4WD

TUFF LAUNCHES NEW 4X4 ACCESSORIES

New accessories are now available for Mazda and Isuzu utes

Tuff Australia has launched its range of new bullbars and tray bodies for the 2020/2021 twin utes from Mazda and Isuzu. The new version of the Nissan Navara is also available with a range of Tuff bullbars ranging from the Two Post, through to the heavy duty Five Post product. New side rails, trays and canopies are also available for the Navara. The new RAM DT1500 has had the Tuff treatment with a range of bullbars and finishes now in production for the American pick up. Tuff started manufacturing trays and canopies in 2017 and just hit the four-year anniversary of its first tray, delivering more than 2,000 trays in the interim with demand increasing strongly.

Tuff says it is looking forward to new models from Ford and GM in the coming months, along with new SUVs from Toyota, in the form of the Toyota Landcruiser 300 Series and RAV4 Edge. Tuff General Manager Mark Casey said demand for 4x4 products was very strong despite the current shortage of vehicles and long waiting list for popular models. “We now have a stronger demand for Australianmade products and our Aussie manufacturers are going well, aside from labour shortages, lockdowns and steep material increases,” Mark said. “We see a strong future for Australian made 4x4 accessories and Tuff has made significant investments in recruiting additional staff and engineers to join our research and development team. “We have also purchased adjoining properties to expand our manufacturing facility based in Toowoomba, Queensland. “Tuff provides many options with bullbars, trays and canopies and there is a clear trend towards accessories that stand out from the crowd and have some form of personalisation.” For more information, visit www.tuffaustralia.com.au

HSP PREMIUM RANGE OF HARD LIDS

For Isuzu and Mazda third generation vehicles

HSP says it has taken a proactive approach to ensure it is first to market on almost every aftermarket offering of 2021 and says it has even been quicker than some of the genuine offerings. “For years we have had the philosophy that if you do it all internally you have maximum control, and that’s not just in terms of the sectors within our business, but in terms of where your business is located,” HSP Sales Director, Massih Aimaq, said. “We have always been a big believer in building in Australia and with all the negatives of COVID19, the silver lining for us was that we didn’t have delays due to extended shipping time or multicountry lockdowns.” HSP says it was the first to release the Silverback, Tail Lock, Tail Assist Load slide and Roll R Cover on the Mazda/D-Max in the third quarter of 2020 and has now finished its range with the Premium Lid. The HSP premium lid has three variations for the D-Max which consist of a one- and three-piece dual cab lid and a one-piece space cab lid. The Mazda Bt50 has two variations which consist of a one- and three-piece lid to suit the dual cab. HSP says its Premium range of lids is one of the most popular hardcovers in Australia and boasts a range of features such as carpet interior, quick release hinges/struts, deep channels for water protection, a vehicle-specific shape to suit the vehicle and of course the integrated locking and light option. The covers are officially available via HSP, your closest HSP authorised distributor or any vehicle dealership and due to being locally manufactured, reportedly only require one to two weeks from time of order to being fitted on your vehicle. HSP is looking for more distributors to join its family nationally. For more information visit www.hsputelids.com or email info@hsputelids.com

SIZE DOES MATTER

At least it does when you are talking exhausts

Upgrading your vehicle’s exhaust to an aftermarket system has always been one of the easiest modifications you can do to a 4WD. Sinister Offroad says that historically, by bolting on a turbo back exhaust, you could instantly have more power and torque and better throttle response. However, Sinister Offroad explains that since 2016, all new diesel vehicles sold in Australia have Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) installed in the exhaust system as part of the emissions system and so bolting on a turbo back exhaust is no longer an option. It says while a DPF does a good job at trapping soot particles which is great for the environment, it also kills any exhaust note. As you can’t legally remove a DPF, Sinister Offroad says that when installing a DPF Back Exhaust, bigger is better. The team at Sinister Offroad has recently released a range of aftermarket exhausts, aptly named Sinister Exhausts, which includes a comprehensive list of three-inch systems for older 4WDs, as well as 3.5-inch systems designed specifically for DPF equipped 4WDs. “You might be thinking a 3.5-inch exhaust is overkill for a four-cylinder diesel engine and you’d be right if it wasn’t for the DPF,” Sinister Offroad Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Jones, said. “By going 3.5-inch straight off the back of the DPF, we are attempting to amplify the exhaust note. “Most vehicles have also shown some minor performance gains, as well as drops in Exhaust Gas Temperatures (EGTs) which is great for towing. “Not content with only 3.5-inch systems for the V8 Landcruisers, four-inch Sinister Exhausts are in the pipeline.” Sinister Exhausts are designed and manufactured in Australia from 409 grade stainless steel and are “built tuff for harsh Aussie conditions.” For more information, contact Jeff Jones on 0431 978 177 or visit www.sinisteroffroad.com.au/sinister-exhaust

TERRAIN TAMER AND MULTIDRIVE TECHNOLOGY PAIR UP

The new range of GVM upgrades from the pair are geared towards popular 4WD models

The Gross Vehicle Mass, or GVM, is a rating that refers to the legal maximum weight of a vehicle. This rating is determined by the vehicle’s original manufacturer. It applies to the wheels and everything that sits on top of them. This means it includes the weight of the vehicle, winches, bull bars, fuel, people, and anything else that might be loaded into the vehicle. The GVM also determines the imparted Tow Ball Mass when towing and the Rated Axle Capacity, which is a limit set for how much weight should be distributed to each axle. It seems that with 4WD models in particular the GVM and axle load can be pushed to the limit. These types of vehicles are often used for towing or are loaded down with essential off-road gear or other items. Terrain Tamer has partnered with Multidrive Technology to create a range of vehicle specific GVM upgrades for popular 4WD models. The kits that these two companies have developed include exclusive Terrain Tamer suspension components. The kits are all thoroughly tested by Multidrive Technology to reach Secondary Stage Manufacturers approval. They can either be installed prior to registration or on existing registered vehicles at approved workshops. Users must follow state level modification processes. The first kits the companies have released are for Toyota 200, 79, 78 and 76 Series Landcruiser models, as well as the Hilux GUN and KUN 125/126 models, and more kits are currently in the development process.

TAKE A BREAK

With ARB’s new Flinders Rooftop Tent

Bring ease and convenience to your next camping trip with ARB’s new Flinders Rooftop Tent. A comfortable, easy to set up tent allowing you greater flexibility when setting up camp wherever you are. The Flinders tent has 300gsm rip-stop canvas with four windows including a large skylight window so you can stargaze throughout the night. The tent also has an all-weather ventilation port and a large doorway which can be left open for additional airflow. Each window has 420D insect screens and gutters on the zips to protect against the rain. Features include a 50mm high-density foam mattress designed with comfort in mind, an in-built 12V light with USB connection for charging devices and a spacious PVC cover with enough room to allow bedding to stay in the tent when packed up. The telescopic ladder connects to the top of the PVC cover and can be removed to transport inside the vehicle if preferred, allowing the overall tent to have a lower profile. Measuring 2200mm x 1400mm and weighing 56kg, the Flinders tent sleeps two adults and is suitable for all weather conditions. The ARB Flinders Rooftop Tent is $1,599 (Australian East Coast Metro) and is available to order now. For more information, visit www.arb.com.au Terrain Tamer says the 200 Series upgrade kit increases the original manufacturer’s GVM rating by over 10 percent from 3350kg to 3700kg, including an increase of 200kg to the rear axle capacity, from 1950kg to 2150kg. There are also two kit options available for the GVM upgrade of the 79 Series Landcruiser. These enable an increase from the original rating of 3300kg (dual cab) to either 3780kg or 3950kg. Terrain Tamer says all kits have been independently assessed to increase the front axle rating to 1540kg. The heavier rated kit also adds an extra 140kg to the rear axle, which boosts the rating to 2440kg. Terrain Tamer and Multidrive Technology’s GVM upgrades for Landcruiser are now available. For more information, visit www.terraintamer.com