BLOG
Allan Whiting’s thoughts on 4WD issues and other topics of interest….
The really, really, really dopey country
Back in 2015 I ran a blog entitled 'Living in the Dopey Country'. I didn't think it could get more stupid than that, but I was wrong. In 2017 Australia was even more stupid than it was in 2015 and, by 2021, it got even worse. Back in 2017 Australia was...
Not much social media presence for Outback Travel Australia
We’ve been asked many times why we don’t have much social media presence and the answer is very simple: we don’t agree with the principle of unbridled or biased ‘news’ platforms. That’s the same reason we would never have dealings with any arm of the Murdoch...
Toyota 70 Series recall
There have been documented fires in 70 Series vehicles around Australia, caused by dry vegetation getting caught around the hot DPF housing and we’ve been warning potential buyers of this hazard since 2016 and so has Toyota, with a warning label on the driver’s door....
Holden is no more
Holden is no more “God bless the child that’s got his own,” ran the lyrics of the 1941 Billie Holliday song, but their wisdom was lost on 1930s Australian politicians, who allowed General Motors to take over Holden, a long-serving Australian body-building company....
Bushfire Neglect
Over the past 20 years, during bush exploration trips, we’ve witnessed first-hand several infernos that engulfed much of Alpine Victoria, the Adelaide region and the NSW south and north coasts and Great Dividing Range areas. Of course the situation is getting worse...
Australia’s ridiculous licensing and towing laws
When well-meaning authorities and pressure groups call for reduction of the road toll it’s surprised me that no-one mentions the criminally negligent situation that different lawmakers tolerate across this so-called Commonwealth.
New FBT gluidelines released – October 2018
The ATO has released draft guidelines, outlining that utes will no longer be Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exempt and employers will need to have their drivers keep logbooks to ensure private usage stays within new, capped limits.
Capped price servicing could mask a serious problem – July 2018
Fuel getting into petrol and diesel engine sumps isn’t a new problem, but it’s now being seen in brand new, not worn, engines. Manufacturers keep capped price servicing as cheap as possible by extending oil drain periods, but fuel-diluted engine oil can destroy your engine.
Buying used – the right process – January 2018
A used 4WD can save you thousands, but there are some tricks of the trade you need to be aware of.
Ute paylaods aren’t what they seem
Every ute maker claims at least a nominal one-tonne payload figure and more than three tonnes trailer towing capacity for several 4WD utes in its range, but you need to check spec sheets and real-world tare weights for the true position.
2WD or 4WD – September 2019
The success of the Peugeot 2008 DKR race machine in two Dakar events has prompted some off-road enthusiasts to suggest that there may be a place for a 2WD to challenge the accepted ability of a 4WD for off-road touring. It’s not that simple.
VW emissions scandal widens
In my September 2015 blog I suggested that Volkswagen may have been premature in saying 'sorry' for the fact that it had sold some half-million diesel-powered cars in the USA that didn’t comply with US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) laws. Since then, it has...
Don’t buy a European softroader – January 2016
Nearly all European soft-roaders now come with temporary spare wheels, run-flat tyres or no spare and a can of tyre inflation gas and sealant. In Australia, that’s dangerous we believe.
Living in the Dopey Country
I've just returned to civilisation after a month touring in the Outback: long distances on dusty roads and tracks providing ample reflection time. I left home on Anzac Day and couldn't help wondering how those young men who made the ultimate sacrifice would view the...
Soft-roaders aren’t ‘real’ 4WDs
Don’t take any notice of TV ads showing soft-roaders tearing through beach-front salt water. Do it and you’re certain to void your warranty and you could be on the path to an expensive recovery or total loss.
What about Burke and Wills
We've just driven on the 'roads' around Innamincka, doing prototype tyre testing. We chose the area because mining vehicles and the contractors who supply the Cooper Basin gas and petroleum endeavours have destroyed the roads we used to love touring. We were looking...
Modern utes are great performers but at a cost
Although today’s utes and tray-backs look similar in configuration to those of the early 2000s there have been a dramatic changes under the skin. Yesterday’s ute-purchasing criteria no longer apply.
Australia – according to Douglas Adams
This is how Douglas Adams, the author of the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, viewed Australia and Australians: Australia is a very confusing place, taking up a large amount of the bottom half of the planet. It is recognizable from orbit because of many unusual...
The true history of the ute
There are contesting claims as to the origin of the first ‘ute’ and some people reckon it’s an Aussie invention.
Let’s slow down the electronic race
We all have our favourite electronics-failure horror stories and here at Outback Travel Australia we've had our fair share of dramas, with our own vehicles and with road-test machinery. Self-locking 4WDs are great fun: we had to use a two-metre length of eight-gauge...
Buy Australian wherever possible
In 2017, for the first time in its automotive history, Australia will not be able to produce a motor car. Yes, we know that several truck makers claim 'Australian manufacture' but all the major mechanical components for these vehicles are imported. However, Australia...
No more Australian-made vehicles
It's a sad day, but it was always going to happen. Globalisation dictates that production goes to the cheapest labour and infrastructure regions, and to those whose currency is virtually tied to the US dollar. Australia doesn't comply with any of these criteria. On...
Why no OTA 4WD of the Year
We've been asked why we don't nominate a vehicle or a number of vehicles for some type of 4WD of the Year Award. The same suggestion has been put with regard to a camper trailer award. The reason we don't is simple: testing a new 4WD or camper won't tell you anything...