My trusty old BFGoodrich Mud Terrains are ready for the tip. After 77,000 kilometers, they are just too worn for anything but the driest of tracks.

I have been using BFG mud tyres for around ten years now without even one puncture. In all I have been very happy with the tyres, except in heavy orange mud like we get in the high country, where they tend to clog and not clean easily.

I approached 5 different tyre distributors about supplying tyres and after a couple of weeks I had a two offers to supply at special one off prices.

I looked carefully at each offer and tyre and in the end I settled on the Maxxis Bighorn mud tyre. They looked good and had a very thick sidewall.

Low and behold the very next day I received a call from Daniel Watt of National Tyre Distributors offering to outfit us with the all new Federal Couragia mud tyre for the next twelve months.

These tyres look the part. A little more open in the tread than the BFG, so hopefully expell the mud a little better. The shoulders are very square like the BFG with nice lugs to bite in.

I am just waiting on the official OK from Federal head office in Taiwan and once fitted will be able to pass on my opinion of these great looking tyres.

if you have seen any of the 4x4galore.com videos you know we attempt everything from easy to difficult terrain, so the tyres will certainly get a good testing.
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Author – Doug Johnston

Tip:

Amongst other items to check are bar mounted electric winches. These components may not be used for extended periods and when they're needed you may find they have seized up. If the winch has been submerged in water it is advisable to strip it and grease it accordingly. A quick operation of it after a crossing may prove it still works, but you may find out when it seizes that you washed all the grease out 6 months ago! A water crossing is something that should not be taken too lightly as it has the potential to do expensive engine and drive-train damage. However, with the right 4x4 preparation and post crossing maintenance, you can enjoy some of the most challenging 4WDriving around.