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You’ve just gotten new tyres, lifted the suspension, and equipped a bullbar. You’re ready to go bush, but you’re feeling a little nervous about hitting the trails alone.Lucky for you, there are plenty of 4WD clubs in Perth, Western Australia that help you discover new tracks, gain valuable skills and experience, and meet new people with the same passions and interests.What seems to be a common mistake made by newcomers to the 4WD scene is that more and more are disregarding the idea of joining a 4WD club and hitting the outback alone.To help you make the right decision and to get a better understanding, we discuss the advantages and the disadvantages of why you should join a 4WD club.AdvantagesHow are 4WD tracks created in the first place?Does an individual simply trespass onto someone\'s land and begin carving up a track?One of the biggest benefits of a 4WD club that is often missed is what goes on behind the scenes.As a collective body with a shared passion for 4WDing, clubs are constantly creating partnerships with local governments and land managers to deliver 4WD tracks that are challenging, fun and most importantly - safe for everyone.Get expert training and adviceClubs also provide an abundance of knowledge from experienced drivers who can educate and train you on how to tackle certain tracks, and advise what gear ranges you should be on to ensure your safety is paramount.Credit: 4WD Club WABe part of a movement and contribute to an exciting futureBy joining a 4WD organisation, you are not only apart of a bigger movement but effectively contributing to the future of 4WDing and its development.Stronger in numbers, you are able to work together and negotiate rights to access parks and lands, to fight against possible restrictions and legislations, and to deliver new opportunities for everyone in the community.A great way to explore the outbackEveryone knows the best and only way to truly explore the Australian outback is by 4WD and what better way to do so then to share the experience with others.Get the opportunity to travel with experienced drivers who have traveled far and wide all around Australia and can provide expert advice on how to prepare for a trip, essentials to pack, and hazards to look out for.Join a passionate community of like minded peopleA 4WD club is not your run-of-the-mill office organisation. It’s like minded people who have a passion for 4WDing and adventure.Stay up to date with closed trails, land-seizures, social activities, driver training, equipment advice, legislation and restrictions.Take the opportunity to make some new friends with people who share your passion and hit the road jack!Credit: Albany 4WD ClubDisadvantages4WD clubs aren’t for everyoneA 4WD club is not for everyone and if you are already an experienced driver you would probably spend most of your days helping other drivers out.Travelling in big groups tend to make trips longer. More cars getting stuck, more cars waiting. This can be a deterrent for those who don’t have the time and may not have the patience.General wear and tearTravelling in big groups also means you will be using your recovery gear a lot more which means more wear and tear on your equipment as well as your forbie.You may not want to pay a yearly subscriptionSome clubs have an annual subscription fee to enjoy all their benefits.You can’t stand politicsJust like any other community or organisation with a hierarchy (president, vice president, officers, etc) there will be politics.Some 4x4 Clubs to consider in WAWhether you’re a beginner or a pro there is much to gain from joining a 4x4 club. For everything and anything that\'s 4x4, a club gives you access to a wealth of experience and knowledge, you get to meet like minded people who share your passion and interests, and get to be apart of something bigger.If you’re after some advice on 4x4 equipment including awnings, bullbars, or recovery gear and don’t want to join a club then contact the team over at Total 4x4, your one stop shop for all your 4WDing accessories and more.Albany 4WD Club - Learn more about your 4WD and get involved in a community that is fun and safe for the family. http://albany4wdclub.com/ All Tracks 4WD Club - Located north of the river in Perth. http://www.alltracks4wdclub.com.au/ Adventure 4WD Club - Usually organise two trips a month and has members ranging from novice to pro, and singles to families. http://www.adventure4wdclubofwa.asn.au/ Armadale 4WD Club - Meet once a month and have a variety of trips every month. http://www.armadale4wdclub.com.au/ Compact 4WD Club - For people who have a small to medium AWD or 4WD who wish to showcase their capabilities of their compact. http://www.compact4wdwa.com/cgi-sys/defaultwebpage.cgi Four Wheel Drive Club of WA - Family orientated club for compact and standard 4WD’s. http://www.4wdclubwa.com/ Geraldton 4WD Club - For those interested in tackling beaches and long station trips. http://www.geraldton4wd.org.au/ GoBush 4WD Club - A family orientated club suited for those who want a less formal and more casual club. http://www.gobush4wd.com.au/index.htm Peel 4WD Club - Hold a variety of social outings and 4WD trips.  https://peel4x4club.webs.com/ Perth 4WD Club - Hosts one event per month and offers a lot of encouragement and coaching. http://www.perth4wdclub.net.au/ Rockingham 4WD Club - http://www.rockingham4wdclub.com/phpbb/index.php South West 4WD Club - This club covers Collie, Bunbury, Bridgetown and surrounding areas. https://www.facebook.com/SouthWest4wdClubInc/ Subaru 4WD Club - Club is dedicated to 4WD touring in a subie. https://www.subaru4wdclubwa.asn.au/ Toyota Land Cruiser Club of WA - One of the more prominent clubs in WA. http://tlccwa.org.au/

If you\'re a 4WD enthusiast living in WA then you know that when it comes to off-road adventures, there is never a shortage of options, with some of the longest and most challenging remote routes in the world.As if you needed another reason to go 4WDing, here are 9 4WD tracks to tackle in WA.  Gibb River RoadCredit: AustraliaNorthWest.com Gibb River Road is everything an iconic Australian outback adventure should be. The track begins in Derby and stretches across 660-700 km of dirt, gravel, mud and river crossings until you end up in the town of Kununurra. The tracks difficulty is moderate with a few hazards to lookout for on the way including salt and freshwater crocs that inhabit rivers at Durack, Pentecost, Manning and Barnett. The best time to visit this track is May to October, making sure we avoid December to March due to floods.  Kingsford Smith Mail Run, Carnarvon to MeekatharraCredit: outbackpathways.com Kingsford Smith Mail Run is a historic trail that starts in Carnarvon and ends in Meekatharra. The trail stretches for about 800 kms and takes you through the Gascoyne area where you can visit the world\'s biggest monolith, Mt Augustus or stop by Rocky Pool. The whole trail can take 3 - 6 days to complete with an easy difficulty level that is mainly gravel but can get muddy during the wet season. The best times to visit this trail is April to October.  Mount Nameless, Tom Price https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gkt1xQ34ry4Tackle one of the highest 4WD tracks Western Australia has to offer at Mount Nameless. The gravel track is relatively easy, taking around an hour to complete and has an easy difficulty rating. Pay attention to the speed limit as there are a lot of vehicles coming in and out of the mine site nearby. The best time to visit this track is from May to November.  The West Kimberley Crossing For those with more time on their hands, the West Kimberley Crossing track is for you. Stretching across a total of 1135 kms, the track can be broken up into 4 legs:Credit: aptouring.comLeg 1: Broome to Derby 222 km Leg 2: Derby to Fitzroy Crossing 295 km Leg 3: Fitzroy Crossing to Geikie Gorge 40 km Leg 4: Fitzroy Crossing to Broome 396 kmVisit some hidden gems located at each track including Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek and Geikie Gorge. The trail can take 4 to 5 days to complete with moderate difficulty and consists of gravel, dirt, and mud. The best times to complete this track is from May to September.  Wildflower Drive, Kondil Park, NannupCredit: trailswa.com.au Famously known for an array of rainbow coloured wild flowers during Spring, Wildflower Drive provides a picturesque walk on the wild side. The track is only 2.5 km long and can be completed within 1 - 3 hours by 4WD and 2WD, although 4WD is recommended. During Spring the bushland comes alive with wildflowers lining both sides of the track. There are also 2 hiking trails to experience so get out and stretch your legs. The best time to visit this trail is during Spring from September to November.  Yeagarup Dunes to Warren Beach Track, PembertonCredit: trailswa.com.au  This track is a gateway to the sand dunes that stretch along our beautiful coastline. It is roughly 6 kms long and takes you along a gravel road until you reach the pristine white beaches along the coast. With the terrain changing from gravel to sand, this track is not recommended for the inexperienced and you should have at least 2 4WD’s in case you get stuck. It recommended that your 4WD has a good winch so you know have a way out if you need recovery. Some important things to note, you can drive around the mouth of the Warren River if it\'s blocked, and proceed with extreme caution if it is flowing into the ocean. The best time to visit this track is from September to April, and don’t forget to mount your sandflag!  Lake Jasper, D’Entrecasteaux National Park Credit: trails.com.au Lake Jasper is the largest freshwater lake in WA and can be accessed via a 4WD track just outside of Pemberton and is about 30 minutes long upon reaching Black Point. The track can become dry and sandy in the hotter months but is usually quite easy to navigate. During the wetter months you can expect mud and water crossings. We recommend walking through first as there have been a few deeper crossings. Best times to go vary, winter is perfect for lushes green vegetation and no flies, and summer is great for taking a dip in the lake. If you made it all the way to the coast, you might as drive to the beach tracks that have 4WD access.Find more 4wd beach access tracks in WAJohn Holland Track, GoldfieldsCredit: australiasgoldenoutback.comThe John Holland Track is 680 kms in total and can be broken up into 3 days.Day 1: Broomehill to Newdegate, 200 kms, 2.5 hours to complete. Mostly sealed roads and takes you through the countryside with some scenic views, nature reserves, and Lake Grace. Day 2: Newdegate to Sandalwood Camp, 280 kms, 5 -6 hours to complete. This is where you will experience the Holland 4WD track from Hyden to Coolgardie. Expect gravel, and mud with a few water-filled washaways. Moderate difficulty. Visit a bit of history as you cross over the Rabbit-Proof Fence here Day 3: Sandalwood Camp to Coolgardie, 200 kms, 4 - 5 hours to complete. The track is moderate difficulty consisting of gravel, mud holes and water-filled washaways. This track can be quite difficult once the rain hits as it becomes riddled with mud holes and is not for the inexperienced. We recommend travelling with at least 2 4WD’s incase you get stuck. There are chicken tracks available.  Fisheries Road, EsperanceCredit: Experienceesperancetours Fisheries road is not for the faint-hearted and is quite an advanced track riddled with bog holes, deep ruts, salt lakes, and clay, although there are sandy patches to pick up speed. The track is about 65 kms long and can take around 2 hours to complete depending how wet the track is. We recommend when crossing salt lakes to stick to the main track or you risk potentially sinking and getting extremely bogged. The 4WD section is managed by DPAW and is usually closed after heavy rainfall to avoid any unnecessary wear and to prevent people from getting bogged. If you’re feeling adventurous, make sure you travel with another 4WD who can bail you out.

\"Do I need a bull bar?\"A question that is often asked by most people who drive a 4x4 or has just recently purchased one. This question often divides people into two camps - there are those who see it as a form of protection against dangerous roads and those who deem it as a superficial accessory. To put it into perspective, an ice hockey player wears protective gear to keep them safe from flying pucks and other players colliding into them. The same way a bull bar helps protect the car and keep the passengers safe if there is an off chance that you collide with an animal, branches, stones, or any other objects. Ultimately, it all boils down to what you need the bullbar for. To help bridge the gap between these two camps we have listed some of the reasons why you would need a bull bar.  Protection from animal collisions If you spend a lot of time driving through rural areas along outback roads then you are probably aware of how much damage colliding with a kangaroo can do. Unexpectedly colliding with a roo or any other large animal without a bull bar can cause a lot of damage to your vehicle, can leave you stranded, and in worst case scenarios cause harm to your passengers and you. Installing a bull bar helps reduce the amount of damage caused to your vehicle by absorbing the initial impact. It is always better to be safe than sorry, especially if you are 100 kms away from the next town. Note: Avoid driving at dusk or dawn to minimise the risk of an animal collision.Safety first Driving off-road without any protection at all puts everyone at risk. Whether your traveling 100km/h on an outback road or bush bashing through the forest or dunes, your vehicle becomes a magnet for hazards. There’s only so much you can be vigilant about before a random branch lodges itself into the front of your car, you ram into a large rock or fallen tree, or run into some nasties hidden in the ruts. All these hazards can cause quite a lot of damage to the front end of your car, especially when it’s made out of plastic. Bull bars have been designed and built from materials that are made to withstand the elements and to protect you and your vehicle.  Mount all your accessoriesApart from the obvious safety features, a bull bar is also an excellent location to mount all your outdoor accessories. Despite having several locations available on your vehicle to mount a winch, one of the easiest ways to mount one is onto a bull bar. If you\'re someone who spends a lot of time in the dunes, it\'s essential that you have a sandflag mounted at all times, which can be best mounted onto the bull bar for optimal exposure. If you love beach fishing, you can forget about bringing the PVC pipes and instead mount some rod holders onto the bull bar. A strong sturdy bull bar is also a reliable point that provides a base to mount any additional driving lights or a UHF antenna.  Improve your approach angle Too often can the off-road terrain be unforgiving and as vigilant as you may be, eventually you\'re going to miscalculate the angle and scrape off some paint, or worse crack the bumper. Bull bars help improve your approach angle so that you can avoid hitting the terrain hard and negating any body damage. The most you will likely suffer is a couple of scuff marks on the bar, which sounds better than cracking your front bumper.  Install convenient recovery points They don’t make them like they used to. Back in the days vehicles used to have simple chassis rails that extended out the front making recovery jobs easy. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case and with recovery loads increasing what can we do? Certain types of bull bars have recovery points built in, some can be added as an option, and others help expose the chassis so that points can be added. Without a bull bar these days it can be quite difficult to fit in recovery points.  For more information Apart from the reasons mentioned above, there is a little more to consider before buying a bull bar. We have to understand that adding a bull bar to your vehicle is also adding on extra weight which can put more pressure on your front suspension, block sensors used for adaptive cruise control and parking, and increase fuel consumption. That being said, the advancements in bull bar technologies now include airbag and sensors compatibility, made from durable materials such as steel, alloy, and polyethylene, and of course they have to look good. A wide variety of brands including ARB, ECB, Outback, SmartBar, TJM, Uneek and XROX can be found at Total 4x4 in Perth, Western Australia.Request a free bull bar quote now

 With the summer school holidays lingering, so has that camping trip you’ve been meaning to take the kids on but have been putting it off because you need a bigger tent. Camping space can be a bit of an issue especially if you have a big family and can’t all fit in the tent or caravan. If you’re a big-time camper or an avid caravanner then it is probably a good idea to invest in 4WD awning. It is a great way to significantly improve and expand the living conditions by turning it into a dining area, sleeping area or storage area. Depending on how often you camp or do outdoor activities will correlate to what type awning and how much it is going to cost you. 4WD awnings are extremely practical, easy to install, store and setup, and offers great protection from the sun and rain.  Where are awnings mounted?  Most awnings are mounted using an aluminium back plate that will attach to your vehicles roof rack, and is stored in a zipped-up PVC cover when not in use. Most 4WD awnings will utilise telescopic aluminium poles that have a twist and lock function. Depending on your type of awning, identify which poles must be placed vertically and horizontally and twist and lock them into place. Your horizontal poles are usually housed within the backing plate. Most awning sets will also include a number of ropes and pegs, it is always a good idea to peg your awning down if you leave it overnight in case the wind picks up.  Recommended types of awning   Side awnings They are arguably one of the most practical, quickest and easiest to install and setup awnings available on the market. Side awnings are usually placed on the longest dimension of your vehicle with a long rail mounted to your roof rack where it will act as a base for all other components. A second rail will usually have the legs attached to it which need to be pulled out along with a pair of struts that need to be clipped onto each end of the bar. The struts allow for stability and also prevent the awning from flapping about in the wind. If you are looking for a side awning, the Sunseeker by Total 4x4 covers over 4 square metres and is the perfect set for picnics, camping and lazy days on the beach.  Batwing awningsA lot larger than your standard awning, they are designed to cover a huge space due to its long wings that extend out. This type of awning is a lot larger than others and the base requires to be mounted securely to your roof rack. At the back end of the base is a huge hinge that supports the entire awning, this is where the ‘wings’ are attached and will need to be placed towards the rear corner of your vehicle. Like the side awning, the batwing utilises a similar design, making it easy-to-use and can be packed up or setup within minutes. It is the perfect awning type for extra storage space, sleeping area or dining with its large 270-degree shade covering 11 square metres.  Rooftop tent awningSimilar style to the Eezi Awn, this awning utilises a rooftop tent for sleeping, mesh windows and doors, and a step ladder for easy accessibility. The bonus of having a rooftop tent means you are elevated from any creepy crawlies that lurk below and escape the heavy rains. With a little more than just a couple of telescopic poles, the Open Sky awning will cost a little more and may be harder to setup depending on your experience. 

Going to the local servo and refueling your car can seem like a mundane task, we almost do it autonomously but what happens when we accidentally misfuel our car? Misfueling your vehicle can be quite a costly mistake and extremely damaging to your vehicles internals. Here is a quick guide on what happens to your vehicle and what steps to take if you have accidentally misfuelled your car:What happens when you misfuel? Accidentally putting in the wrong fuel into your vehicle can be quite disastrous, it’s like your dog gobbling down a family block of Cadbury chocolate. Petrol engines use thinner unleaded petrol that is ignited through the spark plugs resulting in torque and acceleration. Diesel is a much thicker, heavier and oily liquid that uses glow plugs to ignite with heat compression. Combining diesel and unleaded petrol creates a potent liquid that courses through the internals of your vehicle, and if left unnoticed can result in the replacement of the fuel pump, filters, injectors and fuel tank.  What do I do if I have misfuelled and drove off? At this point, you probably would’ve heard the wild noises coming from your engine as it has begun its descent into madness.Find somewhere safe to stop and turn the engine off immediately. Contact your road-service provider or towing service so that your vehicle can be transported to a mechanic.What to do if I have misfuelled but haven’t started the car?Do not start the engine. If you’re at the fuel pump, put your car in neutral, lift the handbrake and get some assistance in wheeling your car over to the parking lot. Contact your road-service providers so that they can come and drain the fuel tank, clean the fuel pump and replace any necessary filters.Prevention is the key You are more likely to put petrol into a diesel tank as opposed to diesel in a petrol car as the nozzle simply does not fit, however it can still happen. The cost of misfuelling can range anywhere between $600 to a maximum of $25,000 depending on when you realised you have misfuelled your car.This is why prevention is the key. Purchasing a misfueling cap can be the difference in going on holiday this Christmas or forking out a small fortune to fix your vehicle when you could have easily prevented it.The SoloDiesel cap replaces your current fuel cap and is designed to prevent any narrower petrol nozzles from being inserted by simply blocking it before it enters the fuel neck. The innovative design allows you to refuel faster and correctly by utilising a flap system that opens when the nozzle is inserted and closes the moment it is removed enabling proper pressure regulation. Find out more about the SoloDiesel misfuelling cap.

WA’s Top 5 Beach Accessible 4WD Tracks Recently we explored the local 4WD off road tracks ranging from Mundaring Powerlines to as far as Wellington National Park exposing some of the muddiest, wettest and diverse range of terrain Western Australia has to offer. In this article we take it to the sands and explore some of the most stunning 4WD accessible beaches along the coast of WA.1. Tim’s ThicketApproximately 70kms south of the Perth CBD and roughly 15kms south of Mandurah is Tim’s Thicket which is a small secluded beach just passed the dunes as well as a connecting 4WD track. Before entering the track you will have to lower your tyres pressure to prevent getting bogged in the sand. The track stretches for about 2kms south until you hit a small limestone reef which is only passable during low tide so if the tide has come in we recommend turning back. Passing the reef in low tide will eventually link back to Yalgorup National Park and back to where you started. Keep in mind that 4WDing is prohibited in the dunes and is only permitted on the beach and that no other vehicles are allowed including dirt bikes, 4 wheelers or buggies.  2. Preston BeachFurther south of Tim’s Thicket and approximately 60kms south of Mandurah lies Preston Beach which eventually also connects to Tim’s Thicket to the north creating a nice little scenic route. As the track is on sand it is recommended to deflate your tyres to prevent getting bogged. If you are taking the route south you will eventually hit Myalup, Binningup and eventually exiting at Buffalo Road. Same laws and regulations as Tim’s Thicket apply at Preston Beach.  3. Margaret RiverIf you are heading down south with the family these school holidays or just a getaway over a long weekend then Margaret River has some great scenic 4WD beach accessible tracks to visit while you’re there. One of the more popular 4WD tracks is Hamelin Bay Beach, famously known for stingrays coming up close and personal but be wary that the sand is extremely soft so deflating your tyres is a must. There are some easier firm sandy tracks available which include Joey Nose, 3 Bears Track which takes you from Cape Naturalist to Sugarloaf Rock in Yallingup, and North Point which is accessible off Caves Road.  4. WilbingaHeading into the opposite direction and approximately 70kms north of Perth in between Two Rocks and Guilderton is Wilbinga just north of Yanchep. It is currently the only 4WD accessible beach track in this area as Two Rocks and Yanchep are now off limits due to council regulations and new housing developments. The entrance to Wilbinga is a sandy track opposite Military Road located half way between Guilderton and Two Rocks. The track can range from firm to soft, and flat to hilly so make sure you are well equipped for each terrain and it would be wise to travel with a buddy – you do not want to get bogged out here.  5. LancelinAs we head further north, approximately 127km north of Perth we eventually arrive at the famous sand dunes of Lancelin. There are signs of conditions of entry so make sure to read them before entering and note that the dunes are open for 4WDing between 8am to 7am. The dunes are constantly changing depending on which way the wind blows, so it is always different just be weary that the terrain is quite soft so you will need to deflate your tyres. If you follow the track north you will eventually hit the beautiful beaches of Wedge Island, you can also access this beach through the entrance off Indian Ocean Drive.  6. Ledge PointLocated approximately 120kms north of Perth and just south of Lancelin lies a hidden gem off the beaten track. To get to Ledge Point you will need to travel down Wanneroo Road on state route 60 for about 80kms and turn left onto Ledge Point Road.If you see a Lancelin sign you’ve gone too far. The main part of town can get quite busy with tourists so let the air out of your tyres and start exploring the beaches. The sand can be quite soft (10-15 PSI) and boggy with a medium to hard difficulty in some parts, so we recommend travelling with another 4WD in case you get stuck. If you’re planning on tackling the beach in your forbie for the first time, make sure that you’re beach ready to ensure your safety and to give yourself the best possible chance of not getting bogged.  7. Wedge IslandWith new roads shaving off 30 minutes of travel time, getting to Wedge Island has never been easier and is the perfect day trip that\'s just 167kms north of Perth. Travel down state route 60 on Indian Ocean Drive for about 46kms until you reach a new bitumen road that will take you straight into the Wedge Island settlement.You can get to Wedge Island via the beach on a low tide from Lancelin but this is not for the inexperienced as there is little to no room to turn around and you run the risk of the tide coming up. The beaches track difficulty range from medium to hard with the sand being quite soft and plenty of dunes with big drop offs, make sure to scout ahead first and don’t just send it.We recommend decreasing your tyre pressure (10-15 PSI) and traveling with a companion who can bail you out if you get stuck. Make sure to bring recovery gear and a UHF radio as there is no help for at least 45kms. Wedge Island is perfect all year round although we don’t recommend going when its raining.  8. Belvidere BeachBelvidere beach is approximately 2 hours south of Perth and is located 20kms north of Bunbury near Leschenault Inlet. Travel down Forrest Highway and turn right at Buffalo road, from here you can head south and you will eventually reach Belvidere.From here you can also travel along the coastline and connect up to Buffalo beach, then onto Binningup beach and if the ride is low you can stretch it to Myalup and Preston beach. Belvidere is great for fishing, camping, boating, kayaking, and has a few 4WD tracks in the area.  9. Sandy CapeIs located approximately 237kms north of Perth and 14kms north of Jurien Bay. You can reach Sandy Cape on state route 60 Indian Ocean Drive just north of Jurien Bay. You should some signage that will take you to the Sandy Cape recreational area where there is an information board on the nature reserve and marine park.Up until this point, you can tackle the gravel roads with a 2WD but from the information board onwards you’ll need a 4WD. The tracks difficulty is easy to medium with gravel, sand, limestone steps and dunes. The best time to go is during September to April, you can give it a go during May to August providing it’s not raining. Recommend PSI is 16-20 for the gravel tracks and 12-13 PSI for the beach.  10. Yeagarup Dunes and BeachLocated 20kms out from Pemberton and 330kms south of Perth is Yeagarup dunes and beach.To get to Yeagarup beach and dunes, travel down old vasse highway until you reach the turn off at Ritter Road. Follow this down until you reach Yeagarup Lake which is where your 4WD adventure will begin.The dunes are constantly changing with the winds shaping new tracks each day but you should be able to follow them till you reach the beach. The sand can be quite soft at times so you will need to let out some air from your tyres (12PSI or lower).General track difficulty is easy to medium with tracks ranging from soft sand to gravel however, it can quickly change from easy to extreme once you come across Warren River crossing. We recommend traveling with another 4WD in case someone gets bogged.DO NOT attempt to cross Warren River if you are inexperienced as this can be a costly and dangerous mistake. If you are feeling confident, ensure you walk the crossing first before driving through.  11. Calcup HillThe 800m long hill is one of the largest sand dunes in Australia and has claimed many victims in the past with its steep and treacherous climb. Calcup Hill is located 24kms from Pemberton and can be used as an entry point to Yeagarup Dunes at the end of Ritter Road.The tracks difficulty ranges from medium to extreme (when approaching Warren River crossing) but otherwise, it’s just soft sand you have to worry about. We recommend letting some air out of the tyres (10-15 PSI) before you attempt Calcup Hill or the Yeagarup Dunes. Best time to go is in February to April where the weather is perfect and no gale winds.Before heading out to any of the tracks mentioned above it’s a good idea to make sure your forbie is beach ready. Double check your suspension and make sure you have all the right equipment ready to go. Do some research on the tracks your planning to tackle as beach conditions are constantly changing due to soft sands and high winds. If you’re unsure of what you might need or simply after some friendly advice on 4wd accessories advice, contact Total 4x4 today.

Top 5 4WD Off Road Tracks in Perth  With spring finally here we can say goodbye to the mud and the rain as Perth’s 4WD tracks begin to dry. We admit, taking on those challenging muddy tracks can be exhilarating but at the same time extremely nerve-racking for a newbie who has never even experienced the chicken tracks. Whether you are experienced on inexperienced Perth has a lot to offer when it comes to 4WD tracks. Here is a list of some popular tracks: Mundaring PowerlinesArguably one of Perth’s most popular 4WD track is the Mundaring Powerlines which is located approximately 34kms east of Perth. The track incorporates all kinds of terrain including sand, rock, dust, clay and a lot of mud in winter, and usually takes 3-5 hours to complete depending on the experience of the driver. If you are an inexperienced driver we recommend staying away from the muddied tracks as getting bogged or even damaging your precious rig is highly likely. It is a good idea to always check the depth of the muddied track before attempting it to increase your chances of conquering it. Apart from the mud, Powerlines is a great 4x4 track for all ranges of skill level and is a good place to start.  Julimar State ForestBeyond Powerlines and approximately 90kms out from Perth to the north east is Julimar State Forest, a country hill 4WD track mainly consisting of gravel, clay, dirt and a few bog holes. The forest is quite dense and some parts of the track can be very narrow so take it slow around turns and tuck your mirrors. The track offers 2 main hills as well as many small side roads and bends which lead to big open areas, and can take about 4 hours or more to complete including the bog holes. In winter the mud can be quite overwhelming so make sure to bring your recovery gear.  Captain Fawcett TrackOne of the easier tracks to navigate to and through the Dwellingup area is the Captain Fawcett track. It’s located roughly 100kms out from Perth and offers a wide range of terrain to tackle including clay, mud, gravel, crossing creeks and even the Murray River. The individual track can take up to 3 hours to complete but Lane Poole Reserve which is also located in the area with similar terrain can be given a day to explore and complete. Unfortunately, the track has been closed over the winter season to prevent any environmental damage.  Waroona DamJust slightly south of Dwellingup is Lake Navarino or commonly known as Waroona Dam and is approximately 120kms south of Perth. The track offers different levels of difficulty when it comes to terrain including bog holes, mud, bush tracks and gravel. During the winter periods some tracks can get seriously muddy so we recommend bringing the recovery gear and travelling with a partner in crime in case one of you get bogged.  Wellington National ParkA bit of a stretch from Perth but worth the drive is the Harvey Dam tracks. Located approximately 250kms from Perth also offers a wide range of difficulty tracks from easy to extreme and can include mud, gravel, hill ascents and descents, rocks and crossing water. This track can be quite dangerous during the winter seasons as most of the terrain can get flooded so just stick to the well-maintained road and tracks. If you decide to tackle the more extreme ones, make sure you have appropriate suspensions for off-road driving.  

Four-Wheel Driver Accessories: A Starter’s Guide  Now that you’ve got your 4WD and are ready to go, don’t forget to stock up on these key 10 accessories before taking off on your first 4x4 adventure.All those dreams of weekend getaways and adventurous drives are coming to fruition now that you have your own set of wheels. To fully enjoy the experience while still keeping yourself safe, be sure to look into these accessories before heading out.  Bull Bar Ask anyone what is the most important part of your machine, and it’s this piece of metal out front. Considering most 4WDs have all the essential mechanical parts being protected by a simple bumper, and are still vulnerable to the smallest of knocks. As the name suggests, this metallic bar attaches to the front of the 4WD, and gives your vehicle a buffer between what might try to stop you, and yourself. When you’re hundreds of kilometres away from the nearest town, a knock by a kangaroo without a bar could put not only your car in serious danger, but your life. You won’t just look the part of a serious driver, but you’ll be out of harm’s way.  Air Intake Snorkel Keeping an engine away from water is recommended to avoid water ingress, but if you’re going through a water crossing it’s unavoidable. Snorkels lessen the possibility of water getting into the guts of your engine. 4WD snorkels also work a treat when you’re driving in the dusty plains of Australia, helping get cooler, cleaner air into the engine. With all that dust being kicked up into the air, your air intake is amongst all of that. Gaps on the side by the snorkel’s top also force any dusty air you might pick up while in convoy too. If you happen to come across snowfall, snow can build up by your air intake and the radiator, so using a snorkel helps keep quality air into the engine.  Long-Range Fuel Tank You might not be near a petrol station when you’re out and about – especially when you’re far from any civilisation at all. Needing all this extra oomph to your drive when you’re out on difficult terrain takes up a lot of your fuel very quickly. On top of that, towing a caravan or a boat can chew through the rest of your fuel, leaving you with just a finite amount of time with a stock tank. Most extended tanks are lightweight and tough, giving you hundreds of extra kilometres to explore without worry. Not only does it give peace of mind to have that added amount of fuel for the day, but you can plan when to fill the tank up and avoid the unpredictable petrol prices of stations and roadhouses away from town.  Dual Batteries While in normal cases you should be fine with a singular battery, once you need to use your 4WD’s winch or want to add creature comforts like a car fridge, a battery’s charge gets drained quicker. Forget giving your truck a push-start if you’re out 4WDing – hill or no.Setting up a dual-charging system alleviates that concern – the extra battery will be ready to go if the first one goes flat. Camping with some creature comforts requires a bit of power, and that’s where an extra battery also comes in handy. Using electrical devices without draining the car’s battery makes for a less stressful sleep under the stars.  Warn Winch When the 4WD is bogged out in the deep sand of the desert or stuck in wet mud, an electric winch will be your saviour. By finding an anchor point to wrap the metal wire rope around, the winch – built to withstand the weight of a 4WD – is strong enough to help pull out your vehicle out with its motor.  Recovery Gear Sometimes you’ll be stuck in a place with no real anchor to connect your winch to, leaving you bogged and far from the others. Making use of an exhaust jack in places like soft sand – using your vehicle’s engine exhaust to inflate a bag underneath and raise the 4WD from the ground – and sliding some sand tracks underneath will get you back and running. This technique works in mud and snow too.  Lift Jack A 4WD lift jack is another tool that is useful in getting part of your vehicle out of the trouble it’s found itself in. No need for electricity or exhaust fumes, your good ol’ arm muscle will help lift you out. These jacks can withstand a tonne, and can lift a good 48 inches – though you won’t need that much.  Suspension Kit Stock standard suspension of some 4WDs should do for a mixture of normal road or 4x4 use, but once you start adding people, luggage, and any modifications made, prolonged use could add stress and flexing to the suspension, as well as affect wheel alignment. The nature of off-road terrain being unpredictable, you need a strong suspension kit designed to withstand the increased load carrying, as well as give you better handling. The last thing you want is to feel battered around left and right for hours on end.  Driving Lights Your vehicle should come equipped with lights already, though depending on where you plan to drive, things get more difficult under less-than-ideal lighting situations. Night driving or being stuck under bad weather will hinder your vision, and by installing additional driving lights, will help get you through tough spots. LED driving lights and light bars can shine strongly in a concentrated area, ensuring that you see what’s ahead.  Cargo Barriers This last one usually gets dropped off the radar, but can be a key part in safety inside the vehicle. With unexpected terrain comes unexpected bumps, and the contents of what’s inside the vehicle have a tendency to move around with it – a 4WD’s cargo hooks might not be enough to hold your heavy objects back if there’s a collision. While it also makes for a very tidy pack when heading out, this is a great addition to keep heavy stuff away from the front. Find out more about the products and services Total 4x4 offers.

Get your 4X4 beach ready Australia is home to many beautiful beaches, epic sand dunes and many an outdoor adventurer. So, it stands to reason that so many 4x4 enthusiasts are keen to hit the massive sandbanks. The Ford PX Range, Toyota Hilux, Toyota Prado, and Isuzu D Max are the top four 4x4 vehicles in the Australian market. While they are hardy vehicles, you still need to prepare yourself if you’re dreaming of fishtailing up and down pearly-white hummocks. There are a few things to take into consideration.Have you ever thought about what would happen if your 4x4 started slowly sinking into the sand, or the tide came in rapidly without you noticing?Here are a few tips to help plan your sandy adventure. These titbits of advice will allow you to enjoy drifting and driving on the beach, knowing that should something happen, you are well prepared. Beware of the tidesDo your homework on the beach you’re about to visit. First make sure that the beach allows the use of 4x4s, then find out about any incoming high tides. We recommend you start your trip on an outgoing high tide - the sand is firmer and you\'ll have adequate time to reach your destination before the next high tide returns. Stay clear of the water\'s bank - one wave is all it takes to lift or roll a vehicle. Lower your tyre pressureReducing your tyre pressure will spread the weight of your vehicle across a greater surface area, it also increases the surface area of the tyre in contact with the ground, making for better traction.When driving on sand you should reduce your tyre pressure to half that of your normal road driving pressure. If you find your engine struggling, then reduce tyre pressure some more. You can try reducing in 4psi increments until you’re satisfied. Finding the right pressure for your vehicle (taking into consideration the current conditions) can be a lot of trial and error – be prepared. Save those kilograms‘Just in case we need it.’You’ve heard the line many times before but removing unwanted fittings or miscellaneous items from your vehicle can make a big difference. Vehicles like the Holden RG Colorado, Nissan Navaro and the Mitsubishi MQ Triton, work best when the load is lightened. This way, the vehicle endures less strain, you’ll experience better fuel economy and there’s less chance of breakdowns and flat tyres. Also, think about the amount of time you’ll save on packing and unpacking. Prepare to get boggedBogging is when your vehicle gets stuck in wet or naturally soft ground – in your case, soft sand. When you’re with your 4x4 on the beach, always assume that at some point you’ll be bogged. So, come prepared. Keep essential equipment on hand to help you get out of a sticky (or sandy) situation. Total 4X4 has plenty of recovery gear available, including a handy X-Jack. View this video to see how easy it is to use.Before you attempt to de-bog yourself, always scoop the sand from the front and behind of all wheels. If you do get bogged, don\'t spin the wheels. This will only dig the tyres in deeper.If you’re well prepared, then you’re guaranteed to have a great time and not a 4x4 disaster. With these handy tips, you’re all set to enjoy a 4x4 adventure on Australia’s beautiful coastline.Let us help you prepare for the journey. Contact us today and find out about out 4x4 accessories.

Have you ever been in a remote area, bogged in soft sand? Not to worry, as long as you have a handy x-jack from Total 4×4 you can get yourself out of a potentially dangerous situation.View the video below to see how easy this product is to use. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89kUc7EFNhU&t=9s

Checklist your tough toys for that epic 4x4 adventure you have planned Experienced 4x4 enthusiasts never take on Mother Nature’s unforgiving elements without being sufficiently prepared. If you’re part of the uninitiated then pay close attention, because one thing you must know is, that if something can go wrong, it will go wrong. And, if your tough toy is not up for a tough adventure, then you’re in for a nasty surprise.Dead batteries, leaking fuel tanks and a forgotten drinks cooler bag can turn your epic adventure into an unpleasant experience. So, how do you ensure that your road trip goes off without a hitch? For a start, the cooler needs to be stocked, the rest of the tips follow below. Dual batteries A must for any short or long 4x4 trip, dual batteries are your reserve power. Wired into the engine bay, the auxiliary battery ensures your travel refrigerator, radio and safety lights are sufficiently powered when your car is switched off. Take it to the 4x4 professionals to ensure it’s correctly installed.Accessory batteries need to be mounted with a battery tray, a fabricated steel plate attached to the engine bay. The tray secures the battery to the vehicle body preventing it from vibrating as you navigate rough and uneven terrains that could damage the unit. But if you really want to be on the super safe side, then invest in a dual battery charger, because even the biggest boys know once the battery dies, not even solid muscle is going to do the trick. Dual battery chargers The goliath of all things battery energy related, nothing rattles the Redarc dual battery charger’s cage. Mounted either inside your vehicle, or on the engine, this charger is designed to be fully sealed, and uses fan-free cooling to really beat the heat, even in 80°C temperatures – not even Crocodile Dundee would’ve stood a chance.The benefits are that your battery life is prolonged, the run time of your electrical components – and the all-important cooler – are increased, and available in 12 or 24 volt vehicles. It’ll knock your socks off. Recovery kits The all-in-one goodie bag that no 4x4 adventurer should leave home without. Recovery kits are your angels in a canvas pack, filled with the basics that you might need to get out of some sticky situations.Haul your car out of mud with snatch straps; prevent your winches causing ring bark with tree trunk protectors; folding shovels for those impromptu holes you need to dig yourself out of, bow shackles and several other essentials to keep you from losing your mind in the middle of the outback.4x4 Vehicle check list Prepare your vehicle for the long road ahead. A pre-check engine list lines up what you need to examine on your car before your trip. Every lug, bolt, nut and moving part needs to be tested for smooth operation, and your safety. Here are several points that need attention pre-departure:Check the – Oil, brake fluid, coolant, wipers and fluid, brake pads, fan belt, seat belts, cleaner and hoses. All gears need to be oiled and any differentials need to be checked and replaced if necessary. Air pressure – Pressure up for freeway driving, and down for sand and terrain driving. Check – Lug bolts and U-bolts, and all nuts and bolts throughout your 4x4. Closely inspect your engine frame for any cracks. Give all joints a good greasing. Ensure all cables, winches and straps are in good shape and straightened. A fray will cause weakness of a heavy-duty strap, and kinks can cause knots, making it difficult for use in serious situations.Unlike regular on-road vehicles, 4x4s require more attention because they’re subjected to rougher conditions. Be prepared for the worst and you’ll enjoy the best of what nature has to offer. Please don’t forget to fill up. Long range fuel tanks Go the extra kilometre – or several hundred – with a long range fuel tank. With up to 160 litre capacity, the additional fuel means you can seriously increase your travelling range even in the toughest conditions, without having to worry too much about finding a gas station.Long range auxiliary tanks are lightweight, weighing about 1/3 of a regular fuel tank; they’re made from industrial strength polymer and are easy to install. They also use factory standard 4x4 mounting points and can withstand the toughest conditions.All outdoor enthusiasts – experienced and novice – need to know what their 4x4 and the outback are going to demand from them. Use these tips and get in touch with Total 4x4 professionals who will inspect your engine and vehicle to make sure you’re all set.Now, go forth and take on Mother Nature!

Go far and wide with ease when you choose the right 4x4 to lead the way Maybe you’re a born traveller, indulging in the nomad’s lifestyle that comes naturally to you. Maybe you’ve lived a routine life, seeing the same views and people which has left you with a deep desire for adventure and the great outdoors. Whatever the case, if you’re planning a road trip, and your preferred accommodation is a caravan or camper trailer, then you’re going to need a powerful vehicle to tow it. We’d like to suggest a 4x4.4x4s are the perfect solution in two scenarios, namely when you’re heading off-road into the bush, or if you’re towing a boat, heavy trailer or caravan. Today, we’re looking at towing caravan’s, and which is the best 4X4 to travel comfortably and safely while your mobile home follows in your wake. Our favourites 4x4 for caravan towing We’re going to cover some of the best recreation 4x4 vehicles for the job so sit tight, it’s going to be a bumpy ride, or smooth in this case. Here are our favourites:Toyota LandCruiser 200 TDV8Max capacity: 350kg/3500kgThis beautiful beast boasts an appetite for diesel with a tank to match, offering an impressive amount of power as well as towing stability. If you’re planning to go far and wide, this is your ride.Jeep Grand Cherokee 2013Max capacity:350kg/3500kgSurprise, surprise another diesel engine. While its predecessor, the Grand Cherokee CRD, displayed a great tow tug, the turbo diesel Jeep Grand Cherokee 2013 with the same 3500kg braked trailer tow rating holds its own.It is comfortable, stylish, offers an impressive terrain selection system and can tow heavy loads with such ease you might forget you’re towing anything.Range Rover SDV6 3.0Max capacity: 350kg/3500kgThere are two versions of this Range Rover, but we’re referring specifically to the more powerful SDV6. The twin-turbo diesel engine can power you and your caravan effortlessly to just about any remote destination.Land Rover Discovery 4 3.0Max capacity:350kg/3500kgThis Range Rover can handle all types of trail and its terrain response function gives you the power to correct 4x4 settings at the touch of a button. Despite its size it handles well just about anywhere, and its V6 twin turbo engine has enough power to easily tow the largest caravan. Tips for towing Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you turn the key to the ignition and set out on your journey:Slow and steady – When you’re towing a caravan you will need more time and space so take your time, brake earlier and accelerate slower than usual. Wider is the way – When taking a corner, you must take it a wider angle to accommodate the additional length of your caravan. Sharing is not caring – Never carry passengers in the caravan while you’re towing it. It is dangerous and not recommendedIf you are considering taking a few trips into the outdoors with friends or family make sure you are fully equipped with the right vehicle and know the best practice for towing your caravan safely and hassle-free. We live, breathe and dream all things 4x4 at Total 4x4.  Feel free to consult us for any information you may need to make your next camping trip a success. With over 30 years’ experience, we’ll point you in the right direction.Did you find this helpful? We hope so. Total 4x4 is your one-stop shop for all your 4WD, truck and passenger vehicle accessories. We are also readily available with expert advice. Contact us today.

 Heading on a trip to the outback in a 4×4 vehicle is the safest and best way to do it. You need all the off-road power that a 4×4 UTE offers, but what’s also important is efficiently utilising all that storage space for your outback camping gear. A canopy allows you to maximise a UTE’s storage capacity, with its ability to safely and securely store all your camping gear and necessary tools for your trip, while also protecting them from rain and dust. It also means keeping all that gear separate from your passengers in the cab. You can store your food items in cooler boxes under the helpful shade of the canopy.

Here are a few useful tips that the experienced team at Total 4×4 have picked up over the years:  Tyre Pressure Lowering the pressure in your 4wd tyres increases the length of the footprint (and the width of course) flattening the sand before you drive over it.Replace the pressure ASAP to lessen the damage to the side wall.Deflators attached to the valves, then removed before driving, allow the tyres to deflate to the same pressure.  Soft Sand Before you attempt to de-bog yourself always scoop the sand from in front and behind all wheels.There is no ideal tyre pressure for your 4WD – drop the pressure from Road pressure to approx 20 psi in the first instance, then if you’re still not getting adequate traction drop to 15/16psi. If you go down to 15 psi straight away, you can spin the tyre off the rim, then you are in real trouble. 10 Psi has been used to carefully extract yourself from the soft stuff.  Gravel and Rocky Terrain There is merit in lowering tyre pressures whilst driving on gravel and rocky surfaces. It allows the tyre to wrap around the large rocks and follow the contour of the terrain, also it causes less damage to the environment.  Beach Driving When driving on the beach the tide is always coming in: Bremer Bay in ‘81 my Landcruiser FJ55 (ex Telecom orange ) 10 km along the beach not a soul in sight, the TOYOTA hit a buried compost heap of seaweed etc and , by the time we extracted the 4wd from the sand the water was lapping up against the tyres – Valuable lesson, Up to your knees in seawater and very agro partner and family.It is recommended to drive as far as possible from the water, within reason of course, the sand may seem harder but if you do get stuck the ocean can be fairly cruel when it comes to damage.When turning around on the sand always turn away from the water , run up the sand dune or hill then reverse @ 90 degrees to the ocean over the tracks you have already made to finish the 3 point turn.Equipment Recommended: Exhaust jack 4 tonne, long handled shovel, Air compressor, Tyre Gauge, Bog mats either flexible or hard plastic (Max Trax).  Maintenance After 4wding it’s a good idea to hose down all of your equipment, this gives you a closer look at the suspension, under body, and mechanical components for any signs of damage, unless of course, you are seeking comments on the thick mud spattered all over your car.A spray with CRC or WD40 on the electrical gear will help to lessen the corrosive nature of salt water.Your Recovery gear (snatch strap ,winch extension strap etc ) will also need flushing if you’ve been playing in the mud.  Emergency Equipment A valuable addition to any 4wders equipment would be a land based EPIRB , this can be activated in an emergency situation, the signal is sent via satellite to Canberra where the relevant authorities will be notified and hopefully you will be rescued from your predicament.A pack of cards could be another necessity in your tool kit, according to Jack Absalom @ Safe Outback Travel. If you are bogged with no help in sight boil the billy to make a brew then get the cards out and start playing Solitaire.Before you know it someone will stick their head over your shoulder and say the Red 10 goes on the Black Jack then onto the Red Queen, he can then give you a hand to get you out of trouble.

When you are packing for your whole family to go in one vehicle to the outback, you need all the storage space you can get. This is why it’s important not to waste space unnecessarily when you are packing. Packing things in a neat and tidy fashion will help ensure no space wastage. Installing storage drawers in the tray of your 4×4 is the best method of utilising available space. It also means easy access to your gear and protects it from being knocked around on bumpy roads. Other storage solutions that will work are slide out shelves, stackable tubs and roof racks attached to your canopy. 

This fantastic Foxwing Awning from Rhino Rack offers a fantastic, simple to use shade solution when you are enjoying the great outdoors. Professionally designed, easy to operate and provides 270° of shade. Takes only minutes to set up and pack down so you spend more time enjoying your camping experience.

It’s important to spend time thinking about what exactly you need to pack and then how to pack everything. It will save you from a lot of frustration once you are out in the middle of nowhere and it’s too late. If you take too much stuff you are left with the arduous task of having to reload it once it’s been unloaded. When it comes to carrying tools, don’t bring a full kit, go through your kit and only bring what you will use, leave the rest at home. Also, only bring the amount of top-up oil you will need, not a full canister. You also need to pack everything in a way that you can reach things easily and be able to check supplies daily.In UTEs, because most of the cargo storage space is behind the rear axle, it’s important to load all the heavier stuff up at the front of the tray. After you have filled every inch of storage space in your vehicle, you should take your vehicle to your nearest registered weighbridge and have the total weight of your loaded vehicle checked against the manufacturer’s rated gross vehicle mass figure. If it’s too heavy, you run the risk of blowing your tyres.By having a high-quality, robust canopy installed on your 4×4, you camping gear will have more secure storage space and be protected from the elements, making your camping trip in the outback a fun, hassle-free experience.

Click \"Read More\" to view a list of 4WD Clubs CLUB CONTACT ADDRESS WEB OR EMAILAdventure 4WD Club PO Box 20 Kelmscott WA 6111 WEBSITEAlbany 4WD Club PO Box 1677 Albany WA 6330 WEBSITEAll Tracks 4WD Club PO Box 3029 Kingsley WA 6026 WEBSITEThe Compact 4WD Club PO Box 37 Armadale WA 6992 WEBSITEDownsouth 4WD Club Inc N/A EMAILEastern Suburbs 4WD Club PO Box 92 Morley WA 6943 WEBSITEFoothills 4WD Club PO Box 635 Gosnells WA 6110 WEBSITEFreedom All Wheel Drive Club PO Box 68 Gosnells WA 6110 WEBSITEGeraldton 4WD Club PO Box 1709 Geraldton WA 6531 WEBSITEGetaway 4WD Club PO Box 295 Bayswater WA 6933 WEBSITEJeep Owners 4WD Club N/A WEBSITELandrover Owners 4WD Club PO Box 285 Victoria Park WA 6979 WEBSITEMitsubishi 4WD Owners Club PO Box 655 South Perth WA 6951 WEBSITEMud ‘n’ Dirt 4WD Club N/A EMAILPeel 4WD Club PO Box 8233 Warnbro WA 6169 WEBSITEPerth 4WD Club 19 Forward St, Manning WA 6152 WEBSITEQuad-Drive 4WD Club PO Box 176 Guildford WA 6935 WEBSITEOut and About 4×4 Club Inc PO Box 1824, Wangara WA 6947 EMAILRockingham 4WD Club PO Box 2217 Rockingham DC WA 6168 WEBSITESouth Side 4×4 Group PO Box 5274 Canning Vale Sth WA 6155 WEBSITESouth West 4WD Club PO Box 1706 Bunbury WA 6230 WEBSITESubaru 4WD Club PO Box 434 South Perth WA 6951 WEBSITESuzuki 4WD Club PO Box 991 Victoria Park WA 6100 WEBSITETeam W4 PO Box 401 Welshpool WA 6986 WEBSITEToodyay 4WD Club PO Box 232 Toodyay WA 6566 EMAILToyota Land Cruiser Club PO Box 518 Cloverdale WA 6105 WEBSITEWanneroo Wanderers 4WD Club PO Box 414 Wanneroo WA 6065 WEBSITEWestern Patrol Club PO Box 5292 East Victoria Park WA 6981 WEBSITE

The new SmartBar (bull bar) is safer for both drivers and pedestrians. Bull bars have been around for decades protecting a wide range of vehicles, or so we thought. Recent safety concerns have forced a rethink on the bull bar and the result is a groundbreaking new product called the SmartBar. This product not only offers additional protection for vehicle occupants, but also for pedestrians and animals, when accidents occur.The SmartBar is 100% Australian made and is roto moulded from polyethylene, unlike traditional bull bars, which were made from metal. They had no give, would need replacement after a serious accident, and showed no mercy to pedestrians or animals involved in collisions. The metal bars were also heavy, adding considerable weight to vehicles that were often already overweight – unlike the SmartBar, which is in a league of its own thanks to the number of benefits it offers drivers, passengers, pedestrians and animals.  Lightweight – more economical Polyethylene is much lighter than metal, and the average weight fitted to 4WDs is approximately 30kg, as opposed to the much heavier 60kg metal bar. The lighter material means reduced fuel consumption and less wear and tear on your suspension and tires.  High-impact safety The primary beauty and usefulness of polyethylene is that, despite its light weight, it effectively absorbs high impacts, returning to its original shape afterwards. The result is the crash damage to your vehicle is reduced, and your SmartBar enjoys a longevity that the original bull bar cannot touch. Bull bars would often need to be replaced after a serious accident, resulting in downtime and high costs.The Smart Bar also offers protection to your panels, particularly in high-speed collisions and animal strikes. This means the amount of damage that your engine could sustain is greatly reduced, and the risk of engine immobilisation minimal. This is particularly important for drivers traveling on holidays or camping weekends to remote locations where mobile signals are erratic and help is often difficult to come by.    Added protection for passengers and pedestrians The SmartBar is stronger than metal and because of its ‘give’ factor and crash tests have proven that the bar offers far more protection to adults, children and animals. The impact absorption factors will also protect occupants of the vehicle without compromising the airbag functionality.  Tests conducted by the Centre of Automotive & Safety Research (CASR) for HIC (Head Impact Criteria), which measures the head trauma and accident survival probability at certain speeds, have confirmed that SmartBar is superior to all other frontal vehicle protection systems that are currently on the market.These bars are also designed to deflect an animal in the case of a strike, ensuring the vehicle remains mobile while also offering the animal more chance of survival.  Versatile Smart bars are most often used in police vehicles, fire trucks and ambulances, however, they also provide equal protection to regular vehicles such as 4x4s, sedans, and trucks. Additionally, they can be made to match your colour-coded Aeroklas canopy; making these accessories look like they’re produced as part of the vehicle’s bodywork.  Quality guaranteed SmartBar is 100% Australian made, giving the manufacturers total control over the entire production process, earning them an ISO 9001 certification. They have internal teams that manage the CAD design, engineering, R&D, product formation, distribution, quality control and testing, every step of the way.This product has already achieved worldwide acclaim and is revolutionising the way we protect our vehicles, passengers, drivers, and pedestrians and animals.If you want a SmartBar attached to your vehicle, get it done by your local 4×4 specialists where you can have Rhino Racks fitted – with up to 80kg loading mass – and you can choose stylish colour-coded canopies to complement your new SmartBar. Get ready to tackle the outdoors safely.If you want a SmartBar attached to your vehicle, get it done by your local 4×4 specialists.

If you are planning a 4WD adventure and plan on experiencing the fantastic fishing, snorkelling or surfing opportunities that this great state provides, please plan ahead and check out the latest tide predictions for WA.Please click here to view an interactive map where you can select the specific area you are going to visit and plan your trip accordingly.

If you are planning a 4WD trip please plan ahead and check the weather conditions. We have provided links below for the various districts throughout WA. Please ensure you research the current weather forecasts to ensure a safe and enjoyable WA adventure. Click the links below for the 7 day weather forecasts for each of the districts throughout WA.Mining and Pastoral Districts:Kimberley District Pilbara District Gascoyne District Goldfields District Eucla District Northern Interior District Southern Interior ForecastsSouth West Land Division Districts:Central West District Lower West District South West District South Coastal District South East Coastal District Great Southern District Central Wheat Belt District