My Top TEN 4WD Mods For Beginners

[@timbates4wdadventures]

What extra mods would you add to the list if you were starting to get your 4wd ready for the bush?

[@stoofathelostaussie]

mate where ya get the wind shield on yr roof?

[@timbates4wdadventures]

@@stoofathelostaussie G'day mate, Sorry for the late reply mate, i've been away making a couple of new videos. The guys at Tradesman Roof Racks make them. Cheers Tim.

[@ShannonBeal80]

What, no pie warmer? Lol great video Batesy :)

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Shannon, Hahaha :-) Pie warmer should really have been No1 :-) Thanks for your reply mate. Cheers Batesy.

[@midas8729]

U may wrap it around engine bay

[@rossdrayton5476]

Great stuff as usual Batesy. I would add a dual battery system as No. 11. Really handy for running a heap of gear.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Ross, Yeah great extra tip mate. Running those extra accessories is very handy. Thanks for your feed back mate. Cheers Batesy.

[@TheDude2097]

I think you're bang on the money here! Good to hear someone not only agree with my prioritised mods but also the order of them too

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, Yeah i think the order is pretty on the money for those starting out. Just a good help for those getting into 4wding. Thanks for your reply and fed back mate. Cheers Tim.

[@chiphood2966]

Great video again mate. We carry PLBs at work in our vehicles and ELTs in our aircraft. Never bothered personally outside of work but after recent news I've decided I'm getting one for the missus for when she's traveling. Perhaps others should for their vehicles

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, Yes, i also carry a PLB in my Patrol on every trip. They are well worth having thats for sure. Thanks for your feed back mate. Cheers Tim.

[@chiphood2966]

@Forged -Ez EMERGENCY LOCATOR TRANSMITTER (ELT) is fitted to most aircraft, activated in the event of a crash. Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is a personal electronic transmitter used to alert emergency services of your location when activated.

[@SoloVagant]

As usual, still the best solid advice in 2021 for taking ya truck here in Australia...

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Thanks mate. Greatly appreciate your reply. Cheers Tim.

[@blinkyconsombrero4053]

Thanks for this Tim. It really helps. I am new to Over-landing. I love 4 wheel driving.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

No worries mate. Four wheel driving sure is an amazing lifestyle. Thanks for your reply mate. Cheers Tim.

[@amosbanjocaretakers3598]

Another well done chat Tim, very helpful for the young starter, tips and guidance cheers mate 👍🍻🇦🇺

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Amos, Thanks heaps mate for your reply and feed back. Greatly appreciate it. Cheers Tim.

[@craigwillis3372]

Well done as always Batesy...good solid advice as always...under body protection..is that a must as well ? Your rig is spot on !!

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Craig, Thanks mate for your reply and feed back. I greatly appreciate it. Cheers Batesy.

[@waynehauser3611]

As always a great informative vid mate ! I would add and it could almost be in connection with number 10 is under body protection. Damage to diffs, and fuel tanks aspecially when a newby and perhaps getting into strife is common. Your 10 is solid mate . Still waiting to get up and out, and hope to see you on a trip one day soon. Hope your well and safe mate. Cheers aka The armchair 4wder !

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Wayne, Great to hear from you,. I hope you are going ok, and i hope those lockdowns lift very soon. Thanks mate for adding a few items to the list. I greatly appreciate your reply and feedback. Take care mate. Cheers Tim.

[@L-lp9fl]

Just like listening to you, best mod ever where it counts the most. A pair of BMW seats for my little 4x4.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, Thats an interesting mod to a 4wd. I know a few people that have changed the seats over to something with more comfort. But, I've not heard of anyone adding BMW seats into their 4wd. What model 4wd do you have? Thanks for your feedback. Cheers Tim.

[@anthonycoleman1909]

This is a great list Tim. Trying to work out what brand is best is even harder to decide for me

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Anthony Coleman Gday Anthony, If you want any advise on the items your looking at. Let me know mate. Thanks for your reply and feedback. Cheers Tim.

[@anthonycoleman1909]

@@timbates4wdadventures Yes Tim looking for Bull Bar with dual recovery points, winch and suspension for my Fortuner. Heard I need to improve suspension because of weight of bullbar. Brands considering ARB, TJM and Ironman. Your advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Anthony Coleman All of those companies are worth checking out for the bull bars. I might be able to get you a contact at Ironman. I’ve been using Dobinsons suspension for the past 4 years, really like the gear. Recovery points won’t come from your bullbar. They need to be bolted straight to your chassis. There’s a number of after market recovery points to check out. Carbon Winches are tops mate. I can also get you a contact for a good price on the winches. Cheers Tim.

[@lukeutting3412]

Great list batesey couldn’t agree more

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Luke, Thanks mate, i greatly appreciate your feed back. Cheers Batesy

[@spartanptbungendore8627]

Doing your magic like always Batesy. Perhaps you should do another video titled Top 100,000 Modifications, because in the end...it doesn't stop. ; ) - Kev!

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, Hahah :-) yeah thats for sure. I dont think mine will ever end, although it's close. Thanks for your reply mate. Cheers Tim.

[@stevegoodwin5841]

Nice list Tim. FYI your two antennas would work better if you separated their mounts either side of your bullbar.

[@PatrolAdventuresAustralia]

Great video with a handy order of priority.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, Thanks for that and your reply, greatly appreciate it. Cheers Tim.

[@silverevans7763]

Great video thanks for the info 👍

[@timbates4wdadventures]

No worries mate. I’m that you found the video helpful. Thanks for your feedback. Cheers Tim

[@TimsBitsnPieces]

I for one cannot have a roof rack as my 80 series only just fits under my roller door now, so if I added a roof rack then it would be out on the road and I don't want all my hard-earned money to be stolen. I would say a dual battery setup would be able to be put in place of a roof rack in your list as it will get you out of strife and can do much more than just start the vehicle also a good jumper lead set.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, Ahh yeah thats one thing with a roof rack and thats the extra height they add to your 4WD. Not ideal if you have height issues getting into your garage. Ive not had things stollen off my roof. The dual battery is a good extra item to add mate. Thanks for your feedback. Cheers Tim

[@MOOSEDOWNUNDER]

We got the same roof rack mate, great kit.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, They do make a top notch all Aussie made rack mate. I have just changed mine over to the Wedgetail that Tradesman make. Thats great you are happy with your roofrack. Cheers Tim.

[@aus_overlander]

LOL... Datsun badge - nice one

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, Yeah i searched for a while to get that. Lol Thanks for your reply. Cheers Tim.

[@geoffgeoff143]

You cant install recovery points to a Colarado wirh a Dobinson bull bar. I see you like their suspension. Its great.

[@icmull]

Great video mate. What do yoy reckon about getting a nudge bar? I dont plan on doing much outback or night driving. So I dont know if the extra bulk and cost is worth it. My garage at works also pretty tight so Id probably scratch a bull bar as well. What do you think?

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, Pros and cons for bull bars and nudge bars. The bull bar will provide a great deal of front end protection compared to the nudge bar. Bull bars are heavy compared to nudge bars. Bull bars you can mount a lot more accessories. It's really going to have to be a personal decision on which way you go and whats going to work best for you and your vehicle and what style of travel you can really see your self doing. Hope that helps a bit mate. Thanks for your feedback. Cheers Tim

[@steverx4460]

I've got a 2009 RC Colorado. It came with heavy duty rear suspension and crappy muddies. When the muddies wore out, I replaced therm with Hankook Dynapro MTs - which came up well in product reviews and they've been great - long wearing, quiet, and grippy off and on road. I only had to shave a bit off the bottom of the air dam to fit them. I jacked up the front of the car just by adjusting the front torsion bars with the car off the ground more so the car didn't look like it was going downhill. The did my own wheel alignment (string method). That's all I've done so far. And this allowed me to go up the Old Telegraph Track by getting other people to do the winching. My rear diff is LSD so next I hope to put an Aussie auto Lokka in the front - half the price of a locker with air or electric controls. After that, I'm hoping to fit a winch without having to fit a bull bar. My lights are fine without driving lights. My car has a front tow point and I have a towbar on the back. I can fit all my stuff in the car so I don't need a roofrack.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Steve, Wicked feed back about how you have set up your Colorado that works for you. Thats great if you can get by with what you have done and still getting exploring Australia. Top stuff mate. Thanks heaps for your feed back. Cheers Tim.

[@rasta77-x7o]

I'd swap Roofrack for Lockers. Roofrack is for people that carry too much stuff, same with towing. Go light, go hard! Anyway nice video.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Roofracks are very handy for big light weight items like swags. Firewood for camp. My Patrol has been made a very light weight with the new changes. Thanks for your reply and feedback Cheers Tim.

[@rasta77-x7o]

@@timbates4wdadventures Yeah i agree, lots of people love them, not my cup of tea as the extra weight up high and not being able to go underground carparks puts me out.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

@@rasta77-x7o yeah they can be a pain for under ground carpark. One of the reasons I never take my Patrol into the city.

[@rasta77-x7o]

@@timbates4wdadventures Haha best solution, just stay offroad forever .

[@timbates4wdadventures]

@@rasta77-x7o sounds like a plan mate. Lol

[@arthurplottier9783]

IMO before if we have to have only 10 a compressor is a must to adjust the air pressure in the tyres according to the terrain conditions. It is more important than the winch .

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Yeah thats sure is a good one mate. Tyre pressures are key when out in the bush. Thanks for your reply and feedback mate. Cheers Tim.

[@Cdog79]

Maxtrax saved my butt on the weekend. Stuck in clay on stock highway terrain tyres. First use of my maxtrax’s and I would of been stuffed without them.

[@Australianzwayne]

Thanks cobber, top advice.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, Thanks for that, im glad you found the video helpful. Cheers Tim.

[@jarrod1687]

I agree, just need dual battery and diff/trans breathers as well then you truck is somewhat 'ready to go'

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Jarrod, Couple of great extra tips on your list mate. They are well worth it, thats for sure. Thanks for your reply mate. Cheers Tim.

[@alexsallery]

Number 2 after AT tyres would be bash plates to protect your underbody

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G;day Alex, Yeah bash plates sure do come in handy for some off road driving. Thanks for that tip mate. Cheers Tim.

[@chairmanoftehboard]

You've put suspension lift before steel bullbar, side steps and winch which means the front at least is going to be undersprung. Need to put all the heavy stuff on before the suspension or otherwise you'll be doing the suspension twice.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, Yes thats the way to go for sure. Put your heavy stuff on before suspension. But most suspension places will ask what extras you are putting on, and set up the suspension to suit. Thanks heaps for your feed back. Cheers Tim.

[@andrewsweeney3081]

Good front seats ,back support

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Hi Andrew, Yeah after market front seats is something that i have looked at for a while. The standard Patrol seats aren't too bad, but they could be better, particular on a big trip. Thanks for your reply mate. Cheers Tim.

[@petermiddo]

When you were talking snorkel, I'd have rated diff and transmission breathers. For your viewers, when you cross a creek with hot diffs, the oil in them contracts and draws in water (instead of air like they usually do) and this degrades the diff oil leading to excess wear. For my money, a snorkel and diff breathers should be bought together.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Peter, Yeah for sure mate. You have raised a couple of worth while extras to fit on a newish 4wd. Snorkel and all the breathers go hand in hand. Thanks for your reply mate. Cheers Tim.

[@tigasbakal]

awesome tips thanks

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Thanks mate. I appreciate your feedback. Cheers Tim

[@jaydenbelford862]

1.mud tyres 2. Suspension upgrade 3. Recovery points and gear 4. Snorkel 5.uhf radio 6.bull bar 7. Roof rack 8. Driving lights 9. winch 10. Rock sliders

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Thanks mate for that extra list of mods. A good list mate. Cheers Tim.

[@ShaneB666]

Jayden Belford and air compressor

[@darcybaltins3980]

Awesome video mate! I’m looking to add a bullbar and improve my suspension for my NP300 Navara. Do you back the Ironman gear?

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Darcy Baltins Gday Darcy, I have been using Dobinsons suspension for 4 years now. Great company and suspension kits. If you would like a contact, I can get that for you. Thanks heaps mate for your reply and feedback. Cheers Tim.

[@darcybaltins3980]

Tim Bates 4wd Adventures Thanks for the reply mate. Dobinsons sound like they might be a goer then. I’d appreciate that contact mate. Cheers!

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Darcy Baltins Yeah cool mate. Have a chat with Chris on 9706 5200 Mention we have spoken, and he will look after you mate. Really good gear mate. Cheers Tim.

[@Daveexploresaustralia]

Hey mate. What’s your opinion on those Dobinsons MRR? Planing to get ones to my Colorado.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

David Villegas Gonzalez Gday David, I’ve been using the MRRs for nearly 4 years now. I really like them. Mine have been great both on and off road. Wicked ride. If you would like a contact number at Dobinsons in Dandenong , let me know mate. Cheers Tim.

[@baronvonaux8294]

Good list but the order is wrong in my view. No point doing suspension before you install heavy items like Bullbars, winches, roof racks. Install all the heavy stuff first, record the added weight over each axle and then you can get the correct spring rates for your setup.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Wasa, The list of mods i mention aren't really in any order of purchase for your 4wd. But yes, it would be a good idea to bit all of your bar work and winches etc, before you chat with the suspension guys. Thanks for your reply and feedback. Cheers Tim.

[@jorgeo1492]

Does this apply to Mexico? Great vidya

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Would apply to anywhere I would think. Cheers Tim

[@adampreston285]

Where was this recorded looks extremely green and Beautiful?

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Carrsun, It was filmed in a location near Dargo in the Vic High Country. Great spot mate. Cheers Tim.

[@MostGratefulOwl]

For me, first thing is when buying a pre-owned 4WD 4x4 whatever is to know what to watch out for, the buyer beware thing. Or you might end up with costly problems that can't exactly be fixed like a rusted out frame and it's a Mitsubishi lol jks. I still love my war wagon anyways. New interesting hobby

[@timbates4wdadventures]

CJ Phoenix Gday mate, Yeah, well worth having a pre owned 4wd checked out before buying to hopefully find any issues. Thanks for your reply. Cheers Tim.

[@MostGratefulOwl]

@@timbates4wdadventures yeah, the safety inspection let me know and I am in Alberta Canada. It is a common thing to happen and the seller did cover it up enough. Your video was helpful so thank you

[@timbates4wdadventures]

@@MostGratefulOwl Yeah cool. Thanks for dropping in from Canada. I hope you are all well where you are. Im glad you found the video helpful. Cheers Tim.

[@william6815]

Man I didn’t know you had a KZbin channel ever thought of going back on 4wd action???

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Wilbur, Thanks mate for finding my channel, it's been going on for a little while now. Never say never i reckon mate. No plans at the moment, but who knows what might be around the corner. They were great fun days with the 4wd Action crew. Great catching up with them at the 4wd shows. Thanks for your reply mate. Cheers Tim.

[@william6815]

Tim Bates 4wd Adventures yeah hopefully you can get back on there DVDs but I’m keen to look through your channel!!!

[@timbates4wdadventures]

@@william6815 No worries, thanks mate for the support. See what the future brings. Cheers Tim.

[@OzTrollracing]

Hey mate great video as always! Just a question in regards to what cameras you use ?

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, Im just using a Canon 200D. Thanks for your feed back mate. Cheers Tim.

[@alexarks517]

What size tires do you have? What size suspension lift and a bit more details would be good?

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Jarrod, Im running 33's in tyres 285x75x16 Im also running a 3in lift. Hope that helps mate and thanks for your feed back. Cheers Tim.

[@alexarks517]

Cheers for the reply mate. Do you have any issues with legalities with lift down there in vic as I’m planning a high country trip next year and don’t want my trip ruined because of my 2 inch lift with 35’s? Do the police setup defect stations at the bottom of the ranges or at major towns? Cheers mate love your work!

[@timbates4wdadventures]

@@alexarks517 Hi mate, Depends what time of year you come down. The big weekends for public holidays and Xmas Etc are generally pretty hot for defects. I don't have any problems with my set up. My Patrol looks clean and i've never been asked about the suspension lift. You will be fine with your 2in lift, but the 35's might get you some un-wanted attention. Also depends where you plan to go mate. Hope that helps mate. Cheers Tim.

[@dougharrison7844]

So if I do these mods to my Corolla 4wd I wont need a LandCruiser?.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, You can try. Lol Cheers Tim.

[@carlparsons9251]

Yup no need for landcruiser bud

[@sunnyr8434]

Differential lockers if your 4wd doesn't have them?

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Thats for sure mate. Lockers are a great add on if you don't have them. Cheers Tim.

[@joshgadsden5309]

most certainly!

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Joe, Thanks mate. Cheers Tim.

[@nathanielknight392]

Hey Tim just wondering what size tyre you have and what rims you are running and the offset they are???

[@timbates4wdadventures]

+Nathaniel Knight Gday mate, I’m running 33in tyres. 285x75x16 The rims at a -14 offset. Thanks for your questions mate. Cheers Tim.

[@TheAlvie1988]

Air compressor is a must

[@timbates4wdadventures]

+Alvin Dundara Gday Alvin, Yes it is mate. I’m going to include the air compressor in one of my next videos. Thanks for your reply mate. Cheers Tim.

[@herbmarsh8519]

G'day Tim, are your tyre's 285s or 305s?

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Gday mate. They are 285s Cheers Tim.

[@herbmarsh8519]

@@timbates4wdadventures Sweet cheers mate. keep the vids coming mate. Its going to take me a while to watch all your vids but I will get there eventually.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

@@herbmarsh8519 thanks mate. Enjoy watching them. Lol. Cheers Tim.

[@keepitreal7166]

Certainly !

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, Thanks for your reply. Cheers Tim.

[@mountainconstructions]

Nice one fella Am i first again, pisser :)

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, Mmmm, not sure on that one, but thats for replying. :-) Cheers Tim.

[@rudvs]

Bash plates ?

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, Yeah for sure they are handy. Cheers Tim.

[@leonbuild3246]

Tow hitch/ ball is not a recovery point. The ball can snap of and can cause damage or injury

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Leon, Yes for sure mate, a rated rear recovery point is a must and never use a tow ball for a snatch recovery. Thanks for your reply and feed back mate. Cheers Tim.

[@Phil_McAvity]

Seeing you’re MR Vic High Country, is love to hear your thoughts on the recent tragedy which sadly resulted in the loss of two young lives. Just your overall thoughts & opinion on the hazards & risks of the VHC. Cheers Tim 👍

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Phil, Yes, i know the HC very well, but im far from MR Vic High Country. Its way to soon to be discussing what happened last week. In time yes, a discussion on a few points would be a great idea to hopefully not have it happen again. Thanks for your question though mate. Cheers Tim.

[@nudibanches]

@@timbates4wdadventures Is this the couple who went missing from Wonnangatta? They weren't young though?

[@atoieno]

EPIRB or PLB

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, Yes, absolutely they are worth carrying in your 4wd. I have a PLB, and goes everywhere with me. Thanks for your reply mate. Cheers Tim.

[@tonygersbach375]

I would have thought a good set of bash plates would be on the list for sure

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Tony, Yeah for sure mate, a few people have mentioned bash plates. Cheers Tim.

[@tonygersbach375]

Tim Bates 4wd Adventures good on you mate, cheers

[@timbates4wdadventures]

@@tonygersbach375 no worries mate. Cheers Tim.

[@stephenbloomer567]

Listing all those accessories is great, but you never mentioned how much they weigh. That list will put most people over their GVM. As a total package the GVM must be considered and the best time to do it is when you are getting the new suspension, not after.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Stephen, Yeah for sure mate, you make some great points when adding extra weight to the vehicle. Thanks heaps for your feed back. Cheers Tim.

[@geoffgeoff143]

Rhe rwason why yoy install CB radio is to maake rhwe bull bar loom usefull. Rney twist yoyr chassis.

[@nichall3432]

what

[@arronjones8575]

I thought a good set of brakes would have been up there ..

[@timbates4wdadventures]

They are also important, thats for sure mate. Specially in the steep country of the High Country. Cheers Tim.

[@MrRalphBraun]

reverse camera....

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Ralph, For sure mate. I could do with one of those. Thanks for your reply mate. Cheers Tim.