Off-roading as a hobby - how, what, why etc?

[Pommygranite]

So, just spitballing and musing that given going fast isn't an option here getting a $10-15k 4x4 and learning to off-road, beach driving etc sounds quite a laugh and a good hobby. Also sounds pretty good as PG Jnr gets older we go beach camping etc.

So what's the right 4wd to get, how do you start to learn (I.e join a club?) and do you need a lot of kit etc?

[TheValk]

Any major 4wd brand with a low-range gearbox will do the job- plenty of older/cheaper ones out there-Japanese more popular.

Join a club to do their 4wd course/s

Basic recovery kit essential (snatch strap, shackles etc)- if stuck, others often prefer to use your gear to tow you out.

IMHO you do not need lots of expensive kit, and 2nd hand 4wds usually come with some aftermarket gear anyway. Get what suits you (2dr, 4dr, kids onboard, rock-climbing or just going bush etc). Basic camping gear that lets you be reasonably comfy outdoors is also cheap.

Not too many people are travelling cheaply any more- but it's easy to do. Lots of extras and expensive gear is nice to have, but not partic. necessary starting out.

But if cash isn't a concern head for the showroom, then just drive around to the nearest ARB store and tell them to bolt it all on

[Colonial]

Join a club and do some tail along weekend drives. They will assist you. Generally really open and welcoming environments (except for single brand clubs that are focused on British 4WDs from what I hear).

[Hasbeen]

Don't do it if you have a competitive nature. If it is just for fun & getting to interesting places, go for it.

My son started doing the latter, but his competitive nature took over. He as spent more on his vehicle & gear than he would have had to compete in club level motor sport.

He now has to succeed in taking tracks that most can not manage. He & his mates spend more time winching than driving.

One advantage at least you can park your pride & joy in shopping centre car parks, without worrying about door dings.

[Pommygranite]

Great responses chaps, thanks.

Not competitive HB - just a casual Beach, Bush type thing with the family.

Great suggestions on straps n stuff Valk and is good to hear.

So having chatted to a few:

- LC Prado is probably the one
- Petrol
- Auto
- get a good aircompressor, tyre real ease valves and good tyres, straps n stuff
- No need to spend $000's on being all gear no idea
- will join a club and take some tutorials


Will see how it goes, maybe look end of the year and plan a bit. Got the 2018 Mustang in order so this might be tight to get but definitely excited about doing some proper lifestyle stuff

[TheValk]

You'll have been told about diesel v petrol in 4WDs by now I expect.
IMHO Prado a very under-rated performer offroad.
You may care to do a few searches re 1KZ v 1KD engines.
Buy a recovery package- not separately- and some decent gloves.
Have fun in both the vehicles- you're in the land of 'work to live' now.

Edited by TheValk on Wednesday 8th March 23:05

Edited by TheValk on Wednesday 8th March 23:06

[Bibbs]

Most my mates that do this have gone down the Ute path.

Hilux/Triton/Navara.

Good tyres, maybe a lift. Throw in straps, shackles, and an air compressor and you are set.

I'm kinda tempted to get something myself. But I've no where to park it.

[Pommygranite]

TheValk said:

You'll have been told about diesel v petrol in 4WDs by now I expect.
IMHO Prado a very under-rated performer offroad.
You may care to do a few searches re 1KZ v 1KD engines.
Buy a recovery package- not separately- and some decent gloves.
Have fun in both the vehicles- you're in the land of 'work to live' now.

Edited by TheValk on Wednesday 8th March 23:05

Edited by TheValk on Wednesday 8th March 23:06

Actually not heard too much about the diesel v petrol just keen to go simpler and high mileage diesels all seem to be a nightmare.

Prado seems to be the one with least potential issues compared to the Nissans and sturdier than Mitsi's. And do not fancy an LR or anything European.

Thanks for the engine heads up I'll check.

Good points on the tips.

Been here 10 years but realise I won't have fun going quick here with my budget but off-road will be a lot of fun. In the UK your motoring hobby is built to your environment - fast, windy roads. Here the environment is the environment - I lived an hour or so from Lancelin and right near good bush trails so seems logical to get an off-roader.

Ben - regards the Ute I thought that but think I need the covered back for practicality and amount of st we'll be carrying and need for covered spec when out.

Yep I think less is more on equipment initially.

Well mate, when you get married, breed and move to the burbs you'll have space

[Bibbs]

Pommygranite said:

Ben - regards the Ute I thought that but think I need the covered back for practicality and amount of st we'll be carrying and need for covered spec when out.

Yep I think less is more on equipment initially.

Well mate, when you get married, breed and move to the burbs you'll have space

Yeah, I loved my Hilux Surf in the UK as it was a wagon body. One great thing was being able to put the back window down, but I'm not sure many do that anymore.

I'd look at the 'fitted' air compressor. Have it all under the bonnet.

Yeah, there is still time for that I suppose.

How about an FJ? I've seen some nice ones that are already modded for sale.

[Pommygranite]

Bibbs said:

Pommygranite said:

Ben - regards the Ute I thought that but think I need the covered back for practicality and amount of st we'll be carrying and need for covered spec when out.

Yep I think less is more on equipment initially.

Well mate, when you get married, breed and move to the burbs you'll have space

Yeah, I loved my Hilux Surf in the UK as it was a wagon body. One great thing was being able to put the back window down, but I'm not sure many do that anymore.

I'd look at the 'fitted' air compressor. Have it all under the bonnet.

Yeah, there is still time for that I suppose.

How about an FJ? I've seen some nice ones that are already modded for sale.

Good point on the air compressor - some bloke at work showed me the set up on his and it was pretty smart

Thought about an FJ - like them a lot. Just not sure how dark and gloomy they are inside and also with PG Jr. in the back it looks windowless almost.

[200bhp]

The MD at work is building a 940hp Patrol Duramax with portal axles and lots of crazy st. It's looking like a very expensive project now and still won't be any better off road than a Prado.

It's this one if you're interested http://www.patrol4x4.com/forum/members-rides-19/du...

Mates who are into it say the Navara is too low and doesn't have enough axle travel to cope with big holes and uneven bumps. I know several people who have Hilux dual cabs and love them, they're ex mine vehicles with plastic wash down floor covering etc.

I've looked very briefly myself and concluded Prado would be the best way to go if I was interested, like you also looked at the FJ but discounted it for the same reasons you mention.

Guy at work just bought a Jimny and loves it.

Edited by 200bhp on Sunday 12th March 14:20

[robm3]

Was up at Watagan National Park a week or so ago, great fun on rainy days:

Land Rover Defender cracking on:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28E0sJN418U

Mitsi not quite doing the same run:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNxNYtBFkbw

[Rensko]

My mates are in to 4x4'ing...

Be prepared to break things - lots of things. They are constantly moaning about how they have shat another bearing/driveshaft/mount etc or have ended up with another "battle scar" down the side of the never pristine paintwork. Both have Defenders, so I'm not sure if that is a commonality - given they are high on the kays now...

LC Prados seem to be plentiful, but the diesel is a slug. Had one as a rental car once in far northern NSW and thought it got fantastic economy, until realising it had dual fuel tanks - costing nearly $999,999 to fill up!