I like to pack light and compact whenever heading out on a solo overnight trip; a tent or swag, a six-pack of beer, food and coffee, and I am sorted. I keep a bit of gear in the Disco all the time – first aid kit, tyre repair kit and air compressor – plus I always have a compact stove in there.

For an overnighter or weekend – or even a family day trip – I just go super simple and use a canister stove, of which I have had a few over the years (yep, I am guilty as charged when it comes to being a gear head).

The latest compact stove to see a fair bit of use has been the WindBurner from Mountain Safety Research (MSR). This US-based company has been producing stoves for all purposes, everything from bushwalking/day touring to mountaineering expeditions, and the WindBurner is one of the latest models based on the company’s 2007 Reactor stove and its unique heating system.

This stove uses radiant heat and primary air combustion to ensure consistent, fuel-efficient heating, with fuel moving from the canister through a regulator (that controls gas pressure) to jets that push the fuel into a space under a disc. This disc is porous, and once the air and gas is “mixed” in the space below the disc it is ignited as it pushes through the disc’s pores and heats-up the mesh-covered top of the burner, producing an evenly spread heat source.

The heat produced is super-consistent, and to ensure camp chefs get the full benefit of this consistency, there is a “heat exchanger” attached to all pots/skillets. This heat exchanger acts as a wind deflector that also directs the heat from the burner directly to the pot/skillet’s base. The result is maximum efficiency in terms of both heating and fuel usage.

Up until the Reactor hit the scene, with its enclosed and protected heat source, conventional canister stoves had relied on a naked flame to draw air and were subject to the influence of wind, inefficient burning, more fuel usage and the chance that too strong a gust would blow out the flame entirely.

The WindBurner utilises the same tech as the Reactor but in a more compact form; the whole unit – stove, gas canister (IsoPro), canister stand and small pack towel – packs neatly into the supplied one-litre pot.

1

There is also a full-sized bowl that acts as a lid and snaps onto the top of the pot, with the stove setup (not including canister) weighing in at 432g. Yes, there are lighter stoves out there, but they lack the WindBurner’s efficiency.

Not a biggie if you’re only doing an overnighter, but for longer journeys where fuel consumption is more of an issue the extra weight is a small price to pay for the economic advantage.

The WindBurner is quick to set up. The pot locks onto the stove with a simple twist (the stove, in turn, is screwed onto the fuel canister as per other canister-based stoves), ensuring no frightening disconnects during cooking.

1

An aside: the handle on the pot cozy actually supports the weight of the pot when it is full and being held in-hand. I’ve been close to being scalded or worse by other stoves’ slipping covers in the past, so this is a notable positive.

The WindBurner also comes with a canister stand that aids stability. The vertical design of these stoves means instability is one of their handicaps, but with the sturdy stand – and care by the chef – tip-overs are less likely and you can still stir the contents of the pot quite vigorously thanks to being able to hold the cozy as well.

Firing up the stove is as simple as turning it on via the valve wire-handle and using a flint, match or lighter to ignite the burner face – there’s even a small wire in the burner’s mesh that glows orange straight away when the stove is ignited, which is a great safety feature.

The WindBurner’s pressure regulator and easy-to-use handle also makes simmering a lot easier than you’d expect; turning it right down low produces a subtle heat.

1

The claimed boil time for a half-litre of water is 2m30s and I have achieved around 4m30s for a full litre (not that I am ever ‘racing’ to cook or brew a coffee). I have owned the stove now for 12 months and in that time I have cooked everything from boil-in-bag meals to simple pastas and rice dishes in the pot.

I have recently added two WindBurner accessories: the skillet and the coffee press (there’s also a larger 1.8L pot with its own oversized support stand), with good results from my efforts with these.

Some may view this slightly “limited” system as expensive, but it’s a compact, easy-to-use stove that is bombproof in construction and also fantastically fuel-efficient, all of which are factors in stove choice.

1

And it is still relatively versatile: swap the 1L pot for the 1.8L option (albeit at additional cost), and add in the skillet ($169.95) and coffee press, and you’ll be surprised (like I was) just what you can create for a small family.

Plus, it’s super handy if your holidays are based around setting up camp and then exploring on foot, bike or watercraft; packing the compact WindBurner is a no-brainer for a day out in the bush in these circumstances.

RATED Available from: www.spelean.com.au RRP: $329.95 (1L); $385 (1.8L) We Say: Not cheap, but is compact, easy-to-use, and bombproof.

After John Sutter’s discovery of gold in Coloma, California, the 1850s and 1860s were a busy time in the West. Thousands of immigrants paraded across the Great Plains and the American philosophy of Manifest Destiny was coming to fruition.

In the northern Sierra Nevada, bearded miners, entrepreneurs and ladies of questionable vocation bounced along on buckboard wagons toward the high country. Their quest was precious metals, and the routes they travelled were carved through glaciated valleys and around alpine lakes.

1

Northwest of Truckee on the edge of a verdant meadow, a trapper named Henry Hartley collected ore samples that showed high promise. Word of his discovery flooded through the foothills like wind through a screen door, and in short order the valley was smothered with canvas tents, ramshackle huts, and the beginnings of what would become the boom-or-bust town of Summit City.

By 1866 and at the height of its prosperity, it boasted brick hotels and banks, a jail, houses of ill repute, a few dozen saloons, and a newspaper. They even had a paddle steamer for Saturday afternoon cruises on the lake. Within a few years the mines played out, the saloons and hotels were empty, and Summit City slowly decayed into a ghost town. It was abandoned, but not forgotten.

A century later, a group of Jeepers from Sacramento came up with the idea to resurrect the town, albeit as a weekend tent camp, and the track they would use to get there was a rough-and-tumble mining road along Fordyce Creek.

1

The event was appropriately named Sierra Trek, and when they locked in their hubs for that first traverse to Meadow Lake, they entered the opening act of an epic that would become an off-road legend. Last August marked Sierra Trek’s 50th year, and we were on hand to celebrate its golden anniversary.

Thursday morning found us at the staging area with the Sierra Treasure Hunters 4WD club (STH) long before twilight. Trek has always been a volunteer-run event, and STH is one of its three founding clubs – the other two were the Sacramento Jeepers and Camilla City Broncos. As the first rays of daybreak lit-up our windshields we were descending off of the appropriately named Sunrise Ridge and navigating through a boulder field to the first river crossing.

Fordyce is a sister trail to the famous Rubicon, and having done the Jeepers Jamboree just two weeks prior, we’d have to say that Fordyce is one tough bugger. It’s only 17.7km in length, but it can take all day – and part of the night if you have problems. There are a total of five winch hills – each of which is staffed by a full-time crew – and dozens of obstacles in between that command your attention.

1

Our posse of Jeeps, Toyotas, Broncos and Scouts threaded its way along the river, eventually arriving at Winch Hill 1, a long, steep sluice with a bus-sized wedge at the top. Passing the Carlisle Mine and the remains of an old stamp mill, we thought about the early travellers along this creek.

It is said that back in the 1860s a weekly stagecoach ran this route from Cisco Grove to Meadow Lake. Heavier supplies, such as mining equipment and building materials, were brought into this forbidding landscape by wagon and oxen. We were glad our rigs were equipped with locking differentials, low gears, modern tyres and low air pressure.

By day’s end we were scratching our way up Winch Hill 4, where the Dixon 4 Wheelers had created a Las Vegas-style theme park, complete with slot machines and a wedding chapel – Elvis would officiate gett’n hitched if needed. Winch Hill 5 marked the end of a great day of wheeling, and we made haste for Meadow Lake.

1

Sponsored by the California Four Wheel Drive Association (CA4WA), Sierra Trek has become one of the West’s premier family off-roading events. While the original affair boasted a single trail ride and Saturday night barbecue, it has grown into a four-day festival with options ranging from mild to wild.

The following days were spent running Outer Limits, a moderate trail on the Bear Valley Loop, and taking a guided SUV tour of the cemetery, abandoned miners’ cabins and the 8000-foot summit of Lacey Peak. Afternoons found us hiking, fishing and canoeing around Meadow Lake.

Buckboard wagons no longer rattle along Summit City’s dusty streets, but for a week each year the town is reborn as a massive tent camp; a gala affair and tribute to the days of yore.

Along Main Street, purveyors of off-road equipment set up shop and present their wares. At the end of the block is the Chuck Wagon Kitchen, where hearty ranch-style meals are served daily. Across the square is a bank, café and bathhouse. Ladies of questionable vocation no longer promenade on the hotel balcony, but when the sun goes down, today’s Summit City reveals the bravado of its Gold Rush roots.

1

The nightly party is worth the price of admission. A live band takes the stage and rattles the timbers ’til the wee hours as revellers kick up their heals on a 50-foot dance floor. Yonder, patrons belly-up the wooden bar at the Wild West Saloon while the sheriff and barkeep attempt to maintain law and order.

Saturday night features a massive raffle with more than $30,000 in swag, and lucky ticket holders go home with gear from Warn, ARB, BFGoodrich and Premier Power Welder. The Sierra Trek has become an annual gathering, a pilgrimage for off-road aficionados from around the country and the world, and we’re excited to see where it goes over the next 50 years.

For further information on the Sierra Trek 2018, click on cal4wheel.com.

THE tit-for-tat battle atop the 4×4 sales charts has continued, with the Toyota Hilux (12,020 sales) clawing back the overall YTD lead from its strongest competitor, the Ford Ranger (11,804).

Stronger sales in April for the Japanese marque’s dual-cab workhorse saw it outsell Ford’s Ranger by 312 units. And, not only was the Hilux the best-selling 4×4 vehicle in April, but two of its stablemates – Prado and Land Cruiser wagon – were positioned in the top five on the April 4×4 sales charts.

1

Add the Toyota Corolla to the mix and Toyota dominates the overall market with an 18.5 per cent YTD share – the next best is Mazda with a 10.0 per cent share.

The LCV market accounted for 19.4 per cent of the overall market in April (a drop of 0.3 per cent from March 2018), with SUVs again leading the way with a 43.6 per cent share of overall sales.

“The market dynamic has changed with the growth of SUVs, but brands have adapted quickly to that change and the new products coming into those growth segments clearly have strong consumer appeal,” the Chief Executive of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, Tony Weber, said.

1

According to the VFACTs report, private LCV sales dipped by 13.6 per cent, while business sales dropped by 3.6 per cent during April.

The Hilux (4×4 and 4×2) was again the best-selling vehicle on the overall monthly sales charts for April. It was followed by the Corolla, Ranger, Mazda3 and Land Cruiser, which showed dramatic 23.9 per cent month-to-month growth.

EFS’s all-new nine-inch, round VMDL-9180 is powered by 18 10-watt USA Cree LEDs, for the ultimate in brightness (6500k).

With a total of 180 watts and 15,480 lumens, the nine-inch driving light draws 10.4-amps at 12-volts (they can be powered up to 32-volts) and has a lifespan of 50,000 hours, so you can run these constantly for 5.7 years.

1

The housing is made from high-grade aluminium and weighs a fair bit, too, with 304 stainless steel mounts and hardware. It has an IP67 water/dustproof rating.

What makes these lights so bright is the combination of the high quality USA 10-watt Cree LEDs, the deep, light buckets, and the Cree lens that maximises the magnification of the Cree chip.

The Vividmax nine-inch driving light come complete with a polycarbonate protective lens cover, and it’s covered by a two-year warranty.

For more information, please visit www.efs4wd.com.au.

1

RRP EFS nine-inch VNDL-9180: $349.00 (each)

THE modern dual-cab ute is a hell of a thing.

It’s the do-it-all 4×4 for just about anyone who knows the excitement you’ll find at the business end of a low-range lever. They’re fuel efficient, comfortable and can lug around a load of groceries before carting a tonne of pavers in the back.

Then, to top it all off, they have plenty of room to take your family to the far reaches of the country, and do it with more than six litres of American turbo-diesel grunt under the bonnet … what? Yep, the dual-cab American pick-up might be the perfect Aussie ute.

While the Ram 2500 you’re ogling has an American heart inside, it has been meticulously pieced together with Australia in mind.

If you haven’t heard the name John Davis before, he’s the brains behind the original Bush Ranger vehicles – wild, barely legal buggies based on the Range Rover and designed to dominate any track in Oz. In more recent years he has penned the name Trucks N Toys (TNT) with his son Ben, where they piece together American full-size trucks from mild to wild for select clientele.

The beast on these pages is one of two the pair own the keys to, along with a dually 3500. Both are designed to not only give them the privilege to roll through golden-clad streets like royalty, but to show off to envious Cruiser owners what life looks like when you grab a ram by the horns.

To stop suicidal ’roos diving feet first through the truck-sized radiator, John fitted up a huge Full Guard bullbar from Washington-based TrailReady. The behemoth not only sports four uprights with headlight and radiator protection, but it’s zapped together with 6mm mild-steel mounts and 5mm mild-steel wings to ensure anything this side of a Texas Longhorn won’t make a dent.

To give the Ram pulling power, TNT equipped the aptly named TRX37 package with a Warn 12,000lb Tabor winch wrapped in 25 metres of steel cable. Keeping the winch company is not one but five LED lights pounding out eye-watering amounts of lumens. The wings of the bar sport a pair of six-inch and four-inch round LED lights, while a 30-inch E-Series Pro bar from Rigid Industries carries out the bulk of the work.

The aggressive front end is rounded out with a combination of Aussie and American components: the UHF aerial whip feeds back into the hidden unit inside, while the in-your-face Ram AmeriHood is a trick fibreglass component.

TNT added five inches of freedom down the flanks, with a set of pocket-style Bushwacker flares bolting to the front and rear guards. The badges, handles, side-steps and mirrors are all colour-coded black, with the latter flipping out into a tow-position for any trailer you can find larger than a Ram.

Extra storage space has been bolted on up top, with the addition of a Rhino Pioneer roof rack which holds a second LED light bar for good measure.

The ‘cool shit’ box was ticked when ordering from the factory, with the optional ‘Ram box es’ offering additional storage along both flanks on the tub.

But, like most builds, the coolest part is still sourced from the aftermarket: the full-length Pace Edwards roller rack covering the monster-sized tub, which electronically opens and closes with the push of a button. While it might sound like a gimmick, anyone who’s ever tried to roll back a tonneau cover six-foot in the air would understand. Rounding out the Ram’s external upgrades is another offering from TrailReady.

The 5mm-plate steel rear bar ensures anything short of a Mack Truck rear-ending you will barely register a blip, and the quick fold-out steps protect the tub off-road and allow for easy access to the tub.

While most of the exterior modifications have revolved around making it talk the talk, a bunch of underbody work has made it walk the walk.

From the factory, Rams come with a super-sized version of the suspension systems found in 105 series Land Cruisers and GQ/GU Patrols: live axles with radius arms up front, and a live axle with coil springs up the back. While the front radius arm system might do a stout job of holding the front axle in place, it quickly starts causing issues when lifted.

Rather than opt for offset bushes or replacement arms like our Cruisers and Patrols receive, TNT instead went all out with a full replacement 4-link arrangement from BDS suspension. It picks up the original mounts on the diff end, but replaces the single-radius arm with two separate links going to a new drop-style mount on the chassis.

The heavy-duty offering picks up the factory mounts for strength then corrects caster for big lifts and provides less caster change as the suspension cycles on- and off-road. The end result is a more compliant suspension without the janky handling normally associated with big lifts.

The front end is completed with a set of four-inch lifted coils and six individual Fox shock absorbers; two are mounted to the factory tie-rod giving huge steering dampening, while twin shocks on either corner mount to the BDS bracketry and control the weight of the 6.7L diesel-six. The rear is levelled out with a set of 2.5-inch lifted coil springs, with matching 2.0 Fox Shock absorbers on either corner.

TNT tuned the kit for improved performance on- and off-road for Aussie conditions and to pass a swerve and brake test to be fully road legal. That testing also ticked the box for the 18-inch Method Race Wheels and 37-inch mud tyres on each corner, giving massive ground clearance.

While the Ram might look like it towers above all, the reality is they’re a near-on perfect setup for serious travel and towing. You might not want to punt one down rock steps, but when you’re coasting down the Vic High Country with the exhaust brake keeping your off-road van in check, it’s hard to imagine a better 4×4; although, it seems Trucks N Toys did.

Dodge no more?

With a relatively minor market share in Oz, some people are still left wondering why Dodge Rams aren’t ‘Dodges’ anymore and why tacky minivans are. For that, we have the Italians and minivans to thank.

When Fiat bought out Chrysler (the owner of Dodge) and created Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), part of the new strategy was to make Dodge cool again – less Dodge Journey, more Dodge Challenger.

Unfortunately, the minivans didn’t get the memo and still remain, but Ram was turned into its own offshoot and marketed as a serious truck. They’re still made by the same people, still built in the same factories and still sport Dodge emblems if you know where to look.

Ram jam

A big truck needs a big heart, and delivering the horses required to achieve the stock Laramie 2500’s towing capacity of almost 7000kg is a 6.7L Cummins turbo-diesel snorting max power of 276kW and max torque of 1084Nm. An American Expedition Vehicles’ snorkel funnels fresh air into the six-cylinder diesel by the cubic feet.

Simply the best

Ateco claim its conversion is the best on the market, and it’s easy to see why when you slot your backside behind the captain’s wheel. With factory support and custom-made componentry the conversion is near impossible to pick from a factory right-hook offering. Match that with cow-hide and a good-old-boy bench seat up front and the Ram’s interior starts making a whole lotta sense!

Shock treatment

There are two things to consider with shock absorber measurements: their overall length and their piston diameter. Stepping up to the four-inch lift meant Trucks N Toys were only able to spec the smaller 2.0 diameter shock in the right length, but by bolting in two shocks instead of one the effective piston diameter is huge, easily reigning in the Ram’s considerable bulk. The twin shocks also give the added benefit of additional redundancy.

UTILISING the most up-to-date manufacturing processes, SMM steel canopies are made using high-quality automotive steel to provide maximum strength, durability and security.

This article is sponsored content.

SMM produce three canopies – SMM V2 Executive, SMM V2 Tradesman and SSM V4 Executive – suitable for a wide range of dual-cab utes. Features vary for each model, so to check out what each canopy offers head to www.smmcanopies.com.au.

For example, the range-topping V4 Executive features tinted lift-up side windows, a strong-pressed GalvanNealed 0.8mm steel shell and frame, colour-coded baked paint system with EDP coating, twin-rotary door locks, remote control locking, rear window demister, automatic interior light, a fully lined interior, and epoxy-coated roof rails.

1

With more than 50 years of experience within the automotive industry, customers can be confident that SMM are a trustworthy choice when looking for a canopy to install on your vehicle.

The SMM canopy range comes with a full five-year warranty.

SMM also stocks a range of 4×4 accessories, as well as a range of roof racks. For more information, check out www.smmcanopies.com.au.

WE’VE spent the last week up in the Victorian High Country at the launch of BFGoodrich’s new KM3 Mud Terrain tyre.

It was an action-packed few days as we put the new muddy through its paces over some of the toughest tracks in the area, and the tyre came through unscathed.

We’ll have a full review of the brand-new rubber in the June issue of 4X4 Australia, which will be in stores May 24.

To tide you over until then, here’s a snippet of the non-stop action from the launch.

The chilly months of June to August is set to warm up with the heat of competition and the excitement of various 4×4, art, and indigenous festivities around Australia.

QUEENSLAND CARAVAN CAMPING & TOURING SUPERSHOW (QLD)

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Qld Caravan and Camping Supershow will be held June 6-11 at the Brisbane Showgrounds.

The Supershow will be chock-full of hundreds of manufacturers and distributors showcasing all the latest products and services, including campervans, camper trailers, caravans, 4×4 vehicles and camping accessories. There will also be reps from various touring destinations to answer queries about your next potential adventure.

HENRY LAWSON FESTIVAL (NSW)

Held at Grenfell, the birthplace of this well-known poet, the festival runs over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend (June 7-11) and commemorates the birth of Lawson and his influence on Australian arts. The 2018 festival theme is poetry in motion, with Alison Bell, a local Grenfell product and an accomplished actor/TV producer, the festival’s official guest.

The festival opens on Thursday with an art exhibition at the Grenfell Art Gallery and goes through to the Monday, encompassing photo exhibitions, short story and verse comps, street parade, kids’ entertainment and live music.

For more, see henrylawsonfestival.com.au.

BARUNGA FESTIVAL (NT)

This awesome festival is celebrating its 30th anniversary and is held at the remote Aboriginal community of Barunga from June 8-10. It is one of the NT’s longest running festivals and is aimed at showcasing the indigenous community’s excellence in sports, dance, bush tucker, and other traditional activities and arts.

The festival draws crowds of up to 4000 visitors, with a fantastic welcome from the traditional owners.

For all the essential info, click on barungafestival.com.au.

PBR GLOBAL CUP (NSW)

Regarded as The Ashes of global bull-riding, this two-day event takes place in Sydney at the Qudos Bank Arena on June 9 and 10. The PBR Global Cup pits the five biggest bull-riding nations – Canada, Australia, USA, Brazil and Mexico – against each other for the chance to claim the title of “Toughest Nation on Dirt”.

The Sydney event is the second round of the competition (each country hosts one round) with all nations keen to retain their own piece of the PBR Global Cup trophy – a 54kg trophy comprising five separate horns, each of which is filled with soil from the competing nations.

For tickets, go to premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=pbr2018.

OUTBACK FILM FESTIVAL (QLD)

Lovers of film and the outback should mark June 29 to July 7 in their calendar, as it marks the dates for this celebration of outback culture.

Based in Winton, the Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival is a fantastic open-air film festival that offers viewers a wide variety of films to enjoy under the outback sky. “Celebrating the wide open road” is the 2018 festival’s catch cry, and films both new and old will be run over the course of the event.

Of course, besides the films, the town of Winton offers loads more to check out including great camping and plenty of off-road touring opportunities.

Check www.visionsplendidfilmfest.com for more information.

LASSETERS CAMEL CUP (NT)

For a truly unique NT experience head to Alice Springs on Saturday, July 14, and check out the Lasseters Camel Cup. Yep, it’s camel racing and it’s great fun to watch, but the event is also a fundraiser with entry fees going to a great cause. The Camel Cup is held on the southern hemisphere’s only purpose-built camel-racing track. There’s also other entertainment, along with beer and food stalls.

Check out camelcup.com.au.

ALBINS ARB GOONDIWINDI 400 (QLD)

Round five of the ARB Australian Off Road Racing Championship (ORRC), held from August 17 to 19, will see entrants tested over two days of off-road racing near this famous country town.

The ARB ORRC runs over six rounds at six different locations in 2018. This event promises to showcase driver skills, with competitors racing through, over and around a mix of rugged terrain in search of ultimate glory.

See offroadracing.com.au for more info.

The tried and tested range of Icom UHF CB Radios will provide you with reliable communications in even the most extreme conditions. Proudly made in Japan for more than 50 years, Icom continue to be pioneers in innovative radio design and manufacture. All Icom UHF CB radios come with a five-year warranty for added peace of mind.

1

IC-41PRO

The Icom IC-41PRO portable UHF CB transceiver continues to provide users with a rugged communication tool through many adventures across Australia. Whether you’re embarking on a family adventure in the 4WD or trekking across the high-country with a group, the IC-41PRO won’t let you down.

The build quality of the radio is unsurpassed, it is completely dustproof and waterproof ensuring any drops unexpected plunges won’t spell disaster.

The IC-41PRO has a host of features for such a compact radio, the in-built scrambler allows groups to keep communications private and the power-save feature will ensure the maximum usage time between charges, with a typical 18 hours of operating time. The IC-41PRO has selectable output power (5 Watts and 1 Watt).

The IC-41PRO is $415.14 RRP, to find out more visit www.icom.net.au or email [email protected].

1

IC-450

The Icom IC-450 is perfect for anyone hitting the roads around Australia. The radio has been specifically designed for installation in modern vehicles where dashboard space is at a premium and drilling holes just isn’t an option. The radio is entirely controlled from the compact handheld controller with integrated speaker.

The IC-450 comes complete with a 2.5 metre extension cable which allows the main radio to be housed under a seat or beneath the dashboard, allowing the controller to be stored in the centre console. Safety was a paramount consideration when designing the IC-450, the voice guidance allows the driver to keep their eyes on the road and the voice recorder will ensure you never miss that important message about a hazard ahead.

Road noise within the cabin can make communications tricky; the Noise Cancelling Microphone and facility for external speaker means that you can hear and be heard much clearer. The inbuilt DC to DC converter will automatically switch between 12Vdc and 24Vdc if you are running dual systems or installing the radio in a truck.

The IC-450 is $503.78 RRP, to find out more visit www.icom.net.au or email [email protected].

1

IC-410PRO

The Icom IC-410PRO is built for the extreme. It has a die-cast aluminium chassis and heavy-duty heat sink; the radio has been designed to MIL Spec and has been tested against strict and extreme environmental conditions.

This UHF CB is directly based on an Icom commercial transceiver, so you can rest assured it’s not only reliable, but it also offers high levels of technical performance. The IC-410PRO is capable of 25 Watts output (with licenced commercial frequencies only) making it ideal for the commercial user needing a radio with their own channel and access to UHF CB channels.

The IC-410PRO is $482.46., to find out more visit www.icom.net.au or email [email protected].

With the JL Jeep set for a Q4 introduction later this year, Jeep Australia has rolled out two final limited edition variants for the JK Wrangler, the ‘Golden Eagle’ and ‘Freedom’.

Both limited edition variants are based on the Wrangler Sport, and hark back to the iconic model’s heritage.

As a hommage to a special edition variant of the Jeep CJ of the 1980s, the ‘Golden Eagle’ sports a modern interpretation of its stylistic touches. The iconic dress-up bits on this model include ‘Golden Eagle’ decals on the bonnet, bronze painted 18-inch wheels, and bronze accented headlight rings, grille throats, and “Jeep” badging.

The ‘Golden Eagle’ theme is extended into the interior with a black cloth trim highlighted by a light bronze accent stitch, embroidered ‘Golden Eagle’ logos on the front seats, and complemented by ‘Moroccan Sun’ painted interior accents.

As for equipment and trim level, the ‘Golden Eagle’ gets a premium Tan Sunrider soft top, body colour three piece hard top, deep tinted sunscreen rear windows, body coloured fender flares, rock rails, 6.5-inch Uconnect touchscreen infotainment hooked up to Alpine speakers, and Mopar all-weather slush mats.

The Jeep Wrangler ‘Freedom’ variant celebrates the Wrangler’s connection to its World War 2 forebearer, the Willys Jeep. Inspired by its military heritage, the ‘Freedom’ sports “Oscar Mike” logos, which represents the military phonetic alphabet for “O-M”, a phrase commonly interpreted as “On the Move”.

Other exterior design touches to the ‘Freedom’ include “Freedom Star” decals, black grille throats and headlight rings, granite crystal painted 18-inch wheels and grille, body coloured fender flares, rock rails, and a premium black Sunrider soft top.

Inside, the ‘Freedom’ comes trimmed in a choice of black leather, vinyl, or cloth upholstery replete with silver accent stitches, with embossed “Oscar Mike” and “Jeep” logos. The interior trim features iron grey painted interior accents, satin chrome painted steering wheel bezels, and Mopar all-weather slush mats.

Both the ‘Golden Eagle’ and ‘Freedom’ variants are available in 2-door and 4-door bodies, with the 209kW/347Nm 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 petrol and Command-Trac 4×4 System, though the ‘Golden Eagle’ can be had with either a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic whereas the ‘Freedom’ is only available with a 5-speed automatic.

Only 120 units of the ‘Golden Eagle’ and 150 examples of the ‘Freedom’ will be made available in Australia with prices starting at $42,990 and $43,990 respectively.

2018 Jeep JK Wrangler Golden Eagle

2018 Jeep JK Wrangler Freedom

*Base vehicle price includes GST and LCT, excludes on road costs