Customer Adventure Series: John Laws
Just south of the famous Inskip point is Double Island Point, where John laws spent ten days beach driving, jet skiing, and fishing. Check out the vehicle mods, trip highlights and some of John’s preparation tips. Spoiler he didn’t get bogged.
Where: Double Island Point, QLD.
When: April 2018
Vehicle: 1998 FZJ105 Series Landcruiser
Rhino-Rack Products:
Rhino-Rack: What kind of 4WD are you driving, and what modifications have you made?
John Laws: My vehicle is a 1998 FZJ105 Series Landcruiser. I got it stock as a rock from a lady up north. Since then I have made it into my daily touring rig and a great place to shovel money into!
She has 3 inches of lift with EFS springs and Dobinsons MRR Shocks, plus I’m slowly adding all the road safe gear underneath to support the height and flex. I’ve got an Xray Vision Lightbar on the roof and Narva Hids on the bar; two UHFs for convoy communications and three batteries with 250 watts of solar on the roof - which means I can keep beers cold, drone batteries charged and lights on all year round.
Rhino-Rack: Tell us about a recent memorable adventure? What were the travel conditions?
John Laws: I spent ten odd days up at Double Island Point with a mate and my dad. We had beautiful weather and lots of sunshine! A big storm had just passed through so there was not a lot of beach left and the sand was relatively soft and dry.
Rhino-Rack: What was your objective? Was there anything, in particular, you wanted to do?
John Laws: Well, the objective was to launch the jet-skis off the point and into the lagoon but we found it only possible to get them in at the little inlet where the creek runs into the ocean. I later attempted (and failed epically) to ride the ski up into the lagoon. But we did accomplish ten days of jet-skiing, four-wheel driving and relaxing. Fun times!
Rhino-Rack: Did you face any obstacles along the way and how did you get around them?
John Laws: We had a couple, just as every trip should have! We had to be super cautious of the tides behind. I was towing two jet-skis, so I wasn’t moving very fast in the soft stuff. At high tide, there was virtually zero beach left to drive on which meant we had to commit to whatever we were doing for the day as soon as we woke.
My friend got himself into a complicated situation while manoeuvring his 80 series out of our camp. It took quite a bit of delicate winching to get him unstuck without rolling or tearing up the spinifex. Was amazing how such a split-second mistake, in the campsite of all places, was nearly a total disaster!
Rhino-Rack: What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your 4WDing adventures?
John Laws: The companion you bring is as essential as the destination. Look after your gear, and it will look after you. If there’s something on your rig that is giving you anxiety, fix it.
Rhino-Rack: What is it about 4WD adventures that keep you wanting more?
John Laws: It’s a combination of things. That ability to wake up every day with a spectacular new view outside the swag, unplugging from modern society and the constant focus on that next track, hill, and camp. Where is the firewood? What’s for dinner? As cheesy as it sounds, I like that I’m living for each day rather than hanging for the weekend and worrying about the non-essentials.
Rhino-Rack: How has your Rhino-Rack gear helped to facilitate your adventures?
John Laws: For too many years I worried about power and my fridge staying on, then I finally mounted the big solar panel to my Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platform. Now I don’t have to think about it anymore so I can relax and enjoy the trip!
Rhino-Rack: How do you prepare for a trip? What are the most important steps to take?
John Laws: A quick run through of your gear never hurts! I finished a trip once so exhausted; I forgot to put my sleeping bag back in my swag, which wasn’t fun next time I used it. I always check the first aid kit and puncture repair kit to make sure I have enough gear in there. Also, tyre pressures can make a massive difference to fuel economy, so it’s worth checking pre-trip. Just the basics really. I’m a mechanic, so I’m always keeping tabs on the condition of my vehicle and believe it should be monitored all the time rather than just before a trip.
Rhino-Rack: What’s the next destination on your itinerary?
John Laws: Hoping to score a couple of weeks with my girl at Fraser this year. It's been on my to-do list for too long, so we both want to hit it up with our Cruisers!
Rhino-Rack: Which Rhino-Rack product is next on your wish list?
John Laws: Well, I want to switch to the backbone mounts because they look great. My girlfriend needs a new roof rack too so look forward to getting her on the Rhino Rack team!
Customer Adventure Series
We'll be posting stories taken directly from Rhino-Rack Customers. Adventurers who want to share their explorations around Australia and the world. If you'd like to get involved in the Customer Adventure Series please contact Rhino-Rack through any of our social media platforms below.
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