Roughing It

News

5 Feb

Last year Hino invited me up to far North Queensland to test drive their full product range. To say that I had a great six days would be an understatement.

The first vehicle I jumped in was Hino’s 300 Series 4x4 – and of all their trucks I reckon I had the most fun in this. If I was in the market for a serious towing vehicle that would haul a weight that would put the ubiquitous ‘Cruiser to shame, and would go anywhere, then this would be my first port of call.

Shane Neesom obviously had the same thought and took it one step further.

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Shane Neesom made his and the family’s dreams a reality when he purchased a brand new Hino 300 Series 4x4 and embarked on a three month trip from Sydney to Cape York, the top of Australia. Director of Neesom Property Group – a family-run construction business - Shane chose a truck over a ute, and has never looked back. His Hino has not only toured some of the roughest terrains in Australia but also has kept up with his business’ demands.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE A HINO 300 SERIES 4x4?

“After months of online research, we chose a Hino 300 Series 4x4 for its durability, reliability, power, and general performance. Our business specialises in remedial work and renovations, so we needed a vehicle with a huge payload and towing capacity.

“The 300 4x4 ticked all our boxes and after driving it for a while, we realised it would make a perfect tourer as well. Whether we are loading up timber for a job or loading up motorbikes to ride in the bush, we have the room and payload for just about anything.”

WHAT SPECS AND FEATURES MAKE YOUR TRUCK SO SUITED TO THE AUSTRALIAN ENVIRONMENT?

“The strength and build quality of the Hino is unmatched. The Hino has a bigger tail shaft than other comparable trucks, which makes it a lot more robust. It has a bigger base, stronger gearbox… stronger everything! And that’s what I need when I’m in the middle of nowhere in my remote travels.

“Being a four-wheeler and having a wide range of ratios in gears is great, as it generates a lot more torque in the low end. With this range of gears, we can crawl down and idle up almost anything. The 6-speed manual gearbox also generates fewer revs at higher kilometres on the highway, increasing fuel efficiency, which is essential for long trips.

“These features were also important because they allowed us to carry and tow a lot of weight – which I need for work and for touring. I’ve got a caravan, a camper trailer, a boat, and a work trailer, so it’s important to have the power and range of gears that our Hino 817 4x4 provides.

“Another standout that makes Hino so reliable is their servicing. On long trips, reliability is a must, having your truck brake down is not an option. There are places to service Hino trucks almost everywhere. I approached Pacific Hino in Cairns when I was due for my first 20,000km service. I emailed the dealer at 6 am asking if they could fit me in and they emailed me back at 6:30 am. Pacific Hino were fantastic. The network of Hino dealers and their ability to service is far better than any truck brand I’ve experienced before.”

HOW HAS YOUR HINO PERFORMED IN ROUGH TERRAIN?

“We have tackled some of the hardest off-road trails in Australia, and have never had an issue. On numerous occasions, we have pulled out other heavy, off-road vehicles, with our Hino.

“We know in the morning that when we get ready to go out for the day, our truck will not only start, but keep going all day long. This is paramount in secluded locations, and it gives us the independence and confidence to travel this great land.”

What modifications did you make to your Hino and why?
“We made some modifications to our truck due to the vast amount of time we were spending on the road. 24 hours a day for three months is quite a lot of time! To make sure we were comfortable, we added:

Parabolic suspension
Stratos suspension seats to the front and re-upholstered the rear seats. Heat and sound shields to the whole cab
Front steps to increase approach angles
Bulbar, winch and spotlights
Diff-locks, tow pack and break controllers

LET’S GET TO THE NITTY GRITTY - TELL US ABOUT YOUR TRIP.

“Our three-month trip started in Sydney and ended at the tip of Cape York. I travelled with my three sons and my wife. We set out to conquer the notorious Old Telegraph Track; a pinnacle for any serious 4x4 driver. The track has several deep creek crossings, very steep and slippery riverbanks and patches of deep sand. The track is fairly narrow, and the surface varies from dirt and sand to rocky slopes and mud in the wet season.

“We experienced no real issues through our journey, all while towing a 2.2-tonne camper trailer. We passed quite a few bogged Utes along the way, and were even able to tow another vehicle when they got stuck on the Old Telegraph Track.”

WHAT WERE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS?

“Time spent with family has got to be the biggest highlight. Travelling together and being together 24 hours a day gives a perspective that you don’t get in normal life. The Old Telegraph Track was amazing, with Fruit Bat and Elliot Falls as standouts. Loyalty Beach is beautiful, the sunrises at Notch Point, fishing, seeing crocodiles, snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, and of course, the people you meet along the way. Touching that metal sign up the top was great, it symbolised that we made it.”

“I would go again tomorrow if I could. We are planning on doing central Australia mid-year. We are always doing smaller trips, take a Friday and Monday off so we can get out and about. Also, every long weekend we extend a day on either side to get bush somewhere.”

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To find out more about the Hino 300 Series 4x4 or any other Hino product, click on the link here: Hino Dealership.