I HAVE been getting stuck into the annual Milo rebuild and, as you’ve seen in recent issues, the job isn’t getting easier as the years go by.

But, if nothing else, the last 750,000km in the old mud-jumper have given me a few ideas on what works and what doesn’t.

This month it’s not just the truck itself, but it’s everything in it or bolted to it. Take that lot and shake it up a few corrugated tracks and pretty soon there’ll be shrapnel scattered everywhere.

The difference, when there was one, was always the suspension. The more bumps you can smooth out, the more rebounds you can control and the less damage gets done. The difference between good and bad suspension – read: expensive or cheap – is incredible.

Unfortunately, there are trade-offs everywhere here. My old truck’s leaf suspension might be uncomfortable and harsh compared to a modern coil-sprung vehicle, but it’ll handle bigger variations in loads without breaking or bending. Plus, it’s a whole lot easier to bodge up if it does break.

In the four-wheel drive world, just about everything else this side of a few commercial vehicles has coil suspension because the stuff is so good. I know having coils up the front of the 76 Series Workmate makes a big difference in the ride, but the stock coils and shocks were almost dead after 70,000km, while the rear leaf springs showed no droop at all. I still replaced them, though. Stock suspension is designed for test drives, not tough tracks!

Meanwhile, life goes on with Milo and Mustard. I couldn’t help plucking the old Engel out if its bag to show off the damage from a decade’s worth of belting around. Some of that red dirt is so ingrained it won’t come out this side of a wire brush on a grinder, but the thing still works well.

It’s worth pointing out that Milo’s destroyed three other fridges supplied for promotions, usually in about 12 months. Milo’s as rough on gear as I am, and there’s not much a year’s worth of hardcore travelling won’t destroy. I threw out a trailer-load of busted cooking gear during the last Christmas cleanout.

However, not much is rougher than turning a truck on its side, and that’s exactly what I did with old Mustard down in Tasmania. As well as a hefty panel-beating bill, virtually everything in the back was trashed – apart from the fridge, recovery gear and my swag. Three years later I’ve started to notice the old girl sitting down a bit on the side she tipped on, and I figured the leaf packs might have copped some damage, too.

Sure enough, the cheapo springs we’d put in before the Tassie trip had started to bend. My old mate Allan Gray from Terrain Tamer was visiting, so I got him out in the shed for a look. Allan’s the most experienced Toyota mechanic in the country and you should never miss a chance to learn from him, even when it’s simple stuff like suspension. In fact, sometimes the simplest stuff is the hardest to get right.

Allan’s experience goes right back to the birth of Toyota in Australia in 1958, when the Thiess Brothers imported the first Land Cruisers to work at the Snowy Mountain Scheme. To think that just the previous weekend, I’d been surrounded by a bunch of 40 Series nuts who weren’t even born when the Snowy Scheme was switched on.

Those old Land Cruisers, once the preserve of hard nuts who needed to get to work, are making a comeback. Let’s face it, though, the old 40s are about as trendy as a box of rusty spanners. Taught me a lot of lessons in the bush, though!

One of those lessons is how much of our country we’re being locked out of. You’d think with the massive growth of outdoor sports, camping and grey nomads looking for a nice spot to park the van, this would be a big issue, but the extreme greens have done an incredible job of bluffing and bullying governments into locking up our lands.

One party has got unlocking the bush on its agenda, so it’s getting my support. That’s why I’m running on the Liberal Democrat ticket for the federal senate in the upcoming election in July. Yes, it’s strange to think of an old bush mechanic going to Canberra – I doubt you could fix that lot with wire and tape!

I wouldn’t worry too much about Milo leaking oil on the steps of Parliament House yet, because Gabe Buckley’s running number one on our LDP ticket and he’s a lot more polite than me.

However, Australia is a democracy and we’re all entitled to have a say. Whatever your politics, I urge you to ask your local candidates what their stance is on opening up public lands. We need to get this issue on the table, before we all get swept into the cracks in the floor.

Cracks in the floor? Oh, I figured we were talking about Milo again.

Holden and Land Rover are the latest vehicle manufacturers to issue recalls for technical glitches.

GM Holden has issued a recall for MY16 RG Colorado seven-seaters produced between October 10, 2015 and June 1, 2016.

The issue involves a defective recliner mechanism fitted to the second row seats. When the seat is placed into the upright position there is a chance the seat won’t lock correctly into position.

You mightn’t think it’s worthy of a recall, but the seat may move unintentionally during an accident. This increases the risk of injury for second-row passengers.

Land Rover has issued a recall for the following vehicles: Discovery 3.0L TDV6; Range Rover 3.0L TDV6; Range Rover Sport 3.0L TDV6; and Range Rover 4.4L TDV8. Production dates of affected vehicles are from April 2, 2012 to May 2, 2013.

The recall is due to the diesel engines not starting or cutting out without warning. If the engine cuts out, the rig will lose brake power assistance and power-assisted steering. If the vehicle is fitted with an air suspension system, the system may reduce the vehicle to its lowest ride height position.

Unsurprisingly, this poses a serious threat to both the driver of the vehicle and other road users.

Owners of affected vehicles should expect to be contacted by the respective manufacturers.

If you’re unsure whether you’re affected, give your local dealership a call.

The point at which SUVs become more popular in Australia than passenger cars is edging ever closer with the latest VFACTS data released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries revealing the gap is fast reducing.

While passenger cars still outsold SUVs during the month of June, with 53,832 new passenger cars compared to 46,011 new SUVS sold, it’s when you compare the figures to the same period last year that the cracks in the passenger car market start to appear.

Compared to the four-week period of June last year, the passenger car market experienced a decrease of 2554 units (4.5 percent) while the SUV segment was up by 3755 units (8.9 percent) in the same period.

And while each segment is made up four sectors; private sales, business sales, government fleet vehicles as well as rentals, digging down into the private sector of each segment highlights the change in Australian consumer behaviour.

The private passenger car segment recorded a decline of 1797 units (5.2 percent) over the same period in 2015, while at the same time the number of SUVs sold to Australia’s private sector grew by 1019 units, which represents at 3.7 percent increase over the same 2015 period.

And as for which vehicles Australian consumers are purchasing, for the month of June, Mazda’s CX-5outsold any other SUV with 2643 new units changing hands in the four-week period, a result which is reflected in the year-to-date figures also, with 12,593 new CX-5-badged SUVs sold in the first six months of 2016.

Next in line for June was Mitsubishi’s ASX (2182 units) followed by Toyota’s RAV4 with 2088 new units sold. RAV4 trails Mazda’s CX-5 in the year-to-date figures with 9728 units sold in the first six months of this year, followed by the Hyundai Tucson with 9609 units with Nissan’s X-Trail hot on its heels at 9426 units.

With more and more manufacturers jumping on the SUV bandwagon, the country’s most popular brands don’t necessarily reflect the individual vehicles purchased. For the month of June, Australia’s most popular SUV brand was actually Toyota with 13.4 percent of June’s market share (6186 of the total 46,011 units). Second in line was Mitsubishi (10 percent of the share with 4584 units) followed by Mazda in third place with its 4571 SUVs sold making up 9.9 percent of the month’s market. Nissan came a close fourth with 4280 new SUV units moved in June for a 9.3 percent share of sales.

Interestingly, it’s a different story again for brand market share when you consider the year-to-date figures. Toyota remains top-dog for the first six months of 2016, with 14.3 percent of the half-yearly market share. Mazda, with a 10.2 percent share is in second place, with Nissan in third on 9.3 percent.

TOP 10 SUVS FOR JUNE 2016

ALONG the Stuart Highway south of Alice Springs, roadside rest areas quickly fill with travellers during the peak touring season. The throng starts assembling at mid-afternoon and, though the outlook might not be the most inspiring, the cost is free and the company guaranteed.

A handful of savvy travellers know where to nip off the bitumen, to a little-known free camp that has some clear benefits over the highway stops. At Redbank Waterhole, in Owen Springs Reserve, there’s not much in the way of traffic noise and there’s plenty of room to move.

A dirt track leaves the highway 66km south of Alice, heading west just 6km through the reserve to Redbank Waterhole. The track is marked 4WD-only and, though dusty and corrugated, is hardly a challenge for any vehicle with a bit of clearance.

There are no facilities at Redbank; only the tracks and old campfires of previous campers define individual sites. Most sites overlook the bed of the Hugh River, one of the Territory’s great ephemeral rivers and a main tributary of the mighty Finke. Naturally, some of the tracks around camp are fairly sandy, as are the sites. Another advantage of Redbank is that it’s one of the few reserves in the Territory where dogs are allowed.

This section of the reserve isn’t that far off the main road, so there can be a drift of noise from road trains rumbling along the highway. The sound isn’t intrusive, though, and it’s the local corellas and red-tailed black cockatoos that cause the most commotion.

Quiet campers have a fair chance of seeing more wildlife at Redbank. Along with the corellas and cockatoos, the waterhole attracts flocks of budgerigars, different pigeons and even hawks that harass fish attempting to hide in the diminishing pools.

Water levels will depend on how recently the Hugh River has seen a flow, and in a good season there’ll be enough water for a refreshing warm-weather swim. It’s an attractive place, lined with river gums and surrounded with a variety of grasses and shrubs.

However, Redbank is just a small section of Owen Springs Reserve, and travellers looking for something more than just a convenient overnight stop won’t be disappointed.

From the Redbank Waterhole access track, a self-drive route leads roughly north towards the Waterhouse Range. This track is definitely for four-wheel drive vehicles only, as it picks up the bed of the Hugh River to traverse deep sand as well as rocks and dust. Despite that, it’s not a terribly tough track and the camping opportunities are pretty good. Unfortunately, pets are not allowed in this section of the Owen Springs Reserve.

The self-drive route is only 50km long, ending on Larapinta Drive about 50km west of Alice Springs.

A brochure detailing historical and natural points of interest along the way is usually available at the entrance to the reserve. An information sheet can also be downloaded from the Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife’s website.

The going is pretty slow along this self-drive route, which is a good thing, as it allows travellers to enjoy the changing sceneries. With the ranges still in the distance, the track winds through grasslands and over a few low red dunes where spinifex is interspersed with a diversity of shrubs and herbage. On occasion, parts of the track can be eroded by heavy rainfall, but it seems the park’s staff keeps signage up-to-date to provide adequate warning of any damage.

The landscape gradually transforms to undulating hills, which in turn morph into the Waterhouse Range. From here, the track follows the course of the Hugh River as its cuts its way along Lawrence Gorge and through the range. Lower tyre pressures are necessary for the deep sand in this part of the reserve, though there’s a fair share of narrow, rock-studded sections as well.

This is a pretty part of the world. Low rock forms of different shapes and colours have a definite ‘Central Australian’ ambience, and gnarled river gums show their age with wide girths and contorted branches. In the gorge, signs mark a 5.6km stretch where campers can set up.

There are no designated sites within that distance, though a few rough tracks lead to clear areas or massive sandbanks pushed up when the Hugh is in flood. It’s a matter of camping wherever you like!

With such a massive choice of camps, it’d be rare to be crowded in this part of Owen Springs, so it’s a good opportunity to sit back and enjoy a remote experience. The chances of spotting wildlife are also good, though sightings of elusive black-footed wallabies or euros aren’t guaranteed. Campers are more likely to hear the howl of dingos echo through the range.

The Waterhouse Range is said to hide evidence that Aboriginal people have lived in and roamed this area for countless lifetimes. NT Parks asks that travellers respect the wishes of Aboriginal custodians and not climb these hills.

More recent history, from when Owen Springs was a cattle station, is much easier to recognise, especially at Haunted Tree Bore and the historic homestead ruins. The old homestead is among the first to be built in the Northern Territory and, though much of the complex has disappeared, restorations have put a bit of life back into the main building.

Owen Springs’ history is entwined with explorations of the Overland Telegraph Line, and John McDouall Stuart was the first white man to visit the area. Interestingly, the waterhole named as Owen Springs isn’t permanent, but another ephemeral waterhole of the Hugh.

Between the highway-handy camp at Redbank and the strung-out bush camps at Lawrence Gorge, Owen Springs is a great place to explore.

The reserve offers the chance to see a different part of Central Australia, and a part that it seems the multitudes are yet to discover.

Travel Planner

OWEN Springs Reserve is south-west of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. Access is from the Stuart Highway, 66km south of Alice; or from Larapinta Drive, 55km west of Alice.

4WD vehicles are recommended, especially for the self-drive route along the Hugh River. Access tracks to the reserve are likely to be closed after rain.

Pets are allowed at the Redbank Waterhole section of the reserve, but not along the self-drive route.

Camping is at Redbank Waterhole and along a 5.6km stretch at Lawrence Gorge. Camping is free at both locations.

There are no facilities at Owen Springs Reserve. Travellers should be self-sufficient and take all rubbish away with them.

For more info, visit: www.parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au or contact: (08) 8956 7300. Territory Parks Alive programs sometimes operate at Owen Springs Reserve.

The August issue of 4X4 Australia is on sale July 7.

Smack-bang on the front of this month’s banging issue is another LowRange DVD – sure to satisfy the ever-growing Roothy fan base.

Also in this issue, you’ll find a Toyota LC79 tweaked to perfection by the pros at Marks 4WD, the well-thought-out build of an LC200 Cruiser and a history lesson on the Nissan Patrol. Plus, we head overseas for the first drive of Volkswagen’s Amarok Aventura.

Grab the latest copy of 4X4 Australia from newsagents, or get it before everyone else by subscribing to 4X4 Australia in electronic or print format.

What’s inside:

LOFTY AMBITIONS Marks 4WD corrects the LandCruiser 79’s factory shortcomings to create one stunning off-road beast.

TORQUE KING Our first bash with Volkswagen’s all-new 165kW/550Nm V6 TDI Amarok Aventura.

4X4 BEST BUYS We give you the run-down on the 12 best 4×4 vehicles currently on the market – from the $22,990 Suzuki Jimny to the $145,310 Range Rover Sport SDV8.

PLANNED TO PERFECTION Sometimes it’s best to steer clear of elaborate, crazy modifications and opt for a clean, meticulously planned build – like this LC200.

ON PATROL Since its birth in 1951, the Nissan Patrol has given us a family of beauties: 4W Series, 60 Series, MQ, GQ, Y61 and Y62.

COMPREHENSIVE BULLBAR GUIDE Do all bullbars do the same thing? Which one will fit my rig? Should I get steel, alloy or plastic? All your questions are answered here.

DOWN AND DIRTY If you’re not afraid of getting bogged in a quagmire of mud, then hit the sloppy slopes at Levuka 4WD Park in NSW.

READY, SET, GO We load up a Disco with Sunday’s finest and head to the Birdsville Races – the race that stops the ‘outback’ nation.

DUSTBOWL DANCE If a remote, desolate and harsh location is your idea of a holiday destination, then Sturt NP is right up your alley.

IRISH ADVENTURE Sometimes 4×4 tracks outside of Australia are too good to ignore. The Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland is one such adventure.

CAMP IN COMFORT Some of us like to sleep under the stars, while some prefer a swag. There are also those that like to camp in luxury. Enter the Mountain Trail EDX Touring Edition.

THE REST Ron Moon’s two cents on how to deal with crocs, Dean Mellor reminisces a time before GPS, Roothy encounters a few issues when sprucing up Milo and Fraser Stronach explains the benefits of diesel fuel. Plus we test a heap of new gear that’ll help you on your next adventure. Happy reading!

THE Ford Ranger has topped the June 4×4 sales charts, shifting 3477 units nationwide (VFACTS).

Despite selling more rigs than last month, Toyota’s Hilux slipped to second place with 3385 units finding new owners.

This puts the Ranger (15,266) just behind the Hilux (15,484) on year-to-date sales.

However, the biggest mover of the month came from Mitsubishi’s garage. The Triton 4×4 sold 2533 units to move it into third spot on the monthly 4×4 sales charts, leapfrogging Holden’s Colorado (2302) and Nissan’s Navara (1319).

The June result tops off a stellar first half of the year for Mitsubishi, with the Japanese manufacturer crushing its all-time SUV and LCV sales record.

MMA’s executive director of marketing Tony Principe said: “The LCV and SUV market continues to perform above the total market average and we’re pleased to see Mitsubishi achieve record sales in these areas.”

Mazda’s BT-50, Isuzu’s D-Max, Toyota’s Prado and Volkswagen’s Amarok all saw healthy sales growth, while the Nissan Navara and Toyota LandCruiser wagon were the only vehicles in the top 10 that fared worse than last month.

Things are also looking tip-top in the overall market, with sales of LCVs – particularly 4×4 pick-ups and cab-chassis variants – increasing 5.9 per cent on June 2015. SUVs continue to drive out the door, with an 8.9 per cent year-on-year sales jump.

It appears more and more people are realising there’s plenty of fun to be had in a 4×4!

SOUTH African company Eezi-Awn has developed a true expedition-strength, flat-deck roof rack that delivers superior carrying capacity, as well as low wind noise and minimal drag.

From the moment I slid the K9 Rak from its cardboard packaging, I was relieved at not having to bolt, pop-rivet or screw the whole rack together. Yep, this complete flat rack is fully welded and coated in a matte-black finish. All that’s required is the fitting of the leg kit to the rack and my Toyota LandCruiser, which is ridiculously easy.

There are no plastic parts, except a finishing cover on the corners, which means the whole rack is a solid, lightweight unit.

While many racks settle for three pairs of feet (to connect the rack to the roof), the K9 shares the load via 10 separate feet. These extra feet ensure no damage is done to the vehicle, and they also allow for vertical adjustment of the flat deck. This allows the low-profile extrusions to be fitted snug with the roof line, which results in lower drag, lower centre of gravity and increased overhead clearance.

An optional table and table slide is mounted under the rack – a great storage solution that means valuable space isn’t taken up inside the vehicle or on top of the rack. Instead, the stainless-steel table slides in from the rear and locks into position via a flip-up attachment, which has the option to fit a padlock. I don’t get why some tables are fitted to a vehicle – who wants to sit and eat staring at the side of a 4×4? The only downside is that the rack legs need to be set higher to accommodate the table.

The axe, shovel and high-lift mounting kits are similarly spot-on. Being able to carry these oft-used tools without them taking up valuable space is ideal, and I can see these three tools taking up residence on the rack permanently given they can all be padlocked into position.

The K9 kit also keeps dust out of your high-lift jack, as it comes complete with a protective bag – top marks again!

The dual jerry-can holder and spare wheel mount can quickly be attached to the slots within the slats. Obviously we wouldn’t be carrying these two options all the time, but they are quick and easy to install – just keep an eye on their weight and distribution.

It seems everyone has a side awning fitted to their rig these days, and the K9 makes it very easy to add one to either side of the rack via a simple bolt-on attachment. And, not that I have an Eezi-Awn rooftop tent (or other fold-in-half-style tent), but there is also a tent mounting kit that easily slots into the top slats.

All up, the K9 is the most versatile, practical and rugged rack I’ve ever seen or used. It’s not noisy (other than a slight thrum of the table over rough roads) and it’s easy to tie down gear or slot accessories into the track system.

It’s hard to pick a fault with the K9 and I’d give it a 99/100 score.

The Eezi-Awn K9 Rak is suitable for a wide range of vehicles and is supported within Australia by Dolium. For more details and pricing (size-dependent), visit the dolium website.

RATED Available from: www.dolium.com.au RRP: From $880 We say: Versatile; practical; rugged.

The fastest single-turbo VDJ76 Cruiser in Australia is transporting four osteopaths through rural Queensland, as part of an outreach program to provide drought-affected farmers free osteopathic treatment.

The V8 Toyota LandCruiser, aptly named ‘Black Knight’, departed from Brisbane on July 1 loaded with massage tables, foam rollers and enough therapeutic tape to cater for a football team.

It is widely recognised that rural farmers do it tough, and in May this year it was confirmed that 83.9 per cent of Queensland is currently in drought.

Anthony Collins, the owner of the LandCruiser and the instigator of the program, believes the program might help to ease the stress put upon these farmers.

“I travel west of the divide frequently and locals always tell me, ‘we could do with one of you blokes out this way. Nearly everyone out here has a sore back’,” he said.

“If our treatment can give them one less problem to deal with, then I’d consider the trip a success.”

Working on a farm often takes its toll on one’s body, and osteopathy can treat sore backs, sore necks, headaches, whiplash, postural problems and arthritis (to name a few). The osteos will educate farmers on how to treat their injuries and how to proactively prevent future ailments.

The program will also donate rehab tools to farmers.

Black Knight arrived at the Kahmoo property near Cunnamulla on July 2, where it set up a mobile clinic. The next stop was the Eulo Queen Hotel to the west.

4X4 Australia has plans to feature this stunning Cruiser in the mag when the Toyota returns from its duties in rural Queensland. Keep an eye out for it!

The simple things in life are often the best. These good-old jaffle iron toasties are proof of that.

A Man’s jaffle

Ingredients For each jaffle you’ll need:

• 2 slices of bread
• A little butter
• 1 slice of cheese
• 1 to 2 tbs baked beans – drained (whatever flavour you want)
• 1 slice of ham

Step 1: Preheat your jaffle. Lightly spread each bread slice with a little butter. Step 2: Place the bread buttered-side down into the jaffle iron. Spoon in the baked beans and spread out evenly, but don’t go all the way to the sides! Add the ham and cheese. Step 3: Top with the remaining bread slice, butter-side up. Step 4: Cook for a few minutes on each side until golden brown. Step 5: While the jaffles are still in the irons, cut off any burnt edges. Step 6: Cool slightly before eating so you don’t burn the inside of your mouth.

Best to drain the baked beans if the mixture has a lot of liquid.

Apple jaffle

Ingredients *Quantities are just a guide; you may like to use more or less

• 2 slices of bread
• A little butter
• 1 to 2 tsps of cream cheese (amount depends on how thick you want it on the bread)
• Apple slices cut thinly – you’ll need about a 1/3 of a medium apple for each jaffle (or use canned apple slices)
• A pinch of ground cinnamon (optional) – if you use it sparingly it adds a lovely flavour to the apple
• 1 tsp of maple syrup (more or less to taste)
• 1 tbs of dried cranberries
• ½ to 1 tbs of roasted chopped walnuts/pecans or toasted slivered almonds

Cooking time: 3 to 5 minutes for each side (timing will depend on the heat from your coals). Step 1: Preheat your jaffle. Lightly spread each bread slice with a little butter. Step 2: Place the bread buttered-side down into the jaffle iron. Spread the bread with a little cream cheese, then add the apple slices and spread out evenly, but don’t go all the way to the sides! Step 3: Sprinkle a little ground cinnamon over the apple slices and then pour over a little maple syrup. Finish with a sprinkling of dried cranberries and nuts. Step 4: Top with the remaining bread slice, butter-side up. Cook for a few minutes on each side until golden brown. Step 5: While the jaffles are still in the irons, cut off any burnt edges. Step 6: Cool slightly before eating so you don’t burn the inside of your mouth.

Viv’s hints You need to cut the apple slices thinly or they won’t soften quickly enough in the short cooking time. Also try using fruit loaf slices instead of white or brown bread. Use sultanas instead of dried cranberries. Use honey instead of maple syrup. You can also serve them with a dollop of vanilla yoghurt or cream on the side.

A few Jaffle iron tips Let the fire burn down to coals. Pre-heat jaffle iron. Flip it regularly.

THERE has been a spate of vehicle recalls recently.

Within just two days last week, Mitsubishi and Fiat Chrysler Australia both issued recalls.

Mitsubishi Triton (ML/MN) and Pajero (NS/NT/NW/NX) models were recalled due to turn signal and lighting switch connector terminals becoming worn. This issue could result in an accumulation of oxidised dust on connector terminals, which can act as an insulator and affect proper terminal conductivity.

This could cause head lamps, turn signal lamps, parking lamps, front/rear fog lamps, tail lamps, number plate lamps and cabin lamps to malfunction.

The FCA recall is significantly more serious as it could affect the airbag deployment in 2007-2010 JK Jeep Wranglers.

FCA has advised that the clock spring may ingest dust if the vehicle is subjected to dusty environments – highly likely for 4×4 enthusiasts.

This accumulation of dust could compromise airbag circuits and cause the non-deployment of the driver airbag during a crash.

What impact will the recalls have on owners?

There is very little impact for Pajero and Triton drivers, other than the hassle of taking it to a Mitsubishi dealer for a 30-minute tweak.

The issue is more serious for Jeep owners, considering the increased risk of injury the fault can cause.

Punters shouldn’t have to fork out a cent for the fix, and owners of affected models will be contacted by the respective manufacturers as soon as possible.

If you don’t hear anything soon, or you’re unsure whether your vehicle is affected, give Mitsubishi or FCA a buzz.