{"id":48076,"date":"2022-04-29T09:00:36","date_gmt":"2022-04-28T23:30:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/?p=48076"},"modified":"2023-06-22T07:58:24","modified_gmt":"2023-06-21T22:28:24","slug":"4wd-gear","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/4wd-gear\/","title":{"rendered":"A Rookie’s Gear Guide for 4WD-ing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When I bought my first real 4WD last year, I was not at all ashamed to admit I didn\u2019t know what half the buttons do \u2013 let alone when to use them, or what to do after I became ambitious enough to push a few.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luckily for me, when it comes to the buttons, the latest models of 4WDs are about as close to idiot-proof as you can get. That said, the rest of the driving is definitely up to you \u2013 so I figured I\u2019d have some lessons. My nephew quite helpfully suggested that \u201cwhen in doubt, more right foot\u201d was all I really needed to know \u2013 but I figured I\u2019d cough up the bucks and head up to Quorn in the Flinders Ranges, to train with Norm from Pindan Tours and 4WD Training. <\/p>\n\n\n

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The latest models of 4WDs are about as close to idiot-proof as you can get!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

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A freeloading Bearded Dragon decides to take part in the 4WD training too!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I can honestly say, it was life-changing. Perhaps not in the same way people would say after taking part in a firewalk with Tony Robbins (I\u2019ve done that too, by the way) \u2013 more in a practical, and \u2018holy cow, I didn\u2019t know I could do THAT\u2019 kind of way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s what I learned (and what I\u2019ve bought\u2026or am going to buy, now that I\u2019m basically an expert):<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Tow bars are not for recovering other vehicles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tow balls can launch like projectiles \u2013 and wow, they sure do make a mess when they go through the front windscreen of the vehicle being towed! I didn\u2019t do this, but I saw photos of people who had \u2013 and holy cow! Not great. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Norm demonstrates how to assemble the recovery kit equipment<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ll be buying a proper set of bibs and bobs<\/a> for a recovery kit<\/a>, and also look for proper recovery points<\/a> on my car. Apparently, snatch ropes are better, safer, and more effective than snatch straps<\/a>, while soft shackles are better than those metal D-ring thingies\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n

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Norm assembles the recovery equipment – including soft shackles, snatch ropes, and a recovery damper<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

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A rear recovery point\/hitch<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Side note: I also learned the correct way to use kinetic recovery gear, which probably isn\u2019t as much fun as when Uncle Dave (who knows it all) tells you how to do it. That said, there\u2019s a lower chance of getting killed\u2026so I\u2019m happy to do it the boring way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. There\u2019s an easy way to change a tyre…then there\u2019s my way<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The tyre-changing hacks were in-cred-ible<\/em>, one of which required a shovel<\/a> to prop the tyre up while aligning and fitting it back on\u2026 and yep, I\u2019ll be getting me one of those shovels too, thanks very much.<\/p>\n\n\n

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One tyre-changing hack involved first propping a shovel underneath it<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n

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Norm demonstrates how to change a tyre using a digger shovel<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

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There’s an easy way to change a tyre… then there’s my way!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. MAXTRAX Recovery Tracks are available in some pretty colours (oh, and they\u2019re pretty useful too)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I learned when to use two, when to use four, and<\/em> that there are pink ones available<\/a> \u2013 hello<\/em>! Sign me up. I knew a bit about deflating and re-inflating<\/a> your tyres when planning to drive on soft sand, but was always too scared to put it into practice. Plus, I didn\u2019t fancy trying to inflate my tyres using my mouth\u2026 so now I know how and when to do so properly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now I just need to decide whether I go for the tyre-pressure-gauge-type scenario (like this Bushranger one<\/a>), or those little doovalackies you fit onto each valve and allow to do their thing. I\u2019m thinking the doovalackies by Staun<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. I\u2019ll also be looking at new tyres<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

…instead of the ones that came with the car (that are good for picking up the kids I don\u2019t have, from the school they don\u2019t go to). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plus, I’ll look into some of the more fancy bits and pieces like a UHF radio<\/a>, so I can say \u2018breaker, breaker\u2019 a lot, re-enact \u2018Smokey and the Bandit\u2019, and mount<\/a> one of those cool aerials to my roo bar (which will instantly <\/em>have me looking way more manly and legit).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Mounting an aerial to my roo bar will instantly have me looking way more manly…<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m not sure where you\u2019re at with your 4WD-ing, but if you\u2019re looking to better understand your vehicle\u2019s capabilities, feel more confident, or just feel like less of an idiot like myself \u2013 I truly couldn\u2019t recommend Norm at Pindan Tours and 4WD Training highly enough. The lesson is one on one, so you won\u2019t need to worry about looking like a goose in front of other people \u2013 and save the eye-rolling, because the only stupid questions will be your own. I even got to drive along a great 4WD track that was closed to the public, as a way of putting my newfound skills to the test. It was terrifying \u2013 but bloody awesome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Putting my newfound skills to the test along a private 4WD track was terrifying, but awesome<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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To better understand your vehicle\u2019s capabilities, feel more confident, or just feel like less of an idiot like myself \u2013 I highly recommend Norm at Pindan Tours and 4WD Training!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Thinking of kitting out your 4WD?<\/strong><\/p>\n