I Never Thought I’d Become a 4WD Guy

When two true loves meet there’s nothing you can do about it. Casey now sees that it was fate, that he was always going to become a 4WD guy. Turns out he thinks it’s great.

There are two things I’ve always loved. Being outside, and cars.

Most of my childhood and teenage years were spent outside, running around in the bush, playing sports, or at the beach. As a teenager, I started messing around with motorbikes, and then cars.

As an adult, things got more serious. I’ve spent countless hours restoring classic cars in my spare time, as well as hiking and camping in some of the world’s most spectacular and rugged destinations.

When I realised that my two favourite things could be morphed into one – 4WDing – I reluctantly answered the call. Now I know there’s no going back.

But here’s why I think you should give it a go.

See the Places Most Don’t

I’ve been lucky to trek some of the best trails on earth in South America, climb volcanoes in Central America, and hike backcountry in remote Wyoming in the middle of winter.

I always thought this was pretty adventurous.

But after starting with small off-road trips in Australia, and later spending almost a year on the road, I realised we have some of the most remote tracks and campgrounds anywhere on earth – and the only way to get there is with a real four-wheel drive.

Read more: What Should You Carry In Your 4WD Rescue & Repair Kit?

Four-wheeling doesn’t take away from nature-experiences, instead, it allows you to get to some of the most authentic ones, by giving you the freedom to travel hundreds or even thousands of kilometres from a town or city, literally into the middle-of-nowhere.

Take Northern or Central Australia for example, particularly the Kimberley, Pilbara, or Tanami, where you’ll see the best waterfalls, rivers, and ranges. You can spend weeks on horribly corrugated dirt roads that lead to 4WD tracks, through rivers and mud, to finally stop at a campsite…

Farther from other humans than you will ever be.

You Can Be Very Comfy While Camping

I used to be a hiking and camping snob. I’d only take what I could carry on my back, like a hard sleeping mat, some couscous and Clif bars, and a very expensive, tiny sleeping bag.

I’d turn my nose up at 4WDers with their ostentatious luxuries and make hardship part of the rugged ‘real’ outdoor experience.

Then I realised they’re not mutually exclusive.

Just think, after a long day (or days of) hiking, coming back to a cold fridge of food and drinks, a tent with big windows to the stars, an awning for shade, a properly organised kitchen, even a hot camp shower.

Ask yourself, does being comfy and warm take away from the camping or nature experiences? Or just add to it?

Plus inside your car you can stow specialised 4WD accessories and storage for all of your lightweight hiking and camping gear you love so much. All set up and organised just how you like – it’s pretty pleasing.

The Joy of Your Set Up

Do you take pride in your camping gear? Or enjoy comparing how small your stove and bowl is in your amazingly lightweight backpack?

Well you’ll love setting up your fourbie!

Imagine, a big boot where you can customise your set-up to how you travel. The satisfaction of finding a place to put all those bits of gear. Do you prefer a dropdown rear door table or big trestle stored conveniently overhead? Por que no los dos!?

Keep your emergency items, like snake bite kits or a fire extinguisher right next to the door and never misplace your weatherproof shell again!

The right set-up also means you can stay at your favourite crag or campsite for weeks on end, and on the road indefinitely, only returning to civilisation to stock up now and then on food, fuel, and water.

Read more: 10 Nifty 4WD Storage Solutions

You’ll Meet a Lot of Great People

Have you met some lifelong friends hiking, climbing, or camping? Well, as it turns out, you’ll get the same with four-wheel driving.

People are at their best when they’re doing what they love and sharing it with others.

Like any sub-culture, four-wheel drivers sometimes get a bad rap for the very few out to do wrong. Overall, they’re some of the friendliest people I’ve ever come across.

I guarantee if you’re stuck on the side of the road or deep in a mud hole, every single 4WD will stop and check if you’re alright and stay to help.

One of the most memorable places I’ve camped was thanks to having a beer with a four-wheel-drive-lovin’ trucky at a roadhouse on the Nullarbor. At first I thought I might be getting Wolf-Creeked, but I woke up to a spectacular view over the plains and am here to tell the story.

Like this, all those who have travelled before you will pass on invaluable knowledge you won’t find on the internet (maybe on We Are Explorers! –Ed). This means the best secret campsites and swimming holes, plus what grade oil you should be running in your rig.

You’ll Learn a Lot

When I first went off-road I could already fix things, but I had no idea how to properly use a winch or snatch strap and had no idea what tyre pressure to run on what terrain, but I had plenty of helpful people show me how.

I’ve noticed people are eager to teach those who are willing to learn, when it comes to four-wheel driving theory and mechanical maintenance.

In turn, I’ve been able to help tow or dig plenty of people off the sand, change spare wheels for newbies, and even fix stuff for people stuck on the side of the road.

Getting Out There

You don’t need all the gear to get started. Most stock 4WDs and dual-cab utes will get you to almost all the good places you need to go.

All you really need is your camping gear, a basic set of recovery tracks, and a way to change your tyre pressure. Though, I’d highly recommend having an organised car and the right places to put all your gear!

Read more: 10 Nifty 4WD Storage Solutions

Photos by @ben.savage