SEMA Show 2017: Our Top 10 Aftermarket Products

AS judges for the Global Media Awards (GMA), we must select 10 new products from a showcase of close to 3000 we think would work well in our market.

Many of the products are performance, race, hot-rod or pick-up-truck specific, so we can narrow it down a bit, but there were still plenty of 4×4 products to choose from. We might be a bit biased, but it’s true that Australian companies make some of the best accessories you can buy, and this is reflected in the way our Aussie-made gear is respected by the global market. So it’s no surprise to find a few Australian designed and made products among our choices. Again, these selections are in no specific order.

GATOR-JAW PRO WINCH LINE – BUBBA ROPE

I’M A big fan of removing any metal components from your vehicle recovery rig, and synthetic rope soft shackles are a great way to do that. We voted for Bubba Rope’s Gator-Jaw soft shackles last year and were again impressed to find Bubba Rope has taken the next step and spliced a Gator-Jaw soft shackle to the end of its Gator-Jaw Pro Line.

The Pro Line uses 3/8-inch advanced HMPE synthetic rope with a synthetic shackle at the end of a synthetic winch line to simplify and reduce the weight of the connection. This eliminates the weight of a metal hook and/or shackle and the possibility of it flying loose in the event of a failure. The American-made Bubba Rope Pro Lines are available in 80- or 100-foot lengths and are only available direct from the manufacturer, as there is no Australian distribution. Website: Bubba Rope

RACEPAK IQ3s STREET DASH – HOLLEY/MSD

AS V8 and other engine conversions become more popular in the 4×4 market, it can be much easier to use an aftermarket gauge panel than trying to wire the new engine sensors up to your OE gauges. Racepak has been making such gauge panels for racecars for years. However, now its IQ3s Street Dash includes indicators and other warning lights such as high beam, speedometer and fuel gauge into the system.

The Street Dash can integrate with your EFI system be it OE or aftermarket, as well as your OBD system if equipped. It can replace up to 24 gauges on your dash. A smart, all-in-one system that can simplify installation and look cool at the same time. Website: Holley/MSD

LAND CRUISER 200 3.0 PERFORMANCE SERIES KIT – KING SHOCKS

LOOK at the custom 4×4 features we run throughout the year and it’s becoming obvious that more builders are forking out the big dollars for high-end suspension products from companies such as King Shocks. Kings are known for its off-road racing wins and you’ll find them on the winning cars at Baja, Dakar or the Finke Desert Race.

So when we saw the new three-inch Performance King Shocks for the Land Cruiser 200, we knew they’d be a good thing. Kings have taken that race-winning experience and technology to create a three-inch bolt-in replacement shock for your 200 that offers more travel and better control of your vehicle under the harshest conditions. Website: King Shocks

DEEGAN 38 ALL TERRAINS – MICKEY THOMPSON TIRES

WE fitted a set of the new Mickey Thompson All Terrains to photographer Mick Hurren’s Land Rover and he’s pretty impressed with the ride and performance of them as he gets around to the 4×4 shoot locations and his favourite fishing haunts. The tyres got the tick of approval from us. The Deegan 38 A/Ts are an aggressive all-terrain tyre with a high silica compound for added on-road traction and chunky side biters and tread for off-road grip. They are proving to be the right combination for on- and off-road use for Mick and are a great compromise over a fully fledged mud-terrain tyre. Website: Mickey Thompson Tires

MORE 10 Best Aftermarket Products

10 Best Aftermarket Products for Australia

SPRINTEX PENTASTAR SERIES II SUPERCHARGER

ANOTHER Aussie company that has been turning out world-class products for years is Sprintex Superchargers. Sprintex chose the SEMA show to unveil its blower kits for the Jeep Pentastar V6, as fitted to the JK Wrangler and Grand Cherokee.

Sprintex has adapted its proven twin-screw supercharger unit for use on the latest 3.6-litre petrol Jeeps, with an OE quality kit that can be fitted by a qualified workshop in just a day. It delivers V8-like performance with plenty of low-down torque, without the headaches of a V8 engine conversion. Up to 58 per cent more power and 28 per cent more torque is nothing to be sneezed at. Website: Sprintex

JEEP JK REAR AIR-TANK MOUNT – SYNERGY MANUFACTURING

WE HAVE to admit it was AccuAir’s weldless aluminium ENDO-Tank that caught our attention here, with its hardware including the compressor inside it. But Synergy Manufacturing’s mounting brackets, to allow the ENDO-Tank (and others) to be mounted under the floor of your JK Wrangler, is equally neat.

The Synergy kit places the three-gallon air tank up in between the crossmembers in space that is otherwise unused, and all the included mounting hardware is quality stuff to ensure a neat and lasting installation. Website: Synergy Manufacturing

MAXTRAX XTREME AND JAX BASE – MAXTRAX

WE’VE had plenty of experience with MaxTrax over the years and know how good the existing product is, so anything new from the Queensland company is exciting news. MaxTrax launched three new products at the SEMA show, and two of them got the tick of approval from us.

MaxTrax has answered the complaints of users who have spun the tyres on their MaxTrax and burnt the lugs off them. The Xtreme features screw-in, replaceable lugs made from aluminium, so you shouldn’t have the same problem; but you shouldn’t be spinning tyres on them anyway. The Xtreme is the same size and construction as the existing Mk2 MaxTrax, but it has been reinforced around the lugs for added strength.

The MaxTrax Jax Base is like a mini-MaxTrax, but the underside is flat to give you a sturdy, flat platform for placing your vehicle jack on, on soft or uneven ground. It’s big enough to support a small trolley jack, a bottle jack or your OE jack, and it will be a godsend for many off-roaders. The top surface is just like a MaxTrax, so you could use it to get you unstuck in an emergency, but this also allows it to stack nicely inside your regular MaxTrax.

If you want a set of smaller MaxTrax, the Mini is just 635mm long and is the same design as the Mk2, only shorter. Good for compact SUVs or ATVs. The new MaxTrax products will be available in Q3 of 2018. Website: MadTrax

TPMS WITH VIBRATION SENSOR – TYREDOG TPMS

TYRE Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) are invaluable for any 4x4er, and the TYREDOG system is a budget kit that has been around for a while now. Traditionally the TPMS measure both tyre temperatures and pressures and sends a warning to the driver if there is an irregularity from the specified data point.

TYREDOG’s latest TPMS adds another parameter to the data with a vibration sensor that, using a six-way sensor and complicated mathematical calculus, can warn of excess vibration caused by tyre delamination, bubbling, rim damage or other deformation. Monitoring and early warning of changes to tyre pressure, temperature and vibration can not only save the cost of replacing a tyre, but could save a life if it prevents a tyre-related crash. Website: Tyredog TPMS

More from SEMA 2017

DC-DC AND SOLAR BATTERY CHARGER – REDARC ELECTRONICS

SOUTH Australia’s Redarc Electronics has led the way in DC-DC vehicle chargers for dual battery systems and solar charging.

The charges sense and maintain voltages to supply optimum charge to the vehicle and trailer batteries, and they’re especially valuable in modern vehicles with so-called smart alternators and electronics. The chargers are available to suit all the different batteries you are likely to want to use, and they come in various sizes to suit your application. Website: Redarc Electronics

A COUPLE of months ago I was in a pickle when it came time to replace our camper’s side awning. Not that it had worn out, but it had met with an accident, which I won’t go into here… because it’s embarrassing.

Anyway, I looked around for an awning and came across the Darche range. I’ve had a Darche swag for more years than I can remember, so I thought “why not give its awning a try?” The one we have fitted to our caravan (they are also suitable for the side of a vehicle, roof rack etc.) is the Eclipse Side Awning measuring 2.5m wide and 2.5m pull-out.

Apart from the 180- and 270-degree awnings, it is the biggest in the Darche range. The all-important material is a super tough, mould-treated, 12oz (approx. 410gsm) proofed poly/cotton rip-stop canvas, with a waterproof rating of 2000mm, which is pretty darn good for an awning.

Any raw edges are bound with canvas and twin needle stitching for added strength and reliability. The black-anodised alloy twist-lock poles work well, while all hinges are made from a specifically formulated polyamide and are highly crack-resistant and super flexible, reducing any component stress.

The transit cover is made from heavy-duty 600gsm PVC and features a No.10 self-repairing zipper to offer the best protection for the awning while travelling. The awning comes with a couple of tie-down ropes and pegs, an important provision for any awning. Weight is around 12kg all up.

MORE 4×4 gear: long-range tank, awning, clutch kit

The awning is of the very best material and manufacture. It extends quickly and easily and packs up just as swiftly. If we look after it and it doesn’t have any unforeseen accidents, it will give us years of trouble-free shelter.

ONCE again the annual SEMA Show blew us away with its size and number of exhibitors and visitors attending the Las Vegas Convention Centre.

The show itself actually runs for four days, but it’s a week-long rollercoaster ride of seminars, product launches, demonstrations, unveilings and walking between halls. Then there are the after-hour happenings which, being in Vegas, can be just as gruelling but a lot more fun.

Of the thousands of new products on display and hundreds of incredible custom vehicles, we’ve selected our Top 10 custom trucks (in no particular order).

AEV OUTPOST II CAMPER

THE guys from American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) never fail to disappoint at SEMA, and 2017 was no exception. Joining the AEV-kitted RAM 1500 and 2500 pick-ups on the stand was this cool camper-converted JK Wrangler. Loaded with all the usual AEV kit such as the Dual-Sport suspension, AEV wheels and bonnet, the Wrangler has been converted to a single cab to allow the placement of a mammoth pop-top camper on the back. It wasn’t quite finished at the show, but we’ll be taking a closer look at it once it’s completed.

JCR OFFROAD COMANCHE

LAST year JCR displayed a wild snow-melting XJ running caterpillar tracks, but this year it delivered something better suited to the rocky trails with this 1989 Comanche. Fitted with a supercharged 4.0-litre inline six engine, further boosted by a shot of nitrous oxide, the bright orange pick-up was a stunner. It also features a custom-fabricated 4-link suspension front and rear, 37-inch Nittos and a Warn Zeon winch in a Vanguard bumper. However, it’s the stance that really makes us want to take it out in the desert and beat on it.

PROFFITT’S LAND CRUISER 79

PROFFITT’S Resurrection Land Cruisers is one of the most well-respected LC shops in the USA. Jerimiah Proffitt’s latest rig is this 79, which isn’t what it seems at first glance. The US doesn’t get LC70s directly, but the shop scored a few sets of complete LC70 panels from vehicles converted to armoured off-roaders with bespoke bodies. The LC79 panels were adapted to a reconditioned 80 Series chassis to deliver an all-coil pick-up. With the body sets it has in stock, Proffitt’s can create a limited number of these turn-key rigs for US customers. It uses the 2.8-litre Cummins diesel crate that is becoming popular in the US, and Jerimiah tells us it’s more than happy in the ute. It makes 120kW (3600rpm) and 362Nm (1500-3000rpm), which is more than a stock 12H-T made in a 60 Series or any standard 1HZ.

PROFFITT’S FJ 40 RETRO CRAWLER

PROFFITT’S had another cool Cruiser over on the Bilstein Suspension stand. The Retro Crawler is a 1972 FJ40 riding on a chassis that has been lengthened 350mm and fitted with ARB air-locked 60 Series axles mounted on 3-link front and 4-link rear suspension with Bilstein coil-overs and hydraulic bump stops. Power comes courtesy of a 3F-E EFI petrol engine mated to an A440 auto. While the rig was immaculately presented, we wouldn’t mind getting it dirty with some Moab red dust. It looks like a lot of fun.

BOLLINGER B1

WE’VE been keenly following the development of the Bollinger B1 all-electric off-roader, and it was great to see it in the metal and meet the people involved in getting it this far. Set to go into production in 2019, the B1 is a pure off-road workhorse, be it for use on your farm or off-road tracks. Sure, with only around 300km of electric charge range, this isn’t a vehicle you will drive across the Simpson Desert, but the technology is developing quickly and we’re certain that the range will grow in the future.

The B1 uses two electric motors – one for each axle – and power is sent through a custom gearbox to custom-made independent, height-adjustable suspension with portal gear reduction hubs and BFG off-road tyres. With torque from the electric motor coming on the instant you touch the throttle, this rig would be a rock-crawling weapon. We also love its functionality as a work hauler and the fact it can be configured as a wagon or pick-up, with a four-door to come in 2018.

DESERT LABS BRONCO PRE-RUNNER

PRE-RUNNERS are vehicles race teams use to reconnoitre off-road tracks in the days before the race. They usually feature full-race suspension and drivelines, plus a roll cage, but are often four-door pick-ups with semi-factory interior fitouts. They’re usually modern Raptor or Colorado utes, but there are also a few older-style vehicles being built in this style.

This 1995 Ford Bronco is one such rig and, if you can look past its hideous grille, you’ll find a 900hp supercharged Coyote V8 backed by a race-prepped auto and off-road racing-style suspension. Concealed in the full roll cage is a leather-trimmed interior with a custom dash and Bentley carpets.

It was built by California’s Desert Labs for a customer in the Middle East, where it was being shipped to the week after SEMA. Significantly, the truck made the Top 12 in the Battle of The Builders competition against some of America’s top and most talented hot-rodders and custom car-builders.

SYNERGY JEEPSTER

ANOTHER Battle of The Builders contender, Synergy Manufacturing’s JK Commando, blends old and new by fitting a Jeepster Commando body to a JK Wrangler Unlimited frame, then loading it with hardware from some of the best-known brands in the off-road business. Power comes from a 6.0-litre LS V8 backed by a 4L80 auto and Atlas transfer case. Axles are Rubicon-spec Dana 44s with Synergy housing trusses and RCV axles for extra strength. The suspension is a mix of Synergy gear and Fox bypass shocks, while the red rocket rolls on 35-inch Nittos.

We loved the retro feel of this thing so much we asked snapper Alastair Ritchie to stay on in the US and shoot it for a feature for us, so keep an eye out for that in a coming issue.

AEV CHEVROLET COLORADO ZR2 CONCEPT

AMERICAN Expedition Vehicles (AEV) is best known for its top-shelf treatments of Jeep Wrangler and RAM truck vehicles, but it jumped ship for the SEMA Show with this Chevrolet Colorado concept. The Colorado ZR2 is Chevy’s Raptor battler and has been getting huge praise in the US. AEV takes it up a few notches with its own accessories including barwork, wheels and tyres, suspension, cargo bed fitout, air system, ARB fridge and MaxTrax. Interestingly, the ZR2’s Multimatic DSSV shock absorbers have been retained in the AEV concept. The production ZR2 is the first off-road application for these, as they are normally found in high performance Chevrolets, Aston Martins and AMG vehicles.

THE FJ COMPANY FJ43

QUALITY FJ40 Land Cruisers are in high demand in the USA – $100,000 restorations aren’t uncommon, and the ones done by Florida-based The FJ Company are some of the best. The FJ Company doesn’t just do original style restorations, but also resto-mods them to improve usability. Sharing the stand with a ‘Classic FJ40’ was the company’s latest offering: its ‘Signature FJ43’ featuring a 1GR-FE 4.0-litre V6 engine backed by a six-speed manual gearbox. Other features include ARB Old Man Emu leaf springs and Fox shocks, a fully rebuilt and detailed chassis, custom leather-trimmed interior and good looks. All this could be yours for US$210,000, but the Signature edition vehicles start at US$200,000. The 2F-powered Classic from The FJ Company start at US$85K.

DAYSTAR POWERWAGON

YES, Daystar’s 1941 Dodge Powerwagon it calls ‘Bootlegger’ was at SEMA last year, but it was back again in 2017 and is still one of the best builds you’ll find. Online videos of the classic truck off-roading throughout the past 12 months only enforce how awesome this truck is. Powered by a supercharged LS V8 claimed to make more than 700hp, it has more than enough grunt to turn those monster Swampers that are bead-locked to our favourite Hutchison wheels. We also think the gleaming copper details and old patina ooze coolness.

Camping gear, bike carriers, digital assistant, and even some inspiring reading material are the latest gear for your summer holidays.

ARB LINX

ARB brings hi-tech to off-road accessories, with the release of its new LINX touchscreen interface. The LINX consists of a Bluetooth-enabled touchscreen, main control unit and magnetic gimbal mount that allows the unit to be mounted near the driver for easy access to the controls. The main control unit is fitted out of sight. The LINX enables full control of Air Locker diff-locks (front and rear) and how they are activated, as well as your ARB air compressor and monitoring of your tyre pressures via input of a target pressure (selected by the user).

In total, the unit offers control of six pre-installed and self-explanatory modules: Front & Rear Traction, Compressor & Pressure Control, Battery Monitor, Speedometer, Air Suspension and Accessories. The Accessories module allows control of up to six additional accessories such as high/low beam, reverse lamps, etc. Battery Monitor does just that – it monitors your battery and you can set a low-voltage alarm if needed. Website: www.arb.com.au

BURKE & WILLS

Renowned journalist Peter Fitzsimons has released this hefty tome based on the famous – and fatal – Victorian Exploring Expedition, led by Robert O’Hara Burke, who was accompanied by a team of 18 including surveyor William Wills. The team’s goal was to cross Australia from south to north, which would mean crossing some of the world’s harshest terrain, including the Australian desert country and the Gulf’s mangrove swamps and big rivers and, on top of that, cope with the wild weather.

The story is well-known, but Fitzsimons brings new life to the tale, adding his personable writing style (and extensive research) to this tragedy. From the lack of food, to the team’s spurning of assistance offered by the local indigenous people they encountered, to the fatal decision of Burke, Wills, Gray and King to make that rush to the Gulf and back, Fitzsimons covers it all in detail. A cracking read!

HELINOX TABLE ONE LARGE

For off-road tourers with less cargo space, this new fold-up table from Helinox is ideal. Weighing a paltry 1.59kg and packing down to 60cm (L) x 17cm (W), the Table One Large folds out to a generous 76cm x 57cm and has a weight capacity of 50kg. It sits 50cm above the ground when erect, and its tough alloy frame ensures it will last for years. The alloy poles are linked with elastic shock-cord (similar to how tent poles are linked) so assembly is easy and fast. The hard-top table surface comprises lightweight rigid panels sewn into a folding top cover.

The Table One Large comes with a five-year warranty. This compact camp table is perfect for just leaving in the vehicle thanks to its small packed size and light weight. Helinox also has a range of chairs and smaller tables, all featuring similar construction methods. Website: www.helinox.com.au RRP: $196

OZTENT RS-1

OzTent has brought its many years of experience building what are some of Australia’s toughest touring tents to the swag market, with the release of its new RS-1 swag. This king single swag offers the same 30-second set-up time of its larger OzTent brethren thanks to its internal frame, thus doing away with that sometimes painful process of threading swag poles through eyelets. The RS-1 includes an integral awning fly for additional weather protection, answering that concern of all swag owners of how to stay dry when exiting their swag when it’s raining. The awning can also be flipped over the swag to act as a fly if need be.

The mattress is a 50mm jobbie, ensuring plenty of comfort, while the new ModCan material used is rated CPAI-84 flame retardant. The 350g PVC tub floor keeps you dry, while the No-See-Um fly mesh keeps biters out. The swag measures 215cm (L), 105cm (W), 100cm (H) and packs down to 154cm (L), 14cm (W) and 39cm (H). The weight is 14kg and it comes with a two-year warranty, four guy ropes, 12 pegs, two awning guy ropes and two telescopic poles (for the awning). It packs in easily to its own zippered carry bag. Website: www.oztent.com.au RRP: $599.95

IRONMAN 4X4 ROOFTOP CARGO STORAGE BAGS

This new rooftop storage bag range from Ironman 4×4 comprises five different sizes – 200L, 250L, 350L, 500L and 600L – and are built tough for touring. The weatherproof bags are made from robust 500D PVC with tear-resistant fibres and will mount to most roof racks, luggage baskets or roof trays. The heavy-duty tie-down buckles and straps are designed for quick mounting, while the water-resistant zips combine with the in-built Velcro overlap to keep the elements at bay where the zips meet. The different capacities ensure there is a storage bag for any off-road vehicle and any requirements, whether it is a weekend jaunt or that big outback adventure.

The 200L model measures 1400mm x 500mm x 300mm; the 250L is 1100mm x 800mm x 300mm; the 350L is 1500mm x 960mm x 300mm; the 500L is 1500mm x 1100mm x 300mm; and the big-bopper 600L is 1800mm x 1100mm x 300mm. Website: www.ironman4x4.com

YAKIMA HIGHROAD

Yakima’s latest rooftop-based high-end bike carrier is the company’s most versatile and easy to fit yet. The HighRoad will fit bikes (up to a 1219mm wheelbase) with tyres ranging from 26- through to 29-inch (plus) and weighing up to 20kg. It requires no adjustment to do so, it’s just a matter of loading the particular bike up on the rack and it does the rest. The HighRoad is a front wheel-on carrier, so you don’t need to remove the front wheel at all; the two hoops at the front end simply ratchet down to the exact pressure required to hold the front wheel in place. You cannot overtighten the HighRoad’s hoops either, as the integrated TorqueRight knob ‘clicks’ when the correct torque has been reached.

The carrier is a tool-free install, so the straps will wrap and lock around any shape of roof bar. You can also opt to fit a T-slot kit to enable attachment to bars, if you so desire. The HighRoad weighs 11kg and can be fitted – and removed – in about five minutes. Website: www.yakima.com.au RRP: $349

OPPOSITE LOCK PREMIUM BULLBARS: PAJERO SPORT

Oppy Lock has just released two Premium steel bullbars for Mitsubishi’s popular Pajero Sport. The bars have been designed to support the advanced tech of the different Sport models; the Exceed-specific bar allows for front camera and radar operation, provision for that model’s headlight washer assembly, and it includes a unique parking sensor mount.

The bars are made from top-end steel and allow for fitment of driving lights, three aerial mounts and a light bar. Underneath there’s a three-piece protection plate and a central-split air dam that ensures optimum airflow, as well as recessed LED indicator lenses to reduce the risk of damage. The bars are all engineered for airbag compliance and for low-mount fitment, and they’re phosphate-cleaned and finished in matte black powdercoat – or colour coding. Website: www.oppositelock.com.au

RHINO-RACK SUNSEEKER AWNING

Not content to rest on its laurels, Rhino-Rack has revamped and improved its popular Sunseeker awning. The Sunseeker is available in two sizes – 2m and 2.5m – and is made using tough 150D rip-stop poly/cotton that offers a water-resistant rating of 2000mm.

The Rhino-Rack engineers added protective patches on the corners of the awning for improved durability when it’s being rolled/unrolled and stored, and all the awning hardware is well protected by plastic caps, ensuring no ripping or snagging during extension or retraction. The extrusions are anodised and black powdercoated, while the 540gsm black PVC outer bag protects the awning when not in use, with the zips easy to operate. The Sunseeker is also rust-proofed, has easy-to-adjust tension tabs and can be fitted to not only Rhino-Rack roof racks but some other brands as well. Website: www.rhinorack.com.au RRP: $309 (2m); $349 (2.5m)

FRONT RUNNER QUICK-RELEASE TENT MOUNT KIT

Rooftop tents are hugely popular with off-road tourers, with one of their only bugbears being the fact they are often quite time-consuming to remove. Front Runner Outfitters has solved that problem with the release of its new quick-release mount kit, specifically for rooftop tents. The kit comprises four mounting brackets and base bushes. Once these are installed on your roof rack, the tent base simply slides into these brackets. Removing the tent is just as fast: once you release the locking tabs, the tent just slides out.

The brackets are small but strong and tough thanks to their powdercoated stainless steel construction, and they can be left on the roof rack when your tent isn’t there. This improves your garage access dimensions and helps fuel consumption when the tent isn’t up top increasing wind-drag. The mounts work not only with Front Runner rooftop tents, but also other popular brands’ rooftop accommodation. Website: www.frontrunneroutfitters.com.au

HEMA MAPS AUSTRALIA ROAD & 4WD ATLAS

Mapping legends Hema Maps has released the 12th edition of its Road & 4WD Atlas, with a complete update combining with new cartography and even more detailed mapping than before. Hema Maps reckons the new cartographic style is easier to read and the Atlas is available in five different formats: the spiral-bound Easy Read version is 293mm x 396mm; there is a spiral-bound 252mm x 345mm version as well as a perfect bound version of the same size; the Touring Atlas version is 215mm x 297mm; while the Handy Atlas is 184mm x 248mm (both the Touring and Handy are spiral-bound). In short, there’s a version of this comprehensive atlas for everyone.

The latest mapping for all of Australia’s best off-road destinations – Cape York, the Top End, Vic High Country and more – is included, as are other detailed 4×4 tracks, fuel locations, points of interest, national parks, a distance grid, info centre list, rest areas, and a complete index. A copy should be in the 4X4 Australia office soon; this writer bags first dibs. Website: www.hemamaps.com.au

EVAKOOL DC40-DRW DRAWER FRIDGE/FREEZER

The masterminds at Evakool have created a fridge/freezer that makes the most of that spare space in your caravan, camper trailer or 4×4. With its unique front-opening drawer, this 40-litre unit does away with the need for fitment of a fridge slide. The drawer fridge/freezer features a relatively low profile; at 325mm tall it doesn’t eat too much into your cargo space or tunnel box of a caravan/camper trailer. The unit operates via either 12V, 24V or 240 mains (via an adaptor). Temperature range is -16°C to 10°C and is easy to check via the LED display.

The tough metal cabinet is fully insulated and features two different speed settings, including a turbo mode for fast cooling. The compressor is Evakool’s well-proven and quiet CK25, which can operate at angles of up to 30 degrees. Plus, it includes auto-reverse polarity protection. The DC40-DRW comes with Evakool’s two-year warranty. Website: www.evakool.com.au RRP: $799

ROH VAPOUR

Legendary Aussie wheel maker, ROH, has released the schmick ROH Vapour in three popular sizes: 16 x 8-inch, 17 x 9-inch, and 18 x 9-inch. The Vapour is part of the ROH Dakar Proven Wheels range and is available in a matte black undercut machined finish, complete with anodised aluminium bolts (not the cheap chrome plastic bolts you see on some other wheels). These ano bolts and stainless steel centre cap screws combine with the twin six-spoke design to stand out, thanks to the undercut machining on the wheel’s outer lip. The wheel includes ROH’s Easycleans Matt Black Baked Enamel finish for excellent durability in all weather and terrain conditions.

The Vapour will fit a number of the popular off-roaders, including Hilux, Colorado, Ranger and BT-50. It’s also load-rated for the 200 Series Cruiser in 17×9 at 1500kg per wheel and 18×9 at 1250kg per wheel, making them the ideal wheel choice for those looking to fit a GVM upgrade. Website: www.roh.com.au

MORE gear and products

Having once experienced the joy and excitement of 4X4 adventure travel and the great outdoors, I reckon there’d be few individuals immune to the bug, who’d not start dreaming about their ultimate tourer or planning their next great escape, even before they return to civilisation.

This article was originally published in 4×4 Australia’s January 2011 issue.

I had the opportunity to meet a bloke who’s the epitome of what I’m talking about. Craig Perry is no stranger to the 4X4 scene and well respected by the local WA fraternity; in fact he’s the current chairman of the WA 4WD Association.

Craig’s interest started from an early age, instilled by his dad’s passion for off-road adventure. Truth be known, Craig’s probably already owned and enjoyed more 4X4s than most of us will know in a lifetime. Spend a few hours with him and it’s very evident that he has a real affinity with the Aussie bush, the environment and the many wonderful places WA has to offer, where only a 4X4 can take you.

Craig’s wife must be a patient person. If he’s not slaving away as a senior project manager or working for the WA 4WD Association, he’ll be doing something with the Alltracks 4WD Club or the Mitsubishi Owners Club; either cleaning up rubbish from the bush or organising busy bee environmental programs supporting local authorities. Or else you’ll find him under his truck with a spanner or tape measure in hand.

Yet, despite his heavy schedule, Craig was delighted to spare time to talk about his special truck; a 1998 100 Series LandCruiser modified well beyond OEM standards. It’s a very capable off-road tourer tailored to the types of conditions and driving he enjoys most.

My first impression of Craig’s rig conjured up thoughts of conquering white water rivers and climbing near-vertical rock faces. But how incredibly pristine is the presentation? You could be fooled into thinking this fourbie never saw real dirt; it’s so flash it’s won trophies for most accessorised 4X4 and best in show.

Look closer though, and you’ll see genuine battle scars, stone chips, scrapes and dings. Craig regularly visits great WA spots like Mundaring Powerlines, Pinjar Pine Forest, Moore River, and Wedge Island through to the Pinnacles, Wilbinga, Harvey, Brunswick Junction, Collie and the Blackwood River. This bruiser has already completed trips to Rudall River, Karijini, the southern coast and Murchison station country.

Craig’s favourite experience with the 100 Series was a trip out to Rudall River in 2004, due to the surprising sense of isolation, magnificent scenery and lack of people. Craig’s now thinking of future possibilities, with plans to explore the Canning Stock Route, east of Esperance, Cape York and far-north Queensland.

No stranger to long-distance touring; Craig’s at his happiest behind the wheel. Now, I love driving, but he sure beats me. How does around Australia, covering 18,000km in sixteen days sound? Good thing we’re on an island, otherwise heaven knows where he’d end up!

So why a 100 Series? “Dad had Toyotas since 1978 and I still fondly remember that FJ55,” Craig said. It obviously sparked his appreciation for LandCruisers and their near indestructible build quality. “I tried a Patrol but they lack the shoulder room I need. The standard 100 Series met most of my specific requirements. Interior space and a comfortable driving position are paramount for the long trips. Live axles are essential for their ability to articulate and then there’s all the cool aftermarket gear available for the 100 Series,” Craig said.

Craig’s had the Cruiser for six years and it’s not hard to see the enthusiasm and passion he has for continuing to perfect his dream machine. It started as a stock HZJ105 with the trusty 1HZ diesel bolted up to a five-speed stick shift with manual free-wheeling hubs.

Originally happy with the standard vehicle, Craig thought a couple of accessories might help protect his investment and improve occupant safety. Looking at Craig’s vehicle today I can’t help but think, “A couple of accessories? Now that’s what I call an understatement.”

Now, with any creative flair there first has to be inspiration and Craig got plenty of that from his mate Tony Mingo. They’d sit for hours discussing modifying their fourbies and what sort of capability their rigs could possibly have.

Initially Craig fitted some better 235/85/16 rubber, a two-inch suspension lift, some Rancho shocks and a steering damper to smooth things out. Then with the improvements in ride and handling Craig thought it wise to have some frontal protection, so added a bullbar and the Cruiser also scored a towbar, single rear wheel carrier and cargo barrier.

Sadly, the limitation of the Tojo’s standard rear LSD quickly made itself known and provided little argument against installing an ARB Air Locker. Craig recalls the sudden change in off-road ability was nothing short of astonishing. But then things started to get serious.

In no time the Cruiser was sporting GXL steel rims wrapped in 315/75/16 (35 inch) Goodyear MT/R mud tyres. With the front guards growling under cornering and the MT/Rs making their presence known across bumps and tight turns some more clearance was provided by a four-inch Tough Dog lift kit complete with big bore adjustable shocks.

With this much lift the driveline alignment began to suffer so to reset the diffs adjustable Panhard rods were fitted along with castor bushes and some stronger Snake Racing rear lower control arms. Keen to take advantage of the new ground clearance and try out some more difficult tracks, a Lokka front diff lock was installed to harness the better traction of the MT/Rs. Understandably, the more difficult the track the greater the propensity is for damage or needing recovery. So some ARB heavy-duty slider steps were also fitted to protect the sills under the doors and the ARB trade roof rack provided the perfect mounting for a hi-lift jack and shovel.

This story is beginning to sound like the man who kept trimming a chair leg to make them level – fit one thing and you just have to improve the next! Can you imagine the conversations Craig had with his wife?

Never one to shy away from a challenge Craig continued to push the boundaries in an effort to achieve the best dedicated off-road touring rig, now sporting Tough Dog coils, the Tough Dog shocks were replaced with Fox Racing Emulsion Shocks. Craig’s trusty spanner had a rest for this job as the existing shock mounts had to be removed and new mounts fabricated – a task capably managed by Perth 4X4 in Balcatta.

At this stage, Craig replaced the original bullbar with an ARB deluxe winch bar and fitted a Terrain Tamer 12,000lb winch. You have to understand, there was nothing wrong with his first choice – these were just better and you gotta have the best now don’t you?

Some Snake Racing front control arms and 3rds Production steering arms and rear upper control arms made sure everything stayed put when things got bumpy. And what better way to ensure you can take advantage of all that extra clearance off-road than by bolting on some 36-inch Simex Centipedes on 16 x 10 Pro Comp alloys. Although all this is making the diesel donk work that bit harder.

Speaking of performance, Craig was keen to improve the lung capacity of the asthmatic 1HZ’s output figures. So the Cruiser was sent to United Fuel Injection in Perth to install a DTS Turbo and intercooler system with new injectors. Running 12psi, the rollers claimed a healthy 135kW and 420Nm of torque.

With the new found power of the turbo 1HZ now delivering any of the Cruiser’s requirements for extra push or shove, towing the camper trailer was a breeze. But, interestingly, as most people transition from a tent to a camper trailer, Craig now did the opposite, as he found the camper trailer a hindrance when enjoying the big 100’s off-road climbing and exploring capability. He’s now opted for a very comfortable OzTent for its amazingly quick set up, providing a comfortable night’s sleep without impeding the Cruiser’s ability to find the next secluded and remote camp site.

The very latest upgrade was some newly developed Super Flex front control arms. After talking with the engineer that designed them, Craig ordered a set for the LandCruiser; this increased the front wheel travel to allow full extension of the 10-inch Fox Shox.

Even the Lokka installed in the front diff got the flick for an ARB Air Locker so Craig could disengage it quickly when needing full steering control in the tight stuff on those steep climbs.

Future plans are to replace the side steps with rock sliders and fit reduction gears in the transfer case. Craig’s also got himself a set of 37 x 12.5 x 16 Maxxis Trepador comp-spec tyres for when he wants to enjoy a little personal time driving some truly extreme terrain – such is the capability of this awesome vehicle.

Off-road this thing is amazing. Tough Dog coils allow huge wheel articulation, letting the Cruiser walk over obstacles with minimal fuss and retain a relatively flat stance. This thing’s got enough flex to make a yoga instructor black out!

Craig started with a two-inch, then went to a four-inch, but found the final set-up providing a 4.5-inch lift provided the best combination of ground clearance and flexibility in the extreme stuff. The Fox Racing Emulsion Shocks help control the recoil and smooth out the ride. Craig’s noticed a marked improvement over the other combinations he’s tried for both on- and off-road stability and handling.

Okay, so no one expects a 4.5-inch lifted 100 sporting massive 36-inch Simex Trekker Centipedes to handle like a race car, but have you ever seen a Group A touring car climb a wall? (Well, on purpose that is!) For our play in the bush, Craig had his wet weather set-up using the 37-inch Maxxis Trepadors and they applied tentacle-like suction to the rock faces, pulling the Cruiser forward with the relentless determination of a climber conquering Mt Everest.

Thanks to the front and rear ARB Air Lockers, the Cruiser never broke from a relaxed stride whether negotiating water crossings, mud, rock or shale. Extended diff breathers kept the good oil good when moving through the deeper water.

Yep, other vehicles would have scrambled for traction with spinning wheels and growling engines, but this Cruiser is so well set up it literally came to life like some prehistoric animal, pausing momentarily to survey its surroundings, then irresistibly moving forward without fuss or complaint.

Driving difficult off-road terrain is one thing, but how about doing it in the dark? Not a problem here, with the flick of a switch you have lighting power just short of a nuclear flash… I did ask Craig if he had a small plasma ion drive generator under the hood to supply the electricity for the three 220 Britax HID spot and spread lights for the bullbar that instantly ignite the bark on trees and blow the retinas out of kangaroo eyeballs at 1000 metres. He assured me the dual battery system installed using a Redarc solenoid works a treat. Seriously, the white light generated by the HIDs was superb – minimising eyestrain and reducing driver fatigue on long trips.

The four Britax 160 HID spot and spread lights for the roof rack do a great job of filling in all the blank spots to the side of the front HID laser beams. Now with the HID reverse lights, HID headlight conversion and the three dichroic halogen rock lights under the chassis for night time rock crawling, you’ve got pretty much every lighting eventuality covered.

When it’s time to have a chat, Craig’s well and truly got the comms covered with Telstra Iridium 9555 satphone for those really out of the way places, a GME UHF radio for the convoy work, and two Uniden UHF hand-held units for helping out on the foot-printing duties when the going gets really rough.

MORE custom reviews

As for getting lost, it isn’t likely to happen much in this rig. The beast is kitted with a dash-mounted Magellan eXplorist GPS and there’s even a dash-mounted video camera to catch all the action. There’s plenty of capacity for keeping the fish fresh and the drinks cold, too, with 40L Engel and Waeco fridge/freezers.

Craig’s Cruiser is not for the faint hearted, this is a real working truck. It’s regularly seen strutting its stuff at 4X4 show displays, covers all the family touring and camping holidays, can play hardcore with the big boys, doubles as a catwalk model for Britax Xray Vision Lighting systems; it even lends a hand in the hard yakka of recovering competition vehicles on 4X4 comp days – this thing should be wearing a cape!

A vehicle like Craig’s Cruiser takes years of hard work, time and effort to achieve this capability, not to mention a hell of a lot of the hard-earned. It’s been a real labour of love. Sadly Craig lost his brother recently, but has the treasured memories and laughs he and his brother shared on their many trips together in the big Cruiser through the Murchison area.

So, next time you’re travelling through the WA bush and you see something very large slowly moving across an impossible landscape, take a second look – it’s probably Craig taking this mighty Cruiser for its regular playtime.

GIVE your 4×4 more grunt by installing a PWR high-performance intercooler kit.

PWR’s high-performance intercooler kits, available for the Ford Ranger, Mazda BT-50, Holden Colorado, Toyota Hilux, Nissan Navara, Volkswagen Amarok and Mitsubishi Triton, will lift power and torque outputs, but use less fuel.

“Cooler charge air from a high-performance intercooler produces more efficient power, meaning less fuel consumption as the turbo and engine are not having to work as hard,” PWR’s marketing and key accounts manager, David Mawson, said. “With more efficiency also comes more power and driveability, giving better throttle response and more low-down torque, which is ideal for towing.”

The kit comes complete with a pipe and hose set to suit and includes ribbed billet outlets, hard aluminium piping, high-quality silicone hoses, and constant-tension Murray clamps.

The numbers stack up, too: 40 per cent less charge-air-pressure drop; 78 per cent increased core thickness for better cooling; and 13 per cent reduction in charge-air-outlet temp.

RRP for the kits start from $1595 (polished), but powdercoated options are available at an additional cost.

To get kitted-up, or for more information, call PWR on (07) 5547 1600 or visit www.pwr.com.au

IT’S THE HSV with bush genes. In reality, though, the HSV SportsCat is more Holden Colorado than any go-fast special cooked up in the Clayton skunkworks best known for its big-power V8s.

The diesel engine is unchanged, dishing out the same 147kW and 500Nm (or 440Nm for the manual). Grunty by dual-cab standards, but un-HSV. There’s even the Colorado name plastered across its modified tailgate, an indication of the closer ties with Holden, which can no longer lean on local manufacturing.

The SportsCat is indicative of a new HSV, one that must survive without the lure of Commodores infused with V8 Supercar thinking. Territory where HSV has never been, then, or, more correctly, territory it has never conquered.

The Avalanche of 2003 transplanted that big power, Commodore-based thinking to the light-duty off-roader that was the Holden Adventra. Earlier, in 1993, HSV stamped its logo and some styling tweaks on a Holden Jackaroo, ladder frame chassis and all. The SportsCat is closer in concept to that Jackaroo, albeit with more effort in tuning the chassis for improvements. And this time the SportsCat is the main game, not a sideshow; post-GTSR and W1 – the supercharged send-offs to the Aussie Commodore – it’s the only model in the once thriving HSV showroom.

That’s significant, because HSV is investing heavily in tipping its engineering hat to the off-road market, keen to show it can inject measurable improvements. There’s even a subtly revised HSV logo.

Key to its appeal is the chunkier design and higher ride height, something that boosts clearance from 215mm to 251mm. The approach and departure angles are also up 2 degrees each, to 32 and 24 degrees respectively. It comes courtesy of a 25mm lift of the front springs (the rear leafs are unchanged) and Cooper Zeon LTZ Pro tyres, the latter adding 20mm all ’round.

Specifically engineered for the new HSV, the Coopers are a light-truck, all-terrain construction aimed at beefing up look and ability. Combined with a 30mm wider track they also require the fitment of wheel-arch extensions to prevent them spraying water or mud. Despite their chunky tread pattern, our brief smooth-road experience suggested noise isn’t a major issue. Dial on some lock, though, and there’s a gradual yelp like a Labrador that’s being dragged by its tail. Drive it more like a dual-cab and the Colorado SportsCat plays ball nicely and is surprisingly well-behaved.

There are two models within the SportsCat line-up: the regular SportsCat and the SportsCat+, the latter adding a more aggressive front bumper, a stylised plastic sail plane to the blackened sports bar, a non-functional bonnet bulge, as well as four-piston AP Racing front brakes and a rear stabiliser bar. It’s that stabiliser bar that makes for a more planted ride. Combined with stiffer front springs and more aggressive damping, it more competently counters body roll. Sure, the outside of the car will lean slightly, but even with decent pace in a bend it’s surprisingly well tamed and deals well with brisk changes of direction.

With a larger master cylinder and the four-piston AP fronts, the brake pedal is firmer and better modulated; yet with drums on the rear and almost 2.3 tonnes to arrest (the SportsCat is about 100kg heavier than the Colorado) it’s no sports car in the stopping department. However, for a car that’s seen a decent improvement to off-road ability, it’s a welcome change.

The SportsCat+ also gets external canisters for its shock absorbers, something that promises to make corrugations less likely to cause failure. The extra breadth and deep tread pattern of those Coopers claws into loose terrain well, while bringing a tougher construction for better puncture resistance. Plus, the additional clearance means you’re less likely to scrape the underbelly. Impressively for the SportsCat+ the rear stabiliser bar disconnects once you select low range, so articulation is not adversely affected.

Inside, the leather- and suede-trimmed dash and red-stitched steering wheel adds a sense of occasion to the otherwise plastic Colorado dash. The leather seats, too, add more lumbar, albeit without the body-hugging cushions HSVs have been known for. There are Colorado hangovers, though: no reach adjust to the steering and no smart key access or push buttons, so you have to put the key in the ignition. And, despite two flashy red tow hooks up front, there’s not a single recovery point at the rear. Don’t get stuck nosing it in…

Plus, despite the imminent arrival of auto braking systems – it’ll be standard on the Mercedes-Benz X-Class and a likely addition to the updated Ford Ranger later in 2018 – there’s only a warning system in the Colorado. So, like the Colorado, the SportsCat is not perfect. It’s also no traditional HSV, lacking the performance upgrades and track-hungry chassis set-ups the brand is known for. But the SportsCat does up the Colorado game with some worthy improvements, both on- and off-road. It’s no game-changer, but the SportsCat brings flashes of aftermarket mods with the backup of a factory warranty and proper validation engineering.

That’s nothing to be sneered at in the bush.

TAKEN CARE OF

ANY number of aftermarket suppliers can create a truck as tough as the HSV Colorado SportsCat – tougher, even. But we’re not aware of any that will hack the car’s electronics to recalibrate stability and traction controls, something HSV engineers did to the SportsCat.

The system not only accounts for the different suspension components but also the grip levels of the tyres; different traction control tunes, for example, have been created for low and high range. Plus, for the SportsCat+, there are brake upgrades, which have resulted in recalibrated ABS tunes.

That it all that arrives with full ADR (Australian Design Rule) approval and factory warranty backup makes for peace of mind that it’s been thoroughly tested and validated for the vehicle.

YOU can almost smell the outback’s red dust that’s calling this Christmas break.

This is advertiser content

For most of us, there’s only a couple of weeks left in the working year before it’s time to load up the fourbie and leave the city lights behind us.

But have you put off the modifications and upgrades you’d hoped would be done by years’ end?

The experts at Piranha Off Road are available for any last-minute accessory fittings, with a bunch of products available that can be fitted by highly skilled technicians before the big fella climbs down your chimney.

So give Piranha Off Road a call before Christmas arrives to get your rig sorted and ready for the end-of-year adventure.

Here’s what you can get:

Portable battery kits that you can attach a solar panel to: from $250 (just add battery).

Redarc Tow Pro Elite trailer brakes: $595 (supplied and fully installed).

Driving Lights: from $365 (including expert installation, with a switch to dash).

UHF Radios: from $545 (fully installed including antenna).

Rear Work Lights: from $140 (fully installed).

DP Chip: from $1495 (fully installed while you wait).

Manhandling a heavy camper-trailer is not something Luke Sutton particularly likes doing at the end of a hard day’s driving.

This article was originally published in 4×4 Australia’s November 2012 issue.

Nope, he’d much rather have a basic campsite set up in a jiffy, than to battle footy-field-sized canvas Taj Mahals. Mammoth sheets of canvas are too awkward for one man and his missus to erect, more so when the weather isn’t favourable.

He also doesn’t fancy complicated camping equipment or camp-related tasks. If it’s not practical and quick to set up, then it doesn’t belong in Luke’s kit. Casting your eye over this neat, mildly-customised Toyota FJ Cruiser and custom-made camper-trailer gives an indication of the type of person Luke is. His touring rig ethos is reflected in his own business – Luke is the hands-on owner and brains behind Drifta camp kitchens which, like his vehicle and trailer, are very clever in their design, and are simple and practical to use.

THE PRIME MOVER

Not needing to cart a tribe of kids around, and wanting a little more comfort than his 76 Series Cruiser and dual-cab work trucks afford him, Luke was keen to try out the bush capabilities of the FJ Cruiser as a long-distance tourer for three people; himself, his wife and one rapidly-growing son, plus one of their son’s mates thrown in from time to time.

In Luke’s words, the FJ “is the coolest-looking truck on the market”. Plus, being based on capable Prado running gear and suspension means it provides a damn good start in the long-range touring stakes. Add to that the aftermarket gear he has chosen and we can’t see any reason why it couldn’t be taken anywhere in this wide brown (and sometimes flooded) land.