4X4

Snatch block loads

14 August 2020 Robert Pepper

If the force required to move the tree is X, and a snatch block is used on another tree to reverse the pull (not shown), then what is the approximate force the winch will produce (Y) and what is the force on the tree with the snatch block (Z) ? a) Y = 0.5 X, […]

4X4

What’s the load on twin recovery points with a bridle?

13 August 2020 Robert Pepper

Here’s a question recently posed on the Facebook page: This vehicle is stuck and needs a 1500kg pull to move. A bridle has been used as part of the recovery system. What is the total load on each of the recovery points? a) 3000kg b) 1500kg c) somewhere between 750 and 1500kg d) 750kg e) […]

4X4

Australian 4X4ing for non-Aussies

10 August 2020 Robert Pepper

Every country has its own, identifiable landscapes and I believe each has its own “carscapes” as well. In the case of offroad tourers the former is a direct influence on the latter, so Australia’s vast distances and open tracks mean the average 4WD is quite different to most other places. It is always dangerous to […]

4X4

Amarok or Range Rover Sport? Or Discovery 4 or Landcruiser 200 Series?

7 August 2020 Robert Pepper

I am now considering the eight speed Amarok auto due out in July I believe. Possible issue: no transfer case/low range. Any thoughts please? Do you think that it could be as bush capable if compensated by an ultra low first and associated traction controls? I believe that you may have intimated in your latest book that low range […]

4X4

Why softroaders have to travel more slowly

5 August 2020 Robert Pepper

The Freelander 2 has a respectable ground clearance of 220mm, very good for its class. Some bigger 4WDs such as the Patrol and LandCruiser 100 only make 210mm, the LandCruiser Prado is 207. So surely they can travel at the same speed on rough roads? Not the case. Firstly by rough roads I mean a […]

4X4

Mounting a GPS Receiver and Accessories in the vehicle

4 August 2020 Robert Pepper

Things to consider when mounting a GPS receiver, laptop computer, or PDA (personal digital assistant, used for moving-map systems) inside the vehicle: 1. Safety. First and foremost. Some things to consider • Will it come loose? Even over ruts and corrugations? You do not want an expensive GPS receiver bouncing around the cabin. • Does […]

4X4

Should I buy a TDV8 Rangie Sport?

4 August 2020 Robert Pepper

Hello Thanks for having such a useful website, I look forward to your updated book coming out in August. I’m looking to get my first 4×4 and my wife wants something that isn’t ‘like a trunk to drive’ with a few nice options (leather seats, sat nav, sun roof etc). Given my budget we are […]

4X4

Tyre problems

4 August 2020 Robert Pepper

A reader wrote in to Overlander to thank us for the tyre guide. Unfortunately, the tyre shop fitted the wrong tyres. It was sorted out in the end…. Regular readers may recall a letter from ‘Squizz’ thanking us for our comprehensive tyre guide as in it we had listed the Cooper STT in 275/65/R18, and […]

4X4

Why low-profile rims get damaged more when you drive offroad

4 August 2020 Robert Pepper

Everyone knows low-profile tyres and rims get damaged more easily than high profiles. The low-profiles are those tyre/rim combos that are mostly rim with a little bit of rubber for tyre. That’s great for on-road handling, but not so good in the bush for various reasons, but here we’ll focus only on why they are […]

4X4

I own a 4WD ute and I’m not worried about the future

2 August 2020 Robert Pepper

Once a month or so, I’m out in the bush with friends and family, camping or just exploring. I’d do it more often, but I reserve a few weekends a year for competing in a state car racing championship, or researching content for my job as an automotive journalist. So yes, I’m a fully credentialed […]

4X4

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