The Campfire

Time may be a thief but when it’s spent travelling you receive nothing but gifts.

Knowing when, and which, 4X4 setting to use is the difference between a great day on the tracks and an expensive call to the local recovery bloke.

When you travel full time, you don’t just drive a 4X4 - you live in it. Every mod, every upgrade, every tweak under the bonnet or on the canopy has been added with purpose. It’s about having the right gear, in the right place, ready for whatever the road (or lack of one) throws your way.

There’s no shortage of opinions on what tyres your caravan should be running. You’ve probably heard everything from “just match your tow rig” to “it doesn’t matter, they’re not even driven wheels.” Like most things in the touring world, the truth sits somewhere between bush logic and engineer-speak.

If you’re new to 4WDing or you need a little reminder on what’s okay and what behaviours should be left home, I’ve created this cheat sheet to guide you on the tracks.

You’re never going to get Prius-level efficiency towing a three-tonne van into a headwind, but you can absolutely stop throwing away diesel by the litre.

Let’s cut through the hype. Is the F-150 actually built for our backyard, or is it just a chrome-plated “Yank Tank” destined for Bunnings runs and flexing at the local boat ramp?

Whether you’re a full-time tourer who relishes in tackling Australia’s unique and ever-changing terrain or you’re simply looking to navigate from point A to point B, finding the best 4X4 wagon can be a challenge with a market full of choice. To assist you in navigating the 4WD wagon market, we’ve listed the vehicles we think are the top contenders for the best 4X4 wagon, backed by significant time in the hot seat, tackling the rough stuff.

Leaving the bitumen is where Australia really opens up, but it’s also where preparation, respect for the conditions, and the right gear make the difference between a story you’ll tell for years, and a cautionary tale.

Whether you’re hauling a camper into Cape York or doing the Macca’s run with five screaming kids, these things don’t flinch. In this Ford Everest review, we’re cutting through the marketing fluff to tell you what it’s really like to live with one of the most talked-about 4WD wagons in Australia.

A luxury 4WD should be more than just a lounge chair and some shiny buttons—it needs to handle Australia’s toughest conditions. From steep crawls and soft sand, to excelling at long-distance touring and heavy towing, the best luxury 4X4s should be just as capable off-road as they are comfortable on it.

Whether you're chasing comfort, capability, or sheer V8 grunt, there’s a lot to unpack. So, here’s our no-nonsense, boots-on-the-ground Nissan Patrol review, tested in Aussie conditions by the people who actually use them.