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Here at Midland 4WD Centre we’re as passionate about four-wheel driving and adventuring as you are. So, over the coming months we’ll be introducing our team who’ll tell you about their first 4x4, favourite camping spots and even some of their top tips.
This week we’re catching up with Simon Ash (the boss) who’s been camping since he was a kid and now loves getting out into the bush with his own family.
I have always loved being outdoors. I’ve been camping since I was a kid with my parents and all the way through high school. When I used to go with my folks it was usually just in the car, with a tent, it was pretty basic but it was always a great experience.
When I got my license and started getting access to 4WDs through work and friends I started to explore a lot further afield.
When my, now, wife and I started dating, we were always going anywhere there was water, we loved fishing and diving and just generally being near the water. When the kids came along we didn't really like the idea of waiting too long to get out again. We even took a 6-month-old and 2 under 6 out for a Station stay at Murchison. The kids don't come as often now, but I still try to get out at least every few months.
Nissan G60, it was cheap and an easy project build. First work ute was a GQ Patrol.
Sure did. Nothing stays standard in my fleet. Fitted it with a five-speed Marks Adaptors gearbox; suspension lift and 33-inch mud terrain tyres (it's funny to think that 33" was considered a really big tyre just 25 years ago). Threw on some spotties, UHF CB radio and even a CD player. I also gave it a paint job in the backyard but that didn’t go so well. And like a lot of older vehicles, a lot of general maintenance.
Currently, I’m running a 2018 Toyota LandCruiser with just 46,000km on the clock. And, like all my rigs it’s far from standard.
Here’s a list of the things I’ve added:
Anywhere near water. I really enjoy Steep Point, and South West Fish Creek area is a really nice spot too. I don't have a one and only favourite spot, it really depends on the weather as to where I want to go.
Hard one. Dirk Hartog 2020 trip is a stand out at the moment. I love the coastline and the exclusiveness of it and feel privileged to have visited something unique over here in WA to be on island four-wheel driving, and we had a great crew with us.
Camp chair to enjoy the view and ambience of your trip.
Start slowly with the basics and build as you find out what you need or, should I say, want to take with you as you expand your camping and travelling.
Before you modify your 4x4 I’d recommend enrolling on a driver training course as you will be given independent advice on how to use your vehicle and you will then come at the mods from an educated point of view.