Let’s see if we can’t crack the top 50 next month .

Aleegially, these tires are airless and are scheduled to be out on the market very soon. What soon actually means is anyones guess, the fact that spike strips will not work on these tires, may have an impact on their approval for release.

But if the ride is right…

• no more air valves…
• no more air compressors
• no more repair kits…
• no more flats….

Awesome!!!!

These are actual pictures taken in the South Carolina plant of Michelin, (which I received via email).

Before you take your pride and joy out for a run – make sure you check out our 4×4 mud tutorial, and make sure your rig is decked out. 4X4 Parts is a good place to start. And tell us about any other rockn mudding vids you might have spotted.

The Charter

• Drive with consideration for others.
• Park your vehicle sensibly & legally.
• Respect the countryside & leave nothing but tracks.
• Drive economically.
• Stay within the law.
• Plan your journey.
• Share the ride.
• Dispose of vehicle waste carefully.
• Avoid unnecessary journeys
• Take it off/turn it off

View the full charter

Now on the surface this seems like such a brilliant idea, and one I’d very much feel proud to be a part of. For a long time have I’ve argued the cause of 4X4 true enthusiasts. Our industry is so divided, with thousands of clubs, so much commercial entanglement, and such a bad rep outside the inner circle, an initiative like this could truly galvanise and unite us — but sadly, I think it will fail, and here’s why.

The charter is applicable to all vehicle owners — not just 4X4 owners.

Car pooling, responsible parking, waste disposal, driving economically, being considerate of other drivers, all great things, things we should do anyway, but they are not specific to 4X4 Owners. If you’re looking to unify a select group of people, talk to us about things that are specific to us.

Charter point 3 talks about “Don’t damage the countryside! Only ‘off road’ where you know it’s acceptable, have permission and need to do so. “I’m sorry, but any off-roader knows, there is no where that it is acceptable to ‘damage’ the countryside. It’s the reason that half our tracks are closed…

It is about the environment, or is it about a fair go for 4X4 owners

The whole reason for the charter is split between 4×4 owners’ behavioral problems and environmental concerns. I think the environmental message shines through the strongest and this is a good thing, but it just makes the whole message grey. Both causes are great, but the pledges are vastly different — they should stick to one to make it easier to understand.

It’s great that they’ll plant a tree because of my membership, and yes there are some links between the stigma of 4X4 and pollution, but what’s that got to do with road congestion, seriously, picks one and run with it.

It fails to confront the real issues

There is a real opportunity here to confront some of the real issues facing 4X4 owners. Don’t shy away from the fact that today too many people buy 4X4’s for the wrong reasons, and we enthusiasts cop it on their behalf. 4X4’s have their place, but it’s not as inner city tractors and this group should be about educating people as much about why they might not want to buy a 4X4 as it why they should. There are also still too many people who abuse they privilege of being able to drive their 4X4’s recklessly through beautiful landscape. These are the issues this pledge should seek to resolve…

It has not taken a balanced viewpoint

The whole site it about going into a tit for tat battle with the 4X4 nay sayers. It’s not about the 4×4 faithful standing united in what they believe in. When you make the pledge you should be making a commitment to be better than the critics. They can throw stones, they can bait us to their hearts content, but we’ll become an untouchable entity if we stand united. The na nan na nan na na, tactics are for the schoolyard playground — keep them there.

It’s way to commercialised

Go in the draw to win $100, buy one get one free… BAH. The whole taste of the site seems to be more about making someone famous. It feels so commercial and uninspiring. I want a battler whose sick to death or track closures and getting a bad rap in the paper to lead this, rather than a slick marketing team who’s BMW X5’s have never seen the muddy side of dirt track.

Why does it need to be about money?

As soon as it became about me handing over money, coupled with everything you mentioned above, you lost me. Pick up the phone; get some sponsorship if you need some capital to run it. I’m sure that off road companies would be falling over themself if you put together a focused and polished package. It does mention that they are non-for profit, and that’s great, but it leaves a bad taste in my mouth that I’ve got to put my hand in my pocket to pledge that I’ll abide by a set of moral standards.

Now I apologise if the flavour of this post of overtly negative. I was just so excited about the idea, to only become completely frustrated at its motives and execution. Maybe my expectations where way too high, but for a second I saw a glimmering ray of light, only to have the batteries die on me.

I want to end this on a positive note so I thought I’d put a my own pledge together as a 4X4 enthusiast…

My 4X4 Charter

• My motives for owning a 4X4 will stay true.

  Ownership of my 4X4 will stem from either a geographical requirement, commercial necessity, or that it is my passion and hobby to enjoy the experience of pushing my off-road vehicle to the limits on tricky terrain, or enjoys experiencing the wilderness in the comfort of my own vehicle. Should those motives change, I will pass on my vehicle to a more deserving owner.

• I will respect fellow vehicles on and off-road.

  I drive a large vehicle with a higher centre of gravity than most. I will appreciate the footprint my vehicle has on the road and not use it for personal gain on or off the road. If others confront me with concern I will give then the same treatment and respect I would expect from them.

• I will never forget the wilderness is a privilege not a right

  It is my responsibility to do all that I can to make sure that future generations have the opportunity to enjoy the wilderness as I did. I will make sure that campsites are left cleaner than when I arrived and that I stick to defined tracks unless it is absolutely necessary to continue my journey.

• I will always help a stranded off-roader in need

  Never will I wave at a stuck 4X4 without at least asking if they need my assistance. Should they require help, with a quick snatch or a full blown recovery, I will be more than willing to lend a hand.

• I will keep my 4X4 happy and healthy

  In my journeys I will ask a lot from my vehicle and in the best interests of its preservation I will endeavour to keep it happy and healthy with regular maintenance and servicing, and repair any damage as soon as time and funds permit.

• I won’t let fun get in the way of safety

  Accidents will happen as I test my skills and push my vehicle to the limit but I will never forget safety. Either from a club, friend, or family member I will ensure I’m adequately educated in the dangers of my off-road endeavours and be suitably equipped to deal with them and minimise the risk. If my hands are on the steering wheel I’m responsible for my vehicle and my passengers.

• I will keep my 4X4 shiny and clean

  After every fun filled muddy trip I will clean my vehicle. If I need to use a local shared car wash to bring my vehicles duco back to its former glory I will ensure that the need individual won’t experience a booth as muddy as the tracks I left earlier that day. Like my campsites, the car wash will be cleaner when I leave.

• I won’t use my 4X4 when an alternative exists

  I’m proud of my 4X4 and want to show it off to the world, however I will remember that a short run to the shops or down to the local pub, is, where possible, better suited to a vehicle with a smaller footprint, or by some other mode of transport.

• Others have the same rights as me

  Bushwalkers and dirt bikes have just as much right to enjoy the wilderness as I do. When I encounter them I will be as friendly as I would to a fellow 4×4 owner and give them the utmost care and respect. Although they’re modes are different, they are more like me than most.

• I will never forget to enjoy myself

  Rules and etiquette exist, but I will never forget why I bought a 4X4 in the first place. If off-road adventures cease to be an enjoyable experience then I shall endeavor to re-discover the fun, excitement, and companionship that made me fall in love with getting off the beaten track.

So there you have it — my pledge as a 4X4 enthusiast — Will you join?

Unfortunately there are too many people like me (without the cash to buy one), who love them, and not enough people who’ve got the folding bills who enjoy the bulk of this tarmac monster.

So much so that GM have officially put the Hummer on sale.

The iconic Hummer has humble begins as an Army bound off-roader. But it was in 1992 when GM released (with the help of Arnold Schwarzenegger) the H1 for civilian purchase that the Hummer brand took off…

2003 saw the introduction of the H2 a more than capable little sister of the H1. But with sales slipping to 23K in 2005 it spelled doomsday for the Hummer.

It’s no surprise that with GM not wanting to hang on to brands that don’t add to the bottom line, put the iconic Hummer, is up for sale.

For me it’s a little sad – but who knows, a buyer might pop up and take the Hummer to the next level.

Now I’m making what may be an ill decision based purely on looks, and they can be deceiving, but this tubbed up VW looks the goods. It’s the forth model in their commercial line up and although only in concept stage it’s being readied for export into Europe, South America, South Africa and Australia.

With their awesome diesel technology, and passion for quality engineering is this going to be a new player on the market to make a serious dent in the Hi-Lux’s dominant market share. The lack of aftermarket accessories might hurt to begin with, but with a little persistence this is one new truck to be on the lookout for.

Can’t wait to see one down under.

image kudos: http://www.galwayindependent.com

Citroen has unveiled a hybrid 4×4 at the Paris motor show called Hypnos. Stats being claimed are millage in the region of 60mpg, with a 0-60mph time of 9 seconds flat.

Turning the wheels will be a slick diesel/electric combo, but looking at the picture, this pretty little thing’s not going to have the clearance to handle the rough stuff..

But don’t be fooled by the images, this thing’s still nearly 5 meters long, and whilst it’s not going to replace your landcruiser, it might just have a good crack at the “what’s a dirt track” demographic of 4X4 owners — typically riding around in BMW X5’s and the like.

For me — no way, come up with a hybrid that’s got the clearance and articulation of my cruiser, then we’ll talk enviro.

picture cred – http://www.businesscar.co.uk/

SUVs have largely been demonized by green groups as being gas-guzzling, carbon-emitting dangers to the environment. As a result, HEV technology is rapidly changing the way today’s SUV is being marketed, with family/Earth-friendly savings in gas prices and harmful emissions, the hybrid SUV has quickly gained a place in many families’ budgets. As a halfway point between fully-electric powered autos and traditional gas engines, a hybrid with adequate features and power may present itself as an attractive option for 4×4 enthusiasts that are having their wallets destroyed at the gas pump.

Unfortunately, many hybrids will turn off the off-road fans due to the nature of HEV engines. Series HEVs primarily use the electric motor to run the vehicle, only switching to the internal combustion engine (ICE) after electric battery levels dip below certain levels. Off-road and uphill performances leave much to be desired when using the electric engine, as a result. To combat this, 4×4 owners are more likely to look at Parallel HEVs, which will have the ICE kick in during uphill driving, fast speeds, or other conditions that will give the engine a workout.

UQM Technologies and PEI Electronics have developed an HEV Hummer that has actually been confirmed to outperform the military ICE version in terms of acceleration, climbing capability, and fuel efficiency. While the technology apparently exists to develop superior HEVs, acceptance by vehicle buyers must come first in order to justify the increased costs of production. Rising gas prices and an increased awareness of environmental concerns could be the most important factors in hybrid 4×4’s gaining widespread acceptance.

The motivation behind the move is a hard one to ague– road safety, but if seems that once again 4wd owners are being unfairly targeted. Across 2003-2007 there were 92 accidents reported on Kosciuszko Rd and Alpine way, with only 27% involving 4wd’s.

So if 4X4s wearing chains solves 27% of the problem, what are they doing about the other 73%?

In and interview in the Sumit Sun, local SES controller, Les Threlfo argued that having to stop to fit chains would add precious seconds to their response times. He comments, “hell will freeze over before I stop to put chains on. If you were wrapped around a tree, would you want me to stop and fit chains?”

There is so much more that could be done to reduce accidents such as increased signage, increased police presence, decrease speed limits based on the conditions, improve barriers.. what else is being done?

If you tour the snowfields in NSW and are wondering what this means – your looking at up to $2,000 for your own set, or if you’re lucky enough to have a Tyre size small enough, you’ll need to hire a set each time you head for the hills…

I just hope they offer the local’s some sort of rebate or tax incentive to cover the cost of something they are being forced to buy, and the community is widely consulted on the change.

The proposal has no impact on 2wd vehicles, other than yet again 4X4 owners are made to pay for their carelessness on the road.

You can download the full RTA proposal here

Have your say in writing:
Email: leigh_madden@rta.nsw.gov.au
Mail: Winter Tyre and Snow Chain Discussion Paper
Attention Leigh Madden, Roads and Traffic Authority,
PO Box 477,
Wollongong 2520

And we’ve love to hear what you think here…

Inspiration for this post came from these two separate initiatives.

Gembrook Clean Up

The guys over at the 3rd ROCK 4×4 forum are now on their third Gembrook clean up. Basically what takes place is a bunch of 4X4 enthusiasts and members of the club meet up with other 4X4 clubs and spend a day cleaning up campsites. Why? So they can protect the environment they enjoy every time they go off-road. They sacrifice a full Sunday to pick up all the crap that other complete wankers leave behind. And you know — they’re proud of what they do… And so they should be.

SIDS 4X4 Club Run

This one’s over at the Downunder 4X4 forum. One of their members is leading the organization of a 4X4 run where all the proceeds are donated to SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Again using their hobby to raise funds and awareness for a great cause. They’re looking for some corporate support so if there’s anyone out there prepared to contribute, email me shayne@4X4Fever.com and I’ll pass on the details.

Discovering both these initiatives today re-enforced to me that there a still some amazing people willing to donate their time and money for a good cause. With this world becoming busier, faster, harder, more complicated, the excuses seem to grow. I think there’s a lesson or two we could all learn (including me) from these two examples.