Mark Allen
Must-haves for 4X4 touring
This top 13 list of 4x4 must-haves covers most of the necessities you need in order to get out and about in our great country.
Uniden UHF review – how has Mark Allen’s Uniden radio handled the last 12,000km of abuse?
Granted, a UHF radio is for short-distance communications, but not so short to be chatting up strangers at the pub – that’s just a bit weird, eh! Nope, the mighty UHF in-car radio has been a mainstay in most rural-based…
Does the Terrain Tamer Air Filter Insert fix the LandCruiser airbox issue?
There are a fistful of factory, inbuilt oddities and design failures with the 70 Series LandCruiser line-up. Let’s forget the lack of cupholders, the rear track dimension and update the supposed air cleaner issue whereby it lets dust into the…
A bar is born – what goes into making a bull bar?
A new HiAce has a monocoque body; it’ll be too weak, they said. Stick with the old style “bolt over the top of the plastic bumper bar”, they screamed. Rated recovery hooks; you’re dreaming, they said. Upswept wings, great approach…
NuWave induction cooker review
The one bit of gear I won't leave home without these days.
Five top tips for driving safely with wild animals
Kangaroos, buffalo, pigs, goats, wombats, donkeys, camels - these are some wild beasts you may encounter on an outback trip.
Don’t do these 12 things before heading bush
Unsealed 4x4 contributor, Mark Allen, breaks every rule and lives to tell the tale
Troopcarrier Vs 4×4 HiAce van – is Troopy life better than van life?
Given that we had planned an extended outback trip, I wanted to search for the best vehicle
Mobile phone hotspots – do they work, or are they a waste of money?
Mobile phone coverage has always been a hot topic. This company has better coverage, that company has better infrastructure, and this one is better for rural and remote calls. As most people know, mobile phone coverage usually sucks once you’ve…
Can this Redarc 12v electrical system reliably power induction cooking?
Technology – ain’t it grand! I reflected on my two-year trip around Australia from 1992 to 94. I had a single 100amphour deep cycle lead acid battery, a 40-litre fridge and a fluoro lantern. No other 12 or 240-volt appliances,…
Dual cab ute Parabolic springs – We get greasy installing Terrain Tamer suspension into a Holden Colorado
I have an enviable position testing and evaluating 4×4 products. Yep, it’s fun playing with big boys’ toys… er… researching, testing and evaluating products, but it brings with it a sense of responsibility. Yes, I am responsible for ensuring I…
Here’s what we think of the KickAss 12V Shower
I reckon this Kickass portable, lithium battery-powered camping shower is a ripper. But here's my full review and a rundown on the item.
Quad Lock: Tried and tested
Want to try before you buy? Mark did the hard work for you. He tried and tested Quad Lock and compared it to common models you'll find.
Can the KickAss Multi-Function Torches hack camping life?
Mark purchased a pair of KickAss torches over a year ago and was reserved as to how good and how long they’d last. Here's his verdict.
3xFiner hubnut: perfect bearing preload
Drew Sharpe had the idea to design and manufacture an improved system to ensure the correct preload settings of the bearings.
