ENSURE your phones, tablets, cameras and laptops remain charged on your end-of-season trip, with these clever solar charging solutions.
COMPANION SOLAR CHARGER
Keep your phones, tablets and other electric gadgets charged on your next 4×4 trip with a brand-new Companion Solar Charger. Available in 21W and 10W, the solar-charging mats come with hanging loops, inbuilt stands and mesh accessory pockets. Plus, they’re made with a weather-resistant ETFE lamination. The 10W unit weighs 400g and features a max amp output of 2amp/h and 5.5V max voltage. The 20W unit weighs 650g and features a max USB output of 2.9amp/h and a max power of 6.6V. The solar chargers are available now. Website: www.companionleisure.com.au
PROJECTA PERSONAL FOLDING SOLAR PANEL
Projecta’s 10W Personal Folding Solar Panel with Solar Charger is a convenient way to keep phones, cameras, drones and smart watches charged on your next 4WD adventure. The Projecta COMPAC Series Solar Panels are portable, monocrystalline folding solar panels armed with a 3-in-1 charging cable; while the power banks take between 6 to 8 hours to fully charge. The compact unit is durable and heat-resistant; has short-circuit and surge protection; and can be neatly folded for easy storage. Website: www.projecta.com.au
Talk about having your cake and eating it, too, with the latest release from EarthCruiser: its Extreme XTR250 camper.
Designed to sit on the venerable Toyota 79 Series platform, the Extreme XTR250 can be constructed to suit your choice of a single- or dual-cab LandCruiser, making it as versatile as a Swiss Army knife.
The beauty of this setup is there is no need to tow, nor do you need a massive full-size vehicle to fit a decent-size camper. What this translates to in the real world is that you can take this mobile house-on-wheels anywhere a normal LandCruiser can go, including inside a shipping container if you feel like touring internationally.
As you can see from the images, the camper interior looks more like a luxury apartment than an off-roader. It’s not just all about the looks, though, with a long-distance touring-friendly option to carry 250L of both water and diesel on-board.
You also get 33-inch tyres, a JMACX track width-corrected rear axle housing and Bilstein suspension. Solid off-road credentials indeed.
Inside you can find a double bed, a single bed, fridge/freezer combo and diesel heating for chilly nights in the Victorian High Country. Yes, you get everything including the kitchen sink basically, even a two-burner induction cook-top.
An array of quality 12-volt goodness can be found in the EarthCruiser, namely 450Ah of lithium battery power, a 3000w inverter and 270w of solar power (an additional 270w can be optioned up).
If you do manage to find the limits of the EarthCruiser Extreme when off-road, 13,000lb Runva winches can be installed front and rear, but this is an optional extra. We’d tick that box, though, just saying!
So, the big question: how much does it all weigh? Well, the Extreme Series from EarthCruiser has a GVM of 4500kg, and a Tare ranging from 3300kg to 3800kg (depending on configuration), meaning you still have a solid load-carrying ability with this setup.
If you are keen on a new EarthCruiser Extreme XTR250 you better get in quick, as there is already a six-month minimum lead time on construction.
For more information, visit www.earthcruiser.net.au
BEFORE YOU watch the above video of this wicked Y62 Patrol, do yourself a favour and turn the volume up.
Listening to the howl of the VK56 petrol V8 – aided by a custom tune and a Harrop supercharger kit – will make you smile just like its owner does every time he’s behind the tiller.
Said Patrol you’re currently ogling is an STL-spec model sans the Hydraulic Body Motion Control (HBMC) system, chosen so that it would be easier for the rig’s owner Anthony to lift and modify.
Much of the custom work found on the Patrol was carried out by the team at On Track 4×4 in Melbourne, and this includes a suspension lift utilising adjustable remote reservoir coil-overs from Radflo; a GVM increase from 3500kg to 4085kg, a set of Airbag Man bags in the rear; a diff-drop kit; and an ARB air locker in the front diff.
Among a long list of aftermarket goodies, highlights include a 5-inch PDC snorkel and airbox; Pacemaker headers; a Manta exhaust system; a Long Range Automotive 140-litre secondary fuel tank; a Predator front bar housing a Runva 13XP winch and a pair of Stedi lights; a Motop roof tent and 23Zero awning; and Raslarr rock rails and rear bar.
To read the comprehensive write-up of this inspiring build, you’ll need to pick up a copy of the Summer 2021 issue of 4X4 Australia magazine, which is in stores now!
EV start-up Bollinger Motors released updated concept images of its B1 and B2 all-electric vehicles earlier this week.
The production-intent renderings of the two trucks show comprehensive tweaks to substantially improve the design and performance of the upcoming vehicles, despite retaining the same boxy body style.
“These renders represent thousands of engineering hours, several innovations and patents and most importantly, immense amount of passion and care,” Bollinger Motors said in a statement on its official Facebook page.
“We use images like these to evaluate the surface data, confirming that all of the intricate and subtle design details work together in a cohesive package,” it said.
One of the most considerable changes was raising the “beltline” of the truck, which is said to create more packaging space in the “frunk” as well as raise head clearance. Bollinger Motors added that “by keeping a majority of visual weight below the beltline, it creates a more stable and sturdy appearance.”
These design changes were possible due to a breakthrough by Bollinger’s boffins, who were able to reduce the overall radiator size and utilise one slim cooling unit – therefore the dual top-mounted radiators were no longer required.
A number of other changes were made to both the B1 wagon and B2 pick-up, including moving the B-pillar forward, adding manual crank windows, and increasing the size of the windshield, side glass and rear glass.
For the B2 pick-up specifically, the bed is now independent of the cabin, “making commercial chassis cab applications, repair or replacement easier”.
The production-spec B1 and B2 will share the same dual electric motor set-up – totalling 458kW and 906Nm – which will run through a two-speed Hi/Lo gearbox.
The all-electric vehicles were stamped suggested retail price of US$125,000 (around AU$180,000) late in 2019.
HOT on the heels of the launch of the 2021 Mazda BT-50, Australian aftermarket company TJM has revealed its range of aftermarket kit to suit the all-new model.
As expected, TJM will bring to market an Outback bullbar that’s tailored to the BT-50’s new look and design. The all-steel bar features 63mm-diameter tubing, all-new rolled cato straps and a multi-fold channel for superior protection. The bar includes 8000kg rated recovery points as standard, and it’ll be available to purchase early in the New Year.
“We’re excited about the new BT-50 and we think BT-50 owners should be excited about our range for it,” said Matt Logan, TJM’s head of customer experience.
Also arriving in TJM showrooms in 2021 will be BT-50-specific steel side bars, an RB6 rear step tow bar, and an Airtec snorkel – underbody protection and side steps are currently available.
BT-50 owners can also upgrade their suspension set-up with an XGS kit, TJM’s twin-tube shock absorber. The shock features “Multi-Stage Velocity-Controlled Valving, which allows the shock to dynamically adapt to changes in terrain on the fly.”
A range of storage solutions are also available to suit the BT-50, including Aeroklas canopies, Aeroklas drawers, an Aeroklas tailgate assist, an Aeroklas roller cover and an Aeroklas ute liner.
More information: www.tjm.com.au/get-4×4-equipped/mazda/bt-50
TO HELP you prepare your 4×4 for its next adventure, here are a couple of new products released this month.
AEV snorkel for Wrangler/Gladiator
AEV has developed a snorkel kit for the JL Wrangler and JT Gladiator (2.0L, 3.6L and 2.2L CRD variants). Manufactured using UV-stable cross-linked polyethylene, the snorkel offers superior durability and performance. For easy installation, the snorkel fits directly into the factory airbox. The snorkel is made to fit the OE or aftermarket flare style. All AEV gear is available from either Murchison Products in Brisbane or JeepKonection in Melbourne.
Website: www.aev-conversions.com
RacksBrax HD Accessory Bars
RackBrax’s new HD Accessory Bars simplify the process of mounting and demounting your recovery boards, with RacksBrax claiming boards can be taken on and off in less than 10 seconds with the bars equipped – when used in conjunction with the brand’s HD Hitch (sold separately). The Bars are suited to Maxtrax MKII, Maxtrax Xtreme, TRED Pro and ARB x TRED boards. An Accessory Plate may also need to be purchased, depending on the board you use. Check the website for clarification.
RRP: $70 Website: www.racksbrax.com.au
Camo-wrapped Y62 Patrol leads the latest pack of Readers’ Rigs, and it’s joined by a selection of wild and mild custom creations.
Get involved by heading to the 4X4 Australia Facebook page to send us a photo and brief description of your fourbie. You could win a Wurth under-bonnet LED valued at $249!
2019 Y62 PATROL TI
Kit includes an ON TRACK four-inch lift; DASH off-road front Predator bar; DASH off-road ¾-length roof rack with integrated tailgate ladder; Big-O rock sliders; 35-inch Mickeys; 20-inch Hussla wheels; full snow camo wrap; billet rear lower control arms; Polyair black airbags; 12,000lb winch; twin lockers; gear reduction; and more – CHARLIE KIMBLE
1999 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY II
This model has the TD5 motor. It has a basic two-inch lift, 30-inch tyres, a dual-battery system and a solar panel on the roof. It’s only a matter of time until the bonnet will need lifting to repair something, and the Wurth LED will be ‘wurth’ its weight in gold – JOHN PARTRIDGE
FORD RANGER RAPTOR
Here’s my Raptor, with a lightweight Trig Point canopy fitted. It also has an Off Road Animal bullbar and a Runva winch, plus other extras. The build is nearly finished – STEVE G RINI
1994 VITARA 1.6L AUTO
The build includes extractors; home-made exhaust; suspension lift using LWB coils; guards trimmed back for the tyres; welded rear diff; air locker in the front; home-made steel front diff housing with a LJ413 steel diff; rear-mounted winch in the cab, with the rope running through the cabin and out the firewall up the front; home-made snorkel; plastic rear side windows; and lots of dents and rust. Oh, and there’s a four-point roll cage because mum said I should add one – CALVIN TYLER
2002 NISSAN PATROL
We spent some time and researched motors and decided to get a 3.0-litre DI rebuilt by Lewis Engines (with all of the good gear: 30+ injectors, refreshed turbo, and a new pump) which now makes a healthy 120kW. It also has a strengthened fifth gear; Tough Dog suspension airbags; two-inch lift; and a GVM upgrade. We built it to tow our ’van and explore our great country – STUART HUMPHERSON
TOYOTA HILUX SR 2007
It runs the four-litre V6 petrol engine and has received a small lift; bigger, wider tyres; front and rear ARB bars with recovery points; dual batteries; and dozens of smaller mods. It’s setup how I like it for camping in remote places. – STEVEN LOLLBACK
SEVEN years since its arrival, Isuzu’s MU-X has surpassed 50,000 cumulative sales in Australia.
The seven-seater – also Australia’s most-popular ute-based SUV – is a proven off-roader in 4×4 guise, benefitting from the adoption of the D-MAX‘s ladder-frame chassis and bulletproof powertrain.
That powertrain is headlined by the truck-tough 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine capable of delivering 140kW and 450Nm.
“Since its local arrival back in 2013, the Isuzu MU-X has found favour with Australian adventurers, families and tourers alike who praise it for its characteristic versatility and capability,” said Isuzu UTE Australia Managing Director, Hiroyasu Sato. “As a result, this favoured vehicle continues to exceed expectations among our Australian drivers.”
“Across the last seven years, the Isuzu MU-X has played an integral part in establishing the identity of the Isuzu UTE Brand, recognised for its strengths through various accolades within the Australian Automotive industry which has solidified its position as a top choice within the large SUV segment,” Hiroyasu Sato said.
In November 2020, a total of 848 MU-X units found new homes, giving it an 8.1 per cent share of the large SUV segment. On the year-to-date charts, IUA has sold a total of 6188 units (November 2020) – VFACTs
The last comprehensive update for the MU-X took place in 2017, followed by mild exterior and interior tweaks in 2019. This year, IUA unveiled its MU-X ONYX in September, with IUA’s Managing Director, Hiroyasu Sato, saying at the time: “This is our first ever special edition MU-X, and the MU-X ONYX Edition is our boldest and most connected SUV to date.”
There is still no official word from IUA concerning the next-gen model, despite Isuzu previewing the all-new SUV in Thailand earlier this year.
However, it is expected to arrive locally in the second half of 2021.
THE SUMMER 2021 issue of 4X4 Australia has hit the shelves, just in time for your end-of-year getaway to a remote campsite with your name on it.
Loaded with quality 4×4 content, the Summer mag is heavy with Nissan goodness; headlined by the supercharged Y62 Patrol plastered on the cover of the issue.
We also take an in-depth look at the bold-looking 2021 Navara, as well as count down six of the most outrageous Navara and Patrol custom builds we’ve ever laid eyes on.
On the custom front, we’ve included a tough-as-nails 105 Series Cruiser we reckon Toyota should have built; and if that doesn’t satiate your desire for Cruiser content, we’ve also thrown in an epic 79 Series that spends its time roaming the United States.
After spending some time behind the wheel, Fraser Stronach adds his two cents on Land Rover’s new Defender; and, for those who have missed them, our monthly columns by Fraser and Ron Moon return this month.
We also travel to some quintessential Aussie locales this month including the Mallee region of Victoria and the along the Darling River in NSW. Plus, Ron follows the route of the historic Ghan Railway – an adventure that should be on your bucket list.
WHAT ELSE IS THERE?
– Musso, Hilux and Sierra in the 4×4 shed. – 2020 Drive 4 Life tour to outback NSW. – New gear on the market. – ARB Intensity Solis lights tested. – Plenty more.
The Summer 2021 issue of 4X4 Australia is OUT NOW!
ARB has packed everything – including the kitchen sink – into its all-new Slide Kitchen, which is officially on sale now.
The ARB Slide Kitchen comprises a benchtop, gas stove, utensils drawer and, of course, the sink. The 12-litre collapsible silicone sink comes with a plug and a utensils holder, and it can double as a dish-drying rack. The sink can be collapsed for stowage.
The kitchen grade stainless-steel benchtop measures 1250mm long and features a 30kg weight limit when fully extended.
The gas stove is a three-burner Thetford comprising two 1.75kw burners and one 2.5kw rapid burner. It also utilises a tempered glass lid and flame-out tech that automatically shuts off the gas supply should the lid close or if flames blow out.
The kitchen neatly integrates into ARB’s range of Outback Solutions drawers (but it can also be purchased with a new set-up), and ARB says set-up takes just 15 seconds. To keep the drawer locked in place, it features an auto-lock function.
The kitchen has external measurements of 1355mm (L) x 505mm (W) x 310mm (H).
RRP: $2795 (Australian East Coast metro) Website: www.arb.com.au