Christ, there’s nothing worse than being cooped up at home as the cool weather comes in and you’re thinking about desert expeditions, snow drives or getting to the Top End. But that’s what we’re faced with now until all this coronavirus brouhaha is done with.
The Kakadu story in the May 2020 issue was meant to reflect just that – escaping the cold for a Top End adventure – but Kakadu, like most national parks in the country, is closed to visitors and you couldn’t get there if you wanted to.
Likewise, our annual Gear Guide was pulled forward for 2020 and came out at the start of April in preparedness for the outback touring season, but guess what? No one’s going outback touring this winter. Even all the events we had earmarked for the Travel Bulletin pages have been cancelled or postponed with faint hopes of being run later in the year.
While we moan and groan about not being able to get out and about, there are a lot of folks out there who are being affected much worse than us. Closed parks, blocked borders and cancelled events mean that a lot of people in the tourism and hospitality businesses are losing their money-making months – even if this is all over in six months, it’s effectively wiped the year’s earnings from these people.
Business will be closing down and people losing their jobs because others can’t get out and about touring the country. The communities that copped the bushfires have taken a double whammy as they were counting on travellers returning to their villages and spending money to help them get back on top of things.
The best thing we can do for now is stay at home and away from others as that seems to be the way to stop the virus spreading, and use the time to plan your next adventure.
Get the maps out, read some travel stories, do your research and map out a plan to break free once we’re all allowed to. And when you’re planning, consider those towns, businesses and folks in the bush who have lost more than just a bit of freedom because of the virus, and plan to visit their towns, drink in their pubs, use the tour guides, and stock up on supplies, so hopefully they’ll still be there the next time we want to visit.
If you’re still able to read this and plan trips, there are others who are far worse off. Think about how we might be able to help them get back in business.
Travel smarter and lighter, with these new 4×4 aftermarket products from Nemo, Tradie Gear and Rhino-Rack.
Nemo Switchback Ultralight Sleeping Pad
Nemo’s latest lightweight mattress will ensure you get a warm and comfortable night’s sleep then next time you’re camping no matter the conditions. The Switchback Ultralight Sleeping Pad is a closed-cell foam sleeping pad with hexagonal nodes moulded with Nemo’s dual-density Axiomatic foam that’s claimed to conform to your body to ensure a balance of comfort and support.
The Switchback also features a metalised thermal film layer to efficiently reflect heat back to your body, as well as heat-trapping air space. Despite its generous 1830 x 510 x 20mm laid-out size, the Switchback’s folding panel design makes it compact and easy to store when not in use and, best of all, it weighs in at just 415g.
RRP: $89.95 Website: www.outdooragencies.com.au
MSA 4×4 Tradie Gear Canvas Seat Organiser
Keeping all of your gear organised will be easy once you grab yourself a Tradie Gear Canvas Seat Organiser. With 12 individual pockets, the seat organiser provides countless storage possibilities including three larger pockets for items such as street directories, maps, order pads, invoice books and iPads.
The seat organiser is easy to fit and remove, and it can be attached to the front of the passenger seat for easy access when you’re driving solo. The seat organiser is manufactured from heavy duty 14oz canvas and it has an internal aluminium frame to prevent sagging.
RRP: $85 Website: www.tradiegear.com.au
Rhino-Rack Pioneer platform
Rhino-Rack has developed the next generation of its popular Pioneer platform, designed to make loading, carrying and securing gear easier thanks to updated features. The All New Pioneer incorporates accessory channels in the front and rear extrusions to enable accessory mounting such as kayak or ski carriers, while underside channels enable the fitment of accessories such as light bars.
New corner sections allow easy access to the internal channels of the front and rear extrusions for integrated wiring, and an under-bar measuring strip allows for fast installation. The All New Pioneer is manufactured from lightweight but strong and durable aluminium and fibreglass reinforced nylon components, and its black powder coated for corrosion resistance.
RRP: From $1099 Website: www.rhinorack.com.au/all-new-pioneer
AN ex-military Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen has been converted into a custom motorhome, and it’s raising eyebrows for all the right reasons.
The G-Wagen you’re ogling was given the motorhome treatment by Lorinser, a German tuning company which specialises in Mercs.
Its military underpinnings have been replaced with useful live-on-the-road features, making the G-Wagen a capable remote-area tourer than doubles as portable digs.
Said features include a bed, microwave, a sink with running water, and a water tank. Plus, the vehicle is equipped with rechargeable batteries to ensure electronics remain functional when off the grid – fed by solar panels.
The G is powered by a 2.3-litre, four-cylinder engine capable of 85kW, which runs through a four-speed auto. There’s said to be 88,000km on the odometer, since it was first registered in 1993.
The G-Wagen was said to have started its life in 1993 as a military rig for the Swiss Army.
WE take a closer look at new 4×4 products released by ARB, Terrain Tamer and Tough Dog.
ARB Toyota 70 Series Land Cruiser rear air locker
ARB has developed a replacement rear Air Locker to suit the Toyota 70 Series Land Cruiser. Unlike the OEM Toyota rear locking differential, which requires the vehicle to almost come to a standstill to be activated, the ARB Air Locker can be activated at any speed.
This means difficult tracks can be driven at a slow and steady pace which is particularly handy in tricky situations where stopping the vehicle could pose problems. According to ARB, the ability to activate the Air Locker while on the move improves passenger comfort, while also reducing the possibility of track damage or premature driveline wear. The ARB Air Locker can be activated via the factory locker switch.
RRP: $1095 (Australian East Coast Metro) Website: www.arb.com.au
Terrain Tamer parabolic springs
Terrain Tamer has expanded its range of Parabolic Leaf Springs to now cover the Ford Ranger, Mazda BT-50, Mitsubishi Triton and Toyota Land Cruiser 76, as well as the existing parabolic springs for the Toyota Hilux and Land Cruiser 78 and 79.
Parabolic springs contain fewer leaves than traditional leaf springs and are thicker in the centre and thinner at each end, hence their name. As a result, parabolic springs are lighter than traditional leaf springs, and the reduced unsprung weight benefits vehicle ride quality. Additional spring flex aids off-road performance yet the springs are still strong enough to carry heavy loads.
Terrain Tamer also says the parabolic spring design “provides better axle articulation, as well as almost no interleaf friction, allowing the spring to compress or extend with ease without touching each other until there is a reasonable load on the vehicle, up to 500kg. This minimises issues with rust build up, one of the major causes of failure in standard leaf springs.”
RRP: From $880 (pair) Website: terraintamer.com/suspension
Tough Dog Upper Control Arms
Tough Dog has released a new range of Upper Control Arms (UCA) for independent front suspension (IFS) vehicles to correct vehicle camber and castor specifications. When an IFS vehicle is fitted with a suspension lift, it loses caster which makes the steering vague, and positive camber is introduced which contributes to uneven and accelerated tyre wear.
The Tough Dog units are fixed length and position arms, which prevent wheel alignment being knocked out of specification from hard off-road knocks, and they have a slim tubular design for maximum clearance with the strut. The end housing and ball joint housing of the Tough Dog UCAs are made from 1020 grade steel, and heavy-duty no-lube bushings are used, while the ball joint itself is made from chromoly steel.
For peace of mind, the Tough Dog UCAs will also accept OE bushings and ball joint parts should spares ever need to be sourced. The line-up currently covers Ford Ranger (2011-on) and Everest (2015-on), Mazda BT-50 (2011-on), and Toyota Fortuner (2015-on), Hilux (2005-on), Land Cruiser 200, Prado (2003-on) and FJ Cruiser (2006-on).
RRP: $815 (set)
With a booming 4×4 market in Australia, 4×4 enthusiasts have never had it better when it comes to aftermarket gear. With such a wide variety of brands and products available, we’ve listed what we think is the best 4×4 gear released so far this year.
Hutch rooftop tent/Rubicon hitch rack
Unique in its design and execution, the Hutch rooftop tent is rear-mounted on your 4×4, courtesy of the also-unique Rubicon hitch tent rack. With this system, you can carry two rooftop tents, one up on the roof and the other on the hitch at the back.
If you only use one tent, the Hutch’s rear-mounted design means you lower wind-resistance and free up roof rack storage space. Plus, if you leave camp for vehicle-based exploration, you don’t have to pack the tent up – it is detachable, allowing it to be left fully erected at camp.
The tent is made from top-notch ripstop poly/canvas that is breathable, waterproof and mould- and mildew-resistant. It also has large side windows (with mesh screening) to enable plenty of ventilation. Available in both two and four-person sizes.
RRP: $1799 (Rubicon hitch tent rack) RRP: from $1599-1899 (Hutch Tent; capacity dependent) Website: www.mccormacksauto.com.au
Narva Explora 175 LED Driving Lights
Narva’s new Explora 175 LED Driving Lights feature ‘Advanced Optic Drive Technology’ claimed to produce brighter light (3800 lumens and 1 lux of light at 535m) up to 20 per cent compared to more traditional 175mm free-form LED driving lights. The lights feature XHP50.2 Cree LEDs controlled using Optic Drive technology to ensure light is focused where it’s needed. An LED position light pipe is included in the modern and compact design, and each light weighs just 600g.
The fully sealed polycarbonate housing includes a Nitto breather vent and hard-coated lens, while a pressure, diecast aluminium heatsink and Active Thermal Management System (ATMS) keep the LED chipset cool. Installation is easy thanks to an included three-pin DT connector, and the mounting brackets and hardware are manufactured from stainless steel. An optional wiring harness and polycarbonate lens protectors are also available.
RRP: $299 (pair) Website: www.narva.com.au
Sherpa 4×4 240V AC Motor Ramp Winch
As well as a great range of 12/24V winches for vehicle applications, Sherpa 4×4 now offers a 240V AC winch designed to haul boats or other equipment up steep ramps and into you garage. The Motor Ramp Winch is available in 7000lb (high speed) and 12,000lb capacities, and both variants feature push-button controls and a simple plug-and-play design.
The winches come standard with a single-phase motor or can be supplied with an optional three-phase motor. The winches are suitable for outdoor installations thanks to an IP55 rating, and are fitted with double lip seals and O-rings to keep water out. The 240V winches are covered by a two-year warranty.
RRP: $1999 Website: www.sherpa4x4.com.au
EFS 4X4 Accessories Diff Drop kits
EFS 4X4 Accessories has developed a range of Toyota Diff Drop kits designed to assist in the realignment of vehicle CV joints when a suspension lift has been introduced. The Diff Drop kits include all required spacers, flat/spring washers, bolts and rings. The spacers are made from tough T6061 high-grade aluminium alloy and all nuts and bolts are made from high-quality nickel-plated 10.9 or 8.8 grade bolts.
The range includes Diff Drop Kits to suit Prado 120 and 150 models, FJ Cruiser, MY2005+ Hilux and LC200. In addition, EFS has developed a Centre Bearing Spacer to suit MY2015+ Mitsubishi MN-MQ Tritons which is designed to reduce the vibration often associated with a suspension lift on this model.
RRP: From $124.80 Website: www.efs4wd.com.au
MSA 4X4 Fridge Barrier
The new MSA 4X4 Fridge Barrier allows the safe and secure storage of accessories and luggage around the fridge, while retaining access to fridge contents without having to unpack gear. It features a black powder-coated steel frame for safety, strength and durability, and has practical side pockets to store small items such as stubby coolers, cups and bottle openers.
The Fridge Barrier has been designed to fit perfectly around the MSA 4X4 Drop Slide and Fridge Slide range, and the smallest possible footprint to maximise vehicle cargo space. The barrier is easy to install and is covered by a lifetime guarantee.
RRP: From $399 (plus delivery) Website: www.msa4x4.com.au
Projecta Charge N’ Maintain chargers
Projecta has updated its Charge N’ Maintain battery chargers by introducing new features across four new models. The ‘smart chargers’ have switchable charging stages, allowing them to regulate load and optimise charging, depending on the battery’s level of charge and stopping when full charge is reached.
Instead of a heavy transformer, the chargers feature ‘switch mode’ tech to convert 240V AC to 12V DC, so they are light, compact and portable. Another feature includes spark-free operation.
RRP: From $55 (800mAh model) Website: www.projecta.com.au
myCOOLMAN ‘The Transporter’ 30L Fridge/Freezer
The Transporter from myCOOLMAN is ideally suited to smaller vehicles or shorter trips thanks to its compact external dimensions, yet it can still store up to 32 330ml cans. The single-zone fridge is powered by a 12/24V compressor and has a digital control system with an easy-to-read display.
Features include a multi-level compartment with a deep section for tall bottles, an adjustable storage basket, a USB port and charger with 3000mA output, an LED interior light, two built-in bottle openers, and recessed carry handles that double as tough tie-down points. The fridge can be controlled and monitored using a Bluetooth-compatible smartphone with myCOOLMAN’s free Apple/Android app. Extras include an insulated cover ($109) and myCOOLMAN’s magnetically attached Power Pack ($399) that can run the fridge for up to 18 hours.
RRP: $995 Website: www.mycoolman.com.au
Terrain Tamer heavy duty wheel bearing and combination swivel housing kits
Designed and manufactured for Land Cruisers and Hiluxes operating in extreme conditions, the kits comprise made-in-Japan bearings with a Rockwell hardness rating that is 2.5 points higher than OE. The bearings are made using a new forging technique with an upgraded heat treatment procedure, to enable a longer service life. The kits include an innovative range of heavy-duty hub seals that rotate on their own internal surface, thereby eliminating wear on other components.
According to Terrain Tamer, “the seals utilise a labyrinth construction to better prevent the loss of oil and lubricating fluids and better protect against the ingress of dirt and other contaminants”. Supplied with all required components, and all parts are covered by a 12-month warranty.
RRP: HD Wheel Bearing Kits from $120; HD Swivel Housing Kits (with Swivel Hub and Wheel Bearing) from $400 Website: www.terraintamer.com
Ironman 4×4 rated recovery points
Ironman 4×4 has developed a range of rated recovery points to suit Toyota LandCruiser 80, 100 and 105, Nissan Patrol Series 3 and 4, and Nissan Navara D40 and NP300 models. The NATA tested and approved recovery points are manufactured from premium-grade materials – SPHC oil and pickled steel (not mild steel) – for maximum strength and corrosion resistance. Each recovery point has a 5000kg Working Load Limit and has been designed to accept a 4.75t shackle or rated soft shackle.
The recovery points, which attach directly to the vehicle chassis with 10.9 grade high-tensile bolts, are finished in a red powdercoat for easy identification. They are supplied in a pair with all mounting hardware included and can be used with an equaliser strap to evenly distribute recovery loads over the vehicle’s chassis.
RRP: $200 Website: www.ironman4x4.com
Direction Plus TransChill Automatic Transmission Cooler Kit
When you are towing with your 4×4, your transmission is working hard – and it gets hot. The Direction-Plus Transchill Transmission Cooler kit is designed to resolve this potentially damaging (and trip-ending) problem, by reducing excessive transmission heat caused by towing, sand driving and driving with heavy loads where the transmission has to work harder.
The Direction-Plus Transchill Transmission Cooler is claimed to be able to reduce the temperature of the auto’s transmission fluid by as much as 330ºC. Even a reduction of just 110ºC can help you double the life expectancy of your rig’s transmission, so it’s a win-win.
Website: www.direction-plus.com
Response Plus Performance Chip
The Response Plus Performance Chip ensures any of your vehicle’s power, torque and fuel efficiency that is usually lost due to the restrictive factory programming of your rig’s on-board computer is returned with interest. The Performance Chip does this by significantly improving the air-to-fuel ratio for optimum engine efficiency, which then leads to better fuel consumption while boosting power to make the most of each drop of fuel.
The Response Plus Performance Chip suits a wide range of diesel vehicles, being specifically programmed for make/model/engine type, and it is ideal for towing heavy loads and for an all-round power increase. Plus, it’s an easy install: just plug the module into the existing factory component, and away you go.
Website: www.direction-plus.com
MaxTrax Hitch 50
The MaxTrax Hitch 50 is available now. Designed specifically for use with soft shackles, the Hitch 50 is precision-machined from 6061 billet aluminium and features an anodised finish for corrosion protection. The design allows for multidirectional pull in both vertical and horizontal axes and the hitch fits all standard 50mm (two-inch) hitch receivers. It has a working load limit of 8800kg and a destructive test break load of 44,000kg.
RRP: $249 Website: www.maxtrax.com.au
ARB Zero Fridge Freezer
Keep your beverages cool and your dinner frozen with ARB’s all-new Zero Fridge Freezer range. Available in two sizes – 69 litres and 96 litres – the Zero offers easy access to contents thanks to a side-opening, quick-release lid. It also features handy front and rear DC inlets, while there’s also a front AC inlet for when camping at powered sites. A USB outlet also provides a charging point for gadgets and gizmos. The dual cooling zones on both units can be independently controlled via a panel or wirelessly via a Bluetooth-enabled device.
The 69-litre unit has one lid and an internal freezer compartment that can be removed if desired to increase fridge space. The 96-litre unit features two separate compartments, each with its own lid, completely isolating the freezer and fridge sections from each other. Both Zero models also feature a ‘boost’ function to rapidly cool down contents, as well as ‘anti-condensation technology’.
RRP: $1599 (69L); $1799 (96L) Website: www.arb.com.au
AS MOST of us pine to break free for that next off-road adventure, we’ve polished off the latest issue of 4X4 Australia magazine.
The May 2020 issue is stacked with a range of great 4×4 yarns, none better than Fraser’s comprehensive homage to the Ranger Rover, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in June this year. Fraser reflects on the evolution of the Range Rover, and explains in intricate detail how it got to where it is.
If it’s custom metal you seek, we’ve included a meticulously crafted Land Rover Defender up-specced with air suspension and an automatic transmission. Plus, we took SsangYong’s budget-beating Musso EX off the bitumen for a test run on dirt.
We also tagged along on the latest Isuzu I-Venture trip, this time to Tasmania where the team attempted its toughest challenge yet: Climies Track … and some vehicles were bog-standard and wore 18-inch wheels.
On the aftermarket gear front, we’ve included a detailed air compressor buyers’ guide and explain why it’s an essential tool for off-road travel.
WHAT ELSE IS THERE? – Readers Rigs and shed updates. – 4×4 trips to Coongie Lakes and Kakadu NP. – King of the Hammers coverage. – New gear, opinion columns and plenty more.
We’ve had to make some changes for the May 2020 edition of the magazine, to roll with the challenges posed by the coronavirus. For example, you might notice this issue is a bit lighter than usual, as it has had a haircut and features 30 fewer pages. Stick with us during this period, and we’ll battle away to bring you top quality 4×4 material.
MOTOR shows and other events might have been cancelled or postponed, but that hasn’t stopped Isuzu UK from showing off three vehicles it built for the Commercial Vehicles Show. With the show being cancelled, the company held its own unveiling online.
The three show cars were built to demonstrate just what can be done to customise the popular D-MAX ute to the owners’ needs. The line-up included an extra-cab model fitted with a tipper back for the Pommie tradies, a dressed-up double-cab dubbed the XTR Colour Edition, and the one that caught our attention – the off-road ready, GO2 double cab.
Based on a UK-spec ‘Utah’ model D-Max, the GO2 features off-road accessories similar to what any adventurer would use – and, significantly , many off them come from Australian accessory manufacturers.
ARB bumpers are used front and rear to improve body protection when off-road, while a Safari snorkel breathes fresh air in to the diesel engine. Behind the 16-inch alloy wheels and 33-inch General Grabber mud-terrain tyres, a Pedders disc brake conversion has been fitted to the rear axle to replace the OE drum brakes; while a Pedders TrakRyder suspension package including replacement upper control arms and a rear sway bar has also been utilised.
The use of products from these great brands is just another indication that Australian companies produce the best and most sought-after off-road equipment in the world.
Other kit fitted to the GO2 D-MAX includes a full underbody protection kit including rear diff guard, tubular side steps; a Mountain TopRoll Cover over the tray, concealing an aluminium drawer system; a winch in that ARB Summit bar; and an LED light bar on the roof.
Despite its ageing design the Isuzu D-MAX remains a popular ute both in the UK and in Australia, thanks to its legendary ruggedness and reliability. We’ll be seeing an all-new D-MAX in Australian showrooms in the third quarter of 2020 and the good news for buyers is that that bullet-proof 4JJ1 has not only been retained for Australian buyers, but has been upgraded with improvements in power and torque.
HAVE YOU EVER wanted to run your mud-terrains up the icy slopes of Siberia? Well now you can … kinda.
The same team that brought us MudRunner back in 2017 has backed it up with a sequel, this time with an advanced physics engine said to provide an authentic off-roading experience.
SnowRunner, available on PS4, Xbox and PC, puts the gamer in the driver’s seat of a variety of iconic trucks including from brands such as GM, Ford and Western Star. They are then tasked with creating and expanding their own transportation company, by taking on new industries and establishing their own supply networks.
Then it’s up to the driver to find the safest, quickest route through the challenging landscapes, all with just a compass and a map. This includes trucking goods and services to clients in environments around the world, including the picturesque mountains of Siberia and Alaska.
In fact, there are more than 11 extensive sandbox maps available – said to be three times as big as those in MudRunner – each with its own set of challenges, ranging from river crossings and mud traps, the vehicles realistically reacting to their weight and movement.
An aspect of the game that should resonate with 4x4ers is the ability to modify and equip vehicles with a range of gear, to improve performance and aesthetics.
In addition to the base content on sale now, developers will release free regular updates to provide countless hours of off-road fun.
There will also be a Season Pass available, bundled in with the Premium Edition of the game. To be delivered in four phases, the Season Pass will bring new vehicles, new maps and new challenges.
Phase 1, Search and Recover, will be available in the next few weeks. As well as opening up a new mission to discover lost WWII wreckage, the pack also delivers a new map, new vehicles, new skins and new interior items. Check out the content roadmap below.
SnowRunner can be played solo or in multiplayer co-op with up to four people, and it’s available to purchase now.
THERE ARE plenty of mind-numbing videos floating around on YouTube, but occasionally you’ll stumble onto a gem like this one.
Posted to the Woodworking Art YouTube channel, the 10-minute video shows how an extremely talented woodworker crafted the F-150 Raptor using just a few slabs of timber.
The master craftsmen starts out by outlining the shape of the vehicle, before using various tools to build the masterpiece. The end result is extraordinary, with the wooden model featuring opening and closing doors, a functioning tailgate, and even windscreen wipers.
The intricate detail and workmanship is astounding, with the Raptor seen rolling flawlessly toward the end of the video.
The team at Woodworking Art also crafted a Toyota LandCruiser V8. Check it out.
Head to the Woodworking Art YouTube channel, where you can find details on how to order the products, which are shipped worldwide.
A 1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer sold at auction over the weekend for an eye-watering US$300,000, but there’s a reason for it: this isn’t your regular Chevy Blazer.
The Blazer in question is the handiwork of the Ringbrothers, a US-based workshop that points its spanners toward manufacturing car parts and epic custom builds.
Sold on the Bring A Trailer auction website over the weekend, the K5 Blazer – with only 450 miles (644km) showing on the odometer – runs a GM Performance Parts ZZ430 350ci V8 engine, with a Holley Dominator fuel-injection system. Power then runs through a Bowler Perfomance four-speed 4L80E automatic transmission and a Bowler dual-range transfer case. The factory rear diff remains, but it has been rebuilt with Yukon 3.42:1 gears.
Bilstein shocks and a Ringbrothers front sway bar comprise the new suspension set-up, while the front axle features locking hubs. Customised wheel arches and rocker panels add even more clearance.
The 325/65 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tyres are wrapped around 17-inch Circle Racing wheels.
Other features include a Ringbrothers-designed carbon-fibre hood with vents, an acid-dipped factory body refurbished in a period-style black hue, a roll cage, and a black soft top.
A total of 38 bids were made for the Blazer, before the gavel fell for the $300K bid.
The Bring A Trailer listing can be found here.