Adventure 4WD

27/09/2026

A quick trip to the bottom of Eyre Peninsula last week where it is rumoured that God did her best work 😉

In the Coffin Bay district, our mates at Friends of Parks, the volunteer ranger program that provides such a welcome hand to the NPWS, needed a couple of new recruits up to 4WD-speed and I knew a guy who could help! 🤔

An epic day out in the sun with some defensive on-road gravel skills practiced under the gaze of the Marble Range and the 4WD stuff practiced at Gunyah Beach. And it was typical Gunyah soft.

If you’re going to teach sand skills you might as well use the trickiest section of the South Australian coast (maybe barring the Coorong in winter) to do it in for some real-world practice.

Visitors from NSW, Sharna and Hayden, found out just how soft, soft can be and had near-comprehensively bogged their 80 series GXL Cruiser.

As phone reception is near non-existent down there calling in a rescue wasn’t likely without a hike. So, luckily we came along at precisely the right time and with a MaxTrax plan, out they popped like a cork out of a bottle of Mumm! Many thanks to them for being very useful subjects and a nice exchange of skills followed.

Thanks to Jasmine and Fred for being such good students and good luck with your future adventures!

11/09/2026

Featured in the latest issue of Isuzu UTE Australia D-Mail, was a quickie piece I wrote about some travelling essentials and thinking that might help you decide how you tackle a van or camper excursion. Have a read here...

https://www.isuzuute.com.au/discover/featured-stories/worth-the-weight?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=d-mail-10-sep-2026&utm_content=worth-the-weight

02/09/2026

During our past 35 years of being in business we've had some memorable moments. One aspect of the business that always appealed to me was our partnership in the Loaded 4x4 Magazine, a bi-monthly digital publication that attracted a huge audience after its release in 2017.

Unfortunately, the timing was rubbish, because good old Covid wrecked our business model. But that didn't stop us generating a host of ripping yarns about 4WDs and the people that owned them.

This one is no exception, throwing the spotlight on the mighty OKA and OKA XT149's owner, Rick Whitworth.

Sadly, Rick passed away after a battle with cancer last Friday, and I'll take this moment to extend our condolences to the family in what I know will be a distressing time.

Here is the original article and with a couple of extra paras to bring it up to date. Enjoy!

Vale Rick Whitworth

24/07/2026

Whilst we’re talking Jimny, why have just one when two are better!

Just last week we visited Greg once more at Flight Motors - Riverland Mitsubishi/Suzuki/GWM/HAVAL/BYD in Loxton in the Riverland for some more Suzuki goodness.

Rose has taken possession of an Arctic Pearl JC74, the five door version and with a twist. Suzuki offer a couple of two-tone versions, but not a black-on-white treatment. We fixed that thanks to Greg and his paint shop. The finish is super!

If you’re looking for a truly capable 4WD that has a compact footprint and excels in the city as well, Jimny might be the little truck you’re looking for.

I guarantee it’ll put a smile on your face!

24/07/2026

Friday Flashback to August 2022, when we went up to the Riverland to collect a fabulous Suzuki JB74 Jimny in Jungle Green for a family member.

And if you’re going to buy a Jimny, where do you reckon the best place on the planet might be?

Easy answer, Flight Motors in Loxton, where you’ll find the equally-fabulous Greg Graetz, a bloke I’ve had the pleasure of knowing for nearly 30 years.

Flight Motors operate a multi-franchise site with Suzuki, Mitsubishi, GWM and Haval.

Thanks Greg for a great deal and a super Jimny that’s now set up for off-roading! Epic fun car that always brings a smile to my face.

20/07/2026

Fridays were made for learning I reckon, and my able crew from our friends at Servicestream were keen as mustard to revisit earlier learned skills and top up with some new stuff. Couldn’t have picked a better day. Bright blue sky and plenty of mid-winter sun!

24/06/2026

Vale Ian Elliot 1943 - 2026

This is one of those didn’t know the guy, but I knew him moments. A fellow contributing writer for Western 4W Driver Magazine, Ian had 20-plus years worth of articles published in WAs own 4WD mag and plenty of respect. The guide books he had a hand in writing gave the 4WD fraternity in the west plenty of destination options and advice on the perils and pitfalls along the way. Thankfully, Ian has left a written legacy that will endure and inspire others. We salute you Sir.

23/06/2026

Here’s some more Mildura magic with MalleeCMA out in the wilds of that glorious red sand, and, the sun put in an appearance too with a beautiful blue sky. Can’t beat those colours. A two-day program this time, Thursday and Friday saw our Defensive on-road and Off-Road 4WD programs along with the mechanical awareness workshop for a fully rounded experience. Thanks team for a great couple of days of 4WD training!

21/01/2026

Hello once more to our good friends at Electranet, the designers and keepers of the big transmission lines that cross-cross the State. I also had one of our APY lands teachers along too. I very much enjoyed all your company these last two days and thanks for your engagement and having a go on all the challenges. Here’s some pics of what we got up to.

18/01/2026

Regular readers of this page will know of our long association with the fine folk at Isuzu Ute Australia, now over ten years. We've been priveleged to be part of the Isuzu family in that time and since its inception, leading the delivery of the 4WD training component of I-Venture Club, Isuzu's famed customer retention and training arm. I had the great honour in delivering a series of training tips films for IVC and released through 2025. Here's the first one. if you own a D-MAX or MU-X you might find it useful.

Ready to take your 4WD skills to the next level? This video covers key tips and features to help you get the most out of your Isuzu off-road. Whether you're ...