UNSEALED 4X4 ISSUE 009 by UNSEALED 4X4

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L 4X KN IBAB 4 M O A: AR CK THE KE -O TP FF LA CE

LED

THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO:

DRIVING LIGHTS

INSANE BRABUS 6X6 G-WAGON

EXPEDITION CAMPERS

AND 4X4 MOTORHOMES

SIMPSON DESERT:

REVIEWED: THE TOYOTA

FJ CRUISER

(WITH A 4X4 AND A MOUNTAIN BIKE)

SCOOP:

ARB GOES ALLOY A SNEAK PEAK AT ARB’S NEWEST RANGE OF BULL BARS AN UNSEALED 4X4 WORLDWIDE FIRST

ISSUE 009 0BITCOIN

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CONTENTS

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Because you’ve heroically chosen to download your copy of Unsealed 4X4, you can’t see what’s on this page. But trust us - it’s well worth looking at. To see it in all its glory go to unsealed4X4.com.au

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GEAR NEWS

Because you’ve heroicall chosen to download you copy of Unsealed 4X4, you can’t see what’s on this page. But trust us - it well worth looking at. To see it in all its glory go to unsealed4X4.com.au

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See what Pat says

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6 6

THE BRABUS 700

THE G-WAGON GROWS UP, AND UP, AND UP

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The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon is one of those vehicles that can go anywhere, and considering that it has been in production since 1979, it probably has been almost everywhere. Including those tricky hardto-reach country clubs and five-star hotel entrances. But if there was anywhere the G-Wagon couldn’t get into, the Brabus 6X6 aims to fix that – whether it’s a technical track or a royal palace. The Brabus 700 is based on the Mercedes G63 AMG 6X6, which is based on the G320 CDI that Mercedes adapted for use in Australia by the military … which is all complicated and very German. What you need to know is that Brabus wasn’t happy with the nearly 400 kilowatts that the already insane G63 6X6 produced, so they turned the knob well-past 11 to roughly 39, and then covered everything with the skin of extinct baby animals and sprinkled diamonds on top. NON-INTERACTIVE VERSION | PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR INTERACTIVE MAGAZINE

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They ended up with a 515 kilowatt engine that’s so sophisticated its intakes needed to be wrapped in gold to keep up with the heat from the massive turbochargers. Thanks to this it does 0-100 in 4.4 seconds, and it will presumably reach this number no matter if you’re on bitumen or dirt, or the beach, or a rock course. It’s important to not take the Brabus 700 too seriously. So let’s just get over the fact that it’s not practical and at roughly $900,000 it costs more than a house, and a Ferrari, and a boat, and another house. For this, you get one of, if not the most luxurious interiors ever to be put in a vehicle riding on 37-inch beadlock wheels that’s also equipped with five locking differentials. Swedish suspension guru Öhlins were called into provide the highest-end, most-advanced dampening on the market, presumably to avoid any future issues they may have with suspension on the Canning Stock Route.

QUICK FACTS › 0-100 in 4.4 seconds with a top speed of 160 Kmh › A 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 produces 515 KW and features gold wrapped intakes to keep them cool › Expect to get 22.7 L/100 km › Riding on 37-inch tyres, it is faster to 100km/h than a Porsche 911 › Portal axles mean it is 2.2 metres tall with 460mm of ground clearance › The Brabus 700 – MB G63 6X6 costs roughly $900,000

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...AND AT ROUGLY $900,000 IT COSTS MORE THAN A HOUSE, AND A FERRARI, AND A BOAT, AND ANOTHER HOUSE.

The entire thing is wonderfully ludicrous, you’ll just need an oil field to finance it. Perhaps it’s no surprise then that the biggest market for this vehicle is in the Middle East.

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SCOOP:

ARB GOES

ALLOY EDITOR MATT SCOTT IS THE FIRST TO GET A

SNEAK PEAK AT ARB’S NEWEST RANGE OF BULL BARS. AN UNSEALED 4X4 INDUSTRY FIRST.

Since ARB released their first bull bar about thirty years ago, they’ve been telling us that steel is the only viable option for the four-wheel driver. Well, guess what, ARB is now getting ready to launch an alloy bar. That’s right, ARB is going alloy – and we’re excited. Believe it or not, there’s a good chance ARB has been the king of alloy bars for some time, but they just haven’t worn the ARB brand. They’ve been manufacturing OEM alloy bars for some of the top automotive manufacturers for years. ARB is now combining that experience in building to an OE-standard with their knowledge in building four-wheel drive products to make the new ARB Alloy Bull Bar a serious game changer. We flew to ARB’s headquarters in Melbourne to take a closer look.

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DESIGN:

The winch cradle and chassis mounts on the new ARB Alloy Bull Bar are the same as you’ll find on their Deluxe Bars – high-quality powder coated steel. This provides a solid mounting point for the alloy bar itself, and alleviates any potential issues with mounting a winch to softer-than-steel alloy. Other than that, everything else is made from beautifully crafted alloy with visuallypleasing CMT pulse welds to give that awesome ‘stack of pennies’ look. They’ve also been able to work the bar into a shape that nicely complements the Toyota Landcruiser Prado which will be the first 4X4 to receive the alloy bar.

WEIGHT:

The biggest draw to alloy is obvious: weight savings. The ARB Alloy Bar doesn’t disappoint here, as the bar assembly is 55 per cent lighter than its steel equivalent; an overall saving of 25kg. It does come at the price of slightly sacrificed strength, but ARB isn’t trying to replace their steel range, they’re just trying to add more options for the consumer.

› WHAT ARE WE LOOKING AT?

The Alloy Bar has built-in LED indicators and clearance lights, and also has the provision to include an optional ARB Fog Light Kit. The bottom protection panels remain steel for additional strength. ABOVE LEFT: The two-piece split plan design increases airflow over the stock bumper and includes a swing-away panel to allow for winch access.

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...THE BAR ASSEMBLY IS 55 PER CENT LIGHTER THAN ITS STEEL EQUIVALENT, AN OVERALL

SAVING OF

25KG

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WHO IS IT FOR?

The ARB Alloy Bull Bar isn’t for your diehard bushman. It’s not the sort of bar you’d want to fit if your commute to work involves hitting a dozen kangaroos. But if your commute involves the highway and you find yourself doing more touring work on the weekends than you do hardcore technical tracks, the Alloy Bar is for you.

STRENGTH:

mobile. ARB has also spent plenty of time in the field giving the Alloy Bar a real world test, and even gave it a go at the Australian Automotive Research Centre to get controlled testing results.

THE VERDICT:

It looks good, and it feels solid. I was the first person outside of ARB to see the new Alloy Bull Bar, and even though the model I saw was technically ‘pre-production’, I’d have no problem slapping it on my 4X4 today. It was wellbuilt and had a more ‘solid’ feel to it than I’ve seen from other alloy bars. It might have taken them a few decades to bring a serious alloy bar product to the marketplace, but now that they have, they most certainly did it right.

By specifically designing a bar to be made from alloy rather than just copying an existing design, they’ve been able to make it stronger than most alloy bars on the market. This means in their finite element analysis testing the Alloy Bar can withstand a frontal animal impact at simulated speeds of Available this June, priced from $2,504 up to 80km/h with the vehicle remaining (East Coast Metro, excludes fitting costs).

THE ALLOY BAR CAN WITHSTAND A FRONTAL ANIMAL IMPACT AT SIMULATED SPEEDS OF UP TO 80KM/H WITH THE VEHICLE REMAINING MOBILE › THE LITTLE DETAILS:

A 30mm radius on the wings and centre section give the bar a smooth look and increase pedestrian safety. A recessed mount is used for the winch control box, increasing airflow and durability. Two-piece buffers are designed to complement the fog lights, and the overall design fits large ‘spottie’ auxiliary lights, and includes two aerial mounts. By Matt Scott NON-INTERACTIVE VERSION | PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR INTERACTIVE MAGAZINE

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ALIBABA.COM

THE KNOCK-OFF 4X4 MARKETPLACE

WHERE YOUR CHEAP GEAR COMES FROM (AND WHY YOU SHOULD AVOID IT)

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No one would ever question the Chinese work ethic – but when it comes to such matters as creativity, ingenuity and international copyright law, they’re perhaps not the best. China is notorious for being the knockoff capital of the world. Sure, you might think it only applies to Beats headphones and North Face jackets, but knock-offs have hit the 4X4 world front-and-centre, and it’s easier than ever to get your hands on these questionable products. Ever heard of a website called alibaba.com? If not, maybe have a closer look and you will notice there are plenty of familiar looking four-wheel drive accessories being sold. In fact, you might swear that you’ve seen them for sale at your local 4X4 show. Winches, snorkels, roof racks; even imitation air lockers can be snapped up if you know where to look. And this is the reason we have seen many new four-wheel drive companies

pop up in the last few years, offering products that claim to be high quality while ‘passing the savings on to the consumer’. Sure, these accessories might be cheaper to buy, but what will they cost you in the long run? Have they had any real world testing conducted before going to market? And are they made with Australian conditions in mind? You’re dreaming! These accessories are manufactured with two things in mind – how much will they cost to make, and how much profit can they be sold for. The expression ‘the poor man buys twice’ rings true, if something seems too good to be true it often is. That’s not to say there aren’t bargains out there, and sometimes you don’t need the best of everything. It’s all about making informed decisions as a consumer. Which is why we thought it was high time to take a closer look at the story behind badge-engineered four-wheel drive products.

ACCESSORIES HERE ARE MANUFACTURED WITH TWO THINGS IN MIND; HOW MUCH WILL THEY COST AND HOW MUCH PROFIT WILL THEY MAKE

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FIND A DEALER

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› CHINA AND MANUFACTURING

China contains quite literally thousands of industrial areas. There are approximately forty key manufacturing sectors in China; with thirty-four of them reported to be based in Guangzhou, the capital city of Guangdong. The city is broken into four zones that dictate the roles of the manufacturing plants: • GUANGZHOU HIDZ (High Tech Industrial Development Zone)

So while not all manufacturing is conducted here, it would be a safe bet to assume a majority of these four-wheel drive accessories are being produced in in Guangzhou. More specifically in Guangzhou ETDZ on the eastern side, where you will find Zengcheng Industrial Manufacturing Zone near the auto industrial base. Here, production of things such as machinery, plastics and electronics attracts business from the likes of OEMs like Toyota, Honda and Nissan.

• GUANGZHOU EPZ (Express Processing Zone) • GUANGZHOU ETDZ (Economic and Technological Development Zone) • GUANGZHOU FTZ (Free Trade Zone)

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A SNORKEL

THAT

LETS IN

WATER IS ABOUT AS USEFUL

AS A LEFT-HANDED SCREWDRIVER

SNORKELS

Sure, a snorkel might just look like a piece of plastic bolted to the side of your truck, but it serves a valuable purpose. By purchasing an unknown and untested product, you could be putting your engine in a potentially lethal situation. As an observation, the cheaper noname snorkels I’ve seen are made from extremely thin material, which has little to no consideration for UV stability. Meaning they fade, and become brittle after sitting in the sun for even a short period of time. Fitting templates are often wrong or simply not included which makes installation an absolute nightmare. Mounting hardware is made

from a grade of metal that resembles recycled soft drink cans, and if they don’t snap first they will rust – ask me how I found out. The most concerning aspect of generic snorkels, is the actual moulding technique. If a plastic mould isn’t cleaned correctly before and after use, small holes will appear in the plastic surface thanks to those remaining impurities. I have personally seen one of these snorkels shine like a disco ball when held up to the light. Now if light can get out, water can get in. A snorkel that lets water in is about as useful as a left-handed screwdriver.

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ROOF RACKS

Roof racks are a great example of ‘you get what you pay for’. A cheap unit might be powder coated and constructed from steel or alloy, but it’s hard to know how thick the construction material is, let alone how long the powder-coated surface will actually last before becoming a faded, rusty mess. Funnily enough, there have even been reports of some resellers not warranting roof racks that have been used outdoors. Seriously! I don’t know about you, but I kind of like driving my four-wheel drive

outdoors. Those sort of ridiculous warranties are an absolute insult to hard working four-wheel drivers, so always read the fine print before handing over any cash. It’s not uncommon to hear about these cheap racks bending, rusting from the inside out, or not even fitting square on the vehicle. What happens when the shady mounting brackets and hardware fails down the road? Are you going to be able to buy new units when they need to be replaced down the track? That cheap initial purchase doesn’t look so cheap anymore.

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ROOF TOP TENTS

You often hear people say all roof top tents all come from the same factory, and that might be well and true. But that’s like comparing a Holden Barina to a top-of-the-line Holden Statesman. They might be made in the same building, but they are worlds apart in terms of quality and performance. It’s often the things you can’t see or don’t have an option to upgrade that will determine the quality of a product. Things like ladders, zippers and clips, frame construction, canvas quality and thickness, waterproofing treatment, transit cover quality and even the floor material can all be selected on price point. These components will change the overall quality of a unit accordingly.

• Tianjin Aiwei Outdoors Products • Yihua Tent • Yongkang Jinle Outdoor Supplies • Telawei 4X4 Off-Road Accessory Factory • Guangzhou TST Car Accessories • CNtrail Camp & Outdoor Products • Dongguan Upal Outdoors Manufactory • Guangzhou Unity 4WD Accessories • Ningbo Wincar Auto Accessories •

Beijing Sunday Campers

On the other side of the coin, there are also many clones of roof top tents on the market. A specific model can be remanufactured in multiple factories worldwide, as all you need are the design plans. Without trying too hard, I managed to track down ten different manufacturers and suppliers of roof top tents in China which all looked suspiciously similar:

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AWNINGS Just like roof top tents, you will hear four-wheel drive sales staff say time and time again all awnings are made in the same factory, and that theirs is the same as the big manufacturer – just in a different bag. Get them to prove this! For me, if that is the best selling point there is for a product (that it is similar to the best one), my wallet will remain safely stored in my pocket and my mind will already be wondering how to get to the next shop. Look for thickness of the awning poly-canvas, as well as the ease of movement of the poles. If they feel clunky when new, they are going to feel ten times worse after a few months of off-road work. Make sure there aren’t any loose stitches anywhere, and that the Velcro loops used to secure the awning surface to the cross poles have been sewn on the bottom of the awning not the top. Seems like a silly mistake to make, but we have seen plenty of the cheap units with this flaw pass quality control and unfortunately get released onto the market.

AIR LOCKERS

Did you know there is a direct copy of the ARB Air Locker being produced in China? The imitations are visually identical, even down to the lettering on the activation switches. There are so many rumours getting around regarding these units, and if you decide to run them it’s completely your choice. But would you be comfortable doing a big trip with a locker made from the same metal as a Matchbox car? ARB Air Lockers have always been regarded as a very well made and strong bit of kit. Again, it’s the things you can’t see that make them what they are. Take out the years of research and development, quality control and material choice, and it’s hard to imagine the quality will be comparable. They might look similar, but that doesn’t make them the same. We have heard reports that the internal gears can be cast (weak) rather than machined (strong). We have also come across tales of shocking quality control, with metal shavings being left inside the diff centre, and a poor contact patch on internal side gears indicating an incorrect factory set-up. Rubber O-rings fail causing air-leaks, and the supplied air compressor that comes with the locker will last either five mins, five days or five years. Who knows?

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WINCHES Have you noticed that the majority of winches look spookily similar these days? The same housing, the same solenoid control, the same fairlead? Once again, it comes down to price. Why would you bother putting effort into aesthetics if that costs money? Instead throw some cheap paint at it, slap a new sticker on the control box, put it in fresh packaging and you now have the latest YXZ winch from ABC Winch Company, if you get my drift. Winches are one of the most important recovery devices you can have, especially if you travel solo. Take the time to read the ever-important specifications provided, to determine what differences there are between any prospective winches (if any). Pay close attention to the quality of the hand controller, wiring, synthetic rope if specified and fitting hardware. While the winch itself might look great, if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not reliable and sturdy what is the point in having one?

BULL BARS

How is it possible to get a bull bar for just a few hundred dollars? Seriously, think about it. There is 40kg of metal that needs to be purchased, cut, folded, welded and powder coated; you couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make something at home for that sort of money! The trick these manufacturers have found is to construct these bars from the thinnest and cheapest material available, put zero research and development into them, and even less real world testing. If you want a lump of metal hanging from the front of your four-wheel drive, strap a washing machine to it. If you want a sturdy, and reliable frontal protection system, talk to companies that manufacture and test their own products and have a proven track record of evolving these accessories from real world experience.

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Have you heard of any horror stories or had cheap gear fail on a 4X4 trip?

WE WANT TO HEAR YOUR SIDE OF THE STORY!

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LIGHTING

An LED light bar doesn’t make your four-wheel drive cool. Having the right lights for your needs does! Which is why I am always surprised when someone would prefer to run two massive 40-inch bars they picked up cheaply, rather than say a good quality 20-inch combo that works better and draws less power in the process. One complaint I have with dodgy LED lights is waterproofing. Once water gets into an LED fixture, it’s pretty much game over. If the loom supplied with the lights doesn’t incorporate Deutsch connecters (or a similar waterproof connector), moisture will find a way in. Mounting brackets are another let down, even though they will look similar to the real deal. They won’t adjust as well, will be clunky to install and trust me when I say this – they will rust!

SMALLER ACCESSORIES

Tyre deflators, recovery gear, aircompressors, “farm jacks” (a hi-lift jack to you and me), synthetic winch rope, camp lighting. All of these products are available and again can be manufactured at a price to suit. Which again, is why the majority of air-compressors on the market look the same, as do tyre deflators. So how do you know which is the right product for your four-wheel drive? Stick with the innovators not the imitators and you will be safe.

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BUSH

BARISTA COFFEE WOULD HAVE TO BE MY LEAST FAVOURITE BEVERAGE – I CAN’T STAND THE STUFF! SO WHY AM I TELLING YOU ABOUT COFFEE MAKERS? › READ ON

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Yes it’s true, I officially can’t drink coffee. And while there have been many late nights and early mornings where a heart palpitating pick-me-up would have come in handy, I just can’t drink the stuff without becoming ill. So why am I writing about coffee makers? Well, I think my editor is secretly trying to kill me…

zombies before inhaling a few cups of warm black liquid. I have a fair idea of what works and what doesn’t. And I also love finding the latest gizmos and gadgets – some of these machines are works of art!

But enough of my ramblings, I’d love to hear what you guys think is the best way to make a decent brew while on the In reality, who better to find the coolest road. Is a simple billy the way to go, or would you prefer to see one of these products than someone looking at beauties on your camp table? life from the outside in? So while I can’t drink the stuff, I’ve spent my life around plenty of folk who are lifeless

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Yes, it looks funny… but it works!

An ultracompact design with muscle

AEROPRESS

The Aeropress is a novel idea, which essentially is a press-type coffee maker that allows for a slow and filtered drip into your favourite mug. It’s fast acting too, with the manufacturers claiming the whole process from start to finish only takes around two minutes. Total immersion of the coffee grind results in a uniform extraction of flavour that must be the coffee-drinker-equivalent of putting warm beer in the fridge. Good coffee, in other words. By using the ideal water temperature (80°C) and gentle air-pressure, Aeropress creators even claim this unit will deliver better flavours with lower acidity and without bitterness. And say goodbye to coffee grit in your moustache thanks to the micro filter system that removes any leftover crunchy bits.

MSR MUGMATES

See, this just makes plain sense. When you’re on the road, cleaning or packing up multiple items is a pain in the backside. So, why not find a coffee filter system that also stores in your mug? The MSR Mugmate is just that – a slimline, reusable filter that easily stores in any cup or mug. Best of all, you can also use it to make a hot chocolate or a cup of tea too, making it perfect for coffee despisers such as myself. Now I can stand around the campfire with a warm cup of Milo, pretending that I can actually drink coffee. Priced From: $25 www.cascadedesigns.com/msr/ cookware/cookware-accessories/ mugmate-coffee/tea-filter/product

Priced From: $40 www.aeropress.com.au

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Brutally beats maximum caffeine out of coffee This is for the mad scientists of the group

GSI MINI ESPRESSO MACHINE ROK ESPRESSO MACHINE This would have to be the coolest coffee maker I found while researching. In fact, it had every coffee drinker in the office yawning and looking for an excuse to fire up the gas cooker. They all wanted to try it out. So what makes the GSI Mini Espresso Machine so cool? I guess it makes you feel like a barista rather than a caffeine addict, which must be good for your sleep deprived and potentially jittery mindset. After seeing the unit in action though, it is really a very cool bit of kit that is amazingly small. And I guess that’s the point. Sure, this is a bit of a luxury novelty for camping. But it’s so small it makes no sense to not bring it. Priced From $35 www.gsioutdoors.com/products/pdp/1_ cup_aluminum_mini_expresso/

This is the most expensive coffee maker in this list, and reading through the impressive specifications gives an indication as to why. It seems like there is an even longer list of fans and enthusiasts for this nifty little espresso maker, too. This clever unit is powerless, meaning you can use it anywhere with just hot water and some elbow grease. The build quality is up there with a NASA spaceship, which is represented in the 10-year warranty offered on the ROK. It’s a complete package, with filters, a storage tin, stainless steel milk frother and even a coffee scoop and tamper. Apparently it makes a damn fine drop of coffee too, with some even saying it does a better job than a fancy (and doubly expensive) electronic unit you would have at home. Priced From $199 www.espressounplugged.com.au/rok

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TIRED? WHY FRUIT IS BETTER THAN COFFEE

Sorry to be that guy, but when you cant drink coffee due to medical reasons you sometimes need that 3.30pm pickup. Fruits contain natural glucose (sugar) that is low-glycaemic. While fruit doesn’t naturally contain caffeine, apples, bananas and oranges all contain glucose, which offers a similar effect to that of coffee. Best of all, there is no crash down period after eating an apple for example, thanks to the slow release of energy. A coffee on the other hand is like riding a roller coaster. What goes up, must come down!

COFFEE ALTERNATIVES

› Sunkist orange soft drink has a massive 41mg of caffeine › Dark chocolate has more caffeine than light chocolate › Chocolate or coffee ice cream › Weight loss pills (some can contain the equivalent of 12 cups of coffee) › Headache and pain relief tablets › Energy drinks with guarana › Breath fresheners… weird, but true › A cup of tea is loaded with caffeine › Energized sunflower seeds. Yep, sunflower seeds infused with caffeine

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THE UNSEALED 4X4 REVIEW:

TOYOTA

FJ CRUISER PERFECT FOR ENJOYING AUSTRALIA’S MOST-REMOTE PLACES WHERE THERE ISN’T A SINGLE OTHER SOUL AROUND.

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The FJ Cruiser is a sign that there’s a glimmer of hope for 4X4 enthusiasts within the presumably perfectly organised offices at Toyota’s HQ. The FJ packs almost everything a four-wheel driver could want; twin fuel tanks, washable floors, impressive approach, departure, and break-over angles, and even a rear locker. The suspension is pretty good too, and the CRAWL system makes people look like they can drive much better than they can. Build quality is on par with other ‘Cruisers made in Japan, and the interior is unique while still being distinctly utilitarian, though they could probably ditch the body coloured accents. If you held a focus group of four-wheel drivers with the intention to build a new 4X4, you’d probably end up with something a lot like the FJ Cruiser. So why does everyone I talk to hate – no wait, loathe – this vehicle. Why do they want to see it burnt at the stake as an abomination to everything holy in the world of off-road. Simple: because they haven’t driven it, and because it’s different.

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Drawer Systems Cargo Barriers - Water Tanks Fridge Slides - Accessories Custom Storage Solutions

(02) 4647 6322

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Sure, the styling is love-it-or-hate-it, and the rear visibility is comparable to that of a cruise ship, but it’s actually a fantastic vehicle – it just takes some getting used to. You quickly learn to look past the lack of visibility and to place your trust in the included reversing camera that’s built into your rear view mirror. And after time you learn to adjust to the in-your-face styling that makes you feel a bit ridiculous and just appreciate the ride quality, powerful petrol engine, and relatively decent fuel economy.

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Daylight on Demand. Now available in two sizes, the ARB Intensity LED light range provides increased mounting flexibility, while continuing to deliver outstanding performance in all conditions.

Highlights • • • •

AR32 – 32 LEDs with 50,000+ hour lifespan AR21 – 21 LEDs with 50,000+ hour lifespan Vibration tested to military specifications Virtually indestructible polycarbonate lens and cover • Dust and waterproof to IP68 rating

• • • • •

Submersible to 3m Over and under voltage protection Integrated thermal management Engineered in Australia by ARB Built in the USA

SEE ARB INTENSITY LED LIGHTS IN ACTION

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The lack of a turbo-diesel engine will turn some four-wheel drivers away from this enthusiast-oriented model, but I’m not sure if it really should. I saw as low as 11.5 L/100km while towing an Ultimate Camper from Sydney to Fraser Island, and figures of around 10.0 L/100km on the highway without a trailer. When you consider the lower price of petrol, it’s probably cheaper to run than most diesels. With the recent addition of an 87 litre auxiliary tank as standard, in addition to the 72 litre main tank, the range argument begins to fall away, too.

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I was glad to have the petrol engine on Fraser Island. It meant for instant lag-free power when I ran into a patch of soft sand, which was much appreciated towing the Ultimate Camper. I know Fraser isn’t the most difficult or technical track in Australia, but the fact that I was able to take a stock vehicle anywhere I wanted on the island, with a camper trailer, really impressed me. Sure, I got stuck a few times, but much larger built-up vehicles got themselves bogged in the same spots, too.

When I took the camper trailer off for a run to the northernmost point of Fraser Island, Sandy Cape, I was able to cruise on the beach as if I was on a highway — it was almost spooky how quiet it was inside for a relatively utilitarian vehicle. Another testament to its build quality was that no matter if I was cruising down corrugations or hitting those unforeseen whoops on the beach, the FJ Cruiser didn’t creak, squeak or rattle one bit. It must be one of the quietest 4X4s I’ve tested, which is surprising because you wouldn’t exactly call it luxurious.

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SURE, I GOT STUCK A FEW TIMES, BUT MUCH LARGER BUILT-UP VEHICLES GOT THEMSELVES BOGGED IN THE SAME SPOTS, TOO.

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PLAY VIDEO

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I’LL ADMIT THAT IT ISN’T THE PRETTIEST, AND THAT THE ERGONOMICS ARE SLIGHTLY ODD, BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY IT’S ONE OF THE MOST CAPABLE OUT-OF-THE-BOX 4X4s SOLD IN AUSTRALIA. When I pushed it off-road, once again the FJ Cruiser didn’t falter. You get the sense that the vehicle is actually designed with some thought in mind to its off-road capability. The wheels are pushed out close to the bumpers, so you can climb things and manoeuvre quite easily, and the mid-length wheelbase means you’re not going to get hung up on much. Throw a small lift and a set of aggressive tyres on it and I could only think of one place you wouldn’t want to go.

That place is the pub, because no matter how great of a 4X4 this vehicle is, people still hate it, and your mates will undoubtably continually make the FJ Cruiser the butt of their jokes. I’ll admit that it isn’t the prettiest, and that the ergonomics are slightly odd, but at the end of the day it’s one of the most capable out-of-the-box 4X4s sold in Australia. If you can put up with the constant jabbing, you’ll be laughing and basking in capable comfort on the tracks as they’re tossed about in their old, less comfortable, more expensive to run four-wheel drives.

By Matt Scott NON-INTERACTIVE VERSION | PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR INTERACTIVE MAGAZINE

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THE ESSENTIA

LED DRIVIN THE UNSEALED 4X4 GUIDE TO THE

BEST AND BRIGHTEST

LED DRIVING LIGHTS ON THE MARKET.

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AL GUIDE TO:

NG LIGHTS

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Hema Explorer App ON and OFFLINE GPS navigation with interactive content ONLINE

OFFLINE

• Map-overlaid rain radar and weather forecasts

• Hema off-road base maps

• Clip ’n’ save Australia-wide satellite, street and terrain mapping • Share & download trips from the Hema Explorer Cloud track database

PLAY VIDEO

• 40,000+ interactive touring POI • Navigate and record trips with real-time GPS tracking

hemamaps.com.au

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LED lighting technology has changed the four-wheel drive world, and for the absolute best. LEDs run cooler, draw less energy, last longer and aren’t as fragile as halogen elements. There is no annoying warm-up time as with HIDs and no need for messy external ballasts, either.

But how do you know where to start when it comes to choosing and purchasing a set of your own LED driving lights? With so many manufacturers and importers selling (and re-badging) LED driving lights these days, it was about time we sat down and took a closer look at the range of lights available. Which set deserves pride of place on your bull bar? Sorry, you’re just going to have to read on and make up your own mind!

Y Y X

X X

PENCIL BEAM

OR SPOT BEAM

SPREAD BEAM

COMBO BEAM

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› WATERPROOF RATINGS

IP68… IP67… IP58, what does it all mean – and is it important? Yep, It certainly is! These codes highlight the extent of how water and dust proof your new LED driving lights will be. IP stands for Ingress Protection, and below is a breakdown of what these numbers actually mean. Take the first number of your IP rating from the solids section, and the second number from the liquids section to determine how protected your LED lights actually are. An IP68 rating for example would be water and dust proof.

› PROTECTION AGAINST SOLIDS 0) No Protection 1) Protects against object greater than 50mm (a hand) 2) Protects against object greater than 12.5mm (a finger) 3) Protects against object greater than 2.5mm (a piece of wire) 4) Protects against object greater than 1.0mm (a ball point pen point) 5) Dust resistant – prevents ingress of dust

IP6 8 ›PROTECTION AGAINST LIQUIDS 0) No Protection 1) Protected against water drops 2) Protected against water drops at a 15 degree angle 3) Protected against water spray at a 60 degree angle 4) Protected against water splashing from any angle 5) Protected against water jets from any angle 6) Protected against powerful water jets and heavy seas 7) Protected against temporary submersion in water (3 feet for 30 minutes) 8) Protected against permanent submersion in water (up to 13 feet)

6) Dust tight – no ingress of dust

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THESE CODES HIGHLIGHT THE EXTENT OF HOW WATER AND

DUST PROOF

YOUR NEW LED DRIVING LIGHTS WILL BE. › LUMENS VS LUX

Every manufacturer will supply the raw lumen figure their light produces, but many wont supply the lux readings. Quite simply, lumens provide a figure of the total amount of light being produced. Lux on the other hand, measures the intensity of the light. So while a light may have high lumens and offer fantastic

spread of light, if the lux readings are low there won’t be enough grunt to actually see much at all. There are technical methods of measuring both lumens and lux, which takes out the ‘seat of the pants’ argument. A light integrating sphere accurately records lumens, while lux is measured with a far simpler device (oddly enough) called a lux meter.

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! s u i o r e S PORTABLE FRIDGE FREEZERS

PORTABLE FRIDGE FREEZERS

National Luna Fridge/Freezers use ‘all metal’ stainless or alloy construction, larger cooling plate area, higher density insulation combining commercial quality and real performance with low battery consumption. They are the right choice for anyone that’s serious about buying a portable fridge/freezer. The all metal build makes these fridges tougher, clever design and intelligent controllers makes them smarter. Superior performance with their proven ability to refrigerate or freeze safely in very hot weather, combined with the lowest possible power consumption makes them better. With National Luna you can be sure it’ll handle the toughest conditions with reliability and durability second to none.

ACCESSORIES

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND PRICES

VISIT NATIONALLUNA.COM.AU

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› WIRING LOOMS

You might not think it, but the wiring looms supplied with LED driving lights are a major part of what actually helps to keep water and dust out. Many manufacturers will in fact void the light’s warranty if you decide to cut off the supplied connectors and install your own. Look for a light that incorporates Deutsch connectors that are water and dust proof. If not, moisture will find its way down the electrical cable, and directly inside your LED driving light, potentially destroying it.

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› MOUNTING BRACKETS

We know from the previous article on illegal 4X4 mods that you can’t mount an LED or any driving light on top of a bull bar. So how do you go about installing them? Luckily, many bull bars will have mounting tabs to secure a light fixture. If not, there are several light mounts that can be installed with a few basic tools. The most common variety is a tube-mount clamp that wraps around the top hoop of a bull bar pointing downwards, providing you with an adjustable mount that simply bolts on. No need to weld or fabricate new mounts, which also preserves the factory powder-coated finish the bull bar came with.

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RAW LUMENS PER DOLLAR:

14.04

ARB AR21 INTENSITY

The little brother in the ARB Intensity range, but by no means a weaker sibling. ARB Intensity LED driving lights are one of the hottest items in the aftermarket industry currently, with ARB struggling to keep up with demand. These lights say ARB on them, but they are actually manufactured by Rigid Industries in the USA – which is a good thing. There are 6950 raw lumens of output per lamp being produced by 21 LEDs, which is what makes this light so popular. Well, that and the desirable red ring that runs around the lightweight yet virtually bulletproof polycarbonate lens. Looks aside, the mounting system used on the Intensity range is a work of art and definitely built for the Australian four-wheel drive market.

$ For more info

RAW LUMENS PER DOLLAR:

10.31

ARB AR32 INTENSITY

The big brother to the AR21 and the original ARB Intensity, the AR32 is designed to fit bull bars with room for larger diameter driving lights. Or for those who just want the biggest and brightest light from ARB. Manufactured by Rigid Industries in America, they’ve crammed 32 LEDs into the larger high pressure cast aluminium housing. Yes it is larger in physical size, but it’s also brighter, offering 8200 raw lumens per light at the flick of a switch. Waterproof Deutsch DT-06 connectors have been employed ensuring a trouble free connection. To back this up, ARB is proud to stand by their product and back it with an IP68 dust and waterproof rating. Wiring looms are not included, however the Intensity range has been engineered for use with the ARB wiring loom (part number 3500520 for those playing along at home).

$ For more info

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Blue Sky

Navigation

Hema Navigator HN7

Home

rescueME PLB1

Satellite Phones

Bad Elf GPS

Testimonials

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RAW LUMENS PER DOLLAR:

9.05

GREAT WHITE 18 LED

Manufactured by Vision X, Great White has been lighting up tracks in Australia for some time now. In the process, they developed a product with many big claims: it’s shock proof to 15.6G, waterproof to 3m, has an operating lifespan 50,000+ hours and it’s all backed by a five year warranty. If that sounds like something that might be up your alley, take a closer look at the 18 LED driving light. Powered by eighteen individual LEDs, the Great White LED is offered in a dust proof black or chromefinished aluminium housing. There are also many additional accessories available for the range of LED driving lights, including anti-theft lock nuts, coloured and clear polycarbonate lens covers, and both 12v and 24v wiring harnesses.

For more info

10.32

GREAT WHITE 9 LED ROUND DRIVING LIGHT

Very similar to its big brother (the 18 LED driving light), the 9 LED version offers similar features and benefits, just in a smaller package. Modern vehicles have far less space for aftermarket accessories when compared to older four-wheel drives. This is especially true when you take a look at a modern bull bars. So it’s no surprise that a light with half the amount of LEDs produces exactly half the raw lumens. But when you still have 4,437 raw lumens of 6000k LED light pointing down a dusty track, you wont be complaining. The smaller size is also a benefit for those who own vehicles that are more notorious for having overheating issues. With less surface area to block the radiator, more cool air can get past the lights and into the vehicle’s cooling system.

For more info

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YEE HAR! More money for diesel! Subscribe to Unsealed 4X4 for free. Your subscription will land in your inbox, so you never miss a magazine.

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RAW LUMENS PER DOLLAR:

11.59

HALO RAPTOR 7 INCH LED

The Halo Raptor is a seven-inch LED driving light that packs plenty of technology into a small package. While LED lights by nature donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get anywhere near as hot as halogen lamps, Halo have put considerable amounts of time into keeping these lights running as cool as possible. Features include integrated electronic thermal management to regulate heat levels, and a channeled heat sink also helps to dissipate heat and prolong LED lifespan. The housing is made from 6061 grade aluminium for durability, and a polycarbonate PMMA lens keeps weight down while resisting impacts from stones and debris. As an interesting side note, Halo tells us that these lights can be mounted vertically, horizontally, diagonally or on any angle. So if you have a tricky mounting platform that requires an alternative install, these could be the driving lights for you.

$ For more info

15.72

IMPACT LED 51W

These are the least expensive LED driving lights in this guide, and on paper they deliver some impressive statistics, with 17 three watt Americanmade LED lights crammed into a rugged seven inch housing. Strong 3mm thick tempered glass has been utilised instead of polycarbonate, and all cabling has been sealed and double insulated to prevent water and dust ingress. Impact LED back up their product with a two year warranty and claim the LEDs used in the light will be good for a lifespan of up to 30,000 hours. These lights have also been tested in accordance with ISO 167503 which (if you are not a mechanical engineer) means they have passed a mechanical shock test to ensure they wont fall to bits while blasting down your favourite track.

$ For more info

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DON’T GET STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE WITH EXPENSIVE FUEL SYSTEM REPAIRS INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL FUEL FILTER WITH A TIME SAVING D.I.Y. KIT WHATS included?

There are 2 types available, what’s the difference? Will it suit my vehicle?

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www.dieselcare.com.au FREECALL - 1800 880 150 NON-INTERACTIVE VERSION | PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR INTERACTIVE MAGAZINE

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RAW LUMENS PER DOLLAR:

4.01

JW SPEAKER TS3000R

JW Speaker are an American-based manufacturer of high quality lighting that you will see on Harley Davidsons, John Deere tractors and Caterpillar earth moving machinery. So while the name might not be immediately familiar, they have been in business since 1935 and have been manufacturing vehicle lighting since 1960. The TS3000R from JW Speaker is a compact LED driving light that has been designed from years of engineering research and development. Like many other LED driving lights, the TS3000R is available in a pencil or spread beam and with a black or silver finish on the die-cast aluminium finish. While small in size, the pencil beam will shine close to 500m down the road and the spread beam offers a wider beam of light yet will still comfortably shine over 400m down a straight road. Another unique feature is the universal pedestal mount that has been designed for ease of fitment on a variety of mounting platforms.

$ For more info

RAW LUMENS PER DOLLAR:

10.46

LIGHTFORCE LED 180

The smaller model in the latest Lightforce LED range is the 180. This LED driving light is made up of seven 10 watt high output CREE Chipset LEDs that are housed in a high-pressure cast aluminium housing. There is a choice of wide or spot beams depending on your requirements, and Lightforce claim their product is waterproof. The difference between cheaper driving lights and Lightforce units is the attention to detail. DuPont paint has been used to provide protection from our harsh elements, and the polycarbonate lens has been hard coated for scratch and impact resistance. For even more protection, clear clip-on covers are provided and military grade wiring cable gets the nod for handling powerup duties. These inclusions make for a solid, compact LED driving light that has been designed for Aussie conditions.

$ For more info

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R FO ! ICK E CL MOR

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RAW LUMENS PER DOLLAR:

11.21

LIGHTFORCE LED 215

The big brother to the Lightforce 180, the 215 LED is simply bigger and brighter yet again. You either have the space, or are one of those four-wheel drivers who follows the biggest-is-best motto, and judging by the success of the older (and massive) Lightforce 240 driving lights, these will be just as common a sight in the bush. For ultimate bragging rights, the Lightforce 215 has 36 three watt LEDs housed in a high-pressure aluminium housing. All the same features are retained over the smaller Lightforce 180, however when you break it down the bigger light produces 7794 raw lumens compared to 5180. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not hard to see that in some cases, bigger definitely is better!

$ For more info

RAW LUMENS PER DOLLAR:

16.74

OPPOSITE LOCK NITRO

Opposite Lock have long been selling the Power Vision range of halogen and HID driving lights, so it makes absolute sense that they partner up with them again to produce the Nitro 228mm LED driving lights. These driving lights pump out a huge 120w of glorious white light, thanks to 24 five watt CREE LEDs producing a claimed total of 10880 raw lumens per lamp. Sturdy mounting brackets are supplied, which offer ease of adjustment for a range of fitment options. Lens covers, a wiring harness and anti-theft locking nuts are also included, meaning no surprises when it comes time to install the lights. Plenty of attention to detail has gone into the construction side of things, with the inclusion of a robust highpressure die-cast aluminium housing and a high impact polycarbonate lens to prevent stone chips and other damage while off-road.

$ For more info

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NEXT GENERATION ENGEL IT’S A FREEZER! IT’S A FRIDGE!

The new MT45FCP Combi is part of the Next Generation digital range, which have all new features plus the same Engel reliability.

ANNOUNCING THE LATEST IN THE ENGEL FRIDGE FREEZER RANGE

THE NEW MT45FCP COMBI The new MT45FCP is a fridge and freezer in one and has different options for use! Option 1 Freezer 16 litres and Fridge 23 litres. Total 39 litres

Option 2 Freezer 23 litres and Fridge 16 litres. Total 39 litres

Option 3 Refrigerator Only - User friendly LED Digital control, with built in (divider removed) battery protection Total 40 litres - The famous Sawafuji swing motor with only one moving part - Lowest maximum power draw - Rugged steel cabinet with LED interior light. - Tri-voltage - Removable wire baskets and divider with easy clean interior. - 3 year warranty and Australia wide service network

For stockists call 1300 302 653 or visit www.engelaustralia.com.au

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RAW LUMENS PER DOLLAR:

14.73

PEAK XPLORER 6000

Peak Xplorer 6000 LED driving lights are available in either spot or spread beam patterns, with 20 five watt XPG-2 CREE LEDs guiding the way. The benefit of offering a choice of spread and spot beam lamps is having the ability to choose the lighting system to suit the conditions you drive. Lots of long and straight open roads and a pencil beam would make sense, while a spread beam would be best suited to beach driving or scrubby conditions. A choice of black or chrome finish provides options for fussy buyers or those with alloy bull bars, and the aluminium housing material is tough and light while retaining rustresistant properties. With a waterproof rating of IP69 thanks to the integrated 3-pin Deutsch plug connector and with 8750 RAW lumens to play with, Peak Xplorer LED driving lights certainly have the right specs where it counts for the four-wheel drive market.

$ For more info

RAW LUMENS PER DOLLAR:

11.93

RIGID INDUSTRIES Q SERIES

The Q Series from Rigid Industries is a little different to the rest of the LED driving lights on the market, as it is a square shaped unit rather than a traditional round shape. The reason for this is quite clever, Rigid Industries were able to build the Q Series around four of the smaller yet extremely popular and proven Dually LED lights optics. The real benefit of the Q Series is the shear amount of beam pattern options available. From spot beam for those who need absolute long distance vision, to diffusion beam for anyone wanting as much light spread as possible, or combinations of both. Originally designed for use on fire and rescue and commercial trucks, the Q series are extremely heavy duty in construction and still made in America. Best of all, they come complete with mounting brackets and a waterproof wiring loom too.

$ For more info

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RAW LUMENS PER DOLLAR:

6.37

RIGID INDUSTRIES R SERIES

With excellent instructors and training venues throughout Australia, we can provide: 4WD Basic, advanced, sand & recovery courses Low Risk (defensive) courses, for normal & gravel roads First Aid courses, basic, advanced, occupational & remote area Wide variety of courses to suit Public, Corporate & Government

CALL 1300 660 302

The latest LED driving light from Rigid Industries is also quite possibly the boldest they have designed. The R Series has been built for those who want to stand out from the crowd, while still offering performance levels that you would expect from the USAbased manufacturer. The secret to the exceptional performance of the R Series is the curved lens and housing which allows for a tremendous throw of light. When combined with twelve of Rigid Industriesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; brightest LEDs, you have one serious LED driving light. Availability in a spot, hyperspot, flood, combo, driving and wide beam patterns means there is a light in the R Series range to suit most applications and terrains. A black lens cover is included, as are quality stainless steel brackets and a waterproof wiring loom.

$ For more info

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RAW LUMENS PER DOLLAR:

12.14

VISION X SOLSTICE

Vision X is actually the manufacturer of choice for many other lighting companies, so their own product sometimes gets less attention than it deserves. Producing a generous 4800 raw lumens from just six LEDs is impressive, and when you consider they also have a service life of up to 50,000 hours things really get put into perspective. The key feature of this light has nothing to do with the light output, but more the slim die cast aluminium housing, which has excellent strength and heat dissipation properties. And with a mounting depth of just 1.5 inches, this is the LED driving light for you if space is at an absolute premium. As Vision X lights are subjected to rigorous vibration testing for performance in high impact situations, Vision X offer a lifetime warranty on the 6 LED Solstice driving light.

$ For more info

RAW LUMENS PER DOLLAR:

9.52

XRAY VISION 220 SERIES LED

The latest high-tech offering from Xray Vision is the 220 Series LED light which features six powerful 10w CREE LEDs that produce 6000 lumens while offering up to 50,000 hours of run time. What makes this light so high-tech though, is the high-performance computer designed multiplexer projector, reflector and optical lens that have been designed for maximum light emitting efficiency. This means that overall lumen output is less important, thanks to the quality of design and construction. Mounting duties are taken care of by a highly adjustable pivoting ball joint system, and a hardened polycarbonate optical lens protects internal components while ensuring a water and dust-proof seal rating of IP67. Stainless steel hardware has been utilised for longevity and corrosion resistance, and the light housings are available in either a chrome or black finish.

$ For more info

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› TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS MANUFACTURER

WIRING KIT

WEIGHT

ARB AR21

2.5kg

(h) 212mm (w

ARB AR32

3.2kg

(h)245mm (w

GREAT WHITE 9 LED

2.9kg

(h) 183mm (w

GREAT WHITE 18 LED

2.8kg

(h) 183mm (w

HALO RAPTOR

2.6kg

(h) 195mm (

IMPACT LED

2.5kg

(h) 195mm (

JW SPEAKER TS3000R

1.5kg

(h) 160mm (w

LIGHTFORCE 180 LED

2.1kg

(h) 196mm (

LIGHTFORCE 215 LED

3.3kg

(h) 196mm (

OPPOSITE LOCK NITRO

3.3kg

(h) 240mm (w

PEAK XPLORER 6000

2.6kg

(h) 185mm (w

RIGID INDUSTRIES Q SERIES

2.0kg

(h) 172mm (

RIGID INDUSTRIES R SERIES

2.0kg

(h)147mm (w

VISION X SOLSTICE

2.4 kg

(h) 181mm (

XRAY VISION 220

2.9kg

(h) 235mm (w

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SIZE

RAW LUMEN PER $

PRICE

WARRANTY

w) 190mm (d) 116mm

14.04

$495ea

2 year

w) 220mm (d) 119mm

10.31

$745ea

2 year

w)170mm (d) 114mm

9.05

$490ea

5 year

w)170mm (d) 114mm

10.32

$860ea

5 year

(w) 175mm (d) 86mm

11.59

$699ea

2 Year

(w) 175mm (d) 86mm

15.72

$229ea

2 year

w) 166mm (d) 105mm

4.01

$599ea

4 year

(w) 181mm (d) 97mm

10.46

$495ea

3 year

(w) 216mm (d) 97mm

11.21

$695ea

3 year

w) 235mm (d) 110mm

16.74

$650ea

3 year

w) 179mm (d) 109mm

14.73

$594ea

5 year

(w) 171mm (d) 87mm

11.93

$590ea

Life (limited)

w) 144mm (d) 75mm

12.14

$545ea

Life (limited)

(w) 166mm (d) 81mm

6.37

$753ea

Lifetime

w) 220mm (d) 109mm

9.52

$630ea

2 year

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CROSSING THE

SIMPSON DESERT …WITH A TWIST UNSEALED 4X4’S TIM STANNERS SUPPORTS

THE ANNUAL SIMSPON DESERT BIKE CHALLENGE

– AND YOU THOUGHT DRIVING ACROSS IT WAS HARD!

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Adventurous or Crazy? No matter which way you look at it, a trip across the Simpson Desert is one of those 4X4 adventures which culminates in a multitude of different opinions and emotions. Whether it’s excitement or trepidation or quite simply the pleasure of being in one of the most remote places in the country, the Simmo has it all. For the adventurous, it’s generally on the bucket list – right up there with Cape York and the Canning Stock Route. But to do it on a ‘fatty’ (aka fat tyre pushbike)… that’s gotta be crazy, right?

The race starts from Purni Bore on the western fringe of the Simpson and it’s early to bed and early to rise at 4.30am, as the riders’ legs get their first taste of the desert dunes at the 6am start. From here on in, it’s five days of racing, with two stages and around 130km of riding each day. This year’s event took a slightly different route to the norm, traversing the French Line, the Rig Road, the Warburton Track and the Birdsville Inside Track, with the race finishing at the iconic Birdsville Hotel for a couple of well deserved, but not so quiet ales.

That’s exactly what happens each year in September as part of the Simpson Desert Bike Challenge, and we were there this year to witness an extraordinary bunch of athletes and 4X4 support crews as they endured the sun, the sand and the uncertainty of the Simpson Desert in order to raise money for a great cause – the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

As rider support crew, our job was to get our riders to the start of the event, support them throughout the race and then safely back home again. This is no mean feat considering a normal Simpson Desert crossing takes most people around three days. We had to consider the extra food, water and supplies needed to support these crazy cats over five days, let alone our own meagre needs in comparison.

Find your way: download the maps here.

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At 5.30am, the lead convoy heads out before the riders and has the pleasure of experiencing spectacular sunrises, as well as the task of setting up water and medical stops along the route and both the lunch and dinner campsites. The rear support crew travels at a leisurely 12km/h behind the riders, so there’s certainly plenty of opportunity to get a selfie and take in the desert scenery as the 4X4 convoy meanders its way over hundreds of sand dunes.

The support crew’s job takes in everything from camp chef at breakfast, lunch and dinner, to masseuse, water boy and mental therapist to ensure the riders are able to get up and going for each stage of the event. Not only is this race physically tough and demanding on the riders, it’s also incredibly mentally tough as the Simpson Desert heat, wind and terrain take their toll on the riders, officials, crews and vehicles.

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The elements aside, there’s plenty to contend with and this year’s event didn’t go without its fair share of casualties. The riders faced dehydration, heat stroke and ‘crater like’ saddle sores in the nether regions. Only nine riders completed the whole distance and two failed to start. There was also a multitude of mechanical issues and the ever present challenge of staying in front of the sweep vehicle and the rear 4X4 convoy. For the vehicles, one 4X4 didn’t make the start due to a cracked fuel tank. There were damaged aerials, bull bars, driving lights, tyres, suspension, tents and awnings, but as the race name suggests, it’s all part of the challenge!

NOT ONLY IS THIS RACE PHYSICALLY TOUGH AND DEMANDING ON THE RIDERS, IT’S ALSO INCREDIBLY MENTALLY TOUGH AS

THE SIMPSON DESERT HEAT,

WIND AND TERRAIN TAKE THEIR TOLL ON THE RIDERS, OFFICIALS, CREWS AND VEHICLES.

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How ERPS Works

Choosing an ERPS System

Play Video

• Prevents Rust • Protects not only the outside of vehicles but also all the inner and hidden areas that traditional sprays can’t reach • Prevents stone chips from developing into protusion rust • Maintains vehicle resale value • Unmatched record of 19 years • of Australian manufacturing • Saves on maintenance costs • Enhances paintwork NON-INTERACTIVE VERSION | PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR INTERACTIVE MAGAZINE

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If you’re a little uncertain about tackling the Simpson Desert on your own, then this event sure is a great way to see it. As a volunteer crew member or race official, you can take your 4X4 across the desert knowing there’s plenty of support and 4X4 experience on hand to get you through. This year’s event had a young family who volunteered as the official timekeepers as well as others who volunteered as rider support crew or medical staff. There’s even an opportunity to get some of your costs covered as part of it, not to mention the fun and mateship of being part of well oiled team, with spectacular desert scenery along the way.

As with any big trip, just getting there and back is half the fun and with the race finishing in Birdsville, it provides plenty of options on the return leg. For us, it meant a trip back south through Cordillo Downs, Innamincka and the famous Burke and Wills Dig Tree, the Old Strzelecki Track, Cameron Corner and on towards the Darling River before hitting home. Of course, we can’t finish a race report without a mention of the winner and a big congrats must go to all the riders, but an even bigger one to a guy who can only be described as a machine – Congratulations Bruce Wood!!

For more information on how you can be a part of the Simpson Desert Bike Challenge, head to www.desertchallenge.org

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THE GUIDE TO:

4X4 STORAGE SYSTEMS WITH EVERYTHING THAT OPENS AND SHUTS AVAILABLE FOR YOUR FOURWHEEL DRIVE, WE TAKE A LOOK AT THE BEST WAYS TO STORE YOUR GEAR

We say it time and time again: as four-wheel drivers we are taking away more and more gear with us on our adventures. Be it the latest electrical gadget, bulky camping gear or even that deluxe portable camping pizza oven you have been eyeing. Long gone are the days of packing nothing more than your swag and a tucker box. From a safety point of view, loose items stored in the back of a vehicle can be a real hazard. From a logistical point of view, searching through piles of cooking or recovery gear to find a simple item gets very old very quickly.

You often hear experienced four-wheel drivers say after their maiden voyage in a new vehicle, that the one thing they want to sort out ASAP is the storage side of things. Once you have a decent system for storing your equipment, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to imagine a life without it. But how do you know which is the best set-up for your vehicle? With so many options out there, it can be a tricky task to identify the logical solution. This is why we want to discuss the pros and cons of popular storage systems on the market today.

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STORAGE DRAWERS

as construction involves a considerable amount of material and labour. Some PROS: Storage drawers are an excellent units are heavy, which considering the construction material of choice being addition from an organisational point plywood and steel (alloy in some cases) of view, as they create a home for everything. No more ripping the interior isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a surprise. Storage drawers are also a semi-permanent modification; apart to find a stubby holder or your they are not easily removed if need be. head torch, as it will be in the same place each time (in theory). Fridge slides You will need to make sure the chosen design wont impact your day-to-day life can also be built in or adapted, as can water tanks and food preparation areas. negatively or limit cargo capacity if you occasionally need to store large items. This is the point of a good aftermarket Storage drawers are also notorious for storage drawer system; they offer the ability to customise your storage area to rattles from the drawer runners if not built well, which is something to check better suit your needs. when selecting a potential manufacturer CONS: They can be expensive to do right, or supplier. NON-INTERACTIVE VERSION | PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR INTERACTIVE MAGAZINE

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ROOF RACKS

PROS: One of the most common reasons people install roof racks these days is to mount a side awning, but if you need storage for large or bulky items, roof racks will free up interior space considerably. The roof of a four-wheel drive has the largest surface area out of any panel on the vehicle, so why not capitalise on it? Roof racks make for a smart addition if you are into watercraft, bikes or skis. Clever roof rack manufacturers also offer amazing amounts of aftermarket accessories such as shovel or jack holders, so you can expand on your rooftop storage system as needs arise. CONS: Thanks to additional wind drag, fitting roof racks generally increases fuel consumption. Wind noise can be an issue with older or more traditional rack designs; at highway speeds you might even hear an annoying whistling sound. The vehicle’s centre of gravity will be raised causing issues with handling dynamics, as additional weight has been positioned up high. Say goodbye to low-slung shopping centre car parks too, but that could be considered a good thing depending on who you are.

STORAGE CASES

PROS: Space cases, cargo cases… it doesn’t matter what you want to call them. They all primarily do the same thing: act as a waterproof and dustproof storage box that will float in an emergency, is easily removed and can be used around the home or on a boat, too. There are many sizes available to suit your cargo area, and as a side note, a storage case makes for an excellent impromptu camp chair if need be. Best of all, no permanent modifications are required to be made to your four-wheel drive! You simply load the boxes up as required, and store them in the shed at home when no longer needed. CONS: Unfortunately most storage cases are expensive to purchase initially, however considering the army used to drop them out of planes, they are built to last. Once filled up they are bulky to lug around on your own, and they are definitely not as sexy as custom storage drawers. But if you want a simple option, without the need for a permanent installation, storage cases are worth a look.

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CAMPER CANOPIES

PROS: If you have a ute, you would no doubt be familiar with what a canopy is. But what we are referring to here are full-length replacement canopies called camper or service bodies. They offer the ability for you to do as you wish with the available space, and can be considered the ultimate in storage systems. A full-length camper on a single cab ute tray will be long enough for you to sleep in if required. Best of all, drawers can be installed, too. This provides ample storage space, while still allowing for storage of bulky items for the ultimate compromise. CONS: You need to own a ute which could be a problem for some. They are also fairly expensive to purchase but if you are planning on keeping the vehicle for a few years this is less of an issue. Being such a bulky modification there can be a lack of rear vision, so investing in a reverse camera makes sense. There is also the potential for additional suspension modifications to be required due to the additional weight. Avoid cheap units too as they can cut corners with the parts you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see. Take inferior locks for example.

ORGANISERS

PROS: Storage organisers offer selective space for little knickknacks. They are placed in easy to reach locations, are light weight and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take up much space. In fact they actually utilise space that was previously wasted. The most popular examples are dash organisers, cargo barrier organisers and seat organisers, some of which even incorporate a flipdown table! CONS: None really, however they do only offer a limited amount of storage for smaller items. If you are always losing your pen and sunglasses though, maybe pop a dash or seat organiser on your Christmas wish list.

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BUDGET STORAGE TIPS

If you are finding it hard to swallow the cost of a few storage cases, there is a cheaper solution. Iceboxes make an excellent alternative and they can cost considerably less than a storage case. They are also readily available at most camping or hardware stores.

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DIY OPTIONS

PROS: If you are handy on the tools, building your own storage system can cut costs, especially with the use of recycled materials. You gain a sense of pride and ownership, as well as the ability to create exactly what you want. The best thing about a DIY project is the ability to utilise common or easy-to-find parts for simple replacement in the bush.

FIVE USES FOR A WHEELIE BAG 1› Last minute food collections 2› Bait and fishing equipment 3› Firewood 4› Wet swimming gear 5› Removing rubbish (naturally)

CONS: If you aren’t experienced with such a project, it’s often best to leave it to the professionals. These projects take time to get right. Sourcing your own materials can often work out more expensive in the long run without trade discounts and such, and any teething problems that require trouble shooting will be your responsibility. You will spend all your spare time at camp making minor repairs, or working out other ways to tweak the unit rather than relaxing. But if you’re adamant you want to build your own, send through some pictures when you’re done!

5 USES

GE SYSTEMS Words by Evan Spence

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OUTBACK GOURMET

BREAKFAST EGG PARCELS

The one thing I never leave home without is a roll of foil. If you have no other cooking equipment in your vehicle, foil can be used to cook just about anything.

METHOD In this recipe I have made individual foil bowls to cook up breakfast on the hot plate over the fire. You can use individual foil pie plates or even enamel or stainless steel dessert bowls to cook in instead. To make the foil bowls, just line a plastic camping plate with foil and scrunch the edges up to make the bowl shape secure. Remove the plastic bowl and you have a perfectly functional piece of equipment to cook your breakfast in. Combine all ingredients except the eggs in a bowl and mix together. Evenly divide the mixture between 2-4 foil parcels, cover with extra foil and place on the hot plate.

Allow mixture to come to the boil for a few minutes, then make a little well in the middle with a spoon and crack in an egg. Cover with foil again and cook 'til the egg is to your liking. Serve with toast and bacon or just on its own – it’s a delicious way to start the day. HINTS: This breakfast can be made in a frypan on a stove top in summer if you can’t have a fire. Not keen on aluminium foil bowls? You can place all ingredients into the fry pan and cover with a lid then make wells in the mixture to cook the eggs. Enjoy.

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INGREDIENTS › 1 can of crushed tomatoes › 1 handful of sliced spinach › 2 sliced spring onions › 2 fresh tomatoes chopped › 1 egg per parcel › Use salt and pepper to taste

ENGELAUSTRALIA.COM.AU

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2017

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FORD RAPTOR K O O L T FIRS

It’s pretty hard to not like the Ford Raptor. It’s part ute, part desert racer, and part hardcore four-wheel drive. It features aggressive 35-inch tyres, racing suspension, and massive fenders to keep it all under wraps. Even though it was never officially sold here, the demand is so high that dozens of importers will gladly convert one to right-hand drive and make it legal for Australian roads.

offer plenty of performance while increasing fuel economy. Ford has yet to release final numbers.

The updated model also benefits form Ford’s switch to aluminium body panels, which shaves hundreds of kilograms from the vehicle while improving capability. More power and less weight? Sounds like a good combination to me! Just like the old Raptor, you’ll find FOX Racing Shox on all four corners, but they’ve grown If you’ve been putting away your from an already impressive 2.5 inches spare change in hopes of buying one of those converted Raptors, in diameter to a staggering 3 inches to help dissipate heat and allow you you’re in luck that a new model has to go even faster through the desert. just been released, but you’ll have The new suspension geometry is to wait until at least two years to get one. The 2017 Ford Raptor promises promised to offer more articulation and travel, though Ford will only to be better than before, retaining its signature aggressive look and say that it will beat the current stance that’s six inches wider than the generation’s 11.2 and 12 inches of standard ute. The new model will see front and rear travel. We’ll just have the rumbling 6.2-litre V8 discontinued to take their word for it. A locking rear differential will continue as standard, in favour of a more powerful twinwith a Torsen limited-slip front turbo Ecoboost V6 engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission. differential available as an option to further increase off-road capability. Petrolheads might be sad to see the V8 go, but this combination should Pricing is yet to be announced. NON-INTERACTIVE VERSION | PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR INTERACTIVE MAGAZINE

2017

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THE

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AN ADVENTURE GIVEAWAY THE PRIZE POOL • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

1 X Nissan Patrol Cab Chassis ST. ARB 4X4 Accessories and installation 1 X Cub Camper Spacematic Drover 1 X Metalink GX Canopy. 2 X Recaro Expert M seats 1 X Nomad 3.5 Metre V Nose Punt. 1 X Redarc 108W Solar Blanket 1 X Yamaha EF2000is Generator 9 X Cooper ST Maxx tyres 9 X ATX Ledge Teflon-coated wheels Old Man Emu Suspension Warn Zeon 10-S Winch GME UHF Radio and Antenna 2X Maxtrax Hema HN7 Outback Touring Solutions drawers Out Of Town Longranger tank Century Batteries Wurton LED light bar Redarc BCDC & Towpro Enmach Industries PolyRV water tank Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Adventures Pack

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EXPEDITION CAMPERS AND

OFF-ROAD MOTORHOMES

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Whoever said you couldn’t have the comforts of home when you’re driving around the world clearly hasn’t seen these off-road motorhomes. These days you can have it all while you’re traveling, from a dishwasher to a clothes dryer to a garage built into the back. They’re insane, they’re expensive, and they’re awesome – home is where you park it.

BRING THE

COMFORTS OF HOME WITH YOU ON THE TRACKS – ANY TRACK, ANYWHERE.

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EARTHROAMER

Built on a massive Ford F-550 chassis and powered by a 6.7-litre V8 turbodiesel engine, the EarthRoamer has plenty of get-up-and-go even though it’s roughly the size of a Sydney apartment. And you’ll almost certainly find that the EarthRoamer is nicer inside than said apartment. In fact, it rivals some luxury hotels for appointments – leather, tile, high-end appliances, it has it all; and if you want it, you can most likely have it. EarthRoamer owners include everyone from several high-power CEOs looking for an escape, such as Dick Smith, to famous musicians like John Mayer. Which isn’t surprising considering the models range in price anywhere from $300,000 - $550,000 USD based on options which include satellite TV, enough solar to power a house, a washer and dryer and even a dishwasher. We won’t even get into the bespoke options EarthRoamer is capable of doing. They’re made by hand in Colorado in the United States with the help of skilled craftsmen.

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*Promotional offerNON-INTERACTIVE valid on selected tread styles and sizesVERSION between Monday | 2ndPLEASE February - Tuesday 31st March 2015. Labour may apply. Advertised maximum saving is on a set of 4 tyres CLICK HERE FORcosts INTERACTIVE MAGAZINE and includes GST. Not available with any other offer. Only available at participating authorised retailers. Ask in store for more details or visit coopertires.com.au for full terms and conditions.

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ACTIONMOBIL

Are you trying to get back in touch with nature without leaving your personal chef behind? Do you secretly have desires to take over the world and need a bug-out vehicle that can go anywhere in luxury? Built on anything ranging from a 4X4 truck chassis to an 8X8 ex-missile carrier, ActionMobil has you covered. Their Desert Challenger model wins the cake for being the most insane off-road camper (we can’t call it 4X4 … because it has eight driven wheels) we’ve ever seen. It features two hydraulically operated slide outs, giving you a living room that measures in at over five metres wide, the ability to store a Suzuki Jimny in the back, along with 450kW of power, 2500 litres of fuel, and over 1000Ah of reserve battery capacity. The vehicles are so specialised that an exact price is hard to figure out – but expect to pay around a million dollars.

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ALL TERRAIN WARRIOR If you’ve ever been to Fraser Island, then you’ve probably seen a vehicle built by All Terrain Warrior. They’ve been around for years making specialty tour and commercial buses, which has given them the experience they needed to make one of the most-durable off-road motorhomes on the market. The ATW Global Warrior is built on an Isuzu or Mitsubishi chassis with the option of either a single or dual cab if you’d like to comfortably seat more people. The living space is well-appointed and features everything you’d expect from a motorhome, except that this unit will also fit in a shipping container thanks to its automated rising roof. There’s hot and cold running water, showers, and everything you need to cook a fivestar meal. The angled rear shape of

the motorhome body also means that they’re able to ad to the internal living space while not increasing the departure angle of the vehicle. It even carries two massive spare tyres just in case you want to take this rig to parts unknown. Prices range from $230,000 - $290,000

EARTHCRUISER

With claims that no other vehicle has travelled as much of the world as the EarthCruiser, they’re setting themselves up for big expectations. Luckily, they follow it up with some serious specifications, including the ability to be driven into a container for international shipping and travel. Built upon a Mitsubishi Fuso 4X4 chassis, the EarthCruiser blends 33-inch tyres, long travel suspension and comfortable living conditions.

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Inside you’ll find everything you’d ever want to keep you comfortable, including a large bed, lounge, a kitchen and even a stand up hot water shower. The biggest benefit of the EarthCruiser is that it’s not much wider than a standard vehicle so it’ll fit down the tracks you want to explore, yet still be movable (and park-able) in big cities where space is at an absolute premium.

EarthCruiser

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CAPTURED

Laura Boshammer 1/320 sec; f/5 ISO 200 Canon EOS 1100D Because you’ve heroically chosen to download your copy of Unsealed 4X4, you can’t see what’s on this page. But trust us - it’s well worth looking at. To see it in all its glory go to unsealed4X4.com.au

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SLR The SLR Adventurer 4X4 is built in Australia to handle rugged Australian conditions – which just so happens to mean that the rest of the world is a breeze. Based on an Isuzu chassis, it’ll be able to handle bone-rattling tracks and its fair share of technical terrain, all while being able to be serviced nearly anywhere in the world you decide to take it.

of solar on-board to keep you going when you decide to set up camp for a while. With plenty of interior space and a relatively affordable price tag (all things considered), the SLR is good value when it comes to off-road motorhomes and expedition vehicles.

A unique chassis suspension setup allows the truck, cab, and motorhome body to move independently from one another, which adds to the off-road capability of the Adventurer and increases durability in technical situations. There’s also a 450Ah battery bank and nearly 400 watts

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I BOUGHT

A TROOPY AND NAMED IT SNOOPY

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AN INTRODUCTION TO

MATT’S NEW PROJECT 4X4

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PRIMARY LOGO

by our very own Evan Spence, which Buying a new 4X4 is an incredibly (Please useattached. on white or black background where possible) to steal all of the credit personal thing for me. I get I’m attempting for. It’s slow, top-heavy, and a bit Really attached. Scary ex-girlfriend cumbersome, but I like it. attached. I still to this day bemoan about the loss of my Land Rover 109, affectionately named Ralph, which I sold Snoopy was born in 1997, and from what we can tell, went into service as only to inevitably finance an incredibly a 4X4 ambulance in NSW. Needless to ill-advised off-road Vespa – but that’s a say, he’s seen some shit ... but all is well, different story. as he’s now in the hands of an owner that will care for him and love him until I had been on the hunt for a project a more exciting vehicle comes along. vehicle for some time, with thoughts (can be the tag-line when used a Snoopy the Troopy has relatively low along the way ranging from a Land (can be used without the tag-line) widths under 0.5pt of a l kilometres for its age, no rust, and a Rover Defender (sexy and slow) to a Lexus LX470 (comfortable and fast) or well-maintained drivetrain. Paired with an affordable purchase price, it was a Landcruiser 105 (capable and stout). one thecolour ultimate starting point for a can-do Naturally, I did what any unreasonable budget build that aims to show you eccentric person would do – I bought a don’t need to spend six-figures to get a Troopcarrier and proceeded to name nice touring 4X4. it Snoopy; a name initially suggested –

–

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YOU’RE IN SAFE HANDS.

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e used without at a small size or replication of line become difficult to produce)

magazine regular

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I’ll be the first to admit that the Troopy needs a bit of cosmetic work on the outside. The rear bumper is bent, but that’s no worry as we’ll be replacing it with a dual wheel carrier, and the front bumper resembles some kind of 18th-century boat anchor with a rusty winch to go along with it. But that’ll be gone faster than you can say … um … Snoopy? On the plus side, since it was an ex-ambulance, it came fitted with Paratus (now Paradrive) seats, which rank somewhere between a lazy boy and an Eames chair in terms of comfort. They’re a bit ratty but I’m told the covers can be replaced, saving me some coin while giving my rear-end a comfortable place to seat in the meantime. Just watch out for the duct-tape holding them together right now if you’re wearing shorts, as Laura my co-conspirator in this project found out the hard way. Now onto some serious and sage advice — the first and most important thing you should do when buying a used 4X4 is to go through it with an even finer tooth comb than when you bought it. Replace what’s broken or worn and give the old dog a bath. I took advantage of a super cheap deal that a certain auto parts store had on engine degreaser and metaphorically drowned Snoopy in the stuff. Combined with a few hours with a power washer and the help of Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Adventures Editor, Sam Purcell, we managed to get the old 4X4 looking as close to new as it ever will. I even spent a little bit of time waxing Snoopy to bring the paint back, but I won’t chat too much about that, because as you know, it’s wax-on, wax-off. Now that the boring stuff is done, I get to take it out and get it dirty again, but at least this time it’s my mud, dust and sand.

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GEAR GURU WHEELS ON THE

BUS

COULD THESE BE THE COOLEST AFTERMARKET FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE WHEELS ON THE PLANET?

These days, the majority of modern four-wheel drives roll off the factory floor already fitted with fancy new alloy wheels. And while this is a great thing in terms of aesthetics and reduced unsprung weight when compared to traditional steel wheels, factory wheels can have their limitations. Firstly, factory wheels are stupidly expensive to replace if damaged. So much so, that one factory Toyota LandCruiser alloy rim for example would

cost almost as much as a full set of many aftermarket alloys. Secondly, who doesn’t want to stand out from the crowd? A new set of wheels is one of the easiest and most cost effective ways to change the appearance of your vehicle. It doesn’t matter if you are chasing a wild look, or just want a simple and strong steel wheel for maintenance free off-road duties. These are some of the coolest four-wheel drive wheels that could be yours!

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ALLIED PHANTOM

Take a close look at this wheel and you will notice it’s not just made up from some fancy and obscure pattern. No sir… its design is made up of a bunch of skulls, which is no doubt why this wheel is aptly named the Phantom. One thing is for sure though, these wheels will get plenty of attention from jealous onlookers. The other thing you will notice is people staring at your four-wheel drive like a rolling seeing-eye puzzle, squinting and eventually exclaiming with joy, “Oh, I get it now… skulls in the wheel”. Either way, they look great, are built tough and would be just the thing to set off a bad-arse truck.

ALLIED SAVANNA

An alloy rim with the option of an off-road only beadlock, a street friendly imitation beadlock or a smooth factory styled machined silver wheel? Sign us up! The Allied Savvana is available in three options, so no matter what you want from a wheel there is an option in the Savanna range. The beadlock is for off-road use only as mentioned, however the imitation beadlock is roadworthy and offers additional protection from rocks and deep ruts. If you want to retain a more factory look then the machined silver option works well. But you have to admit, the dressed up version with the imitation beadlock looks pretty sweet!

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AMERICAN RACING RIBELLE ATX SLOT Just the ticket if you are looking for maximum bling on your rig. The American Racing Ribelle is one of those wheels that looks kind of basic in the flesh, but once mounted to a tyre and fitted to a vehicle becomes simply beautiful. This is due to the bold lines and sharp contrasting angles, but what I love about this wheel is the different finish options available. Either a PVD Chrome (Physical Vapour Deposition) finish that is non-porous, more environmentally friendly than conventional chrome techniques and will never pit or peel. It also looks great! For those who aren’t keen on having a wheel so bright you can see your reflection in it, a machined matte black option is there, too.

A personal favourite, the ATX Slot is also proving to be very popular, especially with Toyota owners that have a 5-stud rim (5x150 PCD). Instead of forking out $1000 per wheel from Toyota, you can bolt on these modern yet stylish wheels for a quarter of the price. The design is traditional, yet incorporates a smooth silver band around the rim, which almost looks like a beadlock without affecting on-road driving performance or legalities. This will be a wheel we will start seeing a lot more of, and would really set off an otherwise boring Toyota Troop Carrier or Cab Chassis. Yes they are available to suit many other makes and models too. Oh, it must be said the ATX Slot comes in any colour you like… as long as it’s satin black.

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ck Ba r u olo 7C

Oricom’s range of hand-held, in-vehicle UHF CB Radios and accessories are recognised in the market as high quality products priced for every day use. Available from leading 4WD, automotive and communication specialists.

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y pla s i lit D

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ATX TEXAN

Much like the Allied Phantom, the ATX Texan has a bit of a hidden design feature. Take a look at the small cut-out on each spoke, and if you look hard enough it might make you thirsty. Looks like a beer bottle to me! And if you’re not a drinker it could quite easily be a cricket bat. But don’t for a moment think the ATX Texan is a novelty; it incorporates many robust features to ensure it goes the distance. Firstly, the open design allows for easy cleaning which extends the life of the wheel dramatically. You have the choice of a PVD Chrome finish (like the ATX Slot) or a machined finish with satin black windows. The centre cap is also supplied at no extra cost.

DICK CEPEK GUNMETAL 7

Wheels are a personal preference, but it’s hard to deny how special these Gunmetal 7s look. Looks aside, the Gunmetal 7 range incorporates some distinctly unique features that are quite ground breaking for a four-wheel drive wheel. The trend with modern vehicle manufacturers is to run rims with extreme positive offset, however if you fit these to your older four-wheel drive you will find it scrubbing on steering components and so on. This is why Dick Cepek offers the Gunmetal 7 in a wide selection of offsets from +38 all the way to -13. The classy looks can be attributed to the seven-spoke design and the gunmetal grey metallic finish combined with machined aluminium.

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MICKEY THOMPSON CLASSIC III

You have to love and admire the traditional styling of the Mickey Thompson Classic range. And while the latest Classic III might look similar to the original wheel, it has benefited from plenty of subtle design changes and additional features to better suit modern vehicles. Firstly, internal brake caliper clearance has been increased to make room for the bigger braking systems found on modern vehicles. A screw on centre cap replaces the old style pushthrough cap, which is even embossed with a cool MT logo. Looks aside, the Classic III has an increased load rating over previous models, so you know this wheel has been built for work and play.

MICKEY THOMPSON SIDEBITER

Wheels designed to match the appearance of an aggressive tyre sidewall? Now I’ve seen everything! The Mickey Thompson Sidebiter has been designed to emulate the sidewall tread of Mickey Thompson’s own race tyres (he was a pioneer of sidewall-tread after all). With a tough satin back finish the Sidebiter is easy to keep clean. It’s also tough, so tough a lifetime limited guarantee is offered against structural defects. A huge array of sizes are available too, from 15 inch all the way up to 20 inch, as well as offset and rim width choices, too. If you are already running Mickey Thompson tyres, it makes plenty of sense to check out the Sidebiter range too.

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ROH TRAK 2

For some people, functionality is more important than looks (gasp… shock… horror). This is why many four-wheel drivers retain simple steel wheels on their off-road machine. Steel wheels have the benefit of being able to be bashed into shape if they bend or are damaged, and they avoid rock rash better than alloys (at the expense of weight). Steel wheels aren’t all created the same though, with some brands of steel wheels even being banned from use in heavy-duty applications such as mining. This is why we like the ROH TRAK 2, as it is actually a preferred choice for

mines in Australia. This means they are proven to tolerate the harshest conditions found anywhere. Basically, if you bend them you are probably doing something wrong.

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WALKER EVANS 501 LEGEND

If you have been involved or have any interest in the racing world you would have no doubt come across Walker Evans wheels. Well, now you can own a street legal version known as the 501 Legend. The aggressive look is courtesy of the imitation beadlock on the outer surface, that provides some protection for the alloy lip. Race bred construction technologies means these street legal wheels are built to last. You even get the choice of a satin black finish with a satin clear coat, or satin black with diamond cut face and satin clear coat. Be the envy of your motorsport loving mates with a set of 501 Legend wheels from Walker Evans.

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CSA JAKAL

Those of you looking for something a little funky, the Jackal from CSA definitely deserves a look. It’s an aggressive looking wheel thanks to the two-tone, black-on-machined alloy finish, but once you get past that, it’s actually rather traditional too. Either way, we like it! And a lot of other people do to, as the wheel is available to fit plenty of popular older and modern off-roaders on the market with 5- or 6-stud patterns. There is a choice of 16, 17, 18 and 20 inch wheels in the CSA Jackal range, so it doesn’t matter if you want a tough alloy wheel for exploring, or something more high profile for being seen around town.

DYNAMIC D STEEL WHEEL

Hey, if you still want to rock steel wheels, then more power to you. But why stick with the traditional, dime-a-dozen steel wheel design when you could have the coolest steel wheels on the market. Dynamic have long been players in the fourwheel drive game, and while the Dynamic D isn’t a new wheel, it still looks as current as the day it was first unboxed. The even cooler thing is that the uniquely designed steel wheel will fit plenty of vehicles, from Jeep to Land Rover, Toyota to Nissan, Ford and even Suzuki. If you want a solid and sharp looking steel wheel in a 15, 16 or 17 inch size, this could be the one for you.

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THE EDITOR

Much to the disda this is where we let M

WHY YOU NEED

MODERN 4X4S ARE AMAZING BUT EDITOR MATT SCOTT THINKS THEY M Ironman is an interesting superhero, if you could call the character that. You see, at the end of the day, Ironman is a machine, and when compared MATT SCOTT to Superman or Captain America, Tony Stark, Ironman’s inventor and pilot is just an average bloke. Modern four-wheel drive vehicles have a lot in common with Ironman, though four-wheel drivers still share very little with Mr. Stark – unless you happen to be a genius billionaire playboy philanthropist.

severity, engage your differential locks. Today, you twist a knob and follow onscreen instructions. This presents a problem for the four-wheel drive community moving forward. Not only does it put untrained, generally clueless people in situations they should not be in, but perhaps more scarily, it removes them from the entire experience of being a four-wheel driver. A new Range Rover is actually a shockingly capable four-wheel drive, but do you think it’s going to teach you anything about driving off-road? In a vehicle like that, you’re just along for the ride, a lot like Mr. Stark.

On the other end of the Land Rover spectrum, there’s the classic Series vehicles, which frankly, by all things Modern four-wheel drive machines measurable is a terrible four-wheel drive greatly increase the capability of the by modern standards. It is horrendously driver piloting them from inside. Even unreliable, noisy, uncomfortable, just ten years ago, if you wanted to drive up a rocky, steep track, you’d have and hard to drive. But you won’t find another vehicle that will teach you as to have the training and knowledge to much about four-wheel driving as a put your vehicle in low-range, select an appropriate gear, and depending on the Series. A classic Landcruiser might be NON-INTERACTIVE VERSION | PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR INTERACTIVE MAGAZINE

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R’S COLUMN

ain of the publisher, Matt say anything he wants.

A VINTAGE 4X4

GLY CAPABLE ON THE TRACKS. MIGHT BE TOO CAPABLE FOR FIRST TIMERS. close, but it won’t teach you how to be a mechanic like the Landy will. Buy yourself a vintage 4X4, and you’re making an investment in yourself as a four-wheel drive enthusiast. It’s going to break, but you’ll learn how to fix it. It’s going to be noisy and uncomfortable, so you’ll appreciate the modern stuff more. It’s going to be hard to drive, so you’ll actually learn how to drive off-road. Mechanical sympathy is something you learn quickly in an old rig, especially when you realise that hitting that pothole will send you through the roof. Vintage 4X4s are cheap, and unlike modern vehicles, usually gain value – especially if you find a fixer-upper. Combine this with some proper four-wheel drive training, and you’ll be surprised at how far you can get down the tracks with less equipment than your mates. After all, when Mr. Stark gets out of Ironman, he’s just an average bloke. Wouldn’t you rather be Superman?

TODAY, YOU TWIST A KNOB AND FOLLOW ON-SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS.

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4X4 BOX OFFICE

4X4 ADVENTURE CINEMA Just like you, we’re always looking for the coolest four-wheel drive videos on the web, so we figured that it’s about time we started sharing them with you. Here’s what we’ve found this month!

› EXPEDITION OVERLAND: ALASKA/YUKON EPISODE ONE

www.glind.com.au

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PAT CALLINAN’S 4X4

SEASON 6

DVD BOXED SET

IS AVAILABLE NOW CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE

› PAT CALLINAN’S 4X4 ADVENTURES SEASON 6

› CAMEL TROPHY AUSTRALIA

› WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU JUMP A SEMI TRUCK?

When you’re touring, nothing beats the peace of mind of knowing where you are going to sleep that night. Camps 7 is the ultimate guide for the budget and freedom conscious traveller!

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KIMMY K’S NEW REAR END

EVER WONDERED HOW HARD IT IS TO INSTALL A KAYMAR REAR BAR?

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A BRAIN-SURGEON’S LEVEL OF CARE IS REQUIRED;

MAKE A WRONG MOVE AND YOU ARE ON A ONE-WAY TRIP TO SCRATCH CITY A bull bar is often one of the first modifications we make to our vehicles, but the mighty rear bar is often forgotten about. Sure, you see plenty of petrol powered four-wheel drives with retrofitted LPG tanks that dictate the need for some sort of rear swing-away tyre mount system, but full replacement rear bars aren’t as common a sight. It’s not to say they aren’t out there though, and our fearless leader Pat Callinan was keen to get the latest Kaymar bar fitted to his V8 powered Y62 Nissan Patrol, with the rather unfortunate name Kimmy K. How does a four-wheel drive earn such a title? Take one look at the bulbous backside of the Y62, combine this with a room full of cheeky employees sipping brown lemonades on a Friday afternoon and you get the idea! Anyway, with some big trips planned this year, a larger fuel tank and a few spare tyres are going to come in handy. So a few calls to Kaymar headoffice later and the next thing we knew it was time to visit ARB in Moorebank for minor surgery on the unsuspecting Kimmy K’s rear end. Would I do this modification at home? Well, take a look at the pictures for yourself and make your own mind up. Personally, sipping tea and eating bikkies in the waiting room seemed much easier, and I cant help but think Kimmy K would be a bit of a bitch to work with…

COLOUR CODING

You might have noticed the flash silver paint splashed all over the Kaymar rear bar, and you would be right in thinking it’s not a stock finish. Off the factory floor, Kaymar rear bars come powder coated in a solid black finish. Pat wanted something different though, so had the guys at ARB paint the bar to match the Nissan’s bodywork. If you want a similar look, take a quick peak at the compliance code fitted to your vehicle which will have the paint code stamped into it.

Ogle the finished product, and it’s pretty easy to see how beefy these rear bars are construction wise. Now there is room for a few jerry cans, a spare tyre and space underneath for a larger auxiliary fuel tank.

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03 The first task is to unbox the bar, ensuring all parts have arrived and everything checks out. Once confident, it’s time to read through the instructions… seriously, you actually need to read these instructions!

Once the taillights and trim have been removed, the factory rear bumper needs to be ripped off and thrown into the nearest bin. But before that happens, the top section must be retained and cut off with an airhacksaw to incorporate as a fill panel.

02 The rear taillights need to be removed, as well as some interior trim panels which require additional care, especially on such a new vehicle.

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A hot tip for anyone who is considering a bumper cut install, is to have a hand held cheese grater close by. Sounds funny, but this is the best way to remove rough edges and any crooked lines with a simple shaving action. Having said that, Kaymar ship the rear bar with some rubber pinch weld that covers the cut anyway, but there is no harm in getting it as neat as possible!

Wiring modern vehicles is a joy; if you’re an auto-electrician that is. With so many sensors and wiring looms floating around, it makes tapping into the brake, indicators and park lights much more of a challenge. Luckily the guys at ARB had this covered, and were able to tap into the factory wiring using a test light. Again, I just watched and poured another cup of tea…

05 With the bumper cut performed, it’s time to assemble the swing arms, latches and LED lights onto the new rear bar. This is a simple affair as everything bolts up as it should. The hardest part is ensuring that fresh paint isn’t scratched in the process.

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As this model of Patrol came fitted with parking sensors and a reverse camera, these features needed to be retained, as does the number plate light. Luckily the new bar had slots for all required components and the mounting hardware. That doesn’t mean it was easy to install though, especially the reverse camera which required some trial and error to get right.

The actual mounting system incorporated into the Kaymar rear bar is quite simple, and doesn’t require any chassis modifications other than a few holes which need elongation. Once the supplied hardware is in place, all bolts are tightened and it should start to look like a four-wheel drive again.

08 Once the wiring was taken care of and the bumper cut section locked in place, it’s time to fit the rear bar. This is when having a workshop and a few people around will prove to be handy. A brain-surgeon’s level of care is required; make a wrong move and you are on a oneway trip to scratch city.

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ADVERTISER DIRECTORY DO YOU WANT

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THIS SPACE?

› CONTACT US H ERE

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ADVERTISER DIRECTORY

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CREDITS Editor Matthew Scott Journalist Sam Purcell Photo Journalist Evan Spence Head of Digital Media and Sales Eldon De Croos National Sales and Marketing Manager Mark Muras

Brand Manager and Associate Publisher Kirsten Nutting Video Editor Steven Levett Sales and Promotions Manager James Fox Graphic Designer Laura Boshammer

Key Account Manager Allan Goldby

Publisher Pat Callinan Publishing Pty Ltd

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ADVERTISER INDEX Airbagman

Lotus Caravans

ARB 4X4 Accessories

Maxtrax

ARK Corporation

Mud Maps

Birdsville Big Red Bash

Mullins Wheels

Blue Sky Navigation

National 4x4 Outdoors Show and Fishing & Boating Expo

Bridgestone

Offroad Systems

Bushranger 4WD Gear

Opposite Lock

Cooper Tires

Oricom

Cub Campers

Outback 4WD Interior Accessories

Doble Outdoors

REDARC

Dolium

Sax Suspension Technology

ENGEL AUSTRALIA

Spotters

Electronic Rust Prevention Systems

Steinbauer - Diesel Care

Getabout 4WD Training

Terrain Tamer

Glind

Uniden

HEMA

Competitions:

Ironman 4X4

$150,000+ Ultimate Nissan Giveaway

Longranger Fuel & Water Tanks

Choose your own adventure

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