E-Book 104 (01.09.17)

CAMPINGWith Chris Harwoodthe shore of the Bay of Bengal, all the and packing, with a dual zipper forway to the summit of Mount Everest. strength and puncture resistance. ToThis was a journey that took 3 months, make carrying easier, the handles canand led to the birth of Sea to Summit be configured in several ways; eitheradventure gear, a small local company the classic hand carry, or backpackthat has gone on to win business and style, or shoulder sling. But multipledesign awards in Australia, Europe configurations are just the start of it.and America. The handles are magnetised, so whenSea to Summit, headquartered in Perth, the bag is put down the handles stickWestern Australia, like todesign and make long- together, making it easier to picklasting, light weight and up again. Furthermorecompact equipment for the handles are doublethe adventurer and the cushioned for comfort,outdoorsy traveller. with quick adjustment‘Lighter, better made, possible by use of wiregatebetter performing hooks, and if you are ingear’ is at the core backpack carry mode,of the company the bag lid is padded toethos. The latest make it sit comfortablyoffering from against your back. TheSea to Summit base is also padded tois the range of protect your gear if youDuffle bags, set drop the bag. Last, butto ‘revolutionise how not least, the bag hasexpedition packing is perceived’! compression straps andSo, the now not-so-humble duffle bag lash loops for squashinghas come a long way since its 17thCentury roots in the Belgium town of – the bag down to save space, and foryou guessed it! – Duffel!! Here a local lashing the bag onto the back of thetype of thick cloth was used to make motorcycle, the roof of the bus, or thecylindrical hold-all bags with a rope or hump ofcord used to tie up the opening. Over the camel.the years it became popular with navy The Sea to Summit duffle comes inand army personnel, and then, after four sizes based on capacity; 45, 65, 90World War II, it came to pass that the and 130 litres, with the RRPs startingduffle bag was adopted by the surfie at $179.95 and peaking (peaking!….cultures of west coast USA and east get it?) at $249.95. The smallest bagcoast Australia. weighs 1.65kg and the biggest 2.45kg.The ‘tars’ and ‘grunts’ of yore would All four sizes come in a choice of threeprobably love to get their hands on the colours, blue, orange and charcoal.Sea to Summit duffle bags. Instead ofjust one opening at the top, there is a Elemental, dearlarge full-length lid for ease of access Watson New in store is ARB’s latest fridge Western 4W Driver #104 149

PIONEERING*T&C Apply. See website for detailsfreezer. Yes, yes another fridge in an already crowded market sector. But SEAT one look at this shiny little number and PROTECTION you may be putting your trusty ol’ cold mate onto Gumtree. Demand only the best: Why? This good looking stainless steel • 100% protection from dust, dirt and number is weatherproof. Yep, you can sit it on the back of the ute and grime let it rain. With a Tonka Tuff design • Black Duck superior fit and quality approach, there’s the expectation that • Tried and tested for over 25 years this ‘All-Elements’ cold box could • Air Bag tested and certified prove a temptation on an unattended • Water resistant* ute back – any chance of free coldie? • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* Nope – the tamper proof • Australian owned and made lid has a 4-digit pin code electronic locking BLACKDUCK.COM.AU system. Similarly there’s a 1800 803 825 permanent tamper- proof mounting kit150 Western 4W Driver #104 ideal for tray installation – plus a padlock provision for complete peace of mind. The 60L fridge is complete with thoughtful design inclusions like a gas strut that holds the lid open in any position for two handed stack or retrieval. Inside the shiny panels is a full height evaporator to ensure the entire fridge operates at a uniform temperature – which means that with the increased fridge insulation thickness there’s improved efficiency and less run time for the compressor. All of which should translate into a reduced demand on your battery power. Other natty little bits and pieces included a slimline LED interior light for night raids, a reversible basket with removable divider for flexible packing and a cabinet drain plug for easy cleaning up after the roughest track. Get in early and put this one on your Christmas wish list. https://www.arb.com.au

TREK TO AN The best laid plans don’t always comeISLAND together perfectly though with bad weather, mechanical mishaps, strayIknow that if I start talking (or writing) animals or even some natural disaster about the amazing places and intervening – but that’s all part of the possibilities that still exist here for adventure I guess. those passionate about exploring, I love the south but more so with thecamping, fishing and the like, I’d be no just the four-wheel drive and shoredoubt preaching to the converted. Little based rods in tow rather than the boat.wonder given that thousands of folk The north is the place for exploringstill enjoy what is part of long standing with a decent craft and from Shark Baycustom and practice as they trek away, onwards the added attraction of decentsometimes across half the country to off shore island groups always gets myfavoured spots inland, amongst the angling taste buds salivating.forest country or along the coastline. Admittedly, long stretches of essentially highway hauling are hardly taxing fromFor me, it will often involve water a four wheel driving point of view butbecause fishing has to figure in there when you’re towing a bit over twosomewhere. Long hours of drivingand towing to faraway hotspots are nodeterrent when there’s the promise ofsome great fishing at the other end. Tranquility after a hard day’s work. Western 4W Driver #104 151

tonnes of fibreglass boat that sits just the main Thevenard Island, it had beenunder four metres high on the trailer, quite a long time between drinks forthere’s plenty to be wary of. My boat me and this stretch of water, with itsgenerally tows very well, sits nice and ten or so islands lying off Onslow.square and with no sway, the biggest With the Chevron group reclaimingissue being the high profile, especially Thevenard as worker accommodationin cross winds. Sometimescontrolling it seems a bit like thebigger jets that glide in slightly sideon to the tarmac in those strongside winds.The best advice comes in twoforms. Careful preparation and “preWhy wouldn’t you be happy – JohnBormolini and Grant Pronk with an 8kilo rankin cod destined for the table. Thevenard Island, home to the Mackerel Islands Resort and the remnants of WAPET’s oil infrastructure and operations.flight” checking weeks, even months in for a number of years during theadvance to make sure that everything build of the Gorgon project offshoreis definitely in order to handle the trip at Barrow, the Mackerel Island resortand secondly, taking regular stops to operation was closed to the public for alook over and check how everything period but from 2016 it reopened. Andis travelling. Don’t wait until you hear if the fishing is anything to go by theloud disturbing noises or see smoke break has done the area no harm at all.pouring out of wheel bearings – by On our last visit we found the islandthen it’s too late. almost deserted as we snuck in someMost recently, I’ve taken to venturing extra days just ahead of the arrival ofback to what are commonly known the rest of the Western Angler Celebrityas the Mackerel Islands for some bash and a flotilla of around two dozenextended trips. Essentially based on boats and sixty plus anglers. Part of152 Western 4W Driver #104

the earlier arrival was to coincide with not far from one of the islands. I’dpicture perfect calm weather. (even brought a few smallish tailor that I’dthough it continued on for nearly sixdays straight anyway.) We simply saved for bait and set one out floatingcouldn’t have pre-ordered it any better under a party balloon. As is often thebut there are plenty of times when it’s way in this part of the world wholethe opposite. fish often attract larger hungry fishJT and I were the advance party and it wasn’t a long wait before thehaving hauled the Piscator II from rod tip bucked and the ratchet on theKalbarri after breaking the trip with an small overhead screamed in protest as something decided to eat the tailor andovernight stay. Bosun Grant was due to head for Bali.fly in to Onslow and join us a day later The first 150 metre top shot section ofbut that didn’tstop the two of coloured braidus hitting thefishing grounds “..the ratchet on the small disappeared overhead screamed in protest in short order and I began toas soon as as something decided to eat the sweat as thewe’d made the22km crossing tailor and head for Bali...” knot joining the braid to the nextfrom Onslow’sBeadon Creek and unpacked the array length of nylonof gear in our beachfront cabin. To mono line slip out through the guidesdescribe it as a Cabin was harsh – it and disappear into the blue. I began towas fantastically appointed, newlyrenovated digs that were almost curse the fact that I hadn’t re-spooledtoo comfortable. with a 300 metre unbroken length ofThe warm northern Spring braid but, too late now. The long howling first run eventuallysun had us into shortsJohn Bormolini struggleswith monster spanish mackfrom the magical islands.and geared up in no time slowed a few minutes later and theand steaming out past work of gaining some line back began.well cap platforms and That join in the line left me veryunder beautiful, cloudless nervous about working the fish tooblue skies. With not hard and I could do nothing but coaxmore than a few hoursof the afternoon to get Western 4W Driver #104 153a sighter, we eventuallysettled on a promisingspot to drift over, southwest of Thevenard. Aprocession of blue linedand red throat emperorentertained us but nothing that wasgoing to trouble the scales so mostwere released for another day.Eventually it was time for a differentapproach and we anchored on a ledge

The big mack was a handfull. awestruck by the size and form of whatwhatever it was back in steady gentle was clearly a big spanish mackerel.fashion. The weight pointed to it being Free spooling the reel gave the fisha very good fish but with every few some slack and it took off for aminutes that passed the real possibility short burst still swimming freelyof sharks showing up and ending and if suffering from attack,things, increased. seemingly uninjured.A couple of shorter runs and More than twenty minutes had passedsubsequent retrieves had the fish still by the time the leader came slowlya fair way out but we knew we were into view. JT paced the deck withslowly gaining and eventually the gaff in hand until it finally came intodreaded knot slipped back up through range and then we struggled to haulthe guides and onto the spool. Now it the broad shouldered silver and bluewas easier to put some real pressure torpedo onto the floor. Sitting back tointo stroking the fish back and the admire the sheer size of this beautifulangle of the line showed that it was fish and recount the good fortune ofclose to the surface and tiring. being able to land, we noticed someThe last five minutes though are cuts and slicing teeth marks near itsalways the most problematic and tail, all part of a lucky escape fromas we strained to get a glimpse of that shark.shape and colour some thirty metres Later that evening as we enjoyed aaway, it suddenly tore off and then beer and the tranquil view from thecatapulted out of the water. We knew front of the cabin we mused over theit now involved a pursuing shark and great start to the week and hoping itcould only watch with fingers crossed, was a sign of things come. With our extra crewman safely Malabar cod on a soft plastic for the author.154 Western 4W Driver #104

SUBSCRIPTIONThe 19D8E5C-JAN$82.50017inoncall GST voice of West Australian fishing since 1985 $8.50 incl GST TheFishing Maga FEB/MAR 2017 The voice of since tralia’s Best Regi zine 2014 StpeoCFeawOcHWpIikSalnlgAeHeseWsiS7mltu9CIEe.pNcrBAlkynyaANbArDyIeDTnaEsYgduSClebeprOasrcnrYridzibe,sinimwgtFoipORlllWIynWDeebGIsNyluEtsec-auFkrnnbyRSEsEerAceeNEnrapGiZagbdgEElieeenLRr8gr1.. West Australian fishing fishing gler • since 1985 Aus• Western An $8.50 incl GST Australian West Australia’s Best Regional Fishing M agazine 2014 The voice of 1985 r• • Western Angle ansditmo$aapWp1nlByrS3eEiOezb4seNeAty8espGTs.rawnEugDCeboLAoAsr8nnt3cMhTg’rtiClRobemfHri4n.a0giTwsFhseasto’osumte! fishing since West Australian The voice of West Australian fishing since 1985 JUN/JULY 2017 voice of Onwe illFul cRWskIiyDmItNoGrpeSlEWaayedn-eebFeEspyRrtaNesEgruGeEnb6EZsA9LcE.nrgRibleinrgWINTWO lucky readers will AUG/SEPTal 2016 Magazin Fishinga fantastic LIFE CELL lia’s Best Region e 2014 Angler • Austra O• nWweeilSllsutPWcevkFraInyN6lbu0ryeeatWdosanudaWEbPetNsreO$csG1WrtieEb1EriL9nnRg9AFnsgIimLleMprlyYACHTSMAN safety cell simply by FREE $8.50 incl GST PRINT POST No. 100000964 PRINT POST No. 100000964subscribing to WESTERN ANGLER. AlliancePRINT POST No. 100000964 No. 100000964 spinningPRINT POST No. 100000964 POSTThe lucky winners will receive a brand PRINTnew LIFE CELL YACHTSMAN safety reel 1cell, which will provide them with thepeace of mind of knowing that they’re fully Rovex Alliance 3000 spinning reel valued at $49 features include:prepared for any emergency. The LIFE CELL • Machined long cast spool • HeavyYACHTSMAN is designed for recreationalboats which operate in open waters. duty non twist bail • Machined alloy It will assist four people in the water and handle • Lightweight graphite body •has an external recess which will hold an Stainless Steel Shaft • Quality alloyEPIRB. Australian-designed LIFE CELLS gearing.are lightweight and highly visible, and are fire,impact and UV resistant.They come with a mounting bracket whichallows the LIFE CELL to float off the bracketif the vessel sinks.Every boat should have one and the LIFECELL YACHTSMAN safety cell could beyours just for taking out a subscription toWestern Angler. ALL $50this ONLY Includes postage. 6394 1167To subscribe simply phone Subscription Offer ends 30 Sept 2017

aboard the following morning and the make a considerable difference.confirmation of at least four days of What capped it off was the ability togreat weather still ahead, we took to even walk the shoreline on a couple ofthe seas again optimistic that these islands, flicking lures out acrossour Mackerel Islands escape was the shallows or simply soaking up alooking good. And indeed that’s the couple of hours sunshine exploring theway it went. beach line while waiting for the tide toMost days were punctuatedby turns at trolling lures in Another attractive island to explore –the likely spots near drop offs the water says it all.and current lines and at times turn. In the end it was great to simplythe pelagic fishing was almost sit and relax even, as we rechargednonstop. Regular strikes drew the batteries and rested the wearyencounters with lots of spanish legs and arms after some long daysand shark mackerel, yellowfin on the water. Like much of the Pilbara,and northern blue (or longtail) there’s a lot for us to marvel overand mack tuna, cobia and on our and be thankful for. By the time thislast day a double hook up on goes to print I will have just returnedtwo impressive and blisteringly from another August jaunt there andfast wahoo. We even enticed hopefully another great trip exploringsome formidable and delicious the islands. This time we’re planning torankin cod on the trolled lures, explore some new spots of interest andoften from depths of more than shoals further afield as well as targetfifteen metres. Much of the day some new challenges with the fishing.was also spent exploring areas And the Jeep has recently beenwith weighted soft plastics and replaced by a 200 series Sahara so I’mjigs, drifted and jigged near the bottom. looking forward to our first real longAgain rankin and black spotted malabar ride together. It actually feels like homecod, the occasional red emperor and a to be back in another Cruiser aftervariety of northern snapper (emperor) previous long stints in a HJ61 turbospecies showed their liking for what diesel and then a 40th anniversary 80was offered and there were rarely any Series, before the three year stint withlong periods of boredom. the Grand Cherokee. I just can’t waitShallow water sessions near sandy to feel that northern sun as we pointcays also added some fun as wetangled with thumping spangled northward again. Moreemperor and gold spot trevally, eagerto chase down a soft plastic tail orpiece of squid. And for some addedhighlights seven and eight kilosqueenfish entertained those whohooked one on a chrome twisty orsurface popper as they cart wheeledacross the surface, head shaking andjumping everywhere.It was the typical northern sportsfishing medley and smorgasbord thatcan happen when one gets lucky withall of the conditions coming togetherperfectly. Favourable tides, calm seas,sunny warm days and clear water all156 Western 4W Driver #104

The Blade Sharpener Do you want your knives, scissors or shears sharp? Well this sharpener is for you. Comes with a full size 200mm x 50mm x 25mm combo stone. Ready to start sharpening straight out of the box. KA-BAR Knives TRAMONTINA AOS BUSHCOOK The USMC 1217 Package The legend lives on Today, the original USMC is a favorite A must for any outdoor camp kitchen of adventurers, survivalists, outdoor - 14 different packages also available sportsmen and, of course, knife collectors who know that this knife deserves a place in their collection. KA-BARWarthog Folderwith Belt Clipwww.aussieoutbacksupplies.com See your local Aussie Outback Supplies P/L AOS Specialist/Stockist 08 9274 1997 Also available at your [email protected]

Long haul treks and a dangerous mishapThe long haul road trips that many of us take on every year are easier the day it could have been far worse if and more comfortable these days the whole thing had run us off the road with more places and conveniences and into the bush. I don’t want to thinkto break the journey, reasonable mobile about what would have happened if wephone coverage and generally less had crossed a split second earlier andworries. It doesn’t mean you won’t the panel was still at windscreen height.encounter problems and every so oftensomething new will come out of left field.A lot of preparation and pre servicing,especially to trailer bearings, brakes, andfresh tyres meant we were feeling prettyreassured when we climbed in at thestart of what would be well over 3000kilometres of round trip. But all of thatdidn’t account for the “out of left field”problem we hit on the return leg of the3000 plus kilometre round trip.It had just gone dark an hour before aswe closed in on Carnarvon, around fortykilometres north of town. The lights of avehicle coming the other way dimmedfrom high beam and I did the sameand as we got close I could see thevehicle was a 4WD and caravan. Justas we crossed in opposite directionsI noticed something out of the corner Jeep Front – Missiles coming theof my eye, flash upwards into the light opposite way at night pose aand then down. Before anything could dangerous threat on the road.register there was an almighty crunch as With the panel coming at least 90 km/hsomething smashed into the front right towards us and our vehicle doing thecorner and bits of debris showered over same in the opposite direction it’s easy tothe windscreen. After the initial shock and see why the whole thing was obliteratedkeeping things on the road we slowed like a bomb. None the less it still cost anand stopped to figure out what had insurance excess and nearly three weekshappened and survey the damage. Just without the vehicle as it went for repairsas we had crossed an aluminium framed and repainting. By the time we hadsolar panel about a metre wide had flown pulled up the other vehicle was long goneoff the guy’s caravan roof and down into and no doubt, had no idea. I can just seethe front of the Jeep, smashing into bits the bloke pulling into a caravan park theof frame and debris and showering glass next day and saying “some bastard’sdown the side. The right front panel was stolen my solar panel” (when he actuallycracked and displaced, thousands of glass forgot to lock it down on the roof of thescratches had removed the paintwork and van) Kangaroos, wedge tails, emus andthe right front rim and tyre were battered the like are something we watch out forand scarred. Along the whole driver’s and deal with but this sort of problem weside down to the back there were clearpaint chips and scratches. At the end of can all do without.158 Western 4W Driver #104

With an eye down the road, JohnTESTINGBrown checks out the latest offeringfrom Narva and finds the Ultima 215ULTIMATELYILLUMINATINGT he future looks very bright for Melbourne based Brown & them ‘daylight running lights’, (DRL’s), Watson International Pty Ltd, immediately improving daytime driving the company behind Narva, a visibility and safety.true household name in this neck of The brochure makes a big deal of thethe woods and supplier of high quality fact that each aspect of this new lamp isautomotive lighting and electrical engineered to achieve a specificaccessories to the automotive industry. outcome, whether it be forIt is comforting to know that this performance, versatility, durability or whatcompany has been around since 1953,and in the modern era that can onlybe an enduring testament to goodmanagement and great products.Introducing their latest driving light theUltima L.E.D. 215, yet another brilliantproduct, (pardon the pun).The first thing I noticed was the inbuilt‘Front Position Pipe Light’ or as we know Western 4W Driver #104 159

they call personalisation. Standard high beam on the 79 Series isThe latter being a range of well below par.colour options for the bezelor inner trim immediately system with its polymer rubber tosurrounding the 35 L.E.Ds. suspend the lamp will help to absorbSo, if you are someone shocks or vibrations in the outback. Onwho likes to colour code our test vehicle one of the vertical ‘toolthings on your rig, this free’ adjuster knobs had already comemay well suit you. loose and dropped out after sustainedThe Kit for each corrugations, so obviously the ‘tool’lamp includes: a Coated who tightened it needs more Weeties forPolycarbonate Lens breakfast when tightening these by hand.Protector, Stainless Steel So, how do they rate in the field? The Ed’Mounting Hardware Kit, had a set mounted on the front of hisset of Interchangeable Trim Toyota ‘stealth cruiser’ so we took it topieces (Blue/Black/Red/ our ‘driving light proving ground’ out theYellow) and harness. Narva back of Kalamunda to run some tests.strongly suggest that you Initial impressions are very positive withuse the matching Plug and bright white light emanating from thePlay wiring harness which two lamps in a wide spread either side ofhas been specifically tailored for Ultima the vehicle. Without a LUX meter it was215 lamps. This harness features a 40amp impossible to take precise measurementsrelay and fuse along with H/D cable to however their sales literature showsallow for increased current draw. The (based on their own in-house simulatedmulti-slot three bolt mounting options test laboratory) that they produce 4 LUXappear to make it ideal for nudge or bull at 400 metres, and 1 LUX at 900 metresbars of most if not all makes and models. with two lamps.Equally the mounting suspension This is more than adequate for most160 Western 4W Driver #104 circumstances at sensible speeds. Our tests with a dummy standing on Corrugation-resistant Loctite is the only answer to keeping any bolt in place on Aussie tracks.

Ultima 215s shoot well down the road. Red and white reflectors are at 300m.ARE YOUR LANDCRUISER SEATSA PAIN IN THE BUTT?Landcruiser 75/79 and 100 Series owners rejoice. Now you can drive in to Trimcare and drive out on exchange seats with the ultimate, extra high density foam base guaranteed not to be a pain in the butt. Heavy duty 12oz canvas Our seat base foams seat covers for VDJ 79 are far superior to O.E. Series 2009Velcro fastenings ensure As supplied to miningcovers stay in position. companies and Toyota dealerships Australia wide.Call Perth’s Phone 94703381premiertrim shop EM: [email protected] Unit 1/183 Bank Street, East Victoria Park WA 6101 Western 4W Driver #104 161

DRLs outshine Toyota’s park lights Narva’s dedicated DRLs have the best but if you use them as DRLs your light for daytime safety. standard park lights stay on as well and they are no value in daylight. be foolhardy. I felt that the spread of light was a tad compromised 30 metres is where you need good by the engineering of the special vision and better reaction times. reflectors to achieve greaterthe side of the road in fauna-coloured distance penetration than otherclothing at 30m and 60m showed a similarly rated L.E.Ds mightdistinct fall away in performance to achieve. This is not to say thatprovide clear vision at and beyond the they are not performing well,60m mark. So, whilst the spread of light however comparing these withis good, it is important to remember a bog standard light bar wouldthat most of the time hazards lurk in the be an unfair comparison as lightbushes and this is where your lights need bars are mostly designed forto perform. At the end of the day your spread of light and lower speeds.vehicle speed must always relate to the Confidence in clear vision beyondscope of clear vision that you have. 350 – 400m at highway speedsTo ignore that reality would would fall away (as can be seen162 Western 4W Driver #104 in their own sales literature), so again vision and speed need to be balanced to optimise safety, and one should keep expectations realistic when choosing an L.E.D lamp if you are looking for powerful distance penetration, as well as good spread. As the pictures show, the stealth cruiser has terrible factory headlights, particularly after ten years of bush work, so without effective driving lamps the risk of an incident is very high. With the two lamps switched on the difference clearly shows the true benefit of having quality driving lights and these new Narva 215s provide good light for safe driving at sensible speeds. In terms of ‘value for money’,

a quick search online will see them at for your vehicle the ULTIMA 215s arearound $600 per lamp plus accessories certainly worth every consideration. It isso they are far from being the most no longer a simple matter of throwing aexpensive, yet they compete well in couple of lights on the front bar. Work outthe quality stakes. what you need most out of a light, andWhen choosing new driving lights then shop for that.Nuts ‘n’ bolts• Dimensions are 215mm wide, 235mm high • See-through Lens Protector and 112mm deep without lens cover • No less than 35 x 5watt (165W) XP-G2• Weight is 2.8kg per lamp Cree® L.E.Ds• Pressure Die Cast Aluminium Housing • 10,500 raw lumens (8500 effective lumens), Pressure Die Cast Mounting Bracket with two lights• Three bolt Mounting with Stainless Steel • Highly polished, super effective aluminium hardware metalized reflector, utilising precisely• Stainless Steel Bezel scalloped parabolas for ultimate control• Inbuilt Nitro Breather Vent and performance• Polymer Rubber Mounting and Suspension • Input Voltage range is 10 – 323V • Current Draw is 13.8A at 12 Volts Systems • Operating temperature is -40°C to 65°C• Tool Free Vertical adjustment capability • Colour temperature is 5700°K• Integrated DT Connector 2 NEW COMPRESSOR MODELS 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 PSIPhone 1300 896 247Mobile 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 DPCHIP Western 4W Driver #104 163

THE ART OFTOWINGI don’t enjoy towing. I feel unsafe andit makes me tense. Perhaps it is fearof the unknown or unknowable…I’mnot sure, but whenever I pack up thecamper and leave Perth on a new trip164 Western 4W Driver #104

By Mike BurtonPics by Mike & Amanda BurtonI’m always as wound up as a clockspring trying to come to terms withthe unusual feel of the Cruiser,the different weight and the oddforces at work. Western 4W Driver #104 165

e are wired to experience 50mm Ball Hitch - domestic and fear of the unknown so it bitumen duties best suit this coupling. makes sense to get some Treg Hitch has full articulation for offroad. Chains now need to be rated.Wtraining or should there be D035 or McHitch. Full articulationa special licence requirement for and easy to hook up, will savetowing? Whatever you think, towing is any relationship.intimidating and does present a largenumber of challenges and risks toyourself and other road users. At leastconsider preparing a planning checklist.What type of hitch is good for you?Travelling to the local caravan parkor a load to the tip, then a 50mm ballcould be just the ticket. Need a littlemore articulation for that dirt track – trya Treg/ Trigg or polyblock. Washawaysand the marriage needs saving? Try theDO35 or McHitch.Time for a visual inspection! Towbar,hitch, chains, shackles and cables –run your eyes carefully over them all.Look for dirt, wear, corrosion, cracking,distortion and signs of fatigue. Are thebits all load rated? All shackles are nowrequired by law to be load rated andmarked. After 2017 the same goesfor chains.The bubbling excitement of animpending camping trip is oftenpushed to the background the momentI need to reverse the tug to the trailerand see all those dangly bits thatneed connection. It starts with liningup the hitch. Trust me, approach withcaution - divorce territory! Try UHFhand-helds, agree on the meaningof strange, obscure hand signalsand most of all be patient andspeak nicely to each other. Onereal solution is to fit a nice bigreversing camera and line it upyourself. They are fantastic onceyou learn the geometry.Now connect up, lock the hitch,cross the safety chains, fingertighten the shackles and check thewiring. Dearly beloved can helpvisibly check that all lights areworking correctly.Did you know that your trailer needsbrakes if it can carry over 750kg?166 Western 4W Driver #104

Reversing cameras have also saved Camper rear cameras are a treat formany a marriage, Can be used for spotting those sneaky oxygen thieveseffective visual communication. approaching at high speed andi.e. Read my finger. tucking themselves right underIf you can carry over 2 tonne your rear bumper!then you must have a system Driving out, you will probablythat ensures the trailer brakes immediately notice the extra weightare applied if it ever becomes and the effect the camper has ondetached. Usually that is the vehicle’s handling. Stability isanother dangly bit that must everything - think sway, jack knife andbe connected.Keep an eye on the height of thevehicle and trailer at the hitch.Both should be naturally level.You can adjust this with an offsettow hitch bar but only do thisonce poor load distribution has beeneliminated as a cause.Now the tug is connected, everythingis safe and functional, so it is time tohead bush. Once you have buckledyourself into the pilot’s seat check thatyou can see both sides of the trailer inyour mirrors. Will you be able to seebuzz boxes approaching from the rear?FIT OUT YOUR 4WDTO 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 Western 4W Driver #104 167

loss of control! How can we control that you are allowed to tow! So if yourthis? It is a complicated mix of many vehicle is packed to the gunwhales itvariables but start by making sure can only legally tow 2,800kg and notthat your tow vehicle is heavier than 3,500kg as advertised.the trailer. Trailer design is next… Additional weight is added to thesomething that is probably too late vehicle via the towbar – Tow Ball Massfor you do much about. This involves (TBM). Think of your tug as a seesawhow the axle is positioned, the draw with the pivot being the rear axle. Ifbar length, its weight loading and you add more weight to the tow ball,distribution. it is going to lighten the load at theWhen you bought your tug, you were front wheels affecting your steeringtold that it had a towing capacity of control. Keep in mind that if your 4WD3,500kg - wow! Now let’s read the was already close to its maximum loadfine print! The figure we should be you may now be getting close to theinterested in is the Gross Combined allowable rear axle loading capacity,Mass (GCM). This is the maximum another serious no no.weight both the tug and the trailer can Trailer design is the key, followed bybe when fully loaded. Take for instance your packing and then the tow vehiclea Ford Ranger which is advertised as itself. It might seem like common sensehaving a towing capacity of 3,500kg. It but the tug should be heavier thanhas a GCM of 6,000kg and a maximum the trailer. This weight relationshiploaded capacity (GVM) for the vehicle is law in some countries but not inof 3,200. If you subtract this from the Australia. In Germany the maximumGCM it only leaves you with 2,800kg that a Landcruiser can tow is 2,176kg. It may not be law in Australia but for safety sake make sure your vehicle is heavier than your trailer.168 Western 4W Driver #104

90 DAYS, 37 PLACES, 8,757 KILOMETRESZERO PUNCTURES “Our Coopers have taken us from Adelaide to theKimberley, 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

The Caravan Council of Australia One thing we can control is loading.recommends the maximum your Land Rule one - keep it light. Rule 2 – packCruiser should tow is only 2,577kg! for even weight distribution. Keep theHave a look at the Caravan World Four stuff (weight) low down and as close toBest Aussie Vans in 2016. The average the axle (centre of gravity) as possibletare was 2,600kg with the average and make sure it is secured. Avoidloaded weight of 3,400kg! heavy stuff at the front or back - thisAnd a couple of these are marketed will increase/ decrease ball weight.as ‘off road’! Don’t add tool boxes, jerry can holders,What can tow these monsters A good set of extending mirrors like these from Clearview Mirrors will make all the difference to your rearward vision.safely? So keep this is mind if you spare wheels or other stuffsee a less than 3 tonne tug hurtling to the rear or to the drawbardown the road at 100kph towing a unless it is put there by thepoorly designed, overloaded 3.5 tonne manufacturer. Check yourbox – what uncontrolled forces are stuff – have you used it inat work here? Stability is affected by the last 12 months? Is itmany factors including trailer design, necessary? Lighten the loadspeed, centre of gravity and loading, as much as you can in vehiclesuspension and tyres (condition and and trailer. Off-road towing presentspressure), sudden manoeuvres and us with a few more risks to manage.environmental factors such as wind. Traction has altered – stay to theThe longer the distance from the hitch ‘drive-to-conditions’ mantra, adjustto the trailer axle, the more stable the your tyre pressures and slow down!system. European testing indicates Stopping on dirt with an extra couplethat a tow ball mass of 6-8% is best of tonnes at the back will take longerfor stability. Remember too much and cause the ABS to protest loudly!ball mass can overload the rear axle Washouts, gullies, holes and rocksand reduce front axle load affecting often seem to appear out of nowhere.steering. The maximum legal towing By taking it slow we see them earlyspeed in Western Australia is 100kph and can pick our line. Visualise yourwith a very good reason given dangly bits, know the arrival, departurethe many other important risk and ramp over angles. Ease slowlyvariables that are not directly in and carefully into the chasm with yourour control such as trailer design. ears pricked for any horrible scraping sounds. Remember to manage and170 Western 4W Driver #104 control the energy at your disposal. Harsh full throttle, grappling-the-wheel type driving is not only unnecessary it will release uncontrolled energy that usually results in unnecessary harm and damage. One other challenge to be wary of is your ability to turnaround with a long rig. Dead end or single

Make sure anywhereyou can drive in youcan drive out again orturn around withoutembarrassing yourself.lane tracks and some exploring these ‘opportunities’ becauserestricted and tight as Murphy will tell you, they alwaysparking areas can have the best unoccupied campsites. Soall mean at some there we have it. Towing behind a vehicleunlucky time you changes vehicle handing dynamics,gotta turn around stability and does increase risk.with your 10 plusmetre behemoth.Think a fun 100point turn! Wetry to plan for this by sendingsomeone to first eyeball the route witha hand-held UHF either walking, bikingor driving a non-towing vehicle. Thisis not always practical so be preparedfor the big turnaround! But don’t letfear or apprehension prevent you fromA reasonable departure angle will ensure you cancross gullies without ripping anything off. Western 4W Driver #104 171

The key is the effective engineering be readily managed with the samedesign of the two units with sensible good principles.packing. You can control your weight, Reversing, well that will never be fun,how it is loaded, your tyre pressures but take it slow and easy and practiseand your speed. Get this right and you a lot (when no one is watching LOL).minimise risk to yourself and other Engage your brain not your throttle.road users. Going off road exposes us Most of all, get out there and giveto more potential hazards that can it a go.THE ‘FUN’ BIT Trailer rightNow the serious stuff is out the way, wecan concentrate on the fun bit - reversing Trailera trailer. We love this, right? Walk around leftthe car/ trailer combo and get a feel for you don’t want to hit. Hands on wheel –relative dimensional footprint. Make right hand down, moves trailer left. Leftsure you will fit where you want to hand down moves trailer right – simple,go before you go. Note any obstacles eh? Looking in your right mirror, thebeforehand. We’ve previously touched trailer is moving too close to that tree,on vision - we have the right mirrors right hand down, the trailer will moveand/or cameras and can see all the away and to the left. Rely on the mirrorimportant protuberances. Rule 1 – move that is on the inside of the turn and usebackwards very slowly and steadily an object such as a wall or tree as thewith small controlled movements, not fixed point of reference. Jump out andbig desperate movements. Observe the visually check as many times as you need.result and adjust and correct carefully. Take your time and forget the audience –Now for some dyslexia. First, use one there always is one!point of reference. If using your mirrors(my choice) stick with them. Don’t starton mirrors, then look over your shoulder,followed by the camera. Sit straight, useyour right mirror and look at the rightside of the trailer as a point of referenceagainst where you want to be or the tree172 Western 4W Driver #104

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THE MAGIC OFThrough the eyes of our wanderinghistorian, witness the evolution ofthis iconic Kimberley property.174 Western 4W Driver #104

Pics by Ian Elliot and Kevin CoateDimond Gorge on theFitzroy is a Jewel inMornington’s backyard. Western 4W Driver #104 175

aving paid a number of visits slickers spooking his cattle. However, to this area over many years, he intended to visit there in three days I’ve witnessed some amazing and was happy to have us along. In the interim he suggested we visit DimondHchanges. Run as a beef cattlestation until 2001, it is now held as Gorge on adjacent Mornington so that’sa privately- funded nature reserve where we went.and resort by the Australian WildlifeConservancy, a not-for-profit body We found the ruins of Old Mornington Homestead over the track from Anniethat currently also has control over Creek. There was very little remainingformer stations, Glenroy, Tablelandsand Marion Downs. apart from a chicken yard, a few sheets of corrugated ironIt will come as and a gardenno surprise “There was very little tap embeddedto regular remaining apart from a chicken in a gum tree.readers to find yard, a few sheets of corrugated Accordingthat I was first to old plansattracted there iron and a garden tap embedded this wasby the fact that in a gum tree.” supposedlypractically all thefeatures in this region were named by near the site of a tree Hann had blazed FH over XII, butFrank Hann during his explorations in we saw no signs of this. (Maybe this1898. My first visit was in 1990 when blaze wasn’t on a Boab. Blazes on gumMartin Waller and I called in to Glenroy trees in the Kimberley don’t last long.)Homestead seeking permission to visit We followed the wheel ruts over thethe Gladstone Lake area where we Adcock and camped on the right bankknew Hann had marked two Boabs. The of a long pool upstream from the ford.manager was reluctant to let us explore After a night of solving the world’sthat sector alone as a muster was problems over a few, quite a few, beersimminent and he didn’t want us city and catching and consuming heaps ofFitzroy Bluff dwarfs our vehicle.176 Western 4W Driver #104

tasty Cherabin, we set off to negotiate Yvonne and Kevin Coate onthe tortuous track down to Dimond the path to Sir John Gorge.Gorge. Never reached by Hann, this death of Cyril Dimond, therugged gap where the Fitzroy cuts its PWD Engineer for the NW,way out through the King Leopold who is said to have suggestedRanges was named in 1959 after the it as a future dam site. The track was pretty rough and rocky but my most vivid memory is of stockman graffiti in the form of the drawing of the rear end of a cat on a Boab at a deep creek crossing as we rounded the western spur of Fitzroy Bluff. The track dead-ended in the dry river bed immediately upstream of the gorge and we had a little trouble getting the Hilux back up the steep bank. After rattling over the long haul back we spent a second night on the Adcock before following station tracks out East to a walk track down to the awesome Sir John Gorge.STEREO! CLICK HERE FOR A FREE QUOTE!• Big Bore 4wd • High flow catalytic systems our speciality converters• Extractors for most • Standard 4wd 4wds systemsLet a Mettaman fit your sound system today Kelmscott 9495 2544 Midland 9274 5066 Morley 9275 7034 Western 4W Driver #104 177

The afternoon of day three saw us took a young stockman who managedrolling back in to Glenroy for our to track the runaway for a considerableplanned visit to Gladstone Lake, only distance through the bush out towardsto find pandemonium reigning. The Mountain Creek and the Mount Cliftonhead stockman had come home from massif while the manager zigzaggedDerby after a marathon drinking spree left and right of our course to checkbrought about by the breakup of his behind thickets and rock outcrops. Duskmarriage. Suffering from the DTs, he’d halted our efforts and we returned tobeen strapped onto a bunk to dry out the homestead where we were fed anduntil a mate had unstrapped him and put up for the night while our hostsgiven him a tinny. This had caused contacted neighbours and the SES.him to go completely berserk and he’d Next morning saw crowds of searchersrushed outside, jumped into someone’s on the scene and the arrival of lightcar, roared off, and smashed into a planes and choppers. Martin and Itree a few kilometres down the road undertook to check the old Mt Housebefore running off into the bush. He track, now mostly overgrown, thatwas bleeding, had no shoes, shirt or then ran between Mt Hamilton andhat, and the vehicle’s boot was open The Estaughs. We saw no sign of thewhich we were told meant there was a runaway, but did manage to drive, thenpossibility that he could be armed with hike, down towards the junction of thea rifle. The manager was extremely Throssell and Adcock rivers where weworried so we offered to help with a found one of Hann’s trees of 1898, asearch. Martin went with him while I Boab marked FH over XI.178 Western 4W Driver #104

Returning to Glenroy we learned that was eventually taken up by Josephthe SES had located the severely Blythe and his sons who developeddehydrated missing man who had been Mount House and Glenroy stations,flown to Derby Hospital. The Glenroy the latter encompassing present-daymanager thanked us for our help and Mornington. Young Arthur Blythe, ingave us permission to spend as much partnership with Reg Spong, the Fitzroytime as we wished around Gladstone mail contractor, took over the GlenroyLake as their muster would be delayed. leases in 1907 and later Blythe’s shareWe found both of the Hann trees up was purchased by Jabez Orchard.there, a couple of what we thought In 1916 the “cattle king”, Sid Kidmanwere graves with stone crosses laid (later Sir Sid) invested in Orchard andon the ground and we hiked out East Spong’s station, the first of severalof the Hann River to the billabong that Kimberley pastoral properties that heHann had named Spider Lagoon during bought into. Its area was expandedhis visit. Our camp at the lake was so and the leases were transferred to theplagued with mozzies we were glad to Glenroy Pastoral Company. Kidmandepart for Kalumburu and an eight-day retired in 1927 and died eight yearsbackpack hike up past Solea Falls on later when the southern section ofthe Drysdale River. Glenroy was transferred to H.K. SmithGetting back to Mornington history, in and R.S. Maxted and renamed bythe early 1900s, when Hann failed to the latter, it is said, after Victoria’sraise funds to stock the new pastoral Mornington Peninsula. Bob Maxtedcountry he’d found over the range, it (that’s one bloke, not three)Looking downstream from Sir John Gorge. Western 4W Driver #104 179

Stonework on old Mornington Homestead. Pic: Kevin Coate.seems to have been an interesting with signal rockets andfellow with many Kimberley interests. supplies were dropped beforeBesides Mornington, he and Henry they were rescued by theSmith shared ownership of several Kunmunya Mission lugger.stations over the King Leopolds, Maxted began salvageincluding Tablelands, before Smith died operations immediately,in 1944. Postal Directories list Maxted before flood waters couldas a contractor at Derby and he is dislodge the aircraft fromknown to have been a major purchaser its precarious perch, andof surplus infrastructure from the RAAF managed to retrieve 13½Truscott airbase on Anjo Peninsula lbs of coins and five sealedafter the war. One of these acquisitions cases containing altogetherwas the lugger Medlar, which he an estimated 100,000used for pearling and dry shelling Netherlands banknotes, quite a haul.expeditions among the islands and Back at Mornington, the stationreefs of the northern coastline. On one struggled due to the difficulties inof these voyages in December 1945 getting supplies in and cattle out. Thehe observed at low tide the wheels of terrain was too rough for motorisedan RAAF B25 Mitchell bomber that lay transport and donkey and bullockupside down on a mud bank near the teams were the usual mode ofmouth of the Glenelg River. The aircraft transport over the tortuous Blythehad been piloted by a five man Dutch Track or Johnson Track, the latter ancrew who had become lost in the last approximation of the present-day Gibbhours of a flight from Cloncurry to River Road. Although Mornington wasBroome six weeks previously. They located right on what was known forhad made a forced landing on the tidal a time as the Barclay Stock Route,waters of the lower Glenelg and the only mature cattle, five years of age,crew had just enough time to launch could survive the rugged trip overtheir rubber dinghy and scramble into such stony ground with poor feed toit before their aircraft sank. Ashore, either Wyndham (six weeks) or Derbythey were able to alert search planes (three to four weeks). All this changed180 Western 4W Driver #104 when Gordon Blythe, grandson of the original lessee, launched his Air Beef Scheme. The air strip and associated abattoir and freezer works at Glenroy meant that surrounding stations could not only get their beef to market quickly and easily, they could also fly in their supplies. In March 1949 Mornington was the recipient of an initial consignment of air freight from Derby per Dougles DC3 (aircraft known to the Yanks as “Gooney Birds” during the war).

Black headed gouldian finch - a rare considerable population of workers breed and a subject of Mornington’s and the AWC would probably be conservation work. Pic: Kevin Coate. disappointed to know that one articleThis delivery was said at the time to describing its operation reportedbe a first for pastoral Australia. Later, that the main leisure occupationa Bristol Freighter with clamshell front of the men stationed there wasloading doors became the Air Beef shooting freshwater crocs. TheScheme’s main transport. The Scheme scheme operated until 1963 whenmeant that Glenroy supported a the improved Gibb River Road brought about the switch to road transport of cattle. It was during another Gibb River Road trip in 1998 that Martin and I were brought up short by a roadside sign advertising a licensed bar, the most remote in the Kimberley, down at Mornington. It took just a quick glance at each other before I swung right and we headed down to sample this new attraction. The lessee of Mornington Station at this time was Michael Curr, a Queensland born cattleman who had recognised the value of tourism to augment the income of a remote pastoral property. Western 4W Driver #104 181

Glenroy Homestead was deserted at the banks of the creek. She and Davethis time and the Mornington gate put on excellent meals providing youleft us in no doubt as to the lessee’s booked ahead. They sold great T-shirtsfeelings concerning the proposed dam advertising the place one of which Iat Dimond Gorge. Michael had a large have to this day although it’s gettingsign on the gate that read “Damn the a little threadbare now. They also tookpoliticians, not the Fitzroy.” I wrote bookings for canoes that Michaelabout this visit in our 28th edition, but had moored down at the gorge soI can perhaps expand on this a little. we took the challenge and paddledThe new bar was divided into our way through the gorge and back;kitchen and restaurant areasand the wall sections wereraised horizontally to open it tobreezes and increase the shadearea. During the closed seasonin the wet the walls werelowered and the whole buildingwas made weatherproof andsecure. Lyn and Dave Hughesran it for Michael while allthe campers occupied a Rock art in Sir John Gorge is a bit difficult to photograph.grassed area just North of the bar and hard work against a headadjoining Annie Creek. It was a very wind on the return leg but arelaxed atmosphere that worked on fabulous experience. Michaela casual honour system. Whenever visited the bar most days,you got a tinnie out of the fridge, you driving the 25km from therecorded the event in a notebook on new homestead situatedtop of the fridge. These were added out East of Bluebell Hill. Heup and paid for prior to a guest’s quaffed rum and enthralleddeparture. Lyn attracted hundreds of us with his yarns, one offeathered customers every morning by which concerned his questscattering breadcrumbs and damper on for a liquor license for the Mornington bar. When a182 Western 4W Driver #104 particularly officious planning wallah was informed that the proposed premises would provide meals, he insisted that, for the dimensions planned by Michael, two giant exhaust fans would be necessary on the roof before the license could be issued. Michael’s protests that the building would have no walls when it was operating were to no avail and he had to produce receipts for these exhaust



fans to get the license. When I asked and found that the Conservancy hadwhere they were, he waved an arm fenced the whole lake to preventsouthwards and replied, “Over there, further damage from cattle. I waslying under that tree.” I liked his saddened to see that the old trackstyle and presented him with a copy past the “graves” was apparently noof Do Not Yield to Despair, Hann’s longer used. It was getting overgrownexploration diaries that had just been and would soon become impassable Ipublished. In return, he gave us the felt. It was 2014 before I got around torun of the place which allowed us to visiting the AWC’s Mornington Campsearch, unsuccessfully as it turned out, with a group on a Wildtrax tagalong.for the explorer’s blazes along the While disappointed with some of theHann River east of the homestead. restrictions that wereThe next time I visited this area was Mornington today is awith Campbell Cornish on a trip to welcoming environment forstay at Mount House. The Wildlife anyone who shares theirConservancy had held Mornington enthusiasm for the for seven years by this time and had Kimberley’s unique floraset up a radio shack near the turn- and fauna.off from the Gibb River Road. I wasvery glad they had. It was right at imposed (they refused usthat turn-off that a fully reconditioned entry onto Marion Downsalternator seized up and stranded where they had scientistsus. We radioed Mornington and they working and many ofcontacted Mount House who sent out a the tracks I’d roamedute to tow us in. A genius named Dave freely on fourteen yearsrepaired the alternator with second- earlier were now closedhand bits and we went on to stay at to all but management),Moll Gorge, Gladstone Lake and the nevertheless, I wasHann River crossing before returning impressed with theto Campbell’s place in Broome. I development thatvisited Gladstone Lake again in 2011 had taken place and I184 Western 4W Driver #104 understand the reasons for limiting access to what is, after all, now a world class nature reserve. The canoes were still at the gorge but the track down there was now graded and an easy drive. Guided tours to a variety of destinations were available, or you could take yourself following a route map provided by the office. Eleven spacious safari-style tents were provided for fly-in visitors. The 4WD camping areas had been extended although still strung out along Annie Creek with an interesting walking path on the opposite bank. Hot showers and toilets were available at a handy ablution block and the main building boasted an impressive restaurant with extensive lawns and a communal fire-pit. We were enthralled by the

Aboriginal rock art in Sir John Excerpt from Hema’s WA State map.Gorge and our naturalist friend, theever energetic Kevin Coate, was SupaFitexcited to be given a rare glimpse ofGouldian Finches in the wild. A keenbird man, Kevin was enthusiasticabout the work being done by theAWC at Mornington in connectionwith rare native birds such as theGouldian Finch, the Purple-crownedFairy Wren and the Red Goshawk.This endeavour, coupled with theirefforts to find solutions to theferal cat problem and to continueproviding a sustainable touristdestination puts them high on theeco-warrior list in my book. Pleasenote that reservations are requiredand the Camp is only open from1 May to 9 October. Campfires,generators, fishing and pets arenot allowed. If you’re interested invisiting this rugged wonderland,check out their website on the net. Western 4W Driver #104 185

THE BIGCOVER UPDual cab utes are ubiquitous, sealed to the ute tub as well as many whether for the tradie around other hidden openings. After all, they town or the explorer out on the were designed as a ute. What’s that, track. For many they are the go-to choice when buying a 4x4 vehicle. Hinged windows work better thanHowever, most dual cab ute owners sliders, great for getting at your gear.find something lacking in the format, If you’re only getting one, make it aperhaps regretting not going for the left hander.wagon option, wanting better security “add a tailgate seal kit” you say?for their gear or hoping to increase Well these help, but due to a negativetheir storage space for those pressure occurring in the canopy areaextended trips. when the vehicle is moving, these will not completely stop dust. NaturallyFear not, there are many solutions with a poorly built or sealed canopyout there and the most popular is these issues are magnified. Be realisticthe ute canopy. These come in manyshapes and forms and there can befundamental differences betweencanopies and canopy manufacturers.With there being many traps for youngplayers looking to add a canopy to theirvehicle, we have put together a fewconsiderations to look out for whenbuying a canopy and have highlightedmany of the shortfalls in some modelswhile giving you a few good questionsto ask when shopping around.One important consideration to keepin mind is that even the best builtcanopies will allow some dust ingressinto the rear tub of the vehicle. This ismainly due to the tailgate not being186 Western 4W Driver #104

with your expectations though WORKSHOPregarding canopies, whilst it’spossible to have them relatively dust CHATfree, they will never be as dust freeas the interior of your vehicle cabin. with Ben BroederThe most successful way to preventexcessive build-up of dust in yourYou’ll never keep all the dust out but awell-positioned vent will pressurise thespace to keep most out. Internal framing will help support a rack. With a rack up top you can add essential gear - like the all-important awning.canopy is by the use of a canopy vent. storage space, you may want to addThe canopy vent will still let some dust a roof rack to your canopy. There arein from passing vehicles, however this many options here as well, however,will stop virtually all other dust coming many canopies can only support ain through cracks and openings in tail very limited load capacity which isgates and the ute tub itself. further reduced for off road drivingThis is our first point to look out for. If on many models. Most canopies willyou are planning on plenty of off road have an additional or integrated steelor gravel driving, a canopy vent is an frame which removes the load fromimportant feature. Not all canopies can the canopy shell, transferring it directlyhave a vent fitted and limiting factors to the ute tub. From experience,can be the canopy design itself, suchas ridges built into the roof as well as Western 4W Driver #104 187those fancy carpet and similar liningsthat some canopies come with. Liningsnot only act like a magnet for dust,they make it difficult to clean yourcanopy and limit the possibility ofinstalling a canopy vent.Now, having a relatively dust free

Go for a canopy with a solid (and keyed) locking mechanism. The one on the left hasdisintegrated and was only ever as strong as the plastic it was fixed to.the canopies with these dedicated will offer a 3 year, 60,000Km warrantysupport structures can carry much it’s worth reading through the fine print.heavier loads and are much better for Most manufacturers will not coverdemanding or off road use. your canopy for off road or excessiveWhile we’re on the subject of heavy unsealed road usage. Ensure you checkloads and durability, it is also important what type of usage is covered with theto consider how the canopy is mounted canopy on your 4x4. Let’s assume theto the ute tub. Many canopies are now worst has happened, something hasoffered with only a series of generic broken on your canopy and you need‘C Clamps’ which clamp the canopy it repaired. Easy. Well, maybe not soto the ute tub. These may be well and easy. While most manufacturers willgood around town but take care. In offer spares and after sales serviceharsh terrain or when heavy loads many lesser known brands out thereare carried on roof racks, these clamp are extremely difficult to source replacement parts for, such as glass orsystems can work loose and in extreme Tie-down points can be establishedcircumstances can fail completely. It’s anywhere in the tray to keep therecommended to opt for a canopy with load safe. The blue sponge pads are a vehicle specific attachment system to for kneeling on the tailgate.the tub to ensure a solid mounting andthe best reliability in rough terrain. window locks. Naturally it’s important toIf worst comes to worst, you still have consider dealer networks and after salesthe warranty to rely upon, right? Well support so if you break something whilehere is another area to be very careful travelling, spare parts will either be inof. Although the best manufacturers stock or very quickly accessible. Canopies can be a fantastic accessory188 Western 4W Driver #104 for your ute. Take the time to research your options, ask the hard questions, speak to others and look for a manufacturer with an extensive dealer network for spares and after sales service. As always, keep in mind that you get what you pay for… LINKS: Facebook: www.facebook.com/GoldfieldsOffRoad/ Webpage: www.goldfiefieldsoffroad.com.au

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Proudly sponsored byCA PTURE THEM We Love Photography MENT With Graham CahillWhat did the cheese say when it saw its reflection in the river? cake, giving the image so much more Haloumi. punch. Like waterfalls and sunsets, reflections can be a little clichéd and Sorry, that was a cheesyjoke but a Gouda way to start, Western 4W Driver #104 191given the fantastic reflectionscaptured in this image from TimSly, on yet another epic CampfireEscape trip.This image really has a lot goingfor it, it ticks many boxes. Firstup, simply and probably mostimportantly once again, it justmakes me want to be there. Iwant to cast a line and wanderthat bank, it looks warm andtranquil; in short I enjoy lookingat the image and that in itself is ahuge win.Secondly, can you see howthe tunnel of trees and thewatercourse draw your eyeinto the frame? Leading linesis the technical term. It adds athree dimensional feel to a twodimensional image by givingit a sense of depth. Your eyeshave somewhere to go, a reasonto explore the image; this is anincredibly powerful techniquewhen used well, as it has been inthis case.Thirdly, (and the reason forthe terrible cheese joke) howimpressive are the reflections?This really is the icing on the

tend to be overdone. In this instance Jumpstarter Recallthough, I think Tim has nailed it byadding just enough to bring out that IF you have a Projecta Jumpstartertranquil feel I mentioned before. pack you might want to check on whichReflections, when done right, can really model it is – because a couple of themmake an image altogether more artsy… are being recalled by the manufacturer.for want of a better word. Something Brown & Watson International (BWI)to keep in mind should you want in Australia and Narva New Zealandto remove reflections, especially if are recalling the Projecta IS900E andthey are ugly and unwanted such asshadowy figures reflected in a window TRUST YOUR 4WDor such, is to use a polarising filter TO THE SPECIALISTSon your lens. This will cut throughthe reflection giving a clear surface. Est. 1986In Tim’s image, a polariser may haveremoved all detail in the water whichI think would have been a negative tothe overall photo (a negative….sheeshI’m on fire today).If I had one criticism of the pic, itwould have to be my peculiar needto have images straight. Even thoughthis photo doesn’t have anything tosuggest perfect horizontal (such as ahorizon line) it still looks to me like it’ssloping slightly to the left; which if itwere, the river water would be flowingover that left bank. A simple tilt ina clockwise direction a few degreeswould bring everything back to leveland just complete the picture. This isa minor gripe however and not one todetract from the whole.Alright, alright, settle down…onemore cheese joke. What cheese canyou disguise a small horse with?Mascarpone….Well done Tim, you’ve won ARMADALE 4WD SERVICE CENTREA $200 GIFT VOUCHER 7 KEATS RD, ARMADALEfrom PH: 9497 3066THATS IT FOLKS! www.armadale4wd.com.auEmail us a pic for some TECTIPS &you could win a $200 Voucher!Email to: [email protected] Western 4W Driver #104

IS1200E series Jumpstarters after Homestead into GOINGS ONreports of the battery overheating in its next 100 years.use and, in some cases, catching alight. Jo’s partner Ken isBWI’s Bob Pattison said the company working hard to getwas investigating the problem and the stage completedwould not sell any more until the fault for the event andhas been identified and fixed. Friday night’s DuoThe IS900E and IS1200E have a lithium of Braud and Beaucobalt (LiCo) battery and have been will be the firstsold since September 2016. to grace the newThe Projecta IS1500 has a different stage followed bybattery pack and is not affected. the Suntones onSo, if you have a IS900E or 1200E, you Saturday with theirshould take it back to where you bought new drummer,it for a full refund. Tim. This promisesThere’s also a hotline you can call: to be an excellent1800 422 422 in Oz, or 0800 336 688 inKiwi country, or take a look atwww.recall-jumpstarter.com.auLast Chanceto PartyIf you’ve got nothing on on thesecond weekend in September werecommend you get dressed and headup to Melangata for their big 100year celebration.Jo Clews tells us the entertainmentfor two nights is locked in so don’tforget to pack your dancing shoesand prepare for a fun filled weekendto take the historic Melangata Plenty of space to spread yourselves out at Melangata. The stage takes shape. weekend with plenty of activities on offer so get on to trybooking.com, type in Melangata Station 100th celebration and lock in a weekend to remember. Western 4W Driver #104 193

CELEBRATINGThe 4WD and Adventure Show will takea walk through history this year asthey look at what were some of the bigGame-Changers in the industry over theS past few decades.how Director Peter Woods said to products that we all now use, towhile camping, caravanning and people who got out there and did it,4wdriving are extremely popular and inspired others to do the same. Wepastimes for Australians today, can’t wait to share all these stories atthis wasn’t always the case; and there the Show.” Peter said.were some significant turning points in Show Special Guestshistory that encouraged more people He’s travelled all over the countryside,to get out and explore their country. and now he’s heading to the 4WD and Adventure Shows! Mal Leyland is an Aussie legend.These turning points, these “Game Anyone who was in Australia duringChangers” will be the focus of the 2017 the 1970s and 80s will remember “The4WD and Adventure Show. Leyland Brothers” – and no doubt“What we are looking at is not just can sing the theme song off by heart.the products on the market today and Mal Leyland and his brother Mikewhere we go and what we do today; were pioneers, travelling outbackbut really the evolution of the 4WD Australia before it became popular toand Camping industry,” Peter said. do so, discovering and filming remotePeter has been speaking to many locations that had never beenof the big name companies in 4W filmed before.Driving and camping to discover their “As one of the major Game-Changers,own game-changing stories. He said Mal Leyland is the ideal special guestthe history behind some of thesecompanies was so interesting and thatoften these major companies werebuilt from one person’s need to solvea problem.“There are dozens of stories. Frominitial discovery of 4W Driving tracks,194 Western 4W Driver #104

25 YEARS working alongside the infamous Allan Gray, and sharing all her stories withfor the 2017 Show and we are excited her thousands of followers on socialto welcome him and his lovely wife media. Terrain Tamer are set to releaseLaraine”, Peter said. a series of mechanical videos, due forHe is also excited to have WA boy release in November 2017, that featureGraham Cahill at the Show to help 27 year old Jess with 83 year old Allan,celebrate the 25th anniversary. and the 4WD and Adventure ShowAnyone who is into 4W Driving knows will be the place to see the firstwho Graham Cahill is. As a presenter instalment of Terrain Tamers TV withand journalist for 4WD Action, Graham Allan and Jess.Cahill has seen and experienced the Peter said there will be more specialoutback first hand, often through the guests announced closer to the Show.lens of his camera.Peter said he was also keen to Big Boy’s (or Girl’s) Toy for showwelcome a new face on the scene,known as “Jillaroo Jess.” Toyota has built a dream toy for adults,Jess Edwards is one Aussie sheila and it will be on display at the 4WDwith a story to tell! Jess has been and Adventure Show.kept busy lately with Terrain Tamer TV, The stunning concept vehicle HiLux Tonka brings together the iconic Tonka and “unbreakable” HiLux brands. A full-size dream toy for adults, the HiLux Tonka Concept is an impressive rock-crawling truck that combines the enviable reputations for toughness and durability that dominate the Toyota and Tonka DNAs. While the HiLux Tonka Concept is not destined for dealer showrooms, adults and kids alike will have the opportunity to share the dream as it tours 4WD shows across the country. Be sure to check it out at the 2017 Perth 4WD and Adventure Show. For show details go to www.4wdshow.com.au Western 4W Driver #104 195

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