Comments by "Helmuth Schultes" (@helmuthschultes9243) on "American Reacts to Australian Off-roading in the Victorian High Country" video.
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Compared with racing, this is far more in line with my activities.
I have only ever owned 4WD since 1973, and while driving many vehicles and cars for work, 4WD is likely all I will have until private cars are banned or limited range EVs are only choice. At 70yrs age, I hope to be able the keep current driving options while alive.
Presently drive a 1994 Toyota Landcruiser Series 80 wagon, standard with limited slip diff, 5 spd manual, 4.3L Diesel, dual fuel tank (145L approx 1400km hwy range), but has tow hitch, aircon, bull bar and sort of unique, a power takeoff winch. At 20,000kg load and close to 200ft 30,000kg cable, being engine driven extremely capable of extensive winching. Unlike electric winches that soon use up all available battery capacity, I can winch as long as fuel is available. Sadly one aspect is a bother, unlike electric winch it is useless to rescue yourself when drowned in a deep river.
Hive iwned a Suzuki LJ50, three cyl 540cc two stroke, which went like a mountain goat any place it was aimed and fun to drive never a few tons of steel to handle like larger 4WD, Then a Nissan Patrol 3.3L diesel (24V electrical outstanding for ekectric winch efficiency/endurance), now the Landcruiser, but before these also driven my dad's Nissan Patrol G60, long stroke 5L(6L?) Inline Petrol engine. Went like a bulldozer, near unstoppable, went steep enough to spill oil from the large airfilter, and dribble oil from the steering tube at the steering wheel. Even bull dozed dirt on a steep river bank where the front bumper dug into the dirt due to approach angle.
I have mostly driving in Victoria where this video was. That even mostly solo,, not in groups, though plenty of that too. You think those tracks are difficult try it with only yourself to do it all. Really not so safe at all, probably not advisable. There are plenty of very extreme tracks and even more relatively safe but still interesting tracks. Many mountain tracks get closed over winter, when snow may cover tracks, or tracks are too muddy and vehicles cause excessive damage and erosion.
Yet plenty opportunity still to go into deep snow, rivers and mud. Travelled 120km in snow up to 1m deep in the past and even rescued police patrol bigged, on a closed track. They were patrolling to catch users like trailbikers and 4WD users on the closed track. Did I get fined? No, as I helped them and actually ended up there as a result of mistakenly driving and old disused track to get there, never saw any closed signs or gate barriers, and was actually on the way back to a main (dirt) road.
In the Suzuki I even ended up 5km up a walking trail, realising that this can not be a vehicke track as only one bare trail, lots of winding around tree and roots. The tiny size of the Suzuki handled it well.
Have also travelled northern and central Australian areas, including Simpson desert, Kakadu and other northern parks, Daintree Rain forest, Beaches, Fraser Island, Ayers Rock, Flinders ranges and far too many many others to go on here . Probably of order of 100,000km of driving in 4WD, excluding any non 4WD.
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Further to my other comment, I prefer the touring and travel to destinations and scenery aspect over the pure conquering obstackes. I have very little interest as shown in many US 4WD video, of hyper modified vehicles bashing through ridiculous rocky or mud bog obstacles, with over sized engines tires and suspensions. Standard vehicles with some basic improvements like better tyres, snorkle, added bullbar, winch, safety cargo grid, even added limited slip/ lockup diff, added CB radio.
Many accessories that make travel safer/better are fine, to rebuild to conditions not usable on public roads is of zero interest.
You noted the D-Max snorkle, no they are not a factory item. But lots of accessories can be ordered at time of buying the vehicle, with the car dealer either fitting out extras or getting one of many workshops specializing in modifications. My suggestion is to get that done independantly, where you get choice of what and who is doing it. Some modifications however benefit by dealer done changes so warrantee is not compromised, which could impact you if done privately after buying the vehicle.
There are many companies in Australia making parts and performing changes to vehicles. Some that you may already have heard of like ARB and TJM, bat far too many ti go through here. It must be pointed out that legally we have many constraints on permisible changes, tire size, height, weight, structural strength, crash worthiness , safety features, engine suzes. It seems many gross changes that appear common in the US, on vehicles driving around, not even pure terain bashers, such are illegal here. Super fat tires, extreme treads, high lift all changes need manufacturer limits ir independant engineering signoff. Vehicle weight is also a problem, even from one state to another, travelling across Australia you can get put off the road and fined for overloading, or illegal modifications due to differences in rules. Even overloaded roof racks have been a major source of fines, and need to repack or even throw away items to be able to travel on. Many people underestimate total loading with 4 people, added baggage/equipment it is easy to exceed certified gross vehicle mass of many available vehicles. With 5 people some are almost diwn to carrying a packed lunch for each, no more.
Unlike many 4WD owners I frown on doing the hardest path, like roaring through a muddy bog, where a fully usable track goes around. So users will keep tearing up the muddy hole just to prove how hard th hey can thrash through. Sadly that behavour is damaging the countryside and tracks. It is to be stressed many tracks exist for fire fighting access or are left over from forestry or old mining activities. Damage created by such idiots make some tracks unusable for purpise and lead to more and more permanent closure of tracks. For those purely intent on testing their vehicle and personal capabilities, there are privately run 4WD adventure parks providing plenty of challenges. Leave access to the natural beauty available for all to enjoy, leaving minimal damage, go only the least damaging way. If possible allow damaged areas to recover undisturbed.
Note Shaun and his mates who produce many 4WD travel videos, are normally sponsored and promote products showing off their highly modified vehicles. Yes their modifications make more capable, comfortable vehicles, but without sponsorship and income from such activities, few people can afford all the mods, and damage that their videos show. With certain basic mods desirablec and still affordable, I believe more basic standard vehicle is prefferable, well maintained but used sensibly avoiding the near impossible.
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