Credit: chuckitinlowrange.com
A reliable Land Rover, a trusty dog and big sky country
Chuck Thomas’ MO: eat, sleep, camp, repeat. He’s the kind of bloke you would call if you got impossibly bogged, wanted to find out about an epic off-grid camping spot, or needed to know how to remove a tick.
When he isn’t at work earning cash for gas and planning his next adventure, Chuck attacks the dirt of Western Australia and beyond with his canine companion Bitsy in the passenger seat.
Credit: chuckitinlowrange.com
The pair do it all: venturing to RAAF inland aircraft fuel depots, finding the rockiest route to the coast, touring the picturesque wheatbelt, finding untouched waterholes and generally getting off grid. Chuck is living the off-road dream and, via his blog and social media pages, sharing it with the world.
Credit: chuckitinlowrange.com
The vehicle of choice is a 1990 Land Rover 110, formerly property of the Australian Army.
Designed for function above all else, Chuck, Bitsy and the camouflaged 4x4 take on the world’s least hospitable conditions in the stark absence of air conditioning or power steering. Chuck wouldn’t have it any other way.
“There is nothing like tackling the outback in an old Land Rover,” Chuck says.
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The 3.9-litre Isuzu diesel attached to a constant 4WD four-speed propels the Perentie across this wide brown land sans-turbo, giving Chuck ample time to take in the scenery. With jerry cans of water, fuel, a full tool kit, recovery gear and a self-sufficient solar power set-up, Chuck is equipped to do it all himself, but often shares the trip with like-minded mates.
“I carry just about anything you could want to get out of trouble. Or in trouble,” says Chuck.
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The Land Rover is equipped with Toyo Tires M55s. Designed for severe service work, the M55 is an all-terrain tyre with a reputation forged by the challenges of the Aussie bush.
Chuck regularly puts our claims about the M55 to the test, and with its robust case and anti-chip/cut tread compound, they have not disappointed. The three spares Chuck carries, one in the car and two in the trailer, are yet to be touched.
Credit: chuckitinlowrange.com
Striking out with a group of mates following the Overland Telegraph line, Chuck found the M55 impeccable.
“Following the well overgrown track that was once used to maintain the Norseman to Kalgoorlie Telegraph Line, it was an absolute necessity that we had reliable rubber that could handle the harsh conditions that the outback can throw at you.
“We covered 2800 kilometres over the trip in total, with 600 kilometres on off road tracks extremely well known for sidewall stakes. There were no punctures in the M55s.”
“On my mates cars (Brand name redacted) tyres suffered two side wall punctures in the side lugs. The (Brand name redacted) tyre got a complete side wall tear and a puncture that had to be patched inside and then silicone applied because the bead broke while levering the tyre back on the rim.
“All in all, I’m glad I run Toyos,” Chuck says.
Chuck had his tyres fitted by the team at MAC 4x4 & Tyrepower. Whether you're chasing adventure, performance or just a better drive, the team at MAC 4x4 & Tyrepower have the knowledge and range of Toyo tyres for any car.
Credit: chuckitinlowrange.com
Credit: chuckitinlowrange.com
Credit: chuckitinlowrange.com
You can follow Chuck’s adventures on http://chuckitinlowrange.com and via the Chuck It In Low Range Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/chuckitinlowrange/.
