close by just on the they’re not there. At times strong headland and some big fish including rips create deep holes out at the samsonfish have been landed there end of reasonable casting distance over the years. and small groups of fish will hole To the west are some notable beaches up there for periods and patrol up and down into the gutters and back. Simply soaking a mulie or herring strip will often tell if these isolated fish are about. If on the other hand the salmon are about in number, poppers, stikbaits and metal slices with the barbs depressed on the hooks, will produce hours of fun. Further west from here takes in the Denmark and Walpole regions, truly one of the most picturesque areas in the south. At Denmark the big expanse of Wilson inlet is immediately a calm water attraction for kayakers and small COOK DINNER WHILE YOU DRIVE ...IN YOUR TRAVEL BUDDY temcaonpbndeiNtgrrwaogotwielutrhre 12 VOLT OVEN 2cmhooodseelsfrtoom From heating pies to cooking a roast you’ll 136 Western 4W Driver #106 wonder how you managed without your Travel Buddy. PH 03 5441 3388 For your nearest suppliers www.travelbuddy.net.au

The Frankland is big on bream and stunning views. to explore at Madfish Bay, Williams lies the Walpole Inlet and the scene is Bay and Parrys Beach. Williams very similar with lots of small-scale is spectacular but in my limited bread and butter species to be found experience, Parry’s is still the better on light flick tackle and river prawns or of the three for its fishing potential. It whitebait for bait. can be one of those very reliable and I haven’t fished either of the inlets productive salmon haunts when they’re much at all in the past ten years, but on the march. those I know tell me that the area’s Head further west again and it’s into great attraction brings plenty of people the Walpole–Nornalup corner of the and with it focused, fishing pressure. Rainbow Coast. The tiny hamlet of As a result the fishing in the estuaries Nornalup is probably less well known, is a little more hit and miss these days but for an exercise in fishing serenity but I think its still worthy of putting to taking a dinghy into the adjoining the test. Frankland river and down into the If you’re looking for more off road estuary is just beautiful. exploring, check with the local The Frankland can produce very good Rangers for the possibilities (or current black bream and with the advantage permissions) beyond Mandalay. Long of a dinghy to get to the best spots Point, Hush Hush (love that name) in the estuary, King George whiting, and Banksia Camp are the ones worth flathead, herring and skippy can nearly enquiring about or researching. always be found. The beaches too are With some time and inclination it would good fishing with Mandalay at the be possible to explore most if not all western end of the park being one of of these spots as part of an extended the preferred for those who have 4WD. tour. Summer and autumn are definitely Perhaps the area’s greatest attribute the go in terms of the best fishing and is the range of fishing options, not it coincides with the best weather. The least of which is choosing some quiet Rainbow Coast really is a beautiful part river bank or estuary sandbar and of our world and along with my next having some fun with a couple of light trip to Albany I think in need of some flick rods. Great fun in picture perfect overdue revisting. surrounds. Ten kilometres to the west Western 4W Driver #106 137

KIMBERLEY CALLING Imagine if you will a slice of Australia trip leaders, Rob Robson and John six times bigger than Tasmania Brown (JB), you’ll head into a Kimberley and with only eight percent of its paradise early in the season when the population. Sprinkle liberally with country is freshly washed and water eye-popping gorges, dramatic towering bodies are at their peak. You’ll see ranges and a sweeping savannah all the icons for sure, but ‘Kimberley stretching to a rugged and isolated Calling’ has something special up its coastline and you have Australia’s most sleeve. To really taste the Kimberley you awe-inspiring 4WD destination need to go beyond the beaten track and the remote jewel of this trip is a run -- the Kimberley. along the challenging Munja Track on Mt Winding 660 kilometres through the heart of the region, the Gibb River Road is the artery from which you venture into remote country to absolute jaw-dropping destinations - think Mitchell Falls, Mornington station on the Fitzroy, Bell Gorge, El Questro, Windjana Gorge, Manning Gorge. Beyond the Gibb, Lake Argyle, the Bungles, (Purnululu) Halls Creek, Tunnel Creek Pic by Ian Elliot. Pic by Ron Moon. Elizabeth Station out to Bachsten Camp, an area rich in Indigenous art sites. and Cape Leveque all This is not a trip you’d venture alone, beckon and Campfire but safe in the hands of our very Escapes - Western experienced trip leaders, you’ll taste the Australia’s premiere true Kimberley in a region rarely seen 4WD tagalong tour by the average traveller. The sights, the company - can’t smells, the flora and fauna, the history, resist its call. Secure great driving and nights around the in the guidance of campfire in excellent company - the Kimberley is calling you. Take up the call with Campfire Escapes and lock in the trip of a lifetime. For more exciting details, contact us on 9291 8303 or 9317 2344. Convoy size will be strictly limited so you’ll need to get in early to secure www.campfireescapes.com.au a spot.

WIN A UH 9080 UHF Radio from our mates at and presented maps, that I have ever seen in my life! For a stretch of road ‘keeping you connected’ that has few signposts, it’s an excellent guide to what can easily become a I’m new - please can boring ride if all the time you are wondering where the hell you are. A I come in? very crude road that needs lots of patience. I have done it twice. Hi Nick, No more! Yes I am one of those who have loved Having said that there are lots of camping all their lives and have waited worthwhile stops along the way, not til retirement before I could get my only Home Valley and El Questro. teeth right into it. Those two places get chock-a-block, but I am also a new comer to Western they are good fun. 4W Driver. “And I respectfully have to I love your book. I have subscribed. admit, your worship, I am guilty of all Thank you sincerely the charges re camping ever put before Regards your court, and for that omission in Murray Joyce the life of a 70+ male, that I Kalgoorlie respectfully place myself at the mercy of your court”. I’m sure Murray, Last time I was convicted for crimes we’ve all been guilty at one time such as the above, I had to do 10 laps or another of the etiquette bombs of the raging camp fire. But there’s described in my last editorial. It would more- when I stopped, I couldn’t seem combining a well lubricated remember where my dacks were, impulsiveness with a roaring campfire because some bugger run off with brings out the pagan in most of us. them and he didn’t bring them back Great to hear you’re making the most until he found they would not fit him! of your retirement. With regard to the He has been forgiven – but it’s my turn mercy of our court, you’ll be relieved next time! to know ‘Mercy’ is our middle name We have recently purchased a Toyota and we therefore sentence you to fifty Hilux tray back etc. Certainly is the sentences (with no more than three “business”. Photography is my thing, commas per sentence) on a 4WD / so I hope I’ll be able to get something Goldfields subject of your choice. worthwhile for you in the future. We look forward to seeing the fruits of Our biggest eye-opener to date has your photographic endeavours been the 2017 Travellers Guide for Gibb and a few paragraphs of your River we purchased from the Derby eloquent wordsmithery. Visitor Centre. “Along the Gibb River Being a Goldfields boy, I’m sure there Rd” Has to be one of the most would be a scintillating enlightening and magnificently written Western 4W Driver #106 139

murder mystery or two you could sink All the best, look forward to the next your literary teeth into. edition/e-book! Regards, Peter - (email) Cheers, Nick Hi Peter, You make an interesting point about Congratulations Murray. the reflective qualities of road signs You’ve won the latest and their subsequent readability. UHF Radio from Here in Oz they have obviously and a 12 month been designed to reflect average subscription to headlighting from an era prior to the advent of LED and HID lighting and New e-book 104 it might possibly require advances in windscreen technology to deal with the G’day Nick, glare or perhaps transitional driving Thanks for the e-book, looks great, very glasses that handle it in a similar way impressed with the ‘Window on WA’ to polarising sunglasses. photos and the video on the Glad you’re enjoying the e-book. Pilbara trip. Cheers, Re your editorial: why do roadsigns Nick have to be so reflective anyway? As you know, apart from the ‘black hole’ Surviving a Lesson on behind them when you approach, you can’t even read what is on the Hardness sign either! I watch YouTube videos of truck driving Hi Nick in the USA and their signs are not as I have read most of the latest 4WD Ed. bad. Regarding distance illumination, 105. In my opinion it is the best one I agree that 500m should be enough this year and a great Christmas release. for cars/4wds (roadtrains would need I hope you are travelling well and in more) but the need is to project the good health. This edition has brought light forward and not have too much back many memories that these foreground illumination which then articles raised. Bob Cooper’s article overpowers the distance light. That is reminds me of the trips Nanette and the problem with most LED lightbars. I went on into the deserts and it gave Some interesting reading (and heated us the knowledge to undertake 4WD discussions!) about all this at: travel. Bob is a great mentor. One such http://www.candlepowerforums.com/ adventure was in April 1998. The team vb/forumdisplay.php?87-Automotive- of three women and three men was to Motorcycles- Included . I don’t know travel to Pyramid Station in the Pilbara enough about thermal imaging to in the back of a troopy. The task was comment on that but it sounds like a to walk 50 km in three days with only good idea. water you could carry and a survival 140 Western 4W Driver #106 kit (two tea bags , two stock cubes, and spare plastic bags for water storage). By chance one of the team had a packet of Tic Tacs. The training briefing over and two of us having a birthday (beer in fridge) we went on a night navigation exercise. We were dropped at Good Luck Well at night. Bob left and by radio told us that the exercise had

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90 DAYS, 37 PLACES, 8,757 KILOMETRES ZERO PUNCTURES “Our Coopers have taken us from Adelaide to the Kimberley, across the Tanami, and Pilbara regions. We wouldn’t risk being out there in anything else but Cooper tyres”. - Linda & Grant from My Aussie Travel Guide - WWW.COOPERTIRES.COM.AU OR CALL 1300 182 118

begun and Pyramid Station was 50km On Parks and Fridges away. We had three days to graduate. We had maps and a compass and Hi Nick, just a short note on the last would need to travel at night and early and again, excellent issue of 4W morning traversing to water holes or Driver magazine, Summer issue. Your wells. Day time temperature over 40ºC. Foreword on “Minding One’s P’s & Q’s” We got there in two and a half days when camping really hit the nail on the and had to sit under a tree within sight head with me. Spent the week before of the station because we were early. Christmas at Rest Point in Walpole with We graduated and beer, food etc was the family and suffered the wrath of put on for us. The first priority for some inconsiderate back packers with their was a shower. I was surprised that after Hire Camper vans and sliding doors. no food for three days I was not hungry The noise and repetitive access to their and ate after a shower. Cool Luke Bob hire vehicles drove me nuts especially was very happy. The other articles such later into the evenings. In addition as roof racks, travel and products were these people seem to delight in also great. However, I found the spot speaking loudly on their mobile phones the error! Longer legs for cruiser, page whilst walking in and around other 44. You may recall the TIG, MIG and camp sites, again especially late in GTAW and GMAW letter. the evenings. In the positive I still love Glad you asked: 62-strength Rockwell getting away, being retired leaves no Hardened Steel. excuses for not getting out and about. Rockwell is a hardness test (scale). The South West especially with its Strength however is measured in ample alternatives of activities and Mpa’s which is the tensile strength of places to see regardless of weather is the steel. very popular with me. Have a great Christmas, I must admit to enjoying my trips Regards, more in the off season as there are Terry Wilson more choices, less crowds and a more Hi Terry, relaxed attitude from your hosts. With travellers constantly heading Absolutely delight in your magazine bush under-prepared physically and really do appreciate articles written and mentally, then getting lost and by real people and their (hopefully) found (the latter often in a real experiences. rather dessicated state) it makes good I might be old but never fail to sense to get some survival training learn something new thanks to the under the belt and there’s no-one better offerings of your contributors. I must qualified for the job than Mr Cooper. compliment you on the comprehensive Also thanks for the info on and very informative Fridge tests Rockwell testing. and reviews. The article was equal to As it happens I have an old winged others I have read from much larger Plumb axe with a Rockwell test mark organisations. The comment most on it which I proudly show to anyone relative in my opinion was that of who exhibits even mild interest. selecting a fridge that actually fits I’ll pass on your comments to the where you want to locate it. In addition, manufacturer of the product referred to once positioned can you still easily so they can amend access the contents, the controls and their records. above all maintain its interior without All the best, having to remove the fridge. Nick This is especially important when little accidents occur with contents that may require cleaning etc. I have an ARB 47 and purchased this fridge nearly 10 years ago from Mandurah ARB. They were more Western 4W Driver #106 143

competitive in their prices at the time Torque about a compared with the current 4wd Shows. Stuff-up I selected this fridge for the very reasons explained in your reviews, G’day Nick space available, access, security I notice in the specifications at the end and by having the fridge located in of Rob Robson’s article, that the Patrol’s my Mazda Bravo Freestyle Cab, the torque is listed as 430 nm, but I believe fridge benefits from the vehicle’s air it should be 560 nm. Perhaps this could conditioner on hot days. The lid hinges be corrected in the next edition? on a substantive shoulder socket type The reason I noticed this is that after of fitting which disconnects easily for a Landrover, two Patrols, and then superior access. five Landcruisers culminating in an It was one of the first to feature an excellent 200 series, I’m jumping ship internal light. One of the first to in January and taking delivery of a new feature a drain plug. It also features the Series 4 Y62 Patrol.....thirsty, yes, best locking system of all fridges, easy especially when towing my van, but to grasp and easy to relock. $20K cheaper than a 200 GXL with The casing is heavy duty moulded more bang for buck and, from what I plastic which has stood up very well can gather, a reputation for reliability to long road trips and rough 4wd as good as the LC.....time and a couple tracks etc. of hundred thousand kms will tell. This fridge does not require an Another great edition, by the way. additional bag as insulation and of All the best. course there are no corrosion issues. Peter Braimbridge. My ARB 47 runs 24/7. My vehicle is fitted with dual batteries and a Solar OUCH! Panel and it is my permanent and You’re spot on Peter. portable drinks fridge. We stand corrected. Living in Myalup with legal 4wd access 560 Nm peaks at 4000 revs and she’d to the beach a cold beer at sunset be screaming to make that, given the on the beach is a regular activity. red line is 6000rpm. Thank you once again for an excellent 430Nms on the torque curve comes in magazine and please keep up the around 1800 rpm which sounds a bit good work. saner and easier on the wallet. Kind regards Yes, 20 grand does test one’s brand Bart Schwagermann loyalty and we hope you have a lot of Myalup fun in the new Patrol. Bart, it sounds like you live the life of Keep us posted. Reilly down there at Myalup. We’re with you on the noisy campers Cheers, but I reckon you might have been Nick asking for it booking into a caravan park so close to the holiday season. Got a question? But as you say, enjoying the luxury of Got an opinion? off-season travel more than makes up for the occasional peak season foray. Send your letter to: Glad you enjoy the mag and we’ll do [email protected] our best to keep the quality content going. Everyone’s a winner! Cheers, Nick 144 Western 4W Driver #106

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Bangers and Bacon Clewed Bites with Smokey up Bacon and Bourbon Jam with Jo Clews Even though summer is in full swing there are still a few I have also included a fun little dipping holidays and long weekends to sauce that is sure to be used with lots go before we start easing our of other stuff, not just the bangers and way into autumn so here’s a fun funky bacon bites. alternative to an old 80s favourite. This recipe will make 16 or 32, Devils on horseback or pigs in blankets depending how big you cut them. were popular Hors d’oeuvres, or as old Ingredients Uncle Alf used to say Horses Doovers, One packet of Chevups, whatever at most back yard barbies and flavour you desire, or eight skinned weekend gatherings. BBQ sausages. I have to admit I quite liked the original Eight slices of streaky bacon, it’s the bit pitted prune wrapped in streaky bacon, fastened with a handy tooth pick and that’s being cut off these days baked in the oven till the bacon was but it’s the best bit in my opinion. brown, then served warm as they 16 or 32 tooth picks. were or with some sauce. This adaptation is slightly meatier Cut Chevups and streaky as I have chosen to use a Chevup or bacon strips in half, then wrap skinless sausage instead of a prune. one piece of bacon around If you can’t get the Chevups then one piece of sausage, secure sausages with their skins removed with one tooth pick in the will do. middle or two tooth picks Chevups are also my preferred filling near the ends. for cocktail sausage rolls. Two laid end to end on half a sheet of puff pastry Place onto a baking paper make 8 nice little sausage rolls, but I lined tray and cook in an digress. Back to the task at hand. oven or a camp oven for about 25-30 minutes on 190 degrees C. Once cooked remove to cool and if you have used two tooth picks then with a sharp knife cut between the two sticks to make two bites. Smokey Bourbon and Bacon Jam. Ingredients Two onions finely chopped 250g finely diced bacon ½ a jar Plum jam Two cans of bourbon and cola Fair shake of the Smoked Tabasco sauce bottle. (can be found near the ordinary Tabasco) Good glug of straight Bourbon right at the end. Western 4W Driver #106 147

Fry onion and bacon in a deep pan or the bangers and bacon bites and store saucepan till slightly caramelised, add the rest in a screw top jar in the fridge the Bourbon and cola, plum jam and to use with hamburgers, cold meat Tabasco. Cook over a low heat until sandwiches or eggs. reduced to a thick, sticky, dark brown, I do believe the Ed’s Missus made a jam like consistency. Now add a good rather noice salad with roasted cubed glug of straight Bourbon for that final beetroot with Bourbon and Bacon Jam kick. Use some straight away to go with as the dressing. Enjoy. Bush Microwave Fast-forward 40 years and Top End Campgear has a restyled version of HERE’S a space-age invention Monty’s epicurean creation. for campers: The result is a plasma-cut, collapsible Ranking up there with the newest camp stove with a grilling basket, technology from Apple, Elon Musk, barbecue plate, rotisserie, bars to Samsung and the Wheelbarrow King, is support a billy or camp oven, and a mind-blowing cooker called the Bush a tray to catch the ashes. It’s made Microwave. The ingenious device actually has of 2mm and 3mm a romantic history, Aussie steel, based evolving from a ‘dip on the original size tin’ – a hole-drilled tin and shape of the old for collecting grapes “dip tin”. It flat packs along the Murray and fits into a canvas before it was dipped in bag, weigh 16kg an emulsion to turn the and lets you enjoy fruit into raisins. campfire cooking One of the chaps that Apple and Co would have no clue about. For more go to: topendcampgear.com. au or Phone: 0476 175 124. picking the grapes at the time was VIDEO Monty Weeding, who spent a lot of time in the bush and figured a way to modify the dip-tin so it could be used as a camp stove – which he called his ‘bush microwave.’ Apart from cooking meat, it could also smoke it. 148 Western 4W Driver #106