Everyone loves the Easter long weekend; we all get to enjoy a four-day holiday without taking any annual leave and it seems to arrive at the perfect time of year. The weather’s not too hot, the water temperature’s perfect, and who doesn’t love chocolate and hot cross buns? Many Australians choose to go on a short camping trips to various destinations which are usually packed with people. And in most cases, getting there can be the most difficult part. If you haven’t started planning your Easter weekend getaway, then it’s best to begin as soon as possible!
For many, the Easter weekend can be a little hectic with everyone scrambling to get their food and supplies for their camping trips and this tends to make it easy to forget some essential items. If you’re looking like the majority of people who wish to have a smooth and relaxing weekend, today we’ll be offering you our top ideas to ensure your Easter weekend is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Give your camping kit a spring clean Easter is the ideal time to review all your camping equipment and give everything a spring clean. There's nothing worse than the musty smell of mildew or mould in your sleeping bag or tent, so give everything a quick clean and make sure you're not missing any vital items like tent pegs. While you're there, take a look at your repair kit to be sure it's fully stocked and if you're missing any pieces like duct tape or cable ties, you'll have heaps of time to buy some replacements before you head off. Change up the camping menu Although the standard camping menu is always delicious, Easter is a fabulous time to try something different. If you've got a camp oven, consider making some hot cross buns which are always a winner with the kids. In addition, damper is a vintage camping treat and to spice things up in the spirit of the season, why not add some Easter eggs or cocoa powder to the mix? Naturally, you'll still want to stock up your 12V fridge or esky with lots of seafood and fresh produce for your Easter dinner! Have an Easter egg hunt! Easter wouldn't be the same without an Easter egg hunt, but trying to recall where you've concealed all the Easter eggs can be a little complicated. Whilst children are terrific at sniffing out chocolate from a mile away, it's important that you don't forget any eggs which can possibly be dangerous to wildlife. It's a practical idea to jot down the number of eggs you stash and take pics of their location so no eggs (and foil) is lost for wildlife to eat. Finding a campsite Your favourite campsite alongside the beach was most likely fully booked early last year so it's best to look for a campsite that is a somewhat more separated and not as hectic. Naturally, it's best to organise a campsite a couple of months beforehand, but if you still haven't located one then it's reasonably easy to search online and find a good campsite that still has vacancies. Never try to spot a campsite without booking ahead of time as nothing is worse than aimlessly driving around searching for a campsite with vacancies! Leave early This tip is a given as almost every person has experienced the infamous Easter traffic. It's strongly advised to leave as early as possible which also makes it more convenient if your campsite has no booking arrangements and has a 'first come, first served' protocol. Many National Parks don't allow bookings so arriving Thursday evening or early Friday morning not only ensures you an optimal camping spot, but you'll also avoid the worst of the traffic. Although Easter camping trips can frequently be a bit of a scramble, following the easy steps summarised above will ensure your long weekend camping trip is as relaxing and comfortable as possible. The trick to having a peaceful and enjoyable Easter is to be well-prepared and give yourself loads of time to plan everything. If you're interested in purchasing any camping gear and equipment to make your Easter weekend more comfortable, don't hesitate to contact TJM Australia by calling 07 3865 9999. We hope you all have a fun and safe Easter!
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Having spent many years camping on Fraser Island, I’m well aware of the pain and frustration that comes with getting bogged on sand. While I’ve got plenty of funny and embarrassing stories to share with you, today I’m going to emphasise the need for safety when recovering your 4WD. Pulling any vehicle out of thick mud or sand requires a huge amount of force and care must always be taken to ensure you and everyone else remains safe.
Depending on whether you have help around, the two most reliable ways of recovery your bogged 4WD is through a winch or snatch strap. To be able to safely recover, it’s paramount that you understand the correct technique when using this equipment as there are many variables which can (and sometimes do) go wrong. To give you some insight, here’s my top 6 things you should never do in a 4WD recovery. Recover from points which are not rated Not many 4WDs feature rated recovery points as standard and what may seem to be a recovery point is in fact a tie down point for transferring the vehicle. If you attempt to recover from any of these points then you'll most likely see a clump of metal soaring through the air at high speeds. Always make sure that you use rated recovery points from at least two M12 grade 8.8 bolts which are attached correctly to the chassis. Join two snatch straps with a shackle In some instances, the length of one snatch strap isn't sufficient to recover your 4x4 so using two snatch straps fastened together is the rational approach. If you need to do this, it's essential that you join the straps together with the appropriate technique and not just attach them together with a shackle which can break and turn into a deadly projectile. Snatch straps should only be attached together by feeding the end of Strap A through the eye of Strap B, and then feeding the same eye of Strap A over the other end of Strap B. Rush to recover Unless you're bogged on the beach with an incoming tide or your 4x4 is filling with water, there's no need to rush a recovery. All this does is build more stress and you won't have the chance to think clearly about which kind of recovery is the easiest, safest, and quickest. There are numerous ways you can recover in any given predicament and you need to take the time to think about your options and setup your recovery properly. Overload your winch Although winches are an excellent recovery tool, you need to take care not to overload them particularly when you're stuck in mud. Most 4WD owners will acquire a 12,000 lb winch and this tends to be underrated if you're stuck up to your chassis in mud. Always use snatch blocks if you have them and dig around your chassis and tyres to decrease the load on your winch. Stand too close to the recovery One of the riskiest things you can do in a recovery is stand too close to the vehicles. Whilst recovering a 4x4 bogged in sand or mud may be fascinating to view, it's also very dangerous as there are a number of things which can fail. Your cable or snatch strap could snap, your recovery point could break, or your 4WD could gain too much momentum and launch at viewers. It's suggested that every person stand a minimum of 50m from the recovery and ideally in their vehicles. Forgetting to use a shovel before recovery Even though shovelling sand or mud from under your 4x4 may not be the most attractive job, it considerably reduces the force needed to recover your vehicle. In most situations, shovelling in front of all four wheels only takes around 15 minutes of work and this enables your vehicle to pop up onto the surface far easier. Also, you'll considerably reduce the possibility of your snatch strap or cable breaking. The most meaningful aspect of 4WDing is having a great time and ensuring you return home safely. Although getting bogged isn't the most enjoyable feeling, it's much better to spend more time thinking of a safe and effective way to recover than rushing your recovery and possibly injuring another person. For a variety of 4WD products and accessories coupled with a range of high-quality recovery gear, consult TJM Australia by phoning their staff on 07 3865 9999. Irrespective of whether you’re recently bought your first 4WD or you’ve had many years of experience, everyone is constantly picking up new advice and 4x4 tips throughout their journeys. Even proficient drivers find themselves in precarious situations every once in a while, so learning from our mistakes is the crucial. It’s important that we stay safe when touring and minimise any damage to our vehicles, and there are certain ways in which we can do this. To give you some insight, today we’ll be providing you with our top 6 off-road driving tips to help you stay safe and have fun!
Always carry recovery gear! Getting bogged is a rite of passage for all 4WD owners so it’s paramount that you’re prepared for any predicament when off-roading. Although at times you can get away with floor mats under the tyres and some digging, most of the time you'll need suitable recovery equipment to get unstuck and arrive home before dinner! Depending on whether you're journeying alone or with some friends, an electric winch or snatch strap is the best way to efficiently recover. Choose a suitable gear Always remember to shift into 4WD before your vehicle even reaches the dirt, mud, or sand. You’d be astounded at how many folks simply forget to shift to 4WD and get stuck after their wheels start to spin! On difficult tracks, it's normally best to use low range 4WD which gives your vehicle more torque at lower speeds and greatly assists in getting around obstacles. Some exceptional advice given to me is 'drive as slowly as possible and as fast as necessary' which can be applied to many off-road circumstances. You'll naturally need to be in first gear when driving over rocks, but more speed and momentum is needed for soft sand and mud to keep your wheels moving. Find traction Although decreasing your tyre pressure improves traction, often times this alone isn't good enough. If you feel your tyres are beginning to skid or spin, don't give into that innate impulse and apply more gas because this typically only makes your tyres lose traction even quicker! Rather, stop your 4x4 and slowly move your steering wheel backwards and forwards in a sawing motion which allows the biting edges of your tyres to find new strips of dirt or grip to the clean side of a rock. You'll quite possibly need to practice this technique but once you've got it, you'll find it to be invaluable. Additionally, always remember to keep your thumbs on the outside of the steering wheel to prevent any nasty injuries! Read the terrain Even though it takes plenty of practice, foreseeing what lies ahead by reading the terrain correctly is what 4WDing is all about. Essentially, you should never get an unpleasant surprise when driving through a tough segment of a trail because if you can't anticipate it, you should stop your 4WD and check it out. When driving, heighten your gaze so you can see far enough ahead of you to spot any changes in the trail. Similar to driving a steep ascent, you should pick your line prior to attacking the hill including what rocks you want your tyres on and what rocks to avoid! Know your angles Whilst ground clearance is undoubtedly important, it's not the only spec that will enable you clear a large rock or obstacle. To effectively get over a high obstacle, you need to know your approach and departure angles which is measured from the ground to the lowest point of your 4WD (commonly under your front and rear bumper). The higher the angle, the more clearance you'll have. Furthermore, it's also valuable to know your break-over angle which gives you an idea of how big an obstacle can be which your vehicle can handle without getting high-centred. Although you'll almost never measure any obstacles, these angles give you a mental picture of what obstacles your 4x4 can manage. Inspect the depth of water crossings You never know when you're going to run into a stream or creek and it's critical that you always examine the depth of the water before crossing it. If you don't know your 4WDs wading depth (how far your vehicle can submerse without damage), then look at your owner's manual to find out. Verifying the depth of water is not only an indispensable safety precaution, but it also gives your 4WD time to cool down before plunging through cold water. A seemingly shallow river could be much deeper than you visualised, and you never know where large boulders are hidden which can easily get you bogged. Ultimately, knowing your vehicle's restrictions and reading the terrain is crucial to your 4WDing ability so it’s essential to always stay within your comfort zone when off-roading. Having a skilled driver in the passenger seat is the best way to enhance your skills as they'll have the ability to hand down knowledge in an enjoyable and safe environment. If you need any more information about off-road driving techniques, or you're wanting to acquire some 4WD products and accessories, speak with the friendly team at TJM Australia by calling their staff on 07 3865 9999. Getting a new 4x4 is always a rewarding time, and when having a look around it's tough not to imagine all the products and accessories you want to equip to your new vehicle. Whether you intend to acquire aftermarket products and accessories to boost the visual appeal or performance of your 4WD, few of these upgrades are as worthwhile as the addition of an air intake snorkel.
Cleaner air An air intake snorkel not only provides cleaner air to the engine, but also to the passengers as well. Typical 4x4 tracks and off-roading involve a lot of dust which results in a contaminated supply of air into the vehicle. Without an air intake snorkel, the air supply to the vehicle is positioned behind the grill or from the inner guard of the vehicle where dust is most concentrated. Those 4x4’s travelling in fleets will find the dust undoubtedly worse! Although the body of the vehicle provides some deflection, a large amount of dust and other contaminants leave passengers and the engine with a degree of air contamination. The installation of a snorkel increases the air intake of the vehicle to approximately roof height, which means that the air will be cleaner, denser, and cooler than the air taken from the heated engine bay. Not only does this supply passengers with cleaner air, but it also improves the performance of the engine considering that hotter air has less oxygen for combustion and subsequently impairs performance. You may have observed that during frosty winter mornings, your vehicle is much more responsive with crisper acceleration. Keeping water out of the engine It may seem counter-intuitive to position the air intake outside of the vehicle given that rain could enter the snorkel, but the innovative design of snorkels will diffuse and drain any water before it enters the engine. When crossing rivers or creeks, even a little amount of water hitting the engine can result in massive damages by bending internal reciprocating components. By elevating the height of the air intake, vehicles that have snorkels fitted can go through water almost fully submerged and the engine will still remain free from any water. Price and maintenance When considering the drive-away price of your 4x4, the price of purchasing and fitting a snorkel is fairly irrelevant. Keep in mind that most snorkels are designed for a particular make and model. An air intake snorkel will normally set you back around $300 to $600 and it's best to get a skilled professional to install your snorkel as a 3 to 4 inch hole must be drilled into the side of your vehicle. Despite this, once fitted you can be rest assured that your 4WD has improved performance and flexibility. Remember that you should take a look at the fasteners and fittings of your snorkel now and then to ensure your snorkel is sealed thoroughly. When air or water is being drawn through a damaged seal or a crack in the snorkel, it can often times sidestep the air cleaner and get to the engine. TJM Airtec snorkels TJM Airtec snorkels are made from reputable Australian polymer materials that exceed the Australian Standard for UV stabilisation of UV8, with ratings at UV20-UV24. The colour pigmentation process doesn't cut any corners either, giving you a bleed-free, even, and dense product. Proudly Australian made and tested in the harshest of environments, you can have the confidence that a TJM Airtec snorkel will achieve peak performance every time. If you're interested in buying an air intake snorkel for your 4WD, TJM Australia have you covered. For additional information on their wide variety of Airtec snorkels, phone their staff on 07 3865 9999, or visit their handy store locator to discover which TJM store is closest to you. One of the most beautiful islands on Moreton Bay is the third largest sand island in the world; Moreton Island. Situated only 58km north east of Brisbane, Moreton Island is an isolated and tranquil corner of the world that can only be accessed by 4WD. If you’re a 4WD and camping enthusiast, then this island is a wonderful place to for a week long camping getaway with the family. Almost all of the 240km island is a national park and its sandy tracks are bordered by bushland, lagoons, cultural sites, campgrounds, and massive sand dunes of course!
How to get there There’s a couple of barges that take you to Moreton Island, but I’ve found the most convenient (and scenic) is from Victoria Point, roughly 30km south east of Brisbane in Redland Bay. The trip takes about 2 hours depending on the tides, and the barge will drop you off at Kooringal on the southern side of the island. 4WD’s that have high clearance and low range function are ideal to explore the island, and even if you don’t own a 4WD, you can hire one from Fleet Crew. What to expect There are three townships on Moreton Island which are all built on the western side, with lots of small holiday houses, campsites, and an amazing resort at Tangalooma on the northern side. Off the coast of Tangalooma is a famous ship wreck and loads of marine life that can be explored by scuba diving and snorkelling. All the sandy 4WD tracks loop the island in a figure eight, with Middle Road parting the island and allowing access between the western beach side and the ocean beach side. Middle Road takes you to Mount Tempest which is the largest sand hill on the globe, standing at 285 metres high and offering a panoramic view of Moreton Bay. Cape Moreton Lighthouse is another popular attraction positioned on the north eastern side. Built in 1854, Cape Moreton is the oldest lighthouse in Queensland and the only one made from stone. In relation to camping, there are a total of 10 campsites scattered throughout the island all within walking distance of the beach. Each are sheltered from the wind and lie in lush and shady areas. The only campsite on the ocean beach side is Blue Lagoon which is great for family camping being so close to the freshwater lake. The other campsites are located at North Point, Comboyuro Point, Honeymoon Bay, Bulwer Wrecks, and Tangalooma. Preparation It’s best to fill up your tank with petrol before you arrive at the barge. Most 4WD tanks will lastaround a week on the island, but you can always purchase a 20L drum from Bulwer General Store if you do run empty. You’ll also need to purchase a vehicle access permit to be able to drive your 4WD on the island. Depending on how long you wish to stay, you can purchase a range of access permits, from a single day to yearly permits. Understanding the tide times is also paramount to getting around on the island. You don’t want to get stuck with an incoming tide, so it’s best to explore the island two hours either side of low tide when the beach is at its widest. As a general rule of thumb, don’t travel on the island two hours either side of high tide. 4WD pointers As all of the island is sand, it's important that you have some experience in driving in sand to make your trip as rewarding as possible. Here are a few suggestions for driving on the island:
Moreton Island has a vast range of activities and attractions to explore, from whale watching (in season), scuba diving and snorkelling, sand tobogganing, alongside cultural sites with rich history. Perfect for a long weekend with the family, Moreton Island is an experience not to be missed. If you plan to travel to Moreton Island and need any 4WD products or accessories, orany extra camping gear, speak to TJM Australia by phoning 07 3865 9999. Alternatively, use their convenient store locator to find the TJM store closest to you. Being connected to the internet most of the time has its advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, we get convenience, entertainment, shopping, information and ideas. Yet on the other, we literally lose sight of how beautiful the world is and how much fun we can have with our imagination. Don’t get me wrong, I love gaming consoles and wouldn’t change it for the world! But there’s something unique and refreshing about reconnecting with nature every now and again, just to put it all in perspective. Children are especially impressionable, so it’s paramount that we break up their digital routine with some fun outdoor activities. If you’re ever looking for something to do as a family on the weekend, the great outdoors has plenty on offer. The benefits we receive from getting some sunshine, going for a swim, and breathing fresh air is unrivalled, so to give you some ideas on outdoor activities you can enjoy with the family on weekends, here are my top 5. 4WDing If you have the luxury of owning a 4WD, there’s plenty of parks to take the family and introduce them to the thrill and excitement of water crossings and steep 4WD track!. Off-roading is a great outdoor activity the whole family can enjoy, so consider taking your friends and family to a 4WD park this weekend. If you’ve got enough time, why not spend the weekend at a nearby campsite and enjoy a couple of nights under the stars? Camping If you’re looking for outdoor activities, you can probably pack about 4 or 5 in a weekend family camping trip! Australia has heaps of amazing campsites not far from the city, so consider leaving work early on Friday and making the most of your weekend. Even though you'll need some camping gear and equipment, all the fun and enjoyment you'll have is free and it's a wonderful way to let your hair down and make long-lasting family memories. Fishing Fishing is one of my favourite pursuits and I still can't wait until the week finishes so I can get back on the water. Fishing is a reasonably cheap hobby too - you don't need a yacht to catch fish! Simply drive to a lake and have a picnic where the little ones can try to catch some lunch or fish off the beach and take your catch home for dinner. Beaching Australia has some of the most breathtaking beaches, so taking the family to the beach is the perfect summer's day trip. Pack up some lunch, have a barbecue or indulge in the local fish and chip shop where you can create your own burger! You've got lots of activities at the beach too: go swimming, work on your tan, throw a ball around, or hit the local breaks for some surfing. Exploring Why not take the family on a road trip for the weekend and check out some sights in the process? Meandering through uncharted terrains has always been a passion of mine, but if you prefer to stay clean, organise some accommodation in a couple of hotels and see how many of 'Australia's Big Things' you can find along the way. Your children will love the adventure and probably the trucker stop meals too! Spending the weekend outdoors with your family is one of the best ways to revitalize your mind, body, and soul. All you need is a little imagination, an adventurous mindset, and a positive attitude to make the most of your weekends in the Australian outdoors. For all your 4WD products and accessories and camping equipment, TJM Australia have you covered. Call our friendly staff today on 07 3865 9999, or visit our store locator to find the TJM store closest to you. Spending a week on a family camping trip is always memorable, but when everything goes your way, it’s a dream! The food was delicious, the children were well behaved, there wasn’t a drop of rain, and you made some long-lasting memories. That is until you pull your 4WD into the driveway and see your door ajar...
A bolt of electricity jolts your system because you clearly remember closing and locking the front door as you left. Could it be, you ask yourself? As you walk through the front door you realise that your TV and other expensive electronics is missing and cash has been stolen from your room. All the joyful happiness swiftly fades only to be replaced with self-loathing as you begin kicking yourself for not protecting your home better. There’s no doubt that home security is an essential aspect of our lives, particularly when we are a few hundred kilometres away and aren’t coming home for another week. When your home security fails, you keep thinking about what you could have done differently, how you could have averted this dreadful situation. Well, there are loads of ways to better protect your home from intruders and this guide will explore the most effective strategies. Keep eyes on your home If none of your friends can house site while you’re away, ask a trusted friend or neighbour to keep an eye on your house for you. If you’re going for an extended period, it’s always best that you ask them to check your pool, collect your mail, and mow your lawn so it's not plain as day that your home is vacant! These are the first things that trespassers notice when scoping out a house. Be mindful of your friend’s time and compensate them appropriately, or simply return the favour when they go on holidays. Install a home security system Setting up a home security system is one of the most useful ways to discourage intruders from your home. Basic home security systems typically include a variety of alarms, from door and window sensors to motion activated lights for outdoor areas. These days, almost all security providers allow you to access your security system through a smart phone, providing you with peace of mind when you're a long way from home. Don’t forget to notify your home security provider that you’ll be away. As an added benefit, you might even be able to lower your home insurance premiums! Buy a home security sign When you set up a home security system, look at buying a sign from a different company so burglars don't get tempted to bypass your security system. Some homeowners worry that this gives intruders too much information and wish to eradicate this risk altogether. Moreover, even if you don't have a home security system, contemplate purchasing a sign anyway to dissuade burglars. You can purchase a range of these signs from eBay. Restore dilapidated doors and locks If you have any dilapidated doors or locks securing your home, it's a practical investment to replace them with new ones. Destroying a weak lock or kicking in an old door is very easy, so invest in doors that are at least one inch thick and made of hardwood or metal. You'll likely find that this will boost your home's energy efficiency at the same time. Along with this, look at adding a deadbolt or an extra strong lock to the main door of your house for additional protection. Don't announce your holidays online Many trespassers learn of future victims through the net, so one of the greatest mistakes folks make is posting their holiday plans on Facebook or other social media platforms. Even posting holiday photos while you’re away is essentially broadcasting to the internet that you're not at home! Save these posts for when you're safely back at home to deter intruders from trying to rob you. Move the hidden key! Finally, always make be sure to move your hidden key from its strategic location to safely inside your home. Whether it's a key under your doormat, under a rock, or hidden in the electricity box, most intruders realise that people leave hidden keys lying around so don't take the risk! If your family are all camping together, there's no reason to subject yourself to potential trespassers. Family camping trips are meant to be fun and memorable, and not just because your home was robbed while you were basking in the sun! Protecting your home efficiently and deterring potential trespassers is a crucial element of your camping preparation. Alongside inspecting your tent and air-mattress, have a checklist for your home security also, such as advising your home security provider and finding a trusted friend or neighbour who can watch your home while you’re away. If you're going on a camping trip soon and need some camping gear or equipment, get in touch with the friendly team at TJM Australia. Phone 07 3865 9999 or use their handy store locator to discover which TJM store is closest to you. |
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