Blog Archives

4X4

Toyota NZ’s fantastic ad is ruined by the usual ad agency mistakes…why don’t agencies ever learn?

30 May 2022 Robert Pepper

Toyota New Zealand have come up with a pretty cool advert for the Hilux. Have a watch: There is a lot to love about this ad. Firstly, the premise is real…so many times I’ve been out in the bush somewhere, and come face-to-face with someone I know, and had exactly that sort of driver-door-to-driver-door conversation […]

4X4

Starlink is now officially here for RVs, 4x4s and overlanders!

24 May 2022 Robert Pepper

Starlink is a very high speed, satellite Internet access system which works in many parts of the world, and will eventually offer worldwide coverage, similar to satphones. It was originally designed for fixed locations, but some early adopters like me travelled with it anyway, and simply changed the service address to our current location, even […]

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Racetrack Mistakes

23 May 2022 Robert Pepper

There’s plenty of mistakes made on racetracks, and they can end up rather expensive or painful. So I’m analysing a few in the hope of helping myself, and others not make those same mistakes again! 1. Lotus Elise Oversteer The first one is one of my own. What mistake was made to enter an oversteer […]

4X4

Camping, 4×4 & Caravan Tips if you’re strength or height limited

19 May 2022 Robert Pepper

Any form of travelling requires more strength, agility and mobility than just staying home. Even bending down to the ground can be difficult for those who are aged or carry injuries. And not everyone is a strong, adult male – many are shorter and lack upper body strength. There’s so much in camping and vanning […]

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Should you buy a cat or a Lotus Elise?

7 May 2022 Robert Pepper

This is not a question I get asked very often but as a service to my readers, I have conducted a comparative test. The answer is clear. A Lotus Elise will make you happier than a cat! And I should like to clarify – I am kind to cats.

4X4

INEOS release details of the service locations for the Grenadier in Australia and New Zealand: UPDATED 28/4/22

27 April 2022 Robert Pepper

One of the concerns 4×4 owners and operators have with any vehicle is service locations, particuarly in this modern age where you need more diagonistic equipment than a set of spanners. Many owners will buy Toyota “because you can get it serviced and fixed anywhere” – which isn’t entirely true as it’s doubtful remote stations […]

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How to share the track on a trackday

22 April 2022 Robert Pepper

There are many resources in life that we must share. So it’s best for all, safest and most efficient, if we all cooperate. And that’s definitely true of track driving. Unfortuantely, there is often some selfish behaviour by some drivers. And in fairness, new drivers may not understand how to share. There’s also a bit […]

4X4

Is this photograph real, and why did you take it anyway?

21 April 2022 Robert Pepper

In the latest example of commenting based on flawed assumptions, I posted the image above and was told it was photoshopped from flat. It isn’t. Here’s the car earlier on the track: Nobody would suggest that photograph is modified. It does give an idea of the track, which is basically a U-shaped gully. If I’d […]

4X4

Why would you write that comment?

20 April 2022 Robert Pepper

When you’re offroading, you need gear that works and doesn’t break – in other words, quality. But not all gear is good quality, which leads to problems out in the bush. SoI posted this on my Facebook page. It shows some Maxtrax with some cheap copies. The cheapies are broken, shattered on first use. The […]

4X4

Why powering a trailer won’t be the real answer to EV towing range

19 April 2022 Robert Pepper

Trailers are, literally, a drag to tow. They sap power from the towcar, reduce range, and reduce offroad capability. They are also a big, heavy, potentially dangerous object to have exerting a force on your car. Electric trailers can change a lot of that. The concept is simple; add a battery and motors to the […]

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