The 4WDTribe Podcast (Andy Ireland 4wd'er always in search of a good story)

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In this episode Andy talks with Dave Watters from Miners Den about prospecting and metal detectors.

Andy had a big interest in whether he should have a metal detector as part of his fourby kit and asks a ton of questions of Dave.

The guys at Miners Den have been helping prospectors for many years and Dave is a treasure trove of knowledge in all things metal detecting.

I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did.

Miners Den

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Apologies Folks! Sometimes life just gets in the way and no excuses, thats just what's happened to me. This podcast for some reason missed getting edited in a timely manner and my apologies to you.

Here's an episode from February with Phil Van Wegen Owner of Arid Air and the Marree Pub. My mate Gary joined Phil and I for a meal around my place on a nice summery 40C Saturday. We enjoy a few beers and cover a lot of ground about Marree, Firepits, Flies, Lake Eyre, The Curdimurka Ball and a whole lot more.

If your thinking of hitting The Simpson Desert, Birdsville or Oodnadatta tracks this year there's a ton of info in this one.

Marree Hotel
Phone: 08 8675 8344

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I take The Offroad Tradies into some of my favourite spots in the Flinders ranges over Easter.

In this episode you'll find out who are The Offroad Tradies, what they do and why it may be important for you.

I show off some of my favourite parts of the Flinders with The Offroad Tradies and their families from Gol Gol and Dubbo over Easter and blow them away with some unexpected highlights.

We talk:

Lots and lots of Flinders Ranges
Tag A Longs and who they suit
Tag A Longs and why they work
Travel Buddies
Families and Kids  Offroad
Warraweena Conservation Park
And Much, much more.........

www.theoffroadtradies.com.au
Luke: 0477709948
Curl: 0417234480
Instagram: theoffroadtradies
Youtube: TheOffroadTradies
Warraweena Conservation Park
Willow Springs

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In this episode Andy catches up with Matt from Madmatt 4WD and they talk about crossing the Simpson Desert. Matt was lucky enough to be the first across the Desert this 2022 season travelling from West to East. They talk:
Weather
Flies
Fuel
Tyre Pressures
Planning
Experiences
If The Simmo is on your bucket list, this episode may help with your trip planning. Hope you enjoy.

Madmatt 4WD contacts:
Instagram: @madmatt4wd
Website: Madmatt
Youtube:  Madmatt Youtube
Facebook: Madmatt Facebook

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In this episode Matt from Mad Matt 4WD and I talk about recoveries in the Simpson Desert. What it's like working with Offroad TV shows and what goes on behind the scenes. We talk 4WD car mods and some thoughts on how to plan a build of your fourby. Some favourite 4WD locations. And of course we get distracted and wayward but it's always deep down 4wdtribe talk. Even though Matt tells me he doesn’t like my car I’ll still like him  :)

Madmatt 4WD contacts:
Instagram: @madmatt4wd
Website: Madmatt
Youtube:  Madmatt Youtube
Facebook: Madmatt Facebook

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In this episode I talk with Mukmat owner Suzanne about all things Mukmat and what it's like starting a business in the outdoor and 4WD sector.

Suzanne generously offered anyone purchasing a Mukmat a free carry bag worth $15. Use the code 4WDTRIBE (all capitals)  in the shopping cart.  Not available with any other codes.

DISCLAIMER: I receive NO commission from sales!

Another great Aussie product innovation that works and is a cost effective solution to an outdoor lifestyle problem. And a great story about the product Mukmat and what it's like starting a business and making it super successful.

Mukmat Website

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In this episode Luke from the @offroadtradies is gracious enough to share his nightmare. A bent chassis on the Dual Cab way into the bush, a long way from home.
Luke explains how it happened, what he did and how he fixed it.

If you own a dual cab you probably should hear this one.

For photos of the car go to instagram @theoffroadtradies

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Luke from @theoffroadtradies and Andy talk about Lukes recent trips to the cape and the Simpson Desert.

What's new on the tracks and changes occurring this year. Every trip is different to the last. I hope you enjoy the banter as Luke and Andy talk through these two recent trips.

Instagram: @theoffroadtradies
Luke: 0477709948
Web: The Off Road Tradies

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If you tow with a Dual Cab or own a Caravan this episode has a wealth of insights from Industry Chassis Expert, Hugh Ager, owner of Limitless Chassis in Coolum, QLD. I dig in and ask Hugh a bunch of questions about chassis and towing and the answers at the very least made me feel squeamish at times. Hugh deals with chassis both new and broken every day and is a treasure trove of information about the 4WD's we drive every day.

Where do most chassis get bent?
How do Chassis bend?
Why is the Big Red Bash so good for business?
What can you do to avoid a bent chassis?
Modern caravans have this problem?

It seems chassis damage is maybe more common than I thought and some of us are driving time bombs that may already be suffering damage without us being aware and maybe a few of us should be looking under our caravans a bit more often it seems!

I found this episode incredibly informative and at times uncomfortable. I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did. You can find all the info about Hugh and Limitless Chassis at the link below.

Limitless Chassis

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In this episode I catch up with Jimmy from Cost Effective Maintenance. This is a great Aussie company whose products I have used in my Fourby's for some years. With a background starting from the CSIRO and laboratory testing every batch of product this additive company is the real deal.

Make your own mind up after listening to this episode, then visit their website
where there are hours of reading testimonials and case studies for your enjoyment.
Website: Cost Effective Maintenance

Once again this is NOT Sponsored. I am however a long time paying customer of this Company using their products.

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In this episode I talk with Norman Bee of Pindan Tours and 4WD Training. Norman is an absolute wealth of knowledge. I on the other hand had just had a knee replacement and was still on opioids for pain when we did this. I will admit this is not my best performance but Normans part is excellent. Look past me and absorb the learning in this one. Norman talks a lot about tyre pressure, recovery boards, snatch straps, recovery rings, exhaust jacks and lots lots more. There are nuggets of info that just keep popping up and I picked up plenty when I listened back and edited. (not on opioids then).

Give Norman a call for training or tagalong tours.

Pindan Tours Website

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In this episode the Marree Publican Phil Van Wegen and Andy have a good chat about the year that was in Marree and surrounds. We talk about the Pub and of course outback flights with Arid Air and what two expect up around Marree. We talk Lake Eyre, Cooper Creek, Coongie Lakes and much more. Also info about current flights from Waikerie over the once in a lifetime Murray River flood event. We give an insight into the local Marree community with the local Father Christmas parade and the Darts presentation all happening last night.

For more Marree Info: Marree Hotel

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Andy and Stuart from Chassis Protech go over one of the great new 4WD Aussie inventions, the chassis protection system from Chassis Protech. We talk a foolproof way to get the salt, sand and bull dust OUT of the chassis rails on 4WD's, Caravans, Boat Trailers, Campervans in fact anything with a chassis.

Chassis Protech Website

Andy has fitted these systems to both his car and caravan and enthuses over this really simple and cost effective way to protect and flush the chassis on your pride and joy.
We also talk about the secret spot the 79 series starts to rust in the chassis.

Hope you enjoy this one one!

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G'day fellow Zoners. This is all about the Zone chassis and few areas that concern me. There's nothing wrong with the strength, I can tell you a story to make your hair stand on end to testify the strength. In 5 years of ownership Andy considers the chassis design very solid.
But the design lends itself to some dust, rock, sand and salt ingress. In this episode with Stuart from Chassis Protech we talk about how something specific for Zone Caravans has been developed. We also go over the process Andy uses to flush, clean and protect the vulnerable ares of his chassis on 20'6 Off-roader

Chassis Protech Website

Code for Smith Family Deal: 4wdtribe

Hope you enjoy!

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The High Country is AMAZING!! If it's not on your list it needs to be. I just did 7 days with The OFF-ROAD Tradies on a tag a long tour and in this episode I talk about the amazing High Country, the awesome time I had on the tag a long and answer a ton of questions you may have about tag a longs and the High Country. I'll also share with you the BEST tip for making a great fire when there's no breeze and the wood is damp.

Australia is amazing and this is just another must see part of it.

The Off Road Tradies Website

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This is the second part of the High Country chronicles  from Anna, David, Heather, Jonathon, Scott, Len and Mark. The crew talk about their impressions of the recent High Country trip with The Off Road Tradies. In among the banter we drink beer, swat mozzies, swim in the creek and munch on lovingly home made cured meats. I hope you enjoy :)

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Off Road Tradies Website

Luke: 0477709948
Andy: 0428654446

Mystery Tour 28 May HIGHLIGHTS

# Visit a ghost town where the Post Office, Pub, School, Hospital and many infrastructure buildings are still standing, some in good condition!

# Lunch at one of Australia’s most unique Bakery’s # Almost touch one of the fastest places on Earth

# Camp at and have the opportunity to climb one of South Australia’s loneliest Mounts.

# Travel over and tick off the bucket list one of South Australia’s iconic 4WD Tracks.

# Get first-hand accounts of what it was like to work and live remotely building one of Australia’s most iconic infrastructure projects.

# Travel through private property and camp where the public cannot go. # Happy Hour at the secret place where the sunset splits the mountains.

# Dinner and campfire at a unique bush pub where the main street is said to be the widest in Australia and cricket games are played on it even today.

# Visit a place where Murray Cod live in abundance yet are almost 500k’s from the River Murray. In fact, are not near any river.

# Have a beer or two at the HIGHEST Pub in South Australia.

# Touch an object giving you a connection with outer space because it’s been there.

# Visit two conservation parks and camp in one and I bet you haven’t heard of either.

# Visit a place with untold gemstone wealth.
# Stay overnight at a place known for its connection to Buggery? In a good way.

# Visit and camp at a lake although many, many kilometres inland has a strong connection with the open ocean.

# Get to feature in a well-known 4WD podcast if you’re willing. # 3 Meals a day
# All camping and entrance fees paid for.
# Off Road Tradies merch pack valued over $150

# Tips and assistance with 4WD Driving

# AND an iron clad guarantee if at the end you haven’t enjoyed the Mystery Tour Luke will refund 50% of tour fee!

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Well I bit the bullet and put an Automatic Gearbox in my 79 Series Toyota. The guys in SA at Go 4X4 did the conversion. There's a lot that goes into the conversion and as much in re learning to drive off road again. But what a blast. I talk the installation journey through with experience now with Hi-way, Towing and some good off road driving under the belt with the new gearbox.

Was it worth it? You'll have to listen. And the bit at the end where they retune my gearbox from Melbourne while I'm driving down a highway in Adelaide still blows me away.

Hope you enjoy.

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Something totally new for the podcast as I put daily thoughts down each night around the campfire. I'm with The OFF ROAD TRADIES on a trip around SA we called The Mystery Tour. This was a timing and destination tryout for a permanent tour so I guess the next time it won't be a mystery but a full tour. For a first time it went pretty damn well. I had a ball and thoroughly enjoyed the itinerary. Jump on with us and find out how it went and what happened each day.

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From Mulgaria Station to Kingoonya, through Googs Track to a special visit in Ceduna then home to Port Augusta. This is part two of the Mystery Tour highlights with The Off Road Tradies Hope you enjoy!

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I learnt something conclusively today. I want to share it with you. If you drive in dust then you need to hear this episode, cheers. Not Sponsored!

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I catch up with Phil the Marree Publican for a yarn about what's happening in outback SA right now.

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After a quick trip north I put down some thoughts on outback road conditions. Current now, relevant for how long is anyones guess.

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Super excited to put this three part series together with Comms expert Matt Bonser. Matts been into communications for over 30 years and currently works for a major television station in communications.
In Part ONE we cover Mobile Phones and satellite Phones.
Part TWO will be UHF and HF Radios
Part Three will be Starling, Epirbs and PLB's
And of course there will be much, much more.

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Part TWO of the Communication In The Outback series covering UHF and HF information. Once again todays a school day in the 4WDTribe and I learn heaps again.

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In this episode Matt and Andy finish the communication series up with:
1: Optus BIG announcement
2: Multitasking EPIRB's
3: PLB's
4: Satellite Phones
5: Starlink
And much, much more. Hope you enjoy.

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G'day, in this episode I catch you up on why there's been a gap of a few months between episodes.

To reach out with ideas talk to me at:

andy@4wdtribe.com.au

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Next year I plan to do the Canning Stock Route. I think I'm going to go Tagalong with Jed Currey from Explore WA 4WD Adventures. So in this episode I pick his brains on what to expect and how to plan.
It's a long episode and we talk about a lot of elements of traversing the Canning. I hope you enjoy it like I did talking to Jed.
By the way, no discounts, deals or payments were exchanged for any part of this episode.  No matter how you want to drive the Canning there will be some info to take away in this episode.
Tagalongs are not for everyone, but I've done a few now and by and large I have enjoyed them heaps and found them an easy way to drive areas I'm not familiar with. That's probably why I speak about them favourably.

Want to contact me? Got an idea for a podcast? Are you an expert at something? Lets talk.
andy@4wdtribe.com.au

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In this episode Jed Currey from Explore WA 4WD Adventures and I talk more on the Canning Stock Route. This time focusing on vehicle prep. Hope you enjoy it!
Want to contact me?
andy@4wdtribe.com.au

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 Attention! Apparently there is a 16 second silent period from 8:54. Until I can work out how to fix it now it’s published please be aware. Thanks! MadMatt 4WD and I chew the fat about 4WD Training and the new course Matt has developed, making it super easy to learn 4WD skills and techniques and save yourself a long and slow learning curve on the tracks. From what I've seen of the course I reckon it's good and I'm not getting paid to say that. You make your own mind up. Check it out at the link below.

4WD Training with MadMatt

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In this episode I talk about something thats been rattling around in my head for a while about 4WD'ing. It may resonate with you or be a load of bullshit. You be the judge. I also talk about how this theory fitted in with my recent jaunt through south west QLD. Hope you like it.

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One pf the great  places we visited while coddiewompling around SW QLD. The fabulous Toompine Pub. I chat with Stuart the publican about the AMAZING restoration they've done with the pub.

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I chat with Sally Anne from Kilcowera Station about the fabulous station stay they operate 70 k's south of Thargomindah in SW QLD.   Well worth a visit and a great  outback experience.

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I catch up with Luke from The Offroad Tradies and we chat about tagalongs, towing trailers, trip ideas and a stack more. I do have a bit of a throught thing in this, unfortunately a hangover from the shingles. It's too much to edit out, sorry. I hope you enjoy the content though, there's a few gems in there.

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Sorry in this one, the throat played up. Luke  (Offroad Tradies) a new 79 owner talks with me a bunch of stuff about what it's like owning a 79 Landcruiser. We touch on a lot of  mods and issues but by no means the full list. Hope you enjoy this one. We may expand on it another day when we get together.

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I describe a problem I found with the fitment of my catch can after a few years. You may unknowingly have this problem too?

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I give a brief rundown of what to expect from the canning Chronicles and shout out to a couple of listeners. Just a short one.

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Finally I'm on the Canning YEEEHAAA! Jed Currey from Explore WA 4WD and I chew the fat at Georgia Bore on the Canning stock route trip so far. It's camp 5 and here's the goss. Hope you enjoy.

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Jed and Andy talk about the day from Georgia Bore to Lake Disappointment. This is camp six for the trip.

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Lake Disappointment to Durba Springs. My favourite drive so far. Absolutely loved this section and Durba Springs camping on our OWN What The!!!!! Hope you enjoy this one. By the way I say its episode two but its number three, and my throat plays up with a few coughs, sorry.

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DISCLAIMER: In this one we record while driving, the corrugations play havoc with the sound quality. If you persevere there is some good stuff in there but letting you know upfront.

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This episode finds us at Pierre Springs. Jed and I talk about the recent road conditions, isolation, how not to cook a roast lamb and a bunch of other stuff.

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I interview Judy, one of our tour crew on the Canning. Judy is 67, owns a very unusual 200 Series, It's 2017 but it's PETROL. Judy has done plenty of 4WDing around the country and much adventuring around the globe, much of it solo too! Hope you find her story as interesting as we all did.

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In this episode Jed and I chew the fat over the recent Canning Stock Route Trip. We talk about Tyres, Fuel, Remoteness, Firewood, Fires, Water, Tyre Pressures, Traction Control and much, much more. Hope you enjoy it.

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In this episode Andy and Michelle Reynolds have a good old yarn around the campsite up at Willow Springs Station. They talk all about the history, what it was like growing up on a sheep station, how the property morphed into the outstanding tourist destination it is today and what a visiting 4WD'er can expect. Of course the discussion heads around to Skytrek the iconic self drive 4WD track. They discuss how Skytrek morphed from an idea into the original track and how the new track came to be. Skytrek is one of the most iconic tracks in Australia and is on many bucket lists. Having driven it 3 times Andy can attest to it's brilliance.

The Reynolds family have been custodians of Willow Springs Station for generations and run a fabulous tourist destination today from Camping to 4.5star Accomodation and no visit is complete without completing the fabulous Skytrek.

Links mentioned in the interview are below:

web: https://www.skytrekwillowsprings.com.au
web: https://www.stationstayssa.com.au
instagram @skytrekwillowspringsstation

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In this Episode Andy travels to Bendleby Ranges to catch up with Warren Luckraft patriarch  of the family operating Bendleby Ranges today. They yarn about the History of the property back to early settlement and through to how the property transformed into the tourist powerhouse it is today. Warren tells a great story about growing up out there and the history to present day and how the property manages to combine sheep farming with a hectic and vibrant tourist operation. Bendleby Ranges is home to many awesome self drive 4WD Tracks and of course the renowned Billy Goat Ridge. This track is considered by some to be the most challenging of all the tracks in the region. Towards the end of the episode Charlie, Warrens son joins us with a cuppa and breaks some big news to Warren.

Bendleby Ranges is only two hours north of Adelaide and is a multi ward winning tourist operation. It's a must visit if your in SA and love camping and 4WD Tracks.

Links mentioned in the podcast are below:

web https://www.bendlebyranges.com.au
instagram @bendlebyranges

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If you have a few surfboards on the roof of the fourby and are heading to WA, this ones for you. If you just enjoy a 4WD yarn  for the first 22 minutes in this episode Wooly and I get totally absorbed talking 4WD stuff and numerous misadventures. Wooly is certainly a colourful character of the 4WDTribe. Wooly is also a WA surfing identity and runs a successful shop, surf school, coaching business and knows a whole lot about WA surfing. If your impatient the surf travel guide of surf spots starts about 22:20 in. If you hold on for the whole ride I'm sure you'll enjoy the misadventures of Wooly the 4WD'er. The conversation rolls around a bit but I'm sure you'll enjoy having a yarn with Wooly as I did.

In fact we got so engrossed we totally missed Wooly's Youtube channel, but the links below.
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbDUalaPyXlcnzN6qRoUgWw
Website: https://www.starsurf.com.au
Instagram: starsurf.com.au
Shop Phone Number: 08 9535 4500

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In this episode I talk to Bazza (Barry Burrowes). On a recent 4WD trip to the N.T. I called into the Policeman's Museum in Timber Creek. I found Bazza the Curator/Caretaker. What a man! Bazza's in his eighties doing an amazing job showing the tourists through and recounting all with tales of daring and adventure.  Bazza's local knowledge is excellent and he has lived a very rich life and has a certain life knowledge and way with words not often found today. We talk knackaroos, a few wars, pot belly stove manufacture, travel and of course there has to be a fishing and crocodile story. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I enjoyed recording it. I have included the trip advisor link to the museum below. Bazza also sent me a bunch of photos of Anzac Day at Timber Creek they had a tribute to the Knackaroos. Photos can be seen on the Instagram page: @4wdtribe

https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attraction_Review-g494975-d3914003-Reviews-Timber_Creek_Police_Station_and_Museum-Timber_Creek_Top_End_Northern_Territory.html

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In this episode host (Andy Ireland) has a yarn at the Helicopter airfield at the Bungle Bungles with base manager Leigh Collins. Leigh's only a young fellah but does a great job of managing the operations at the famed Bungle Bungles in the Purnululu National Park W.A. We talk how you you get to be a Helicopter Pilot. How the crew live at the remote airfield and what it's like to fly over the Bungles and how much training these young guys and girls have to be able to fly us tourists all over the place. Leigh is a lovely bloke and I hope you enjoy our chat as much as I enjoyed chatting. This episode is a touch noisy with planes and helicopters doing their stuff as we speak in the park.

For photos visit Episode 5 on Instagram @4wdtribe

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Jump into this episode with Roy Smith a quintessential Aussie Bloke who has been on the road over 35 years travelling with his trusty 1976, F350 and modified 36 foot horse float. Roy has painted signs and murals all over country Australia. If you've done any sort of travelling around this country you've probably seen Roy's work. The Lions Den Pub in FNQ, Burke and Wills Hotel, Paranella Park, Mataranka Park and the Prairie Hotel in SA  to name a few. We yarn about everything (almost) from fossils, outback driving, modern caravans (tongue in cheek) and nudism, yes nudism. Nothing is off the chart in this conversation. I had a ball and you will too. Strap on for the ride Roy is a ripper.

For photos of Roy's rig go to instagram @4wdtribe
For Roy's Facebook page and a ton of pictures of his amazing work got to Facebook
"R.Smith.Ipaintstuff"

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In this episode host Andy talks to...well host Andy. In a first Andy tells the whole story. After recently completing the Oombulgurri Track in the Kimberley Region of Western Australia there were a few episodes to load. I thought the best way was to preface it with a warts and all account from a customer who just paid, drove and completed the track.

The Oombulgurri Track is like nothing else on the 4WD Agenda in Australia. Nothing else compares to the length, challenge and remoteness of this track. It's 400k's and 15 days of hardcore 4WD'ing. If you've never heard of the Oombulgurri Track or have it on your bucket list strap in as I publish a few episodes about driving this iconic adventure.

In this first one I talk a bout preparation for the vehicle, food planning, water supply. How much it costs, how to book, what to expect. I will quote Graham Cahill from 4WD247 fame at the Kunnanurra pub on the Wednesday before we left to do the track. "It's the best track I've ever done"

For some photos head to Instagram @4wdtribe
To book or for info from Jed: https://explore-wa.net
To book or info from Ronnie: https://www.justoverthehills.com
To see the track in the conditions we enjoyed see the 4WD247 videos on YouTube at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgk66lQTisY&t=1414s

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In this episode Andy talks to Traditional Owner and Balangara man Colin Morgan while on the Oombulgurri Track In the Kimberley region of W.A. This is day 11 of 15 and we are near Oomeri a place of special rock art and waterholes. Colin and Andy talk about how the 4WD Track tag along business started and which 4WD you tubers were partly responsible. We yarn about the Oombulgurri community and it's demise. We explore the country from a traditional owners perspective and talk all things about the track both old and new. This is the first trip to experience King George falls from the land after the Penny Wells group opened the track finally after many attempts and we discuss what that means to us and following visitors.

To Contact Just Over The Hills for Tagalong Info: https://www.justoverthehills.com
For photos on Instagram @4wdtribe

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If you have any inkling of heading to WA in a 4WD you need to join me for a yarn with Jed Currey. Jed operates a Tag a Long 4WD business that hits Oombulgurri, Queen Victoria Desert, Goldfields Region and Dirk Hartog Island just to name a few WA regions.
Jed has been a 4WD business for years and has a wealth of knowledge. We talk vehicle prep, tyres, maintenance and more. Jed's a great bloke I first met in person on the Oombulgurri Track, he talks a great yarn and really knows his state of WA and 4WD'ing.
Somehow we even get talking about  camping in the snow, this chat goes everywhere. If you have ever thought that maybe a tag a long might be for you, have a chat with Jed, he's a no bullshit kind of guy who won't sell you something you don't need or want. But you'll never know if you don't explore the option. Website details below.

https://explore-wa.net/our-tag-a-longs-2/

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In this episode Andy chats with ZONE RV Founder Dave Biggar. These days ZONE RV are one of the major premium Off-Road caravan manufactures on OZ. But it wasn't always that way. We go back to the beginning when Composite Caravans were just a thought bubble in Daves mind to today where they operate at premium price points with Caravans selling regularly up to $250,000. With over 1,000 vans sold and over 400 on the order books Zone RV is now a major player in the premium RV market. We talk about the R&D Dave and the boys did back in the early days and how now his whole family are caravan enthusiasts. Emulating so many other young families using caravans as the holiday of choice. Dave and Andy explore the growing pains of a successful company and how the Zone Customer Community has grown to three active FB pages and the caravan customers themselves organise get togethers called Zone Musters. We discuss how some of the components in van manufacture  from Europe and Asia sometimes struggle in the harsh Australian caravan environment and the problems that causes all Australian manufacturers.

We discuss the future direction for ZoneRV and that may surprise you!

On the day this published Dave was on the way with the family to Fraser Island to holiday, great to see company leaders walking the walk.

For photos of the Carbon Fibre Plane and Zone RV stuff head to instagram @4wdtribe

For all things ZONE RV : https://www.zonerv.com.au

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Firstly: In this episode Andy makes a mistake first up. He says the journey is 600k's, it's not, it is way better, more like around 900 k's. It is around 600 k's between your first two fuel stops though, so be prepared!

I talk about my love for the Flinders Ranges and how under rated they are. So many drive past on their way somewhere else. This is a long outback drive going through and past so many interesting parts and places in the Northern Flinders.

This is a great drive on it's own or pick your own parts from the podcast to visit.

Does it rival the Gibb River Road and Cape York? Well once you've done all three you can judge. (But not before :) See you on the road!

Links to all the places visited and spoken about:

Parachilna
Edicaran Fossils
Beltana
Warraweena
Nuccaleena Mine
P.A.R. Tracks
Moolooloo Station
Nanatwarrina and Neppabunna
Iga Warta
Umberatana Wall
Arkaroola
Mt Freeling Station
Moolawatana Station
Talc Mine
Talc Alf
Lyndhurst
Farina
Copley
Leigh Creek
Aroona Dam
Angorichina Village
Blinman
Station Stays SA

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In this episode I interview Jol Fleming in Alice Springs.

Jol suffered a motor vehicle accident in 1981, inflicting him with Tetraplegia/Quadraplegia. Since then Jol has achieved so much by running a 4WD Training Business and training over 8,000 people, Awarded Gold Medal Status with C.A.M.S, Awarded Regional Territorian of the year. Joe was also instrumental in helping Lindsay Bookie with opening up the Hay River Track in the Simpson Desert for regular 4WD'ers.

Also a founding member of the Alice Springs Off Road Racing Club and then a founding member of the Central Australian Drag Racing Association. He was at times also the Race Director for the  Finke Desert Race.

Instagram for photos @4wdtribe

Google Jol Fleming or click the links below:

Tetraplegia Explanation
Jol Fleming Facebook
About Jol Fleming
News Article

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In this episode Andy covers off on the toilet paper pollution epidemic at campsites and roadsides all over Australia. Is it the newbies? The lazies? The don't cares?  No-one will ever own up to it anyway but it's getting worse! We have a choice, we are either part of the problem or part of the solution, but you get to choose.

So here's an easy SOLUTION. Listen how the 6P's can clean up Australian landscapes.

Andy shares a simple way every camper can be prepared and never need to leave toilet paper polluting the landscape ever again.

Oh! and there a few fun facts about poop I bet you never knew.

Share this with every person you know who heads off grid.

Links to solution tools mentioned in Podcast:

Drifta Dunny Bag  Great Australian made product and quality.
Butane Gas Torch  Big W but you can get these all over the place.

Photos/Video of the solution on Instagram @4wdtribe
Dunny Bag
Butane Burner
Hand Sanitiser
Shovel
Plastic/paper bags
Handwash Kit

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In this episode I have a cracking yarn with Chris Mata. I met Chris on the recent Oombulgurri Track expedition. We reminisce about all the grief Oomby caused our cars and we update on Chris's journey. 

Chris bought a Ranger and spent a bomb kitting it out with all the stuff he THOUGHT he needed to travel Australia. As you do.
 We talk about what worked, what didn't, what Chris would do differently if doing it again. We also come across some products that performed extremely well and talk about why. There's some real nuggets in this one about what you think you need and what you actually need when planning trips and builds.

I have some photos of Chris and his car on Instagram

Instagram @4wdtribe

Chis takes a lot of photos and video, the easies way to touch base is via his Instagram and all other links go from there.

Instagram: @offroadtouringaus

Chris's email is offroadtouringaus@gmail.com if you wish to contact Chris about anything Ranger and preparing one for travel.

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In this episode I chat to Glen Haddon. Glen and I have virtual campfire chat about life, the universe and everything. We start at Glen's childhood when the outdoor obsession started and follow the curve as Glen attacks life.

Glen has been around the 4WD scene for yonks! Glen's passion for 4WD'ing from youth led him to appear in the early 4WD Action DVD's,  develop the Low Range DVD business with Roothy and Kenno and then move on to Dustem Up and Trak Yakker TV. As well as media committments Glen also runs engineering businesses owned and sold Roo Systems and started Zuce Tuning. If you want Glen to achieve something, tell him he can't do it!

You can find more about Glen at:

Zuce Tuning
Recurve
Dustem Up TV
Trak Yakker TV

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If you've ever thought about getting your pride and joy 4WD tuned, you need to listen to this episode.
Glen and I talk Performance Tuning your 4WD. Glen has an absolute wealth of knowledge about tuning a car for performance. In fact these days he trains mechanics from all over Australia exactly how to do that. In fact, I don't know anyone better qualified in this country to talk 4WD tuning.

Glen runs Zuce Tuning and Zuce are the only Alientech trainers in the Southern Hemisphere. Glen has been developing tuning systems for years and knows his way around a tuning computer to ensure a 4WD will not only go harder but also be safe.

We ask all the questions anyone thinking of tuning their 4WD should ask. We talk about the outcomes you should expect and whether a dyno is critical to tuning your car or not.

We talk real world experience as Glen finds out for the first time in the episode I actually purchased one of his tunes several years ago. I spring it on Glen and we discuss how it has worked for me over the years.

Some of the questions we ask.
What performance gains can you expect from a safe tune?
What questions should you ask before giving your forby to a tuner?
Is a tune guaranteed?
How does a tune affect warranty?
Are Dyno figures important?
Will accessories fitted after the tune affect it?
Will I need a new clutch if I have a tune?

More about Glen and Tuning:
Zuce Tuning
Recurve Tuning
Dustem Up TV
Trak Yakker TV

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Danny Beyer A.K.A. Danno Bananno founder of the Facebook group  "Tag Along Caravanning,Camping & 4X4 Australia"
Danny sold up the family home bought a Kedron Caravan and hit the road full time. He's a wealth of knowledge about travelling in a van with a family and having a cracker time doing it.

We talk about:
-Tag a long touring with other like minded people.
-Under bonnet Lithium Batteries for your car. Should you consider?
-Kedron Caravans, are they any good?
-Tips and ideas for touring Cape York in a caravan, Danno's been 4 times. Get the good oil.
-The three most important things if your building a new caravan.
-Should you include a front window? Yes, No?
And much much more, Danno and I catch up on a lazy Sunday afternoon and chew the fat about life, the universe and everything camping and caravanning.

Danno's Facebook group
Danno's YouTube page

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(This is part one of the lithium story. When Stewart gets back from the Simpson Desert testing much of what we talk about we'll have another chat. Keep an ear out or (subscribe so you don't miss it) for part two in the coming weeks.)

In this episode I talk to Stewart Paternoster from Toyotrek. Stewart fitted Danno's (last episode) under bonnet lithium batteries in his 200 Series land cruiser 18 months before this episode.

I ask plenty of (and no doubt some dumb) typical customer questions of Stewart about fitting Lithium Batteries under the bonnet of 4WD vehicles. Stewart answers everything and opens my mind up to some advantages and benefits of Lithium I hadn't yet thought of.

If your the slightest bit curious about fitting Lithium Batteries to your rig then buckle in and listen up.

Stewarts Facebook
Toyotrek Facebook
Stewarts Number: 0410 641 481

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Danie is one of the nicest 4WD'ers you'll ever meet. She's a heavy vehicle mechanic in the R.A.A.F. Works on her own 75 Series. Works along side her partner at JRACE Industries in Townsville.  Loves camping and 4WD'ing. Tows a Patriot Camper Trailer. Has a dog named MARS.

Danie aslo has over 111,000 followers on Instagram and has had over 2,000,000 views to her Youtube episodes. All links below.

So how does she fit in being so nice and down to earth! Grab a beer or a Bundy and turn up the volume, Danie and I have a lazy Saturday Arvo chat about pretty much everything.

We talk:
Camping in Townsville
Diff Locks
Whats the best FIRST 4WD
Diff housing replacements for 79 Series Toyota
Being in the R.A.A.F.
Patriot Campers
MARS the dog
Mental health
Instagram business stuff
Youtube business stuff
and much, much, much more.

Instagram: @danie_mon
Youtube:  Danie Simpson
JRACE Industries

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This episode covers a recent fishing trip to the Coburg Peninsula, Arnhem Land N.T. There are pictures (luckily, after all it is fishing). You can see at:

Instagram @4wdtribe

My mate from this years Oombulgurri trip, Bob and I head out of Darwin by plane to Seven Spirit Bay in Arnhem Land. Seven Spirit Bay is operated as a fishing lodge in tandem with "The Barra Lodge" by these guys:

Roger Sinclair

Sales & Travel Coordinator

Fishing Tropical Australia

Ph: 08 8983 1544 Fax: 08 72232059

www.barralodge.com.au

www.sevenspiritbay.com.au 
The best way to see the resort is from the photos on their website.

If your interested get on the email list and occaisionally specials come out. I won't bullshit you. It is not cheap. But after you have a listen and see the photos you can decide if it's for you. 

This is not a paid AD! Bob and I paid full market rates for the offer on at the time of visit.

Hope you enjoy!

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*WARNING* Elodie drops a couple of F Bombs late in this episode but they are totally in context so I left them in.

I met Elodie at Seven Spirit Bay and she embodies the impact "Backpackers" have on our 4WDing experiences around Australia. We meet them at pubs, roadhouses, resorts, and they are so entwined in the 4WD Tribe experience that when covid hit and they didn't come many remote roadhouses and Hotels simply stayed shut or wound back the services they could offer. It's obvious after covid how much impact backpackers have on the 4WD Tribe experience in Australia.

I certainly felt this personally at Drysdale River Station on the Gibb after 16 days remote on the Oombulgurri Track I just wanted a cooked meal and a beer I didn't have to prepare. Well, the beer was on, but because of staff shortage, no meal!

Elodie tells us about her adventures and what makes Australia so good. Elodie's attitude is refreshing and a testament to what makes this country so great. You just seem to meet the most amazing people in the 4WDTribe.

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Merry Christmas everyone. In this episode I do a wrap of the year and talk about the podcast over the last 12 months. As well as:
The Flinders ranges
Back of Bourke
Darling River
Toilet Paper
Firepits
Tyre Pressure Monitors
Camping and Caravan Etiquette

Stationstays SA

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Do you need to upgrade your intercooler? Join the banter with Andy and Craig Maxwell from Cross Country 4x4 as they talk all things intercooler.

The guys at Cross Country 4x4 have made over 10,000 performance intercoolers and really know their stuff.
Full disclosure Andy has had the twin fan upgrade on his 79 Series Toyota for around 3-4 years now. As usual no sponsorship of any kind so all information is freely shared.

Craig's a full on nice guy so if you have any questions at all about your car and intercoolers give him a call.

Cross Country 4x4 Phone 08 8357 5993

crosscountry4x4.com.au