Bush Sense
Beyond The Bitumen - Jackaroo & Rodeo, 4WD Monthly feature March 2000.
"Adventure Aplenty - Beyond The Bitumen"
In anybody's estimation it's a bold move to make a television series from a conceptual stage, right through to its eventual screening on a free-to-air station five years later, especially when your daytime job is something completely different and revolves around teaching people how to drive 4WDs. But that's exactly what David and Rose Wilson achieved last year on Adelaide television, with the airing of their popular 13-part series, "Beyond The Bitumen". For ten years they have run "Adventure 4WD", teaching thousands of South Australians the art of successful four-wheeling. But whilst the impact of their training was considerable, used not only by recreational drivers via an administrative partnership with the local motoring association the RAA and contracted to South Australian Government as its sole 4WD training provider, thousands more potential trainees were missing their message.
In the case of recreational clients the message is all about holiday family touring and savoring the incredible diversity of the Australian bush, whilst commercial 4WD users learn about the safest ways to work with their vehicles and get home at the end of the day. The most powerful medium to promote those values to the biggest possible audience is television.
Up to 150,000 television sets were tuned in Sunday, by Sunday, following the exploits of David, Rose and their kids Tait and Georgia. The episodes featured both South Australian and Northern Territory destinations as a backdrop to honest touring tips and hints designed to get more people out of town and off the bitumen.
But the real stars of the show were the "hero" cars that ferried the family around on the screen on weekends and during the week earned their keep on courses. Both are Holden/Isuzu 4WDs, both diesels and both purposefully accessorised to make them better suited to the demands of work and play.
David's firmly of the opinion that diesel is the only choice when it comes to a power plant for a 4WD. But not just any diesel, it has to be a direct-injection diesel. "DI" motors are the most efficient reciprocating mass engines in the world, using less fuel per kilometre and producing more "bang for your buck". There are only five vehicles sporting "DI" motors in the Australian 4WD marketplace at the moment and two of them are found in Holden showrooms.
The Jackaroo 3.0 litre electronic diesel has won plenty of friends since its release just over a year ago. It set new standards in diesel performance with stump-pulling torque, the best power-to-weight ratio and previously unknown of highway overtaking capability. As a platform to build a great family wagon it's hard to beat.
Whilst the Wilson's Jackaroo ("Big Red" as the family call it) is a 1998 UBS Series base model, the modifications and accessories list is extensive. The first addition was a Milford cargo barrier. David believes the solid mesh barrier is a must in any wagon, separating the cargo in the rear from the precious cargo in the back seat. With the barrier installed it makes packing easy and to make the most of the available space, he's also employed some long-lost carpentry skills to fashion a useful shelf system mounted on the wheel arches and rear tie-down points.
The shelf is made from 25mm fibreboard, covered in a grey commercial carpet to match the interior. The soft surface locates plastic crates and items without squeaks and rubbing. Mounted 300mm off the floor, it allows for three large Nylex crates filled with heavier items downstairs, whilst the 39 litre "Autofridge" and the rest of the touring complement resides upstairs. The "Autofridge" is set up on a roller-slide made by local accessory maker Kryn Buitendyk, known for his innovative "Chuck Wagon" storage units. With the fridge extended, the conveniently placed step in the rear bumper makes searching for a cold drink real easy.
David and Rose believe that the "Autofridge" is by far the best 39 litre family-sized model in the marketplace. Using eutectic technology, the fridge cabinet is a cold-storage reservoir, where the eutectic fluid once chilled, holds the interior cold irrespective of the ambient temperature. That translates into minimum current draw and maximum efficiency. The Danfoss compressor will take the bumps of an off-road excursion in its stride, happily running even when tilted off-centre. Fridge etiquette is something that Rose and David regularly debate when it comes to keeping essential foodstuffs cool. "David took a while to work out that even in mid-summer, the best setting for the fridge was at its minimum, if he wanted to avoid me scolding him about freezing the lettuce", said Rose.
The Jackaroo's front seats made way for a pair of Paratus models, the "Pararally" finished in charcoal and grey. The side bolsters are finished with leather caps for durability, whilst the seat back features an inflatable lumbar support. Installation of the seats was easy, as the standard Jackaroo bases needed only new mounting holes drilled and 20mm spacers inserted for correct seat height. The family travel some serious distances in a year, when coupled to training duties averaging around 90,000 kilometres, so comfort is a priority. So too is vehicle control when bouncing down a difficult trail, where the deep side bolsters really come into their own.
A roof console from Department Of The Interior holds the main communication link, a TX4200 GME Electrophone UHF radio, selected for its Selcall and multi-scanning functions. Participants in David's courses have the loan of a UHF for the duration of the training, so the link between trainer and trainee can be maintained in transit legs. With eighteen TX3000s on hand along with magnetic bases, the Adventure 4WD crew can handle some large groups, backed up with a pair of hand-held TX6000s for out-of-car instruction. The console for the 4200 was a little tricky to install, especially as David wanted some map reading lights. The overhead light unit from a Monterey fitted perfectly and provides much welcome additional night lighting. Back-up communications are found in the dashboard under the Jackaroo's standard tape deck, another GME product, a TX840B AM/SSB set. Local communications company, Electric Bug supplied the GME's.
At the time of writing David was installing some long-distance insurance in the form of a Codan 9323 HF set. This sophisticated "Flying Doctor" radio-telephone has over 500 channels linked to RFDS for emergencies and Telstra for Radphone Direct Dial (RDD). Made in Adelaide, Codan have an enviable reputation, their distinctive auto-tune antenna often seen on world TV news footage adorning the United Nation's 4WD fleet atop a bullbar. Back here though, with recent national road safety standards stipulating that auto-tune antennas be placed lower or elsewhere, David sourced an ingenious aerial bracket made again by that "Chuck Wagon" man. Kryn's tube steel frame bolts directly into the same slots that support the spare wheel carrier on the back door. The result is a clear view of the road ahead and a solid rigid mount.
Under the bonnet things are pretty much standard, with the exception of an ARB air compressor and an "Overlander 700" battery. The compressor is a much-needed accessory in South Australia. As most 4WD touring there involves sand, having the ability to lower and raise the tyre pressure to suit the terrain is plainly obvious. "ARB's compressor is reliable and runs cool. So many times we'll have clients fire up some of the other popular brands at the end of a training day, only to find that after tyre number two, the hose coupling has become so hot that it blisters and then bursts the air hose. It's not unusual for us to have to re-inflate the tyres for half-a-dozen clients cars, with no shut-down period, something that ARB don't recommend, but the units are up to the job", said David.
The battery is a larger cranking capacity than standard at 700 CCA. David doesn't feel the need for a twin-battery set-up. "I don't run an electric winch and the "Autofridge" is incredibly efficient, so our power demands aren't great. The "Overlander 700" is a powerful battery with an extra reserve and a robust construction, with the plates bonded to the battery case for long-life. So I end up saving some space under the bonnet and some weight over the front axle".
"Big Red" also sports a snorkel. "I haven't tended to specify snorkels on past vehicles, but on a recent damp Flinders Ranges trip, all the creeks were running a banker and if ever you wanted evidence of the benefits of a snorkel this was the time". David also mentioned a bonus with the Jackaroo's new snorkel is that the air cleaner barrel now stays a lot cleaner than before. "In sandy conditions I used to be able to tip a third of a cup of grains from the paper element, entry proving a little too easy from the air source in the left front guard void".
In his experience he's noted that every makers standard suspension has needed some attention for serious touring endeavors. If there was one criticism of the Jackaroo that David could make it would be of the front spring rates. "This first generation 3.0 litre model has torsion bars that are a little on the light side for my likes. In extreme undulating conditions there is some pitching that needn't be there. But I'm pleased to say that Isuzu have fixed the problem with the updated 1999 models featuring a thicker bar with a much improved ride".
He went on to say, "a lot of that pitching has been countered in our car with the fitment of ARB's Old Man Emu "Nitrocharger" shock absorbers. These are a quality shocker and offer extraordinary life in difficult daily duties". David mentioned that he's seen as little as 5,000 kilometres from some standard issue shocks in vehicles he's used, whereas the OME models have been good for around 40,000 very rough kilometres. "This is one area on a 4WD that needs regular replacement, as shocks control not only the ride but also braking distances and when you're about to line up a "skippy" on an Outback road, the last thing you want is the front end diving under brakes".
The back end of the Jackaroo has heavy-duty OME coils in consideration of the loads often carried in the vehicle and "Nitro" shocks again to keep it all under control, loads that include a long-range fuel tank adding another 60 plus kilos underneath. David selected a 60 litre auxiliary "Long Ranger" fuel tank from Fred Black's "Out of Town 4WD". Sold throughout Australia by ARB, "Long Ranger" have a great reputation for reliability. "Unfortunately a lot of aftermarket tanks are troublesome, with rust and debris littering their insides ready to choke fuel filters and destroy pumps, whilst Fred's tanks are as clean-as-a-whistle". Diesel from the auxiliary tank is transferred into the main tank by a pump, activated by switchgear located on the dash. Total capacity is now 145 litres and the range around 1,000 kilometres.
Towing tasks are looked after by an ARB "Towmaster" set-up. The Jackaroo is rated to carry a maximum load of 2,500 kg and the heavy-duty "Towmaster" is designed to tie into the rear chassis rails with maximum strength in mind. David regularly uses the central locating pin (with the de-mountable tow hitch removed) for snatch-strap recoveries. "For many clients there are no rear recovery points fitted as standard to their vehicles, so often the only solid hitch is their towbar. A good towbar like ARB's will be tied to the chassis at a number of points with high-tensile bolts for additional strength". David was quick to remind readers never to use a towball as a hitching post. "Towballs are designed for static loads and are rated with loads that are considerably less than that of a vehicle that's bogged to the door sills".
In the quest for less unsprung weight David opted for alloy wheels made by local Adelaide wheelmaker Mullins/CSA. The 16X7 "Titan's" add a neat touch to the Jackaroo's appearance, but they're more than just a fashion statement, as the 5-spoke pattern is very strong. "In the past I've advised clients to use steel wheels on their vehicles for strength and durability, but the "Titans" have served us faithfully", David said. "I've always been an advocate of tubeless wheel/tyre combinations and was wary of the damage that might be done to an alloy rim with roadside strip and refit. But my concerns have been unfounded on the few occasions I've had the "Tyrepliers" out".
The tyres fitted to the Adventure 4WD trucks are Bridgestone products. David shares two sets between the Jackaroo and the Rodeo both in a 235/85R16 size, one a dedicated mud tyre whilst the other is an all-terrain. The tall skinny profile is ideal, offering a substantial lift in clearance around 35mm, plus it's a size that you can get anywhere, unlike the standard 245/70R16s. The other advantage is that because it's an "LT" (Light Truck) pattern, they don't share the off-road dramas a "P" (passenger) pattern will.
More often than not the Jackaroo wears a set of 661 Desert Duelers. These are a 10 ply rated tyre with a tough carcass for puncture resistance in mulga country. The pattern works especially well in sand, gravels, rock and paved surfaces at all speeds. For wear they are proving very good, likely to run down to the TWI (tread wear indicator) at around 50-60,000 kilometres. For David that's pretty good going, for whilst he rarely suffers punctures through careful inflation procedures, the nature of the work meted out to the tyres means they wear pretty quickly.
"Big Red" wouldn't be complete without a colour-coded ARB bullbar. David and Rose's cars have always featured ARB steel bars because of the engineering that goes into them, especially at the mounts. "We do a lot of night driving in the Outback on the way to jobs or on our return, so roos are a roadside nuisance we can do without and steel is the only material I'm confident with that will offer true frontal protection. I've always had an open mind on bullbar materials, but aluminium bars crumple and tear unless they're very thick, negating their supposed weight advantage, whilst plastic bars might be solid in the centre, but in the wings where most glancing animal strikes occur, they flex to the point where they're likely to do more damage to the car than if they weren't there", David said. He offered some additional advice. "If the majority of your driving is around town and on those occasions you do go bush you don't drive at night, don't worry about a bullbar. Spend the money on some essential recovery gear or camping equipment and use the change for fuel money for a trip".
This new generation ARB bar for the Jackaroo is fully airbag compatible, with ARB's unique sensor compliant mounts and new rubber bumper over-riders, plus the usual bumper recovery eyelets and driving light and aerial mounts. IPF 800 series rectangular driving lights with 130 watt globes provide additional illumination, a good thing because the standard headlights' output isn't especially illuminating, according to David.
David also has a piece of advice for diesel Jackaroo owners. "One operational characteristic worth mentioning of the electronic Jackaroo is its cold weather start-up, as owners in alpine regions or outback locations in mid-winter, may experience difficulties if an inappropriate oil is used. The handbook specifies a 15W/40 multigrade, with an alternative 5W/30 for the snow. Some of my clients have reported difficulty starting their vehicles during cold spells, largely because the high-pressure fuel injection system is actuated by oil pressure. According to investigations by Isuzu engineers, some mineral oils viscosity aren't what they're supposed to be, actually rated more like 20W/40, resulting in battery-draining cold-start crank-overs".
The answer?
"Running a synthetic oil will fix the viscosity issue, I use Castrol TXT, but at $35.00 for 5 litres, some people might find that expensive. However with the synthetic you'll enjoy a performance and economy bonus that the mineral oil can't deliver, that will pay for itself over time. And when you change the oil from a troublesome variety, be prepared to dump the oil twice. The engine holds nearly 10 litres, five in the sump and five elsewhere, so one change won't remove all the offending oil". To borrow a well-worn phrase, "Oils ain't oils Sol!"
Interestingly Isuzu added a dual-battery set-up for the updated '99 model, not for powering accessories, but rather to provide more cold-cranking capacity for this very reason. As well, the mystery of the QWS (Quick Warm-Up Switch) has been revealed. Located to the left of the hazard flasher, the switch should be left depressed, activated by sensors when the ambient temperature is less than 15°C to activate a butterfly valve in the exhaust to speed up warm-up times. It's simple and effective on those chilly mornings when you don't want to hang around waiting for some engine warmth.
The Wilson's Rodeo shares much with the Jackaroo. Commonality of parts and accessories can be very useful when both vehicles are in remote country and it's a good lesson for friends setting off on a big excursion. Sharing equipment between a number of vehicles keeps individual loads light, whilst running the same tyre size and fuel type is smart, when spares are in short supply.
The Rodeo is a 1999 TF Series dual-cab, a base model the family call "Wun-Tun". In the Adventure 4WD corporate livery of red and gold it's hard to miss as a mobile billboard. But it earns its keep beyond being just an ad on wheels, used in the training business often as the "tucker-truck" for larger functions. David and Rose also like to use it on longer distance journeys when they're camping out, the tray holding an enormous quantity of gear.
"That tray becomes even more purposeful with the ARB canopy, one of their new thermo-formed polymer jobs. The high-roof version we've got allows for bulky items like the swags to be packed up high so they can be retrieved easily first when we arrive at a campsite," David said. "When I think back to our last Rodeo which had a "Carryboy" canopy, there's no comparison. Whilst the "Carryboy" is a pretty unit, its low roof height made packing and retrieving difficult. The sliding windows were also a pain, side access restricted to a space barely big enough for a head and shoulders". The leather-look external finish is easy to clean and David and Rose are mightily impressed with the interior light's output, making night searches easy.
Inside the cab the seats remain the same, the bolsters on seat base and back are taller than the Jackaroo's and do a fine job of locating driver and passenger on a bumpy trail. But some other creature comforts extend to more "Department Of The Interior" items, in particular the centre console/armrest. "There's never enough cubbyholes inside today's crop of 4WDs, but the bin under the armrest will swallow cameras, GPS, tissue box and cassettes", said Rose. Overhead is another console holding the TX4200 GME UHF. Finished in a complementary grey vinyl as is the centre console, it looks like it was designed to be there from the start. The TX840B AM/SSB is set under the dash, just forward of the gear-shift.
Whilst the AM set's aerial mount is on the bullbar on both vehicles, so too is the UHF antenna set up on a spring base "Z" bracket on the right-hand side of each bonnet. "Lots of people believe a 2 metre white "blind" stick UHF antenna is the way to go, but the tall and brittle fibreglass whip will run foul of every low-flying tree. The performance loss of the smaller wire antenna is negligible. Recently I spoke to a friend from atop a hill near Blinman all the way to Plumbago Station, over a hundred kilometres away with no repeater assistance, quite a feat", David said.
Under the bonnet is an ARB air compressor and another "Overlander 700" battery. Air filtration duties are aided by a Finer Filter reusable element, washed out as required. "As the Rodeo is the newer car and under development still, I intend fitting a snorkel to it sooner rather than later. The air intake is placed high but relatively open and after the floods in the Flinders it'll be cheap insurance".
Up front is an ARB colour-coded bulbar, the contrasting charcoal paintwork looking great against the red bodywork. IPF 800 driving lights point the way in the darkness, offering up to a kilometre of roadside illumination.
Staying with the barwork, David had installed a set of ARB side protection rails and steps, as well as a rear step towbar. "In the past I've always advised clients against fitting dressy looking aluminium sidesteps. Mostly they compromise important ramp-over angles and drag, getting bent up in the process. But the Rodeo with its lower step-in height is a little vulnerable in the door-sills, despite the fact I've given this vehicle a lift. When Rose and I do the driving we're conscious of vehicle placement to avoid getting hung-up on lumps and bumps, but my trainees aren't aware of that, so the steps are cheap insurance. The paintwork is looking a little sorry at the moment, but it's nothing that a spraycan won't fix".
Again the rear step towbar is a good barometer for exits out of deep gullies. "In some of the country we visit with clients in the Flinders we'll drive through creekbeds that'll test the best approach and departure angles. With such a long wheelbase and the tray hanging out the back, it's clear that you'll drag your bum at some stage. At least I know that when the bar does touch the deck, the crunch won't be expensive". The bar also provides additional rated winch eyelets and the tow-hitch locating pin doubles as a snatch point too.
Suspension treatment extends to OME gear all round, with "Nitro" shocks up front and the back end has long-travel leaf springs and shocks, better equipped for heavy loads and offering around 25mm of body lift. David reckons the ride is just about perfect, eliminating "porpoising" that is all too common with long wheelbase dual-cab platforms, fitted with standard issue under-damped shocks and too soft springs.
The wheels are CSA's "Enduro", again 16X7s like the Jackaroo, but fitted up with 673 Desert Dueler "muddies". The aggressive pattern offers sensational grip in less than perfect situations, but high-speed pavement when wet requires concentration. The tyres have a load rating of 120, making them capable of 1300 kilo plus loads, in a 10 ply "LT" construction. As they're 235's rather than the standard 205's there's now around 250mm of clearance under the vehicle. Even though that equates to a 10% increase in gearing, the motor pulls cleanly across all gears.
One thing that had to go early was the inadequate 63litre fuel tank. Even with the Rodeo's legendary frugal efficiency, keeping an eye on the fuel gauge was essential to avoid the embarrassment of running out, even on a shortish trip away. The "Long Ranger" comes to the rescue again, this time with a replacement 112 litre tank, guaranteeing a 1,000 kilometre range. Made of the same 2mm aluminized steel for corrosion resistance and finished in a matte grey paintwork, that David reckons appears to be teflon impregnated, its already been put to the test on training duties across SA. "I've had the car in filthy black ooze and the tank's been coated in the grime, yet a trip to Dazzlers and the gunk comes off faster from the tank than it does from the glossy paintwork on the body!"
Despite the release of the Mazda/Ford turbo-diesel and the Toyota Hilux turbo offering, David says the Rodeo is still the benchmark in one-tonners. "Whilst the others appear to have the goods on paper, driving them reveals the difference is negligible. They've sacrificed efficiency and economy in using indirect-injection fueling. Tweaking the Rodeo's direct-injection motor will produce even more useful grunt and fuel efficiency and one of the simplest ways to go, is via a different exhaust system".
The exhaust on "Wun-Tun" is a Walker fabricated system. It's stainless steel with a 2.5" pipe and a single "Ultra-Flo" sports muffler. The performance gain coupled with dyno tuning for precise fuel delivery is around 15%. Even more is possible when the inlet air is cooled via a Safari intercooler, a project that David will be tackling soon, results posted in a subsequent issue of 4WD Monthly.
The beauty with all of the modifications featured on the Adventure 4WD vehicles is that they are fitted for a purpose and won't stress the original design, but enhance it. The final word is from David. "We've had the benefit of seeing some breathtakingly beautiful country and gone everywhere you'd want to take a 4WD, cheaply and efficiently. Independent 4WD touring is a great learning experience for all of the family, with some skills under your belt and research and preparation in place, going beyond the bitumen, can be a piece of cake!"
