4x4 Earth - The 4WD, Camping, Fishing and Outdoors podcast.

We look at the number of people who don't finish the Dakar Rally. It is a very tough course, expensive to compete in and there is some unforgiving terrain, so the failure rate is very high.

The vehicles aren't stock, so they are heavily modified to make them capable of surviving the terrain at speed, whilst trying to keep the weight as low as possible. There are some fundamental changes to the vehicle, including moving the radiator to behind the cabin. There is nothing in the car that doesn't need to be there.

Recovery is another issue. You have to be able to self recover, so vehicle design is done with recovery as a big issue.

Bruce talks about how the change in temperature in the sand dunes can make a big difference in how hard the driving is.

We talk about the mental preparation that you need to be a Dakar Rally driver. How can you prepare to do some epic Big Dune driving.

We look at the technique required to drive down Big Dunes. It is not as easy as it looks and getting the technique correct is really important.

Bruce talks about the Australian Safaris, which was a smaller version of the Rally. It no longer runs because of the cost to run the event, which is sad.

The Redex trials were a precursor to all of this and gave a big boost to the Australian 4 wheel drive industry.

The Rallies are a big bart of 4WD tourism, and in countries like Chile, hundreds of thousands of tourists go to Chile to visit some of the places that are highlighted by the Dakar Rally and the Desert Challenge.

We discuss Bruce's experience as a mechanic and the kinds of things that he learnt that helped him with his Rally driving.

We talk about some of his driving in Asian countries.

Join the conversation about the 4x4earth podcast on the 4x4earth forum. www.4x4earth.com is Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel driving website with over 200,000 visits per month.

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Thinking of buying a used 4 wheel drive? Some 4 wheel drives have a much harder life than others, so you need to know the clues to find out the vehicles you may want to steer away from.

What are some of the things to think about in selecting the make and model of vehicle? What is the best way to research the different models?

Is it better to buy a 4 wheel drive with lots of mods or should you look for one with no modifications?

Where are the places to buy a used 4WD?

You'll find lots of great tips to help you make a better choice next time you upgrade your 4x4!

In this episode we interview Jason Lock from TJM to learn how to properly and safely use a Snatch Strap. Used poorly, Snatch Straps can kill, so it is really important that you know exactly what you are doing to avoid killing or injuring yourself or someone else, as well as avoiding damage to your vehicle.

We also look at what to look at in a snatch strap and what brands to avoid.

New 4WD Trends with Robert Pepper

First we talk Creek Crossings - I've had my issues with Creek Crossings, but check out the video of a FJ Cruiser having issues with a crossing at Sunny Corner in NSW.

Sheep Yard Flats - 9th Annual Victorian Gathering. This will be one of the best trips to go on for newbies to meet experienced 4 wheel drivers and get some great tracks under their belt. It is Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel drive weekend away.

We get Roberts view on the new Ford F250 and what he thinks it would be like offroad.

The new Toyota Landcruiser 200 series, what is it like to drive and is the top of the line Sahara worth the extra money

DCT (dual clutch transmission) vs CVT (continuous variable transmission) - where are the manufacturers heading with them and what are the problems with them. How did the new Suzuki fair with a new dual clutch transmission?

Is the new worth the money? What does Robert think of the add ons on the high end models.

Usability in the 'cockpit' of modern 4WDs, what is driving the thinking behind the way that touch screens and controls are laid out.

AWD - where are they heading?

Safety aids. What is AANCAP doing with the safety ratings. Do we need 6 star ratings for safety?

Autonomous emergency braking and trailer sway control, blind spot warning. (you tube video)

We discuss the most effective safety solution for all drivers is.

Is the Jeep Ute going to be the most iconic 4WD of 2017?

Mercedes ute? Will Hyundai release a real 4WD next year?

What about the new Defender and Discovery due out and possibly an Amarok refresh.

• What sort of vehicle should you have?
• What sort of mods do you need?
• What is a medical envelope and why do you need one?
• What effect do the dunes have?
• What are some of the common mistakes people make?
• Camper Trailer - Yes or No?
• How much drinking water do you need?
• Where is fuel available?
• How often does the Canning get graded?
• What causes the Canning?
• What are the entry and exit points of the Canning?
• When is the best time to travel?
• What advice is there for first timers?
• What are the top 3 things to see on the Canning Stock Route?
• Where are the big sand dunes?
• Are there many abandoned vehicles on the track?

A massive thanks to Phil for sharing all of his great advice on the history and how to drive this amazing Australian track.