Bush mechanics love the 60 series LandCruiser
For decades, resourceful bush mechanics have been getting themselves – and others – out of strife when a ‘bulletproof’ old 4WD gets into trouble.
With a roll of duct tape, a bit of tubing here, and an elastic band there, many a grey nomad suffering some form of mechanical misadventure has been quickly sent on his or her way ready for the next grand adventure.
However, it seems the days of the genuine bush mechanic could be numbered as concerns grow that today’s high-tech, computer-dependent ‘fourbies’ are getting ‘too’ complicated.
On the road, that could mean the difference between an irritating inconvenience and a trip-wrecking, budget-busting delay … or worse.
The editor of 4×4 Australia magazine, Matt Raudonikis, is one who believes that today’s four-wheel drive vehicles are becoming too dependent on high-tech software to be reliable out in the bush.
“In the old days, a bush mechanic could have a look at something and see what was wrong with it and hopefully get it fixed,” he told the ABC. “Now it’s a matter of plugging in a computer to be able to diagnose what the problem is.”
He says a lot of bush mechanics now simply call a truck and get the vehicle to take it to the nearest capital city.
And Mr Raudonikis said people driving in remote parts of the country need to be aware of the risk of getting stranded.
“It could even be life-threatening if you’re in a remote enough place,” he said.
And it’s all leading to a trend which has seen many grey nomads choosing to travel in older vehicles
“We’re seeing a trend towards people keeping their cars that are 10 years old, or even older,” Mr Raudonikis told the ABC. “They’re spending the money on updating them to keep them up to capability and refreshed, because they’re something that might be able to be worked on out in the bush.”
Neville Hernon, who runs a tyre repair business on WA’s Gibb River Road, sees his fair share of grey nomads with varying degrees of vehicle woes.
“Usually we can get them fixed up no problems and send them on their way happy,” he told the ABC. “But once a computer is playing up, you’re in strife. I don’t have the software or the computer to diagnose a lot of that stuff.”
To complicated I used to be able to get out of trouble now I,m flat out finding the dipstick. When I set my new D/C Landcruiser ute up I had to send it to the shop
Hello,
My wife and I are going to be selling up and join the travel and work bug that some people seam to get.
We plan to plan to buy a 4 x 4 single cab Ute with a fully enclosed canopy for the dog which will be towing a caravan that is going to be fully self contained with shower etc.
Anyone with information in this area that can be passed on will greatly be appreciated.
Kind Regards
Glenn
Our previous tow was a Landrover ” Rover ” model. When in the country regions we had one hell of a job finding any mechanically business who had kinowledge of the Rover let along trying to even get them to look at the vehicle.
They said ” We will not touch that model of motor vehicle.
So we traded eventually and dpurchased a 100 series crusier. Best thing we could have done.
Just my opinion.