Mid "Big Lap" Chat with Matty & Em from Borderland Explorers

Em cooking at sunset behind her DMAX while on the beach, with camels passing by in front

TAG Brand Ambassadors Matty & Em from the Borderland Explorers have been busy making their way around Australia in their kitted out Isuzu D-MAX. We caught up with them recently to see how the trip has been going, how they are finding their TAG XR Towbar, what they have learnt, and where they are heading off to next.

Where have you visited so far:

"So far, our journey has taken us anti-clockwise around most of Australia having started back in Brisbane 9 months ago. We've hit some amazing bucket-list worthy spots including (but not limited to) Cape York, Litchfield National Park, Northwest WA (Kimberleys), Kennedy Ranges, Broome, Margaret River, across the Nullarbor and the Victorian High Country."

Matty from Borderland Explorers with TAG XR Towbar and Snatch Straps on a beach

Have you had a chance to use the XR Towbar?

"Whilst we’re not towing a caravan or trailer on this trip, we're able to tackle the toughest off-road tracks knowing that we have the 2 x 4500kg recovery points on the rear of our vehicle. It's peace of mind that we can get unstuck, or help others we might stumble across on the tracks. We visited Matt's parents on our travels in Victoria though, and within a couple of days there was a trailer hooked up to our XR Bar, and we were helping to move furniture!"

Have you had any comments from others about your DMAX setup during your travels?

"Definitely. Our DMAX was on display at the Perth 4WD and Adventure Show, and we overheard multiple people saying how much they liked the look of the XR Towbar, how solid it looks along with comments on how good the departure angle was."

Isuzu DMAX with TAG XR Towbar doing a water crossing in Australian Outback

Where has your TAG XR Towbar come in handy?

"The departure angle - ALL THE TIME! We are constantly doing tracks where the departure angle of the bar really shines. Particularly throughout Cape York and the Victorian High Country areas with steep entrances and exits to the creeks and constantly unpredictable terrain."

What have you learned along the way?

"We've learnt to be very flexible in our mindset. It's not that 'nothing goes to plan' necessarily, but travelling full-time in a 4x4 is an ever-changing lifestyle. Things, or places, might look different to what you expected or hoped. The weather can change and NOT be on your side. That camp ground you really wanted a spot at? Booked solid. There are FAR more good times than bad on the road - just learn to love it as it comes. It's an amazing experience."

Em from Borderland Explorers sitting in her rooftop tent enjoying the morning, with the TAG XR Towbar fitted to the Isuzu DMAX

Any regrets with initial setup?

"None really! We are really happy with how everything is performing and the configurations that we chose. Prior to the DMAX we'd never had a ute canopy for travelling, so we put A LOT of thought into the internal layout of the canopy. We're very happy with everything and don’t foresee any real changes to the setup."

Where are you going next?

"We’re not done with the Big Lap yet! We’re leaving the Victorian High Country soon, and will be making our way back to Brisbane hopefully via SA and some of NT."

To follow Matty & Em on their adventures make sure to check out their Youtube, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook!

Want an XR Towbar for your setup? You can browse the full range here.

Interested in becoming a TAG Brand Ambassador? Drop an email to marketing@swd.com.au and tell us about yourself, your setup, and why you think you would make a good member of the TAG family.