With the spring blooms, in anticipation of the coming heat of summer, the window for hitting some of the more arid 4×4 tracks is closing. But don’t put your 4×4 rig into hibernation just yet as there are still plenty to do over the coming months.
Victorian tracks open soon
It’s nearly at the end of that annual countdown to the reopening of some of Victoria’s iconic 4×4 tracks located inside national parks and reserves after the winter closures. The closures affect a majority of the popular High Country tracks.
The reopening usually means that most of the tracks are open from the Melbourne Cup long weekend, but your best bet is to check www.4wdvictoria.org.au to confirm before you head off.
Flower power in WA
From October onwards, Western Australia’s huge variety of native wildflowers start to bloom, with November a prime time to check out this colourful extravaganza.
The state’s south-west is the prime viewing spot, with a number of fantastic viewpoints in popular national parks, such as Leeuwin-Naturaliste, as well as around the Margaret River area. This region, with the heathlands abutting the coastline, and the forests farther inland from there, is perfect for them.
Tourism Australia offers an awesome digital guide online. Download their online guide and check it out.
Simpson season nearly over
It’s close to time for the Simpson Desert Regional Reserve and Conservation Park’s annual close-down for the (very) hot months over summer. The closure kicks in on December 1 so if you do still want to get out – and across – the mighty Simpson, you’ve only got a few weeks.
If you still want to squeeze a desert trip in, see www.environment.sa.gov.au for the latest info on the park and for further contact details.
Watch for whales (NSW)
November is prime whale-watching season along the NSW coast and one of the best ways to check out these marine mammals as they journey down our coastline is to download the NSW National Parks “Wild about whales” app to your smartphone.
The app is brilliant, allowing you to publish your own personal sightings in real-time, receive updates on the location of whales as they are logged by users along the coast, and you can even filter the whale sightings by timeframe and particular regions, allowing you to focus on your closest viewing region.
Check out www.wildaboutwhales.com.au for more info.
Million dollar barra
Yep, it’s on again, the fourth season of Million Dollar Fish, up in the Top End, kicking off on October 1 and running through to February.
The competition, run by Tourism NT and Tourism Top End, enables anglers the chance to snare one of 100 barramundi tagged with a $10,000 prize, and then there’s the biggie: one barra swimming around Top End waterways worth $1m.
The fish have been released around Darwin, Kakadu NP, Arnhem Land, Katherine and the Tiwi Islands. And yes, the 4X4 Australia editorial team is trying to convince management we need to be there.
To beat us to it, go to www.milliondollarfish.com.au
Snowy Mountains Trout Festival
It’s the 45th year for this famous angler’s festival based in the NSW Snowy Mountains. It continues to offer something for all fishing styles, whether trolling, spinning, fly and bait-based.
Held from Saturday, November 3 through to Thursday, November 8 at 6pm, with the presentations being held at Adaminiby on Friday, November 9. There will be some great prizes up for grabs, including the major lucky draw prize of a Quintrex 370 Explorer boat (complete with 15hp Yamaha motor and trailer), valued at more than $10,000, plus additional lucky draw prizes as well as fishing category prizes.
Young anglers’ tuition (NSW)
More fishing news and a cracker at that: the NSW Department of Primary Industries conducts four-hour kids’ fishing workshops (salt- or freshwater focused) for eight to 14-year-olds during school holiday periods.
It costs $40 per child and they learn about fishing rules and regs, fish habitat conservation, essential skills (think: knot tying, rigging, baiting, casting, etc.). They also receive a rod, reel, tackle box, shirt cap and more goodies.
See www.dpi.nsw.gov.au for more.
MOPAR and Dana have combined forces – collaboration between the two companies spans more than 70 years – to create new Jeep Performance Parts axles for the upcoming Wrangler.
Plenty of Wrangler owners like to beat on their rides and treat ’em mean while clocking up plenty kilometres on unforgiving tracks, so performance parts need to meet these high demands.
To this end, the high-strength JPP Ultimate Dana 44 AdvanTEK axles are American made and feature Chromoly 4340 axle shafts, thicker quarter-inch steel bracket mounts, thicker 9.5 mm tubes, and upgraded 1410 U-Joints. The “AdvanTEK” tech “reduces gear set packaging with more strength and durability, allowing for a condensed carrier and improving ground clearance”.
The diff cover is made using nodular iron for increased rigidity and durability, while the high-clearance carrier design adds half an inch of ground clearance. A host of tyre sizes can also be utilised due to an expanded range of gear ratios.
“Performance axles for the all-new Jeep Wrangler are the latest additions to our extensive line of parts and accessories for hardcore off-roaders,” said Steve Beahm, Head of Parts & Service (Mopar) and Passenger Car Brands, FCA – North America.
“From lift kits to beadlock wheels to LED lights and now performance axles, the Mopar brand has trail enthusiasts covered with more than 200 Jeep Performance Parts.”
The “plug-and-play” axles will be available in November, and they’re currently on display on the Mopar stand. They’ve been fitted to a Nacho Jeep Wrangler concept, also on display. The SEMA Show runs from October 30 to November 2 in Las Vegas, USA.
IT’S A GREAT day-in-the-life yarn from publican Janelle Jackson, the woman who has just poured the crisp, cold beers we’re enjoying at the Eulo Queen Hotel.
“I’ll tell you what some of them are like,” she says excitedly when our over-the-bar chat inevitably turns to the topic of the tourists who travel through this little town in south-western Queensland.
“One night, I heard a noise” Janelle begins. “Anyway, it’s about 4am and I go out for a look. I find a lady stumbling around with a towel and a toiletries bag. So I say ‘Um, can I help you?’ and she says, ‘yes, can you let me into the amenities block?’
“I explain that she’s entitled to have a shower if she’s booked in. Then she says, ‘oh, no, we’re not booked here; we’re staying in our caravan out by the creek’.
“So I just lose my shit and tell her she can bloody-well go back to her bloody caravan by the bloody creek and have a bloody shower out there. And then she puts on an offended voice and says, ‘oh, no, but I want a hot shower’.”
Janelle’s funny tale of the shower thief has us laughing into our beers and shaking our heads. With partner Jacko (Jeffrey), the Bourke-born former real estate agent has been here at the quaint weatherboard hotel for three years.
West of Cunnamulla and pretty much half way between Brisbane and Birdsville, Eulo is home to just a few dozen locals, but sees plenty of tourist traffic. Around here you can explore the Paroo River or chase dinosaur bones, before making your way farther into South Western Queensland and Corner Country.
The pub is decorated with typical pub paraphernalia such as road signs and photos of the floods the town must deal with occasionally. Of course, there’s a verandah out the front. A highlight of the front bar is the fascinating custom-made barstools, as each seat features dozens of bottle tops sealed in clear resin. Carlton mid-strength, XXXX and VB is served from taps poking from an old-school, varnished timber cool room plonked behind the bar, and more bottled brands tempt us from the fridge.
The tucker is pub crowd-pleasers for lunch and dinner (with Friday night specials) and the accommodation out the back includes powered and unpowered sites as well as cabins. It’s perfect for 4WDers or those looking for a bit of comfort after exploring the area for a few days.
Being on a main tourist route – The Adventure Way – there’s always fresh ‘material’ arriving for great tales.
“Now let me tell you about the one I caught stealing the dunny paper!” Janelle says, as she winds-up to tell us another funny yarn.
4×4 Pub Guide
Website: www.euloqueenhotel.com.au Phone: (07) 4655 4867 Address: Leo St, Eulo, Qld
Beers: Tap and bottles Food: Lunch (12-2pm) $6-$18; dinner (6-8.30pm) $18-$30 – steak, chicken, salads, etc.
Accommodation: King single en-suite rooms ($88); family cabin, up to four people ($132). Campsites: Unpowered sites ($10 per person); powered site ($30pp). Camp Kitchen: Barbecue, microwave, fridge, jug, sink and dining tables.
What we Reckon: Top spot to prop for grog on your way west.
Gone West
Since our visit, Janelle and Jeffery have moved a little farther west to Thargomindah, where they’re running the caravan park. Col and Tracey Mace are the new publicans.
ALL eyes were cast to the Honda stand at the 2018 SEMA Show, with the Japanese brand debuting its Rugged Open Air Concept on the first day of the Vegas event.
Merging the best bits of two production Hondas – the Ridgeline pick-up and the Pioneer 1000 side-by-side – the Rugged Open Air is an ultimate weapon should tarmac turn to dust.
Designed and developed by Honda R&D Americas, the Baja-storming concept utilises a rugged, modified Ridgeline body and suspension set-up. The tray and tailgate panels are modelled after the Pioneer side-by-side, and the doors are ripped straight from the Pioneer and plonked either side.
The interior is Ridgeline, but it’s been modified with a bunch of Pioneer accessories for outdoor use, including a Pioneer 1000 steering wheel and Civic Type R seats clothed in waterproof Pioneer 1000 material. Paint has also been applied to the instrument panel to protect it from sun, sand or spray.
As vast as it may be, the outback is still a wild world out there and if you plan on crossing it, always keep an eye out for any wandering fauna.
In this scenario, bullbars are an essential fitment for any 4×4, with plenty of choices available in the market. AFN 4×4 has a brand new offering for the Isuzu D-Max, whereas TJM has added a new variant to their Signature Bar series for the Toyota Prado 150. Though Zenith might not have a bullbar to offer, its new 155W LED driving light boasts the ability to pump out 6000K of ‘cool daylight’ to light the way ahead.
AFN 4X4 bullbar: Isuzu D-MAX (2017-onwards)
The team at AFN have been busy, and the result is this new bullbar for Isuzu’s D-Max (2017-onwards). One of AFN’s new-gen bar designs, this unit fits the vehicle with fully moulded rubber joining panels (older-gen bars used pinch-mould rubbers that needed to be cut to fit).
The new mouldings fit the front fender and headlight areas. The bar mount system has been tweaked to offer better adjustment plus, there’s a new bash plate design, as well as integrated fog lights and indicators. There is also provision for fitment of driving lights and radio aerial. The fit and finish indicates the AFN team is looking to improve them all the time – a win-win for D-Max.
Website: www.afn4x4.com.au
TJM Signature bar: Toyota Prado 150
TJM has followed on from the release of its Outback bar for the 150 Series Prado with this new alloy Signature Bar for the same vehicle.
The 76mm polished centre loop offers plenty of frontal protection, with the 63mm polished outer loops ensuring the big Prado’s lights are protected from potential animal strikes. The bar is winch and airbag compatible and also includes 8000kg-rated recovery points as standard.
You can fit two aerials to the bar, and it can also be fitted with driving lights. The integrated LED fog lights and flush-mounted LED indicator and park lights are protected by polycarbonate outers. There is provision for relocation of the vehicle’s parking sensor, and the nicely styled bumperettes finish off the protective package.
Website: www.tjm.com.au
Zenith 155W LED driving light
Two years’ worth of testing and development has resulted in this schmick new LED driving light from Zenith.
The light uses four 20-Watt extra deep dish, long-distance centre Cree LED chips, as well as 15 5-Watt spread Cree LED chips to punch out 6000K of ‘cool daylight’ per light. The result is the ideal combo of beam length and width for optimum visibility when touring at night. The lenses are ‘Total Internal Reflection’ jobbies, which help boost the total LED efficiency to 12,700 raw Lumens per light.
The tough 8.25-inch multi-fin alloy housing keeps heat under control to ensure consistent temps, whether operating in hot or cold conditions. Add in a polycarbonate lens cover and a IP68 water- and dust-proof rating and you have a tough set of lights.
The lights are also super-versatile, owing to their ability to implement a multi-voltage power input range of nine to 32V DC to ensure compatibility with 12 and 24V batteries.
Website: www.dobinsonsprings.com
KIA has set up a makeshift off-road course at the 2018 SEMA Show, to show off four modified versions of its upcoming Telluride SUV.
Positioned just outside the Las Vegas Convention Center, the custom course called ‘Torque Track’ includes a jump, mountain climb and water crossings, all aimed at pushing the Telluride to its limit.
“We surprised everyone with Telluride’s special appearance in New York earlier this year; we showed its stylish swagger on a fashion runway, and now at SEMA we are showcasing the vehicle’s more rugged side,” said Saad Chehab, Vice President, Marketing Communications, Kia Motors America.
“Of course a production Telluride won’t be able to fly over extreme jumps like these modified versions, but we want the SEMA attendees to get to know Kia as the youthful brand we are and we think the Torque Track does that in a very special way.”
The four Telluride models – Horizon Roamer, Cadet Leader, Desert Drifter and Baja Glider – have purpose-built suspension systems that include two inches (front) and five inches (rear) of increased travel. The tracks of all vehicles have also been widened by three inches, and all four ride on Black Rhino 32-inch wheels wrapped in Milestar Patagonia muddies.
Front suspension: – KW Motorsports inverted-shaft long-travel McPherson struts with remote reservoirs, linear bearings and three-way adjustable damping. – Fabricated lower control arms. – Corrected bump steer and roll centre. – King hydraulic bump stops, shock tower reinforcements.
Rear suspension: – KW Motorsports long travel inverted WRC spec shocks with remote reservoirs and three-way adjustable damping. – Fabricated multi-link suspension with toe curve and anti-squat correction. – Longer trailing arms for constant geometry. – King hydraulic bump stops.
All four vehicles are designed to excel on specific off-road environments and feature unique paint-jobs and accessories, and all are powered by a V6 engine with all-wheel drive.
A FAULTY tailgate power-locking mechanism has caused FCA to voluntarily recall approximately 1.4 million RAM pick-up trucks globally.
RAM 1500, 2500 and 3500 utes from 2015 (Model Year) to 2017 are affected by the recall, but those fitted with manual-locking tailgates (and eight-foot beds) aren’t affected.
In a statement, FCA US said: “[it] has discovered the power locking mechanisms in the tailgates of certain pick-ups share a small internal component that may break over time. If this were to happen, the vehicle’s tailgate may unlatch.”
The tailgate may unlatch when the car is in motion, so FCA advises customers that: “all loose cargo should be secured while driving, as stated in the operating manuals of the affected vehicles.”
Most of the affected utes are in the USA – an estimated 1.1 million – but Australian RAM owners have also been affected.
“This affects 1500, 2500 and 3500 in Australia and the local recall will be announced here soon,”Edward Rowe, Ateco’s media and public relations consultant, told 4X4 Australia. “It affects 738 vehicles in total, in Australia. The vast majority of these vehicles are the 2500 – [the] 3500 is just under 10 per cent of sales, and the 1500 has only been in production for a couple of months.”
“There have been no reported issues of this problem in Australia or New Zealand,” Edward said.
The 2019 RAM 1500 isn’t affected by the recall, as the tailgate mechanism is a new design.
Update (2018/10/31): The ACCC officially released a recall report on October 30, 2018. Owners of affected vehicles will be notified on the steps to take for free inspection and reparation. Click here (https://www.productsafety.gov.au/system/files/VIN%20List_17.pdf) for a complete VIN list of affected vehicles.
THE Jeep Wrangler has scooped its ninth consecutive SEMA 4×4 of the Year award, remaining the only vehicle to win the gong since the award’s inception in 2010.
Voted for by SEMA Show exhibitors, the Wrangler earned the title – at an event held at the annual SEMA Vehicle Reveal event – due to it being the most accessory-friendly vehicle in its class.
“Once again, the Jeep Wrangler is voted as a favourite from the aftermarket community, with more exhibitors choosing the Jeep Wrangler as the SEMA 4×4/SUV of the Year,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting.
“Whether drivers are accessorising the Jeep for off-roading or for everyday driving, there are outstanding options available for Jeep owners.”
The 2019 JL Wrangler will land in Australia in January 2019, but we’ve already driven it locally, and on the Rubicon trail.
“The Jeep Wrangler continues to lead the way in the customisation world following the Mopar brand’s introduction late last year of more than 200 Jeep Performance Parts and accessories,” said Steve Beahm, head of parts and service (Mopar) and passenger car brands, FCA North America.
“When it comes to personalisation, Jeep Wrangler is a star of our portfolio and it just keeps getting hotter.”
Mopar’s SEMA stand will showcase four Jeeps tweaked with Mopar kit, as well as two Mopar-fettled Ram 1500 pick-ups.
NISSAN will showcase its PAWS ONE Titan at the 2018 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, USA.
The Titan XD Gas PRO-4X rescue pick-up was built in collaboration with Animal Rescue Rigs (ARR), a new not-for-profit organisation that provides support for animals during and after natural disasters.
The vehicle, which will be known as PAWS TWO when officially deployed in 2019, will be built to handle the erratic behaviour of displaced animals. To this end, the rig will feature axes, shovels, water filtrations, animal harnesses and containment units.
A six-inch Rough Country lift hikes the vehicle skyward to improve its water-crossing abilities, while a military-grade Zodiac raft on top will take rescuers to out-of-reach pooches.
“This year – one of the worst storm seasons on record – we have witnessed devastation from coast-to-coast, and we saw an opportunity to help,” said Nik Miles, chairman of the board of Animal Rescue Rigs.
“We began with the formation of the ARR 501(c)(3) charity and its mission to assist the animals (and people) left behind in a disaster. We then had discussions with automakers and Nissan stepped up immediately. We are honoured to join forces with Nissan and our other build partners to create the first dedicated animal rescue rig concept, PAWS ONE.”
Also teaming up for the collaboration process was Hard Notched Customs, a Washington-based outfitter known for its custom 4×4 kits.
“Hard Notched Customs is proud to partner with Animal Rescue Rigs on the PAWS ONE concept vehicle,” said Joel Cruise, co-owner of Hard Notched Customs. “It was a natural fit for us – from the strong foundation of the Titan to the strength of ARR charity, the vehicle demonstrates the type of challenges that our products are built to withstand. We have a unique design and manufacture process that enables our vehicles to excel in real-world conditions. It’s our hope that the PAWS ONE concept, once out in the field, can make a difference in the lives of the animals and communities it will serve.”
The concept is equipped with 37-inch Nexen MTX muddies, 18-inch TSW Black Rhino COG wheels, Hard Notched Customs’ Moose Knuckle Sandwich bumper with integrated Smittybilt 12,000lb winch system, Bushwacker fender flares, and a Mossy Nissan lighting system.
Hard Notched Customs custom-built a special bed and roof rack for weight bearing and storage, while a BedSlide houses medical supplies and recovery tools.
The PAWS ONE Titan will join the Ultimate Service Titan on the Nissan stand. You can read all about Nissan’s collaboration with the American Red Cross here: www.whichcar.com.au/news/nissan-titan-to-the-rescue
The 2018 SEMA Show runs from October 30 to November 2 in Vegas. The Nissan booth is located in the Performance Pavilion and Bronze Lot of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
TWO RAM 1500s fettled by Mopar will be unveiled at the 2018 SEMA Show, taking place in Las Vegas, USA, from October 30 to November 2.
The pick-ups will be on display at Mopar’s 15,345-square-foot exhibit in the Las Vegas Convention Centre, alongside 12 other vehicles and a range of the brand’s prototype parts and accessories.
“The SEMA Show is truly the greatest stage for our brand to demonstrate what owners and enthusiasts can create with a little imagination and a selection of Mopar parts and accessories,” said Steve Beahm, Head of Parts & Service (Mopar) and Passenger Car Brands, FCA (North America). “There is a method to our SEMA madness – we use this show as a venue to gauge enthusiast interest in prototype parts that may become production offerings in the future.”
RAM 1500 REBEL CONCEPT
THE Rebel Concept features a smorgasbord of Mopar kit – more than 200 parts and accessories, in fact – as well as select concept products.
For increased off-road prowess, a Mopar lift kit raises the RAM two inches closer to the clouds; while one-piece cast-aluminium running boards skirt both flanks.
35-inch Goodyear DuraTrac rubber house Mopar Satin Black 18 x 8-inch cast aluminium beadlock wheels, which are all protected via production wheel flares and skid plates.
A Mopar “Ram Airflow” cold-air intake system gives the 5.7-litre HEMI extra kick, and the engine bay is covered by a Mopar performance hood.
Additional features include Ram/Mopar badging and graphics, LED lighting, RAM bar, rear spare tyre carrier, Mopar rear tray step and Mopar five-inch gloss black exhaust tips.
RAM 1500 BIG HORN “LOW DOWN” CONCEPT
UNLIKE the off-road focused Rebel Concept, the Low Down has been built for street use – a prototype lowering kit drops it two inches closer to the tarmac. It also rides on 22-inch production wheels, which are covered with Mopar conceptual wheel flares.
However, like the Rebel Concept, the Low Down also gets a Mopar “Ram Airflow” cold-air intake system to aid the 5.7-litre HEMI donk.
In addition to the Mopar/RAM badging and custom colour palette – Gloss Black and Billet Silver – the Low Down gets a hard tonneau cover and five-inch exhaust tips.
Mopar’s SEMA press briefing will be streamed live at 10:20am AEDST. Watch it here: https://livestream.com/FCALive/MoparSEMA2018