4WD new car trends with Robert Pepper

4WD new car trends with Robert Pepper

Author: James Eling | Amateur Off Roader, unorganised camper and very poor fisherma October 17, 2016 Duration: 54:06

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.


There’s a certain kind of freedom found down a dirt track, beside a remote campsite, or at the edge of a quiet river. 4x4 Earth-The 4WD, Camping, Fishing and Outdoors podcast. is about finding that freedom, without pretending to be an expert. Hosted by James Eling-a self-described amateur off-roader, unorganised camper, and very poor fisherman-this podcast feels more like a conversation with a mate who’s just as eager to learn as you are. You’ll hear genuine explorations of four-wheel driving, from vehicle mods and recovery techniques to navigating those hidden tracks. The discussion naturally extends to what happens after you’ve stopped the engine: the bush cooking, the often-humorous attempts at fishing, and the simple art of enjoying a place most people never see. It’s a practical guide that prioritises safety and respecting the environment, ensuring the adventures remain sustainable. Tune in for a down-to-earth blend of stories, hard-won tips, and the shared curiosity that turns a trip into a proper expedition. This podcast is for anyone who believes the journey and the destination are equally important.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

4x4 Earth - The 4WD, Camping, Fishing and Outdoors podcast.
Podcast Episodes
22 - 4WD Insurance and Roadworthies with Kalen from Club 4x4 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:16
Check out the trip report from the 9th Annual Victorian Gathering. A great We talk with Club 4x4 Insurance. 4x4earth has worked with Kalen from Club 4x4 and we are now recommending Club 4x4. Check out the link to our ins…
20 - The new 4WD Cap Locker from Uneek 4x4 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:35
Our resident 4WD expert Jason Lock talks about the history of the diff lock and how Uneek 4x4 has developed a new Cap Locker. We talk about the effects of a factory LSD when you fit a traditional diff lock and how the ca…
19 - 4WD tips for driving in the snow [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:23
We talk about how to prepare for a trip out into the Snow. Snow driving is a lot of fun, but the conditions are very different to other types of 4 wheel driving. Snow driving is usually done in very cold environments, so…
18 - Tim Bates and the Wonnangatta Murders [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:09
Tim Bates has been driving the High Country for over 25 years and he shares his experiences with some of Australia's best 4 wheel drive tracks. We talk about the Wonnangatta murders, where James Barclay and John Bamford…
17 - Roothy and the freedom to drive our tracks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:34:52
We talk to Australia's most famous 4 wheel driver, Roothy. We cover Milo, the places that he has been and the mods that he has done. We also have a great chat about how to keep tracks open. We discuss one of my favorite…
16 - Common 4x4  Myths Busted [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:18
Many 4 wheel drive owners go their whole life without any formal training in going offroad or the vehicles that we use. Because of this, there are many myths about driving and our vehicles which have crept in over time.…
15 - The Blue Green fighting PTSD in the great outdoors [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:37
This is a great story that looks at the way that 4 wheel driving with mates in the bush can help people struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. We talk to Marcus Nash, the Founder of the Blue Green crew about how…
14 - 4 Wheel Driving with Rocket Rod from Wholesale Automatics [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:13
We talk all things 4 wheel driving with Rodney Hudson, or Rocket, from Wholesale Automatics. Rodney is an iconic legend in the 4 wheel drive industry, featuring in many videos as he explores all over Australia. We also t…
13 - The future of 4WDs with Robert Pepper [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:58
What kinds of changes are going to happen to 4 wheel drives over the next 5 years? Robert Pepper is one of Australia's leading automotive journalists and is very technical. We discuss what changes are going to effect the…