Roothy’s gas stove got a thorough workout this year as he put on a feast with his weekly Bush Cooking segments.
From pork chops to chilli beef and apple spring rolls, Roothy ticked off every meal of the day. The best thing about Roothy’s recipes is that they’re so simple, anyone without any cooking talent can still put a decent meal together.
Don’t worry if you missed any of Roothy’s spectacular culinary creations, as we’ve compiled the five most popular Bush Cooking videos of 2016.
Number 5: Kicking off the list is a delicious fire-cooked chicken with mushroom dish. Check out the video to learn how to make a camp meal with just chicken breast, Vegeta, mushrooms, butter and a pit oven.
Number 4: Chili prawns are guaranteed to be a winner on that next family excursion to the bush, and Roothy’s take on them is sure to please.
Number 3: When travelling in a big group, hot dogs are a great and easy way to feed the troops. So the crew at Opposite Lock took a break from tinkering with Roothy’s rigs to dine on some Kraut Dogs.
Number 2: Scotch eggs are the perfect campsite meal. Why? Because they’re filling, easy to make and taste sensational!
Number 1: The Bush Cooking video that got the most clicks in 2016 was another breakfast dish: Roothy’s hash browns. Maybe it topped the list because it’s a simple, hearty way to kick off a day in the bush, perhaps it’s just because they’re delicious.
WE’VE already run some of the best comparisons of 2016, but here a few more that got our readers talking this year.
Driving a 4×4 back-to-back with its competition is the easiest and most effective way to detect a car’s foibles and/or advantages.
What might seem like a decent off-road performer on its own, may struggle once it’s lined up behind its competition.
So, here are a few more of 2016’s best 4×4 battles.
Be warned, though, some stirred some Facebook posters to awaken from their slumber.
1: Colorado Z71 v Ranger XLT The Ford versus Ranger debate was dialled up to 11 when we got the keys to the born-again Colorado Z71 and refreshed Ranger XLT. Can the Colorado take a slice of the Ranger’s market dominance?
2: Pajero v Pajero Sport or watch the video here Fraser asks the question: With the release of Mitsubishi’s new Pajero Sport, why is the old Pajero still around? It’s a good question, but can the much smaller Sport do the things off-road that its bigger, older brother can?
3: Colorado Z71 v Hilux SR5 The Colorado Z71 fronts up to another market leader, this time it’s the top-of-the-range Toyota Hilux SR5. The new Colorado is a massive improvement and can play with the big boys, but can it keep up with the Hilux, which is a beast when the tarmac ends?
4: Everest Trend v Ranger XLT Two Fords tangle in the desert – a wagon and a ute that share the same platform and many components – to find out which body style works best in the bush. The all-Ford battle dishes up a few interesting talking points.
No doubt these user-submitted rigs are out and about exploring this great country of ours this holiday period.
Check out more Readers’ Rigs here.
To feature your 4×4 here, snap your 4×4 when it’s off on an adventure and then post it on our Facebook page. Your rig might even get published in the mag one day and, if we really like it, perhaps you’ll even see it on the cover of 4X4 Australia!
1986 EX-ADF MERCEDES UNIMOG U1700 435 – ADAM CRAZE
WHAT’S IT GOT: We brought it early in 2016. We recently sent it to Mog Central in ACT to get some mods done including: a class overdrive, giving it 16 gear forward and 16 reverse; intercooler; two custom-made fuel tanks, which give just over 380L of diesel; three-inch lift with Ironman 4×4 foam cell pro shocks; and some alloy beadlocks with 395/85/20 (46in) tyres. We are about to fit Recaro seats and tint the windows. We are heading to the High Country over Xmas. We did a few snow trips over winter. We will eventually change the back to a camper.
2012 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER – NEIL LAWLEY
WHAT’S IT GOT: Safari Snorkel, ECB alloy front bar, Kaymar rear bar with one spare and two fuel carriers (now), ARB rock sliders, Superior Engineering upper control arms, two-inch via Old Man Emu suspension, ERP’s rust protection, diff breather, Ironman 4×4 underbody protection, Rhino Rack Platform (now), IPF Xtreme 900 HIDs, light bar, TMAX 10000lb winch, LRA 120l second fuel tank, UHF, King steelies (with spacers) and 285/70/17 Nittos (now), and Bushwacker flares (now). Best trip was to Cape York in 2013, with not a single issue.
1993 SUZUKI SIDEKICK (USA) – GREG FULLER
WHAT’S IT GOT: Audi 1.8t from a 2001 TT, VEMS ECU, three-inch stainless exhaust, 4.5in Kustom Kreations IFS lift, Kustom Kreations strut eliminator kit, 10in dual rate Fox coilovers up front, and Fox 2.0 shocks in rear. I’ve taken it all over Oregon, USA – mostly back roads and mild trails. Kept blowing up the stock Suzuki ring and pinion, so just installed a Ford 9in out of a 76 Bronco and a custom 4-link rear suspension.
TOYOTA FJ CRUISER – BRENT HILL
WHAT’S IT GOT: OME Nitrochargers and medium coils all ’round, ARB deluxe bar, IPF HID lights, Kaymar rear bar, ARB compressor under the bonnet, ARB 2m awning, ARB bash-plate kit, and it has a Fourtrex mounted. Best places: Fraser Island, Double Island Point (Cooloola Coast) and Bribie Island.
2016 TOYOTA PRADO KAKADU D4 AUTO – JOHN DRAFFIN
WHAT’S IT GOT: It was delivered fresh from the factory in July, 2016. Mods so far: colour-coded ARB Sahara bar, ARB underbody protection, KMC Monster II wheels, Cooper Discoverer A/T3 tyres, recovery point, 3D mud mats, and a Rhino Pioneer rack. There’s plenty still to do. Best trip was out in a farm at the back of Coolabin, near Maleny.
MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER – JOE VAN DEURSE
WHAT’S IT GOT: Twin locked, bigger intercooler, ECU remap by Diesel Australia, 33in Goodyear Wrangler Duratracs, rock sliders, dual batteries, rear drawers, fridge, snorkel, and awning. Best place I’ve been to would have to be Fraser. However, the toughest place would be a tie between Glasshouse and Cruiser Park. She’s done Camp Road, Telecom Hill and the test track at Cruiser Park.
PITTING a newly released vehicle up against the best-in-class is a sure-fire way to see where it sits in the pecking order.
2016 saw a bunch of great rivalries form, with some hotly contested bouts – as well as a few one-sided battles.
To lift your Christmas spirits, we’ve compiled a list of the best comparisons of 2016. It was a year with some big releases, and thus some massive comparisons. Here are a handful of the best.
1: Everest Trend v Pajero Sport v Fortuner v MU-X v Colorado 7 The big wagon made a comeback in 2016, with some great wagons-based-on-utes released. The sophisticated Everest was the 2015 4X4OTY, so it’s a great vehicle to judge the competition. So we threw a Pajero Sport, Toyota Fortuner, Isuzu MU-X and Holden Colorado 7 up against it in a massive comparison.
2: Prado v Fortuner v MU-X v Everest The Canning Stock Route is a brutal, unforgiving road that tests the heart and soul of a vehicle. The Everest may have cleaned up at 4X4OTY testing, but taking on the CSR is a different kettle of fish. The remote roads of the CSR also welcomed the Prado, Fortuner and MU-X.
3: Everest v Discovery v Prado The Everest features in our three most popular comparisons of 2016, and for good reason as it was the 2015 4X4OTY. But how does the upper-spec Titanium model fare against the high-end Prado Kakadu and Discovery SDV6?
4: Pik-Up v Land Cruiser 79 More of a value test than a direct comparison, our Mahindra Pik-Up versus Land Cruiser 79 comparo was a hit with readers. The point of the test: is the LC79 really worth a $40K premium over the Pik-Up? Watch the video to find out.
We’ve assembled an incredible list of modified machines for the inaugural Custom 4X4 Of The Year award.
After a spate of bad luck, Shane Griffiths decided he needed a 4×4 that suited his tough nature. “I did months of research and knew what I wanted when I went shopping” he said. He decided on a sandy taupe Toyota LC79 GXL.
However, 4x4s are all about individuality and versatility, so Shane decided on creating something that not only stood out, but also suited his extremely varied lifestyle.
With front and rear diff locks as standard, Shane took a more personalised approach to the tray. Collaborating with Tod from Tag Fab in Victoria, Shane’s tray is a two-piece design: the tray stays on the rig full time and comes with storage boxes for wet gear, a full length trundle tray that pulls the whole way out and a stainless-steel water tank in front of the drawer.
The headboard also doubles as an additional fuel tank, adding significant fuel range and keeping weight forward of the rear axle.
The lift-off camper is lightweight, quick and easy to set up and simple to remove – Shane’s got it down to three minutes. There’s an electronically operated pop-top with a full-size custom inner spring mattress and folding rear doors to provide an enclosed change space and ample standing room.
Rather than a traditional drop-slide and top-loader, Shane’s 79 is fitted with a 57L Engel upright fridge, powered by a lithium battery with an Enerdrive DC2DC 30A.
The leaf springs have been changed to a bolt-in coil conversion from Jmacx Off Road Solutions, with three-inch-lifted Dobinsons coils and Superior Engineering eight-stage adjustable external reservoir shocks front and rear. The wheels are 285/70R17 BFGoodrich KM2s wrapped around 17x9in KMC alloys.
Shane’s individual ‘functional but different’ approach continues at the front, where he opted for a front bar, slider, and scrub bar set-up from TJM’s commercial range. The front bar has a waterproof 12,000lb Sherpa winch and two spread-beam XRay HID driving lights from TJM.
Shane’s extremely proud of his LC79: “I took the plunge, made some financial sacrifices, built the truck of my dreams and I’ve never been happier.”
Vote for Shane’s Sandy LC79 to decide this year’s Custom 4×4 of the Year.
We’ve compiled five more opinion pieces that started conversations in 2016, as well as ruffled a few feathers.
These popular articles were a hit on our Facebook page, generating some positive (and not-so-positive) feedback.
Let’s take a look.
1: AUSSIE MOTORING JOURNOS ARE CORRUPT, JUST ASK FACEBOOK
Deano did what journalists should never do, and that’s respond to absurd Facebook comments. He tackled the sensitive issue by calling out all the Facebook experts who claimed our 4X4OTY testing process was rigged.
2: TOWING WEIGHTS CONTINUE TO INCREASE
20-odd years ago, most popular 4×4 wagons were capable of towing 2500kg. Now, a 4×4 isn’t worth looking at if it doesn’t have a braked towing capacity of at least 3000kg. Deano detailed how modern 4x4s are capable of carrying massive loads.
3: ALL THE BEST 4X4S HAVE SIX-CYLINDER ENGINES
In relation to VW’s Amarok V6, editor Matt asked the question: When was the last time emissions regulation gave us a bigger and better engine? He’s right, and he also explained what other six-cylinder engines are on the horizon!
Fraser made his aversion to the V6 known, as he detailed the advantages – manufacturing costs, weight and complexity – offered by a straight-six configuration.
5: TOYOTA TROOP CARRIER MADE FOR OUTBACK ADVENTURE
The Troop Carrier has been kicking goals for more than half a century. Why? Because it’s the ultimate off-road-ready package – copious amount of space, superior overlanding ability and extreme versatility. Editor Matt also hung out with the Troop Carriers of Australia group.
We’ve assembled an incredible list of modified machines for the inaugural Custom 4X4 Of The Year award.
On Track 4×4 Repairs owner Andrew Cassar is no stranger to modified 4x4s, but when it comes to engine mods, his latest Nissan Patrol takes the cake.
After fitting the stock VK56 5.6-litre V8 engine with a Harrop 2.3-litre supercharger kit, and retuning the ECU, Andrew’s Patrol now puts out a massive 350kW at the wheels.
“It goes great. It sounds like an HSV, goes like an HSV and I drive it like I stole it!” Andrew said with a grin.
With a weight of three tonnes, V8 Supercar power and a fuel economy of 21L/100km, it’s lucky that Andrew installed a 150L LRA auxiliary fuel tank which took the total capacity up to 290 litres, giving him a range of more than 1000km between fuel stops.
Independent suspension and electronic aids further help with performance. Andrew’s Patrol has been fitted with specifically tailored tyres: a set of 35/12.5R18 BFGoodrichs with stock rims for when it’s time to get dirty and a second set of 305/70R18 Mickey Thompson ATZ P3s for running around town.
For the tyres to fit, the Patrol has been raised by 50mm, riding Old Man Emu springs with Nitrocharger Sport shocks; however Andrew told us that they’re currently being replaced with remote reservoir fully adjustable BP-51s.
At the front, the Patrol has been fitted with an ARB Deluxe bullbar and a Magnum 10,000lb winch with a 6hp Warn 9.5XP motor.
The Patrol has matching custom-made scrub bars and sliders, with a Kaymar full rear bar carrying the spare which has been moved out of the rear floor recess. In its place are five 20Ah AGM batteries with a total of 100Ah in reserve, controlled by a Redarc BCBDC 1225 charger. The Patrol is now able to jumpstart itself at the flick of a button.
Most people would expect that such a vehicle would have an extensive storage system installed inside the cabin; however Andrew’s got other priorities to worry about: family duties.
“It’s normally got three kiddie seats in there and the back’s full of groceries” he said with a laugh. No doubt it’s the fastest 4×4 shopping cart out there.
Vote for Andrew’s Supercharged Patrol to decide this year’s Custom 4×4 of the Year.
A few big opinions were launched during 2016 by 4X4 Australia’s writers.
Some opinions were met with a ‘here, here’, while others received more of a brutal reception, especially on Facebook – thanks widely to keyboard trolls.
To get you through the holiday period, we’ve compiled a list of the hardest-hitting, most-popular opinion pieces of 2016.
1: PART TIME VERSUS FULL TIME 4X4
While driving a base-spec Hilux Workmate in Sydney, Fraser Stronach realised how much better off he’d be with full-time 4×4 instead of part-time. The addition of a centre diff could make a world of difference!
2: DIESEL ENGINES ARE GETTING SMALLER
Fraser’s article on the shrinking diesel engine caused a bit of a whirlwind when it was published back in April, 2016. He notes how the only models bucking the downsizing trend are the Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50 twins. Is the shrinking diesel engine a good or a bad thing? Read Fraser’s two cents.
3: TOP 10 4X4 TRIPS IN AUSTRALIA
When planning your next off-road adventure, why not take advice from the guy who has pretty much been everywhere! It seems plenty of people did, as Ron Moon’s article on the best 4×4 trips in Australia was one of our most popular in 2016.
It seems our readers are eager to learn about diesel donks, with this article being one of the most clicked in 2016 – perhaps due to the improvements the engine has received in recent years. Fraser runs through the benefits a diesel engine has over the long-endured petrol.
5: TOW RATINGS ARE JUST MARKETING HYPE
Ron was sick and tired of manufacturer’s claiming bogus tow ratings, so he vented his frustrations here. Too often has he seen grey nomads towing more than their 4x4s are capable of!
We’ve assembled an incredible list of modified machines for the inaugural Custom 4X4 Of The Year award.
With the pick-up version of the next model Wrangler not scheduled until 2018, Stuart Murchison decided he couldn’t wait so he went ahead and made his own.
The first ‘Brute’ was built by AEV for the 2002 SEMA show in Las Vegas. Jeep was so impressed by the concept that it took it back to Detroit to investigate building one of its own.
Unfortunately, it was too late to develop a TJ model ute, but this hasn’t stopped enthusiasts like AEV and Stuart from creating their own dream machines.
Originally a JK Unlimited Sport, this dream Jeep went under the knife at Stuart’s Murchison Products workshop in Brisbane. The body was cut in half and a new rear panel was fabricated from scratch, turning it into an ‘extra-cab’ rather than a true single-cab. The roof retains the ‘Freedom’ panels which can be removed to give the Jeep that open-top feel.
Stu fitted a widened AEV cargo tub which is protected by a spray-on liner and houses the fuel filler for the custom 120-litre tank.
The body is filled with AEV products including the hood, AEV intake, AEV premium bumper, Runva winch and IPF spotties.
With a custom paint job – Range Rover Zanzibar Metallic – and an interior custom trimmed in two-tone leather seats, this truly is a one-off item.
The wheelbase has been lengthened by 254mm using Clayton long arm suspension aided by remote reservoir Fox 2.5 Extreme Racing shocks both front and rear, with Murchison-tuned coil springs.
The Dana 44 rear diff is complemented by an ARB air locker, 4.10 gears and Dynatrac cover. The front diff is a complete Dynatrac Pro Rock 44 replacement with ARB locking, RCV axles and high steer arrangement, driving 17in AEV Salta alloys wrapped in 35in BFG muddies.
Not forgetting the donk, the original 2.8-litre turbo-diesel has been tuned to produce an extra 105Nm – meaning this little Jeep wrangles better than any other diesel JK we’ve driven.
It’ll be interesting to see what Stuart and AEV come up with next.
Vote for Murchison’s Wrangler to decide this year’s Custom 4×4 of the Year.
We’ve assembled an incredible list of modified machines for the inaugural Custom 4X4 Of The Year award.
Craig McGuiness’ 2004 Nissan GU Patrol used to be a wagon in dire need of attention. Nissan never really clicked to the idea of a Patrol dual-cab ute, so like so many 4×4 enthusiasts with dreams of owning their perfect creation, Craig set about making his own.
First, Craig replaced the dead ZD30 motor with a 5.7-litre LS1 V8 engine mated to a four-speed 4L60E auto. Craig would have preferred a diesel but decided the extra $15K wasn’t worth it.
It was then fitted with a custom exhaust system courtesy of Scott’s Rods in Ipswich, before being tuned by Forced Performance & Tuning in Toowoomba. A snorkel was fitted and a reverse-cowl bonnet from a Camaro was grafted.
Craig then set about making his dream ute a reality. Darren from Custom RV Creations & Repairs sliced off the back of the wagon and grafted a new rear wall in place. Instead of just a simple flat sheet of metal, Craig had a GU single-cab rear wall installed. The finished job wouldn’t look out of place on the factory line.
The wheelbase was stretched by 600mm, lining the rear axle up perfectly in the middle of the new tray. The tray was constructed with a 3mm alloy sheet, with 50x100x8mm alloy channel providing strength.
The side doors were fitted with gas struts, compression T-handle locks and deeper back structures to provide better water- and dustproofing. The tray was decked out with a ply floor, roof panels and marine carpeting.
Separated into two, the passenger side of the tray houses two fridges on twin Clearview slides, as well as a separate drawer for cooking supplies. The driver’s side has three drawers and a shelf for storage, which is further complemented by a custom alloy roof rack.
For remote-area touring, there’s 150A worth of solar panels that feed down into a Redarc battery-management system, with two 120A AGM batteries that also power a heat exchanger and water pump for showers (the ute comes with a 140L water tank).
With a custom long-range tank, this really is a near-perfect tourer.
Vote for Craig’s GU Wagon ute to decide this year’s Custom 4×4 of the Year.