We continue our conversation with Matt from MadMatt 4WD after the tragic death of Ryan Woods.  This episode looks at correct techniques and alternatives to snatch strap recoveries.

Here is the link to the original post on 4x4earth.  WARNING - graphic images.

Check out MaddMatt's video.

Robert Pepper's video looking at forces generated by these kinds of dynamic rescues.

Check out the show notes on 4x4earth.com for more details and links to the sites we've mentioned in the podcast.

Ryan Woods died in tragic circumstances while 4 wheel driving in Arizona last week. 

We talk to Matt from MadMatt 4WD about what happened and what lessons we can all learn.

Here is the link to the original post on 4x4earth.  WARNING - graphic images.

Check out MaddMatt's video.

Robert Pepper's video looking at forces generated by these kinds of dynamic rescues.

Check out the show notes on 4x4earth.com for more details and links to the sites we've mentioned in the podcast.

We talk to Jason Lock, one of the Judges for the 4x4 Australia 4x4 of the year competition.

Which vehicles won and why?

What vehicles should be in the running next year.  There are some pretty exciting vehicles coming out that will make the competition very interesting.

Check out the show notes on 4x4earth.com for more details and links to the sites we've mentioned in the podcast.

Join the conversation about  the 4x4earth podcast on the 4x4earth forum.  www.4x4earth.com is Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel driving website with over 200,000 visits per month.

If you are loving 4x4earth.com, check out the 4x4earth Merch.  The sales help to keep Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel drive website and the largest Australian 4x4 Podcast!  It helps us to keep on doing the work to keep tracks open.

We talk to Jason Lock, one of the Judges for the 4x4 Australia 4x4 of the year competition.

Jason scored a dream job, heading out with the 4x4 Australia team to judge the 4x4 Australia 4x4 of the year.

What vehicles where on the long list and how did they narrow the field done to the short list?  Jason talks about the entrants and the judging process.  All of the vehicles were stock, so there were no after market mods, including tyres! This obviously makes a big difference because some of the vehicles would really struggle with roadies on.

Which 4x4s where on the long list?
Which 4WDs made it to the short list?

How did they run their tests?  A really interesting story about determining the best 4WDs in Australia.

The 4x4 Australia 4x4 of the year is a major milestone for vehicle manufacturers, so it is great to get an insiders view of the judging process and what makes the grade and what doesn't.

Join the conversation about the 4x4earth podcast on the 4x4earth forum.  www.4x4earth.com is Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel driving website with over 200,000 visits per month.

If you are loving 4x4earth.com, check out the 4x4earth Merch.  The sales help to keep Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel drive website and the largest Australian 4x4 Podcast!  It helps us to keep on doing the work to keep tracks open.

What will EV 4WDs be like in 5 or 10 years time?

Whether climate change is real or not (it is!), there is an undeniable trend away from fossil fuel vehicles, so what will EV 4WDs look like?  We talk to Robert Pepper about the EV 4WD myths and possibilities.

Obviously range is going to be an issue.  How will long-range trips be managed where there is nowhere to recharge? Can a 4WD recharge with panels on the roof?  Will improvements in efficiency and battery power to create vehicles with 1000km range?

What about hydrogen fuel cells for 4x4s?  Will the technology enable this cheap, but dangerous, fuel to provide the kind of range and power required to go offroad?  Hydrogen's energy density. Diesel has an energy density of 45.5 megajoules per kilogram (MJ/kg), slightly lower than gasoline, which has an energy density of 45.8 MJ/kg. Hydrogen has an energy density of approximately 120 MJ/kg, almost three times more than diesel or gasoline.  Will Hydrogen be the answer for everyone heading offroad?  This is a big opportunity as we look for a solution that provides the range we need before filling up / refuelling.

I've still got an oiler, which every time I see what comes out the exhaust when I hit the accelerator, I think there has to be a better long term solution.

Join the conversation about  the 4x4earth podcast on the 4x4earth forum.  www.4x4earth.com is Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel driving website with over 200,000 visits per month.

If you are loving 4x4earth.com, check out the 4x4earth Merch.  The sales help to keep Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel drive website and the largest Australian 4x4 Podcast!  It helps us to keep on doing the work to keep tracks open.

For more information on Robert Pepper, check out L2SFBC.

Robert Pepper gives a detailed report on his Toyota LandCruiser 300 Test Drive and a test ride with the Ineos Grenadier.

What does he think of both of these vehicles?  These are 2 great examples of some of the new 4WDs that are coming out to cater for the needs of real 4 wheel drivers.  How are the manufacturers going in developing vehicles for the Australian bush and how do they point they way ahead as far as 4x4 vehicle trends?

What will the Ineos Grenadier be like offroad, how much will it cost and is it something we should be thinking about?  Who is it aimed at?

How does the new LandCruiser 300 improve on the previous LandCruiser?  How does the new engine and transmission perform?

Join the conversation about  the 4x4earth podcast on the 4x4earth forum.  www.4x4earth.com is Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel driving website with over 200,000 visits per month.

If you are loving 4x4earth.com, check out the 4x4earth Merch.  The sales help to keep Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel drive website and the largest Australian 4x4 Podcast!  It helps us to keep on doing the work to keep tracks open.

If you want to learn more about Robert's great 4WD journalism, check out L2SFBC.

This week we talk 2021 4WD utes with Robert Pepper, Australia's best 4WD journalist.

We talk:

• Toyota
• Nissan
• Isuzu
• Mazda

What's good and what's not.  Have a listen and let us know what you think.

Check out the show notes on 4x4earth.com for more details and links to the sites we've mentioned in the podcast.

Join the conversation about  the 4x4earth podcast on the 4x4earth forum.  www.4x4earth.com is Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel driving website with over 200,000 visits per month.

If you are loving 4x4earth.com, check out the 4x4earth Merch.  The sales help to keep Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel drive website and the largest Australian 4x4 Podcast!  It helps us to keep on doing the work to keep tracks open.

Our previous podcast, 4WD tips for Newbies, has been one of our most popular.  If you're new or have newby mates, have a listen.

This week we talk new 4WDs with Robert Pepper, Australia's best 4WD journalist.

We talk:

• Land Rover Defender
• Jeep Gladiator
• Ineos Grenadier

Check out the show notes on 4x4earth.com for more details and links to the sites we've mentioned in the podcast.

Join the conversation about  the 4x4earth podcast on the 4x4earth forum.  www.4x4earth.com is Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel driving website with over 200,000 visits per month.

If you are loving 4x4earth.com, check out the 4x4earth Merch.  The sales help to keep Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel drive website and the largest Australian 4x4 Podcast!  It helps us to keep on doing the work to keep tracks open.

New to going offroad?  Definitely have a listen to our newbies podcast edition. 

My first time out 4 wheel driving  we ended up on the back of truck!  So have a listen to this podcast and get some ideas on what to do so you get out safely, have a great time, and get back safe as well, ready for your next trip out.

Check out the show notes on 4x4earth.com for more details and links to the sites we've mentioned in the podcast.

Join the conversation about  the 4x4earth podcast on the 4x4earth forum.  www.4x4earth.com is Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel driving website with over 200,000 visits per month.

If you are loving 4x4earth.com, check out the 4x4earth Merch.  The sales help to keep Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel drive website and the largest Australian 4x4 Podcast!  It helps us to keep on doing the work to keep tracks open.

This is the 2nd in our 2 part interview with Wayne Hevey, the CEO of 4WD Victoria.  We discuss how 4WD Victoria is working for clubs to maintain track access.

Check out the show notes on 4x4earth.com for more details and links to the sites we've mentioned in the podcast.

Join the conversation about  the 4x4earth podcast on the 4x4earth forum.  www.4x4earth.com is Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel driving website with over 200,000 visits per month.

If you are loving 4x4earth.com, check out the 4x4earth Merch.  The sales help to keep Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel drive website and the largest Australian 4x4 Podcast!  It helps us to keep on doing the work to keep tracks open.

Our next guest is Wayne Hevey from 4WD Victoria.  He discusses some of the work that 4WD Victoria has been doing to keep tracks open.

Check out the show notes on 4x4earth.com for more details and links to the sites we've mentioned in the podcast.

Join the conversation about  the 4x4earth podcast on the 4x4earth forum.  www.4x4earth.com is Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel driving website with over 200,000 visits per month.

If you are loving 4x4earth.com, check out the 4x4earth Merch.  The sales help to keep Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel drive website and the largest Australian 4x4 Podcast!  It helps us to keep on doing the work to keep tracks open.

We we continue our discussion with Bill Schulz from the Bush User Group United about some proposed changes to land in Victoria and why it is important that all of the Bush Users come together

We look at what we can do to maintain land access for all.

Check out the show notes on 4x4earth.com for more details and links to the sites we've mentioned in the podcast.

Join the conversation about  the 4x4earth podcast on the 4x4earth forum.  www.4x4earth.com is Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel driving website with over 200,000 visits per month.

If you are loving 4x4earth.com, check out the 4x4earth Merch.  The sales help to keep Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel drive website and the largest Australian 4x4 Podcast!  It helps us to keep on doing the work to keep tracks open.

We talk to Bill Schulz from the Bush User Group United about some proposed changes to land in Victoria and why it is important that all of the Bush Users come together

We discuss the recent attempted changes for 70,000 hectares of land from State Forest to National Park and what that means for all bush users. 

Check out the show notes on 4x4earth.com for more details and links to the sites we've mentioned in the podcast.

Join the conversation about  the 4x4earth podcast on the 4x4earth forum.  www.4x4earth.com is Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel driving website with over 200,000 visits per month.

If you are loving 4x4earth.com, check out the 4x4earth Merch.  The sales help to keep Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel drive website and the largest Australian 4x4 Podcast!  It helps us to keep on doing the work to keep tracks open.

This track features Shane Rose, the new President of 4WD Australia.

We discuss the recent attempted changes for 70,000 hectares of land from State Forest to National Park and what that means for all bush users. 

Check out the show notes on 4x4earth.com for more details and links to the sites we've mentioned in the podcast.

Join the conversation about  the 4x4earth podcast on the 4x4earth forum.  www.4x4earth.com is Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel driving website with over 200,000 visits per month.

If you are loving 4x4earth.com, check out the 4x4earth Merch.  The sales help to keep Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel drive website and the largest Australian 4x4 Podcast!  It helps us to keep on doing the work to keep tracks open.

This track features Shane Rose, the new President of 4WD Australia.

We discuss the recent attempted changes for 70,000 hectares of land from State Forest to National Park and what that means for all bush users. 

Check out the show notes on 4x4earth.com for more details and links to the sites we've mentioned in the podcast.

Join the conversation about  the 4x4earth podcast on the 4x4earth forum.  www.4x4earth.com is Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel driving website with over 200,000 visits per month.

If you are loving 4x4earth.com, check out the 4x4earth Merch.  The sales help to keep Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel drive website and the largest Australian 4x4 Podcast!  It helps us to keep on doing the work to keep tracks open.

This is the second part of our interview with 4WD journalist Robert Pepper.  In the first episode, we discussed what the future of electric 4x4s will be like and how soon it will be before they are on the roads and more importantly on the 4x4 tracks.

Check out the website for the show notes for what we discuss on the podcast.

Join the conversation about  the 4x4earth podcast on the 4x4earth forum.  www.4x4earth.com is Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel driving website with over 200,000 visits per month.

If you are loving 4x4earth.com, check out the 4x4earth Merch.  The sales help to keep Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel drive website and the largest Australian 4x4 Podcast!  It helps us to keep on doing the work to keep tracks open.

We talk about the introduction of electric 4x4s and how soon they will be on the tracks with Robert Pepper.

Join the conversation about  the 4x4earth podcast on the 4x4earth forum.  www.4x4earth.com is Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel driving website with over 200,000 visits per month.

If you are loving 4x4earth.com, check out the 4x4earth Merch.  The sales help to keep Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel drive website and the largest Australian 4x4 Podcast!  It helps us to keep on doing the work to keep tracks open.

We talk about the future of 4 wheel driving and the politics of 4 wheel driving with Roothy.

What are the changes that are occurring in the political field that are going to impact the track changes.

Check out the show notes for all of the details and photos from the podcast.

Join the conversation about  the 4x4earth podcast on the 4x4earth forum.  www.4x4earth.com is Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel driving website with over 200,000 visits per month.

If you are loving 4x4earth.com, check out the 4x4earth Merch.  The sales help to keep Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel drive website and the largest Australian 4x4 Podcast!  It helps us to keep on doing the work to keep tracks open.

There is something special about 4 wheel drive out in the bush and away from the hustle and bustle of the cities.  Roothy talks about why he loves 4 wheel driving and how he is seeing an increase in the number of tracks that are opening across the country.

We talk about his time at 4WD Action and why he decided to leave and what he thinks the future of the 4x4 aftermarket industry will be.

Join the conversation about  the 4x4earth podcast on the 4x4earth forum.  www.4x4earth.com is Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel driving website with over 200,000 visits per month.

If you are loving 4x4earth.com, check out the 4x4earth Merch.  The sales help to keep Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel drive website and the largest Australian 4x4 Podcast!  It helps us to keep on doing the work to keep tracks open.

Roothy has a big announcement about what he is going to be doing for Milo as he plans Milo’s big last trip. 

Milo is one of Australia’s most recognisable 4 wheel drives, it’s probably done nearly all of the iconic 4 wheel tracks throughout Australia.  I have always been amazed at the queue of people at 4 wheel drive shows lining up to see Milo.  Roothy has had Milo for over 20 years.

We talk about Roothy’s adventure in Milo 2.  Out on the tracks with the hand brake and he managed to roll Milo 2. 

We discuss about how everyone needs to be vigilant – driving on the tracks can be really dangerous and if someone as experienced as Roothy can have a bit of a whoopsy whilst driving then it can happen to anyone.   I tell my story about my little adventure in Talbotville and the snorkel that I needed in a creek crossing gone wrong. 

We look at the difference in set up between Milo and Milo 2 and why Milo is better set up and wouldn’t have rolled like Milo 2.  There are some important lessons here for everyone heading offroad in setting up your 4x4 so that it is safer and more stable when on the tracks.  Rollovers can happen at very low speeds and a lot of it depends on what modifications that you have done with your 4WD.  Centre of Gravity is something that everyone need to understand if they want to avoid rolling over.  Some great safety tips for making sure that everyone comes home safely from their trips whether a day trip or a 2 month trip to the Cape.

Join the conversation about the 4x4earth podcast on the 4x4earth forum.  www.4x4earth.com is Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel driving website with over 200,000 visits per month.

If you are loving 4x4earth.com, check out the 4x4earth Merch.  The sales help to keep Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel drive website and the largest Australian 4x4 Podcast!  It helps us to keep on doing the work to keep tracks open.

Pete has been working as the Chief Engineer on the Jeep Gladiator.  Pete has a great job, as an engineer for Jeep, working on some of the most iconic 4WDs of all time.

We talk about the history of Jeep trucks and what the reasoning was behind creating a new Jeep truck now.

Where did the Jeep Gladiator come from?

When then start to talk about the engineering process that lead to the Jeep Gladiator, looking at the issues that needed to be managed by putting the 5 foot box at the back of the truck.  How do you maintain the approach and departure angles for the vehicle.

Jeep has worked to maintain offroad capacity whilst creating a great on road performance. 

What engines will be available when the Gladiator comes out?  How will it compare with the global trend that we are seeing in vehicle like the Nissan Patrol with less power?

We talk about the front facing camera designed specifically for drivers to be able to pick the line a lot better as they will be able to see where the wheels are going on the track. 

We talk about availability and most importantly when it will be available in Australia.

With Australia's love of 4WD utes, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator is probably going to be one of the hottest new vehicles available in the Australian market. 

Join the conversation about  the 4x4earth podcast on the 4x4earth forum.  www.4x4earth.com is Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel driving website with over 200,000 visits per month.

If you are loving 4x4earth.com, check out the 4x4earth Merch.  The sales help to keep Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel drive website and the largest Australian 4x4 Podcast!  It helps us to keep on doing the work to keep tracks open.

The difference between air lockers and eLockers is one of the most popular discussion points on the 4x4earth forum, so we decided to get an expert in to discuss the difference.

Heath is the General Manager at Harrop Engineering.  He drives a Harrop Superado, an Holden Colorado with an upgunned V8 Harrop supercharger engine. 

Harrop was started in 1955 by Len Harrop in the northern suburbs of Melbourne.  His son had the Harrop Howler, a very fast quarter miler. Heath talks about how Harrop has transitioned about from supporting the Australian vehicle manufacturing industry to exporting components for vehicles like the Toyota Tundra.

We discuss what exactly an eLocker is and how it works with the diff.  Heath talks about how the eLocker passes the 300,000 km durability testing.  Originally developed by Eaton for the military, the eLocker is designed for reliability and durability.  An electromagnet is actuated to engage the diff locking mechanism.

Harrop has developed a range of 4 pinion designs for a large range of vehicles.  The gears, splines and internal housings are manufactured in Australia.

We talk about what kinds of driving conditions and tracks you would use a selectable locker for.  We also talk about the difference between front and rear lockers and when you would choose either. 

We discuss the next innovations for Harrop, like the PX3.

How hard is an eLocker to fit?  We look at whether it is a DIY solution or if it should be fitted professionally.

A great Aussie manufacturing story with some great innovation and big export wins.

Join the conversation about  the 4x4earth podcast on the 4x4earth forum.  www.4x4earth.com is Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel driving website with over 200,000 visits per month.

If you are loving 4x4earth.com, check out the 4x4earth Merch.  The sales help to keep Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel drive website and the largest Australian 4x4 Podcast!  It helps us to keep on doing the work to keep tracks open.

We discuss with Robert Pepper the new towing laws that are being bought in.  How do the GCM and GVM impact the caravan towers?

We talk about one of the things that Russell Coight  did on one of his episodes.  Should you use a tow ball for snatching?  Russell did.  What could possibly go wrong?

Should you put nitrogen in your tyres?

What about snatchblocks?

Where is the new 4WD design concepts going? 

We discuss the new Mercedes Utes and the Suzuki Jimny and the Wrangler.  Are the older vehicles going to become classics becasue of the way that they drive?

Join the conversation about  the 4x4earth podcast on the 4x4earth forum.  www.4x4earth.com is Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel driving website with over 200,000 visits per month.

If you are loving 4x4earth.com, check out the 4x4earth Merch.  The sales help to keep Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel drive website and the largest Australian 4x4 Podcast!  It helps us to keep on doing the work to keep tracks open.

Robert recently drove the new Ford Raptor recently and he gives us his opinion on what it is like to drive.  We talk about the engine and where you could drive the Raptor.  What would it be like towing?  Would Robert buy one?

Jeep Wrangler Ute!  This will be due out next year and looks really interesting.  A ute will fix one of the big problems with the Jeep - lack of space in the cabin, so it will be very popular.  I am pretty keen on checking it out.

What does Robert think about the Colorado ZR1?  Is it something that is worth a look or is it a skip?

What is it that is causing the recent spate of utes that snap their chassis?  Is it related to overloading?

We also discuss tyre pressure management systems.  TPMS are becoming increasingly popular - are they worth the money. 

Navarra D40s - is there an issue with the automatic transmission on them when you take them offroad?

Lastly, we bid farewell to Pete Brett, AKA Mr Rum, a regular around a lot of campfires around NSW, Victoria and South Australia.  Mr Rum was out driving through the Victorian High Country when he went around a blind corner and there was a tree across the road.  Despite traveling very slowly, the icy road meant he slid of the side of the road and down the gully.  Our condolences to Jen and Steve and the rest of his family and friends.

Join the conversation about  the 4x4earth podcast on the 4x4earth forum.  www.4x4earth.com is Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel driving website with over 200,000 visits per month.

If you are loving 4x4earth.com, check out the 4x4earth Merch.  The sales help to keep Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel drive website and the largest Australian 4x4 Podcast!  It helps us to keep on doing the work to keep tracks open.

We look at the number of people who don't finish the Dakar Rally.  It is a very tough course, expensive to compete in and there is some unforgiving terrain, so the failure rate is very high.

The vehicles aren't stock, so they are heavily modified to make them capable of surviving the terrain at speed, whilst trying to keep the weight as low as possible.  There are some fundamental changes to the vehicle, including moving the radiator to behind the cabin.  There is nothing in the car that doesn't need to be there.

Recovery is another issue.  You have to be able to self recover, so vehicle design is done with recovery as a big issue.

Bruce talks about how the change in temperature in the sand dunes can make a big difference in how hard the driving is. 

We talk about the mental preparation that you need to be a Dakar Rally driver.  How can you prepare to do some epic Big Dune driving.

We look at the technique required to drive down Big Dunes.  It is not as easy as it looks and getting the technique correct is really important.

Bruce talks about the Australian Safaris, which was a smaller version of the Rally.  It no longer runs because of the cost to run the event, which is sad. 

The Redex trials were a precursor to all of this and gave a big boost to the Australian 4 wheel drive industry. 

The Rallies are a big bart of 4WD tourism, and in countries like Chile, hundreds of thousands of tourists go to Chile to visit some of the places that are highlighted by the Dakar Rally and the Desert Challenge.

We discuss Bruce's experience as a mechanic and the kinds of things that he learnt that helped him with his Rally driving.

We talk about some of his driving in Asian countries.

Join the conversation about  the 4x4earth podcast on the 4x4earth forum.  www.4x4earth.com is Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel driving website with over 200,000 visits per month.

If you are loving 4x4earth.com, check out the 4x4earth Merch.  The sales help to keep Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel drive website and the largest Australian 4x4 Podcast!  It helps us to keep on doing the work to keep tracks open.