February 2013 Issue of 4×4 Magazine
Can you believe it’s 2013? It sounds like something from a science fiction film rather than today’s date. It is correct that as you get older, the years get shorter, and when you actually spot a policeman on the beat, you feel you ought to report them for playing truant from school. Time marches on, and I have another year of editing under my belt, which if you’ll permit me, is a good time for a little calm reflection on what has happened over the last 12 months.
There’s certainly a professional satisfaction from managing to get 13 issues to the printers on time, and being able to publish what I consider to have been some great 4×4 features. Although I’ve been doing this for a lot of years now, I have certainly never produced the ‘ideal’ issue and that’s what drives you on, I guess. Driving is something that I don’t do as much of as you might think, however, when I have managed to get from behind the keyboard to behind the wheel, there have been a marvellous miscellany of memorable moments. It’s not all ‘cor blimey’ moments either. Driving the Chinese Great Wall Steed pick-up was not the most exciting thing I’ve ever done, but probably one of the most significant. For pure adrenalin fuelled off-road fun, my drive of the Can-Am Commander ATV vehicle has to come close to the top for the year. You felt so secure, belted into this minimalist machine, the engine roared and the grin within my full-face crash helmet broadened as confidence helped me push harder with the right foot. The thing seemed to catapult itself across the field; special moments indeed.
AutoSocks are a very simple, and workable accessory that can be kept in your 4×4, ‘just in case’. Very easy, and quick, to fit, you slip these ‘socks’ over your wheels to get maximum traction in difficult circumstances. OK, so you should have decent tyres but many 4×4 tyre combinations are more road orientated. No, they are not an alternative to snow chains, but then for the majority of time, chains are not necessary on UK roads. We have tested AutoSocks in extreme snow conditions and were certainly impressed at the extra traction available. Of course, for a 4×4, you will need two pairs. Prices start from £49.95. You can get AutoSocks from The Roof Box Company, call 01539 621884 or go to: 
EXPERIENCED North American overlander extraordinaire, Scott Brady, is planning what could well be the ultimate 4×4 adventure trip. As Scott explained to 4×4 Magazine: “In early 2007 I mapped out what I considered to be the ultimate overland adventure; to travel around the world and to all of its continents. I documented nearly every stage and formed the initial logistics and costs – then I waited. As with many of life’s goals, I needed to wait for the best timing, or in this case, the best partner.
This year’s Tractor World Show will be even more family friendly when it opens the season on the 2nd and 3rd March 2013. A great new Weekend Camping ticket allows two adults and children under 15 to camp for up to three nights on-site and gives them tickets into the show, for just £40 in advance. Exhibiting clubs are backing the family theme. The Ferguson Club, is inaugurating its own awards scheme at the show for its junior members and intends having part of its stand dedicated to young restorers. There will be a great variety of new models on display, as well as classic and vintage machinery. Stand space is filling fast, including in the improved link tunnel area that will connect the two big halls – Avon and Wye Halls – at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern. As in previous events, there will be a bustling auction on the Saturday courtesy of HJ Pugh, a vintage sort-out on the Sunday, a model tractor area, a build-a-tractor demonstration and a road run.
Nigel Fryatt – editor
It’s arguable which manufacturer can actually claim to have started the ‘lifestyle’ pick-up idea, but high up that list has to be Mitsubishi. The arrival of the L200 in 2005 certainly raised the stakes and helped extend the market for what previously had been a purely commercial sector. The L200’s unique design, especially the rear door/loadbed treatment, produced a machine that people wanted to be seen in. Looking at the latest incarnation parked alongside my ultra conservative Toyota Hilux, the new L200 Barbarian Black is certainly something to be seen in! Resplendent in violent bright candy red, you only need to add a couple of ladders to the back and it could pass as some kind of private performance fire engine.
Hils Everitt – Editor at Large
So last month we said farewell to our ES Tiguan and now it’s a big hello for the winter to our VW Escape, just in time for the wintry season.
Shion Scudamore – contributor
It’s been some time since I put pen to paper on the progress of the Bedford rebuild, as usual life filled up with “stuff” and other projects got in the way. By popular request from my family, I now find myself the owner of a Volkswagen T25 camper as well as the Bedford, although alas not a Syncro.
Robert Pepper 
Our Discovery 3’s odometer is now about to tick over 80,000 miles, many of which have been off-road, carrying a load or both. Lots of things wear out and need replacing over time – tyres and fluids of course, but also suspension. Sure, the Discovery has air suspension, which can be inflated so it doesn’t sag, but eventually everything wears out and for suspension in particular the dampers are a case in point. The Discovery was becoming rather too floaty over corrugations and bumps at cruise, and even at lower speeds the suspension bounced over rather than absorbed the undulations. So time for replacement dampers, but not a lot of choice. I spoke to Bilstein and found they have withdrawn their product from the Aussie market permanently, and then had a chat to Koni to discover that their product has also been withdrawn, albeit only temporarily. After a bit of research the best remaining option seemed to be the Land Rover standard kit, and as our Discovery is under warranty – thanks to a two-year extension programme – that was also the safe choice. So on went a set of shocks and, as ever with suspension changes, there’s quite a difference in handling, and that’s apparent even around town. There’s less pitch when accelerating, less nosedive when braking and more assured handling around the corners. And there’s better traction off-road, as all the sophisticated traction control in the world won’t help if the tyres aren’t well and truly in contact with the ground.
Land Rover’s Freelander had never been a 4×4 to excite the Editor’s interest. However, after a few days of freezing rain, heavy snow, ice roads and dropping temperatures, he’s ready to reconsider… 
American Scott Brady is a highly experienced overlander and expedition leader. Buying a second-hand UK registered Suzuki Jimny, unseen, and driving it across Europe and along Asia’s infamous Silk Road made his eyes water at times…
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