Here's a meaningful but funny list we came across on the web. We've made some amendments and add a little local taste to it. Hope you'll enjoy reading it! :-P
You know you are a 4WD nut when you.....
- learn that there are real 4x4s, and there are sub-urban vehicles (SUVs).
- know that "best offroader on the road" is not a compliment.
- drive the stock SUV and think "it will last all of 5 minutes off the road".
- understand why spotlights are not just a fashion accessory.
- think that reverse spotlights are an excellent idea.
- feel that 100 litres of fuel sounds like a very limited range.
- you think diesel (not petrol / gasoline) whenever someone says fuel.
- expect GPS coordinates to be part of all map directions.
- think the idea of burning jet fuel to para-drop diesel fuel is an acceptable solution.
- learn that a differential ("diff") is not just a mathematical equation.
- can explain the difference between limited diffs, slip diffs and locked diffs.
- find out that Air Lockers are not a storage system.
- learn the difference between leaf springs and coil springs.
- think of chassis enhancements in terms of raising, not lowering ground clearance.
- look for dents in sidesteps on the underside, not the topside.
- realise that sidesteps are not just for helping you climb into a vehicle.
- have the expectation that all 4x4 vehicles be taller than you are.
- are no longer amazed that a 12-volt powered winch can pull a 5000kg load.
- know a snatch block is not a criminal activity and is perfectly legal.
- feel that money for a piece of rope ("recovery strap") is money well spent.
- find out that a 12v battery can operate a 1000w microwave oven.
- know that the heavy piece of cloth across a winch line is not just for visibility.
- expect Roadside Assistance to be useless where the 4x4s play.
- know that the array of antennas sticking up the bonnet area is not just decorative.
- know a good 4x4 always has 6 tires, and not 4.
- can visually identify road tires versus all-terrain tires.
- do not get bored by a discussion of Cooper STC versus STT tires.
- know what an air compressor is and what is used for.
- have an air compressor.
- learn that bumpers have multiple mount points.
- can identify those mount points and know their purposes.
- can explain the trade-offs between roof racks, rails and baskets.
- learn that ARB is verbalised A.R.B. and does not rhyme with "orb".
- see a gap in side panels and start calculating water capacity for custom tanks.
- think carrying 2 to 3 times body weight in drinking water makes good sense.
- start to think of standard vehicle payloads starting at 500kg.
- feel that a vehicle fully laden at 4 tons is not really unreasonable.
- watch out of height limits in covered carparks and overhead barriers.
- no longer snigger at the thought of a "water crossing bra".
- own a snorkel and know the reasons why the 4x4 has one.
- understand why redundant dual battery systems are required.
- can describe the benefits of a deep-cycle SLA battery.
- find out the 4x4 has more fuses than the house.
- think of performance in terms of traction and clearance, not speed and acceleration.
- find out a 4x4 can climb rock structures that a human cannot clear easily.
- learn it is possible to do structural welding powered by 12v and a compressor.
- find out that HEMA is not some strange medical condition.
- learn that ignoring HEMA, you could die of a common medical condition - dehydration.