Australian 4WD adventures, camping, gear and vehicle build updates.https://wai4wd.com/en-AUhttps://wai4wd.com/3693/buying-a-mekede-dudu7/https://wai4wd.com/3693/buying-a-mekede-dudu7/There is a lot of misinformation online about buying car stereo systems direct from the factory in China. Ok, if you’re buying a $100 stereo, then guess what, you might have issues, but buying a premium system for a fraction of the cost, that is entirely differentSun, 19 Oct 2025 16:32:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/3681/cape-york-its-an-adventure/https://wai4wd.com/3681/cape-york-its-an-adventure/We just completed two weeks in Far North Queensland (FNQ) ending at Cape York. There is a lot of good information online, and most of what I watched from recent years is fairly accurate.Sat, 04 Oct 2025 14:10:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/3671/wheels-and-tyres/https://wai4wd.com/3671/wheels-and-tyres/I have been thinking about this for years… what is the right option without screwing over the vehicle gearing! I finally got around to solving the wheels and tyres situation. I talked about this lastTue, 17 Jun 2025 17:26:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/3541/make-camping-shower-amazing/https://wai4wd.com/3541/make-camping-shower-amazing/If you’re like us, we like to enjoy a nice shower where we aren’t water saving every drop, which is a big ask when camping. Well… not with the Joolca Shower Base and Pump unit.Tue, 07 Jan 2025 20:27:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/3531/pwr-transmission-cooler/https://wai4wd.com/3531/pwr-transmission-cooler/Something I’ve had to do for a while, been a little lazy, was to get a transmission cooler into the Dmax for towing. Having had our camper for close to a year now, the transmissionSun, 10 Nov 2024 15:00:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/3518/dinner-plain-dog-friendly-snow-day/https://wai4wd.com/3518/dinner-plain-dog-friendly-snow-day/Australia, everything snow is pretty much located within National Park, where you can’t have dogs – except for Dinner Plain. Dinner Plain is located on the edge of Alpine National Park, just 12kms South ofSun, 28 Jul 2024 19:32:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/3515/understanding-solar-for-caravans-campers-rvs/https://wai4wd.com/3515/understanding-solar-for-caravans-campers-rvs/I had a guy ask me about solar because he didn’t understand how a 400W panel only had a 9A output. This is a valid question with a simple answer: the panels output current isTue, 23 Jul 2024 20:22:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/3504/never-enough-solar/https://wai4wd.com/3504/never-enough-solar/Our camper is equipped with 400Ah of lithium batteries, offering an array of outlets and options to utilise that power efficiently. My wife manages to keep all her essentials running while camping, just as sheSun, 10 Mar 2024 15:29:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/3491/towing-with-the-2021-isuzu-dmax/https://wai4wd.com/3491/towing-with-the-2021-isuzu-dmax/Late in 2023, we picked up our Stockman Rover camper trailer. Loaded, it weighs 1,600kg. After driving just over 5,000kms during the 2023 Christmas holidays with the camper in tow, my opinion is that theSun, 21 Jan 2024 17:17:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/3480/cameron-corner/https://wai4wd.com/3480/cameron-corner/What a ripper of a spot Cameron Corner is! Not a whole lot to do, but it’s as scenic as a roo in a raincoat! It’s quiet, relaxing, and you can get completely shit facedTue, 16 Jan 2024 17:35:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/3474/aldi-mobile-dismiss-gps-users/https://wai4wd.com/3474/aldi-mobile-dismiss-gps-users/Aldi Mobile use the Telstra network, however, Aldi have decided to cut-off low data GPS and such use from their network SIM cards, as it seems there isn’t enough money it for them. Last yearSat, 06 Jan 2024 17:20:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/3459/superior-engineering-remote-res-shocks-are-amazing/https://wai4wd.com/3459/superior-engineering-remote-res-shocks-are-amazing/I honestly can’t believe how good the ride is now I’ve installed the Superior Engineering remote res 2.0 full 2″ suspension lift to my 2021 Dmax. At $3,500, its a pretty decent bargain IMHO. IMon, 16 Oct 2023 21:09:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/3422/weight-affecting-ride-height/https://wai4wd.com/3422/weight-affecting-ride-height/I was looking at my Dmax today and got to thinking about the ride height, it looked and felt pretty low, and further was that I hit a lot of stuff underneath when off-roading inWed, 11 Oct 2023 12:46:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/3443/safebrake-ebay-brake-lines-fraudulent/https://wai4wd.com/3443/safebrake-ebay-brake-lines-fraudulent/I recently purchased a set of braided brake lines from an eBay listed seller called SafeBrake. Their reviews seem ok, yet my experience was far from it. My Dmax is a 2021 build, 4JJ3 4×4Wed, 04 Oct 2023 20:36:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/3404/fieryred-winches/https://wai4wd.com/3404/fieryred-winches/Not many know about these, but Fiery Red Winches are made in the same factory as the Warn Evo winches. Fiery sell at $400 and Warn Evo sell at $1500. My brother uses the FieryThu, 14 Sep 2023 22:08:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/3413/we-bought-a-camper-trailer/https://wai4wd.com/3413/we-bought-a-camper-trailer/After a good few years of research and looking through caravans and campers, we thought a caravan was the solution. But we quickly figured out that a caravan would be a burden to us, andFri, 12 May 2023 23:29:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/3400/podcasts-driving-long-distance/https://wai4wd.com/3400/podcasts-driving-long-distance/My niece introduced me to podcasts on a recent trip from Melbourne to Brisbane and back. She told me that my taste in country music was not up to par and that I should tryMon, 24 Apr 2023 18:14:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/3379/underkover-australia/https://wai4wd.com/3379/underkover-australia/I love it when you buy from a company and they make it personal. They acknowledge a customer in a personal way, regardless how much you buy. Its the little things like this that leaveSun, 19 Mar 2023 20:49:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/3363/bullbar-the-single-worst-modification-so-far/https://wai4wd.com/3363/bullbar-the-single-worst-modification-so-far/Youtube personalities hype the bullbar. Hell, they’re mostly sponsored by manufacturers to hype them. I knew adding 60+ kg to the front of my Dmax was not going to improve its handling, braking or fuelFri, 17 Mar 2023 13:26:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/3350/air-fittings-for-your-4wd/https://wai4wd.com/3350/air-fittings-for-your-4wd/I have an ARB dual compressor with pressure control system, retractable airline and sealed chuck. Everything I purchased was good quality, except for the chuck. I looked online, found a sealed chuck for about 10Fri, 17 Feb 2023 21:36:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/3333/rhinohide-totally-worth-it/https://wai4wd.com/3333/rhinohide-totally-worth-it/When I purchased the Dmax I knew what would happen to the paint offroad. I asked my wife after bringing it home, “do you think I should invest first in a wrap / Rhinohide?” SheMon, 16 Jan 2023 10:34:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/3331/trac-electronics-auto-window-module/https://wai4wd.com/3331/trac-electronics-auto-window-module/Changing your car windows to be automatic from the driver’s side, sounds good, right? In theory, the idea sounds great. One touch window up or down. Some fancy FOB combinations make windows perform set functions.Mon, 16 Jan 2023 10:33:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/3313/south-australia-beach-driving/https://wai4wd.com/3313/south-australia-beach-driving/South Australia has amazing beaches for 4WD’ing. Just saying! Especially for the avid 4WD’ers located in Victoria. Driving to Queensland isn’t needed, with dune driving and some of the softest beaches you will ever drive,Sun, 08 Jan 2023 16:14:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/3301/rock-sliders-vs-side-steps/https://wai4wd.com/3301/rock-sliders-vs-side-steps/I thought it would be easy to choose a rock slider. I wanted something to protect the sill from damage. What I discovered is that the majority of sliders are nothing more than steps. GreatTue, 25 Oct 2022 10:13:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/3260/strathbogies-is-an-adventure-wonderland/https://wai4wd.com/3260/strathbogies-is-an-adventure-wonderland/We recently holidayed in the Strathbogie Ranges, North of Melbourne. I’d never spent much time around the area, most of which was the first time in many towns. I’ve driven past it all plenty ofTue, 13 Sep 2022 19:53:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/3255/the-trusty-dashcam-4k-or-bust/https://wai4wd.com/3255/the-trusty-dashcam-4k-or-bust/Have you needed your footage for insurance? I have. I had a 1080P camera that could not clearly identify the license plate of the offending vehicle in a car park – slow-moving and stationary. WhilstMon, 12 Sep 2022 16:07:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/3252/a-conversation-with-mickey-thompson-at-melbourne-4x4-show/https://wai4wd.com/3252/a-conversation-with-mickey-thompson-at-melbourne-4x4-show/At the Melbourne 4×4 Show this year, I had a truly amazing conversation with a Mickey Thompson sales rep. I was honest with him that I’m most likely going with the Maxxis Razr MT, andSun, 04 Sep 2022 17:02:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/3232/rear-diff-lock-electrical-protection/https://wai4wd.com/3232/rear-diff-lock-electrical-protection/The rear diff lock electrical system is highly exposed on the new 2021 Dmax, which I assume will be the same on the BT-50. The diff lock electrical is all located on the forward facingWed, 29 Jun 2022 17:24:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/3218/hike-it-xs-throttle-controller/https://wai4wd.com/3218/hike-it-xs-throttle-controller/A divide exists whether a throttle controller is relevant, or just another nonsense item hyped by good marketing. Well, it certainly looks like that to me from watching YouTube and researching throttle controllers online. SoWed, 27 Apr 2022 18:41:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/3208/isolating-dcdc-chargers/https://wai4wd.com/3208/isolating-dcdc-chargers/The majority of DCDC chargers powering additional batteries are using a wet start battery, meaning the nominal standalone voltage is around 12.8V. Manufacturers make products to suit the majority, and for the most part itMon, 25 Apr 2022 15:57:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/3202/ultimate-nexus-the-better-camper-choice/https://wai4wd.com/3202/ultimate-nexus-the-better-camper-choice/When I started researching for our future plans, after much thought and refinement towards what we really needed for our specific use purposes, we settled with the Patriot X3 as camper of choice. I’m reallySun, 10 Apr 2022 17:39:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/3185/simple-switch-wiring-arb-dual-air-compressor/https://wai4wd.com/3185/simple-switch-wiring-arb-dual-air-compressor/When you buy the ARB dual air compressor it comes with a wiring harness suited for dual air lockers using a master switch. Great for the limited market who run dual air lockers, not theThu, 24 Mar 2022 18:47:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/3175/aus4wd-recommended-supplier/https://wai4wd.com/3175/aus4wd-recommended-supplier/Recommendations are not something I often give, but AUS4WD in Kilsyth have gone above and beyond to help me with a lost order within the f**k fight that is Australia Post. How a delivery companyMon, 28 Feb 2022 20:38:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/2950/building-a-legal-4wd-in-2022/https://wai4wd.com/2950/building-a-legal-4wd-in-2022/Honestly, building a legal 4WD is tough when all the marketing and hype I’m exposed to highlights illegal modifications, but doesn’t say that in any fine print (paper or online). Learning the relevant laws inMon, 28 Feb 2022 16:30:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/2991/4wd-wheels-rim-tyre-choice/https://wai4wd.com/2991/4wd-wheels-rim-tyre-choice/Since I started my initial vehicle research two odd years ago, I’ve changed the rim and tyre selection many times. I had a basic understanding of the pro’s and con’s to changing wheel size fromSun, 20 Feb 2022 18:42:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/2967/what-4wd-setup-do-you-really-need-to-travel-australia/https://wai4wd.com/2967/what-4wd-setup-do-you-really-need-to-travel-australia/The truth. Your stock standard 4WD from the showroom floor will get you most places in remote Australia today. No BS, that’s just the honest truth. The less you do to your 4WD the betterSat, 05 Feb 2022 16:20:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/2941/mt-disappointment-tracks-easy-to-medium-track-options/https://wai4wd.com/2941/mt-disappointment-tracks-easy-to-medium-track-options/Mt Disappointment is a great place if you’re learning to 4WD or you don’t want to punish your 4WD too much. The majority of tracks suit stock vehicles and those that are lightly modified. ThereTue, 25 Jan 2022 21:49:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/2935/mt-disappointment-easy-tracks/https://wai4wd.com/2935/mt-disappointment-easy-tracks/I headed off for a day of driving medium tracks at Mt Disappointment, with the belief that NewTracs medium rating would more than likely be easy rating. I called it. Just saying! I drove HillsWed, 19 Jan 2022 19:17:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/2926/boola-tyers-easy-track-13-5km/https://wai4wd.com/2926/boola-tyers-easy-track-13-5km/After a painful turnaround on an excellent track that turned very difficult, I found a really lovely easy 2WD / 4WD track on the opposite road side that goes from Boola Camp around close toMon, 13 Dec 2021 13:12:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/2915/easy-4wd-track-racecourse-creek-rd-4wd-narbethong-to-monda-rd-toolangi/https://wai4wd.com/2915/easy-4wd-track-racecourse-creek-rd-4wd-narbethong-to-monda-rd-toolangi/This was my first venture from Narbethong near where we were staying, I decided to go out before the serious rain hit that day. I ended up in the rain by the time I hitWed, 01 Dec 2021 15:46:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/2902/easy-4wd-track-pauls-rd-dixons-creek-to-pauls-creek-track-toolangi/https://wai4wd.com/2902/easy-4wd-track-pauls-rd-dixons-creek-to-pauls-creek-track-toolangi/I drove this track at approximately 70% dry. It had been drizzling the past two days, with some sunny moments. There were a couple of parts where low range was required for the steepness, butMon, 29 Nov 2021 19:56:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/2895/4wd-track-difficulty-track-classification/https://wai4wd.com/2895/4wd-track-difficulty-track-classification/Track difficulty is something I was aware before starting to venture out into the forests, though not something that is easily obtained with any accuracy. There are apps that mark tracks as easy (circle), mediumMon, 29 Nov 2021 18:46:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/2762/easy-stock-4wd-track-loop-track-pauls-creek-road-track-toolangi/https://wai4wd.com/2762/easy-stock-4wd-track-loop-track-pauls-creek-road-track-toolangi/An easy beginner track, when dry, that can be done in a stock 4wd (Difficult When Wet) for those wanting to learn 4wd’ing. My wife did this track in a stock Dmax with highway terrainTue, 09 Nov 2021 17:27:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/2724/finally-settled-on-tub-rack-choice-front-runner/https://wai4wd.com/2724/finally-settled-on-tub-rack-choice-front-runner/There is a lot going on in the roof rack space nowadays, especially since the great Rhino Rack debacle. Rhino Rack offroad load ratings are useless for anything considered useful, especially for the cost. WhySun, 26 Sep 2021 22:37:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/2721/led-upgrade-the-change-you-need-to-make/https://wai4wd.com/2721/led-upgrade-the-change-you-need-to-make/The X-Terrain comes standard with LED DRL / parker, low & high beam, fog, tail and stop lamps. The rest are incandescent lamps, which are just horrible compared to their LED counterparts. Just watch theSat, 25 Sep 2021 00:21:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/2715/tub-liner-removal/https://wai4wd.com/2715/tub-liner-removal/Why remove a perfectly good tub liner? Well, every millimeter matters in a tub with roller cover. Removing the liner added 90mm in length, 20-30mm between the arches and 20mm in height. You would thinkFri, 24 Sep 2021 19:11:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/2707/first-mod-gas-bonnet-struts/https://wai4wd.com/2707/first-mod-gas-bonnet-struts/A very simple modification, but one that lets me work under the bonnet without fighting around the original bonnet stand. I like working easily, and this simple, effective modification allows just that. The list isWed, 25 Aug 2021 19:01:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/2697/found-a-friend-x5-dmax/https://wai4wd.com/2697/found-a-friend-x5-dmax/My lovely wifes car found its friend. Finally! Took about five months all said and done, but its here. Our DMAX X-Terrain. Let the games beginThu, 12 Aug 2021 22:51:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/323/my21-dmax-x-terrain-build/https://wai4wd.com/323/my21-dmax-x-terrain-build/From where I started my research and initial thinking, to where I’m at today with time to think about what I thought I wanted vs. what I needed, are very different places. Oh, and bouncingMon, 24 May 2021 18:08:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/341/understanding-12v-ground-in-dual-battery-systems/https://wai4wd.com/341/understanding-12v-ground-in-dual-battery-systems/Often reading manufacturer directions, they direct people to run a ground from the battery terminal to the device. What does this really mean for you doing your own vehicle wiring? Additional Battery Ground When youSun, 18 Apr 2021 19:07:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/339/alternators-are-not-battery-chargers/https://wai4wd.com/339/alternators-are-not-battery-chargers/I participate in 4wd forums with recurring discussions from people believing they need to bypass their smart alternator to have a constant charge alternator so their battery fully charges, or their second battery charges, orSat, 17 Apr 2021 22:12:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/311/just-missing-the-dmax/https://wai4wd.com/311/just-missing-the-dmax/Our second car space is feeling empty. My lovely wife brought me an awesome Easter present, as I don’t do Easter eggs – new number plates for the Xterrain. We’re old enough not to buyTue, 30 Mar 2021 10:13:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/287/rhino-rack-unsuitable-for-off-road-use/https://wai4wd.com/287/rhino-rack-unsuitable-for-off-road-use/There is growing concern about Rhino-Rack platforms being unsuitable for load carrying. Besides the misinformation posted around the web on this subject at present, there is a problem, and that problem to me is thatSat, 13 Mar 2021 21:11:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/251/you-can-never-reach-your-legal-gcm/https://wai4wd.com/251/you-can-never-reach-your-legal-gcm/The research I’ve done into vehicles over the past two years, the one thing I’ve never found is – you can never reach your legal GCM – and the answer is simple. Ball weight. NobodyMon, 01 Mar 2021 17:57:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/234/the-new-camper-of-choice-patriot-x3/https://wai4wd.com/234/the-new-camper-of-choice-patriot-x3/We started looking at caravans, complicating our 4WD build to be independent where a caravan couldn’t go. We shifted to a camper from ZoneRV, the Expedition 12, small, light, contains the basics, but still comesTue, 23 Feb 2021 18:14:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/229/sold-xterrain-dmax/https://wai4wd.com/229/sold-xterrain-dmax/Exactly the above picture, a plain white Dmax Xterrain on order from Isuzu Werribee, expected delivery August – September due to the backlog from all Covid issues created around the world, affecting workforce through toSat, 20 Feb 2021 12:29:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/185/thought-refinement-time/https://wai4wd.com/185/thought-refinement-time/This is the year to choose what 4wd will be our tourer. Right now… the 2021 Dmax is winning, either the LS-U or X-Terrain. What goes on sale, when, will be the deciding factor. IThu, 07 Jan 2021 21:53:00 GMThttps://wai4wd.com/44/our-ultimate-4wd-tourer/https://wai4wd.com/44/our-ultimate-4wd-tourer/Something I’ve researched for some months (me, hubby, as my wife is usually working) – a cost effective, capable 4WD that is reliable, comfortable and configurable for touring Australia. When I talk about touring Australia,Fri, 17 Jul 2020 00:22:00 GMT