IMPROVE your campsite set-up with these Companion camping solutions.
COMPANION AQUAHEAT LITHIUM GAS SHOWER
Get instant hot water at your campsite with the all-new AquaHeat shower. Not only is the unit the perfect companion for a quick hot shower after a hard day’s slog behind the wheel, the portable outdoor gas hot-water system also makes washing up easier. The system features a slimline design so it can be packed away neatly in the back of a 4×4. An integrated, rechargeable lithium battery can run for up to 120 minutes on a full charge; but if flat, the shower can operate directly from a DC power source. Other features include a digital display control panel, quick connect fittings, a brushless pump and a built-in gas regulator with BOM connection.
RRP: $499.99
COMPANION TWO-BURNER STOVE
The high-output two-burner stove is a great addition to your campsite kitchen setup, featuring a large cooking area capable of fitting two large pots simultaneously. Two 25,000 BTU output burners provide optimum heat, and the stove also features Piezo injection, a stainless-steel drip tray and a chrome-plated pot trivet. The package includes a 1000mm gas hose and regulator, for direct connection to 3/8-inch BSP LH gas cylinders.
RRP: $229.99
COMPANION ROVER LITHIUM POWER STATION
The new Rover Lithium 70amp/h Power Station is a great tool to remotely run larger electronic devices. In fact, it is said to run a 45-litre fridge for up to 72 hours – that’s a long weekend trip sorted. The unit is lightweight (just 6.8kg) and compact, so it can be easily stored during transit. It also features direct solar charging via a built-in MPPT controller; multiple output charging options (12V Socket, USB/USBC, and 2-pin output); a battery protection management system; LCD display; and three-way charging options (AC, DC and solar).
RRP: $1349.99
COMPANION RING BURNERS
Master the campsite cook with a set of Companion ring burners, which are sure to provide safe, clean and efficient heating for all types of cooking. Comprising a heavy-duty cast iron double-ring burner fitted with brass valves, the system also includes a 1000mm gas hose and regulator for direct connection to POL cylinders. It’s available in three sizes: Double, Triple and Quadruple.
RRP: $79.99 to $199.99
Website: www.companionoutdoor.com
I DON’T know about you lot, but there isn’t much I like more than scouring the classifieds.
I’m sure I’m not alone in affectionately remembering grabbing the Trading Post from the local newsagency to browse through the automotive listings. Obviously the paper version is long gone; replaced with a website that features myriad different resources where you can squander your time dreaming, researching, sharing and just staying in touch with what’s on the market.
One thing I’ve noticed lately is a dramatic increase in valuations across anything automotive. COVID-19 seems to have affected the cost of everything from pets to caravans to Suzuki Sierras – the latter the most relevant, as I’ve always wanted to do a build on one.
SKY HIGH: Pandemic purchasing sees record-high prices
I recently caught up with a mate who trades unique and collectable vehicles, and he noted a significant reduction in supply over the last few months. A record number of people are renewing leases rather than restarting with a new vehicle, and, generally, people are hanging on to cars they’d otherwise move on; presumably out of financial uncertainty. He went on to note that the total number of listings on some of the largest car classified websites is down by up to 50 per cent – a massive number that justifies his statement regarding supply.
On the demand side, with the associated COVID-related border closures, those who are lucky enough to have disposable income have significant sums of money to throw into new toys. This supply-and-demand cycle is also causing speculative trading, which has resulted in even more artificial inflation.
Aside from all this, I think we are in a really interesting space with 4x4s where we are seeing a range of vehicles bucking the traditional valuation trend. I will regularly get certain vehicle types come across my desk and I will conduct a bespoke valuation based on a showcase of the vehicle and some online research.
Think all manner of Defenders, 1HDFTE Cruisers and TD42 Patrols, along with older units like 60s and the like that are now approaching historic status and becoming eligible for special registration schemes. I am seeing more and more people restore and preserve these old girls in the same way someone would do to an old Torana or MGB. The difference, though, is that many of these owners will still use these units off-road, which is really nice to see.
It’s hard to tell when or if this bubble will end. If you’re not like me and don’t get emotionally attached to vehicles, it may be a good time to sell up and make a quid! At the very least, make sure you know what it’ll cost to replace if the worst were to happen – you may be in for a surprise!
*Kalen Ziflian is GM of Club 4×4 Insurance
IT SEEMS incredible that a bushfire that escaped from an unattended campfire can have such an incredible impact not only on nature but also travellers, locals and tour operators.
By all accounts an illegal campfire in the Duling Camp Zone north of Waddy Head on the east coast of Fraser Island was to blame and while the campfire was found covered with sand it was still warm and the nearby vegetation was on fire.
I’m not a great lover of dumping sand on a campfire ever since I saw a young kid walk on the sand of a hidden campfire only to burn his feet rather badly. While the sand or soil will smother the flames, the fire will keep smouldering underneath much like an oven used to make charcoal; it does little to put the bloody thing completely out.
Water is by far the best way to extinguish a fire and should be used, where possible, in every circumstance.
And the number of times we’ve come across an abandoned campfire where bugger all was done to put it out when the people were leaving, numbers in the dozens. Even if the fire seems to be out, coals or embers buried under the top layer of ash can easily flicker into life again, with just a light breeze fanning the flame. Then an attending spark, driven by the wind, can easily light up the nearby scrub.
I’m guessing that’s what happened up on Fraser. Four young men have been charged – other campers filmed and took notice of their vehicle rego, so rangers and police were able to track them down – and they will face court later in January.
ADVICE: Tips from a station owner
Police said that the four where ‘shocked and devastated’ as they never intended anything like the inferno to happen. But no matter what the excuse, they are to blame as Fraser Island has a very strict ‘No Campfires’ regime with only two camping areas – those at Dundubara and Waddy Point campgrounds – allowing campfires in fire-rings only.
Given the devastation that occurred from this campfire escape, maybe that will even change in the future!
So, always make sure you douse your campfire with water, and that the coals and embers are cool to the touch before you leave – whether that’s for just a few hours, or for good.
In all the Fraser Island bushfire burnt around 87,000ha of the island’s 180,000ha, exacting a terrible toll on the region’s wildlife and flora, while also threatening homes and a number of small villages-come resorts on the island.
ADVICE: Do you know how to survive a bushfire?
At one stage Happy Valley residents were looking down the barrel of a holocaust taking out their small hamlet but luckily hazard reduction burns around the town earlier in the year was a ‘massive factor’ in stopping the flames with the local fire boss reportedly saying, ‘It’s amazing to see the fire racing towards the valley hit that block and stop.’
Now locals and tour operators are calling on a change in the management of the island and any subsequent fires and a report has been ordered by the Qld premier. Hopefully it’ll turn up something useful and not be another whitewash finding that blames climate change resulting in a not-our-fault situation where little is done regarding more hazard reduction burning and the like.
In the meantime campers everywhere – not just on Fraser – need to obey the rules and if they have a campfire making sure it is out before they leave. The consequences can be devastating!
IMPROVE your 4×4 recovery arsenal with these select items from EFS and TRED.
TRED HD
The Australian-made TRED HD is constructed from a high-quality custom Nylon, providing the unit with a high level of flex while remaining strong and durable. “TRED HD will maintain a high level of pressure on your tyre to provide ultimate traction, whilst still being able to take the flex from the vehicle’s weight on unstable and uneven ground,” TRED says. The TRED HD has also been designed with a lower profile and tighter nesting, which means it’ll stack better and save valuable storage space. The TRED HD has been manufactured to operate in temperatures from -15°C to 70°C. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty.
RRP: $279 Website: Tred4x4.com.au
EFS KINETIC ROPE
If you ever find yourself in need of a 4×4 recovery, you’re going to need equipment you can rely on. An all-new EFS Kinetic Rope is “designed to give you a smoother recovery from sand, mud, snow, and whatever other situations you require recovering from”. The rope is nine metres long, has a 30 per cent stretch and rated to 13,000kg. The rope is manufactured from a nylon 66 material, which is coated in a PU that protects it from mud, dirt, UV, sand, etc. The eye also has a thick PU coating. The EFS Recon Kinetic rope comes in a breathable carry bag and complies to Australian standards.
RRP: $179.99 Website: www.efs4wd.com.au
EFS X3 LED TORCH
Grab an EFS X3 LED torch and you’ll never get lost on your way to the campsite dunny again. The torch has three quick-push interchangeable light attachments and features an adjustable lens zoom, two levels of brightness, a high-power CREE LED chip, a magnetic base, and a tough aluminium casing. The torch takes five hours to fully charge via an included USB charge cable, and comes with a hardened plastic storage carry case and a one-year warranty.
RRP: $104.99 Website: www.efs4wd.com.au
ICONIC UK company Land Rover Classic Works has announced it is producing 25 V8 Defenders this year, and they want lucky punters to compete in the Land Rover Trophy at the equally iconic Eastnor Castle; the venue which many call the spiritual home of Land Rover.
If you have ever dreamed about entering the historic Camel Trophy event that ran through the 1980s, in a V8-powered Defender, this is the story for you.
These exciting vehicles will be based on re-engineered 2012-2016 Defender Works V8 models, which will feature a 5.0L V8 Engine and eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. The motor is claimed to put out a healthy 298kW and 515Nm, so these are certainly a very long way ahead of the tractor-like diesels commonly found in the old Defender.
Interiors have been freshly decked out, too, with modern features such as Recaro sports seats with yellow stitching detail, full black Windsor leather trim and a rather interesting Land Rover Trophy clock face by English watchmaker Elliot Brown.
There will be both 90 and 110 wagon models built in the program, all to be painted in any colour you like, as long as it’s Eastnor Yellow with contrasting black paint on wheel arches, bonnet and rear door.
No serious off-roader would be seen competing in a stock vehicle, which is why there’s an additional All Terrain kit, which includes off-road essential such as a raised air intake, LED lighting, mud terrain tyres and a multi-point expedition cage with roof rack.
All of those lucky enough to snap up one of the 25 vehicles produced will then be invited to compete in the uber-exclusive event, which runs over three days at Eastnor Castle based in Herefordshire.
To make things even more interesting, this will be the first time the owners will be allowed to drive their V8 Defenders. Thankfully, expert tuition is included as part of this exciting adventure, with one-on-one training available allowing owners to push their vehicles and skills to the limits. This is a competition, so there are a range of prizes on offer including a grand prize for the overall winner.
“The Land Rover Defender has always been more than just a vehicle, its engineering capability and suitability for overland expedition and all-terrain competition means it’s renowned with getting away from it all. The new Land Rover Trophy will bring this to life for a new generation of adventurers,” said Dan Pink, Director of Land Rover Classic.
“Experiences are a key part of Land Rover Classic’s DNA and this whole concept comes directly from feedback we’ve received. Our customers want to create their own stories, battle scars and patina with their Works V8 Trophy vehicles from day one, fuelling campfire chats with like-minded enthusiasts.”
In a nod to heritage (something Land Rover has always done well), on arrival teams participating are invited to make their own touches to the vehicle. Things like adding their names and flags from respective countries.
This won’t be a cheap holiday, though, with prices looking to come in at well over $300,000. Who says money can’t buy you happiness?
For more information, visit: www.landrover.com/classic
Goliath of a Ford Ranger has won the 2020 Custom 4×4 of the Year award.
Beating 11 worthy combatants to the coveted crown, the winning SAS’d Ranger boasts plenty of meticulous modifications including a chassis stretch and revised suspension – it’s hardly surprising then that voters lapped up the Ranger and threw the most votes its way.
The brainchild of owners Claire and Sean, the mighty Ranger build is decked head to toe in quality kit including a colour-coded Rocker bar from MCC4X4, a smorgasbord of ARB LED lighting, two Warn Zeon winches, a Rhino-Rack, a five-inch-diameter Meredith Metal Works snorkel sending air through a Meredith Metal Works airbox, a Plazmaman intercooler, and a three-inch DPF back stainless-steel exhaust.
READ the full review
Two LandCruisers occupied the remaining spots on the 2020 Custom 4X4OTY podium, with Scott Round’s epic Troopy getting the second-most number of votes, followed by Brett’s tidy HJ75 build.
Those who voted for their favourite custom 4×4 for 2020 were placed into a draw to win a Maxxis Tyres voucher valued at up to $2000, and the lucky winner of the random draw was Jeffrey Millen from South Australia. Congratulations and thanks to everyone who voted.
Keep your eyes peeled throughout 2021 as we dissect and display a new bunch of modified metal. The 2021 Custom 4X4 of the Year award will be back bigger and better than ever.
SIT back and relax at camp in comfort, with these new products on the market.
OZTRAIL DURALITE COMPACT DIRECTOR’S CHAIR
Be the envy of your mates when you’re sitting around the campfire on your very own OzTrail Duralite Compact Director’s Chair. Not only does it look immensely comfortable, it’s manufactured using a Duralite aluminium alloy frame, which is said to be up to 33 per cent lighter than conventional aluminium alloys. A cross-frame locking mechanism adds stability, and it utilises sturdy 420 denier soft-touch ripstop fabric. The chair has a three-stage folding system to cut down storage space, and a zippered deluxe carry bag is included.
RRP: $169.99 WHERE TO BUY: www.oztrail.com.au
OZTRAIL IRONSIDE TABLES
OzTrail has a selection of camping tables available, with five models in different configurations to choose from: Solo Utility, 3pc Picnic Set, 3ft fold in half, 4ft fold in half and 6ft fold in half. A great addition to any campsite, the tables feature a corrosion-resistant steel frame; a quick-release locking mechanism; a convenient carry handle; and a thick top that easily wipes clean.
RRP: $69.99 to $159.99 WHERE TO BUY: www.oztrail.com.au
CAMPFIRE JAFFLE IRONS
Who doesn’t love a campsite jaffle? A necessity for the campfire cook-up, these jaffle irons are made from quality cast iron, ensuring they’ll be up to the job for many years. The jaffle irons are pre-seasoned and ready to use, and they feature a removable wooden handle which screws off for easy storage. Multiple sizes are available – Single, Double, Quad, Single Jumbo, Double Jumbo – to ensure the entire family remains well fed. The storage bags are sold separately.
RRP: $20.99 to $47.99 WHERE TO BUY: www.campfirecook.com
BACK at the 2019 SEMA Show we came across a clever product that makes it easy to safely and securely mount a fire extinguisher in your 4×4 or vehicle.
The multi-adjustable mount from the Bracketeer allows you to mount an extinguisher to the seat rails or existing holes in the floor without the need to fabricate custom brackets or drill holes in your vehicle.
We were so impressed with the Bracketeer we nominated it for a Global Media Award that year; and that was before we found out that the product’s creator is an ex-pat Aussie now living and working in the USA.
Until now, if you wanted a Bracketeer you had to order it direct from the USA and the shipping cost was a killer; but it is now available in Australia with stock being supplied from Melbourne.
The universal-fit Bracketeer is adjustable to suits most vehicles and is transferable between cars. It securely mounts your fire extinguisher within easy reach in case you ever need it.
The bracket is made with Grade 50 A572 steel and supplied with all stainless-steel fasteners and hex keys necessary for quick installation (around 10 minutes).
WHERE CAN I BUY IT?
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
$99 (plus shipping)
AUSTRALIAN new car sales kicked off the New Year where it left 2020, with signs of a strong recovery for the sales market.
A total of 79,566 new vehicles were sold, which is up from January 2020 when 71,731 cars and trucks found new homes.
Also maintaining its late 2020 charge was the Toyota Hilux, which was the best-selling vehicle overall in January as well as the top-selling 4×4 vehicle.
The Hilux’s 3090 4×4 sales trumped its main rival the Ford Ranger by more than 200 units, to kick off what again should be a closely contested race.
It was the usual players filling out the remaining top 10 spots on the 4×4 charts, with the Isuzu D-MAX maintaining its strong performances from last year and the Nissan Navara continuing to slide down the rankings. With the face-lifted Navara due to land in March, you can bet Nissan Australia is eagerly awaiting its arrival.
While the Toyota LandCruiser and Prado are the only 4×4 wagons to consistently make it into the top 10 monthly rankings, the midsize wagons have a battle of their own.
Isuzu’s MU-X is the most popular and occasionally pops its nose in the 10 throughout the year, and it narrowly missed out in January with 541 sales putting it in 11th place. A new MU-X will be dropping some time in 2020 and should prop up its sale numbers.
Others in the segment include the Ford Everest (532 sales in January 2021), Toyota Fortuner (181), Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (190) and Pajero proper (188). Of course, the Pajero is no longer made and imported, so what’s left of them in dealers now will unfortunately be the last of them.
The only other large 4×4 wagon is the Nissan Patrol and it sold 241 units for the month. It will be interesting to watch its sales against the LandCruiser if and when a new Cruiser lobs this year as expected and in what form it takes.
At the other end of the size spectrum, the Suzuki Jimny is the only compact 4×4 available and its sales have been hampered by supply limits. Still, the rugged box managed to move 266 units to start the year.
TOTAL 4X4 SALES IN JANUARY 2021
- Toyota Hilux: 3090
- Ford Ranger: 2802
- Mitsubishi Triton: 1723
- Toyota LandCruiser 200: 1499
- Isuzu D-MAX: 1416
- Toyota Prado: 1359
- Mazda BT-50: 891
- Toyota LandCruiser 79: 889
- Nissan Navara: 830
- Volkswagen Amarok: 546
- Isuzu MU-X: 541
THERE’S a lot to be said about the quality of gear on the market these days, and I reckon I’ve found some of the best quality adventurer bags around.
North Storm owners Marc and Lisa saw a demand on the market for decent waterproof bags and began the process to design several configurations for the market. They now offer three different waterproof bags to suit most outdoor adventures. Each bag has its own features, are versatile so they can store your gear when you’re in the great outdoors, and you can also separate wet and dry stuff while on the go.
North Storm offers a 60-litre Duffel Bag, a 30-litre Backpack and a 20-litre Dry Bag. They all have an IP66 waterproof rating, are lightweight, and are made from 100-per-cent waterproof flexible and durable 500D PVC tarpaulin material, with various lash points.
The waterproof rating makes the bags totally resistant to dust ingress, as well as provides protection from high-pressure waterjets or a quick dunking.
Now, I won’t lie, I’ve been giving a couple of these bags a caning the past few months and I’m suitably impressed. The 30-litre Backpack is absolutely huge, with heaps of usable storage; it’s got an extra layer on the base, EVA back pads (thick foam that breathes) on the adjustable back straps, an easy-to-use chest strap, side mesh pockets, and the list goes on. I’ve been using it as a fishing backpack when searching for remote spots that require hiking and wading across the odd creek or two.
At the end of the day the bag has been designed to be hosed off inside and out, and it dries quick due to the PVC material it is made from. Inside you say? Yep, simply stand the bag on the ground and fill it up with water, then empty. You’ll achieve two things here: it’ll wash out any muck inside that has spilled, and you’ll realise how waterproof these bags are as nothing leaks out.
4X4 GEAR: New aftermarket products tested
The other bag I’ve been using is the 60-litre Duffel Bag made from the same material. It has all the same features, but it also comes with additional removable straps to be used as a backpack. This bag has its own serious tie-down points (eight in total) so it can be strapped to the top of a 4WD, on a bike or jetski, and even inside a boat. Two large internal pockets, an external mesh pocket (great for wet or smelly clothes), end grab handles, a large waterproof roll closure system, as well as a host of other features including hard-wearing oversize buckles and zips, makes life easier when fumbling in the dark.
This bag has been riding on top of my 4WD for some time now and been through dust, dirt and rain, plus the local car wash, and there has been no trace of any moisture inside the bag. When out on the tracks all day, it’s been great to throw the dirty recovery gear inside the bag knowing it won’t dump mud and grit inside the car. To clean, just give it a quick hose out with water, a wipe down and set aside to dry – it’s that simple.
So what makes these bags stand out for me?
Well, it’s good knowing they have been designed for our conditions and come from people that have actually put some serious thought and effort into a product. Marc and Lisa breathe the outdoors and saw a gap in the market when they couldn’t find a suitable product for their own needs.
Being made from thick and tough PVC material, the bags are so easy to clean and store; plus, being non-rigid, they can be folded away if you can’t hang them up. Across the range, all seams have high-frequency welding, where a radio frequency has been used to fuse two pieces together to make a join (it’s a bit more complicated than that, but it works).
North Storm’s quality standard has resulted in making the joins as strong as the material itself, making the bags buoyant if dropped in water. The range also includes heavy-duty strapping and reflective strips, and the Duffel and Backpack each feature a light-coloured inside base to make it easier to find lost items.
The bags have been a success with a host of different professional users, from divers, commercial photographers through to sports people and offshore fishers, hikers, travellers and 4WDers. North Storm is gaining a reputation for quality, and these bags are only available online with free postage within Australia.
WHERE CAN I BUY IT?
HOW MUCH?
$59.95 20L Dry Bag; $139.95 30L Backpack; $169.95 60L Duffel Bag.