#143 - Will Ronny take the Ineos through Gunshot at Cape York?

Ineos is a car brand best known for building the Grenadier, a rugged 4x4 designed for off-road use. In this episode, the hosts are talking about taking an Ineos vehicle through a tough route at Cape York.

Tough Dog is an aftermarket suspension brand that makes off-road shocks and suspension components. The host mentions it in the context of needing suspension to work with off-road tyres, which is typical when fitting larger or more aggressive tyres.

“Runch Sheets” appears to be the hosts’ informal name for their prepared rundown/notes for the episode. It’s not a standard automotive term, but it signals the show’s structure (planned talking points).

“Forward driving” here is being used as a driving approach for travel and camping—staying focused on how you drive on long trips rather than just technical off-road maneuvers. In 4WD talk, it often implies planning for traction, fuel use, and vehicle control over extended distances.

“Fuel prices” refers to the cost of petrol at the pump, which directly affects trip planning for 4WD owners. When fuel gets expensive, people often change how they travel—routes, speeds, and how often they stop.

Diesel is a fuel used in many 4x4s and trucks. It’s different from petrol (gasoline) in how it’s burned and typically how engines are designed to use it.

Towing a caravan means pulling a trailer behind your vehicle, which changes how the vehicle accelerates, brakes, and handles. It also increases fuel use and can affect whether you can safely reach the next fuel stop in remote areas.

“Drive and go” describes a casual travel style where you don’t plan fuel stops closely. In remote touring, towing, or outback driving, that approach often doesn’t work because fuel range and access to stations are limited.

The outback is Australia’s remote interior, where distances between towns and fuel stops can be very large. That makes trip planning—especially for towing and fuel range—much more critical than in city driving.

The fuel light is a dashboard warning that the fuel level has dropped to a low threshold. Relying on it to judge remaining range is risky because the actual distance you can travel depends on driving conditions, load (like towing), and vehicle efficiency.

“Testing the limits” here refers to pushing how far the vehicle can go before needing fuel, often by driving until the fuel warning light comes on. In remote travel, this is about managing range and risk—running out of fuel can strand you far from help.

The Toyota Prado is a popular Australian 4x4 SUV known for long-distance touring and off-road capability. In this segment, they’re talking about its fuel tank capacity (110 liters), which matters for planning range on remote routes like Cape York.

“Range” is the estimated distance the car thinks it can still travel based on current fuel level and recent driving. When it shows “zero kilometers of range left,” the estimate has dropped to the point where the car expects you may not get much farther before running out.

A fuel range estimate is the car’s calculated prediction of remaining distance based on fuel level and driving conditions. It can be conservative or optimistic depending on how the car was driven recently, which is why challenges like this can produce surprising results.

The odometer measures total distance traveled and is displayed as a running mileage figure. In the segment, they “clicked the odometer over” to measure the distance driven starting from the moment the range estimate hit zero.

The Audi Q5 is a compact luxury SUV from Audi. In this segment it’s mentioned as an example of what someone was driving during a past off-road-related situation.

The Nullarbor is a long, remote stretch of road in Australia, commonly associated with big distances between towns and limited services. It’s a classic place where fuel planning and range anxiety come up for travelers.

“Kimber” appears to refer to Kimberley, a region in northern Western Australia known for remote driving and long distances between towns. The speaker is discussing whether they could reach a town to refuel.

A “roadside bowser” is a fuel pump (often at a small roadside store or roadhouse) where you can refuel. In remote travel, these stops can be the difference between making it to the next town or being stuck.

The Toyota Hilux is a rugged pickup commonly used for 4WD touring and remote travel. In this segment, it’s the vehicle Chris is driving during the trip, highlighting its suitability for long, off-road routes.

They’re discussing whether they have enough fuel to complete the crossing because they can’t refuel at their planned point. This is essentially range planning: estimating how far the vehicle can go based on current fuel and expected consumption.

The driver turns off non-essential electrical loads—headlights and air conditioning—to reduce power draw and improve efficiency. On long, fuel-critical off-road runs, small energy savings can help stretch range.

They slow down to around 80 because it’s described as the optimal speed for keeping going. Fuel economy often improves at certain speeds because aerodynamic drag rises quickly as speed increases.

In Australia, a “servo” is a fuel station (short for service station). In this context, they’re racing the clock to reach fuel before the station closes.

Fuel shortages mean there isn’t enough supply of certain fuels to meet demand in some areas. Here, they’re describing shortages affecting hundreds of sites across Australia, including specific fuel types.

Unleaded (unleaded gasoline) is petrol that doesn’t contain lead additives. It’s the common fuel for most gasoline engines, and shortages can be specific to unleaded versus diesel.

A long range tank is an auxiliary fuel tank (or larger-than-stock tank) that increases how far you can drive before refueling. It’s especially useful in remote areas where fuel stations may be spaced far apart or temporarily unavailable.

Siphoning fuel means transferring fuel from one container or tank to another using a hose and gravity (or suction). In remote 4WD travel, it’s a practical way to keep going when you don’t have enough fuel in the vehicle you’re driving.

A spare fuel hose is an extra hose carried to help transfer fuel between containers or tanks. It’s especially relevant in remote travel where you might need to top up quickly or move fuel to another vehicle.

A failsafe allowance is extra fuel margin you plan to keep in reserve in case your estimates are wrong. It’s a safety buffer used in remote travel so you don’t run out before reaching the next reliable fuel point.

A jerrycan is a portable fuel container (often plastic or metal) used to carry extra gasoline or diesel. In off-road and remote touring, jerrycans are common because fuel stations can be far apart and fuel planning can be critical.

The speaker quantifies the fuel impact as 100 litres, highlighting how quickly range can be affected when fuel containers are moved or removed. In remote 4WD travel, losing even one jerrycan can materially change whether you can reach the next fuel opportunity.

A sub-tank is an auxiliary fuel tank used alongside the main tank. In off-road vehicles it helps extend range and can be managed by switching which tank feeds the engine.

“Flicking between the tanks” refers to switching the fuel supply from one tank to another. Drivers do this to manage fuel levels, avoid running a tank dry, and keep the vehicle’s fuel system operating correctly.

Cape York is the remote, rugged northern tip of Queensland, Australia, known for challenging dirt roads, river crossings, and variable weather. It’s a common destination for 4x4 trips and is often used as a benchmark for how capable a vehicle setup really is.

In this context, “modified” refers to a vehicle that’s been changed from factory spec for off-road use—commonly things like suspension upgrades, tires, protection (like bash plates), and sometimes drivetrain or cooling improvements. The hosts are planning to film another modified vehicle in Queensland.

“Peak” here means the busiest season window for Cape York travel, when many people are on the tracks at the same time. That concentration increases crowding at popular viewpoints and crossings.

The hosts are discussing taking an Ineos Grenadier off-road through “Gunshot” on Cape York. The Grenadier is Ineos’s purpose-built 4x4 designed for rugged, low-speed terrain where traction and durability matter more than road manners.

In off-roading, “tracks” usually refers to rutted wheel paths created by previous vehicles. Track geometry matters because it can guide the tires (helpful) or force the vehicle into awkward angles (riskier), especially when entering steep or narrow sections.

“Nosing right down into it” describes driving the vehicle deeper into a difficult section (like a steep, muddy, or rutted entry). The deeper you go, the more likely you are to encounter resistance, reduced traction, and higher risk of getting stuck or forcing mud/water into places it shouldn’t be.

Mud is a traction-limiting surface that can turn tires into “slip-and-sink” rather than grip-and-go. In off-road driving, mud also increases the chance of getting bogged down, overheating components, and packing debris into drivetrain and underbody areas.

“4WD” stands for four-wheel drive, meaning power is sent to all four wheels to improve traction on loose, uneven, or slippery terrain. On tracks like Cape York’s crossings, 4WD helps maintain grip so the vehicle can keep moving when surfaces are unpredictable.

The speaker describes using the brakes very carefully—“playing with the break”—to control speed and stability while descending. On loose or uneven terrain, braking too hard can cause loss of traction and sliding, so the goal is controlled deceleration while keeping the vehicle composed.

“Steering dead straight” means keeping the wheels aligned with the direction of travel during the descent. When the surface is loose and the car is prone to sliding, any steering input can increase sideways movement and make the slide harder to control.

“Grenadier” refers to the Ineos Grenadier, a modern off-road 4x4 designed for rugged trails. In this segment, it’s mentioned in the context of attempting the “Gunshot” section, where traction and approach angles matter.

A recovery “strap” is used to tow or recover a stuck vehicle during off-road driving. The speaker’s idea is that if an obstacle is mandatory, the following car should be set up to assist—so the group can keep moving rather than leaving the stuck vehicle unsupported.

A “convoy” is a group of vehicles traveling together on the same route. In off-road contexts, convoy spacing and sequencing matter because the last vehicle may be left without support if something goes wrong.

A recovery point is a designated place on a vehicle (or a fixed anchor) where you can attach a recovery strap or winch cable to pull the vehicle out safely. Without a recovery point set up, it’s much harder to extract a stuck or overturned 4x4.

A recovery strap is a heavy-duty strap used to connect a stuck vehicle to another vehicle or a winch for controlled pulling. It’s designed to handle large loads and reduce shock compared with using chains or inappropriate hardware.

A roof rack is an external mounting system on top of a vehicle used to carry gear. In off-road situations, impacts and rollover forces can unseat it, and a loose rack can slide off or shift the vehicle’s center of gravity.

“Fully flipped” means the vehicle has rolled over completely, typically ending on its roof or side. This is a high-risk outcome in off-road driving because it can damage the vehicle, trap occupants, and complicate recovery.

A shock load is a sudden, high force applied to a vehicle or its drivetrain. When you “jam the brakes,” the rapid deceleration can spike loads through the suspension, axles, and tires, making the vehicle more likely to lose traction or destabilize.

“Flicking” into reverse is a driving technique used to quickly change the direction of torque at the wheels. The idea is to counteract the vehicle’s destabilizing behavior by forcing the drivetrain to load the wheels differently, helping regain control during a tricky maneuver.

“Top heavy” describes a vehicle’s tendency to feel unstable because a lot of its mass is higher up (like with a roof rack, suspension lift, or tall body). On steep or uneven terrain, being top heavy increases the risk of tipping or losing balance during maneuvers.

Wheelbase is the distance between a vehicle’s front and rear axles. In off-road situations, a longer wheelbase changes how the truck’s wheels contact the ground over obstacles and can affect how easily the vehicle tips or drags parts during steep descents.

Dual cab is an Australian term for a pickup/ute body style with two full rows of seats (four doors) and a rear passenger area. Because it’s longer than some cab configurations, it can change off-road geometry like approach/departure behavior and how the vehicle hangs up over drops.

“Rear bar” here likely refers to the rear bumper or rear protection bar (often an aftermarket off-road bar). On steep terrain, the rear bar can be the first part to contact the ground, causing scraping or getting the vehicle stuck.

Departure angle is the steepest angle a vehicle can leave a ramp or drop-off without the front (or underside) hitting the ground. It’s a key off-road geometry measurement, and it directly influences whether you’ll scrape or get stuck when descending or climbing out of ruts and ledges.

In off-roading, “getting stuck” usually means the vehicle loses traction and/or its body or undercarriage contacts the ground in a way that prevents forward motion. The discussion ties this to vehicle geometry (like departure angle) and wheelbase during steep drops.

A bull bar is a heavy-duty front protection bar (often steel) mounted to a vehicle’s bumper area to help protect against impacts with rocks, branches, or other obstacles. In off-road videos, it can also be a visual reference for how low the vehicle is getting during a descent.

“Spinning wheels” happens when the tires lose traction and rotate without moving the vehicle forward. In off-road conditions, it often indicates the vehicle is on low-grip surfaces where engine power can’t be converted into forward motion.

“Hit the bottom” refers to the vehicle’s undercarriage contacting the ground during a deep dip, rut, or obstacle. This can cause loss of traction, getting stuck, or damage if the vehicle bottoms out.

A winch is a motorized cable-retrieval device used to pull a vehicle out of a stuck situation. In deep ruts or when wheels lose traction, winching can be the difference between getting free and remaining immobilized.

The Volkswagen Tiguan is being used as an example of a normal, everyday SUV that most people would have as a backup vehicle. In contrast to a purpose-built 4x4, it’s not typically meant for extreme off-road recovery situations.

The Ford Falcon is a passenger car that’s been part of Australia’s automotive history, and it occasionally comes up in casual conversation because of its presence on the road and in local culture. In this podcast snippet, it’s mentioned more as a question about a specific story or incident involving someone and a Falcon. That’s why it’s likely being referenced as a conversation point rather than a detailed technical topic.

Nolan’s Crossing is a well-known river crossing on the Cape York route in Australia. It’s famous among 4WD travelers because the sand and water conditions can make it tricky, and traffic can be staged so drivers wait their turn after crossing.

“Spin your wheels” describes a situation where a vehicle’s tires lose traction in soft sand or mud and keep rotating without moving the car forward. It’s often debated because excessive wheelspin can dig the vehicle deeper, making recovery harder.

“Wait for it to settle” refers to letting disturbed sand or water calm down before attempting the crossing. In soft terrain, moving first can churn the surface and reduce traction, so waiting can improve tire bite and reduce the chance of getting stuck.

“One car at a time” is a strategy for soft-surface crossings to avoid multiple vehicles churning the same track. Spacing vehicles can preserve traction and reduce the likelihood that the second vehicle gets stuck in ruts created by the first.

“Flood your car” means getting water into areas where it shouldn’t go, such as the engine bay, intake, or electrical components. In deep crossings, water ingestion can cause stalling, damage sensors, and create expensive electrical or mechanical failures.

“Strap on front, strap on back” indicates preparing recovery/towing attachments on both ends of the vehicle. Having straps positioned front and rear reduces delays if the vehicle needs to be winched, towed, or repositioned during the crossing.

“Drowning” a car in off-road context means submerging it in water, often deep enough to let water enter critical areas like the air intake or electrical systems. This can cause immediate damage or lead to corrosion and later failures.

A river crossing is when a vehicle drives through flowing or standing water, which can quickly become dangerous if water reaches critical areas like the air intake or electrical components. Off-road drivers often plan crossings carefully to manage depth, speed, and traction.

This describes traction recovery during a water crossing. When the front tires regain grip, they can pull the vehicle back out, while spinning wheels alone can leave the car stuck in mud/water.

“Sealed the front of a tub” refers to waterproofing a vehicle’s body/engine bay area so water can’t enter during deep water crossings. In practice, this often involves sealing gaps and openings to prevent water ingress.

“Fins” here likely refers to openings or grille/vent areas that can allow water to enter if they aren’t closed off during a crossing. Even with protective coatings, open vents can still let water in.

A “water crossing” is driving through water to get across a river/creek/track, where depth, flow, and vehicle sealing determine how much water enters the vehicle. The discussion highlights the trade-off between keeping water out (sealed) versus avoiding buoyancy and loss of control, and the importance of getting the car across rather than stopping.

“Flood the car” means water enters the vehicle’s interior or critical underbody areas, often when water rises faster than the car can seal itself. In off-road situations, this can quickly damage electronics, electrics, and interior components.

“Floating away” describes a vehicle becoming buoyant and drifting when water enters and traps air inside. This can happen if the vehicle is sealed enough to trap air, but it’s risky because you can lose control and traction while crossing.

A “48 volt” system refers to a mild-hybrid electrical architecture where the car uses a 48V battery and power network to run certain components and assist the engine. The hosts are arguing that higher-voltage/modern electrical systems can make repairs more complex in remote areas.

“Limp mode” is a protective driving mode where the car limits power and certain functions after detecting a fault. It’s designed to help you get to safety or a workshop, but it can make the vehicle effectively unusable for off-road travel if the fault triggers.

A scan tool is a diagnostic device that plugs into a vehicle’s onboard computer to read fault codes and live data. Off-road users may carry one to identify what’s wrong and whether the issue is something they can clear or work around.

“Off-road use only” here implies disabling or overriding vehicle logic intended for normal driving, such as traction/stability interventions or other protections. The idea is to allow more control and wheel behavior suited to loose surfaces, but it should be used carefully because it reduces safety/assist functions.

“Limp mode” (described here as “limp at home”) is a protective strategy where the car restricts power and certain functions after a fault. The goal is to let you drive slowly enough to reach a safe place or a repair shop.

A “computer fault” refers to a problem detected by the vehicle’s electronic control units (ECUs), such as a sensor reading out of range or a system not responding as expected. These faults can sometimes be cleared or worked around, but they can also trigger reduced-power behavior.

The speaker is contrasting “basic” vehicle behavior with more complex systems, implying fewer electronic dependencies. In practical terms, a simpler setup can be easier to troubleshoot and may be less likely to strand you due to a single sensor or software issue.

A collision system refers to vehicle safety technology that detects an impact or imminent collision and can trigger protective actions (such as alerts, braking assist, or other safety responses). The speaker is implying that if it activates, it won’t interfere with the vehicle’s ability to continue operating.

DPF stands for diesel particulate filter. It traps soot (particulate matter) from a diesel engine and periodically burns it off through a regeneration process. If the DPF clogs or fails, the vehicle may limit power to protect the engine, which can be dangerous in remote areas.

Emission laws are government regulations that require vehicles to meet limits on pollutants like soot and nitrogen oxides. In practice, they can force manufacturers to use aftertreatment systems (like DPFs) and specific operating strategies, which may not be ideal for long trips in remote areas where the vehicle can’t regenerate properly.

Four-wheel drive (4WD) is a drivetrain mode where power is sent to both the front and rear axles for better traction. In this segment, the speaker notes that when the vehicle is in 4WD (and especially low range), the 48V system behavior changes—suggesting the car manages electrical functions differently depending on drivetrain mode.

Low range is a low-gear setting in many 4WD transmissions that multiplies torque for slow-speed control on tough terrain. The speaker claims that in low range, the vehicle switches off the 48V system, implying the drivetrain mode can override or disable certain electrical functions.

Wheel bearings are the components that let a wheel spin smoothly while supporting the vehicle’s weight. When they wear out, you can get noise, vibration, and increased rolling resistance, and they can become unsafe if ignored.

A V8 is an engine with eight cylinders arranged in a “V” shape, typically producing strong power and smooth torque. In the context of used 4WDs, V8s are often sought for towing and long-distance drivability, but they can be more expensive to maintain.

“Recon” (reconditioned) means the engine has been rebuilt or restored to a like-new operating condition, usually by replacing worn internal parts and machining/inspecting components. It can be a practical way to keep a desired V8 when a replacement engine would be too costly or hard to source.

The driveline is the set of components that transfer power from the engine to the wheels—commonly including the transmission, transfer case (in 4WD), driveshafts, and differentials. Wear in the driveline can cause drivability issues, and it’s often something buyers want inspected on high-mileage vehicles.

A solid axle is a suspension setup where the left and right wheels are connected by a single rigid axle beam. It’s common on traditional off-road 4x4s because it can keep wheel contact over rough terrain.