NEW 4×4 equipment, courtesy of Projecta and Direction Plus. Plus, something warm and tasty for the campsite.
Projecta Monocrystalline Battery Maintainer
Flat starting batteries will be a thing of the past thanks to Projecta’s new Monocrystalline Battery Maintainers. Small enough to be stored in a vehicle’s glovebox, the battery maintainers use monocrystalline technology to efficiently convert sunlight into energy. They come with removable suction caps for temporary mounting to windscreens, or can be attached to a vehicle’s sun visor using elastic straps.
Available in 12 Volt 5W (SPA5) and 12 Volt 10W (SPA10) models, the battery maintainers are the ideal way to keep your vehicle’s starting battery charged without the need to rely on mains power.
Connecting the battery maintainers to a vehicle’s battery is simple thanks to the included accessory plug, or connect them directly using the included battery clamps. The battery maintainers have been designed to function in a large operating temperature range of between -40°C to 70°C.
RRP: $79 (SPA5); $99 (SPA10) Website: www.projecta.com.au
Response Plus Performance Chip by Direction Plus
For those after better performance from their diesel 4x4s, whether for on-road driving, off-road rock crawling or towing heavy trailers, the Response Plus Performance Chip has been engineered to unleash the full power and torque potential that’s often restricted though factory programming of a vehicle’s onboard computer. Every Response Plus Performance Chip is programmed for to suit specific vehicle makes and models, yet installation is a simple plug-and-play affair.
As well as the above benefits, the Response Plus Performance Chip is claimed to offer improved driveability and the potential for better fuel economy. It has been extensively tested in Australian conditions and is covered by a five-year warranty.
RRP: $995 Website: www.direction-plus.com
Hellyers Road Distillery’s Original 12 Year Single Malt Whisky
If you like the odd tipple of Tassie’s finest, you’ll no doubt be pleased to hear that Hellyers Road Distillery’s Original 12 Year Single Malt Whisky has been relaunched. The previous issue of this fine single malt whisky sold out in just 18 months, so this is your chance to get a hold of a bottle from the award-winning distiller, which picked up the gong for Champion Australian Distiller at the 2019 Australian Distilled Spirits Awards.
The 12 Year Single Malt is distilled using premium Tasmanian barley and pure Tasmanian drinking water, and is then housed in premium American oak barrels for 12 years. The distiller describes the whisky as having “hints of citrus, lemon and orange, while the palate is in receipt of a vanilla sweetness transcending a warm, toasty aftertaste conjuring impressions of freshly buttered sourdough”.
RRP: $131.45 (700ml) Website: www.hellyersroaddistillery.com.au
4×4 Travel Guide
THE TRACK was starting to get deep in bulldust, but as suddenly as it had begun it petered out and we were again on a reasonable dirt track that belied the huge warning sign we had stopped to look at as we turned onto the park’s access track.
We were in south-western Queensland, north-west of the small township of Adavale, heading for the little-known Hell Hole Gorge National Park.
We had left Adavale an hour earlier and, after crossing a dry section of the Bulloo River just west of the town and passing through the Milo Station property for most of the way, we had opened the gate and entered the park. The bulldust began soon after, but it was only short and it wasn’t hiding too many potholes or rocks, so the route remained easy.
The track dropped down a low escarpment and crossed a small, dry creek, which was a tributary of the much bigger Powell Creek, which makes up the major catchment in this 127km² park. We took the more minor track into Spencers Waterhole which is on Spencer Creek, a major tributary of the Powell. Both creeks have cut deep incisions through the surrounding highlands, resulting in a dissected and tortured landscape with vertical cliffs up to 45 metres high.
After we found a spot to park close to the edge of the cliffs bordering Spencers Waterhole, we went for a walk to explore the rugged country. It’s no wonder the area wasn’t used by pastoralists, as you have to be a mountain goat to get anywhere – and there’s a distinct lack of anything remotely resembling cattle fodder.
Still, there’s no doubt this is an important refuge for native wildlife and birdlife, with permanent pools of water dotted along the creek and shaded by high cliffs.
While red ’roos and euros are commonly seen in the surrounding area, yellow-footed rock wallabies have been recorded in the more rugged and remote sections of the park. Surprisingly, native water rats have also been recorded from the two major creeks previously mentioned, but you have to be sharp-eyed to see one.
Birdlife is common and, while there have been few surveys to determine how many varieties live in the park, the variety we saw included small bush birds flitting amongst the scrub, birds of prey wheeling overhead, and waterbirds – ducks, water hens, herons and egrets – around the waterholes. In spring or after rain, the park is coloured with wildflowers.
Back on the main access track we entered exposed rock country, with the track dropping over a series of low steps that would stymie many low-slung SUVs. The route swings along the edge of a deeply rutted Powell Creek, crosses it at a smoother spot, and then climbs another series of steps that lead to the camping area close to the edge of Hell Hole.
There are some pleasant walks around here, and you can walk the gorges between the two main waterholes if you have the time and are nimble enough. There are great camping spots around here and, while the designated camp spot is close to Hell Hole, there are unofficial camps before you cross Powell Creek on the rock slabs and at Spencers Waterhole on the cliffs overlooking the water.
Back at Adavale we camped at the old Shire Hall, where the extensive grounds have now been set-up as a free camp. On site is an informative display with lots of old photos, as well as brand-new hot and cold showers and flushing toilets. The camping area is less than 100 metres from the Adavale Hotel, which is the focus point of the small, scattered town.
The town of Adavale was developed around an important crossing of the Blackwater Creek, and the town was surveyed in 1880. By the turn of the century it had a population of 2500 and five hotels, the first one established in the early 1880s by the legendary cattleman, Patsy Durack (made famous in the book, Kings In Grass Castles). Some of his relatives, the Costellos, lie buried in the Adavale Cemetery. Patsy went on to found a cattle dynasty in the Kimberley.
There’s a historic walk around the old town, while a mini-museum in the old meat house is worth a look. The two causeways across Blackwater Creek were, rather surprisingly, built by Polish workers between 1949 and 1951, and a small memorial close by acknowledges their hard work that is still appreciated today.
The demise of the town began in 1917, when the railway to Quilpie bypassed Adavale altogether. In 1930 the town was struggling when the shire offices were moved to Quilpie, and its fate was sealed in 1963 when a disastrous flood nearly wiped it out. It’s hard to believe, but there was so much water moving over these vast, billiard-table-flat plains, that some of the buildings were washed downstream.
Today the town has a population of around 25, boosted at times by backpackers serving at the pub, doggers patrolling the Dog Fence, and grader drivers working on the roads.
There are plenty of opportunities for those who want to get away from town and have a lone campsite. South of town the road to Charleville crosses the channels of Blackwater Creek and, once across the first causeway, a track on the south-east side of the road leads to a number of good camps along the shady creek.
Crossing the second causeway brings you to the ‘Red Road’ from Quilpie and, just a short distance down from here, another track on the north side of the road leads along the creek to some large camping spots on the bank positioned above the stream.
There’s good fishing in the streams around Adavale, which is made even better after a flush of water has flown down the waterways. Yellow belly, spangled perch and Hyrtl’s catfish are the main fish caught (bag limits apply), while a good feed of yabbies is always on the cards.
There are plenty of feral pigs through this region as well, but to hunt them you need permission from the local land owners. The police based in Adavale don’t have much to do, so it’s best to ensure you’re always doing the right thing.
Pick up a brochure at the pub in Adavale for advice on short and fairly easy 4WD trips in the area. One route takes you along the old coach road, while another will take you to the old dump (circa 1870) that sits on top of a mesa about six kays from town.
Another rarely visited national park, Mariala NP, can be found 50km from Adavale, along the main road to Charleville. The park protects more than 270km² of rugged scarps, gorges and dissected country that unsurprisingly has never been grazed.
Established as a scientific reserve in 1979, the park has 146 bird species, 26 reptiles, 27 mammals and 10 amphibian species. There are a couple of camping areas in this park; one close to the main road, and two deep inside the park only accessible with a 4WD.
After three full days in Adavale – we had originally planned to stop for a beer at the pub – we headed down the Bulloo River Road to Quilpie. This route on the western side of the river is good dirt all the way and parallels the Bulloo River, before crossing it at Fish Hole Crossing some 30km north of Quilpie. Our unplanned stopover had been enjoyable and interesting, and next time we’ll be stopping for longer.
4×4 Travel Feature
Hell Hole Gorge might sound like the last place you’d want to visit but this outback Queensland park is like heaven for those after some peace and quiet. By: Kevin Smith
When the name Hell Hole Gorge popped up on my radar some time ago, it certainly sparked my interest. Only opened to the general public in 2015 it’s one of the most isolated national parks that you can imagine. Like many in outback Queensland, the park was a grazing property until the early 1990s before it was declared a National Park. Apparently, across its 12,000ha, there are plant species that are part of this area’s mulga bioregion that need to be preserved and are significant to the western region of Queensland.
Hell Hole Gorge has only one road in and one road out, via Adavale (1050km west of Brisbane) where you need to register at the local pub and then deregister on your way out, for emergency reasons and your own safety due to the park’s extreme remoteness. The publican can give you a rundown on the area while you have a coldie and a look around the quirky hotel.
Queensland Parks opened the park to campers in 2018 but you need to be totally self-sufficient with food, water, communications and a comprehensive first aid kit. The last stop for supplies before heading into the gorge is Quilpie, 120km away. The roads out here are generally a stunning red-dirt type with mulga, red gums and gidyea trees lining the road with low saltbush intermixing around their bases.
The history of the remote regions of Queensland is fascinating and Adavale is no different. Dating back to early the 1800s it’s hard to believe that Adavale was once a thriving town during the gold rush days, and it had an unbelievable eight pubs in the area, a police station, several doctors, a school and shops, and it was on the mail route out to Windorah.
Originally the rail line was to come out to Adavale but a last-minute decision had the line sent out to Quilpie instead, and this hurt the town and it slowly died. But later on in 1963 huge floods swept through the area, and it was reported that the water was 10-miles wide (16km) at Adavale, cutting the town off for weeks and washing away buildings, and resulting in more locals leaving the area in despair.
There’s a history trail across the road from the pub where a mini-museum is packed to the roof with 100-year old relics, and there are signs in the nearby paddock where the old town buildings were, while a couple of old shacks give you a little indication on what was there.
Adavale was reportedly named after a bride when her veil flew off into a local creek and somebody yelled out, “There goes Ada’s veil!” These days there are about 20 permanent residents living in this remote town and it is a good little place to have a look around with its outdoor museum, the old police cell that’s been restored and jammed packed full of memorabilia, plus the local hall which has had a makeover and features stunning old photos around its verandah, along with several police reports, old cattle and mine leases, and other relics from the past.
An added bonus is you can free-camp here beside the hall before heading into or out of the gorge area. Around town there’s good fishing for yellow belly in the Bulloo River, plus you can check out the causeways built by a couple of Polish workers back in 1950.
Heading north out of Adavale towards the park you’ll pass through working pastoral stations where cattle wander freely and have the right of way. With a 70km drive to the park don’t expect it to take any less than two hours due to the corrugations, thick bull dust and photo opportunities along the way. It’s a stunning drive with long stretches of sand, narrow single-lane tracks plus some sections where the road winds down and across huge ancient dry creek beds.
As you enter Hell Hole Gorge NP there’s an information board highlighting the area’s flora and fauna, its features and camping procedures. Don’t forget to self-register before heading to the park through Queensland Parks online – this needs to be done back at Adavale. The park has only been open to campers for a short time and after a long drive in you’ll find that the designated camping area is across the other side of the Powell River gorge.
Parks Queensland has placed blue markers along the old river bed that direct you to drive down onto the rocks, then upstream for a good 200m, then back the other way before popping out the other side. The route laid out by the markers seems a bit strange – there are plenty of beautiful camping spots before you head across to the gorge overlooking the creek and waterholes – as it seems to be creating extra wear and damage in the old creek bed which, by the way, has a couple of steep drop-offs, so if you’re towing a camper it needs to be a genuine off-road unit.
Once you find a site, and there are plenty of them tucked up behind rocky outcrops and the mulga trees, there’s nothing more to do. Hell Hole Gorge doesn’t have 4WD tracks, but it’s a quiet place where bird watchers, hikers and those seeking a little solitude can spend time doing what they love.
Camping is only 200m from the waterholes where at any time of the day you’ll spot an array of different birds, fish, the rare Krefft’s river turtles and maybe spot the yellow-footed wallaby as we did near the 40m-high cliffs farther up the gorge. When the sun sets out here, there’s an eerie quietness across the area, but it’s a typical outback sunset where stunning colours light up the sky and at night the stars seem to be brighter than anywhere else.
Hell Hole Gorge itself is a large, permanent waterhole that’s been created over time where age-old river gums line the banks giving refuge to birds and other animals that want to escape the heat. The Gorge has been formed over millions of years with water running high and fast through Powell Creek and pumping down into Hell Hole, creating this large waterhole. Nearby in Spencers Creek, the erosion has created long and large pools where red cliff faces give a stark contrast to the upper landscape of the area. Spencers waterhole is a place to sit and watch the wildlife and enjoy the cool outback water.
Seasons are extreme out here with summer temperatures reaching the high 40˚Cs, so it would be excruciatingly hot with clusters of flies, yet the winter nights can get bitterly cold, with bearable days that are great for exploring, so be prepared for whatever season you choose.
There are no facilities out here and all rubbish needs to be carried out, toilet waste needs to be dug into the ground and paper needs to be burnt if it’s safe to do so at the time. There are no formal walking tracks in the park either, so take care when you venture, as it can be easy to become a little disorientated if you explore away from camp.
Hell Hole Gorge is only a small NP in comparison to others in western Queensland, but due to its isolation it needs to be respected – if anything goes wrong out here help will be a long time coming. For those after a remote outback adventure, a visit Hell Hole Gorge is worth the long drive in, and it would be a stunning area to explore after a good dumping of rain with the rivers flowing, the flowers in bloom and plenty of wildlife about.
AN in-depth look at new 4×4 equipment released by EFS 4×4, TAG and Carbon Winches.
EFS 4×4 Adventure Stockman Bullbar Suzuki Jimny
The new Adventure Stockman Bullbar from EFS 4X4 Accessories has a host of features to enhance and protect the current-model Suzuki Jimny. The winch-compatible bull bar has a 63mm top tube, lower bash plates, twin antenna mounts and a winch cradle mounting bracket. It also features super-bright LED driving lights and indicator and positioning lights, EFS bumperettes, and Hi-Lift jacking points.
It’s manufactured using robot welds for strength and a neat appearance, and it has a long-lasting and hard-wearing Endura coat finish. The bar has been tested to comply with ADR69 and meets vehicle airbag safety regulations.
RRP: $1495 Website: efs4wd.com.au
TAG Zinc Plated Tow Ball
The new TAG 50mm Zinc Plated Tow Ball is more resistant to the corrosion, peeling and rust build-up that’s common with standard chrome tow balls, making it especially suited to those who tow boats and regularly reverse into water on boat ramps. The 50mm ball is rated to 3500kg and it conforms to the requirements of AS4177.2-2004 Appendix A Static Test.
RRP: $22.99 Website: www.tagtowbars.com.au
Carbon 12,000lb winch
Carbon claims its 12,000lb winch is the lightest of its kind on the market, weighing in at just 23.45kg when fitted to your 4×4’s bar. The Aussie-designed winch features a fully sealed 6.2hp series wound electric motor, a motor breather kit to prevent water ingress during heat cycles, a 216:1 gear ratio, an electroplated gearset and multi-position control box mounting points.
It’s supplied complete with both wired and wireless remotes, an isolation switch, multi-fit standard/offset fairlead, hook, wiring and control box, and is backed by a five-year electrical warranty. Other winches in the Carbon range include the 9500lb, 17,000lb and 4500lb (ATV) models.
RRP: $995.00 Website: adventurewarehouse.com.au/
Custom 4×4 work doesn’t always have to sacrifice form for function, as Readers Rigs this month features a collection of clean and neat builds.
To get involved, post a pic and a description of your rig to our Facebook page, for a chance to win an ARB High Output Air compressor valued at $335.
2019 MAZDA BT-50 EXTRA CAB : REECE STEVENS (4×4 Australia Readers’ Rigs Winner of the Month)
It has a three-inch lift and runs 33s, ARB bar work, Superior Engineering upper control arms, bash plates, dual batteries, custom tune with a DPF delete and a three-inch exhaust.
2016 TOYOTA LANDCRUISER 200: RANTO RANTON
It’s fairly stock at the moment, but it’s running Stedi nine-inch Pro spots, Fuel Beast rims, a Rhino-Rack Platform, ITeCH lithium auxiliary battery and charger, MSA drop slide, custom drawers and Ironman slider/steps.
2018 MITSUBISHI MQ TRITON BLACKLINE: DAVE ALLEN
It’s set up for camping. Kit includes an ARB Summit Bar, Canopy and Trade Rack, a dual-battery setup with Redarc charger, an ARB 47-litre fridge, ARB driving lights, a Darche 270 awning and Black Duck seat covers.
1996 JEEP CHEROKEE: STEVEN CONNELLY
Apart from a set of 30-inch muddies, she’s stock as a rock. The XJ must surely be one of the most capable 4x4s straight out of the box! Still plenty of adventure left in the old girl yet.
2003 NISSAN PATROL (TB48): DG BROOKE
Gear includes three-inch Dobinson coils and shocks, dual batteries, homemade rooftop tent, winch and 35-inch MTZ tyres. The engine has not been touched, with 345,000km on the odo.
2015 TOYOTA HILUX SR5: DAN TURNER
Bluey the Hilux has a two-inch OME suspension lift, Xrox bullbar, GME UHF, nine-inch led spotlights, a Ladrack with a trade-style roof rack over the back and a 2x3m awning. The journey has just begun.
Christ, there’s nothing worse than being cooped up at home as the cool weather comes in and you’re thinking about desert expeditions, snow drives or getting to the Top End. But that’s what we’re faced with now until all this coronavirus brouhaha is done with.
The Kakadu story in the May 2020 issue was meant to reflect just that – escaping the cold for a Top End adventure – but Kakadu, like most national parks in the country, is closed to visitors and you couldn’t get there if you wanted to.
Likewise, our annual Gear Guide was pulled forward for 2020 and came out at the start of April in preparedness for the outback touring season, but guess what? No one’s going outback touring this winter. Even all the events we had earmarked for the Travel Bulletin pages have been cancelled or postponed with faint hopes of being run later in the year.
While we moan and groan about not being able to get out and about, there are a lot of folks out there who are being affected much worse than us. Closed parks, blocked borders and cancelled events mean that a lot of people in the tourism and hospitality businesses are losing their money-making months – even if this is all over in six months, it’s effectively wiped the year’s earnings from these people.
Business will be closing down and people losing their jobs because others can’t get out and about touring the country. The communities that copped the bushfires have taken a double whammy as they were counting on travellers returning to their villages and spending money to help them get back on top of things.
The best thing we can do for now is stay at home and away from others as that seems to be the way to stop the virus spreading, and use the time to plan your next adventure.
Get the maps out, read some travel stories, do your research and map out a plan to break free once we’re all allowed to. And when you’re planning, consider those towns, businesses and folks in the bush who have lost more than just a bit of freedom because of the virus, and plan to visit their towns, drink in their pubs, use the tour guides, and stock up on supplies, so hopefully they’ll still be there the next time we want to visit.
If you’re still able to read this and plan trips, there are others who are far worse off. Think about how we might be able to help them get back in business.
Travel smarter and lighter, with these new 4×4 aftermarket products from Nemo, Tradie Gear and Rhino-Rack.
Nemo Switchback Ultralight Sleeping Pad
Nemo’s latest lightweight mattress will ensure you get a warm and comfortable night’s sleep then next time you’re camping no matter the conditions. The Switchback Ultralight Sleeping Pad is a closed-cell foam sleeping pad with hexagonal nodes moulded with Nemo’s dual-density Axiomatic foam that’s claimed to conform to your body to ensure a balance of comfort and support.
The Switchback also features a metalised thermal film layer to efficiently reflect heat back to your body, as well as heat-trapping air space. Despite its generous 1830 x 510 x 20mm laid-out size, the Switchback’s folding panel design makes it compact and easy to store when not in use and, best of all, it weighs in at just 415g.
RRP: $89.95 Website: www.outdooragencies.com.au
MSA 4×4 Tradie Gear Canvas Seat Organiser
Keeping all of your gear organised will be easy once you grab yourself a Tradie Gear Canvas Seat Organiser. With 12 individual pockets, the seat organiser provides countless storage possibilities including three larger pockets for items such as street directories, maps, order pads, invoice books and iPads.
The seat organiser is easy to fit and remove, and it can be attached to the front of the passenger seat for easy access when you’re driving solo. The seat organiser is manufactured from heavy duty 14oz canvas and it has an internal aluminium frame to prevent sagging.
RRP: $85 Website: www.tradiegear.com.au
Rhino-Rack Pioneer platform
Rhino-Rack has developed the next generation of its popular Pioneer platform, designed to make loading, carrying and securing gear easier thanks to updated features. The All New Pioneer incorporates accessory channels in the front and rear extrusions to enable accessory mounting such as kayak or ski carriers, while underside channels enable the fitment of accessories such as light bars.
New corner sections allow easy access to the internal channels of the front and rear extrusions for integrated wiring, and an under-bar measuring strip allows for fast installation. The All New Pioneer is manufactured from lightweight but strong and durable aluminium and fibreglass reinforced nylon components, and its black powder coated for corrosion resistance.
RRP: From $1099 Website: www.rhinorack.com.au/all-new-pioneer
AN ex-military Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen has been converted into a custom motorhome, and it’s raising eyebrows for all the right reasons.
The G-Wagen you’re ogling was given the motorhome treatment by Lorinser, a German tuning company which specialises in Mercs.
Its military underpinnings have been replaced with useful live-on-the-road features, making the G-Wagen a capable remote-area tourer than doubles as portable digs.
Said features include a bed, microwave, a sink with running water, and a water tank. Plus, the vehicle is equipped with rechargeable batteries to ensure electronics remain functional when off the grid – fed by solar panels.
The G is powered by a 2.3-litre, four-cylinder engine capable of 85kW, which runs through a four-speed auto. There’s said to be 88,000km on the odometer, since it was first registered in 1993.
The G-Wagen was said to have started its life in 1993 as a military rig for the Swiss Army.
WE take a closer look at new 4×4 products released by ARB, Terrain Tamer and Tough Dog.
ARB Toyota 70 Series Land Cruiser rear air locker
ARB has developed a replacement rear Air Locker to suit the Toyota 70 Series Land Cruiser. Unlike the OEM Toyota rear locking differential, which requires the vehicle to almost come to a standstill to be activated, the ARB Air Locker can be activated at any speed.
This means difficult tracks can be driven at a slow and steady pace which is particularly handy in tricky situations where stopping the vehicle could pose problems. According to ARB, the ability to activate the Air Locker while on the move improves passenger comfort, while also reducing the possibility of track damage or premature driveline wear. The ARB Air Locker can be activated via the factory locker switch.
RRP: $1095 (Australian East Coast Metro) Website: www.arb.com.au
Terrain Tamer parabolic springs
Terrain Tamer has expanded its range of Parabolic Leaf Springs to now cover the Ford Ranger, Mazda BT-50, Mitsubishi Triton and Toyota Land Cruiser 76, as well as the existing parabolic springs for the Toyota Hilux and Land Cruiser 78 and 79.
Parabolic springs contain fewer leaves than traditional leaf springs and are thicker in the centre and thinner at each end, hence their name. As a result, parabolic springs are lighter than traditional leaf springs, and the reduced unsprung weight benefits vehicle ride quality. Additional spring flex aids off-road performance yet the springs are still strong enough to carry heavy loads.
Terrain Tamer also says the parabolic spring design “provides better axle articulation, as well as almost no interleaf friction, allowing the spring to compress or extend with ease without touching each other until there is a reasonable load on the vehicle, up to 500kg. This minimises issues with rust build up, one of the major causes of failure in standard leaf springs.”
RRP: From $880 (pair) Website: terraintamer.com/suspension
Tough Dog Upper Control Arms
Tough Dog has released a new range of Upper Control Arms (UCA) for independent front suspension (IFS) vehicles to correct vehicle camber and castor specifications. When an IFS vehicle is fitted with a suspension lift, it loses caster which makes the steering vague, and positive camber is introduced which contributes to uneven and accelerated tyre wear.
The Tough Dog units are fixed length and position arms, which prevent wheel alignment being knocked out of specification from hard off-road knocks, and they have a slim tubular design for maximum clearance with the strut. The end housing and ball joint housing of the Tough Dog UCAs are made from 1020 grade steel, and heavy-duty no-lube bushings are used, while the ball joint itself is made from chromoly steel.
For peace of mind, the Tough Dog UCAs will also accept OE bushings and ball joint parts should spares ever need to be sourced. The line-up currently covers Ford Ranger (2011-on) and Everest (2015-on), Mazda BT-50 (2011-on), and Toyota Fortuner (2015-on), Hilux (2005-on), Land Cruiser 200, Prado (2003-on) and FJ Cruiser (2006-on).
RRP: $815 (set)
With a booming 4×4 market in Australia, 4×4 enthusiasts have never had it better when it comes to aftermarket gear. With such a wide variety of brands and products available, we’ve listed what we think is the best 4×4 gear released so far this year.
Hutch rooftop tent/Rubicon hitch rack
Unique in its design and execution, the Hutch rooftop tent is rear-mounted on your 4×4, courtesy of the also-unique Rubicon hitch tent rack. With this system, you can carry two rooftop tents, one up on the roof and the other on the hitch at the back.
If you only use one tent, the Hutch’s rear-mounted design means you lower wind-resistance and free up roof rack storage space. Plus, if you leave camp for vehicle-based exploration, you don’t have to pack the tent up – it is detachable, allowing it to be left fully erected at camp.
The tent is made from top-notch ripstop poly/canvas that is breathable, waterproof and mould- and mildew-resistant. It also has large side windows (with mesh screening) to enable plenty of ventilation. Available in both two and four-person sizes.
RRP: $1799 (Rubicon hitch tent rack) RRP: from $1599-1899 (Hutch Tent; capacity dependent) Website: www.mccormacksauto.com.au
Narva Explora 175 LED Driving Lights
Narva’s new Explora 175 LED Driving Lights feature ‘Advanced Optic Drive Technology’ claimed to produce brighter light (3800 lumens and 1 lux of light at 535m) up to 20 per cent compared to more traditional 175mm free-form LED driving lights. The lights feature XHP50.2 Cree LEDs controlled using Optic Drive technology to ensure light is focused where it’s needed. An LED position light pipe is included in the modern and compact design, and each light weighs just 600g.
The fully sealed polycarbonate housing includes a Nitto breather vent and hard-coated lens, while a pressure, diecast aluminium heatsink and Active Thermal Management System (ATMS) keep the LED chipset cool. Installation is easy thanks to an included three-pin DT connector, and the mounting brackets and hardware are manufactured from stainless steel. An optional wiring harness and polycarbonate lens protectors are also available.
RRP: $299 (pair) Website: www.narva.com.au
Sherpa 4×4 240V AC Motor Ramp Winch
As well as a great range of 12/24V winches for vehicle applications, Sherpa 4×4 now offers a 240V AC winch designed to haul boats or other equipment up steep ramps and into you garage. The Motor Ramp Winch is available in 7000lb (high speed) and 12,000lb capacities, and both variants feature push-button controls and a simple plug-and-play design.
The winches come standard with a single-phase motor or can be supplied with an optional three-phase motor. The winches are suitable for outdoor installations thanks to an IP55 rating, and are fitted with double lip seals and O-rings to keep water out. The 240V winches are covered by a two-year warranty.
RRP: $1999 Website: www.sherpa4x4.com.au
EFS 4X4 Accessories Diff Drop kits
EFS 4X4 Accessories has developed a range of Toyota Diff Drop kits designed to assist in the realignment of vehicle CV joints when a suspension lift has been introduced. The Diff Drop kits include all required spacers, flat/spring washers, bolts and rings. The spacers are made from tough T6061 high-grade aluminium alloy and all nuts and bolts are made from high-quality nickel-plated 10.9 or 8.8 grade bolts.
The range includes Diff Drop Kits to suit Prado 120 and 150 models, FJ Cruiser, MY2005+ Hilux and LC200. In addition, EFS has developed a Centre Bearing Spacer to suit MY2015+ Mitsubishi MN-MQ Tritons which is designed to reduce the vibration often associated with a suspension lift on this model.
RRP: From $124.80 Website: www.efs4wd.com.au
MSA 4X4 Fridge Barrier
The new MSA 4X4 Fridge Barrier allows the safe and secure storage of accessories and luggage around the fridge, while retaining access to fridge contents without having to unpack gear. It features a black powder-coated steel frame for safety, strength and durability, and has practical side pockets to store small items such as stubby coolers, cups and bottle openers.
The Fridge Barrier has been designed to fit perfectly around the MSA 4X4 Drop Slide and Fridge Slide range, and the smallest possible footprint to maximise vehicle cargo space. The barrier is easy to install and is covered by a lifetime guarantee.
RRP: From $399 (plus delivery) Website: www.msa4x4.com.au
Projecta Charge N’ Maintain chargers
Projecta has updated its Charge N’ Maintain battery chargers by introducing new features across four new models. The ‘smart chargers’ have switchable charging stages, allowing them to regulate load and optimise charging, depending on the battery’s level of charge and stopping when full charge is reached.
Instead of a heavy transformer, the chargers feature ‘switch mode’ tech to convert 240V AC to 12V DC, so they are light, compact and portable. Another feature includes spark-free operation.
RRP: From $55 (800mAh model) Website: www.projecta.com.au
myCOOLMAN ‘The Transporter’ 30L Fridge/Freezer
The Transporter from myCOOLMAN is ideally suited to smaller vehicles or shorter trips thanks to its compact external dimensions, yet it can still store up to 32 330ml cans. The single-zone fridge is powered by a 12/24V compressor and has a digital control system with an easy-to-read display.
Features include a multi-level compartment with a deep section for tall bottles, an adjustable storage basket, a USB port and charger with 3000mA output, an LED interior light, two built-in bottle openers, and recessed carry handles that double as tough tie-down points. The fridge can be controlled and monitored using a Bluetooth-compatible smartphone with myCOOLMAN’s free Apple/Android app. Extras include an insulated cover ($109) and myCOOLMAN’s magnetically attached Power Pack ($399) that can run the fridge for up to 18 hours.
RRP: $995 Website: www.mycoolman.com.au
Terrain Tamer heavy duty wheel bearing and combination swivel housing kits
Designed and manufactured for Land Cruisers and Hiluxes operating in extreme conditions, the kits comprise made-in-Japan bearings with a Rockwell hardness rating that is 2.5 points higher than OE. The bearings are made using a new forging technique with an upgraded heat treatment procedure, to enable a longer service life. The kits include an innovative range of heavy-duty hub seals that rotate on their own internal surface, thereby eliminating wear on other components.
According to Terrain Tamer, “the seals utilise a labyrinth construction to better prevent the loss of oil and lubricating fluids and better protect against the ingress of dirt and other contaminants”. Supplied with all required components, and all parts are covered by a 12-month warranty.
RRP: HD Wheel Bearing Kits from $120; HD Swivel Housing Kits (with Swivel Hub and Wheel Bearing) from $400 Website: www.terraintamer.com
Ironman 4×4 rated recovery points
Ironman 4×4 has developed a range of rated recovery points to suit Toyota LandCruiser 80, 100 and 105, Nissan Patrol Series 3 and 4, and Nissan Navara D40 and NP300 models. The NATA tested and approved recovery points are manufactured from premium-grade materials – SPHC oil and pickled steel (not mild steel) – for maximum strength and corrosion resistance. Each recovery point has a 5000kg Working Load Limit and has been designed to accept a 4.75t shackle or rated soft shackle.
The recovery points, which attach directly to the vehicle chassis with 10.9 grade high-tensile bolts, are finished in a red powdercoat for easy identification. They are supplied in a pair with all mounting hardware included and can be used with an equaliser strap to evenly distribute recovery loads over the vehicle’s chassis.
RRP: $200 Website: www.ironman4x4.com
Direction Plus TransChill Automatic Transmission Cooler Kit
When you are towing with your 4×4, your transmission is working hard – and it gets hot. The Direction-Plus Transchill Transmission Cooler kit is designed to resolve this potentially damaging (and trip-ending) problem, by reducing excessive transmission heat caused by towing, sand driving and driving with heavy loads where the transmission has to work harder.
The Direction-Plus Transchill Transmission Cooler is claimed to be able to reduce the temperature of the auto’s transmission fluid by as much as 330ºC. Even a reduction of just 110ºC can help you double the life expectancy of your rig’s transmission, so it’s a win-win.
Website: www.direction-plus.com
Response Plus Performance Chip
The Response Plus Performance Chip ensures any of your vehicle’s power, torque and fuel efficiency that is usually lost due to the restrictive factory programming of your rig’s on-board computer is returned with interest. The Performance Chip does this by significantly improving the air-to-fuel ratio for optimum engine efficiency, which then leads to better fuel consumption while boosting power to make the most of each drop of fuel.
The Response Plus Performance Chip suits a wide range of diesel vehicles, being specifically programmed for make/model/engine type, and it is ideal for towing heavy loads and for an all-round power increase. Plus, it’s an easy install: just plug the module into the existing factory component, and away you go.
Website: www.direction-plus.com
MaxTrax Hitch 50
The MaxTrax Hitch 50 is available now. Designed specifically for use with soft shackles, the Hitch 50 is precision-machined from 6061 billet aluminium and features an anodised finish for corrosion protection. The design allows for multidirectional pull in both vertical and horizontal axes and the hitch fits all standard 50mm (two-inch) hitch receivers. It has a working load limit of 8800kg and a destructive test break load of 44,000kg.
RRP: $249 Website: www.maxtrax.com.au
ARB Zero Fridge Freezer
Keep your beverages cool and your dinner frozen with ARB’s all-new Zero Fridge Freezer range. Available in two sizes – 69 litres and 96 litres – the Zero offers easy access to contents thanks to a side-opening, quick-release lid. It also features handy front and rear DC inlets, while there’s also a front AC inlet for when camping at powered sites. A USB outlet also provides a charging point for gadgets and gizmos. The dual cooling zones on both units can be independently controlled via a panel or wirelessly via a Bluetooth-enabled device.
The 69-litre unit has one lid and an internal freezer compartment that can be removed if desired to increase fridge space. The 96-litre unit features two separate compartments, each with its own lid, completely isolating the freezer and fridge sections from each other. Both Zero models also feature a ‘boost’ function to rapidly cool down contents, as well as ‘anti-condensation technology’.
RRP: $1599 (69L); $1799 (96L) Website: www.arb.com.au
AS MOST of us pine to break free for that next off-road adventure, we’ve polished off the latest issue of 4X4 Australia magazine.
The May 2020 issue is stacked with a range of great 4×4 yarns, none better than Fraser’s comprehensive homage to the Ranger Rover, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in June this year. Fraser reflects on the evolution of the Range Rover, and explains in intricate detail how it got to where it is.
If it’s custom metal you seek, we’ve included a meticulously crafted Land Rover Defender up-specced with air suspension and an automatic transmission. Plus, we took SsangYong’s budget-beating Musso EX off the bitumen for a test run on dirt.
We also tagged along on the latest Isuzu I-Venture trip, this time to Tasmania where the team attempted its toughest challenge yet: Climies Track … and some vehicles were bog-standard and wore 18-inch wheels.
On the aftermarket gear front, we’ve included a detailed air compressor buyers’ guide and explain why it’s an essential tool for off-road travel.
WHAT ELSE IS THERE? – Readers Rigs and shed updates. – 4×4 trips to Coongie Lakes and Kakadu NP. – King of the Hammers coverage. – New gear, opinion columns and plenty more.
We’ve had to make some changes for the May 2020 edition of the magazine, to roll with the challenges posed by the coronavirus. For example, you might notice this issue is a bit lighter than usual, as it has had a haircut and features 30 fewer pages. Stick with us during this period, and we’ll battle away to bring you top quality 4×4 material.