CLUB 4X4 and Toyo Tires have joined forces in an attempt to provide consumers with expert advice when it comes to fitting the right tyres to your 4×4, and the legalities and insurance ramifications that come with it.

“During the arduous task of interpreting state and national regulations around wheel and tyre fitment, it was decided that collaboratively documenting the considerations required to make these vehicles both legal and functional was a public service that both brands would be happy to offer,” the press statement said.

1

In fact, the partnership extends to Club 4×4’s recently acquired promotional vehicles – Ford Everest and Ranger Raptor – which can be seen here wearing Toyo Open Country 4×4 tyres.

“We’ve had Toyo’s Open Country tyres on our vehicles for years and have found them to be more than capable of anything we’ve thrown at them. We’re looking forward to working closely with Toyo to answer some of the trickier questions in the wheel and tyre space by documenting the process of building our promotional vehicles,” said Kalen Ziflian, General Manager at Club 4X4.

Toyo Tires Australia’s Marketing and Public Relations Manager, José Angeles, says Toyo is excited to welcome Club 4×4 to its Quality Assurance Program.

1

“Our Quality Assurance Program puts all Toyos sold in Australia through their paces in local testing and allows us to continue our reputation for reliability down under. We love Club 4×4’s practical, honest communication style, so we are excited to welcome them to our Quality Assurance Program while providing technical support to their policy holders as they explore our open country with the confidence that they’re covered by an insurer who cares.”

So, for any technical queries you may have regarding tyres, 4×4 insurance, legalities or general 4×4 issues, get in touch with Club 4×4 and Toyo Tires.

Pricing for the full Mazda BT-50 ute range has been revealed. Mazda first shared dual-cab pricing in September, then revealed the full range inclusive of single-cab variants in November.

Scroll to the bottom of the page for single-cab and ‘freestyle’ pricing.

Dual-cab pricing:

Prices start at $44,090 for the 4×2 XT auto cab-chassis and range through to $59,990 for the top-on-the-line BT-50 GT 4×4 auto ute.

1

Compared to the already released Isuzu D-Max on which the new BT-50 is based, the cheapest BT is comparable to the double-cab, cab-chassis SX 4×2 which starts at $40,700 while the top-spec Isuzu is the double-cab X-Terrain at $62,900.

Spec for spec comparisons are yet to be available but we expect the Mazdas to be similarly equipped to the Isuzus with a class-leading raft of safety equipment and features.

1

Mazda BT-50 benefits from Aussie input

The powertrain starts with the Isuzu 3.0-litre diesel engine that makes 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque and the drive is transferred though 6-speed transmissions and a part-time 4×4 system on 4×4 variants.

2021 Mazda BT-50 range pricing

Single cab and freestyle cab pricing:

Single-cab and freestyle cab Mazda BT-50 variants will go on sale from November 1, adding to the existing dual-cab BT-50 range as detailed above.

The new bodystyles will arrive earlier than anticipated, after first being slated for a 2021 release.

Mazda is big on supplying a greater choice, especially for small fleet buyers who will receive various discounts on manufacturer’s list pricing.

1

“For the brand-new Mazda BT-50, the new Single Cab and Freestyle Cab models complement the impressive Dual Cab model range that we released in September. With a similarly wide array of Mazda genuine accessories available, the BT-50 range can genuinely be tailored to suit the customer’s lifestyle,” Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi said.

The single- and freestyle cab variants will be offered in a singular XT specification, with 4×2 only available in automatic and a choice of manual or auto transmissions for the 4×4 drivetrains.

1

The same Isuzu 3.0-litre diesel engine – that makes 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque – is the only engine available.

Specification highlights of the Mazda BT-50 Single and Freestyle Cabs include 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, black cloth seats, carpet flooring, adaptive cruise control (auto versions only), Android Auto/Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring, and various safety systems that add towards a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

All Mazda BT-50s receive a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, with complimentary roadside assist for the same five-year period.

Servicing intervals are set at 12 months or 15,000km – whichever comes first.

THE classic Land Rover Defender’s shape will live on, with JLR granting cross-county rally vehicle manufacturer Bowler Motors the rights to continue using the boxy silhouette.

JLR purchased Bowler motors in 2019 and it now operates under its Special Vehicles Operations arm (SVO). Founded in 1985, Bowler engineered and built off-road competition cars for events like the Dakar Rally, most of them using Land Rover-derived bodies.

1

Bowler customers are already benefitting from the new ownership, as Land Rover SVO engineers are helping develop Bowler vehicles and using their engineering expertise to test Bowler products at Special Vehicle Operations’ world-class facilities.

The renderings submitted with the announcement by JLR show a classic Defender 110 wagon on oversized wheels that is mated to a bespoke chassis with a built-in roll cage.

1

Powering the beast will be JLR’s familiar supercharged 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine producing 423kW. Expect the chassis to be equipped with bespoke off-road competition-style suspension and brakes to harness all that power.

The vehicle, code-named CSP575 (575PS of power), is intended to be a road-registrable vehicle; in the UK at least, where it will cost upwards of 200,000-pounds.

1

It is expected that Bowler’s expertise will be used to contribute to further Land Rover Special Vehicles in the future – perhaps those less race-oriented and sans-roll cage, and there’s no reason why a Bowler/SVO-tweaked new Defender won’t be forthcoming as well.

THE traditional 4×4 ute, or pickup depending on which side your bread is buttered, was always a single cab-chassis. The perfect tool for getting you and your offsider plus a load of whatever you’re hauling, to wherever you want to go.

2020 CUSTOM 4X4OTY: Vote now for a chance to win

Over the years utes have become more family-friendly with double-cab bodies and a raft of safety and convenience features, but the old single cab really has remained the realm of the farm truck, missing out on the best of factory equipment.

Cut-down and often stretched LandCruiser and Patrols are a great way to get the functionality of a ute with the comforts and equipment only a 4×4 wagon comes with. The LandCruiser 200 is a popular candidate for such a conversion and we’ve seen them in many guises including 5-seaters, 7-seats, 4×4 and 6×6 but generally, they are always 4-door double-cab bodies. What you’re looking at here is one of the few single-cab LC200s we’ve seen.

1

Mick Whitehead had what was for many years his perfect outback touring 4×4 in a GU Patrol coil-cab. After buying the Nissan new and having engineer-approved 35s, the Patrol served Mick on many trips.

As the Nissan drivetrain aged and NSW registration changed to make engineering a newer car more difficult, Mick replaced the TD42 engine and manual gearbox with a 1HD-FTE Toyota engine and the associated 5-speed auto transmission to create something special. But after more years and thousands more kilometres, you couldn’t hide the age of the GU and Mick went looking for something new.

“After looking at and driving the 79 Series I thought it would be a good truck but not a good touring truck,” said Mick.

1

“I also wanted an auto transmission which is not available in the 79 and after doing the spread sheet with base being the 79 with a (auto) transmission conversion, and fixing the rear track to match the front, there was not that much difference in the cost of the 200. Plus I got two cupholders in the 200.”

A new 2019 LandCruiser GXL was bought and shipped straight to Specialised Vehicles in Western Sydney for the body chop. John at SV has done a few single-cab 200s before but usually with a chassis stretch, so Mick’s request was a little different. The way the body is cut allows for a bit of space behind the front seats, a bit like an extra cab but there are no side windows in the fabricated panel. In fact Mick has tucked a fridge in there behind the Recaro seats and there’s still space for some soft luggage.

With the cabin chopped it was time to create a custom aluminium canopy for the new ute and this job was given to Daniel at D.A.M. Steel Fabrications.

1

“I wanted to replicate what I had in the Nissan with the ease of packing the back and being organised with the camping gear for touring,” says Mick of the setup.

It’s an aluminium canopy that sits on a tray and was made with two compartments: the front most space for the two spare tyres which are in the best place for weight distribution. Likewise the two MSA Drop Slides and ARB fridges (one each side) are mounted as far forward as possible within the main compartment to keep the weight forward. Yes, that’s three fridges in total.

The tapered tool boxes are on each side and a trundle drawer extends out the back. Up on top is a Budutop rooftop tent that opens up at the push of a button and an ARB awning.

1

Once all the custom parts were done to make this Cruiser unique it was time for the regular 4×4 touring kit and as a long time customer for all his vehicles, Mick again handed his car over to the crew at ARB Artarmon.

The boys pretty well threw the catalogue at the Cruiser starting with a GVM upgrade OME suspension kit using the premium BP51 OME shocks; an ARB long-range fuel tank; underbody protection and recovery points; ARB bar; Intensity LED lights; Warn winch; ARB drawers; and ARB Air Lockers front and rear.

While Mick has kept the drivetrain as standard as possible for reliability and serviceability wherever he may find himself, he did have ARB fit a Safari Armax snorkel and ECU along with an exhaust system from Torquit. EGT and transmission temp gauges are inside to keep an eye on things when Mick is towing his caravan.

1

“The idea all along was to build a functional touring truck while keeping all mechanicals as factory as possible. “ Mick explained. This was also the reason for not extending the chassis and so far it’s proving itself up to the job.

MICK’S STABLE

BUILDING a custom touring 4×4 like this comes from years of experience and learning what works and what doesn’t, who to work with and brands to trust. Mick didn’t just jump in to this blindly, having many years of touring and 4×4 competitions under his belt. His list of previous 4x4s is impressive with a trend toward the Toyota product but by no means one-eyed.

3 x LandCruiser 60 Series 1 x LandCruiser Troopie 1 x LandCruiser 80 Series 3 x LandCruiser 100 Series 1 x Range Rover Sport TDV8 1 x SWB GQ Patrol (comp truck) 1 x Bush Ranger (comp truck) 1 x Jeep TJ Wrangler (comp truck) 1 x GU Patrol Touring Truck 1 x LandCruiser 200 (current daily drive) 1 x LandCruiser 200 (this touring truck)

“I think the 200 Series touring truck will certainly take the mantle from the Patrol,” says Mick with his ever-present smile. “I have only been on one trip in the new truck and already I feel very comfortable with the modifications we have completed on it!”

While we’re missing not being at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas this week after the show was cancelled for 2020, there is an online, industry-only event going on at the moment called SEMA 360.

Like the annual SEMA Show, SEMA 360 brings together brands and buyers from around the world showcasing the best new automotive products and wild vehicle builds.

A vehicle that caught our eye on the first day of SEMA 360 was this Jeep Gladiator concept built by FCA’s Mopar division in conjunction with Jeep Performance Parts.

Dubbed the Top Dog concept due to its unique K9 Blue paint colour, the Gladiator features all the usual offroad hardware available from Mopar such as a suspension lift, 37-inch BFG KM3s on JPP beadlock alloys, front and rear Warn winches, a Mopar front bar, LED lights and rock rails.

But what really got our attention was the inclusion of a brace of Australian-made off-road products.

1

For one, Mopar has replaced the factory rear tub with an aluminium PCOR tray and canopy from Queensland’s Patriot Campers.

The PCOR (Patriot Camper Off Road) canopy carries a pair of mountain bikes up top, while inside it houses a Dometic fridge and a hot dog cooker on one side, and a tool drawer on the other.

There is also a full suite of Redarc electronics on board the Gladiator, including the RedVision system from the Adelaide company.

While the Gladiator build itself is just like thousands of others you will find in the USA, it’s impressive to see that when the performance arm of one of the biggest automotive companies on the planet builds a concept vehicle, it chooses to fit Australian products.

SEMA 360 is running from November 2 to 6 and as well as Patriot Campers and Redarc Electronics, other Aussie brands representing at the event include Saber Offroad and ARB 4×4.

I HAVE been running a set of MSA canvas seat covers on a Navara for the last eight years.

The seat covers were fitted at 35,000km and have amassed more than 150,000km of abuse without ever being removed. The time had come to move the Navara on and remove the covers to check out how the seats had held up under the neglect.

Made from specifically designed 12oz heavy-duty polyester/cotton blend canvas and impregnated with DuPont Teflon, the MSA seat covers are built tough. MSA 4X4 are one of the only canvas seat-cover manufacturers that are certified ADR compliant (full crash testing completed), which ensures the factory airbags deploy as the manufacturer intended them to.

1

Correct airbag deployment is probably not a top priority when you’re selecting seat covers, but it is a very important feature to have. In this day and age when a safety rating is a big consideration when purchasing a vehicle, it makes sense to ensure all those safe features are operating as intended if the unexpected occurs. MSA 4X4 has invested heavily in testing its full suite of seat covers available to ensure they are fully ADR compliant. There are many seat covers on the market, so it pays to do your research and ensure you’re purchasing compliant products.

The MSA seat covers are extremely well-fitted and will take a bit of time to install, but once they’re on, they’re on! The covers have a polycotton lining offering a 100-per-cent water-, dirt-, mud- and kid-proof barrier between the canvas and the car’s soft seats. The set on the Navara well and truly tested the claims of water-, mud- and kid-proof, withstanding countless hours of off-roading, wet shorts at the boat ramp, coffee spills, the back seat being used as a tool box and, the toughest test of all, six years of kids treating the back seats as a food-fight playground.

When the time came to remove the covers, my expectations were exceeded, with the seats and centre console armrest still looking as good as they were at 35,000km. Not one blemish or mark made it through in eight years of serious abuse, making the seat covers one of the best investments in the longevity of the vehicle’s interior … plus it increased in resale appeal. When the car was being appraised for trade-in, the dealer even commented the seats were the best condition he’d seen on that model Navara with those many kilometres.

1

Heavy-duty seat covers should be at the top of the list for interior fitouts for anyone serious about 4WDing or, like me, a bit relaxed (read: lazy) when it comes to looking after your vehicle’s interior. MSA 4X4’s canvas seat covers are durable enough to withstand life’s adventures, ADR compliant and not too stiff that they are uncomfortable.

After eight years of real-world testing and constant abuse, I can safely say they do their job and I will be fitting a set to my next vehicle.

AVAILABLE FROM

WEBSITE: www.msa4x4.com.au RRP: $633.65 (complete front and second row set) WE SAY: Well-fitted and durable; lifetime seat protection; fit and forget.

PAIRING your portable fridge with a quality camp oven set will ensure you remain well fed and properly hydrated on your next outback sojourn. Here are a couple of products to consider.

COMPANION LITHIUM FRIDGE

1

Keep those beers at optimal temperature on your next outback sojourn with a Companion Lithium 75L Dual Zone Fridge Freezer. The unit is a fridge-freezer and power pack in one tidy package, and is said to come with a 16-hour battery life off one single charge. The unit features a Secop compressor, as well as a low-profile and lightweight design. For those who measure capacity by the amount of cans it can hold, the Companion can hold 116 tinnies.

RRP: $1699.99 Website: www.companionoutdoor.com

CAMPFIRE CAMP OVENS

1

The range of Campfire camp ovens, available in multiple sizes (2Qt, 4.5Qt, 9Qt and 12Qt), is manufactured using quality cast iron, so you can be sure it’ll last many outback cooks. With a heavy duty base, the oven will distribute heat evenly and ensure your food is cooked perfectly … we can’t comment on the taste, though. The flanged lid has been designed to hold coals, while spiral carry handles are a clever touch.

RRP: 2qt (RRP $36.99), 4.5qt (RRP $68.99), 9qt (RRP $104.99), 12qt (RRP $147.99) Website: www.campfirecook.com

IN the last 18 months the Moon Tours ‘dirty ol’ Hilux’, as we affectionately call the little Toyota, has clocked up a pretty gruelling 39,000km which has included a couple of crossings of the Simpson Desert, a few weekends at Land Cruiser Park, easy jaunts along the sands at Fraser Island and Double Island Point and, much more recently, two trips up Cape York.

As you read this we are driving across the Simpson again, this time with our new AOR Sierra ZR Expedition Camper, before heading to the Gulf Country to check out the tracks and activities in that incredible part of Australia. Hopefully, once this COVID thing is under some form of control, we can run tagalong trips again and even make a dollar.

The Hilux mightn’t be a showpiece but mechanically, Trent keeps the little ’Lux meticulously maintained, replacing most things well before they become a problem in the bush. Most of that work, when the rig is within cooee of the Sunshine Coast is done by Scott Jennings and his crew at Caloundra ARB.

1

Before the Cape York jaunts, we fitted a Terrain Tamer Harrop Eaton ELocker. Needless to say Trent gave it a pretty thorough workout on all the tough tracks up that way and it worked flawlessly until near the end when it stopped for some reason. We checked all the wiring and switches but couldn’t see anything wrong, so once we were back on the Sunshine Coast we had the diff repaired under warranty – a wire had come adrift inside the diff – and it’s now working like it should and hopefully it’ll stay that way.

With the camper on the back and a heap of other gear we decided we would upgrade the suspension with Ironman Foam Cell Pro shocks and struts while also fitting, just before our latest Simpson jaunt, a set of Terrain Tamer’s 500kg parabolic springs for the back end.

These are a brand-new item from Terrain Tamer and with only three leaves making up the spring pack, we’ve been pleasantly surprised at the ride quality when the ol’ girl is running pretty empty and pleased about the way it sits when loaded up. The desert will be a real test, so we’ll let you know how they all perform further down the track.

With everything we’re hauling we decided we’d go for a bit of a performance upgrade so, apart from the Ironman stainless-steel exhaust we fitted some time back to help the engine breathe a bit easier, we have now fitted a performance chip.

Thanks to a long-time friend of the Moon’s, Ed Mulligan from Bluetooth Diesel Tuning and 4WD World, the Hilux is being blessed with a Bluetooth Diesel tuning box, a modern version of a chip that can be controlled and adjusted from inside the cab and on the fly using your smartphone. The improved power and torque is something the Hilux is going to appreciate towing the new AOR camper across the desert, with torque increased to 488Nm.

1

On our quick 1600km run to Birdsville we compared the fuel economy towing with the chip switched off and with a setting of seven. The fuel economy remained the same at 16L/100km in both cases, while the vehicle performed better with the Chip clicked to ‘7’, and cruised easier with less hunting for gears. We’re bloody pleased with that!

Of course, with a trailer on the back we had to install a trailer brake controller and they don’t come any better than Redarc’s Tow-Pro Elite V3. We’ve got one of these on the 79 Cruiser and an earlier version on the Patrol, and wouldn’t go for anything less.

We’ve also changed rubber since last report and have been running Mickey Thompson ATZ P3 tyres for the last 20K and are more than pleased with them in all the various conditions we find ourselves in.

You’ll note our fuel consumption has increased a little since last report and while that has bugger all to do with the tyres, it does have much to do with the extra weight we’re hauling and the James Baroud rooftop tent. We’ve now shifted that off the roof and onto the camper trailer, but it goes to show even a streamlined roof pod such as the James Baroud can knock the fuel economy around.

1

There’s been a lot of night driving amongst all our trips, so as far as lights are concerned, we’ve fitted a pair of Narva 215 Ultima LED spotlights and back them up with an LED slim light bar and an LED headlight globe upgrade. They illuminate the road and tracks for a long way ahead as well as off to each side where wayward cattle and ’roos lurk. One thing you gotta do though with the headlight upgrade is make sure your headlights are aimed correctly so as not to dazzle on-coming traffic.

Trying to run our business on the road we’ve upped the ante as far as communication is concerned. For our convoy work we’ve been using the GME XRS-370C compact UHF radio which is a beauty for car-to-car communications. Keeping in touch with the office and home, we’ve upgraded to a Thuraya SatSleeve which turns our iPhones into a satphone. We’ve found it great to use with all our phone contacts easily accessible, while reception hasn’t been an issue.

Keeping the batteries charged and all the electrics and electronic gear we carry working, we’ve fitted a Projecta DC/Solar charger, a 130W fixed solar panel, a 180W portable solar panel, and a 350W Pure Sine Wave inverter for charging laptops and the like. For those emergencies we have an Intelli-Start 12V 900amp lithium jump starter and power bank – they are bloody amazing!

We’ve also got some of that new soft-shackle recovery gear from Camp Boss and teamed that up with an alloy recovery hitch and winch ring from Maxtrax. Needless to say, Trent reckons we should ditch all the old recovery gear that has steel shackles, hooks and eyes and embrace the future as its lighter and a darn sight safer.

Stay tuned, we’ll bring you a full report of how this stuff is handling the recoveries we’ve been subjecting it to.

ESSENTIAL INFO

TOTAL KM: 120,128km DATE ACQUIRED: February, 2015 PRICE: $48,000 AV FUEL: 14L/100km (17-18L/100km on Simpson jaunts)

IN A recent survey conducted by Club 4×4, just over 20 per cent of respondents said that they were a member of a 4WD club. A number that was lower than what it could be.

I have always had a passion for 4WD clubs and have had the pleasure of being invited to talk at many clubs right across the country. The people I have spoken to all share a core ideology around safe and responsible four-wheel driving, enjoying our beautiful country and taking care of it like a much-loved family member.

Why would you join a club? The reasons are plentiful, but here’s a few that are worth considering.

RESPONSIBLE 4X4 DRIVING

CLUBS are the cornerstone of responsible 4WDing. With borders closed to international travel, more Australians are turning to experiencing the magic that our great southern land affords us.

1

There are many perils once someone decides to turn their motoring exploits to the dirt; and that’s if they even decide to ignore the uncertainty around it. Many people wouldn’t consider it because they don’t know where to start. Every 4WD club under a state 4WD club association has a trainer and a training program that all members, regardless of experience, must take before being allowed on club trips where these skills can be continually refined.

What a great way to brush up on skills, or actually learn them from the ground up.

KEEPING IT OPEN

All clubs have representation at the state association level, who then report to the national body. Completely made up of volunteers, these guys and gals not only support their member clubs, but are also in constant contact with various state and federal bodies including Members of Parliament and National Parks in advisory and lobbying positions.

The work they do directly affects where you can and can’t go. They may not always win, but who else really is doing this work?

1

Over the last month the Four Wheel Drive NSW & ACT association played a leading role in remediating a campground in Currawong that had been senselessly destroyed by someone who must’ve grown up going straight for the merry-go-round in the playground. The area was shut off before eight delegates from association clubs meticulously levelled the destroyed land.

Recently there was devastating vandalism at the Lost City area in Newnes State Forest. A group of volunteers from the Camping With Families Four Wheel Drive Club, a state association club, spent the better part of the day cleaning and remediating the space back to its former glory. The question that needs to be posed is if these guys weren’t doing this, who would be? And without them what would the likelihood be that these areas would be closed off?

MENTAL HEALTH

CLUBS meet at least once a month for general meetings and these are a great place to catch up with mates, grab a bite and talk about the club and its activities. As mentioned earlier, they also run and support a range of events at a club or association level. Think your short weekender club run through to bigger events like the Willowglen Challenge and Jamboree.

Given the way the world is at the moment, with the anxiety of COVID and social distancing, any opportunity to be social with care is a massive upside.

These reasons alone are more than worth the membership fee, which is usually about the same as a pub meal for the family.

We take a closer look at two new LED lighting products that recently landed on aftermarket shelves: ARB’s Intensity Solis driving light and Wurth’s shadowless LED lamp.

ARB INTENSITY SOLIS DRIVING LIGHT

1

ARB has released the Intensity Solis, an all-new nine-inch driving light with 36 OSRAM LEDs, to illuminate the track ahead. Tested thoroughly on Aussie tracks, the durable lights throw out one lux at 1462 metres (two spotties). The Solis also features a unique digital dimmer control, an improved colour temperature to reduce eye strain, and a diecast aluminium body. The lights, available in spot and flood variants, can be purchased now.

RRP: $349 (each) Website: www.arb.com.au

WURTH SHADOWLESS LED LAMP

1

Struggling to illuminate narrow spaces when you’re working on your 4×4, well Wurth Australia has the answer with its shadowless LED hand lamp. The light’s slim design (12cm long) means it’ll be great for shining light down cracks and crevices to find lost kit or fix broken wires. Utilising lithium-ion battery technology, the lamp has two different light levels (Main light 3W COB LED, and spot light 1W LED) and features variable light intensity. The light also features a battery charging status and a strong magnet.

Website: eshop.wurth.com.au