High Country Belting

THE PATROL COPS A BATTERING ON SOME OF VIC’S TOUGHEST TRACKS.

- Matt Raudonik

W ITH the Patrol kitted up with its new Toyo Open Country R/T tyres, 40-inch Lightforce light bar and Ironman 4x4 roof rack and awning, we left Melbourne for two weeks of touring in the Victorian High Country. Our last fuel stop to top up the 140-litre tank was at Bruthen as we headed towards the New South Wales border and, travelling with a bunch of diesel-fuelled 4x4s as we were, the conversation centred on how long the big petrol V8 Nissan would last before it needed a top up.

The Ironman Instant Awning proved its worth on the first night out when dark clouds came over our camp on the Snowy River, and I elected to set up the awning to cover my swag. The threat only amounted to a small shower throughout the night, but I was happy to roll-up the swag nice and dry the next morning.