Canning Stock Route Update #17

Major car repairs better be done in a workshop - but what if such workshop is a seven days’ drive away? Then the “bush shop” and Australian ingenuity have to suffice. As you can see in the picture above, the rear wheel of that vehicle doesn’t sit in the middle anymore - the entire axle has shifted backwards by roughly 10cm.

Some more experienced chaps got their heads together, and with the help of a winch, a recovery ring and some jacks pulled the rear axle back in place.

For me a modest toolkit has to do since a larger one would only equate to “all the gear - no idea”… I do use my few tools quite frequently though, for example to check and tighten screws and nuts. On day one on the Canning and being the last vehicle of the convoy my bonnet came loose on a stretch of corrugation. The entire bonnet wasn’t far from literally taking off. A 10min repair did the job, and the experience was also a reminder to stay on top of things and look frequently after the vehicle since corrugations have a severe impact.

SurQuip is a small business in Newcastle run by a family who enjoyed travelling Australia by 4WD when their kids were young. Through many camping adventures they designed, made and eventually started selling canvas equipment - made from Australian canvas, YKK zippers and buckles, military mesh, polypropylene straps. Only the best will do for SurQuip since what’s a warranty worth when replacement is also a seven days’ drive away?