A FETTLED Triton headlines our latest batch of reader-submitted rigs. Plus, a couple of previous-gen D-MAX utes dressed in quality kit will get you raring to go on your own 4×4 build.

To get involved, head to the 4X4 Australia Facebook page and send us a photo and brief description of your pride and joy.

2007 MITSUBISHI TRITON

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I bought a brand-new 2007 Triton GLXR with factory locker. It now has 33-inch BFG muddies; Hummer H3 alloys; a two-inch Ultimate Suspension touring setup; three-inch exhaust; a bit more boost; it’s chipped; and a Long Ranger 125-litre tank. I love this rig – Jereme Lindsell.

2010 TOYOTA LC200

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This is our family escape vehicle. Here it is out on the Border Track in SA/Vic. It has been lifted two inches and has 33-inch muddies; a Rhino rack; dual batteries with a few other electrical mods; rear drawers with an Engel fridge; a catch can and fuel filter; ARB winch bar with a Warn winch; Uniden radios; and a ScanGaugeII – Nathaniel Noble.

2104 ISUZU D-MAX LSU

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Kit includes Mickey Thompson Deegan 38 tyres; ARB canopy and awning; TJM rear and side-steps; Safari snorkel; secondary fuel filter; ProVent 200 catch can; 30-inch light bar; 65L Waeco fridge/freezer; a Baintech Powertop 135amp/h power pack; and plenty of other usual necessities inside – Ross Iudica

2013 ISUZU D-MAX LSM

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It has an ARB deluxe bar and side-steps; MCC rear jack bar; Runva 11XP winch; TJM Airtech snorkel; STEDI Type-X driving lights; Mars HDI headlight replacements; Caddy Storage GSE-L canopy with side lift windows; Outback Touring Solutions drawer system with fridge slide; Rhino-Rack Pioneer dual-platform system; CSA Raptor rims with BFG KO2 tyres; EFS two-inch suspension lift with heavy-duty leaf springs; Airbag Man airbags; LRA 130L fuel tank; Ecu-Shop touch combo module; Beaudesert 2¾-inch exhaust system; ARB front and rear lockers with compressor mounted under seat; Piranha diff-breather kit; dual-battery system with Piranha DBE180-SX battery manager; GME TX3345 UHF; and a Pioneer seven-inch head unit with sat-nav – Stephen Bodnar

2018 MQ MITSUBISHI TRITON

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Gear includes Ironman 4×4 barwork; Ironman 4×4 spotties and winch; TJM Wedgetail snorkel; BFG A/T tyres; Outback Armour suspension; UHF; Rhino pioneer platform; Decked drawer system; and a tub rack – Tim Bull

2013 PX XL FORD RANGER

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Ranger features a two-inch lift with Bilstein shocks; Lovells coils and EFS 300kg constant leafs; Speedy rims with 265/75R16 BFG All-Terrains; TJM bullbar, side steps and rails; three-inch exhaust; K&N filter and catch can; GME XRS two-way; C-Tek 250 with smart pass; and a KickAss 170amp/h slimline battery – Trent Locastro.

Australian aftermarket guru ARB has developed a range of accessories ready to fit to the 2021 Isuzu D-MAX.

Up front, a Summit bar has been designed to tailor to the revised shape of the new D-MAX. Not only does the bar protect vital engine components in the event of a vehicle accident or animal strike, it has provisions for driving lights and UHF aerials, as well as twin ARB Jack or Hi-Lift jack points.

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The new shape of the tub also meant ARB had to redesign its Classic and Classic Plus canopies, which feature lift-up or sliding side windows. The canopy also houses a range of ARB’s roof-carrying accessories including the new BASE Rack.

ARB has confirmed the new D-MAX can also be fitted with a set of Outback Solutions drawers, as well as Tailgate Assist.

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ARB says it has a selection of gear in the pipeline, which will be ready towards the end of the year. This includes Old Man Emu suspension including a GVM upgrade; the Ascent canopy; Sportlid; Sportguard; ute liner; a range of bullbars, rear step tow bars; under vehicle protection; and recovery points.

The all-new D-MAX, which shares it core architecture with the 2021 Mazda BT-50, landed on local soil in September this year, boasting a refreshed style, refined drivetrain, advanced safety systems netting it a five-star ANCAP safety rating, and a price hike.

To give your D-MAX the ARB treatment, head to: www.arb.com.au

THE new car market continues to stabilise in Australia, despite the 31st consecutive month of decreasing sales for the industry.

A key cog to stem the sales slump has been the LCV market, with light commercials claiming 23.6 per cent of the overall market in October – up a whopping 11.6 per cent compared to October 2019.

In fact, of the five best-selling cars in the country for the month of October, four of them were cars we’re all too familiar with here at 4X4 HQ: the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Toyota LandCruiser and Toyota Prado – rounding out the top five was yet another Toyota, the RAV4.

“The green shoots that we are seeing in October give us great hope that we may begin to see further recovery during the coming months,” said Tony Weber, chief executive of the FCAI.

“Nationally, the state of industry operations is returning to normal as COVID-19 restrictions ease. Additionally, Government initiatives such as a constructive budget that included the instant asset write off, along with more accessible finance for consumers, is also acting as a welcome stimulus for the industry.

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Unsurprisingly, the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux remain the most popular four-wheel drives for the Aussie buyer, selling 3808 and 3406 units respectively in October.

The biggest mover for the month was the Toyota Prado, with sales up by 1387 units month-to-month. Toyota shifted a total of 2207 units compared to 820 in September, with the dramatic jump in sales seeing the Prado squeeze onto the 4×4 sales podium for October.

The new D-MAX 4×4 has also shown growth, following its arrival on local soil in September. IUA sold a total of 1330 units in October, up from 856 in September.

And, in news that will shock no-one, Toyota remains the dominant brand for overall vehicle sales, registering 19,505 for the month. Trailing Toyota on the charts are Mazda (7457) and Hyundai (5951).

As restrictions further ease, especially in Victoria, we expect new sales to continue to strengthen as we enter 2021.

4X4 SALES: OCTOBER 2020

1: Ford Ranger: 3808 2: Toyota Hilux: 3406 3: Toyota Prado: 2207 4: Toyota LC200: 1640 5: Isuzu D-MAX: 1330 6: Nissan Navara: 923 7: Mitsubishi Triton: 826 8: Toyota LC79: 789 9: LDV T60: 606 10: Ford Everest: 601

4X4 SALES: YEAR TO DATE (OCTOBER 2020)

1: Ford Ranger: 30,185 2: Toyota Hilux: 26,459 3: Mitsubishi Triton: 12,974 4: Toyota Prado: 12,932 5: Toyota LC200: 10,862 6: Nissan Navara: 7834 7: Toyota LC79: 7771 8: Isuzu D-MAX: 7411 9: Holden Colorado: 6622 10: VW Amarok: 5757

SLAP on the singlets, sunscreen and thongs, folks, as summer is just around the corner. And if you’re one of the many people who prefer to chase sun and surf during the warmer months – via a decent sand track, of course – then you’re no doubt aware Australia has some very special coastal destinations.From the island delights of south-east Queensland to the equally stunning Dirk Hartog Island on the west coast – and everything in between – Australia is crammed with picturesque beaches and challenging sand tracks. So you can imagine our dilemma when asked to cut this list to just five …

Of course, if you’re still unable to leave your state by the time the mercury starts to rise (due to the COV1D-19 pandemic), then plot these trips down on your bucket list and save them for later … as they’re truly extraordinary.

And remember, lower your tyre pressures and keep an eye on the tide!

FRASER ISLAND, QLD

OKAY, let’s get the obvious one out of the way first. Fraser Island (or K’gari) is the quintessential Aussie beach for four-wheel drivers, with its postcard-esque stretches of white sand waiting to be disturbed by off-road tyres. In fact, Fraser Island is considered the largest sand island on the planet.

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Reaching the island itself is possible from the mainland at Inskip Point, where the ferry takes about an hour and will drop you off on the west coast. The nearby Kingfisher Bay Resort is a real treasure of the island and a great stop for dinner, a warm shower or a night on the beers. Eurong Beach Resort has you covered for such activities on the east side.

One of Fraser Island’s most compelling highlights is its ever-changing environment, which criss-crosses between beautiful coasts, picturesque lakes and rich forests. Central Station is an essential point of interest on the island, with the settlement once a major timber yard famous for its hoop pine and massive satinay trees. Logging lasted from about the 1860s until 1991, and in 1998 most of the island was protected within the Great Sandy NP.

Plenty of walking tracks snake their way to and from Central Station, with one in particular taking you to a mass of giant satinays – photos don’t do them justice. Once you’ve worked up a sweat it’s a great opportunity to take a dip in one of the island’s many lakes, with Lake McKenzie undoubtedly being the most popular with tourists.

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Back to the coast and there are many destinations and landmarks popular with four-wheelers, especially on the east coast, and none more so than the Maheno, the old wreck of a ship which washed ashore in 1935. North of Maheno is Indian Head, Waddy Point campsite and the village of Orchid Beach. Farther north again (about 50km or so) and you’ll pass Ngkala Rocks and arrive at Sandy Cape and the nearby Sandy Cape Lighthouse.

Fraser Island hides plenty more hidden secrets, which you’ll have to discover for yourself. Camping and vehicle access permits are required to visit Fraser, and the ferry can book out, so it’s best to book in advance.

MORETON AND STRADBROKE ISLANDS, QLD

WHILE you’re touring south-east Queensland, it’d be remiss not to lower your tyre pressures once more and tackle a few more of the beautiful islands in the region. Moreton and North Stradbroke (Straddie) Islands are two sand jewels that offer great off-roading fun.

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What’s most enticing about Moreton Island is that it’s so close to Brisbane it makes for a perfect weekend escape – 40km from the heart of Brissy, to be exact. The island’s 18,000 hectares are packed with plenty of activities, which will keep the entire family enthralled for days – even weeks. There are countless swimming spots, surfing options (especially at the patrolled Main Beach), diving, fishing (at designated areas), bushwalking, sand-tobogganing (yep!), and of course 4WDing on the many sand tracks.

Of the island’s many points of interests, some recommendations include the unmissable Five Hills Lookout; the historic Cape Moreton Lighthouse; whale-watching at the Blue Lagoon campground (from June to October) and a dip in Blue Lagoon lake; the Rous Battery World War II defence site; and Mirapool Lagoon.

The Micat ferry runs daily from the Port of Brisbane to the Tangalooma Wrecks on the island’s central-west coast. Camping and vehicle-access permits are required from the Qld Department of National Parks.

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From Moreton Island, a ferry departs Kooringal to North Stradbroke Island (Straddie). Also accessible via the mainland at Cleveland, Straddie is another Mecca for swimming, surfing and fishing. With both bitumen and unsealed sand tracks, the four-wheel driving isn’t too shabby either.

In fact, the drive along Flinders Beach on the northern coastline is second-to-none, but it’s popular with both drivers and pedestrians, so remain alert. Another epic drive is the 24km southern journey along Main Beach, ending at Jumpinpin Channel. Other more difficult tracks weave through the island, including the tricky Keyhole Lakes Track.

A beach access permit is required for Straddie.

DIRK HARTOG ISLAND, WA

OFTEN called the Fraser Island of the West Coast, Dirk Hartog Island (DHI) is an isolated paradise named after the Dutch sea captain who discovered the island in 1616.Accessible only via a barge that departs the mainland at Blackies Beach, Steep Point (and takes only 15 minutes), DHI matches the beaches of south-east Qld for its sand driving and picturesque views, but it’s considerably more remote, which is what makes it such a lucrative proposition.

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To this end, it’s important to be entirely self-sufficient before embarking on a DHI adventure. This means, at a minimum, an up-to-scratch 4×4 recently ticked off by your mechanic, recovery gear, and reliable communications.

Perhaps the island’s biggest attraction is the Blow Holes, which takes some dune-bashing to reach. Depending on the swell of the ocean will dictate how ferocious the Blow Holes are; either way, it’s a highlight not to be missed.

Tourers can also stand in the footsteps of Dirk Hartog himself and take in the views overlooking Shark Bay, at Cape Inscription; while a stopover at The Homestead will net you a hot shower in a private bathroom, a comfy bed and beautiful views overlooking the ocean.

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Further seclusion can be found at Turtle Bay, famous for its white sands and turquoise Shark Bay water. And for those keen on luring a fish a two, you can throw a line in at many places, with the best spots at Withnell Point, Urchin Point and The Block.

We reckon the perfect way to end a DHI adventure is to venture to Herald Heights to watch the sunset, made special by the fact it’s the most westerly point in Australia.

STOCKTON BEACH, NSW

YOU won’t be the first tourer to be overawed by Stockton Beach’s formidable sand-dune system, which stretches as far as the eye can see.However, much of it is fenced off from the general public. Due to environmental damage parts of the sand-dune system have been blocked off to the general public while the many tracks and dunes recover. Pundits, though, can still play on the beachfront at defined routes, and at the 3.5km² Recreation Vehicle Area.

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Aside from the obvious off-roading benefits, what draws many pundits is the area’s rich history. Many relics from WWII defence systems can be found on these shores, as well as numerous Aboriginal midden sites that are of cultural significance. This is why it is vital to avoid reckless driving (something the area is unfortunately known for) and not drive over vegetation or shell accumulations.

A highlight of Stockton Beach is The Shacks (or Tin City), a collection of huts located 11km south-west of Anna Bay. The huts were constructed by a group of squatters during the Great Depression of the 1930s, and were then torn down during WWII. Now only 11 shacks remain.

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Fun fact: Fans of 1979’s Mad Max may recognise Tin City and the surrounding dunes, as they were used during several of the film’s scenes.

You can also hunt for the 1932 Uralla shipwreck, and the remains of the 1974 Synga shipwreck located about 6km from Lavis Lane.

Annual and three-day vehicle permits are available and required. Despite the strict rules governing the region, Stockton Beach is still a worthy beach expedition.

PORTLAND DUNES, VIC

There’s no better place to dune-hop in Victoria than at Portland Dunes (within the Discovery Bay Coastal Park), located about four hours from Melbourne in the state’s south-west. Well, we say no ‘better’ place, but there aren’t really any other places in Victoria where you can drive a 4×4 on the beach.

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There is a catch: you’ll need a membership with the Portland Dune Buggy Club to access the area. Membership applications generally take up to five weeks to be processed, so planning your trip is essential. Campsite management and bookings are also taken care of by the Portland Dune Buggy Club.

Once you’re in, you’ll be rewarded with a challenging sand-dune system, and you’ll need an adequately set-up rig for serious sand play, with recovery gear and working comms.

The closest town for provisions is at Portland, about 50km away, so you’ll also need to be totally self-sufficient when it comes to food, water and, of course, fuel.

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An attraction of the Dunes is ‘The Bowl’, where dune buggies can be found circling the 30-degree slope at speeds up to 130km/h. And when you need to take a break from 4WDing, fishing from the beach provides a bit of fun.

Victoria might be better known for the High Country, but you won’t be disappointed with a detour (quite a big detour, mind you) to the Portland Dunes.

Have we missed any? Let us know in the comments section below.

CLUB 4X4 and Toyo Tires have joined forces in an attempt to provide consumers with expert advice when it comes to fitting the right tyres to your 4×4, and the legalities and insurance ramifications that come with it.

“During the arduous task of interpreting state and national regulations around wheel and tyre fitment, it was decided that collaboratively documenting the considerations required to make these vehicles both legal and functional was a public service that both brands would be happy to offer,” the press statement said.

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In fact, the partnership extends to Club 4×4’s recently acquired promotional vehicles – Ford Everest and Ranger Raptor – which can be seen here wearing Toyo Open Country 4×4 tyres.

“We’ve had Toyo’s Open Country tyres on our vehicles for years and have found them to be more than capable of anything we’ve thrown at them. We’re looking forward to working closely with Toyo to answer some of the trickier questions in the wheel and tyre space by documenting the process of building our promotional vehicles,” said Kalen Ziflian, General Manager at Club 4X4.

Toyo Tires Australia’s Marketing and Public Relations Manager, José Angeles, says Toyo is excited to welcome Club 4×4 to its Quality Assurance Program.

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“Our Quality Assurance Program puts all Toyos sold in Australia through their paces in local testing and allows us to continue our reputation for reliability down under. We love Club 4×4’s practical, honest communication style, so we are excited to welcome them to our Quality Assurance Program while providing technical support to their policy holders as they explore our open country with the confidence that they’re covered by an insurer who cares.”

So, for any technical queries you may have regarding tyres, 4×4 insurance, legalities or general 4×4 issues, get in touch with Club 4×4 and Toyo Tires.

Pricing for the full Mazda BT-50 ute range has been revealed. Mazda first shared dual-cab pricing in September, then revealed the full range inclusive of single-cab variants in November.

Scroll to the bottom of the page for single-cab and ‘freestyle’ pricing.

Dual-cab pricing:

Prices start at $44,090 for the 4×2 XT auto cab-chassis and range through to $59,990 for the top-on-the-line BT-50 GT 4×4 auto ute.

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Compared to the already released Isuzu D-Max on which the new BT-50 is based, the cheapest BT is comparable to the double-cab, cab-chassis SX 4×2 which starts at $40,700 while the top-spec Isuzu is the double-cab X-Terrain at $62,900.

Spec for spec comparisons are yet to be available but we expect the Mazdas to be similarly equipped to the Isuzus with a class-leading raft of safety equipment and features.

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Mazda BT-50 benefits from Aussie input

The powertrain starts with the Isuzu 3.0-litre diesel engine that makes 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque and the drive is transferred though 6-speed transmissions and a part-time 4×4 system on 4×4 variants.

2021 Mazda BT-50 range pricing

Single cab and freestyle cab pricing:

Single-cab and freestyle cab Mazda BT-50 variants will go on sale from November 1, adding to the existing dual-cab BT-50 range as detailed above.

The new bodystyles will arrive earlier than anticipated, after first being slated for a 2021 release.

Mazda is big on supplying a greater choice, especially for small fleet buyers who will receive various discounts on manufacturer’s list pricing.

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“For the brand-new Mazda BT-50, the new Single Cab and Freestyle Cab models complement the impressive Dual Cab model range that we released in September. With a similarly wide array of Mazda genuine accessories available, the BT-50 range can genuinely be tailored to suit the customer’s lifestyle,” Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi said.

The single- and freestyle cab variants will be offered in a singular XT specification, with 4×2 only available in automatic and a choice of manual or auto transmissions for the 4×4 drivetrains.

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The same Isuzu 3.0-litre diesel engine – that makes 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque – is the only engine available.

Specification highlights of the Mazda BT-50 Single and Freestyle Cabs include 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, black cloth seats, carpet flooring, adaptive cruise control (auto versions only), Android Auto/Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring, and various safety systems that add towards a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

All Mazda BT-50s receive a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, with complimentary roadside assist for the same five-year period.

Servicing intervals are set at 12 months or 15,000km – whichever comes first.

THE classic Land Rover Defender’s shape will live on, with JLR granting cross-county rally vehicle manufacturer Bowler Motors the rights to continue using the boxy silhouette.

JLR purchased Bowler motors in 2019 and it now operates under its Special Vehicles Operations arm (SVO). Founded in 1985, Bowler engineered and built off-road competition cars for events like the Dakar Rally, most of them using Land Rover-derived bodies.

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Bowler customers are already benefitting from the new ownership, as Land Rover SVO engineers are helping develop Bowler vehicles and using their engineering expertise to test Bowler products at Special Vehicle Operations’ world-class facilities.

The renderings submitted with the announcement by JLR show a classic Defender 110 wagon on oversized wheels that is mated to a bespoke chassis with a built-in roll cage.

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Powering the beast will be JLR’s familiar supercharged 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine producing 423kW. Expect the chassis to be equipped with bespoke off-road competition-style suspension and brakes to harness all that power.

The vehicle, code-named CSP575 (575PS of power), is intended to be a road-registrable vehicle; in the UK at least, where it will cost upwards of 200,000-pounds.

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It is expected that Bowler’s expertise will be used to contribute to further Land Rover Special Vehicles in the future – perhaps those less race-oriented and sans-roll cage, and there’s no reason why a Bowler/SVO-tweaked new Defender won’t be forthcoming as well.

THE traditional 4×4 ute, or pickup depending on which side your bread is buttered, was always a single cab-chassis. The perfect tool for getting you and your offsider plus a load of whatever you’re hauling, to wherever you want to go.

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Over the years utes have become more family-friendly with double-cab bodies and a raft of safety and convenience features, but the old single cab really has remained the realm of the farm truck, missing out on the best of factory equipment.

Cut-down and often stretched LandCruiser and Patrols are a great way to get the functionality of a ute with the comforts and equipment only a 4×4 wagon comes with. The LandCruiser 200 is a popular candidate for such a conversion and we’ve seen them in many guises including 5-seaters, 7-seats, 4×4 and 6×6 but generally, they are always 4-door double-cab bodies. What you’re looking at here is one of the few single-cab LC200s we’ve seen.

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Mick Whitehead had what was for many years his perfect outback touring 4×4 in a GU Patrol coil-cab. After buying the Nissan new and having engineer-approved 35s, the Patrol served Mick on many trips.

As the Nissan drivetrain aged and NSW registration changed to make engineering a newer car more difficult, Mick replaced the TD42 engine and manual gearbox with a 1HD-FTE Toyota engine and the associated 5-speed auto transmission to create something special. But after more years and thousands more kilometres, you couldn’t hide the age of the GU and Mick went looking for something new.

“After looking at and driving the 79 Series I thought it would be a good truck but not a good touring truck,” said Mick.

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“I also wanted an auto transmission which is not available in the 79 and after doing the spread sheet with base being the 79 with a (auto) transmission conversion, and fixing the rear track to match the front, there was not that much difference in the cost of the 200. Plus I got two cupholders in the 200.”

A new 2019 LandCruiser GXL was bought and shipped straight to Specialised Vehicles in Western Sydney for the body chop. John at SV has done a few single-cab 200s before but usually with a chassis stretch, so Mick’s request was a little different. The way the body is cut allows for a bit of space behind the front seats, a bit like an extra cab but there are no side windows in the fabricated panel. In fact Mick has tucked a fridge in there behind the Recaro seats and there’s still space for some soft luggage.

With the cabin chopped it was time to create a custom aluminium canopy for the new ute and this job was given to Daniel at D.A.M. Steel Fabrications.

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“I wanted to replicate what I had in the Nissan with the ease of packing the back and being organised with the camping gear for touring,” says Mick of the setup.

It’s an aluminium canopy that sits on a tray and was made with two compartments: the front most space for the two spare tyres which are in the best place for weight distribution. Likewise the two MSA Drop Slides and ARB fridges (one each side) are mounted as far forward as possible within the main compartment to keep the weight forward. Yes, that’s three fridges in total.

The tapered tool boxes are on each side and a trundle drawer extends out the back. Up on top is a Budutop rooftop tent that opens up at the push of a button and an ARB awning.

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Once all the custom parts were done to make this Cruiser unique it was time for the regular 4×4 touring kit and as a long time customer for all his vehicles, Mick again handed his car over to the crew at ARB Artarmon.

The boys pretty well threw the catalogue at the Cruiser starting with a GVM upgrade OME suspension kit using the premium BP51 OME shocks; an ARB long-range fuel tank; underbody protection and recovery points; ARB bar; Intensity LED lights; Warn winch; ARB drawers; and ARB Air Lockers front and rear.

While Mick has kept the drivetrain as standard as possible for reliability and serviceability wherever he may find himself, he did have ARB fit a Safari Armax snorkel and ECU along with an exhaust system from Torquit. EGT and transmission temp gauges are inside to keep an eye on things when Mick is towing his caravan.

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“The idea all along was to build a functional touring truck while keeping all mechanicals as factory as possible. “ Mick explained. This was also the reason for not extending the chassis and so far it’s proving itself up to the job.

MICK’S STABLE

BUILDING a custom touring 4×4 like this comes from years of experience and learning what works and what doesn’t, who to work with and brands to trust. Mick didn’t just jump in to this blindly, having many years of touring and 4×4 competitions under his belt. His list of previous 4x4s is impressive with a trend toward the Toyota product but by no means one-eyed.

3 x LandCruiser 60 Series 1 x LandCruiser Troopie 1 x LandCruiser 80 Series 3 x LandCruiser 100 Series 1 x Range Rover Sport TDV8 1 x SWB GQ Patrol (comp truck) 1 x Bush Ranger (comp truck) 1 x Jeep TJ Wrangler (comp truck) 1 x GU Patrol Touring Truck 1 x LandCruiser 200 (current daily drive) 1 x LandCruiser 200 (this touring truck)

“I think the 200 Series touring truck will certainly take the mantle from the Patrol,” says Mick with his ever-present smile. “I have only been on one trip in the new truck and already I feel very comfortable with the modifications we have completed on it!”

While we’re missing not being at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas this week after the show was cancelled for 2020, there is an online, industry-only event going on at the moment called SEMA 360.

Like the annual SEMA Show, SEMA 360 brings together brands and buyers from around the world showcasing the best new automotive products and wild vehicle builds.

A vehicle that caught our eye on the first day of SEMA 360 was this Jeep Gladiator concept built by FCA’s Mopar division in conjunction with Jeep Performance Parts.

Dubbed the Top Dog concept due to its unique K9 Blue paint colour, the Gladiator features all the usual offroad hardware available from Mopar such as a suspension lift, 37-inch BFG KM3s on JPP beadlock alloys, front and rear Warn winches, a Mopar front bar, LED lights and rock rails.

But what really got our attention was the inclusion of a brace of Australian-made off-road products.

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For one, Mopar has replaced the factory rear tub with an aluminium PCOR tray and canopy from Queensland’s Patriot Campers.

The PCOR (Patriot Camper Off Road) canopy carries a pair of mountain bikes up top, while inside it houses a Dometic fridge and a hot dog cooker on one side, and a tool drawer on the other.

There is also a full suite of Redarc electronics on board the Gladiator, including the RedVision system from the Adelaide company.

While the Gladiator build itself is just like thousands of others you will find in the USA, it’s impressive to see that when the performance arm of one of the biggest automotive companies on the planet builds a concept vehicle, it chooses to fit Australian products.

SEMA 360 is running from November 2 to 6 and as well as Patriot Campers and Redarc Electronics, other Aussie brands representing at the event include Saber Offroad and ARB 4×4.

I HAVE been running a set of MSA canvas seat covers on a Navara for the last eight years.

The seat covers were fitted at 35,000km and have amassed more than 150,000km of abuse without ever being removed. The time had come to move the Navara on and remove the covers to check out how the seats had held up under the neglect.

Made from specifically designed 12oz heavy-duty polyester/cotton blend canvas and impregnated with DuPont Teflon, the MSA seat covers are built tough. MSA 4X4 are one of the only canvas seat-cover manufacturers that are certified ADR compliant (full crash testing completed), which ensures the factory airbags deploy as the manufacturer intended them to.

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Correct airbag deployment is probably not a top priority when you’re selecting seat covers, but it is a very important feature to have. In this day and age when a safety rating is a big consideration when purchasing a vehicle, it makes sense to ensure all those safe features are operating as intended if the unexpected occurs. MSA 4X4 has invested heavily in testing its full suite of seat covers available to ensure they are fully ADR compliant. There are many seat covers on the market, so it pays to do your research and ensure you’re purchasing compliant products.

The MSA seat covers are extremely well-fitted and will take a bit of time to install, but once they’re on, they’re on! The covers have a polycotton lining offering a 100-per-cent water-, dirt-, mud- and kid-proof barrier between the canvas and the car’s soft seats. The set on the Navara well and truly tested the claims of water-, mud- and kid-proof, withstanding countless hours of off-roading, wet shorts at the boat ramp, coffee spills, the back seat being used as a tool box and, the toughest test of all, six years of kids treating the back seats as a food-fight playground.

When the time came to remove the covers, my expectations were exceeded, with the seats and centre console armrest still looking as good as they were at 35,000km. Not one blemish or mark made it through in eight years of serious abuse, making the seat covers one of the best investments in the longevity of the vehicle’s interior … plus it increased in resale appeal. When the car was being appraised for trade-in, the dealer even commented the seats were the best condition he’d seen on that model Navara with those many kilometres.

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Heavy-duty seat covers should be at the top of the list for interior fitouts for anyone serious about 4WDing or, like me, a bit relaxed (read: lazy) when it comes to looking after your vehicle’s interior. MSA 4X4’s canvas seat covers are durable enough to withstand life’s adventures, ADR compliant and not too stiff that they are uncomfortable.

After eight years of real-world testing and constant abuse, I can safely say they do their job and I will be fitting a set to my next vehicle.

AVAILABLE FROM

WEBSITE: www.msa4x4.com.au RRP: $633.65 (complete front and second row set) WE SAY: Well-fitted and durable; lifetime seat protection; fit and forget.