Words: Troy McCade Photos: Craig Seckerson and Troy McCade
For our next installment of Adventure Rigs Magazine Aussie Style, our correspondent Craig Seckerson talks to Troy McCade, Founder of Fit My 4WD!
I was born and have always lived in Adelaide, and I grew up in pubs around the Adelaide area, including the Espy, Old Phantom Hotel in Brompton, now called the Excelsior, and the Halfway House. I enjoyed pub life, but my parents decided it was an excellent time to get out as I may have been enjoying it too much! I love Adelaide; it has changed a bit over the years, but I remember walking down Port Road at 4 or 5 years of age to get lunch; you can’t do that now as it is such a busy road. I graduated from Christian Boys College in year 12 and worked at Mum and Dad’s tire shop in 1998. I spent a lot of time on the tools and worked my way up the business, eventually buying the business from my parents in 2011.
While the tire company offered a solid business, I found it boring and needed a challenge. In 2012, I started Fit My 4WD, offering essential off-roading accessories; the rest is history. We have gone from 2 employees in 2012 to a team of 14 skilled and enthusiastic staff. We started out offering a couple of the more prominent accessory brands, but I didn’t like their business model, and we couldn’t offer our clients truly independent advice. Therefore, we moved away from these brands and now offer a 100% fully independent solution with the best products available. I recently launched the company website fitmy4wd.com.au, offering an amalgam of exciting equipment, from specialist recovery kits to bespoke drawer systems for all 4×4 enthusiasts. As a passionate 4×4 driver who can often be found far from any road, we genuinely understand our clients and their requirements and offer a truly unique service.
I recently purchased a Nissan Patrol and am very happy with it; the space inside the car amazes me, and it has unbelievable status on the road. Ultimately, I think it is the V8 that I like the most, although not the gas consumption, as it is a little thirsty, especially around town. I have owned the Patrol for around ten months and made multiple upgrades; however, the first upgrade was on the suspension and increasing the Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM).
4×4 Introduction
I haven’t always been into my 4x4s, mainly because it wasn’t a thing when I was growing up in Adelaide; the cars were mainly Holden Commodores, Ford Falcons, and a few Mitsubishi Magnas. These were good fun as they are large saloon cars, with big V6 and V8 engines and typically rear-wheel drive (what could go wrong). My first car was a very respectable Holden LH Torana in bright orange, and I quickly upgraded the wheels and tires. I still have the car and am refurbishing it to its former glory, but I am still a little way away from it being back on the road as the engine is currently out of the car. My first step into the 4×4 world was with a Nissan Navara D22; this was probably the most affordable off-roader then. I remember my first upgrades very well: the addition of a bull bar and uprated suspension. A few vehicles have followed: another Navara, a D40, a Mitsubishi Triton MQ, and a 200 Series Landcruiser. Then, I purchased my favorite car, a Ford Raptor. It was an absolute machine with some great speed and built like a proper rally truck; it still makes me smile even after selling it.
Upgrades
I am upgrading the Patrol and have installed some excellent accessories over the ten months I have owned it. However, my biggest challenge is acquiring the parts and finding the time for me to fit the new equipment. I generally carry out the upgrade work to my car, but customer cars take priority; I will use my vehicles and staff cars as Guinea Pigs so we can see how the accessories perform and can make firsthand recommendations to customers. My favorite upgrade on the Patrol must be the beer fridge, followed closely by the stock standard accelerator pedal. I will never stop enhancing my cars; a supercharger might be next for the Patrol!
If money was no object and I had to start from scratch again with a 4×4 vehicle, I would probably choose a 300 Series Land Cruiser. I have read that it seems to be a competent off-roader. If I were only going to stick to bitumen for the rest of my life, I would probably drive an E46 M3; it looks good and is pretty rapid.
Aussie Adventures
I haven’t done too much 4×4 driving in the Patrol yet, but I recently went on a trip to Loveday 4×4 park with some of my teammates from Happy Valley Vikings Masters footy team. This has probably been my highlight so far. It has a unique location, fantastic company, excellent food/beverages, and some of the best 4×4 tracks in Australia; what’s not to like?
My favorite location in South Australia has to be Ardrossan on the Yorke Peninsula. There are two main reasons for this. The first is where I used to visit my Nan and Pop, which reminds me of my childhood. Secondly, I, unfortunately, lost my sister in a motorbike accident several years ago; her ashes are located here, so it means the world to me.
In terms of locations around Australia, I do love my off-roading; however, I also love Canberra’s history, especially the old War Memorial Museum, which is an extraordinary place to visit if you ever find yourself in the Australian Capital Territory. With some extra free time, I would like to venture to the Arnhem Lands, a unique expanse of Australia stretching over 97,000 square kilometers. It is alleged that the land is home to the oldest continuously living culture. I would love to take the caravan on a trip around these lands. However, I know people with just a 4×4 getting stuck, so I might have to venture into the Arnhem Lands with just the Patrol and Swag.
If I were to choose a road trip to do again, I would say that you can’t beat the beauty of the Great Ocean Road; I liked waking up every day with a different stunning view. This is not a 4×4 route. You can find places to go off-road during the trip, but most of it is on the tarmac, and the scenery is simply amazing.
I am equally at home in either my Swag or my off-road caravan. I have an 18’6’’ Great Aussie Tribal Tourer and a great van. The layout works for us, as we have three kids; it has a three-bunk bed configuration and a separate toilet and shower, which helps when five people share the cabin space. I have never owned a caravan that couldn’t go off-road. With the type of country we live in, why would you? If I have a caravan capable of going off-road, then I have the choice to do so if the terrain changes. Although my van is set up to go off-grid, the longest I have gone so far is about one week; this is not because I don’t want to; it is just a matter of finding the time in my schedule. My van is pretty capable off-road, and I haven’t had to do too much to it; I installed reversing cameras and upgraded the tires to Coopers. The primary item I could not live without in my caravan setup is my camp oven; I love cooking, especially when we are in the van.
I am not thinking of replacing my caravan just yet. However, if I were to start again from scratch, I would probably invest in a Lotus Caravan. These are extremely capable, fantastically well-built vans made in Australia specifically for the demanding Aussie environment, but they do not come cheap.
The Best Advice
My advice to anyone looking to get into 4×4 cars or camping/caravanning is to do your research, especially the location where you buy and install the equipment, and make sure they are reputable, as the outback is very demanding and unforgiving.
My advice to any overseas visitors that are looking to explore our country is please do not buy a backpacker car, these can cause more problems than they are worth. Due to the challenging environment and how quickly it can change on your road trip, these types of cars can quickly get you into a lot of trouble. It’s not worth it; just hire a car from a reputable company. If you visit, I hope you enjoy our beautiful country and amazing hospitality.
VEHICLE SPECS
Vehicle: 2022 Nissan Patrol Y62 Series 5
Engine: 5.6ltr V8 Petrol
Drivetrain: 4WD Automatic 6 Speed Auto
Fuel Storage: 140ltrs Standard
Suspension: 2 Inch Lifted Toughdog
Sway bar End links: Standard
Airbags: Airbag Man Airbag Helpers
Wheels/Tires: 18 x 9.0 Fuel Blocks / 305/70r18 Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T
Bumpers/Armor: Offroad Animal Predator Front Bar
Rhino Rock Sliders
Custom Offroad Underbody Plates
Lighting: Lightforce HTX 2 (3 of them)
1 x 20 Inch Amber Lightforce Light Bar
3 x 10 Inch Lightforce Light Bars
Multiple Lightforce Rok9 Lights
Electrical: Redarc Redvision Rogue System which controls all the aftermarket electronics
DCS 200AH Lithium Batteries
Nespresso Coffee Machine
2000w Redarc Inverter
2000w Westinghouse Induction Cooker
170w Redarc Solar panel mounted to the roof.
Interior: Supa Fit Denam Seat Covers
Communications: Uniden X Trak 4×4 Pro CB Radio
Roof Rack/Accessories: Trailmax Roof Rack
Recovery Equipment: Warn VR Evo Winch
CARAVAN SPECS
Camper trailer: Great Aussie Tribal Tourer
Dimensions: 18ft6inches
Chassis: Alloy Chassis
Jockey Wheel: Standard
Stabilisers: Standard
Weight: 2500kg
Brakes: Electric
Suspension: Standard
Wheels/Tyres: Aftermarket with Cooper Tyres
Additional items or upgrades: 300w of solar and 200ah lithium
