2020-08-01 4x4 Magazine Australia PDF

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Since 1958
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MAXXISTyresAustralia @Maxxis.Tyres.Australia Maxxis Tyres Australia
On [or off] the beaten track.
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contents
www.facebook.com/4x4aus www.whichcar.com.au/4x4australia
AUGUST 2020
THE LANKY YANK

30 Jeep joins the hot dual-cab ute market
with the new Gladiator Overlander.
18
Old tech makes
38
Be prepared for
this Ranger a desert expeditions
superior 4x4. this season.
NOW ON
TABLET
PAGE via 4X4 Australia app
1 0 2 kit to
dd some cool
A
your 4x4 inven
tory.
50
Jeep Gladiator
Mojave dune-
tested.
4cast
10 4WORD
12 LATEST NEWS FROM THE 4X4 WORLD
16 TRAVEL BULLETIN
4x4 Driven
18 CUSTOM: FORD RANGER
30 DRIVE: JEEP GLADIATOR OVERLANDER
58
Feel the love this
50
58
84
DRIVE: JEEP GLADIATOR MOJAVE
CUSTOM: TOYOTA FJ CRUISER
CUSTOM: FAVOURITE FORDS
owner has for his 120 READERS’ RIGS
FJ Cruiser. 122 SHED: LANDCRUISER BJ73
124 SHED: TOYOTA HILUX
4x4 Explore
38 DESERT EXPEDITION PREPARATION
68 TASMANIA TRAVELS: PART 3
4x4 Gear
102 NEW GEAR ON THE MARKET
110 TESTED: GME 6160XO UHF RADIO
68
More mud and
112 BUYER’S GUIDE: SAT NAVS
sand in the final

part of our Tassie
The Score
tour. 126 ALL THE STATS, FIGURES AND
PRICES OF EVERY 4X4 YOU CAN BUY
Privacy notice on page 130
84
We rate our
112
Never get lost,
favourite Ford with a proper 4x4
Fourbies.. sat-nav.
4WORD
MATT RAUDONIKIS
EDITORIAL
Editor Matt Raudonikis
Designer Jamie Burgess
Staff Journalist Tristan Tancredi
Editor-At-Large Ron Moon
Road-Test Editor Fraser Stronach
Sub-Editor John Panozzo
Digital Daniel Wong
DOES OLD TECH MAKE NEW

Staff Photographers Ellen Dewar,
Nathan Jacobs, Alastair Brook
ADVERTISING
Commercial Director Matt Rice (02) 9263 9706
CARS BETTER?
Brand Sales Manager Scott Crowley 0410 221 434
NSW Agency Sales Max Kolomiiets (02) 8275 6486
VIC Agency Sales Adrian Smith 0408 337 004
QLD Todd Anderson 0409 630 733
WA Greg Boase 0438 905 869
Circulation Manager Stuart Jones
D
EXECUTIVE GROUP
AN Everett makes a fine point its IFS front end. Group Finance Manager Cain Murphy
Brand Content Director Simon Telford
in the story on the badass The photos of this Ranger got Digital Content Director Glenn Butler
Ford Ranger you see on the us thinking about some of the General Manager Publishing Terry King
cover of this issue. Sure, older wild modified Ford fourbies we’ve Chief Executive Officer Brendon Hill
4x4s are built simpler, more featured over the past few years. SUBSCRIPTIONS & BACK ISSUES
durable and are more affordable Not just Rangers, but F-Trucks as For subscriptions and back issues:
Web: magshop.com.au; Email: [email protected]
than newer ones, but new cars are well – and there’s even an Everest Ph: 136 116, between 8am to 6pm (EST) Monday-Friday
superior in just about every other in our selection. Some have had Mail: Magshop, GPO Box 5252, Sydney, NSW, 2000
way. So, wouldn’t it be nice to have engine swaps, others chassis mods,
How to contact 4X4 Australia:
something that gives us the best of while some, like the Harrop Ranger, Phone: (03) 9567 4268
both worlds? are just nice, clean, well-thought-out Email: [email protected]
Mail: Locked Bag 12, Oakleigh, Victoria, 3166
I’m sure most of us don’t have builds. What do you think of our
the dollars to buy a brand-new or selection? 4X4 AUSTRALIA MAGAZINE IS PROUDLY PRODUCED
newish current-model 4x4, only to And while I’m asking, what do you AND PRINTED IN AUSTRALIA
strip it, chop it up and re-engineer all think about the Ineos Grenadier? ot Our vehicle testing is conducted at the
it to achieve that goal. But what Is this the sort of vehicle we all Melbourne 4x4 Training and Proving Ground, near Werribee, Victoria.
www.melbourne4x4.com.au
Claire and Sean, along with the would like for 4x4 touring and off-
crew from Drag Tec Customs, have road adventures? Just like Claire’s
done with this Ranger ticks all the black Ranger, here’s a vehicle that
boxes of incorporating older, more takes the traditional live axles on
robust design and parts into a newer coil-sprung link suspension and
vehicle to improve it in every way. couples it with a modern drivetrain
And it hasn’t taken rocket in a vehicle that should meet all ISSN 0726-2418
science to do it! Nissan Patrols are the required safety and emissions
renowned for their tough diffs and standards of a new car.
flexy suspension design, so taking Personally, I’m surprised they
those parts and fitting them under didn’t strive to make it look less
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE
V
the lengthened Ranger with quality like a Land Rover, but, looks aside,
suspension components was a smart it will be interesting to see how the ISITORS to our digital space at 4x4australia.
move. I’m sure it wasn’t cheap, but Grenadier goes if and when it makes com.au will notice our homepage resides at
the end result is a Ranger that is it to production … and whether we whichcar.com.au/4x4australia.
more capable, more durable and get it down under. All remains the same, with up-to-date
(I’ll bet) rides and steers better news stories, in-depth new-car analysis and
than an original Ford despite losing insane custom write-ups. We’ll also tick more travel
items off our bucket-list, and continue to bring
you the best aftermarket product advice from gear
manufactured here and abroad. Alongside our
4x4-related content, you’ll also be able to find the
best of motoring on the new website, with our other
in-house magazines MOTOR, Street Machine and
Wheels all just a convenient click away.
10 www.4X4australia.com.au
INEOS IS SET TO BRING BACK THE SIMPLE, DURABLE 4X4 VEHICLE
ADVENTURERS AND ORGANISATIONS WANT FOR OFF-ROAD TRAVEL.
I
N A WORLD where traditional leaving the Jeep Wrangler, LandCruiser wondered who they are.
live-axled, ladder-frame four-wheel 70 Series and Suzuki Jimny as the Ineos founder Jim Ratcliffe is a proud
drive vehicles are becoming a rare only vehicles to retain the live-axle Brit and was a big fan of the Land Rover
commodity, there’s a new vehicle arrangement both front and rear. Defender. So much so, that when JLR
coming to market in 2021, and it’s It was Land Rover’s decision to re-invent announced it was discontinuing the
coming to Australia. The Ineos Grenadier its Defender as a more on-road-focused Defender as we knew it, Ratcliffe tried to
promises to bring back the old-school off- SUV that led to the birth of the Grenadier, buy the rights and equipment to keep the
road traits adventurers appreciate in a and it’s no coincidence it bears distinct Defender in production. JLR didn’t want a
vehicle that has up-to-date emissions and similarity to the iconic Brit. bar of that, so Ratcliffe decided to do it on
WORDS MATT RAUDONIKIS
safety tech to make it viable in this day Ineos is a British chemicals company his own and created Ineos Automotive to
and age. that operates globally, with 183 build the Grenadier.
The live-axle Land Rover manufacturing facilities in 26 countries “The Grenadier project started
ceased to exist in 2016, supplying markets around the world. by identifying a gap in the market,
and even the 40-year- Fans of F1 and yacht racing might abandoned by a number of manufacturers,
old Mercedes-Benz have seen the brand name on the for a utilitarian off-road vehicle,” says
G-Wagen has FIRST LOOK Mercedes-Benz F1 team cars and Ratcliffe. “This gave us our engineering
switched to IFS, It’s no coincidence America’s Cup racing boats and blueprint for a capable, durable and
the lneos Grenadier
resembles a Defender or
G-Wagen.
reliable 4x4 built to them available to fit in the future. Front
handle the world’s harshest and rear locking diffs will be optional.
environments.” TheGrenadier wagon will have a
Recent newcomers to the 3500kg GVM and 7000kg GCM. With
EV industry have shown us that a final weight expected to be around
it’s not impossible for a start-up 2500kg the wagon will have around a
company to produce a niche one-tonne payload and is being designed
vehicle, and Ineos Automotive to accommodate a Euro pallet between
is making all the right moves to the wheel arches in the cargo area. The
ensure its success. It has employed dual rear doors are also designed to
a team of engineers and designers accommodate this size.
from around the industry to create The components will all find their
the Grenadier; is building a new way to the new ‘greenfield’ factory in
manufacturing facility in Wales to Bridgend, Wales, where Ineos expects
produce it; and enlisted some of to employ up to 500 staff to build the
the biggest names in the industry to Grenadier. Initially, Ineos is planning to
contribute to it. make 25,000 to 30,000 Grenadiers per
Significantly, Ineos has employed year, but will have the ability to produce
the services of Magna Steyr (who more in the future.
manufacture the G-Wagen for Delays in construction of the new
Mercedes-Benz, as well as many other factory thanks to COVID19, have Ineos
cars) to get the prototype ready for looking at an existing ex-Daimler plant in
testing and secured BMW six-cylinder France to kick off production but this was
engines, both diesel and petrol, to power yet to be confirmed at the time of writing.
the vehicle. Transmission will be a ZF On July 1 this year, Ineos revealed what
automatic and it will have a dual-range its Grenadier will look like, and there’s no
transfer case. The production chassis will
be manufactured for Ineos in Portugal
WHAT’S IN A NAME
and the live axles will come from Italian
manufacturer, Carraro.
Interestingly, Carraro mainly makes THE name Grenadier was chosen as
axles for heavy and agriculture vehicles, it was the name of the pub in London
but it also makes portal axles for lighter where Ineos boss, Jim Ratcliffe, came
vehicles. When asked if the Grenadier up with the plan to create his own
would be equipped with portal axles an uncompromising vehicle back in 2017.
Ineos spokesperson said it won’t have Like all good ideas it happened over
them at launch as the vehicle has to be a pint of beer with the plan to build a
affordable, but he didn’t rule out making stripped-back, utilitarian, hard-working
4x4 engineered for modern day com-
pliance and reliability. With the design
reveal in July, testing of the vehicle
now gets underway with plans for a
2021 release date.
www.4X4australia.com.au 13
4cast
NEWS AND VIEWS
HERITAGE
Ineos says its
philosophy is function
over form, and why it
has an engineering-led
approach to exterior
design, as iconic
4x4s of old.
hiding the similarities to the Defender capability and durability. We have a imprtantly, it will meet all expected
and G-Wagen, which reinforces the type very challenging programme ahead, safety requirements, allowing it to be
of vehicle this will be. The reveal also as we put prototypes through their sold around the world including in the
showed the Grenadier will be available paces in all conditions, on the way to USA.
as a five-door wagon and a four-door, accumulating some 1.8 million test In fact, Australia will be one of the
long-wheelbase pick-up. These will be kilometres over the coming year.” first countries outside of the UK to
the initial models and they are not All Grenadiers will be built on a see the Grenadier late in 2021 or early
ruling out more in the future, including bespoke ladder-frame chassis with 2022, while left-hand-drive countries
a single-cab pick-up. the aforementioned Carraro live axles such as the USA will have to wait a bit
Ineos Automotive’s CEO, Dirk riding on long-travel coil springs, with longer. Final pricing is a long way off,
Heilmann, said, “We are delighted sway bars front and rear. This design but don’t expect it to be as cheap as an
to be able to share the design of the is used to keep the vehicle simple, old Defender. An Ineos spokesman said
Grenadier so early in the process. Most durable, capable and affordable. In it “won’t be a cheap vehicle but it won’t
manufacturers would hold back, but fact, these prerequisites run across the be priced like G-Wagen”. We’re tipping
we are a new business, building a new Grenadier design philosophy and are in will start sub-$100K and be similar
brand, and we want to take people with very much in line with what we would in price to a LandCruiser 70 Series.
us on this exciting journey. like as 4x4 users. With testing ramping up, we hope to
“Showing the design now allows us The body will be made from high- see a lot more of the Grenadier over
to focus on the critical next phase of strength steel, with the hanging the next 18 months and look forward to
the vehicle’s development, testing its panels made from aluminium. Most sampling the final product.
AUSTRALIA WILL
BE ONE OF THE
FIRST COUNTRIES
OUTSIDE OF THE
UK TO SEE THE
GRENADIER LATE
IN 2021 OR
EARLY 2022
SMART COILS.
Australian made, TERRAIN TAMER SMART COILS are designed
to reduce rebound forces travelling through the coil spring.
This unique design with a tapered wire is made for front
coil springs only.
As the driver turns or changes lanes, the progressive
Smart Coil increases driver control and reduces wear
on the suspension system.
Talk fluent 4WD with us on 1300 888 444
or visit terraintamer.com/suspension to view
the demonstration video.
Terrain Tamer Smart CoilsTM
OE Fitted
TRAVEL BULLETIN
AS SOME state borders open while others close, events
that were postponed or in doubt are coming back online,
so it’s time to get out and about to enjoy the great land
and support the communities. The situation is still fluid
and things are changing all the time, so please check with
ALL THE LATEST 4X4 NEWS AND EVENTS event organisers before locking in your plans.
OFF ROAD RACING ARB EASTER IN OCTOBER OUTBACK CHALLENGE MELBOURNE 4X4 SHOW
CHAMPIONSHIP THE ARB Easter Festival THE iconic Outback Challenge POSTPONED
The ARB Australian at Eldee Station, NSW, has is another event that’s had to IF YOU’RE getting excited
Off Road Racing become a highlight of the change to stay active in these about the annual National
Championship has been calendar and it’s back with tough times. Undoubtedly one 4x4 Outdoors Show, Fishing &
cut back to two rounds a difference this year. After of the country’s toughest off- Boating Expo in Melbourne
for 2020, with the Albins being called off from its road events, the competitive on its usual August date,
ARB Goondiwindi 400 usual Easter dates it will now stages have been cut back to you might want to cool your
in August and finishing happen from October 2 to 6. just two days on September 26 heels. The 2020 show has been
a month later with the Eldee Station, north-west and 27, and will comprise the cancelled due to the virus and
Teagle Excavations of Silverton, is a working epic Mad Max gorge run on all the joy it has brought us
ARB Pines Enduro at property with miles of 4x4 each day before finishing up this year.
Millicent, SA. tracks and accommodation with a party back at base camp. The organisers have
The Goondi round for a true outback experience. In something new, the announced dates for the 2021
in SE Qld is running October 2 is scheduled as spectator element of the OBC shows to be held in Brisbane on
a week later than a public holiday in Victoria will be taken on a tagalong- March 19 to 21 with Melbourne
planned on August 22 for the AFL Grand Final but style tour of Broken Hill, to follow on August 20 to 22.
and 23, while the racing that could yet change, while Menindee, White Cliffs, Keep an eye on
season concludes with Monday October 6 is a holiday Silverton and then finish by www.4x4show.com.au for 2021
the Pines Enduro on in NSW, SA and Qld, so the following the competition show updates, and with an
September 26 to 28. new date should suit all. More stages on Saturday and Sunday. extra year to prepare we’re
More info at www. info at www.eldeestation.com/ See www.outbackchallenge. promised the next shows will
offroadracing.com.au easter-event.html com.au/2020-spectator-itinerary be bigger and better than ever.
DRIVE 4 LIFE for Innamincka and Cameron costs are covered by long- TERRITORY TIME
DRIVE 4 Life is another Corner; before returning time Drive 4 Life partners WINTER is the best
group that has had to change to NSW to visit Tibooburra, ARB 4x4 Accessories, IGA time to experience all
its plans in 2020, cancelling Milparinka, Packsaddle and Supermarkets and 4X4 the Northern Territory
a planned 2020 tour as the Silverton. Australia magazine. has to offer. Parrtjima –
travel bans prevented it This is not a difficult 4x4 These tours are always a lot A Festival in Light, will
passing through aboriginal trip but your vehicle will need of fun, with a great crew along be held over 10 nights
communities. But the team has to be well-maintained and to take in the awesome tracks from September 11-20
had the maps out and planned properly equipped, as would and, in this case, visit some top in the heart of the Red
a fresh trip which will take in any trailers and caravans Aussie pubs. Center, Alice Springs.
some iconic outback locations which are suitable for the tour. Of course, this trip will be Each evening, prepare
and stop in at some well- Participant numbers will be subject to interstate travel to be transported to
known bush pubs. limited to 40 vehicles and will being allowed by the end of another world as nearly
The revised 2020 tour will be split in to four groups, with September. If restrictions or two kilometers of the
start and finish in Broken one going clockwise and the any other reason prevents the beautiful MacDonnell
Hill, NSW, and will run over others anti-clockwise around trip going ahead, the donation ranges comes to life
the week from Saturday the same route. is fully refundable. with spectacular
September 26 to October 3. As with all Drive 4 Life The guys tell us spots are lighting effects, all
The tour will visit Blinman, tours, entry is via a $1000 filling fast for this trip, so get crowned by the brilliant
Maree and Mungerannie in tax deductible donation to on to the website at www. star-scape above.
South Australia; duck in to Northcott Disability Services drive4life.com.au for all the Check the details at
Queensland for Birdsville, Big (www.northcott.com.au). details and the registration www.parrtjimaaustralia.
Red and Betoota; back to SA Tour logistics and operating form so you don’t miss out. com.au
CUSTOM
SAS FORD RANGER
TOUGH DOESN’T COME ON A

SHOWROOM FLOOR, SOMETIMES
YOU’VE GOTTA BUILD YOUR OWN.
CUSTOM SAS FORD RANGER
01
02
HEY don’t build them like they used to. It’s
T
a phrase heard in 4x4 land far too often. The
axles aren’t as good as they used to be. You
can’t work on them yourselves. They’re not as
good off-road. The complaints are endless, but 03
they’re just not true. Like most things in life,
when it comes to building vehicles, you get out what you
put in.
Older 4x4s are cheaper and easier to build, sure, but
they offer less in return. The simpler engine means
higher fuel consumption and less power; the agricultural
suspension means poorer ride quality; and the low-tech
interiors mean a low-tech driving experience ... but, hey, it
was easy.
Modern 4x4s by comparison are far more complex, but
reward you for your troubles; sometimes you’ve just got
to roll up your sleeves to reap the rewards.
The goliath of a Ranger you’re looking at now is a
shining beacon of that mentality, offering every creature
comfort of a modern rig, with all the capabilities of an
01
ENGINE ZING
The 3.2L Duratorq TDCi
engine didn’t escape the
upgrades.
02
BUILT FOR PURPOSE
The home-built live axle uses
tough Nissan Patrol parts.
03
MIGHTY RUBBER
Hugging Hostile Gauntlet
wheels are 37-inch Nitto Trail
Grapplers.
LIKE MOST THINGS IN LIFE,

WHEN IT COMES TO BUILDING
VEHICLES YOU GET OUT WHAT
YOU PUT IN
IT HAD TO BE UNIQUE, IT
HAD TO BE CAPABLE, IT
HAD TO BE THE RANGER
THAT ALL OTHERS LOOK
UP AT, AND IT HAD TO
DO IT ALL WITHOUT
COMPROMISE
01
older setup.
Owners Claire and Sean knew exactly what they were
after when the Ranger’s plans were first sketched out. It had 02
to be unique, it had to be capable, it had to be the Ranger
that all others look up at, and it had to do it all without
compromise.
01
CHASSIS CHANGES BAR MATCH
IT’S important in any build to start from a solid foundation, Colour-matched winch
and while the Ranger T6 platform is unarguably one of the bar has side lights.
02
biggest conventional utes in Australia, it wasn’t quite big
enough. The call was made to Chris at Drag Tec Customs,
south of Brisbane, Queensland, to make the Ranger a size BIG BREATHER
a little more fitting for the build. Some 300mm was added Snorkel is a five-inch
between the wheels of the Ranger, kicking the rear axle Meredith Metal Works.
even farther back and allowing the fitment of a space-cab
tray where a dual-cab tray once lived.
From here, the rails were cut clean of all their suspension
03
mounts, the stock setup so far removed from the end goal
LIVE AXLE
This is how Ford
that starting from a clean slate was the best option. Up front,
should build them
where an independent suspension system once lived, you’ll
03
PATROL DIFFS
Within the sheet-
metal diff is a Patrol
diff centre and ARB
air locker.
now find a hand-built front axle based off Nissan Patrol

components. Hanging off custom mounts front and rear, a
typical radius-arm-style suspension maintains reasonable
handling while still allowing the live axle to walk its way
through challenging articulating tracks. Stuffed inside
the sheet metal diff is a factory Nissan diff centre with
4.33:1 ratio gears mated up to an ARB air locker. The whole
affair kept under control by a combo of Fox 2.5 shocks and
steering dampener.
Moving rearwards with the plasma cutter and welder
ready and raring to go, Chris binned the archaic leaf-
spring arrangement and opted for another coil setup.
Another hand-fabricated diff is shoehorned full of Patrol
componentry with a second air locker inside. The rear axle
is located with an easy flexing 5-link arrangement typical
to what you’d find in an older coil-sprung LandCruiser or
Patrol. A glint of silver underneath hints at a matching 01
02
01
DEEP REACH
The live axle allows the
Ranger to walk through
articulating tracks.
02
SECOND WINCH
There’s a Warn Zeon winch
at the rear, too; its Factor
55 winch hook tucked away
neatly under the roll pan.
D O N ’ T G E T B O X E D I N W I T H O U T D AT E D D E S I G N S
1300 AFN 4x4 | www.afn4x4.com.au

[email protected] | 85 Kabi Circuit, Deception Bay, Qld 4508
facebook.com/AFN4x4australia
VISIT WWW.AFN4X4.COM.AU FOR A DEALER NEAR YOU

INTENSE
Piercing the night are
four ARB Intensity
driving lights, twin
AR32s and AR21s.
pair of Fox 2.5 shocks in the rear. The whole combination not
only juggles old-school articulation with new-school ride and
handling, but also gives huge amounts of room for the 37-inch
Nitto Trail Grapplers on each corner to work off-road – they’re
wrapped around suitably giant 20x12.5 Hostile Gauntlet wheels.
ROCK HARD LIGHTEN UP

Winch bar is the WHEN your radiator is higher than even the biggest ’roos can
‘Rocker’ model from jump, the bar options start getting a lot more friendly. Claire
MCC4X4. and Sean have opted for the oh-so-sleek ‘Rocker’ bar from
MCC4X4 in a neat colour-matched finish. Straddled atop
the radiator hoop bar is not one but four suns worth
of LED lighting, with a huge combination of heavy-hitting
ARB Intensity lights. Twin AR32 Intensitys take pride of
place in the centre, with a set of AR21s taking up the flanks.
Nestled in the bar beneath is a 12,000lb Warn Zeon winch.
OLD IS NEW
Mixing the comforts
of a modern rig with
the capabilities of an
older setup.
When Everything Counts
CrossContact® ATR
The perfect SUV tyre with off-road capability.
> The perfect fit for any driver who spends most of their
time on the road, but requires more traction when
heading off the beaten track.
> Reduce the risk of puncture and improve traction when
driving off-road due to the sidewall protection wrap.
> Enhanced wet and dry braking performance due to
multiple sipes on the tread pattern.
> High on road safety with a silica tread compound for
enhanced grip.
> Comfortable and quiet ride due to the noise blockers in the
shoulder, reducing noise generated in the centre of the pattern.
www.continental-tyres.com.au
Moving along the Ranger’s flanks the lighting is

pushed to the limit. Running the length of the Ranger’s
larger-than-life frame is a full suite of under-body
lighting courtesy of Stedi, there’s a further six Stedi
LIGHT camp lights mounted up on the Rhino-Rack by
CONTROL Brisbane’s A Grade Auto, with two more forward-facing
A flip-down panel in
driving lights in the shape of ARB’s AR40 Intensity
the centre roof lining
spot/flood light bars.
accesses light and
Right at the back where you’d typically find a
air locker switches.
matching rear bar, Dragtec brought a little minitruck
to the party with a custom roll pan tidying up the rear
end; a second Warn Zeon winch hidden underneath is
hinted at only by the Factor 55 winch hooking, poking
out beneath the tray.
Following the plus-sized five-inch diameter Meredith
Metal Works snorkel down through the Ranger’s guard
leads to a whole bunch more party than originally
intended by Ford. The snorkel sends air towards the
motor through a Meredith Metal Works airbox before
an upgraded high-flow turbo winds up the boost and
really gets things moving. A Plazmaman intercooler
dials the temperatures back to safe levels, with higher
flow rate injectors and a custom tune making the whole
lot sing. A three-inch DPF back stainless-steel exhaust
helps get rid of the spent gases and keep EGTs down
without running afoul of the law. The factory six-speed
auto still has a home in the Ranger, but is now fed by
an upgraded torque converter with a Drivetech 4x4
external transmission cooler keeping it happy.
INNER SLICK
Stitched leather pews
and an uncluttered
interior retain the
luxury factor.
PLUS SIZE
THERE are plenty of things to be proud of wheels, making it perfect for weight distribution,
Australia over America for, but when it comes and less likely to bend a frame, especially with
to vehicle choice our Seppo mates have got us the additional strengthening when the stretch
beat red, white and blue. Walk in to just about is done. Secondly, just like a long wheelbase
any pickup truck dealership and you’ve got your Jeep rides better than a short wheelbase Jeep,
choice of what size tub you want with what size adding 300mm into your wheelbase gives a more
cab. Here? You get what you’re given. compliant and less ‘twitchy’ ride, perfect for eating
So why exactly would someone fork over up thousands of kays of corrugations. While a long
money to add a longer tub to a typical ute? There wheelbase option might not be available at the
are a few reasons why, and all of them perfect dealership, it’s something every new-ute owner
for serious tourers. The first is the additional should absolutely consider adding themselves.
tray space freed up is entirely in front of the rear
WIRED FOR SOUND

MOVING inside the Ranger and it’s clear pushing the limit is a
way of life for Claire and Sean. A full onboard air arrangement
has been installed with a twin-piston air-compressor pumping
in to a permanently mounted air-tank for running power
tools or inflating tyres. A second battery also found its way
underneath the tray, helping run a 1000W Redarc inverter.
The factory stereo has had a significant overhaul too, with a
1500W Alpine amplifier running a six-inxh split in each door
as well as a 10-inch sub beneath the rear seat. The tub has also
been filled to the brim with high-tech low-weight drawers from DECKED OUT
Decked, giving bulk storage space without sacrificing load- The space-cab tray
carrying ability. is filled with a high-
They don’t build 4x4s like they used to, and that’s a damn tech drawer system
good thing. Claire and Sean’s Ranger is the perfect mix of from Decked.
new and old and proves that you get out what you put in, and
they both put in a hell of a lot into this one of a kind build.
DRIVE
JEEP GLADIATOR
OVERLAND
THE WAIT
WORDS MATT RAUDONIKIS PHOTOS ELLEN DEWAR
IS OVER A QUICK SPIN IN THE JEEP GLADIATOR

OVERLAND ON HOME SOIL.
DRIVE JEEP GLADIATOR OVERLAND
JEEP HAS BEEN FORTHCOMING IN

SAYING UP FRONT THAT IT IS “NOT
HERE TO COMPETE IN THE TRADITIONAL
UTE MARKET”
RAISE THE ROOF

The Gladiator is the
only 4x4 ute with a lift-
off roof, the standard
hardtop removable, with
detachable panel.
T
HE long-awaited new Jeep pick-up has smaller tyres than the US; 255/70 R18 on
truck has arrived in Australia and the Overland and 255/75 R17s on the Rubicon
will initially be available in three and Launch edition models, while the Yanks get
specification levels including a ‘Launch proper 33s on their Rubicon.
Edition’, which is basically one with the A lot of pundits have been quick to criticise
lot and will be limited to just 100 units. the Jeep pick-up for its capacities and engine
We’ve driven the JT Rubicon overseas, but choice in a mid-size ute market full of diesel-
our first taste of the ute on home soil was a brief engine-powered utes that can carry near-enough
stint in an Overland model. to a full tonne and tow 3500kg. Jeep has been
While the Rubicon gets all the off-road kit forthcoming in saying up front that it is “not here
such as front and rear locking diffs, extra low to compete in the traditional ute market”. That
gearing, front sway-bar disconnect, Fox shocks the Gladiator is “a lifestyle vehicle and not a
and muddies, the Overland forgoes all that but work truck”.
adds heated leather seats, 18-inch alloys, and With that in mind you need to look at what the
body-coloured roof and flares. JT is more than what it is not. It’s a Jeep ute first
The Overland starts at $1000 less than the and foremost. Wrangler owners will get what that
Rubicon, at $75,450, but you can lux-up your means, but for the uninitiated it means this is a
Rubicon with the leather seats and painted bits vehicle that is built for off-road use. That means
($2535), or get the Launch Edition which has all live axles on long-travel coils front and rear,
the features of both at $86,450. which you won’t find on any other mid-size ute
Our test Overland was fitted with the ‘Lifestyle on the market.
Adventure Pack’, a $3850 option that adds a The JT is the only ute available with a
roll-up tonneau cover, cargo management with removable roof. The standard roof is a hardtop
adjustable bed rails, spray-in bedliner, a lockable that is fully removable, or you can simply remove
storage compartment beneath the rear seat, a the panels above the front seat passengers for an
removable Bluetooth speaker, an auxiliary switch open-air experience. A soft-top is available as a
panel with four switches for accessories, a 240- $3575 option, and the windscreen can be folded
amp alternator, and a 700-amp maintenance-free forwards down onto the bonnet. Even the doors
battery. Other accessory and dress-up packs are are easily removable to let the elements in; try
available from Jeep. doing that on any of the other mid-size utes.
Australia gets the ‘international’ specification The Gladiator is only available here with
Jeep Gladiator just as it does with the JL a V6 petrol engine and an eight-speed auto
Wrangler, and that means it comes with a transmission. There’s no manual or diesel engine
transfer case that has 2WD, full-time 4x4, high- offering, but this makes it the only mid-size
range locked 4x4 and low-range locked 4x4, as ute available with a petrol engine. You have to
opposed to the traditional part-time 4x4 systems step up to other American pick-ups for more
in the US models. The international spec also petrol powertrains, as found in the left-to-right
TUB TRIM
Customisable tub in this
Jeep has a soft tonneau,
bed rails and spay-in bed
liner, as part of the Lifestyle
Adventure Pack.
PETROL ONLY
The Gladiator is only avail-
able in Oz with a 3.6L V6
petrol and an eight-speed
auto transmission.
double-cab ute and has similar carrying capacity

to its Jeep stablemate, but it can’t match other
mid-size utes for load or tow hauling.
DRIVE IMPRESSIONS
WE DIDN’T have any load in the tray or on tow
for this quick spin, but we did get it out to the
Melbourne 4x4 Proving Ground for a bit of off-
road use.
The familiar 3.6-litre V6 engine was its usual
peppy and willing self, ably aided by the smooth-
shifting auto. The Gladiator might only have
converted Ford F150, Ram 1500 and Chevrolet a 2721kg towing rating, but I doubt this revvy
INNER OPULANCE Silverado full-size rigs. The Jeep is factory built petrol engine with only 347Nm would like to be
The interior is well- in right-hand drive. hauling much more than that at any rate.
appointed and includes a If you think of the Gladiator in relation to the The Overland’s suspension feels soft and a bit
big centre screen, heated Wrangler, the JT adds more usability but comes vague on the highway and backroads; it certainly
leather seats and a full at the expense of some of that off-road ability. lacks the control of the Fox shocks equipped
suite of features. While the massive cargo tub looks like it can be to Rubicons we’ve driven. The soft suspension
filled up with all that stuff you can’t fit in your translates to a supple and comfortable ride on
JL, the maximum payload for the Overlnd is gravel roads and dirt tracks. While it doesn’t have
just 527kg, and so it’s around the same as the the wheel articulation of the Rubicon model with
Wrangler wagon. You need to be very mindful of its swaybar disconnected, the standard setup is
any cargo, accessories and people you carry in a pretty good off-road. It certainly has more front
Jeep, be it wagon or pick-up. suspension travel than any of the more popular
The other compromise is the rampover and mid-size utes.
departure angles, which are both less than that This makes the Gladiator a capable machine
of a Wrangler. The extra wheelbase makes the on uneven terrain, even without the Rubicon’s
truck ride nicer, but it grounds out easier under hardware. Electronic traction control helps in
the belly and in the tail. lieu of locking diffs, but the Overland scrabbled
So the Gladiator isn’t as good off-road as a a bit for traction on our set piece melon-hole
Wrangler, but it’s better than any other mid-size hill climb that is enough of a challenge to stop
4X4 TO THE FORE

The Gladiator is better
than any other mid-size
double-cab ute off-road.
many other open-diffed utes. place to spend time. Lift off the roof panels
The reduced rampover angle of the long on a sunny day and it delivers a truly unique
wheelbase ute meant we grounded out the driving experience.
sliders when descending one particular step, The Gladiator’s rear seat is reasonably
but we managed to avoid clipping the tail. spacious and has enough leg- and head-room
for my 185cm frame. It feels to have more
INTERIOR space than the rear seat of a Wrangler.
ANYONE who has driven a JL Wrangler
SEAT AESTHETICS will be familiar with the interior of the JT FINAL THOUGHTS
The Gladiator’s leather-
Gladiator. In this Overland it’s very well- THE Gladiator is very much its own vehicle.
trimmed seats provide
comfort and support, appointed and a nice place to ride. With its It’s first and foremost a Jeep, and that makes
with various colour and big centre screen, heated leather seats and it a lifestyle vehicle and not so much a
trim combinations adding full suite of features, the Overland is up workhorse. It also makes it hard to compare
style to the seats, steering there with the best appointed and equipped it to the familiar mid-size 4x4 utes that are so
wheel, dashboard, shifter mid-size utes on the market, and priced popular in Australia.
and bezels. accordingly. The Jeep lifestyle is one like no other, and if
If you’re coming from any other ute you’ll you want that in something more than just a
find the Jeep interior cramped at first, Wrangler then the Gladiator could be for you.
particularly around the pedals with the To get the full Jeep experience we’d say go for
transmission hump infringing on your boot the Rubicon over the Overland, and you’ll get
space. But it’s a cabin you get used to and, unrivalled off-road ability to set it apart from
personally, I find it a comfortable and nice anything else off the showroom floor.
JEEP GLADIATOR OVERLANDER

ENGINE Pentastar 3.6-litre V6
MAX POWER 209kW at 6400rpm
MAX TORQUE 347Nm at 4100rpm
TRANSMISSION 8-speed automatic
TRANSFER CASE Selec-Trac with FT and PT 4x4 and low range
CRAWL RATIO 47.79:1
STEERING Electro-hydraulic
SUSPENSION Live axles on links, coil springs, stabiliser bars (f/r)
TYRES 255/70-R18
BASE WEIGHT 2104kg
PAYLOAD 527kg
TOWING CAPACITY 2721kg
GVM 2631kg
GCM 5080kg
ADR COMBINED FUEL USE 11.2L/100km
APPROACH/RAMP-OVER/DEPARTURE ANGLES 40.7° / 18.4° / 25.1°
GROUND CLEARANCE 249mm
WADING DEPTH 760mm
EXPLORE DESERT EXPEDITION PREPARATION
EXPLORE
DESERT EXPEDITION
PREPARATION
ARE
YOU
DUNE
READY?
WORDS JUSTIN WALKER
IF THE CALL OF THE SANDY

HEARTLAND HAS YOU PLANNING
A TRIP, WE HAVE DETAILED A
CHECKLIST TO GET YOU THERE
AND BACK SAFELY.
SAND IN YOUR SHOES
AUSTRALIA’S deserts account for an estimated 70 per
cent of the continent’s land mass. Pretty impressive, but
not half as impressive as actually getting out there and
exploring and camping in one (or more) of them. Nothing
beats that sense of utter remoteness offered by the combo
of an endless red, sandy horizon, topped by the blue skies
synonymous with this country’s desert regions.
The attractions of touring the deserts go beyond that
sense of isolation and remoteness, also taking in the rich
ties this landscape has with all Australians, whether it
is the eons-old Indigenous culture, or the more recent
European explorers’ history. Indeed, it is this sense of
retracing the steps of these early explorers that is a big
draw for visitors, and something that is far more enriched
by the chance to also experience that ‘sense of place’ so
ingrained in Indigenous culture – along with the physical
reminders of their long residence here, in the form of
reliable waterholes, petroglyphs, etc.
The other appeal is that, rather than being ‘the same
thing every day’, a week or two (or longer) exploring one
or more of Australia’s deserts really brings home just how
unique each of them is in terms of the wildlife, Indigenous
links, terrain, camping, the actual driving challenge and
plenty more.
It all sounds impossibly romantic of course – packing
the 4x4 and heading into the desert – but that romantic
notion of outback escapism needs to be, firstly, backed by
a whole lot of research, preparation, planning and a big
dose of that sense of adventure. Once that is out of the
way – and the actual pre-trip prep can be more than half
the fun – is when the real adventure starts. Do all that
right, and all you have to focus on is enjoying one of the
world’s best off-road destinations. Let’s go…
KNOW
HOW
Detailed paper maps,
GPS and other nav
aids are essential for
successful and safe
outback travel.
With signs like these, knowing

where you are will ensure you don't
miss the turnoff.
PLANNING SURE DOES PAY the Hema HX-1 and HN7. Other mapping-based planning
FOR this writer – and I am sure for most off-road tourers software includes one of the most extensive: ExplorOz.com
– poring over a series of maps is an integral part of the Some, but not all, of Australia’s deserts are comprised
trip-planning process, regardless of your destination. With a of both national parks and Aboriginal-owned land, and
focus on desert travel, having access to a number of maps – one of the first checks you do need to do is that based
and accurate ones – is key to effective trip preparation. The around any essential permits you may need to traverse
reasons are many, and include the obvious of seeing where these lands. Most states’ national parks and the various
your destination is in relation to where you’re starting point Indigenous land councils have online permit systems that
is, along with giving a great overall ‘visual’ of the country you are, generally, pretty easy to access and fill in. Some permits
will be covering in terms of access tracks, refuelling points may take longer to acquire than others, though, so bear that
(whether in towns, Aboriginal communities, or likely fuel in mind and make sure you give the relevant authorities
drop-off/caching points), whether there are any water sources plenty of notice of your travel dates. Doing this allows any
in the region, and – of course – the total distance of the communication to and from regarding your trip plans to be
route/track you will be following. Large-area maps are your undertaken, thus ensuring the relevant authorities know
best starting point (think: Hema’s excellent Great Desert exactly where you are – and how long for. As an example: this
Tracks maps), and from there you can move down in map writer had a potential Arnhem Land trip quashed years ago
scale and also start utilising digital mapping. These are great after gaining approval from the Traditional Owners thanks
to mark potential campsites, refuelling points, or places of to plenty of transparency in communication, only to have it
interest. Again, Hema has its excellent phone and iPad-based stopped by a tie-wearing office-bound bureaucrat in Darwin.
app, Hema Explorer, as well as its dedicated GPS units, Just sayin’…
A PARCHED LAND handling. Plus, you will need to check not just your roof-rack
WITH the distances and remoteness of Australia’s deserts, load capacity, but the maximum permitted load for the
planning a trip here involves accounting for a number of vehicle’s roof. You might be surprised how little that big,
unique factors, starting with one of the essentials: fuel burly 4x4 wagon of yours is legally allowed to carry up top.
usage. Think of some of the longer desert tracks in Oz, such An alternative to roof-stored fuel is to fit an aftermarket rear
as the 1619km Canning Stock Route (CSR) or the 1324km bar that incorporates twin jerrycan holders (or, a single jerry
Anne Beadell Highway, and you soon realise an accurate holder and spare wheel carrier).
estimate of fuel consumption is crucial to a successful desert The other liquid essential on any desert trip is water. And
adventure. As most know, any vehicle will use more fuel by this we mean not only having enough water onboard
when driving off-road. Add in the mechanical effort needed for keeping everyone hydrated, but for other essential
to push a two-tonne-plus vehicle through sand and you will activities such as cooking, washing up, personal hygiene
need to factor in far heavier consumption than ‘normal’. and potentially having to top-up vehicle radiators. Again,
This would also be a good time to check on maps and/ distance and the amount of resupply points play a part in
or any online resources as to the longest distance between estimating how much you’ll need, but we’d recommend at
refuelling points. As an example, the distance between least 10 litres per day, per person. Yep, that sounds a lot,
fuel points on the CSR is a heady 977km, necessitating the and it soon adds up in terms of weight and eating into your
planning of a fuel drop (usually at Well 23 on this track). vehicle’s load capacity. However, in this instance, it’s best
Some adventurers mostly, but not exclusively, will have the not to quibble. A further tip that applies to both water and
capacity to lug the required amount of fuel – usually in fuel storage is to ensure your jerrycans/containers are in
jerrycans, sometimes in addition to a fitted aftermarket excellent condition and that you don’t store all the liquid in
long-range tank – but that will depend on your one or two containers. If the unfortunate does happen
vehicle’s load-carrying capacity. The temptation and it springs a leak, you could lose a significant
is to put jerrys up on the roof-rack, but the
additional load up high does affect vehicle
TANKED portion of your water/fuel supply – something to be
avoided anywhere, but especially in arid country.
When it comes to
going the distance,
the fitment of long-
range fuel tanks is
better than Jerry
cans.
sand trap
Packing specialist sand-
recovery gear in addition
to your normal recovery
kit is another must.
PERPETUAL MOTION
VEHICLE set-up for desert travel combines all the regular
mods you would do to your rig to improve its off-road and
remote-area capability (think: bar work for protection
against animal strike and to mount lighting; all-terrain – or
preferably – mud-terrain tyres; aftermarket suspension; dual-
battery setup; fridge/freezer; snorkel; recovery gear; reliable
comms; roof-rack) along with desert-specific tweaks.
Having a vehicle that is in tip-top condition is paramount
and one of the first things you need to address as part of the
desert expedition planning process. A full going-over by a
mechanic who specialises in outback travel prep is a must-do;
checking for suspension (and tyre) wear and tear, as well
as ensuring all engine plumbing is in robust condition and
that all accessories are securely – and correctly – fitted, will
mean you have already significantly reduced the chances of
breaking down.
The next step will be for them (and you) to draw up a
list of essential spare parts that you will need to carry in a head-on collision. Packing specialist sand-recovery gear
the event that something does break – and this may still – on top of your normal recovery kit, which should include
happen regardless of how ‘new’ the gear is fitted to your rig; snatch straps, shackles, ropes, gloves, tyre levers, jack,
the desert is an unforgiving place – and get them to show etc. – is another must. A set (or more) of Maxtrax offers
you how to replace/fit it. We’re not all accomplished bush great insurance for desert travellers; these sand recovery
mechanics (tip from this writer: travel with one!) but more jobbies are robust and easy to use. Plus, they don’t weigh
basic repairs, such as how to plug a punctured tyre (yep, a much, offering excellent recovery bang-for-bucks. The
puncture-repair kit is another must-pack) should be within final piece of the vehicle puzzle is an effective comms
your skill-set if you plan on spending time in remote areas. setup. Not only does a reliable UHF radio (or satphone;
And, don’t forget to carry a second spare wheel/tyre; rough which is more for any emergency situation, as is a Personal
desert tracks can be murder on even the toughest tyres. Even Location Beacon) ensure you’re never totally stranded if
though tyre plugs can work miracles, if you tear a sidewall, the worst-case scenario eventuates; being able to call on
there’s no plugging that, so having a second spare brings with the channel occasionally to see if there is any other traffic
it plenty of reassurance. approaching helps reduce further the chance of a vehicle-on-
Driving through desert country usually means negotiating vehicle incident. Speaking of which, it goes without saying
myriad dunes and these are often taller/deeper than your that at least one, but preferably more, of your expedition
vehicle. Fitment of a sand flag is non-negotiable as it assists crew should have the latest First Aid training – and a
any oncoming traffic being able to see you, thus avoiding comprehensive First Aid kit should be packed.
BUSH
SAFE
When you're this remote
it's vital to have comms
with the outside
world, and first-aid
knowledge.
Run wild on any terrain, any time and in any weather with the
Wildpeak AT3W all-terrain tyres. The AT3W combines aggressive off-road
ability and rugged terrain driving without compromise on the road.
For more information visit falken.com.au
FIT KIT
Making the most of
the limited space are a
variety of fridge/freezers Is this thing dangerous? It can be if
and drawer storage you muck around near camp fires.
systems.
BASE CAMP what suits your particular vehicle/requirements best. It’s

NOTHING beats pulling up in the middle of the desert in worth the time invested, though, and a prime example of
the evening, cooking up a storm and cracking a coldie as the just what is achievable in terms of reliable mobile power
sun sets over the dunes. That sounds like a dream scenario, options for tourers can be seen by taking a look at the 4X4
but, as long as you have the required remote power to keep Australia long-term Ford Ranger. Also worth tackling is a
the lights glowing and the fridge cool, you’ll get to enjoy course on basic auto-electrical repairs – or at least having
that dreamlike outback dining experience every night. some knowledge of how your vehicle’s auxiliary power setup
And it does all come down to power. To this end, it’s worth works in case you have to troubleshoot some power-related
expanding your regular off-road power options, such as a problems.
dual-battery setup, to include a system that incorporates Travelling with a portable fridge means you will be able
the ability to utilise the power of the sun. Portable solar to keep food fresh for a decent amount of time in the desert.
panels are, these days, cheap, reliable and pretty much a Making it last longer is possible by selecting a fridge/freezer
standard inclusion on desert-travel equipment lists. With combo unit, where a portion of the fridge is a dedicated
the desert touring season usually the time of clear days – freezer. Another trick to ensure fresh grub for longer is to
every day – being able to set up some solar panels at camp get your local butcher/food supplier to cryovac your meat. By
makes the question of reliable power moot. There are myriad vacuuming all the air out of the container, the use-by date of
solar panel systems available, so you will need to research meats in particular can be extended significantly.
WITH THE REQUIRED REMOTE POWER TO KEEP THE LIGHTS

GLOWING AND THE FRIDGE COOL, YOU’LL GET TO ENJOY THAT
DREAMLIKE OUTBACK DINING EXPERIENCE EVERY NIGHT
TIME IS DIFFERENT OUT HERE all take time – and the perfect excuse not to rush. There’s
ONE thing often forgotten in the dreaming, researching no reason you can’t stay at Camp 15 on the Madigan Line
and final planning of the big desert adventure is just how for more than one night – you’ve spent months and lots of
much time it can take. Driving in sand is where you balance money planning and prepping to get out to a destination
momentum and patience, and where you need to realise it few people will ever experience, so allocate enough time
will take longer to negotiate numerous dunes than it would to soak it up properly. After all, you’ll be on ‘desert time’,
to traverse a long, straight outback road. in a place that has seen thousands of years of Indigenous
Even though the actual distance between two points inhabitants and a few hundred years of explorers traversing
may be ‘not that long’, driving in soft sand, performing the it. We’re sure it – and you – will cope with spending a little
occasional recovery, and stopping to take in your surrounds, bit of time out there…
YOU’VE SPENT MONTHS AND LOTS OF MONEY PLANNING

AND PREPPING TO GET OUT TO A DESTINATION FEW PEOPLE
WILL EVER EXPERIENCE, SO ALLOCATE ENOUGH TIME
timeless
The rewards of
a dedicated desert
road trip are many:
remoteness, landscapes,
friendships, the
challenge, and
more.
THE DESERT GURU’S ESSENTIALS

4X4 AUSTRALIA’s Editor-at-Large, Ron Moon, has been BEING PREPARED
exploring Australia's deserts for decades and knows what THE old army saying of the 7-P rule (Prior Preparation and
gear works ‘out there’ and what you need to do before you go, Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance) apply to many
to make sure you have a cracking – and safe – adventure. things including preparing for a 4WD trip, whether the High
Country for a week or to the outback for a month or more.
ESSENTIAL GEAR Make sure the recovery gear is in good nick, winches work,
A GOOD knife, an extensive toolkit, some basic spares, a and shackles and the like are all rated.
recovery kit and a fire extinguisher are things that never When you throw the first aid kit into the vehicle for that
leave any of the vehicles I head bush in (a stretched GU next trip, make sure everything is up to date. Medicines,
Patrol with Carry Me Camper, a 79 Cruiser with Boss creams, antiseptic lotions and the like all have an expiry date
Aluminium canopy, and a Ram 2500 with a Four Wheel on them, so check your kit before you leave.
Camper slide-on). A comprehensive first aid kit and some All three of my vehicles have an inbuilt water tank and
maps get put in before I push off anywhere, and then I add these are always filled before I head off, no matter if that’s
the things I’d like to have. to a well-watered region such as the High Country or Murray
You can use a smartphone for navigation, but I much River, or to the deserts.
prefer a dedicated navigator or an iPad running my preferred
mapping software – that normally includes Hema Maps and SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
another mapping app, such as Pocket Earth Pro (only for PART of that pre-trip prep is making sure the vehicle is in top
Macs – there are others). And I carry a good selection of the condition. I keep a pretty close tab on all of my vehicles and
appropriate maps that show overall detail. where they are in my service and maintenance schedule.
Communications play an ever increasing and important role Being a firm believer in fixing and replacing stuff before
in our travels and it seems these days if you can’t reply to a they break means I have less troubles out on the tracks.
phone call or text message in a few minutes, you are either in And in the end, it doesn’t cost you any more. Breaking down
trouble or don’t care about the person sending the request. out in the Simpson or up in the High Country can work out
And while mobile phone coverage is much better than it expensive just for the recovery, while the repair costs in some
used to be, there are still many places where you won’t have small town may be a lot more than what you’d pay at your
coverage for many kilometres, hours or even days. normal service centre.
So first up, a UHF radio is darn near mandatory and they And one thing I don’t do – I don’t get my vehicle serviced
make travelling easier and safer. For more remote stuff you or maintained by a manufacturer’s outlet, no matter what
have a choice of a HF radio, a satellite phone or a satellite brand I drive. Much better to have your vehicle maintained by
communication device. We’ve got all three, although the a speciality 4WD repair/service centre – they know what we
HF radio gets less use these days. I particularly like the subject the vehicles to and the conditions they are likely to
communicators such as the Spot X which allows messages to meet much more than some city-based dealership that does
be sent both to and from the device. more Camrys than LandCruisers. – Ron Moon
pop ups
Camper trailers
straddle camping and
caravanning, offering
low-profile towing and
wider terrain options.
bush
mechanic
Having a modicum
of mechanical
knowledge and
prowess is a good
base to learn
from.
STORMING THE DESERT, SUCCESSFULLY… off on a big trip. If you don’t have a lot of mechanical skills
FORMER 4X4 Australia Editor, Dean Mellor, has been fortunate yourself, make sure your vehicle gets a thorough going-over by
enough to traverse some of this continent’s most spectacular a specialist 4WD mechanic, and ask them what spares you’ll
desert country, and is a huge fan of not only Australia’s red need to carry with you and what tools you’ll need to make
heart but also being thorough and considered in preparation. minor repairs. If you suffer a major mechanical breakdown,
“One of the most satisfying things about preparing for a or some other big problem when you’re in the middle of the
desert expedition is figuring out exactly where you want to desert, you’ll want to make sure you’re carrying a remote-area
go, where you want camp (to see what you want to see and communications device such as HF radio, a satellite phone or
experience what you want to experience), and where you’ll be a satellite communicator, and make sure you test it before you
able to source supplies (fuel, water and food). leave and that your subscription is up to date.
The best way to plan a trip is using a combination of maps As well as supplies, tools, spares, comms gear and navigation
including an overall map of the area in which you’ll be equipment, some essential items you’ll need for desert touring
travelling and several detailed maps. A paper map is the best include a complete vehicle recovery kit (winch, straps, snatch
option to cover the general area, as you can spread it out and block, shackles, recovery boards etc.) a tyre repair kit (tools,
get an overall picture, but when it comes to detailed maps, plugs, patches, glue, tyre levers, working jack etc.) electrical
these days I rely on electronic maps – Hema Explorer on my power supply (dual-battery system, charging setup, inverter
iPhone, iPad and HX-1 Navigator provides Hema mapping as etc.) and all the obvious stuff like camping gear, lighting etc.
well as topographic mapping, covering all of Australia. You’ll also need a comprehensive (and up to date) first aid kit,
Carrying enough fuel and water is essential for any desert and you should make sure your first aid training is current.
trip. When calculating fuel usage, remember that your vehicle When travelling, some personal items I always carry with me
will use more fuel in trying off-road conditions than it will include a Leatherman, a camera and a handheld UHF.
cruising on the highway, and always throw in a good safety No matter how prepared you are, many things can still go
margin. As for water, it’s a good idea to carry this in more than awry on desert expeditions. I’ve seen all sorts of stuff break on
one container in case one springs a leak. Perishable food, of trips from shock absorbers and leaf springs to sway bars and CV
course, will need to be stored in a portable fridge/freezer, and joints. Although I have a modicum of mechanical knowledge,
you should always make sure this is working properly before I’ve usually been fortunate enough to travel with people who
departure, and that you have spare fuses/leads/plugs etc. and a would easily pass as bush mechanics. If you don’t know how to
small electrical repair kit. fix stuff, you should learn to … or travel with someone who
Thorough vehicle preparation is important prior to setting does.” – Dean Mellor
DRIVE
2020 JEEP
GLADIATOR MOJAVE
WORDS AND PHOTOS CHRIS COLLARD
JEEP’S PICK-UP HAS ARRIVED DOWN
UNDER BUT ONE MODEL WE WON’T
BE GETTING IS THE GLADIATOR
MOJAVE. WE TEST THE ‘DESERT
RATED’ JT IN THE DUNES.
T
HE JEEP Wrangler has set the bar that-be realised the JT might be the perfect
in the off-road world for decades, platform for dust-loving dirt aficionados that
and its reputation as a capable like to go fast in the desert. Enter the ‘Desert
trail rig is undisputed. But when Rated’ Gladiator Mojave.
the Gladiator JT debuted in 2019, Having spent thousands of hours in
the brand’s first pickup in nearly 30 years, various Jeeps on a multitude of continents
it rattled the industry, receiving praise and and terrains, I was curious as to what
persecution. The cynics cited its length, differentiated the Mojave from the masses.
wheelbase and reduced breakover angle And what is ‘Desert Rated’ all about? To
simply didn’t fit the bill for serious four- settle the discussion, fellow journalist Ned
wheeling. But for truck guys like me, a Jeep Bacon and I borrowed a Mojave for a multi-
pickup was long overdue. Comfortable seating day, 800km evaluation through the deserts
for four adults, live axles, a nimble suspension, of Northern Nevada. Between us we’ve raced
vetted drivetrain, and room for heaps of gear the Baja and Mexican 1000, tested shocks and
… what’s not to love? suspension systems, crossed the world’s seven
While the Rubicon model is crafted for the continents by four-wheel drive, and have a
rock-crawling crowd and the Overland is ideal pretty good feel for what works and what
for adventure seekers, the seven-slot powers- doesn’t. But let’s first examine the platform.
DRIVE 2020 JEEP GLADIATOR MOJAVE
2020 JEEP
GLADIATOR
MOJAVE D
A DEPARTURE ANGLE 25.5˚

B RAMPOVER ANGLE 20.9˚
A C
C APPROACH ANGLE 47.7˚ B
D WADING DEPTH 762mm E
E GROUND CLEARANCE 294.6mm
SCENIC
ROUTE
RAM STAMP mass was reduced via the use of aluminium
WHEN developing the Gladiator, Jeep doors, fenders, tailgate and other components,
The last leg of
our test took went beyond simply stretching a four-door and as is the case with all descendants of the
us over Sunrise JL. Working with Ram Trucks, they beefed Willys, you can kick the windshield down for
pass in the Pine up the frame, axles and suspension to a grand view of the world. Pack all this into a
Nut Mountains. improve handling, and increased payload four-door pickup and it’s everything a truck
and towing capacities. The powertrain guy could ask for. Well, almost everything.
remains the venerable 3.6-litre Pentastar V6,
which produces a respectable 208.8kW and DESERT RATED
352.5Nm. Transmission options are a six-speed IT’S been a long time since Jeep dipped its
manual (base) and eight-speed slushbox grille in the go-fast desert scene, so it was a
backed by the CommandTrac NV241 transfer bit of a surprise when they announced ‘Desert
case. Either combo provides a good balance of Rated’ badging. The designation indicates a
performance, economy and off-road prowess. focus on five key attributes: manoeuvrability,
The interior features all of the amenities traction, ground clearance, ride control and
we expect from a new Jeep: an ergonomically stability, and desert prowess – a few of which
comfortable cockpit, 80-plus safety systems, are lofty goals for a live-axle rig (think,
Gen IV U-connect touchscreen nav/audio unsprung weight). The magic of the Mojave is
panel, Apple CarPlay, Siri, and plenty of found in its suspension, which is supported by
connectivity options and power points. Overall electronic enhancements.
SPEED BOLSTERED
Front seats were
redesigned with deeper
bolsters, to keep occupants
in place during high-speed
manoeuvres.
IN CONTROL
The cockpit
is clean and
functional, and
all vital controls
are within easy
reach from the
driver’s seat.
ENGINE
Fox Racing 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks steering knuckles. There isn’t a disconnectable We love the
top the list. Sporting 0.875-inch heat-treated sway bar or front locker, which is reasonable 280hp Pentastar
chrome-plated shafts, aluminium bodies and for a desert runner. V6, but next year
remote reservoirs, they are tuned for controlled Exterior features include a new centre-scoop we are holding
damping in rough, high-speed conditions. The aluminum hood, Jeep Performance Parts sand out for a HEMI.
progressive front coil springs are out of the sliders (rock rails), front skid plate and stylish
Rubicon’s playbook, but complemented by Fox orange recovery points. It also sports a slightly
hydraulic (nitrogen) bump stops – an industry higher stance, one inch in the front, and the
first for an OE offering. Rear spring rates were wheel offset (and track) is a half-inch wider to
slightly reduced, a balance that retains load accommodate the larger shocks.
capacities while providing a lighter feel at Interior enhancements are subtle. Climbing
speed over uneven terrain. behind the wheel, you first notice the seats
In anticipation of severe duty, track bar have a sports car feel. Lumbar support, head
diameters were increased and suspension rests and more pronounced bolsters and
attachment points beefed-up. The Mojave’s wings tuck your body in place like a cocoon.
axles, Gen III Dana 44s, were upgraded as well. The leather-wrapped steering wheel rim
The rear is fitted with thicker, 1.25-tonne tubes features raised thumb rests just above the
and an electric locking differential (Rubicon lateral spokes, and Mojave Orange accents run
variant), and the front received cast iron throughout. Toggling through the apps screen
BACK END
The rear Gen III Dana
44 axle has 1.25-tonne
tubing, 4.10:1 gears and
an electric-locking diff; a
heavy-duty track bar keeps
the axle in place; suspen-
sion mounting points on
the frame were beefed up.
we find the forward-facing off-road camera, and raised shift points dramatically. In Drive they
which provides wing-to-wing view of the bumper were spot-on when mashing the happy pedal to
and immediate foreground. the floor. But when taking it easy, the mill still
Moving on to electronic wizardry, this desert spooled up to about 5000rpm before finding the
dueler includes a new variant of the brand’s Off- next cog. I’m a manual gearbox guy, so sliding
Road Plus mode. Pressing this delightful button the shifter to the left and toggling through the
modifies transmission shift points, throttle gears was natural – it also allowed me to manage
response and de-tunes the Traction Control rpm and power to the ground more precisely.
system. You can also permanently disengage With ESC furloughed, carving big turns and high-
electronic stability control (ESC), giving the speed sidehill drifts was a thing of beauty.
driver full command (and responsibility) of Day 2 found us running endless kays of two-
the vehicle without an electronic babysitter tracks through the ghost towns of Nevada’s
overriding his/her judgement. If you’ve had ESC mining districts. The Fox bypass shocks earned
cut power while carving turns on big dunes, their keep in the realm of yaw damping after
you’ll agree this is a huge safety enhancement. hard turns (think emergency lane change).
Off-Road Plus also lets rear locker engagement Return-to-neutral cycling was excellent,
in high range. This wasn’t on our test rig, but we especially for a live-axle, off-the-shelf vehicle.
are told it will be standard issue in late 2020. We also experienced less ‘head bobbing’ as the
vehicle rolled left and right; another result of a
ON THE TRACK properly balanced shock-spring combination.
TESTING began in a remote dune field south Corrugated roads (low-amplitude high-velocity
of Tonopah, Nevada, which provided ample conditions) are king when it comes to assessing
opportunity to evaluate the Mojave in its native harshness and thermal buildup. If a shock
environment. We immediately noticed that Off- doesn’t properly control how fluid moves past
Road Plus rendered the throttle more responsive the piston and valving, the ride will be harsh
“JEEP DID
AN AWESOME
JOB WITH THE
SUSPENSION,
WHICH DOES A
SURPRISINGLY
GOOD JOB OF
MANAGING
UNSPRUNG
WEIGHT IN
THE ROUGH
TERRAIN. I’M
IMPRESSED.”
- NED BACON
Performance Clutch
• 250% (1100Nm)Torque Capacity Increase

• Standard Vehicle Clutch Pedal Feel
• Safari ARMAX Slave Cylinder
• Long Service Life
• 12 Month 20,000km Product Warranty
Suits Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series 1VD-FTV Engine (2007 Onwards)
www.safari4x4.com.au
2020 JEEP GLADIATOR MOJAVE

ENGINE 3.6-litre Pentastar V6
MAX POWER 208.8kW
MAX TORQUE 352.5Nm
GEARBOX 6-speed manual / 8-speed automatic
TRANSFER CASE NV241 CommandTrac, 2.72:1 low range
CRAWL RATIO 52.6:1 automatic / 57.3:1 manual
WHEEL/TYRE 17x7.5in alloy / Falken 285/70R17 WildPeak AT3W
PAYLOAD/TOWING 544.3kg / 2721.5kg
FACE FACTS
Complementing
the grille are
heavy-duty
recovery points,
a forward-facing
off-road camera,
and skid plate.
and associated friction will generate heat. This yet to get used to drive-by-wire accelerators. It
FINGER
can lead to cavitation, which will eventually doesn’t matter what vehicle I’ve driven; they all
WORK
cause the shock to ‘fade’. After several hours of seem to suffer from jetlag syndrome – the time Most dash and
high-speed two-tracks the shocks were still cool to between when my brain tells my foot to go fast, U-Connect
the touch – another benefit of good valving and and when the engine responds to the data. I functions are at
remote reservoirs. I don’t think there is a live-axle suppose I need to think faster. your fingertips,
vehicle made that can match a well-tuned IFS on Lastly, more of a wish-list item, is the need for and the leather-
washboard, but the Mojave comes pretty close. a HEMI. I’m a fan of the Pentastar V6, but when wrapped wheel
General damping – the ability of the shock you want to go fast … you want to go fast faster! is redesigned
to absorb impact firmly and rebound under The Mojave’s 280hp (208.8kW) is ample for most with a thumb
control – was very impressive. In G-out situations conditions, but there is nothing like the seat-of- detent above the
lateral spokes.
(full compression), we could feel the hydraulic your pants feel (and acoustic bliss) of 395 ponies
bump stops engage, easing the last two inches of under the hood. Come on guys, give us a 5.7.
travel without feeling we hit a hard bottom. The When the dust settled, we had three days and
combination of these attributes lent the Mojave more than 800km of mixed terrain under the
to be very predictable, instill driver confidence, tyres. Considering this is an off-the-shelf offering,
and blast through most terrain without flinching. Ned and I were surprisingly impressed, and
I do have one gripe, maybe two. With the agreed this new Gladiator is deserving of its
driver’s side visor rolled out to shield against the Desert Rated badge. The Mojave gobbled up
afternoon sun, it rattled like a snare drum against rough desert tracks like a hot fudge sundae and
the window. A simple clip could eliminate this. dove back into the menu for more. It was just
The second is more of an industry grievance. I’ve plain fun to drive.
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CUSTOM
TOYOTA FJ CRUISER
WORDS MATT RAUDONIKIS PHOTOS BRAD MISKIEWICZ
THEY SAY YOU’LL ALWAYS

REMEMBER YOUR FIRST 4X4. THAT
WILL BE EASY FOR ANDREW PHAN,
AS THIS STUNNING FJ CRUISER IS
HIS FIRST AND ONLY 4X4 VEHICLE.
CUSTOM TOYOTA FJ CRUISER
T
OYOTA’S FJ Cruiser was an the FJ Cruiser.”
odd 4x4 wagon that, thanks With its Prado-derived underpinnings
to its unique styling, was a and simple and reliable V6 engine, the
vehicle people either loved or FJ Cruiser makes a good choice for the
hated. But those who love the 4x4 newbie. Andrew also recognises the
funky FJC really love them, reputation of a Toyota vehicle
and examples of the short- “I love the Toyota brand and badge,
lived model can be found with all sorts of and I was interested in the FJ as it had
modifications and customisations to reflect the capabilities of a Toyota Prado without
the tastes of the owners. feeling like a soccer mum’s car. I caught
Being unusual and quite a standout the 4WD bug and it spiraled into a massive
vehicle, the Toyota FJ Cruiser caught passion it is today.” Sound familiar?
the eyes of many a non four-wheel While it shares much of its driveline
drive enthusiast and introduced them with a 120 Series V6 Prado, there are pros
to the unlimited pleasures of off-road and cons when choosing an FJ over the
adventures. This is exactly what happened proven family wagon. The FJ is generally
when Western Australian Andrew Phan a better off-road vehicle than the Prado
discovered the FJC. thanks to its shorter wheelbase and
“To be honest, I used to be in the JDM shorter overhangs, which are less likely to
scene,” admits Andrew. “Japanese sports get hung-up than the long wheelbase of
cars were my first passion. I started to a Prado. The FJ takes its part-time four-
look into getting a car more suited to wheel drive system from the Hilux, which
outdoors activities when I stumbled on is simpler than the full-time system of the
MANTA
GROWL
Otherwise stock
4.0L V6 has a
Manta exhaust to
ditch waste gas.
DECKED OUT
Overhead shelf
adds space for
comms, monitors
and mounts.
Prado and, because the FJ was so popular a rear setup that maximises all the available
with enthusiasts in the USA, there are heaps space while retaining the rear seat for when
of gear and modifications available for them. it’s needed.
On the downside, the shorter wheelbase “The unit is made for camping and HEY, BLUEY!
of the FJ means there’s less room inside, so storing everything I would ever need,” Bright Voodoo
says Andrew. “The drawer system houses Blue duco and
you need to think smart if you’re building it
Rhino Hide
as a tourer. Plus, that funky body style does everything including the cooker and camping
pattern.
have some limitations for vision outside of equipment, ARB air compressor, 3000W
the cabin. inverter, lithium battery, table, recovery gear,
These things didn’t deter Andrew who two fridges, and more!”
picked up a 2011 model FJ in the standout The clever fitout even has storage boxes
Voodoo Blue hue, and the spiral began. built-in to the rear wall/barrier which can be
“I wanted something that could do a mix accessed from the back seat. There’s a 65-litre
of everything,” says Andrew. “Touring and water tank tucked in there and the area at
overlanding, as well as tackling some difficult the rear of the vehicle is maximised with
tracks.” a drop-down table on the right side swing- VOID AVOID
Expert advice
While there is plenty of equipment out that also extends out to create a large
helped to create
available to build up an FJ, Andrew soon working and cooking space.
the space-saving
discovered that the relatively compact size The interior mods continue up front with storage system.
of the vehicle pushed him to come up with a the factory seats being covered in leather
custom solution to carry all his gear.
“One challenge I did face was trying to
maximise the space inside the FJ to store all
my camping and touring equipment.”
Working with Chris at Custom Installations
and 4x4 Storage Solutions, they came up with
CLEAR IEW ACCESSORIES
R
W W W . C L E A R V I E W A C C E S S O R I E S . C O M . A U
V I S I O N I S S A F E T Y O P T I O N S I N C L U D E
CLEARVIEW
MIRRORS CAN BE
FITTED WITH THE
OPTIONS BELOW
ELECTRIC TOP GLASS

INDICATORS
HEATED GLASS
BSM
MEMORY
CAMERA PROVISION
POWERFOLD
*SOME OPTIONS MUST BE
100MM EXTRA INSTALLED IN THE VEHI-
VIEW IN STANDARD CLE FOR THE OPTION TO
WORK IN THE MIRROR
DRIVING POSITION
200MM EXTRA VIEW

IN EXTENDED TOWING
MODE
FLAT GLASS FOR REAR

VIEW OF TRAFFIC,
CARAVAN OR BOAT
CONVEX MIRROR FOR

BLIND SPOT MONITORING
DUAL MIRRORS PROVIDE

UP TO AN ADDITIONAL
200MM OF VIEWING
ANGLE COMPARED TO
OEM MIRRORS!
THERE’S
NEVER A DULL
MOMENT
WHEN THIS FJ
IS OUT ON THE BUSH DOOF
TRACKS Head unit pumps

tunes through
an amp, sub,
and a stack of
speakers.
and an Android head unit fitted to view wheel wells required a body mount chop,
Hema maps, internet and data from the which is a common mod to give a bit of
OBD reader. Oh yeah, it plays tunes, too, added clearance; while a set of Super
and Andrew’s favourites are blasted out Pro upper control arms help as well, plus
via a pair of Alpine amps, a 10-inch sub keeping the geometry in line with the
and a plethora of Clarion speakers. There’s increase in ride height.
never a dull moment when this FJ is out on A set of coils from Dobinsons provide
the tracks. around 50mm of added height, and they
Getting out to the best 4x4 tracks are kept in check by Outback Armour
necessitates the right wheel, tyre and adjustable shocks; while a set of airbags
suspension package, and the FJ doesn’t are fitted at the rear for added support
hold back. Tucking a set of 295s into the with the extra weight onboard.
ALL RISE
Dobinsons coils on
Outback Armour struts
provide some 50mm of
added height.
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Some of that weight is up on top where says the highlight has to be the Pilbara. “I
an Alu-Cab rooftop tent sits on a Front love the Pilbara,” he says with enthusiasm.
Runner rack along with an Alu-Cab 270° “It’s an amazing place and absolutely
awning and Quick Pitch en-suite tent. breathtaking!”
There’s also a 50-inch light bar across the The FJ Cruiser truly is an enthusiasts
front of the rack and LED lights out to the 4x4 and, even though it’s his first 4x4, it
sides. The setup is all the accommodation has become a big part of Andrew’s life.
Andrew needs while he’s out exploring all His Phantastic Adventures Insta blog is
the great Western Australian tracks with loaded with images and videos of his
his partner Ashley. travels and he’s become a member of the
The FJ is Andrew’s first and only four- Perth FJ Cruiser Club and is the state
wheel drive and it has taken him up the coordinator of the FJCC Australia. You
length of the West Coast from Albany to could say that Andrew is well and truly
Broome “and everywhere in-between”. He living the FJ Life.
AIRBOX
Custom airbox from
Robson Bros 4WD
helps the V6 breath
through a TJM
snorkel.
DOOR PRIZE
Spare wheel
swing-out
mounts a hot-
water system.
The other side
has a storage
box and a slide-
out table.
A CLOSER LOOK
01
BAR POWER
02
TARDIS TRICKS
03
SOLAR FLAIR
04
SOLID RUBBER
An ARB bullbar Canvas storage A solar panel mounted XD alloy rims support
mounts a pair of pouches add to the bonnet sends a set of 295/70R 17
UHF aerials, a set of functionality to the juice to the trio of Nitto Trail Grapplers.
Lightforce HTX lights, insides of the rear batteries via a Redarc
LED fog lights and a ‘suicide’ doors. Manager 30 BCDC
Warn recovery winch. system.
THICK-
SKINNED
The camo on the
FJ isn’t just there
for looks. Rhino
Hide protects the
paint from bush
pinstripes.
DOG
CATCHER
Lyka is one of
Andrew’s three
huskies and
loves travelling in
the FJ the most.
THE FJ IS ANDREW’S FIRST AND ONLY FOUR-WHEEL

DRIVE, AND IT HAS TAKEN HIM UP THE LENGTH OF THE
WEST COAST FROM ALBANY TO BROOME
EXPLORE
TASMANIA PART 3
OF MUD
TO SAND
IF THERE IS ONE THING TASSIE IS
KNOWN FOR IT IS MUD … AND SOME
WILD BEACHES.
WORDS RON MOON PHOTOS ELLEN DEWAR
EXPLORE TASMANIA PART 3
The well-equipped
4x4 Australia Ranger
to the rescue.
Our convoy travelled

the beach route from
Temma to Sandy Cape.
Tasmania's wild West Coast
mixes rocky outcrops with
sandy beaches.
There it is! Uncovering

a MaxTrax following a
successful beach recovery.
MSA 4x4’s stretched six-

wheel drive ‘SuperCruiser’
crests a dune.
NE OF our party was bogged!
O The soft sand between the edge of the lagoon and

the open sea was super soft – a bit like quicksand
really – while the narrow, shallow outlet channel the
lagoon had carved through the sand towards the sea,
had a sheer, but luckily, low bank on each edge; just enough to
slow one’s approach and exit. The sea itself was remarkably calm,
with just a low swell rolling in onto the beach; but the tide was
running in, which was not the best time to get bogged.
The last vehicle in our convoy to drop into the outlet channel
climbed up the little step onto the surrounding sand, but with its
speed washed away it quickly went down in the squelchy sand.
We parked two of our convoy out of harm’s way and went to the
rescue with the well-equipped 4x4 Australia Ranger. A couple of
shovels were quickly deployed ensuring we didn’t dig down too
far, as the water table wasn’t that far below the surface. Then we
employed a couple of MaxTrax, hitched a snatch strap and the
little Hilux popped out and was soon on terra firma. That was our
only incident on our run south from Temma on the west coast to
the low rocky headland of Sandy Cape. We were lucky!
WE PARKED TWO OF OUR CONVOY OUT OF HARM’S WAY

AND WENT TO THE RESCUE WITH THE WELL-EQUIPPED 4X4
AUSTRALIA RANGER
On the way to Macquarie Harbour

and Strahan, the gateway to
Tassie's south-west wilderness.
WE HAD LEFT QUEENSTOWN

A COUPLE OF DAYS EARLIER
AND WOUND OUR WAY DOWN
THE RANGE FROM THAT
HISTORIC ENCLAVE (TO) THE
VILLAGE OF STRAHAN
Blasted by the Roaring Forties,
the windswept landscape can
look barren at times.
Hey, GT! Now you're

cooking with gas.
MSA's 6x6 displays the tractability of its triple-axled

system on wind- and tide-rippled dunes.
MACQUARIE HARBOUR sand at the Heads and drove the Ocean Beach 10km north and
WE HAD left Queenstown a couple of days earlier and wound took the exit which led back into Strahan. We had a pretty
our way down the range from that historic enclave where, easy drive on this last trip, the sand being firm and effortless
perched on the edge of Macquarie Harbour, one of the largest to drive on; but it’s not always so, with winter storms stripping
natural harbours in Australia, is the small but important the beach of sand and leaving very little, if any, to drive on. If
village of Strahan. Originally established in the 1870s as an in need of more adventure, this beach drive can be extended
access point for the nascent mining industry, it soon became as far north as 8km to the mouth of the Henty River, the river
an outlet for the Huon pine and fishing enterprises that being generally too deep and wide to cross to go any farther.
sprang up around here. Today it thrives on tourism and is well From Strahan we headed off to Zeehan and checked out
worth a stop of a few days or more. its great little museum, before finding our way on to the
The narrow outlet of the vast inlet is at Macquarie Heads, Montezuma Falls track. This route follows the easement of
and this raging, rock strewn opening has earned the name of the North East Dundas Railway which was opened in 1898 to
‘Hell’s Gate’. The harbour’s sinister reputation was added to service the rich mines in the area. Today it’s a challenging and
when the area’s first settlement was a convict prison on Sarah often wet and muddy 4WD trail, the route being much more
Island, established in 1822. During its 11 years of existence eroded and rougher than the times I have driven it in the past.
the prison gained fame as one of the harshest in the country Still, the view of the falls, one of the tallest in Tasmania, at the
… and that is really saying something! Today the ruins can end of the 4WD track, is impressive and worth the drive. For
be visited via a cruise of the harbour (and heads), and it’s an those who don’t want to accept the 4WD challenge, the falls
informative, enjoyable way to spend a day. are also accessible via a walking track (again following the
Out at Macquarie Heads, we set up camp for the evening, railway easement) from the other side of the chasm that guard
the camping area a bit more crowded than normal as it was the falls. This route begins at Williamsford, which is accessible
a long weekend in the state. Next day we dropped on to the via a good road from near Rosebery.
This cable-driven vehicle

barge crosses the Pieman
River to Corinna.
Back at Zeehan, after our drive to the Falls, we headed

to the Zeehan Bush Camp for the night before exploring
the town and enjoying the local museum, which I reckon
is one of the best in all of regional Australia.
GOLDEN MAGNET
WE headed north, taking the drive to Corinna and the
ferry across the mighty Pieman River. Established in
1881 when gold was discovered in the tributaries of the
Pieman, Corinna once had a population of around 2500
people which is pretty hard to believe now. Back then
the town was serviced by two hotels, a post office, and
a number of stores and shops. In 1883 the largest gold
nugget found in Tassie was unearthed near here and
weighed in at a goodly 7.5kg, worth around $567,000
today. Legend has it, though, that the nugget was
smuggled into Tassie from Victoria to boost the area’s
gold potential and attract more people!
The town, sitting on the edge of the river and the
Tarkine Wilderness, the largest temperate rainforest
IT’S WHAT’S IN THE
BOX THAT COUNTS!
• Minimum of 25% increase in clamp load
• Comfortable pedal feel
• Anodized for maximum corrosion resistance
• Spheroidal graphite anti burst casting
• High burst strength
• Most applications supplied with additional drive straps
• Most applications supplied with upgraded damper springs
• Premium grade friction material
• Increased torque capacity
• Improved endurance and durability.
C R E AT I N G
FRICTION
IS YOUR RIG TUFF ENOUGH?
From the outback to the coast and all stops along the way, if you
enjoy getting off the beaten track and expect your rig to perform in
the toughest conditions then rely on EXEDY Safari TUFF clutches.
‘Took this clutch for the first time today and it handled everything
effortlessly. From very deep boggy sand to rocky hill climbs and
everything in between!
Can’t wait to take it out into the tuff stuff next weekend.”
CRAIG
Ford Ranger Owner, Perth WA.
CHECK OUT THE NEW SAFARI TUFF RANGE HERE

exedy.com.au
in Australia, is a lot quieter today, while the Tarkine Hotel short distance to the old mining town of Balfour and the
caters for the passing throng and those wanting to stay scattered ruins of this once important mining settlement.
awhile. Apart from enjoyable cruises on the river onboard Westward, the Balfour Track leads to the Sandy Cape Track
the MV Acadia II, there are a number of walks in the and is very much a challenge, even for the best set-up
surrounding forest, while canoeing, boating and birdwatching and experienced four-wheel drivers. This time around we
are extremely popular ways to pass the time. chickened out as the area had been receiving some
On this latest foray we didn’t stay too long, just long heavy rain and the bog holes along the way would have
enough to have a beer and a meal before heading north on been extremely deep … plus our time in the ‘Apple Isle’ was
what is officially known as the Western Explorer Highway. getting short.
It’s a pretty good gravel road for most of the way, crossing Instead we headed for the tiny fishing outpost of
the major streams of the Savage, Donaldson and the Couta Rocks and then north to the bigger settlement of
Lindsay rivers on bridges and passing through some magical Arthur River where we set up camp in the national park
rainforest before climbing onto high button grass plains. campground, went and found some fuel and a beer or two
Before reaching the bitumen east of Couta Rocks the road before calling it quits for the night, with the weather forecast
passes the junction of the Balfour Track. Eastward leads a warning of rain and strong winds.
A nice spot for a camp

on the Arthur Beach
4WD Track.
Sandy Cape beach can have
quicksand sections, said to have
devoured vehicles whole.
SANDY CAPE
Sandy Cape Lighthouse WE WOKE next morning to patches of cloud which
was built for function, not cleared a little as we backtracked to Couta Rocks and
as an architectural wonder. pushed on to the small scattered fishing hamlet of
Temma, where we lowered our tyre pressures and slipped
onto what was the Sandy Cape Track. We stopped briefly
at Lookout Point that gave a splendid view south towards
our destination, Sandy Cape.
The beach looked benign enough from our vantage
point, while the long strip of sand stretched away in a
gentle arc into the haze of sea mist, which hung thin and
vapourish over both the land and water. The sea itself
was nearly as calm as the proverbial mill pond, but a
weak sliver of white water oozed its way along the shore
where a wave, if you could call it that, washed onto the
white sands.
It's a 48km return

journey from Temma to
Sandy Cape.
OFF ROAD
PERFORMANCE

! "
#
$%
MARKS4WD.COM P: 03 9552 6555

The beach itself was backed for much of the way by thick,
verdant scrub, but at its mid-point a series of tall sinuous
dunes, a few hundred metres inland from the sea, broke
the strip of green into two. At the beaches' farthest end a
smudge of darkness indicated where sand ran into stone,
while a speck of white marked the whereabouts of the
lighthouse that perches on these distant rocks. Above us
the sky was a rich cobalt blue; we were lucky the weather
forecasters had got it so wrong!
Soon after our expansive view south we dropped onto the
beach, crossed Greens Creek and ran south, the waves just
washing up a short distance away from our vehicle tracks.
The tide had dropped to its low point an hour or so earlier
and would start running in strongly in the next hour or
so; it’s not the best time for a run along a dicey beach, but
one we had to live with and hope we didn’t have too much
trouble with.
The Thornton River was next, its tannin-stained water
backed up into a large lagoon just behind the steeply
Racing the tide, but

some of the drop-offs
can be steep.
Road Trip Ready
BEFORE YOU JUMP IN THE CAR FOR THAT LONG-OVERDUE ROAD TRIP, IT’S
IMPORTANT TO CHECK THE CONDITION OF YOUR TYRES
AFTER months spent at home social-distancing, it’s GHWDLOFDQEHIRXQGLQVLGHWKHIXHO¿OOHUÀDSDQGRQWKH
almost time to jump back in the car and hit the road for GULYHU¶VGRRUSRVW2QFH\RX¶YHJRWWKDWVRUWHGKHDGWR
that dream regional or interstate trip. Road trip snacks? \RXUQHDUHVWVHUYLFHVWDWLRQWRSXPS\RXUW\UHVXSZLWK
Check. Perfect Spotify playlist? Check. Destination? air – and before the tyres get hot.
Check. Tyres? Get them checked! That said, it’s important you check your tyre pressure
To that end, we chatted to Mitchell Golledge, Managing HYHU\PRQWK±QRWMXVWEHIRUH\RX¶UHKHDGHGRQD
'LUHFWRUDW&RQWLQHQWDO7\UHVWR¿QGRXWHYHU\WKLQJ\RX OHQJWK\GULYH7\UHSUHVVXUHLVGLUHFWO\OLQNHGWRYHKLFOH
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ALIGNMENT AND ROTATION IS KEY

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determined by things like tyre size, load, internal
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structure, ambient temperature and the amount of time ZLOOGUDPDWLFDOO\LQFUHDVH\RXUYHKLFOH¶VVDIHW\DQG
TIME TO UPGRADE?
the car has been stationary. performance. Sometimes adequate tyre maintenance will mean more
$WHPSRUDU\ÀDWVSRWPD\FDXVHDYLEUDWLRQWKDWZLOO 7RHQFRXUDJH\RXUW\UHVWRZHDUHYHQO\KDYHWKHP than checking, aligning, rotating and pumping with
typically disappear after a few kilometres. But if it URWDWHGDQGEDODQFHGHYHU\NP7\UHVVKRZLQJ air. Continental recommends that tyres are changed
GRHVQ¶WWKHÀDWVSRWPD\EHVHPLSHUPDQHQWVRPDNH XQHYHQO\ZRUQWUHDGDUHXQVDIHDQGPRUHOLNHO\WRVOLS when the remaining amount of tread is at 3mm. If the
VXUH\RXKDYH\RXUFDULQVSHFWHGE\DSURIHVVLRQDO in wet conditions – not ideal as we head into winter. If tread depth falls below this measurement, it will hugely
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regularly re-parking it so that the tyres spin to different your car in with a professional ahead of your road trip. immediately should they fall below the Australian legal
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Ahead of a big trip, check your tyre pressure – this your spare tyre – that is, of course, until you need it.
LVSDUDPRXQWWRYHKLFOHVDIHW\+DYLQJWKHFRUUHFW reach the bill of the platypus, it means there’s less than
As mentioned earlier, tyre pressure is so important to
tyre pressure is also a simple way to maximise fuel RYHUDOOYHKLFOHVDIHW\DQGLQWKHHYHQWRIDQHPHUJHQF\ 3mm of tread remaining.
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WKHUHFRPPHQGHGW\UHSUHVVXUHV$OWHUQDWLYHO\WKLV SUHVVXUHRQWKHVSDUHDQGLQVSHFWIRUDQ\YLVXDO professional.
The Sandy Cape Track

is rated 'Difficult' by shelving beach. A thin strip of running water was the lagoon’s
Parks & Wildlife. outlet as it raced its way towards the open water. The first
vehicle skipped through the creek, bounced over the lip of
sand on the far side and ploughed its way across the soft
intervening beach between ocean and lagoon. The second
vehicle in our convoy did the same, carving deep tracks in
the soft sand and I followed staying away from the furrows,
but still bogging down in one soft section before reaching
safety on the far side. Our fourth and last vehicle wasn’t so
The views are lucky. After a quick recovery we pushed south along the sand
expansive, heading crossing the next two creeks flooding across the beach easily
towards the beach. and without an issue.
Once at the Cape we found our way via a maze of sandy
tracks and checked out the view from near the lighthouse,
which is more a cement box with a light on top than a ‘real’
lighthouse. I was surprised to find we had good Telstra
mobile phone reception here – aaah, the wonders of modern
technology, just when you had thought you’d gotten away
from civilisation!
The calm, sunny weather was way too much and we
wandered back to the protected beach on the inside of the
cape and enjoyed an invigorating swim in the cool waters of
the Southern Ocean. Then, with the tide beginning to run out,
we turned our heads for home; sadly our quick
circumnavigation of Tassie was over … but we’ll definitely be
back.
I WAS SURPRISED TO FIND WE HAD GOOD TELSTRA MOBILE

PHONE RECEPTION HERE – JUST WHEN YOU HAD THOUGHT
YOU’D GOTTEN AWAY FROM CIVILISATION!
TRAVEL PLANNER
THE best guide to 4WD touring/camping in Tassie is, 4WD Tracks in cruise on the MV Acadia II along the Pieman River.
Tasmania, by Chris Boden. Take note: The ferry at Corinna has a 6.5-tonne GVM capacity and a
max vehicle length (wheelbase) of 9m – inc. tow tug and camper or
QUEENSTOWN: West Coast Wilderness Railway: www.wcwr.com.au caravan.
STRAHAN: www.strahanvillage.com.au/en/explore.html The Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area takes up much of the coastal
area of western Tasmania from Arthur River in the north to the
The bush camping at Macquarie Heads is basic but pleasant. A small Pieman River in the south.
fee is payable. See: www.campingtasmania.com/macquarie-heads-
camping.htm For access info and a Drivers Recreational Pass go to:
https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/arthur-pieman-conservation-area
Zeehan Museum is one of the best regional museums in Australia: Camping fees are also required. At Arthur River you can choose
www.discovertasmania.com.au/attraction/westcoastheritagecentre between the national park campgrounds or the excellent Arthur River
Cabin Park, see https://arthurrivercabinpark.com
You can bush camp at Trial Harbour and Granville Harbour. There are
no facilities, so be prepared. Note: There is no fuel at Arthur River or Corinna. The nearest fuel
At Corinna (https://corinna.com.au/) you can stay in the small in the north is at Redpa or Marrawah, or in the south at Zeehan or
camping area near the pub or in a range of accommodation. Take a Waratah.
TASMANIA
www.hemamaps.com
CUSTOM
FAVOURITE FORDS
TOP DOG FORD

OFF-ROADERS WORDS TRISTAN TANCREDI
HE FORD Ranger is a favourite among Australian four-
T
wheelers, ever-popular on the sales charts – going tit-for-tat
HERE ARE EIGHT OF with the Hilux for best-selling 4x4 for a good part of the last
THE FINEST CUSTOM

five years. It’s no surprise then that there’s a smorgasbord of
aftermarket equipment readily available for the Blue Oval
FORD BUILDS YOU’LL

fourbie, and no doubt you’ve seen plenty of accessorised
Rangers popping in and out of your favourite campsites.
FIND ROAMING THE Over the past couple of years, we’ve drooled over some of the finest
Ranger builds in the country – so we decided to list a bunch of our
COUNTRY. favourites. In addition, it’d be remiss of us to catalogue our favourite

Ford custom builds without mentioning a couple of ridiculously good
F-250s, as well as a neat and tidy Everest Trend.
CUSTOM FAVOURITE FORDS
01
SUPERCHARGED
V8 MIGHT
WHEN this Ranger rolled into the Diesel Leaders garage, its the Ranger’s transfer case – a job eventually performed by
standard 3.2-litre inline five-cylinder engine had seen its last Rage Engineering in Queensland. Another huge challenge
day. An option raised by the rig’s anonymous owner was to was fitting the custom exhaust system, a job ticked off by
slot in a V8 as a replacement, so the Diesel Leader team – led a different local company. It was this cutting and matching
by Gary Coleman – got to work. of aftermarket parts with standard fitments that consumed
One of the only stipulations enforced by the owner was plenty of time in the shed.
that the new V8 had to look factory in the bay, so that meant On a dyno run the V8 was said to smash out 344kW, with
a Ford engine was the only option, with the team nodding the potential to generate considerably more power if desired.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: JUSTIN WALKER
toward a supercharged Ford Coyote V8 good for 335kW and The V8 may be the hero of this build, but the Ranger has
570Nm in stock form. As that engine had been powering a some serious modifications for off-road work including lifted
number of hi-po Falcons in Australia, it was easy to come by. suspension courtesy of heavy-duty springs and
To prevent a mountain of additional work, the Falcon’s six- Bilstein dampers. Other kit includes a Rhino 4x4 bash
speed auto was the transmission of choice. plate, 35x12.50R20LT Nitto Grappler M/Ts wrapped
Perhaps the biggest challenge of this build was fitting around KMC Wheels’ satin black XD820 Grenade rims,
the large V8 petrol guzzler in to the Ranger’s space-limited and a Rhino 4x4 Evolution 3D front winch bar (with
engine bay, and then fitting the Falcon transmission in to aluminium bash plate).
ON A DYNO RUN THE
V8 WAS SAID TO
SMASH OUT 344KW
02
6.6 LITRES
OF FURY
THIS example you’re ogling right now is what happens
when you slot one of the best-hauling engines on the
market into a PX1 Ford Ranger. That engine in question
is a stonking turbocharged 6.6-litre Duramax engine,
the kind you’ll find powering GMC trucks. To cater for
the considerable hike in torque, the Ranger’s factory six-
speed and transfer were binned, replaced by an Allison
Transmission six-speed auto and New Process NT263
transfer case.
How much power and torque are we talking here? On a
dyno tune, the Ranger clocked up a mesmerising 468rwhp
and 1320Nm. Yep, no kidding. Somewhat surprisingly,
the vehicle’s owner Ant said the engine swap was “pretty
straightforward”. “They’re a common swap in to Patrols, but
this was actually a lot simpler,” he said.
With the regular duty of towing a 3400kg boat down
to the coast, Ant reckons he doesn’t even notice the boat
behind the Ranger, only clocking up 17.2L/100km with the
boat tethered behind.
As the Ranger’s standard diffs are up to the task, a
tickle underneath rectified any off-road shortfalls due to
the increase mass up front with heavy-duty XGS two-inch-
lifted springs enclosing Ironman 4x4 Foam Cell Pro shock
absorbers. It’s the same combination at the rear, albeit with
only a 50mm body lift. In addition, a set of Total Chaos
upper control arms were slotted in.
Other notable accessories include a four-inch snorkel,
front and rear bar work, 35-inch Nitto Terra Grapplers
wrapped around 16-inch Allied Wheels’ Brutes, and an
Aeroklas canopy. You may also have noticed the clean,
de-badged look, which was an intention from the outset. In
fact, even the UHF aerial is hidden to maintain the neat
aesthetics.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: DAN EVERETT PHOTOS: NATHAN JACOBS
THE 6.6-LITRE
DURAMAX ENGINE
IS THE KIND YOU’LL
FIND POWERING GMC
TRUCKS
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: DAN EVERETT PHOTOS: ALASTAIR BROOK
90
www.4X4australia.com.au
03
BIGGER AND BETTER
WHEN most folks think of big four-wheel drives they think Thompson MTZ tyres, and they’re wrapped around Method
of RAM 2500s and Ford F-250s, but rarely will they picture a Race Wheels alloys.
PX1 XLS Ranger. However, this isn’t any regular Ranger. Its Unlike the previous two builds, this Ranger retains Ford’s
owner, Jesse Endenburg, threw the spanners and grinders at 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. The Duratorq
it to make it 300mm longer, and that’s only one aspect of this engine has been fettled by Just Autos, in an effort to allow
insane build. the engine reach its potential – aided by an HDI intercooler
By stitching an extra 300mm of chassis rail, pushing the and four-inch Fabulous Fabrications stainless-steel snorkel. A
rear axle back and stretching the wheelbase, the vehicle custom NPC clutch aids the six-speed transmission, while a
needed a lift to cater for the comprehensive makeover. To custom exhaust system expels spent gasses.
this end, the team at Performance Suspension Racing in An ARB Deluxe bullbar resides up front, as does a
Queensland gave the vehicle a 50mm body-lift. Domin8r 12,00lb winch. A set of custom Elite Engineering
A four-inch suspension lift from Superior Engineering rock sliders run down the flanks, with an Ironman 4x4 steel
provided Jesse with the balance he was seeking, with the rear bar keeping things tidy and protected down back.
monotube arrangement comprising high-quality shocks. Lighting duties are taken care of thanks to a 50-inch light
Superior Engineering upper control arms were bar positioned on the roof, while a 22-inch Stedi bar lives on
also slotted in, as was a PSR diff-drop kit. the ARB bullbar. Power needs are controlled via a Redarc
The rubber of choice was Mickey 1240 BCDC charger and KickAss slimline battery.
JESSE ENDENBURG THREW THE

SPANNERS AND GRINDERS AT IT
TO MAKE IT 300MM LONGER
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: MATT RAUDONIKIS PHOTOS: CRISTIAN BRUNELLI
92
www.4X4australia.com.au
04
HARROP’S
HERO
THIS Ranger build, clearly concocted with the style of Baja 1000
pre-runner chase cars in mind, is the brainchild of Melbourne-
based Harrop Engineering, and we first came across it almost five
years ago.
The Harrop Ford PXII XLT Ranger’s key attribute – that
killer chase rack – was made by Melbourne mob Uneek 4x4.
The fully powdercoated rack comprises of the base rack, a spare
wheel carrier and a roof rack, and it features custom-designed
side-plates. The base rack and roof rack are TIG-welded in 6061
aluminium, and the tyre rack is made using steel.
MCC side-steps run down the vehicle’s flanks, while a low-
cut Rhino 4x4 bar maintains that subtle yet strong appearance.
Interestingly, that bar was originally made for a Ford Everest; so a
grille from an Everest was fitted to the Ranger as a work-around.
A free-flowing exhaust system, in tandem with a Unichip Q4
tuning module, increases the response and performance of the
3.2-litre diesel engine, with torque now coming on instantly and
power rising from 125kW/420Nm to 157kW/536Nm.
The suspension setup was masterminded by the crew at Tough
Dog 4WD Suspension, with an overhaul of the stock springs and
shocks lifting ride height. A Harrop E-Locker fixed to the front
axle now works in tandem with the factory Ford rear locker – it
can be run independently if required.
A set of 285/65R18 Nitto Trail Grappler tyres accompanying the
18-inch Method wheels maintain the race-inspired look, with a
matching Nitto residing on the chase rack.
It’s so good, in fact, it won our inaugural Custom 4x4 of the Year
award, as voted by our readers.
THAT KILLER CHASE RACK WAS

MADE BY MELBOURNE MOB
UNEEK 4X4
THE CUSTOM
TRAY AND
CANOPY FIT-OUT
IS FIRST CLASS
05
AMVE MASTERPIECE
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: JUSTIN WALKER PHOTOS: ALASTAIR BROOK
THIS epic 2017 F-250 Platinum puts forward quite a Rack Batwing awning and a 100-litre aluminium water tank.
compelling case for the ‘bigger is better’ theory. Assembled There’s also a custom tyre holder for two 37-inch spares.
for touring by Queensland mob Allsafe Mine Vehicle Eager eyes will notice the vehicle stands taller than stock
Equipment (AMVE) – the same crew that screwed together F-250s – four inches taller, in fact – and that’s courtesy of an
the canopy on the 4X4 Australia Ranger – the purpose-built overhaul to the suspension setup. Up front you’ll find a King
Yank tank was made to tour throughout Australia while Off-Road Racing Shocks coil-over system; down back is a
hauling a massive 21-foot Kedron off-road caravan. set of standard rear springs with an additional leaf added to
Considering AMVE were the brains behind the build, it them ... as well as a set of Airbag Man adjustable airbags and
shouldn’t be a surprise to learn that the custom tray and another pair of King Shocks.
canopy fit-out is first class. The aluminium tray, for example, A Fabulous Fabrication four-inch stainless-steel snorkel
features four toolboxes, with one housing an ARB air- feeds clean air into the 6.7-litre Power Stroke V8 engine,
compressor. The canopy includes two lift-up side doors, an while other gear includes a Road Armor Steel Stealth front
80-litre Engel accessed via an MSA 4x4 drop-down slide and bar, Bushwacker flares, AMVE 4x4 side-steps, 15,000lb
twin cargo drawers. The canopy also houses a Redarc Battery Warn winch, Weldex LED spotties and XRay light bars. The
Management System (BMS) to control electronics. There’s 37x13.5x18 Mickey Thompson MTZ P3 tyres wrap around
also a Rhino-Rack Pioneer platform up top with a Rhino- Fuel 18x9-inch wheels.
THE F-250 RUNS A

BEASTLY 6.7L POWER
STROKE DIESEL THAT
PUTS OUT 328KW AND
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: DAN EVERETT PHOTOS: MATT WILLIAMS
1166NM
06 BLACK OPS
ANOTHER F-250 that needs to be seen to be believed is The electronics are kept in check by a Redarc battery
this limited edition 2017 Black Ops Edition, fettled by US management system hooked to twin lithium batteries, while
aftermarket manufacturer Tuscany Motor Co. Unlike a stock other kit stored away includes a gas-powered hot-water
F-250, the Black Ops edition comes from the factory with a system, an MSA drop-down fridge slide, a full 12V kit-out and
six-inch lift, 20-inch rims inside 37-inch tyres, twin steering a Weber Q barbecue. An interchangeable roof-rack system
dampers, plenty of carbon-fibre bits and pieces, and a allows Simon to swap between a motorised boat loader and a
massive Road Armor bullbar. James Baroud rooftop tent, depending on his trip itinerary.
However, its owner Simon wanted to turn the dial up to To cater for all of this added weight, Outback Customs
11, and a call to Outback Customs in Caboolture got things installed a Ride-Rite air-suspension arrangement to the rear,
rolling. You see that massive canopy? Well, it’s sardine- backed by King coil-overs up front and King shocks in the
packed with a helluva lot of quality gear. The heavy-duty rear – both using remote reservoirs.
steel tray itself has plenty of storage options, but it’s up top A five-tonne rig, loaded to the brim with toys and
where things get really interesting. There are not one but two aftermarket kit, needs a big engine and the F-250 runs a
Jackoff canopies, independent of each other, and Simon can beastly 6.7L Power Stroke diesel that puts out 328kW and
also rid the back of the canopies and utilise the flat tray for 1166Nm. Simon even had the engine tweaked by the experts
his Polaris RZR. at Bully Dog, so it’s even more refined than stock!
07
CLIMBING EVEREST
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: MATT RAUDONIKIS PHOTOS: ELLEN DEWAR
IT WOULDN’T be fair to the hugely capable Everest to not So, again, careful consideration was required to appease
include in our list of Favourite Ford builds, and this carefully any storage shortfalls. Recovery gear and other off-road
constructed example was simply too good not to include. essentials are packed away in a set of 900mm-long slide-out
After considered research, the owner of this mid-spec drawers which also house a Waeco fridge. Concealed beneath
Everest Trend, Chris, opted to dress-up the front-end with the fridge is an aux battery and Projector DC-DC charger.
quality protection. To this end, a steel ARB Summit bullbar More items are stored on the Rhino XTray roof rack,
and associated brush rails and side-steps – all colour-coded including a high-lift jack, traction boards and a shovel.
– got the nod. A Warn M8000 winch and LED spotlights Gemtek lighting turns night into day on bush tracks, while an
are neatly nestled into the ARB bar. Beneath the bar is a 80-channel UHF radio from GME keeps Chris’s comms active.
Roadsafe metal bash plate and rated recovery points. The stock 3.2-litre engine remains unchanged and emits
Stock suspension bits were replaced with Ironman 4x4 143kW and 470Nm, with the only modification in that area
components including Foam Cell Pro shock absorbers and being a TJM Airtec intake snorkel.
heavy-duty coil springs, giving the Everest an overall ride- While not as wild as some of the other builds on these
height lift of 50mm – aided of course by the 285/65R18 pages, this Everest proves you don’t need a massive budget
Cooper ST Maxx tyres and CSA Raptor alloy wheels. or a massive list of aftermarket gear to make the ideal 4x4
As it’s a wagon and not a ute, space is more compromised. for your needs and wants.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: MATT RAUDONIKIS
08 4X4 AUSTRALIA
RANGER
MAYBE there’s an element of bias here, but we reckon our Ford lights are a recent addition, as we were previously running a set
Ranger cuts the mustard as a highly capable Ranger build. of Bushranger Nighthawk driving lights.
Purchased as a stock-standard XLS with a six-speed manual That tidy canopy, constructed by Queensland’s AMVE, is
cog-swapper, the Ranger has received a bounty of aftermarket custom-made from powdercoated aluminium. Inside the canopy
equipment in its relatively short time with us. you’ll find a myCOOLMAN 60-litre fridge on an MSA fridge
We initially picked a Ranger as we’re spoilt for choice when it slide, an integrated water tank and oodles of storage facilities.
comes to aftermarket equipment for the Blue Oval 4x4. Plus, as Power needs are controlled and monitored by an integrated
mentioned, it’s also a great seller, consistently at the pointy end RedVision Total Vehicle Management System, incorporating a
of the sales charts. Manager 30 DC-DC charger and a Redarc 2000-watt pure sine
The first call of action after signing on the dotted line was to wave inverter.
replace the stock tyres – initially Maxxis RAZR muddies, but Other equipment includes a Hayman Reese X-Bar, a Rola
more recently with Goodyear MT/Rs – upgrade the wheels to a Titan Tray rack system atop the canopy, MaxTrax Extreme
set of bronze KMC Addict 2 alloys, and improve the suspension recovery boards, a second Titan Tray atop the Ranger, Narva
setup. This was done by Ironman 4x4, with the Aussie brand LED work lights, a Pacemaker Exhausts’ King Brown exhaust
employing Foam Cell Pro front struts and uprated coil springs, system, a Water Watch unit and a Provent oil separator catch-
new forged aluminium upper control arms and a constant-load can from Direction Plus.
rear leaf spring mated to another set of Foam Cell Pro shocks. It’s definitely been put to work since we took ownership of
A loopless AFN 4x4 bullbar was then secured up front, the vehicle, ferrying camping and photography gear on a
housing a Warn winch, Narva Ultima 180 lights and aerials for number of 4X4 Adventure Series trips, including to Tasmania,
both the Cel-Fi Go booster and GME UHF radio. The aluminium the Flinders Ranges and Central Australia. There’s plenty of life
plate underbody protection is also from AFN 4x4. Those Narva left in our Ranger yet!
gear
PRODUCT TESTS & NEW STUFF
ARB SPORTLID
Keep your in-tub cargo out of the elements with ARB’s
new Sportlid. The sleek-looking hard lid is made from
ABS, the same material ARB uses for its canopies, and
it can hold up to 75kg of dynamic weight – it can also
be opened with up to 13kg on it as standard (up to 25kg
with optional upgraded struts). The lid is said to be easy
to install, courtesy of the dual external T-slot extrusions.
The Sportlid is currently available for current-model
Hilux, Ranger, Amarok, Navara and Colorado.
RRP: $2727
Website: www.arb.com.au
BUSHRANGER NIGHTHAWK
7-INCH VLI LED
Bushranger has added a set of seven-inch LEDs
to its driving light family. The compact, lightweight
lights are great when space is at a premium up
the front of your 4x4. The lights push out the same
967m at 1 lux as the brand’s nine-inch variants.
The lights come with two protective covers,
allowing users to quickly change the beam pattern.
We had a bigger set of nine-inch Night Hawks
on the 4X4 Australia Ford Ranger and were very
impressed with the light spread they threw out in
front of us on a few adventures. Plus, the Night
Hawk won our 2019 LED driving light comparison.
The lights come with a five-year warranty.
Website: www.bushranger.com.au
WARN M8274 WINCH
Warn has revealed new and improved versions of its legendary
M8274 and M8274-S winches, now with a pulling capacity of
10,000lb. Formerly capped at 8000lb, the extra 2000lb of pulling
power is achieved courtesy of a new high-output 6hp motor. In
addition, Warn has switched from solenoid control to an Albright
contactor, and it has improved the units’ durability by adding a
stainless-steel clutch handle, two Oilite bushings and a bolt-and-
washer assembly – replacing the retaining ring – on the brake shaft.
The upgraded winches are also now available with the option of
either Spydura synthetic rope or steel rope.
Website: www.warn.com
WHERE TO CAMP GUIDE – 1ST EDITION

Hema’s Where To Camp Guide is a great place to start when
you’re planning your next camping adventure. With more
than 5500 indexed sites, split onto 75 regions, the guide has
a comprehensive collection of site listings across all states
and territories. Listings are categorised as camping grounds,
caravan parks, bush camps and overnight rest areas. The
guide also includes 180 pages of maps, more than 1000 free
and budget sites, camping and travel tips, and plenty more.
RRP: $64.95
Website: www.hemamaps.com
IRONMAN 4X4 RECOVERY

POINTS: 2018+ JIMNY
Ironman 4x4 has released rated
recovery points to suit 2018+ Suzuki
Jimny vehicles. The recovery points –
powdercoated red and compatible with
Ironman 4x4 bullbars – are designed
to be fitted in pairs to allow the use
of an equalisation strap and multiple
attachment points. The radius edge of
the points has also been redesigned
so that any shackle, including soft
shackles, can be used. Each recovery
point has a working load limit of 3500kg,
and they’re designed to connect to a
recovery device via a 4.75t shackle (or
rated soft shackles). All units are NATA
tested and approved.
Website: www.ironman4x4.com
gear
UNIDEN UH620 SERIES

Built for the rough and tumble of outback expedition, Uniden’s
GIBB RIVER ROAD BY CROWBAR lightweight UH620 Series of UHF radios are available in 1,
Frock up in some Aussie apparel from Australian-owned country 1.5 and 2-watt variations. The units can communicate up to
business, Golders. These shirts, designed for both men and 13km+, making them a viable option for light remote travel.
women, offer UPF 50+ protection and are lightweight (150gsm). Other features include an inbuilt LED light, 80 UHF channels,
Perfect for toiling away beneath the outback sun, the premium and up to 20 hours of talk time. Rechargeable batteries are
shirts are made from 100 per cent cotton twill with a soft hand feel. included.
With heaps of sizes and colours available, the shirts are said to be RRP: $79.95 (single pack); $179.95 (twin pack)
incredibly comfortable. Website: www.uniden.com.au
Website: www.goldersaustralia.com.au
RRP: $59.95
WURTH UNDER-BONNET LED

A clever design aspect of the Wurth under-bonnet LED is that
it has hooks on either end that can swivel 360 degrees, to help
fix it in place. To prevent scratching paint or other sensitive
materials, the unit is lined in foam. The compact and extendable
LED is suitable for bonnets 110 to 180cm wide, and utilises 32
LEDs of 10 watts each. Using lithium-ion battery tech, the light
has a short charging time but a long light duration. Two light
levels are available.
RRP: $249
Website: www.wurth.com.au
RHINO-RACK MULTI-PURPOSE HOLDER

Travel smart with a the Multi-Purpose Holden from
Rhino-Rack, which makes it easier than ever to
transport cargo on almost any roof system. The
holders can fit lengthways and sideways, and
they’re made from glass-reinforced nylon material
and protective santoprene rubber padding. It can
also be mounted directly to the planks on any Rhino-
Rack Pioneer system. The unit is sold as a pair.
RRP: $64
Website: www.rhinorack.com
gear
CARBON OFF ROAD HIDDEN WINCH MOUNTS

Carbon Off Road has added in-bumper winch cradles to its
range of accessories, allowing you to mount a winch to your
4x4 without the need to fit a heavy bullbar. To maintain the
OE look of a vehicle, the cradles generally mount behind
the vehicle’s bumper. With a range to suit Toyota, Ford,
Mitsubishi, Volkswagen and Isuzu vehicles, the Carbon Off
Road winch cradles weigh between 10 to 15kg (depending
on application) and come complete with instructions.
RRP: $895
Website: www.carbonoffroad.com.au
IRONMAN 4X4 UNDERBODY PROTECTION:

2018+ JIMNY
Designed to protect the most vulnerable impact zones in the
centre section of the Jimny (2018+ models), Ironman 4x4’s
Premium Underbody Protection kit will keep the transfer case,
driveline components and exhaust safe when roughing it off
road. The stylish and functional kit is designed using heavy-duty
reinforced 4mm steel, to resist damage from rocks, stumps and
ground strikes. The plates are EDP E-coated and incorporate
ample drainage. It comes with a two-year warranty.
Website: www.ironman4x4.com
RRPL $476
TJM VENTURER BAR

TJM has unveiled a new bullbar for the Toyota LandCruiser
200 Series: the TJM Venturer bar. The subtle bar, which
respects the LC200’s design by accentuating the 200’s
natural lines, features an all-steel construction. Said to
be lighter than other steel bar alternatives, the Venturer
boasts a removable top hoop, a steel underbody guard,
LED fog lights, heavy-duty aerial tabs, reinforced T-slots,
and integrated 8000kg recovery points. Stainless-steel
grilles sit either side of TJM’s winch mount frame. The bar
is compatible with the vehicle’s safety systems and is ADR
compliant.
Website: www.tjm.com.au
ELECTRONIC DUAL
FIND YOUR BEARINGS
BATTERY
WITH OUR AUSTRALIAN REDUCE BODY
MANAGEMENT
MADE GASKETS. ROLL WITH
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Phone: 1300 888 444
AUSTRALIAN MADE
AND OWNED
1300 888 444 terraintamer.com
FLASHLUBE DIESEL RANGE

SEAT BELT KITS
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
PROMOTE YOUR
AUSTRALIAN MADE Scott Crowley
Brand Sales Manager 4x4 Australia
PRODUCTS HERE E [email protected]
ASK US HOW M 0410 221 434
THE AUSTRALIAN AUTOMOTIVE 4X4 MARKET HAS A RICH AND PROUD HERITAGE. FOR YEARS LOCAL DESIGN, INGENUITY
AND MANUFACTURING HAS CREATED MANY FANTASTIC FOUR WHEEL DRIVE RELATED PRODUCTS.
AT 4X4 AUSTRALIA WE ARE PROUD TO SHOWCASE AND SUPPORT TRULY AUSTRALIAN ENGINEERED AND
MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS - HERE ARE A FEW AUSSIE MANUFACTURERS KEEPING THE DREAM ALIVE,
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SO SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL AUSSIE MADE PRODUCTS.
THIS MONTH WE TALK

T E R R A I N TA M E R
Describe your business?

Essentially, we are 4WD parts people. We have
built up a huge range of aftermarket 4WD parts
through over 50 years of innovation, design, field
testing, metallurgy and manufacture. Our parts
are the ones that keep you running, through the
gearbox, transfer case, driveline, suspension, We have 130 staff and around 25 of them have extremely popular already, in the few short
brake, clutch and thousands of other parts that been with the company for over 20 years, so we months they’ve been on the market.
make up any Landcruiser, Patrol, Triton, Navara, have this huge, unmatched knowledge base and
D-Max, Ranger etc. our parts interpreters are second to none. We’re working closely with MultiDrive Technology
to develop a range of GVM Upgrade kits for
Tell us some of the history of your 2 Words to describe your product or the Australian market and the first of these
company? service? have also just been released, which we’re really
We started in Melbourne, in the 1960’s, and Pioneering & Passionate excited for.
many of our customers back then were tour Who uses your product?
operators like Bill King (of AAT Kings) who were What makes you different from your
travelling up through the red center, following competition? People who really care about their 4WD, who
tracks like Burke & Wills or through the Simpson We cover such a wide range of different parts that own a workhorse of a vehicle and need it to be
Desert. There was no Stuart Highway back then we don’t really have a direct competitor. There tough. Mining is important to us, as is farming,
and it was rough so they’d return with broken or are clutch companies or suspension companies emergency services, vehicle fleets and of course
damaged parts and ask our team to design or or driveline companies, but no one else that really the passionate recreational 4WDrivers.
source a stronger replacement for their next trip. does it all. The genuine dealers like Toyota and What’s your greatest achievement?
Nissan might come closest, but they’re often also
Gradually, over 50 years, this has resulted in the good customers of ours. The Australian automotive industry has lost a lot
range Terrain Tamer offer today, with the promise of original manufacturers recently and much of
of being at least as strong as Original Equipment, Terrain Tamer is very unique in the way it has the aftermarket has seen a lot of consolidation,
but often following on that legacy of designing been built over the past 50 years, and this makes so we’re proud that after 50 years, we’re still
parts that are made stronger and tougher to last it hard for someone new to come into the industry 100% Australian and family owned, by the same
longer in harsh conditions. and follow our path. It would take them 50 years original founder, and that our company has seen
to get where we are today, and by then we would growth for every one of those years, with no
Where is the company at now? have progressed another 50 years ahead. signs of slowing down.
We’ve definitely grown over time. We now have 16
branches, 7 of which are international, and our What products are in development now? We’re also proud of taking our hard-earned
parts are sold into over 80 countries. We’ve also Around the world, our parts knowledge is being knowledge to the world, to lead the field in
just launched our eStore, which gives the public sought out by owners of vehicles with different industries beyond the Australian market. We’ve
access to our entire catalogue, and allows them to requirements, such as aid vehicles, military or won Export Award and Australian Automotive
choose between either collecting or having their mines, which need a different way of thinking. In Aftermarket Association awards for innovation,
order sent from one of our 30 locations around designing for these vehicles, we’ve been able to which remind us that we’re on the right track
the country, to ensure they receive it as quickly as develop some really heavy-duty products that will and are a huge badge of honor.
possible and can get back on the road. solve problems for recreational drivers in harsh
environments, and for non-aid or non-military
Everything we do today continues on from the vehicles here in Australia.
original promise of parts that will get you home,
the same philosophy that got those tour operators More specifically, we’ve released a range of
back from their trips in the 60’s and 70’s. Parabolic leaf springs in the past 12-18 months
and they’ve been a huge success. We have
What is your unique Selling Point? constant demand and requests to release more
Our experience is something that means a lot of these for different makes and models so we’re
to our brand and to our customers. We’ve spent now working on expanding that range for a wider
50 years learning lessons, so we see newer variety of vehicles. We’ve also released a range
manufacturers making mistakes today that we of Heavy-Duty Bearing Kits, which we’re looking
learned from decades ago. This is evident in the to expand on. These bearings are made by an
quality of our products, but it also helps us to OE manufacturer in Japan, with exclusive Terrain
bring old ideas into the present to address new Tamer tooling and last up to ten times longer than
problems. the Original Equipment equivalent, so have proven
gear
TESTED – GME 6160XO UHF
RATED
AVAILABLE FROM:
www.gme.net.au
RRP: $249.95
WE SAY: Compact and
reliable UHF for
everyday use.
BREAKER BREAKER!
GME’S 6160XO COMPACT HANDHELD UHF IS A
RELIABLE COMMUNICATOR IN ALL CONDITIONS.
A
NY TIME we’re out and about in the bush, we like to keep The 6160 feels good in your hand; it’s solid and has a bit of
in touch with the other vehicles and people in our group. weight to its die-cast body, giving it a feel of quality and durability.
As a lot of the cars we drive are new vehicles owned by the The unit has an IP67 rating against dust and water ingress and
manufacturers they don’t have UHF radios fitted to them, should survive a quick dip in a creek should you drop it (up to one-
so we rely on handheld radios for convoy comms. metre depth) or in heavy rain.
Also, when we have someone joining us on a trip or road test The housing is simple to use, with an on/off/volume dial and scan
we insist they bring a handheld and that it should be a five-watt button on the top; push to talk and squelch buttons on the left side;
unit, as the lower-powered, cheaper units just don’t cut it for and menu and function up/down buttons on the front under the lit
WORDS MATT RAUDONIKIS PHOTOS ALASTAIR BROOK
reliable communications. For us this is a safety issue, as we’re LED screen. There’s even a little LED torch built-in to the top for
photographing or filming cars often on narrow dirt roads and we use at night that has a strobing mode for attracting attention.
need to communicate with other drivers or the photographers that Five-watt radios use more power than lower wattage units, but
might be over a rise or around the next bend. the 6160’s 2600amp/h Li-Ion battery gives up to 30 hours of life. I’ve
I’ve used plenty of handheld UHFs over the years, but I have found I’m getting three to four days of use when using the 6160
to say that the latest unit I have, GME’s 6160XO, is the best yet. in road test convoys where we’re on the road and using the radios
I have to admit I have a preference for the GME product just most of the day.
because they are Australian made, but you can’t argue when the The 80-channel 6160 comes with a desk charger, belt clip, case,
performance of the product is first rate. and accessories like a one-volt charger, while multi-chargers are
The 6160XO is the Blaze Orange version of GME’s popular all available from GME. The housing has an attachment point
6160X, which is usually black in colour. You can also get the for a lanyard which I use to keep the radio close by all the time.
black ones in a twin pack or as a pair of bright yellow ones in the The 6160 comes with a two-year factory warranty, and being an
6160YTP. The bright colours are handy for finding them if you Australian company you get great aftersales service if needed.
drop one in the car, in the bush or wherever. They are compact and GME’s 6160XO has proven to be a powerful and reliable
could easily be lost in the scrub. There’s even a bright pink 6160 handheld UHF for use in convoys or in camp, and it has become my
available. personal go-to radio whenever I need one.
VISION AUTO
PRODUCTS
STEPS
1
RESOMAT PREMIUM
SOUND DEADNING & HEAT PROTECTION
Self-adhesive and easy to install. Can be easily removed and
reapplied if necessary. Odour Free - Allergy sufferers safe.
Resomat Premium stops vibration. Improves in-car audio
performance. Improves overall driving comfort.
2
PREMIUM UNDERLAY
Premium Underlay is a more advanced noise and heat
reducing Underlay, comprising of 2 layers of sound
acoustic foam and a noise barrier Mass Loaded Vinyl
inner layer. Large Roll 1550 x 1350mm. Standard Roll
1550 x 1000mm. Off Cut 1550 x 350mm.
Felt and Waterproof underlay also available.
3
MOULDED CARPETS
1PC OR 2PC CARPETS
Your choice of: Loop or Plush Pile Carpet.
14 Standard Colours. OEM Custom Colours Coming
Soon. Boot & Cargo carpets, as well as moulded
vinyl flooring also available.
4
PROTECTION MATS
CUSTOM FIT (FLAT TAILORED FIT)
Custom made Floor Mats, made for a perfectly tailored
fit. Available in your choice of Carpet or Rubber in a
large range of colours. Floor mats fitted with eyelets to
suit factory anchor points.
5
UNDER BONNET PADS
Custom Moulded to the shape of your bonnet for better sound
and heat protection. Easy to install with replacement clips
provided. Or Universal Fit as a self-adhesive product that
is easily cut and formed to shape as needed. Available in
10mm or 20mm thick rolls (1500 x 1000 mm std size) or
custom sizes on request.
WE SHIP
AUSTRALIA
Vision Auto Products HOME OF WIDE
03 9791 1777
www.trufitcarpets.com.au
1/6 Airlie Ave Dandenong, Vic
gear
BUYER’S GUIDE – SAT-NAVS
SATELLITE NAVIGATION
LOST AND
FOUND
A PURPOSE-BUILT SAT-NAV SYSTEM FOR 4X4 USE
GUARANTEES CONTINENT-WIDE COVERAGE.
OST vehicles bought from the showroom representations of features on the Earth’s surface),
M
floor these days come with an embedded precise mapping of remote tracks and the ability to
satellite-navigation system of some sort function when off-the grid – as well as a bunch of
– of varying levels of competency. The useful tools like POIs (point-of-interests), the ability to
problem when it comes to our lifestyle is sync waypoints and save favourite off-road routes.
that manufacturer sat-nav systems will lack Another key reason to scrap the manufacturer sat-nav
the functions and features for proper off- system in favour of an aftermarket device is the ‘update’ factor.
road use. Sure, some will come with off-road features, but for Due to map updates releasing regularly it’s important to have a
guidance when it comes to ‘real’ off roading you need to trawl model that can update hassle-free, multiple times a year.
the aftermarket industry. And, as Matthew Thomas, Garmin Australia’s general
“As any keen four-wheel driver will understand, stock vehicles manager, reminded us: “Updates can be expensive and can
are a great base to build upon for a more purpose-specific usually only be done when service is due. It is not unusual for
WORDS TRISTAN TANCREDI
off-road setup,” explained Adam Jane, editor at HEMA Maps. vehicle manufacturers to charge $500 for a single update.
“In the same way that drivers might wish to upgrade to more “Garmin units usually have at least four updates a year and,
capable tyres, suspension and lighting, it’s often a good idea for some models, it will notify you on the Garmin connect phone
to step up from the generic in-car GPS system to something app if you have an update,” he added.
purpose built.” Two key players in the 4x4 GPS world are HEMA Maps and
A purpose-built sat-nav system for 4x4 use will feature Garmin, so we had a chat with them to learn more about the
topographical maps (detailed and accurate two-dimensional devices saving heaps of Aussies from getting lost in the scrub.
OFF-ROAD ESSENTIALS
TO BE suitable for proper off-road, remote-touring use,
an adequate sat-nav system needs to tick a few boxes. Not
only does it need to have adequate mapping database for
offline use and the ability to work when you’re hundreds of
kilometres from the nearest town, it needs to be built tough.
“A good off-road GPS unit needs to be tough enough to
withstand the Aussie outback and reliable enough to trust
in the middle of nowhere. A good mount, solid construction
and an intuitive operating system will make life a whole lot
easier,” Jane said.
Matthew Thomas from Garmin Australia agreed: “GPS
units used for off-roading will be subject to much harsher
vibrations than driving on sealed roads, it will also be
subjected to more extreme weather conditions such as dust
and moisture.”
As mentioned, topographical mapping is essential, with
Garmin units in particular using topo maps from various
sources (including HEMA). The benefit of units from
HEMA and Garmin is that they’ll feature POIs (point-of- HEMA’s Map Patrol
HEMA MAPPING team (above)
interests) like campsites, dump points, rest areas, water HEMA has GPS-mapped more than
690,000km of tracks and 545,000km of spend little time in
points and fuel stops. Also look for GPS units that have the
unsealed roads throughout Australia, the city.
ability to record your trips, add geo-tagged photos, sync ensuring the HEMA Maps’ database is
waypoints, and save and share favourite routes. continually up-to-date and accurate. It
Outside of the core essentials of a sat-nav unit, there is the job of the fields’ team, known as
are some other features that are handy and make off-road the ‘Map Patrol’, to collect and update
the data which is used to navigate
travels that little bit more comfortable and/or fun. thousands of adventurers to remote
Garmin Overlander units, for example, feature a campsites every year.
pitch-and-roll function, as well as a digital compass and
barometric altimeter for accurate bearings and elevation
data. Plus, the units can be paired with Garmin inReach
devices for two-way text messaging, interactive SOS and
weather forecasts.
“Get yourself a sun visor to keep the glare off the screen.
The Hema HX-1 sun visor is a no-brainer if you’re heading
into the desert,” Adam Jane advised.
HOW DOES A GPS UNIT PINPOINT YOUR LOCATION?
SATELLITE ORBIT
THE primary global systems are GPS,
GLONASS, Beidou (BDS) and GALILEO,
01
GPS receiver,
02
The receiver
03
This triangulation
but there are other regional systems working with calculates the deduces/
like QZSS (Japan and South-East Asia) time signals, distance from four pinpoints your
and NavIC (India). These satellites needs at least or more satellites location.
fly in medium orbit (20,000km; non- four satellites to (trilateration).
geostationary) and constantly send time acquire a position.
signals to available receivers.
We recently tested the

Navman DRIVEDUO and
proved it easy to use.
STANDALONE UNIT OR SMARTPHONE APP? could even have it Bluetoothed to your tyre-pressure monitors
THERE are pros and cons of using either a smartphone app or connected to your UHF radio – all this means you’re
or a standalone unit (either inbuilt or portable) for sat-nav constantly switching apps and moving it around,” Jane said.
guidance, as HEMA’s Adam Jane explained to us. Unlike a dedicated standalone unit, a smartphone isn’t built
“Our phones are so much a part of our lives these days that solely for sat-nav duties. It’ll lack in the durability stakes and
it’s easy to have a good app on hand. The fact that a phone is its battery life will drain at a far faster rate than a quality
almost permanently connected to the internet means it’ll keep sat-nav unit. Plus, as Matthew Thomas explained: “Many GPS
everything up-to-date, but can mean the app is useless when phone apps only work when there’s mobile reception.”
the signal drops out,” he said. “Apps such as Hema Explorer In contrast, standalone units – including the Overlander
and CamperX have offline modes, which enable users to access device within Garmin’s range – feature more than 36,000
information without being connected to data networks. HEMA verified POIs built-in, so you can search what you need
“A standalone unit allows you to plan out your trip before and find the closest to your location without mobile phone
leaving and then you just let it run while you’re out there. reception. As well, dedicated GPS units include features such
This way, your GPS unit is a GPS unit, and that keeps things as trip logs, off-road mode, route planning, and speed camera
nice and simple, it avoids distraction and makes the process of and school zone locations. “Plus, our RV/Overlander/Dezl
navigating a whole lot more reliable. devices also allow users to enter their vehicle dimensions for
“A standalone unit is designed for the purpose of GPS routing that take this into account (e.g. bridge heights, road
navigation, whereas an app on your phone can be more like a weight and length limits),” Thomas said.
secondary function. Hence the reason why standalone units are often the
“On the flip side, your phone may also be your camera, your preferred – and recommended – devices by tourers with a bit
stereo system, your communication device and a torch – you of experience and grey in their beards.
Most apps have

free options, but
you need to pay
for more detailed
coverage.
PRICE POINT
THERE ARE smartphone apps on the market which are free to SPEND A FEW MORE
purchase, including the Newtracs app (see breakout), though you’ll
still have fork out some cash for premium content; and HEMA PENNIES AND YOU COULD
sells the CamperX app for only $9.95, which features topographic
mapping, full offline mode, more than 100,000 POIs, and access to
BE THE OWNER OF THE
plenty of campsite information.
MORE COMPREHENSIVE
HEMA EXPLORER APP ON
Spend a few more pennies on the app store and you could be the
owner of the more comprehensive HEMA Explorer App on both
BOTH IOS OR ANDROID

iOS or Android ($49.95).
Then there are premium products, such as the Garmin
Overlander (RRP: $999), which comes loaded with key features
including pitch and roll gauges, navigation sensors, the Garmin
explore app (allows syncing to smartphone and desktop), and it
comes preloaded with iOverlander POIs and HEMA 150K top maps
of Australia – all in a sturdy, seven-inch screen.
Another premium product is the HEMA HX-1 (RRP: $699),
which contains topographic mapping, trip planning and trip
recording tools, and more than 45,000 POIs, among a host of extras.
Clearly there are considerably more products on the market, but
this should give you a heads up on what prices you’ll be looking at.
More info: www.hemamaps.com; www.garmin.com.au
APPY DAYS
IN ADDITION to HEMA and Garmin’s extensive range of
phone apps and standalone units, there’s a rising number of
phone apps on the market, specifically for four-wheeling.
Apps like Gaia GPS have free, membership-based and
premium offerings, while an app gaining popularity is
Newtracs, which gives “up-to-date 4x4 track conditions
using world-first crowdsourcing technology”.
Only available on the iOS platform – coming soon to
Android – the app provides detailed track ratings, with
specific track obstacles. For example, it’ll pinpoint steep
sections and areas other users have encountered problems.
You can also log trips, drop pins and access tracks offline.
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SMARTPHONE RECEIVERS
MOBILE phones or tablets have inbuilt
autonomous receivers which can utilise
multiple Global Navigation Satellite
Systems (GNSS), but this is dependent
on the internal GPS hardware (single- or
dual-band frequency chip) capability
of said device. Newer devices (such
as the Oppo Reno) have dual L1 and
L5 frequency chips allowing access to
more satellites. This ensures there are
more available to them in the event of
interferences (infrastructure, vegetation,
topography, etc.) in turn providing better
accuracy and precision.
THINGS TO AVOID
CONSIDERING you’re trusting a sat-nav system to guide you to
a remote campsite beyond the black stump, it’d be a worthless
piece of scrap if it didn’t do the job it was intended for – and,
let’s be honest, the results could be disastrous.
“It might sound dramatic, but you may be trusting your life
to the gear you take out into the remote parts of Australia,” says
HEMA’s Adam Jane. “There’s no point taking your chances on a
cheap knock-off; just save up a few more pay cheques and invest
in a proper device. That way, you can be confident it’s backed
by a good reputation and is serviced by a reliable warranty. One
less thing to worry about means more time to enjoy yourself.”
With a plethora of units on the world-wide web only three
clicks away from arriving in your mailbox, it’s important to
remember that not all units are built to the same quality.
The biggest concerns found with inferior products include
the sub-standard quality of the device, and the accuracy (read:
inaccuracy) of the mapping. “You need to be careful when
buying from international sellers that the device has the correct
Australian mapping,” Thomas said.
There are other important factors to take into account
including warranties and technical support, or the lack thereof.
If you’re eyeing off a second-hand unit, battery deterioration The HEMA HX-1
and how old the map version software are important and Garmin
considerations. Overlander are two
of the best units on
the market.
READERS’ RIGS
READE
WEB: WHICHCAR.COM.AU/READERRIGS FACEBOOK: @4X4AUS
RS’ RI
G
SEAN BOWDEN
TOYOTA PRADO 120

THIS IS my ongoing project. The Prado has Bushskinz bash
plates, Xrox bar, Southern Cross Fabworks rock sliders, Toyo
Open Country M/T tyres, GME UHF, Drifta storage drawer
system, Evakool DC-40 draw fridge, Rhino-Rack Pioneer
platform, and Supa-Peg Rapid Wing 6 awning.
I have a Carbon winch and Stedi Type-X Pro driving lights in
the garage about to be wired up. I’m also currently in the process
of getting the dual-battery system done, likely going with a
Fullriver 120amp/h AGM battery and Redarc BCDC charger.
I live in Sydney and spend most of my time wandering the Great
Dividing Range, though most of my favourite haunts are in the
Blue Mountains and surrounds or north in the Barrington Tops. In
March, I got to Moreton Island and proposed to the missus.
I had a seizure late last year and have been diagnosed with
epilepsy which has kept me from being behind the wheel. My
partner, brother and friends have been driving for me on camping
trips, which has been nice as I can sit back and enjoy a cold beer.
I’ve started treatment though and have a date locked in for when
I can take the reins of my beloved 4WD again. Looking forward to
adventures to come, I’ve got plans to go to Vic High Country and then
Tasmania, to see the Aurora Australis on the Southern Ocean.
LIAM MAHER
TOYOTA N70 HILUX

Gear includes a SEQ Fabrication SAS kit, GU diffs MADELYN HOLMES
front and rear, 2.5 10-inch coilovers, 2.0 rear shocks and
dampener, rear inversion for shocks, RG leafs, SEQ Fab
shackles, Superior radius arms, right-hand-drop transfer,
GU steering box, front auto locker, rear LSD, and
2012 DEFENDER 90
315/75/16 Toyo Open Country MTs. Engine: HKS, +30 Kit includes a dual battery system, Safari snorkel,
injectors, FMIC NPC, Procharge turbo, a ScanGauge, Terrafirma bullbar, Landybitz sliders, aftermarket
and all tuning done by Just Autos. cruise control, Mantec spare tyre carrier, GME UHF
in roof console, XTM rear drawer/fridge slide, Stedi
lightbar and heaps of other small accessories. Next up
will be mud tyres and upgraded suspension.
120
WIN THIS! SHOW US YOUR RIG
SEND IN pics of your 4x4 and you could win a
Wurth Under Bonnet LED Light valued at $249.
With hooks on either end that can swivel 360
degrees, and a foam lining to prevent scratching,
the extendable LED is suitable for bonnets 110 to
180cm wide. Two light levels are available. More
information at: eshop.wurth.com.au
JANO VAN DER LINDE
2018 ISUZU D-MAX

MITCHELL DUKE
2005 HILUX It has an AFN bullbar, Stedi Type-X Pro spotlights,

It’s running a 4.0-litre V6 with the five-speed manual. It’s Dobinsons MRR lift kit, Phat Bars four-inch
been lifted and has 38-inch Deegans, an Xrox bar, bash stainless-steel snorkel, ARB Ascent Canopy with
plate, winch, snorkel and lights. Next are rock sliders full fit-out of two 100amp/h batteries and drawers,
and a dog cage/toolbox. and an ARB rear bar. It sits on 265/70/17 Hankook
Dynapro MTs and Fuel Vector rims.
MARK E SPENCER
JEEP CHEROKEE
65TH ANNIVERSARY
The Cherokee has an ARB bullbar, Ironman 4x4 two-inch
modified suspension, Spartan lockers, 31-inch tyres, UHF
drawers in the back, and many more mods.
121
4 1 5 2 8 3 9 KM
4X4 SHED DATE ACQUIRED:
PRICE:
LANDCRUISER BJ73 KM SINCE LAST UPDATE:
AV FUEL:
LOCKDOWN UPGRADES
WHILE THE COUNTRY WAS IN LOCKDOWN, I TOOK THE TIME TO MAKE
SOME UPGRADES TO MY MWB LANDCRUISER.
I
T’S been a while since I’ve spent much duck’s guts in lighting back in vehicle that uses a seven-inch round
time on the ol’ Cruiser, but the odd job their day, but they were outshone on this lamp and they have a H4-style connector
has kept me interested in it. Something trip by the smaller, more modern LED so they should plug straight in to your
that was obvious on the last night run lights on other vehicles in the convoy. existing wiring harness. They include
WORDS MATT RAUDONIKIS
I did in it was that lighting technology So a lighting upgrade was called for LED lamps for both high and low beam,
has come a long way in recent years. and we spoke to our mates at Narva plus a row across the middle that
Someone had done an H4 upgrade to the for a solution. serves as a daytime running light or
car before I bought it and I’d upgraded I had a set of seven-inch LED parker light.
the globes in them, but one of them replacement lights ready to fit, but Unfortunately, LED lights are not
popped while out on a trip. Narva’s Jake Smith insisted I try out the always compatible with an older car’s
The Hella HID driving lights I fitted company’s latest versions. These are a wiring, and that’s the case with the
many years ago might have been the direct bolt-in replacement light for any Cruiser, so we went with a harness from
THANKS TO
www.n
ar
www.t va.com.au
rufitca
www.u rpets.c
ltr om.
www.t aflex4x4.com au
erraint
amer.c
om
With the
se
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nd
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d to the
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and hea driving lights ent to fi r
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THE HELLA HID DRIVING LIGHTS MIGHT

HAVE BEEN THE DUCK’S GUTS BACK IN
THEIR DAY, BUT THEY WERE OUTSHONE BY
THE SMALLER, MORE MODERN LED LIGHTS
Ultraflex 4x4. Again, the Ultraflex within the Cruiser’s bullbar. These lights Tamer also fitted, the lights on the old
harness uses H4 plugs and connects in pack a lot of punch for their small size, bus are far improved.
between your vehicle’s original harness employing 24 5-watt Cree chips for a Inside the Cruiser I pulled the seats
and the new lights. It is made for a few total of 120W output from each ‘hybrid’ out and sent the driver’s one away to get
different Cruisers so has plugs for four beam lamp to give a great view of the a new cushion fitted and fix a couple
headlights like on a 62 or an 80 Series road ahead and out to the sides. At 1 of small rips. With the seats removed I
and makes allowances for Toyota’s lux at 600m, they might not reach as ripped out the old carpet and installed
positive switching and any needs for the far ahead as the old HIDs, but the light sound-deadening insulation and new
LED lights. has sufficient reach and is far broader, vinyl floor coverings from Tru-Fit
The Ultraflex harness made fitting cleaner and more usable. Carpets.
the Narva lights a simple plug-and- The Narva Ultima 180 kit comes with I also fitted a Milford cargo barrier
play affair, and the improved lighting its own harness, so again it was a plug- that I picked up from the hard rubbish.
is literally like night and day. The only and-play affair to get them working. I It’s actually for a Ford Mondeo wagon
thing I haven’t sorted is the DRL, but I’ll think I stripped out enough old ‘owner but fits perfect in the Middy. I only had
get to that one day; nothing’s a rush on installed’ wiring from the car to run a to shorten the top mount brackets to
this car. The important part is that I now lap around the globe, and the Narva and fasten them to the factory roll bar/seat
have bright, 6000K white light to see the Ultraflex harnesses are much neater. The belt mounts. With a refurbished seat,
track or road ahead. LED lights might be the most high-tech tidier and quieter cabin and much
For driving lights, I went with a set of items on the old Cruiser, but with a set improved lighting, the ol’ bus is ready to
Narva’s Ultima 180 LEDs which fit neatly of replacement tail-lamps from Terrain hit the tracks again.
1 7 8 0 0 0 9 KM
4X4 SHED DATE ACQUIRED: AUGUST, 2019
PRICE: $10,000
TOYOTA HILUX KM SINCE LAST UPDATE: 3000
AV FUEL: N/A
POWER HUNGRY
JIMMY FITS THE FINAL PIECE OF THE PERFORMANCE PUZZLE.
T
HIS MONTH the Hilux received names and can work in slightly different with the extra fuel injected. Fuel pressure
the final piece to the puzzle for the ways. Many brands offer claimed power is increased or decreased based on what
performance upgrades I wanted: increases from anywhere between 10 and you’re doing with the vehicle at the time.
a Diesel Power performance 35 per cent increase over factory figures. The Diesel Power Australia module I
module. The Hilux is already running Most chips are easily installed in around chose for the Hilux is a two-channel chip/
an aftermarket Terra-Tuff front-mount 30 minutes and come with all the wiring module that regulates fuel rail pressure
intercooler and a Carbon Offroad three- harnesses and plugs needed to get you and turbo boost pressure rather than just
inch turbo back exhaust, so to take up and running. Once installed, the chip/ fuel rail pressure alone. Boost pressure
advantage of the increased airflow and to module works by intercepting the signals modification optimises airflow into the
deal with the power loss after the muddies coming from the ECU going to the fuel motor, so a combination of increased
were fitted last month, I installed a Diesel injection rail and then sending modified airflow and fuel pressure results in more
WORDS JAMES SECHER
Power Australia tuning module. signals back to the ECU. The control unit power and a smoother torque delivery.
Tuning modules have been around for sees a lower fuel pressure signal than what As most chip/modules sit upstream from
years and have been the go-to performance is actually occurring and compensates the vehicle’s ECU, the ECU still retains
upgrade for avid 4WD enthusiasts, by demanding more pressure from the the power to override the chip/module
especially when coupled with an exhaust or common rail pump. The increase in fuel if it is operating outside of the factory
other engine upgrade. Diesel performance pressure increases the amount of diesel specifications of the engine. In the off
chips or modules (same thing), go by many each injector fires, thus increasing power chance there is an issue, on most vehicles
a check engine light will come on or the
vehicle will go into limp mode. This can be
cleared easily by disconnecting the chip/
module, or disconnecting and reconnecting
the vehicle’s battery. The Factory ECU
still monitors all parameters of the motor
and offers a backstop of protection and
reliability.
The Diesel Power Australia tuning
module came with everything needed for
a relatively quick and easy installation on HOW MUCH?
the Hilux, plus it came with a synthetic Diesel Power
bag with a Velcro fitting strap to keep it performance module.
tucked away and safe in the engine bay. RRP: $995; On special
There are 15 settings on the module (1 $749.95
to 9; A to F), offering a claimed increase
in power up to 25 per cent above factory.
This module has been TUV-approved
and verified in Germany to meet strict
performance guidelines and performance
claims. Setting 9 will give you the claimed compare to factory settings. Turning it
increase in power with a factory vehicle all the way up to F made a noticeable
but with additional modifications; turning difference, but was a bit of overkill and
it up to setting C saw the sweet spot of there was the looming potential of a check
performance. Wind it up too much and you
will have a decrease in power as you are
engine light coming up on the old Hilux,
which I’d prefer to keep as reliable as
THANKS TO
www.diesel-power.com.au
flooding in more fuel and not making the possible. www.coopertires.com.au
optimum burn. For now I’ve settled on the setting C, www.jdwcf.com.au
The setup comes with a handy bypass which provides enough power to www.carbonoffroad.com.au
plug, which, when plugged in, returns your counteract the power being robbed by www.efs4wd.com.au
vehicle to standard tuning without having the bigger tyres fitted and should www.tjm.com.au
to remove the harness. This came in handy provide reasonable fuel efficiency. Once www.yakima.com.au
when deciding which setting I liked and some significant highway, around town www.4x4modsaustralia.com.au
how much difference it made, as I drove and 4WD kilometres have been racked www.apac4x4.com.au
the vehicle for a while on a particular up, I’ll report back on the overall fuel
setting then plugged in the bypass to consumption.
The tuning module came

with everything, for a
quick and easy install.
thescore THE ESSENTIAL NUMBERS AND PRICES OF EVERY 4X4 ON SALE IN AUSTRALIA
Australia’s Ultimate
New Car Comparison Site
whichcar.com.au
FORD 5-year/unlimited km www.ford.com.au HAVAL 5-year/100,000km www.haval.com.au

H9
RANGER
The Chinese-made Haval H9 is a midsize 4x4 from Great Wall’s luxury arm. It’s a relatively fresh arrival
Australian-designed, Thai-built Ranger has quickly earned big off-road cred. Raptor’s 2.0L on the Aussie market.
bi-turbo diesel is now optional on Wildtrak and XLT (the big seller for recreational off-roaders).
PRICE ENGINE TRANS TORQUE POWER WEIGHT LOAD TOWING FUEL LAST TESTED
H9 Lux 41,990* L4/2.0 A8 350 180 2250 645 2500 80
Single XL c/c 42,490 L5TD/3.2 M6 470 147 1869 1331 3500 80
H9 Ultra 45,990* L4/2.0 A8 350 180 2250 645 2500 80 Feb 18
Single XL c/c 44,090 L5TD/3.2 A6 470 147 1887 1313 3500 80
Super XL c/c 44,990 L5TD/3.2 M6 470 147 1933 1267 3500 80 *This is a nationwide drive-away price, not a list price, and includes on-roads.
Super XL c/c 46,590 L5TD/3.2 A6 470 147 1951 1249 3500 80

Dual XL c/c 46,690 L4TD/2.2 A6 385 118 1938 1262 3500 80 HOLDEN 5-year/unlimited km www.holden.com.au
Dual XL c/c 46,990 L5TD/3.2 M6 470 147 1995 1205 3500 80 COLORADO
Dual XL c/c 48,590 L5TD/3.2 A6 470 147 2012 1188 3500 80 Holden’s Thai-made Colorado has received a fresh face and new driver-assistance technology as
part of a mid-cycle upgrade. MY20 update gets the LSX as a full-time variant.
Super XL p/u 48,590 L5TD/3.2 A6 470 147 2085 1115 3500 80 PRICE ENGINE TRANS TORQUE POWER WEIGHT LOAD TOWING FUEL LAST TESTED
Dual XL p/u 48,090 L4TD/2.2 A6 385 118 2064 1136 3500 80 LS Single c/c 37,490 L4TD/2.8 M5 440 147 1962 1138 3500 76
Dual XL p/u 48,390 L5TD/3.2 M6 470 147 2118 1082 3500 80 LS Single c/c 39,990 L4TD/2.8 A6 500 147 1959 1141 3500 76
Dual XL p/u 50,090 L5TD/3.2 A6 470 147 2135 1065 3500 80 LS Space c/c 43,190 L4TD/2.8 A6 500 147 1856 1294 3500 76
Dual XLS p/u 49,690 L5TD/3.2 M6 470 147 2191 1009 3500 80 LS Crew c/c 43,490 L4TD/2.8 M6 440 147 1927 1223 3500 76
Dual XLS p/u 51,390 L5TD/3.2 A6 470 147 2209 991 3500 80 LS Crew c/c 45,690 L4TD/2.8 A6 500 147 1920 1230 3500 76
Super XLT p/u 56,840 L5TD/3.2 A6 470 147 2178 1022 3500 80 LS Crew p/u 44,990 L4TD/2.8 M6 440 147 2072 1078 3500 76
Super XLT p/u 58,340 L4TD/2.0 A10 500 157 2146 1054 3500 80 LS Crew p/u 47,190 L4TD/2.8 A6 500 147 2065 1085 3500 76
Dual XLT p/u 56,640 L5TD/3.2 M6 470 147 2212 988 3500 80 LSX Crew p/u 46,990 L4TD/2.8 M6 440 147 2110 1040 3500 76
Dual XLT p/u 58,190 L5TD/3.2 A6 470 147 2230 970 3500 80 Jul 18 LSX Crew p/u 49,190 L4TD/2.8 A6 500 147 2103 1047 3500 76 Dec 19
Dual XLT p/u 60,340 L4TD/2.0 A10 500 157 2197 1003 3500 80 Feb 19 LTZ Space p/u 51,190 L4TD/2.8 A6 500 147 2077 1073 3500 76
Dual Wildtrak 61,490 L5TD/3.2 M6 470 147 2260 940 3500 80 LTZ Crew p/u 50,490 L4TD/2.8 M6 440 147 2144 1006 3500 76
Dual Wildtrak 62,790 L5TD/3.2 A6 470 147 2278 922 3500 80 Apr 19 LTZ Crew p/u 52,690 L4TD/2.8 A6 500 147 2137 1013 3500 76
Dual Wildtrak 65,190 L4TD/2.0 A10 500 157 2246 954 3500 80 Apr 19 LTZ+ Crew p/u 51,520 L4TD/2.8 M6 440 147 2179 971 3500 76
Sport 52,940 L5TD/3.2 M6 470 147 2191 1009 3500 80 LTZ+ Crew p/u 53,720 L4TD/2.8 A6 500 147 2172 978 3500 76
Sport 55,140 L5TD/3.2 A6 470 147 2209 991 3500 80 Z71 Crew p/u 54,990 L4TD/2.8 M6 440 147 2170 980 3500 76
Raptor 76,290 L4TD/2.0 A10 500 157 2332 758 2500 80 Nov 19 Z71 Crew p/u 57,190 L4TD/2.8 A6 500 147 2163 987 3500 76
EVEREST SportsCat V 62,490 L4TD/2.8 M6 440 147 2257 893 3500 76
Ranger-based seven-seater was our 2015 4X4 of the Year. Midlife update saw 2.0L bi-turbo added. SportsCat V 64,690 L4TD/2.8 A6 500 147 2250 900 3500 76
SportsCat SV 66,790 L4TD/2.8 M6 440 147 2257 893 3500 76
Ambiente (5 seat) 54,490 L5TD/3.2 A6 470 143 2370 730 3000 80 SportsCat SV 68,990 L4TD/2.8 A6 500 147 2250 900 3500 76 Apr 20
Ambiente (7s) 55,190 L5TD/3.2 A6 470 143 2343 757 3000 80
TRAILBLAZER
Trend (7s) 60,290 L5TD/3.2 A6 470 143 2407 693 3000 80 Aug 17 Seven-seat wagon based on Colorado sibling refreshed with a new name, new face and technology.
Trend (7s) 61,790 L4TD/2.0 A10 500 157 2413 687 3100 80 Feb 19 Seven pews may make it a family favourite, but touring use is limited to five.
Sport (7s) 62,290 L5TD/3.2 A6 470 143 N/A N/A 3000 80 LT 47,990 L4TD/2.8 A6 500 147 2072 678 3000 76 Jan 17
Sport (7s) 63,790 L4TD/2.0 A10 500 157 N/A N/A 3100 80 LTZ 52,490 L4TD/2.8 A6 500 147 2203 617 3000 76 Sum 18
Z71 53,490 L4TD/2.8 A6 500 147 2203 617 3000 76
Titanium (7s) 72,590 L4TD/2.0 A10 500 157 2477 623 3100 80
FOTON 3-year/100,000km www.fotonmotor.com.au

ISUZU UTE 6-year/150,000km www.isuzuute.com.au
D-MAX
TUNLAND
D-Max shares body architecture with Holden Colorado. Powered by Isuzu’s respected 3.0-litre TD
Foton is a Chinese manufacturer responsible for Tunland Utes; dual-cabs available in no-nonsense that has been tweaked for more torque, mated to six-speed manual and auto transmissions.
specification and powered by a Cummins turbo-diesel.
SX Single c/c 38,200 L4TD/3.0 M6 430 130 1736 1314 3500 76
Standard dual-cab 29,990* L4TD/2.8 M5 365 130 1951 974 2500 76
SX Single c/c 40,300 L4TD/3.0 A6 430 130 1736 1314 3500 76
Standard dual-cab 33,990* L4TD/2.8 A6 365 130 1971 954 2500 76
SX Space c/c 41,000 L4TD/3.0 M6 430 130 1826 1224 3500 76
Luxury dual-cab 30,990* L4TD/2.8 M5 365 130 1951 974 2500 76
SX Space c/c 43,100 L4TD/3.0 A6 430 130 1826 1224 3500 76
Luxury dual-cab 35,490* L4TD/2.8 A6 365 130 1971 954 2500 76
LS-U Space p/u 48,700 L4TD/3.0 A6 430 130 1981 1069 3500 76
*This is a nationwide drive-away price, not a list price, and includes on-roads.
SX Crew c/c 43,400 L4TD/3.0 M6 430 130 1886 1164 3500 76
GREAT WALL 5-year/150,000km www.greatwallmotors.com.au

SX Crew c/c 45,500 L4TD/3.0 A6 430 130 1891 1159 3500 76
STEED SX Crew p/u 44,600 L4TD/3.0 M6 430 130 2016 1034 3500 76
Great Wall’s facelifted version of the the V200/V240 continues the cheap and cheerful theme but gets a SX Crew p/u 46,700 L4TD/3.0 A6 430 130 2016 1034 3500 76
new nose, interior and 150mm longer tray.
LS-M Crew p/u 46,900 L4TD/3.0 M6 430 130 2001 1049 3500 76
Single-Cab 19,990* L4TD/2.0 M6 310 110 1687 1198 1700 70 LS-M Crew p/u 49,000 L4TD/3.0 A6 430 130 2001 1049 3500 76
Dual-Cab 30,990* L4TD/2.0 M6 310 110 1900 1020 2000 75 Sum 18 LS-U Crew p/u 48,800 L4TD/3.0 M6 430 130 2021 1029 3500 76
Brought to you by
LS-U Crew p/u 50,900 L4TD/3.0 A6 430 130 2021 1029 3500 76
LS-T Crew p/u 54,800 L4TD/3.0 A6 430 130 2026 1024 3500 76 Apr 19
TOP
SELLER
MU-X
Isuzu’s seven-seat wagon based on the D-Max ute underpinnings, but with a smooth-riding coil-
spring rear suspension. Uses Isuzu’s respected 3.0-litre TD engine.
LS-M 50,200 L4TD/3.0 A6 430 130 2092 658 3000 65
LS-U 52,600 L4TD/3.0 A6 430 130 2142 608 3000 65 Feb 18
LS-T 56,400 L4TD/3.0 A6 430 130 2157 593 3000 65 Aug 18
JEEP 5-year/unlimited km www.jeep.com.au

WRANGLER
JL Wrangler has true off-road credentials, great versatility, a choice of high-tech petrol and diesel
engines, and an eight-speed auto. In Rubicon-spec the Wrangler is an absolute off-road weapon.
Sport S (2-door) 48,950 V6/3.6 A8 347 209 1762 551 1497 66

Sport S (4-door) 53,450 V6/3.6 A8 347 209 1900 560 2495 81
Overland (2-door) 59,450 V6/3.6 A8 347 209 1762 551 1497 66 Sum 20
Overland (4-door) 63,950 V6/3.6 A8 347 209 1900 560 2495 81
BY THE NUMBERS
Rubicon (4-door) 65,450 V6/3.6 A8 347 209 1992 570 2495 81 Dec 19
Rubicon (4-door) 70,950 L4TD/2.2 A8 450 147 2160 470 2495 81 Feb 20
Top-selling 4x4s in June 2020

Source: VFACTS
VEHICLE UNITS
1 Ford Ranger 5092
2 Toyota Hilux 4811
3 Toyota Prado 2374
4 Mitsubishi Triton 2292
5 Toyota LC200 1521
6 Toyota LC79 1388
7 Mazda BT-50 1315
8 Nissan Navara 1234
9 Volkswagen Amarok 1229
EOFY SEES NEW VEHICLE SALES 10 Isuzu D-Max 1137
BOUNCE BACK, LED BY 4X4 UTES Top-selling 4x4s in 2020 to June 2020
Source: VFACTS
LIKE so many other parts of our lives, the new car sales market showed
positive signs of a comeback in June with the numbers the best we’ve VEHICLE UNITS
seen since the virus first reared its spikey head back in March. Our top- 1 Ford Ranger 17,406
selling 4x4 vehicles, the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger, each sold more 2 Toyota Hilux 17,276
than double the units they did in May with significant advances elsewhere 3 Toyota Prado 8632
in the market. 4 Mitsubishi Triton 8244
While June is generally a strong month for 4x4 sales, in particular the
4x4 ute segment, June 2020 was buoyed by the government’s extension 5 Toyota LC200 6860
of its instant assets write-off scheme which encouraged buyers to get out 6 Holden Colorado 6030
and in to new utes before June 30 tax time. 7 Toyota LC79 4928
Still, the overall market was 6.4 per cent down over June 2019, but 8 Isuzu D-Max 4595
when you consider that May was 35.3 per cent down over the same month 9 Nissan Navara 4498
last year, you can see the upward trend. In all, four of the five best-selling
cars in June were 4x4s, mainly utes, but including the trend-bucking 10 Mazda BT-50 3741
LandCruiser which was 23 per cent up over June last year.
While both vehicles had strong months, Ford Ranger’s month-leading
tally was enough to see it claw back the top spot to date over arch rival
Hilux, and this looks like it could be a ding-dong battle through to the end
of the year. It will be interesting to see if any COVID-caused supply issues
affect the sales over the rest of the year and how much the updated and
more powerful Hilux ups the ante when it arrives next month.
Also of note were strong sales numbers for VW Amarok and Mazda
BT-50, both of which are getting long in the tooth and set for new models
in 2021. The Mazda should be here by the end of 2020 and the VW around
12 months later. And while most models went up in sales, the poor old
Holden Colorado had just 759 sales in June as it fades in to history.
Isuzu MU-X wagon might have crept in to the Top 10 YTD last month but
it was bumped out by the hot-selling utes in June, including its stablemate
the D-MAX which is in run-out mode. The all new D-Max will be on sale
here towards the end of August.
thescore
4X4 MARKETPLACE
CHEROKEE SDV8 Vogue SE 230,795 V8TD/4.4 A8 740 250 2570 720 3500 86
The MY19 update for the KL Cherokee – the fourth generation of the series – included a design facelift, SDV8 Auto SWB 261,310 V8TD/4.4 A8 740 250 2570 720 3500 86 Nov 18
modern in-vehicle tech and autonomous emergency braking across the range.
I6 Vogue 201,395 I6TP/3.0 A8 550 294 2342 798 3500 104
Si4 PHEV 211,925 I4TP/2.0 A8 400 221 2577 633 2500 90 Jul 19
Longitude 41,950 V6/3.2 A9 315 200 1780 678 2200 60 V8 Auto SWB 274,210 V8SP/5.0 A8 625 386 2450 710 3500 104
Limited 46,950 V6/3.2 A9 315 200 1806 652 2200 60 V8 SVAuto Dyn SWB 346,170 V8SP/5.0 A8 700 416 2591 569 3500 104
Trailhawk 48,450 V6/3.2 A9 315 200 1889 605 2200 60 SDV8 Auto LWB 271,310 V8TD/4.4 A8 740 250 2658 682 3500 86
SDV8 SVAuto LWB 377,170 V8TD/4.4 A8 740 250 2658 682 3500 86
GRAND CHEROKEE
V8 Auto LWB 284,410 V8SP/5.0 A8 625 386 2518 682 3500 104
Jeep’s Grand Cherokee runs a grunty Pentastar V6, efficient 3.0TD V6, or the Hemi V8. Quadra-lift air
suspension for Limited and Overland, rather than coils. Five seats and tight luggage area. V8 SVAuto LWB 403,670 V8SP/5.0 A8 700 416 2673 527 3500 104
Laredo 52,950 V6/3.6 A8 347 213 2084 865 2812 93 LDV 5-year/130,000km www.ldvautomotive.com.au
Laredo TDV6 57,950 V6/3.0TD A8 570 184 2267 682 3500 93
T60
Limited 63,950 V6/3.6 A8 347 213 2169 780 2812 93
Limited TDV6 69,950 V6/3.0TD A8 570 184 2281 688 3500 93 Chinese ute brings five-star safety to the budget-priced dual-cab segment.
Trailhawk 75,950 V6/3.0TD A8 570 184 2300 650 3500 93 Feb 18 PRICE ENGINE TRANS TORQUE POWER WEIGHT LOAD TOWING FUEL LAST TESTED
Overland TDV6 79,450 V6/3.0TD A8 570 184 2415 534 3500 93 Pro cab-chassis 28,411 L4TD/2.8 M6 360 110 1720 1255 3000 75
Summit 85,950 V6/3.0TD A8 570 184 2327 622 3500 93 Pro dual-cab 30,516 L4TD/2.8 M6 360 110 1950 1025 3000 75
SRT 92,450 V8/6.4 A8 624 344 2289 612 2949 93 Pro dual-cab 32,621 L4TD/2.8 A6 360 110 1980 995 3000 75
Trackhawk 134,950 V8/6.2 A8 868 522 2399 535 2949 93 Luxe dual-cab 34,726 L4TD/2.8 M6 360 110 1995 875 3000 75
Luxe dual-cab 36,831 L4TD/2.8 A6 360 110 2060 815 3000 75 Sum 17
GLADIATOR
Trailrider d-c 38,937 L4TD/2.8 M6 360 110 2100 850 3000 75 Aug 19
Jeep's double-cab pick up is finally here in two spec levels with the Pentastar V6 and 8-speed auto Trailrider d-c 41,042 L4TD/2.8 A6 360 110 2110 765 3000 75 Oct 19
in both. Coose theOverland for a bit of luxury or Rubicon for the hardcore off roader
Overland
PRICE
75,450
ENGINE
V6/3.6
TRANS TORQUE
A8 347
POWER
209
WEIGHT
2104
LOAD
527
TOWING
2721
FUEL
83
LAST TESTED
LEXUS 4-year/100,000km www.lexus.com.au
Rubicon 76,450 V6/3.6 A8 347 209 2215 620 2721 83 LX

Take one Land Cruiser 200, give it a nose job, a whopping 5.7-litre petrol V8 and bunch of extra tech
JMC 3-year/100,000km www.jmcmotor.com.au

gizmos and voila, you have the Lexus LX570.
VIGUS LX570 142,431 V8/5.7 A8 530 270 2740 705 3500 138 Sep 18
A low-priced Chinese ute imported and distributed by the local arm of JMC and using proprietary LX570 S 167,731 V8/5.7 A8 530 270 2740 TBC 3500 138
powertrain components from the likes of Mitsubishi and Getrag.
LX450 D 135,171 V8/4.5 A6 650 200 2660 TBC 3500 93 Sep 18
Vigus LX 24,990 L4/2.4 M5 201 95 1880 815 2000 74
Vigus LX 27,990 L4TD/2.4 M5 290 88 1947 823 2000 68 MAHINDRA 5-year/unlimited www.mahindra.com.au
Vigus SLX 30,990 L4TD/2.4 M5 290 88 1947 823 2000 68
PIK-UP
LAND ROVER 3-year/100,000km www.landrover.com.au

Now has standard airbags and ABS, and recently received a new, more powerful engine. Available
in single- and dual-cab configuration with or without a tub. Easy!
DISCOVERY PRICE ENGINE TRANS TORQUE POWER WEIGHT LOAD TOWING FUEL LAST TESTED
Land Rover Discovery combines excellent on-road dynamics with impressive off-road capability. Single c/c 26,990* L4TD/2.2 M6 330 103 1780 1370 2500 80 April 18
Strong performance comes courtesy of state-of-the-art four-cylinder and V6 turbo-diesel engines. Dual c/c 29,490* L4TD/2.2 M6 330 103 1940 1210 2500 80
Dual p/u 29,990* L4TD/2.2 M6 330 103 2080 1070 2500 80
SD4 S 73,221 L4TD/2.0 A8 430 177 2109 831 3500 77 Dual p/u S10 31,990* L4TD/2.2 M6 330 103 2080 1070 2500 80 Feb 19
SD4 SE 88,421 L4TD/2.0 A8 430 177 2109 831 3500 77 Jul 19
SD4 HSE 100,721 L4TD/2.0 A8 430 177 2109 831 3500 77
MAZDA
SD4 HSE Luxury 115,021 L4TD/2.0 A8 430 177 2109 831 3500 77
SDV6 S 85,499 V6TD/3.0 A8 700 225 2236 814 3500 85 5-year/unlimited km www.mazda.com.au
SDV6 SE 99,749 V6TD/3.0 A8 700 225 2236 814 3500 85 Feb 20 BT-50
SDV6 Landmark 108,169 V6TD/3.0 A8 700 225 2236 814 3500 85 Developed in Australia in tandem with Ford Ranger. Its big attraction is its sharp pricing. Diff lock
SDV6 HSE 112,049 V6TD/3.0 A8 700 225 2236 814 3500 85 Nov 19 and low-range TC work great. 3.2-litre only.
SDV6 HSE Luxury 126,399 V6TD/3.0 A8 700 225 2236 814 3500 85 PRICE ENGINE TRANS TORQUE POWER WEIGHT LOAD TOWING FUEL LAST TESTED
Single Cab XT c/c 39,980 L5TD/3.2 M6 470 147 1789 1411 3500 80
RANGE ROVER SPORT
Freestyle XT c/c 44,170 L5TD/3.2 M6 470 147 1857 1343 3500 80
Rangie Sport is available with four-, six- and eight-cylinder diesel engines, a PHEV or a stonking super- Freestyle XTR c/c 51,110 L5TD/3.2 M6 470 147 2037 1163 3500 80
charged petrol V8. It delivers performance luxury and genuine off-road capabiltiy.
Dual XT c/c 46,010 L5TD/3.2 M6 470 147 1929 1271 3500 80
Dual XT p/u 45,840 L5TD/3.2 M6 470 147 2044 1156 3500 80
Si4 SE 105,759 L4TP/2.0 A8 400 221 2027 873 3000 104 Mar 19
Dual XT p/u 47,840 L5TD/3.2 A6 470 147 2061 1139 3500 80
Dual XTR p/u 50,950 L5TD/3.2 M6 470 147 2086 1114 3500 80
Si4 PHEV SE 134,289 L4TP/2.0 A8 640 297 2415 785 2500 91 Dual XTR p/u 52,950 L5TD/3.2 A6 470 147 2103 1097 3500 80
Si4 PHEV HSE 149,598 L4TP/2.0 A8 400 221 2415 785 2500 91 Dual GT p/u 56,830 L5TD/3.2 M6 470 147 2095 1105 3500 80
V8 HSE Dynamic 175,259 V8SP/5.0 A8 625 386 2252 848 3500 104 Dual GT p/u 58,830 L5TD/3.2 A6 470 147 2112 1088 3500 80 Jul 18
V8 Autobiography 204,929 V8SP/5.0 A8 625 386 2252 848 3500 104 Boss p/u 63,250 L5TD/3.2 A6 470 147 2174 1026 3500 80
SVR
TDV6 SE (183)
238,829
113,131
V8SP/5.0
V6TD/3.0
A8
A8
700
600
423
183
2239
2159
761
891
3000
3500
104
86
MERCEDES 3-year/200,000km www.mercedes-benz.com.au
SDV6 SE (225) 122,631 V6TD/3.0 A8 700 225 2159 891 3500 86 GLE-CLASS
The GLE-Class has arrived to take over from the M-Class. Like the M-Class, you need to select the Off-
SDV6 HSE 139,331 V6TD/3.0 A8 700 225 2159 891 3500 86 Road Engineering Package to get a dual-range transmission. This is not available on the GLE 63 AMG.
SDV6 HSE Dyn 146,231 V6TD/3.0 A8 700 225 2159 891 3500 86 PRICE ENGINE TRANS TORQUE POWER WEIGHT LOAD TOWING FUEL LAST TESTED
SDV6 Autobio 179,401 V6TD/3.0 A8 700 225 2159 891 3500 86 GLE250d 93,900 L4TD/2.1 A9 500 150 2150 800 3265 93
SDV8 HSE 152,459 V8TD/4.4 A8 740 250 2344 856 3500 86 GLE350d 110,300 V6TD/3.0 A9 620 190 2175 775 3265 93
SDV8 HSE Dyn 159,759 V8TD/4.4 A8 740 250 2344 856 3500 86 GLE500e 131,000 V6/3.0 A9 480 245 2130 770 2000 70
RANGE ROVER GLS-CLASS

Land Rover combines supreme luxury and off-road capability in the Rangie. More power, less GLS is the new name for the GL-Class replacement. Like the GL before it, GLS needs the optional Off-
weight and better economy are just some of the improvements to the über-roader. Road Engineering Package to get dual-range transmission. GLS AMG 63 doesn’t get this option.
PRICE ENGINE TRANS TORQUE POWER WEIGHT LOAD TOWING FUEL LAST TESTED PRICE ENGINE TRANS TORQUE POWER WEIGHT LOAD TOWING FUEL LAST TESTED
SDV6 Vogue 196,102 V6TD/3.0 A8 625 202 2328 802 3500 86 GLS350d 118,730 V6TD/3.0 A9 620 190 2455 795 3500 100
SDV8 Vogue 212,195 V8TD/4.4 A8 740 250 2570 720 3500 86 GLS350d Sport 137,735 V6TD/3.0 A9 620 190 2455 795 3500 100
GLS500 165,130 V8/4.7 A9 700 320 2445 805 3150 100
DRIVE HARD,
FROM
BREATHE EASY!
Brought to you by
Australia’s Ultimate New Car Comparison Site whichcar.com.au
G-CLASS GLX Dual c/c 36,490 L4TD/2.4 M6 430 133 1795 1105 3100 75
With triple diff locks, long-travel coil suspension and rugged construction, Merc’s Gelandewagen is off- GLX ADAS Dual c/c 39,790 L4TD/2.4 A6 430 133 1795 1105 3100 75
road heritage writ large. Unfortunately, so is the price tag on an updated 30-year-old design.
GLX+ Club p/u 41,740 L4TD/2.4 A6 430 133 1930 970 3100 75
G63 AMG 259,600 V8/4.0 A9 850 430 2560 640 3500 100 Mar 19 GLX Dual p/u 37,490 L4TD/2.4 M6 430 133 1920 980 3100 75
GLX Dual p/u 39,990 L4TD/2.4 A6 430 133 1920 980 3100 75
MITSUBISHI 7-year/150,000km www.mitsubishi-motors.com.au GLX ADAS Dual p/u 38,540 L4TD/2.4 M6 430 133 1951 949 3100 75
PAJERO GLX ADAS Dual p/u 41,040 L4TD/2.4 A6 430 133 1956 944 3100 75
With all-independent suspension, Pajero has class-leading on-road handling. Effective traction control GLX+ Dual p/u 40,990 L4TD/2.4 M6 430 133 1915 985 3100 75
and rear diff lock make it very handy off-road, too. Sharp base price makes it a great all-rounder.
GLX+ Dual p/u 43,490 L4TD/2.4 A6 430 133 1915 985 3100 75 Dec 19
GLX 54,490 L4TD/3.2 A5 441 141 2302 728 3000 88 GLX-R 41,990 L4TD/2.4 M6 430 133 N/A N/A 3100 75
GLS 59,990 L4TD/3.2 A5 441 141 2319 711 3000 88 GLX-R 44,490 L4TD/2.4 A6 430 133 N/A N/A 3100 75
GLS Dual p/u 45,440 L4TD/2.4 M6 430 133 1935 965 3100 75
PAJERO SPORT
Pajero Sport replaced the Challenger in Mitsubishi’s 4x4 range. It’s still on a Triton ute chassis but GLS Dual p/u 47,940 L4TD/2.4 A6 430 133 1935 965 3100 75 Feb 20
with rear coils under the back and bespoke bodywork. 2020 refresh added Dynamic Shield front end. GLS Premium 52,790 L4TD/2.4 A6 430 133 2042 848 3100 75 May 19
GLX (5-seat)
GLS (5s)
46,990
51,490
L4TD/2.4
L4TD/2.4
A8
A8
430
430
133
133
2045
2065
730
710
3100
3100
68
68
NISSAN 5-year/unlimited km www.nissan.com.au
GLS (7s) 52,490 L4TD/2.4 A8 430 133 2105 670 3100 68 PATROL Y62
Exceed (7s) 57,190 L4TD/2.4 A8 430 133 2110 665 3100 68 In a segment that drinks diesel, top-spec Patrol is available in V8-petrol guise only. Fully independent
suspension is backed by electronic traction aids. Updated model launched late in 2019.
TRITON
MQ Triton is an evolution rather than a revolution, but has a more torquey and refined engine, better Ti 75,990 V8/5.6 A7 560 298 2812 688 3500 140 Jan 20
low range and vastly improved fit-and-finish over the superseded MN series.
Ti-L 91,990 V8/5.6 A7 560 298 2708 746 3500 140
NAVARA D23
GLX Single c/c 33,240 L4TD/2.4 M6 430 133 1660 1235 3000 75
The D23 Series 2 arrived with a much-needed improvement to the coil-spring rear suspension. Range-
GLX Single c/c 35,740 L4TD/2.4 A6 430 133 1665 1235 3000 75 topping N-TREK arrived mid-2019 and brought with it a host of black accessories.
GLX Club c/c 35,740 L4TD/2.4 M6 430 133 1765 1135 3000 75
Single DX c/c 32,650 L4TD/2.3 M6 403 120 1614 1296 3500 80
GLX ADAS Club c/c 39,040 L4TD/2.4 A6 430 133 1780 1120 3000 75
Single RX c/c 33,700 L4TD/2.3 M6 403 120 1626 1284 3500 80
Single RX c/c 36,200 L4TD/2.3 A7 450 140 1632 1278 3500 80
King RX c/c 36,200 L4TD/2.3 M6 403 120 1727 1183 3500 80
COMMERCIAL-GRADE DEFENDER King RX p/u

King ST p/u
38,000
45,100
L4TD/2.3
L4TD/2.3
M6
M6
403
450
120
140
1863
1908
1047
1002
3500
3500
80
80
UNDER CONSIDERATION FOR OZ King ST p/u

King ST-X p/u
King ST-X p/u
47,600
51,250
53,750
L4TD/2.3
L4TD/2.3
L4TD/2.3
A7
M6
A7
450
450
450
140
140
140
1911
1941
1944
999
969
966
3500
3500
3500
80
80
80
LAND Rover is restoring the Hard Top name to its Defender 90 and 110
Dual RX c/c 39,250 L4TD/2.3 M6 403 120 1759 1147 3500 80
models, with Land Rover Australia currently evaluating the models for local
sale. Land Rover Australia says timing and availability of the 90 and 110 Dual RX c/c 41,750 L4TD/2.3 A7 450 140 1780 1130 3500 80 Sum 20
Hard Top will be advised at a later date. The demountable Hard Top origins Dual RX p/u 43,850 L4TD/2.3 A7 450 140 1823 1087 3500 80
date back to 1950, with the new Defender Hard Top’s fixed metal roof Dual SL p/u 45,050 L4TD/2.3 M6 403 120 1923 987 3500 80
paying homage to the older models. Dual SL p/u 47,550 L4TD/2.3 A7 450 140 1928 982 3500 80
Built on the Defender’s D7x body architecture, much like the passenger Dual ST p/u 47,900 L4TD/2.3 M6 450 140 1862 1048 3500 80
Defender variants, both 90 and 110 Hard Top models will feature Dual ST p/u 50,400 L4TD/2.3 A7 450 140 1865 1045 3500 80
independent coil-sprung suspension, with the 110 getting the option of Dual ST-X p/u 53,250 L4TD/2.3 M6 450 140 1917 993 3500 80
height adjustable suspension like the passenger models. That means
Dual ST-X p/u 55,750 L4TD/2.3 A7 450 140 1921 989 3500 80 Jul 18
291mm of ground clearance, with the 110 Hard Top boasting approach,
N-TREK 56,450 L4TD/2.3 M6 450 140 1987 923 3500 80
breakover and departure angles of 38, 28 and 40 degrees.
Expect Defender Hard Tops to be available with diesel power only, and N-TREK 58,950 L4TD/2.3 A7 450 140 1993 917 3500 80
the possibility of only the front-row, three-person seat. Full details and N-TREK Warrior 62,990 L4TD/2.3 M6 450 140 2180 730 3500 80 Jan 20
Australian options are yet to come. N-TREK Warrior 65,490 L4TD/2.3 A7 450 140 2186 724 3500 80 Apr 20
The new Defender goes on sale in Australia in August 2020 with short
suuply until 2021 follwoing the factory shutdown due to the virus. SSANGYONG 7-year/unlimited km www.ssangyong.com.au
MUSSO
Thrifty South Korean dual-cab has been reborn with more subdued styling and an unbeatable warranty.
XLV variant adds segment-topping tray length to the line-up’s killer pricing.
EX $30,490 L4TD/2.2 M6 420 133 2177 703 3500 75
EX $32,490 L4TD/2.2 A6 420 133 2192 688 3500 75
ELX $35,990 L4TD/2.2 A6 420 133 2192 688 3500 75 Jan 19
Ultimate $39,990 L4TD/2.2 A6 420 133 2192 688 3500 75
ELX XLV $33,990 L4TD/2.2 M6 420 133 2160 1025 3500 75 Apr 20
ELX XLV $35,990 L4TD/2.2 A6 420 133 2170 1025 3500 75 Jul 19
Ultimate XLV $39,990 L4TD/2.2 A6 420 133 2170 880 3500 75 Feb 20
Ultimate+ XLV $43,990 L4TD/2.2 A6 420 133 2170 880 3500 75 Jul 19
REXTON
After a two-year hiatus, the South Korean manufacturer launched its two-prong attack on the 4x4
wagon market. The family rig is loaded with kit and comes with a lean price tag.
ELX 46,990 L4TD/2.2 A7 420 133 2233 727 3500 70 Feb 19
Ultimate 52,990* L4TD/2.2 A7 420 133 2233 727 3500 70
YOUR 4x4’s INTERIOR IS NO PLACE FOR DUST OR DIRTY AIR.

A K&N® Cabin Air Filter can make sure of it, helping trap the dust, pollutants and
allergens you don’t want to breathe. And it’s washable and reusable, so after a
day following in the dust cloud of other 4x4’s, you can easily wash and refresh.
KNFILTERS.COM
thescore
4X4 MARKETPLACE
Australia’s Ultimate New Car Comparison Site whichcar.com.au
SUZUKI 3-year/100,000km www.suzuki.com.au

LAND CRUISER 79 DOUBLE CAB
Tough-as-nails and with room for five, the LC79 dual-cab has the same V8 manual torque and diff-
JIMNY lock option as other 70s to make for an almost unstoppable off-road workhorse.
Pint-sized cult classic returns in fourth-gen guise. Live axles front and rear and retro styling means it PRICE ENGINE TRANS TORQUE POWER WEIGHT LOAD TOWING FUEL LAST TESTED
will remain a favourite on the off-road scene.
Workmate c/c 67,740 V8TD/4.5 M5 430 151 2205 900 3500 130
GXL c/c 71,740 V8TD/4.5 M5 430 151 2215 900 3500 130 Mar 17
3-door Hardtop 23,990* L4/1.5 M5 130 75 1095 340 1300 40 Feb 20
3-door Hardtop 25,990* L4/1.5 A4 130 75 1110 325 1300 40 May 19 HILUX
The new NG Hilux (built in Thailand) arrived in 2015, with a new 2.8-litre engine, six-speed
transmissions and a beefed-up towing capacity.
GRAND VITARA PRICE ENGINE TRANS TORQUE POWER WEIGHT LOAD TOWING FUEL LAST TESTED
The Grand Vitara gets naturally aspirated inline-four to complement its off-road capability. The last of W'Mate Single c/c 37,865 L4TD/2.4 M6 400 110 1775 1225 3200 80
the smaller dual-range wagons, but is showing its age. W'Mate Extra c/c 43,465 L4TD/2.4 A6 400 110 1890 1110 3000 80
PRICE ENGINE TRANS TORQUE POWER WEIGHT LOAD TOWING* FUEL LAST TESTED W'Mate Dual c/c 45,365 L4TD/2.4 A6 400 110 1915 1085 3000 80
Navigator 25,990 L4/2.4 M5 225 122 1489 426 1600 55 W'Mate Dual p/u 44,865 L4TD/2.4 M6 400 110 2045 955 3200 80
Navigator 27,990 L4/2.4 A4 225 122 1504 537 1600 55 W'Mate Dual p/u 46,865 L4TD/2.4 A6 400 110 2045 955 3000 80
Sport 30,990 L4/2.4 M5 225 122 1605 465 1850 66 SR Single c/c 40,285 L4TD/2.8 M6 420 130 1795 1205 3500 80
Sport 32,990 L4/2.4 A4 225 122 1620 480 1700 66 SR Single c/c 42,285 L4TD/2.8 A6 450 130 1795 1205 3200 80
SR Extra c/c 43,865 L4TD/2.8 M6 420 130 1890 1110 3500 80
TATA 4-year/100,000km www.tatamotors.com.au SR Extra c/c 45,865 L4TD/2.8 A6 450 130 1895 1155 3200 80
XENON SR Dual c/c 46,015 L4TD/2.8 M6 420 130 1955 1045 3500 80
The Xenon is Tata’s replacement for the Telcoline and is a tough, budget-buy, Indian-made SR Dual c/c 48,015 L4TD/2.8 A6 450 130 1955 1045 3200 80
alternative to the Chinese utes: Foton, Great Wall and now JMC. SR Dual p/u 47,515 L4TD/2.8 M6 420 130 2050 950 3500 80
PRICE ENGINE TRANS TORQUE POWER WEIGHT LOAD TOWING FUEL LAST TESTED SR Dual p/u 49,515 L4TD/2.8 A6 450 130 2045 955 3200 80
Dual-cab p/u 29,990* L4TD/2.2 A5 320 110 2000 1050 2500 70 SR5 Extra p/u 55,240 L4TD/2.8 A6 450 130 2045 1005 3200 80
SR5 Dual p/u 55,240 L4TD/2.8 M6 420 130 2040 960 3500 80
SR5 Dual p/u 57,240 L4TD/2.8 A6 450 130 2045 955 3200 80
TOYOTA 5-year/unlimited km www.toyota.com.au

Rogue Dual p/u
Rugged Dual p/u
62,490
55,865
L4TD/2.8
L4TD/2.8
A6
M6
450
420
130
130
2174
2238
826
762
3200
3500
80
80
PRADO Rugged Dual p/u 57,865 L4TD/2.8 A6 450 130 2238 762 3200 80 Aug 18
The 150 Prado has been Australia's best-selling 4x4 wagon for the better part of 10 years. In 2018, a Rugged X Dual p/u 62,490 L4TD/2.8 M6 420 130 2252 748 3500 80
heap of safety features were added to all automatic models, from the base-model GX up to the Kakadu.
Rugged X Dual p/u 64,490 L4TD/2.8 A6 450 130 2252 748 3200 80 Jun 18
GX 54,090 L4TD/2.8 M6 420 130 2150 835 2500 150 VOLKSWAGEN 5-year/unlimited km www.volkswagen.com.au
GX 56,490 L4TD/2.8 A6 450 130 2150 835 3000 150
AMAROK
GXL 60,690 L4TD/2.8 M6 420 130 2205 785 2500 150 Dec 17 Amarok is an impressive all-rounder with two Ute Of The Year wins. Bi-turbo engine punches above its
GXL 62,990 L4TD/2.8 A6 450 130 2325 665 3000 150 Nov 18 weight and is very economical. TDV6 is a powerhouse.
VX 73,990 L4TD/2.8 A6 450 130 2435 555 3000 150 PRICE ENGINE TRANS TORQUE POWER WEIGHT LOAD TOWING FUEL LAST TESTED
Kakadu 84,590 L4TD/2.8 A6 450 130 2435 555 3000 150 Jun 17 TDI400 Core c/c 43,090 L4TD/2.0 M6 400 132 1865 1018 3000 80
TDI400 Core 44,590 L4TD/2.0 M6 400 132 1873 1018 3000 80
FORTUNER
TDI420 Core c/c 46,090 L4TD/2.0 A8 420 132 1865 1018 3000 80
Toyota’s Hilux-based seven-seat wagon competes with Ford Everest, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Isuzu
MU-X and Holden Trailblazer. TDI420 Core 47,590 L4TD/2.0 A8 420 132 1873 1018 3000 80
PRICE ENGINE TRANS TORQUE POWER WEIGHT LOAD TOWING FUEL LAST TESTED TDI420 Core Plus 51,590 L4TD/2.0 A8 420 132 1978 988 3000 80 Aug 18
GX 45,965 L4TD/2.8 A6 450 130 2110 640 2800 80 TDI550 Core 52,590 V6TD/3.0 A8 550 165 2091 989 3000 80 Feb 19
GXL 50,790 L4TD/2.8 A6 450 130 2110 640 2800 80 Nov 18 Sportline 550 V6 56,590 V6TD/3.0 A8 550 165 2078 1002 3500 80 Jul 18
Crusade 58,290 L4TD/2.8 A6 450 130 2110 640 2800 80 Jun 17 Highline 550 V6 61,090 V6TD/3.0 A8 550 165 2169 911 3500 80 Oct 17
Ultimate 550 V6 68,490 V6TD/3.0 A8 550 165 2216 864 3500 80 Feb 17
LAND CRUISER 200 SERIES
Ultimate 580 V6 72,790 V6TD/3.0 A8 580 190 2196 884 3500 80 Apr 19
With two beaut V8s – petrol and twin-turbo-diesel – the 200 Series Land Cruiser offers loads of
performance. Big fuel capacity, big space and big ability make one of the best tourers ever.
GX TDV8 80,190 V8TD/4.5 A6 650 195 2640 710 3500 138 Jan 12
GXL V8 84,122 V8/4.6 A6 439 228 2555 745 3500 138
GXL TDV8 91,890 V8TD/4.5 A6 650 195 2630 670 3500 138 Dec 17
VX V8 94,532 V8/4.6 A6 439 228 2610 690 3500 138
VX TDV8 102,590 V8TD/4.5 A6 650 195 2675 625 3500 138
Sahara V8 114,872 V8/4.6 A6 439 228 2665 635 3500 138 Sept 14
Sahara TDV8 123,590 V8TD/4.5 A6 650 195 2720 580 3500 138 PRIVACY NOTICE This issue of 4X4 Australia is published by Bauer Media Pty Ltd (Bauer).
Bauer may use and disclose your information in accordance with our Privacy Policy, including to
LAND CRUISER 70
provide you with your requested products or services and to keep you informed of other Bauer
The 70 Series Cruiser’s torquey TDV8 makes it a load-hauler extraordinaire. Available as long-wheel- publications, products, services and events. Our Privacy Policy is located at www.bauer-media.com.
base Troopie or five-door, mid-wheelbase wagon.
au/privacy. It also sets out on how you can access or correct your personal information and lodge
a complaint. Bauer may disclose your personal information offshore to its owners, joint venture
TroopCarrier WM 68,990 V8TD/4.5 M5 430 151 2320 980 3500 180 partners, service providers and agents located throughout the world, including in New Zealand, USA,
TroopCarrier GXL 72,190 V8TD/4.5 M5 430 151 2335 965 3500 180 Jun 17 the Philippines and the European Union.
Wagon Workmate 64,990 V8TD/4.5 M5 430 151 2220 780 3500 90 In addition, this issue may contain Reader Offers; being offers, competitions or surveys. Reader
Wagon GXL 69,090 V8TD/4.5 M5 430 151 2190 810 3500 90 Feb 08 Offers may require you to provide personal information to enter or to take part. Personal information
collected for Reader Offers may be disclosed by us to service providers assisting Bauer in the
LAND CRUISER 70 CAB-CHASSIS conduct of the Reader Offer and to other organisations providing special prizes or offers that are
With its TDV8 powerplant, the Land Cruiser ute is better than ever. Optional Toyota diff locks make it part of the Reader Offer. An opt-out choice is provided with a Reader Offer. Unless you exercise
super-capable off-road. that opt-out choice, personal information collected for Reader Offers may also be disclosed by us
PRICE ENGINE TRANS TORQUE POWER WEIGHT LOAD TOWING FUEL LAST TESTED to other organisations for use by them to inform you about other products, services or events or to
Workmate c/c 65,240 V8TD/4.5 M5 430 151 2045 1003 3500 180 give to other organisations that may use this information for this purpose.
GX c/c 67,240 V8TD/4.5 M5 430 151 2010 1013 3500 180 If you require further information, please contact Bauer’s Privacy Officer either by email at
[email protected] or mail at Privacy Officer Bauer Media Pty Ltd, 54 Park Street,
GXL c/c 69,240 V8TD/4.5 M5 430 151 2020 1023 3500 180 Dec 07
Sydney, NSW, 2000.
New car Insurance Tip

ÕåéåèÝî ÙÆĊïéÝõÝððîÝßðàåĞáîáêðåêïñîÝêßáìîáéåñéï
ÉáðïëéáåêàåßÝðåòáíñëðáïëêßáõëñĊòáêÝîîëóáààëóêõëñîïäëîðèåïð
www.club4x4.com.au 1800 Club 4X4
Insurance for 4X4 enthusiasts Issued by Hollard AFSL 241436. Consider the PDS. General information only.
If your 4WD could talk
It sure would have some great stories to tell!
But what would it say about the insurance you’ve chosen to protect it from the unexpected? Is the sum insured
even close to what it would cost to replace if someone decided they wanted it more than you? Are all of the
mods and accessories that make it just perfect for your needs covered?
Would your 4WD want you to have the ability to choose who gets to repair it should something go wrong? And
does the cover offered really meet the needs of you and your 4WD, with a range of ways to tailor cover for who
drives your vehicle? Do you get discounts for being a member of a 4WD club, or completing 4WD training?
If your 4WD could talk, we reckon it would want you to consider Club 4X4.
Insurance is issued by the Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473 AFSL
No 241436 (Hollard). Club 4X4 Pty Ltd ABN 41 606 776 274 AR No. 1235616 (Club 4X4) acts
as Hollard’s Authorised Representative. Any general advice provided does not consider your
personal circumstances. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please consider the PDS
available at www.club4x4.com.au, to decide if the product is right for you.

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Family Owned Australian Company

go local, support local

for a full range of 4x4 accessories visit our website

THE LANKY YANK

sand in the ﬁnal

Privacy notice on page 130

DOES OLD TECH MAKE NEW

Terrain Tamer Smart CoilsTM

TOUGH DOESN’T COME ON A

HEY don’t build them like they used to. It’s

LIKE MOST THINGS IN LIFE,

now find a hand-built front axle based off Nissan Patrol

1300 AFN 4x4 | www.afn4x4.com.au

VISIT WWW.AFN4X4.COM.AU FOR A DEALER NEAR YOU

ROCK HARD LIGHTEN UP

Moving along the Ranger’s flanks the lighting is

WIRED FOR SOUND

IS OVER A QUICK SPIN IN THE JEEP GLADIATOR

JEEP HAS BEEN FORTHCOMING IN

RAISE THE ROOF

double-cab ute and has similar carrying capacity

4X4 TO THE FORE

JEEP GLADIATOR OVERLANDER

IF THE CALL OF THE SANDY

With signs like these, knowing

BASE CAMP what suits your particular vehicle/requirements best. It’s

WITH THE REQUIRED REMOTE POWER TO KEEP THE LIGHTS

YOU’VE SPENT MONTHS AND LOTS OF MONEY PLANNING

THE DESERT GURU’S ESSENTIALS

WORDS AND PHOTOS CHRIS COLLARD

A DEPARTURE ANGLE 25.5˚

• 250% (1100Nm)Torque Capacity Increase

2020 JEEP GLADIATOR MOJAVE

THEY SAY YOU’LL ALWAYS

ELECTRIC TOP GLASS

200MM EXTRA VIEW

FLAT GLASS FOR REAR

CONVEX MIRROR FOR

DUAL MIRRORS PROVIDE

TRACKS Head unit pumps

100% WATERPROOF &

THE FJ IS ANDREW’S FIRST AND ONLY FOUR-WHEEL

Our convoy travelled

There it is! Uncovering

MSA 4x4’s stretched six-

NE OF our party was bogged!

O The soft sand between the edge of the lagoon and

WE PARKED TWO OF OUR CONVOY OUT OF HARM’S WAY

On the way to Macquarie Harbour

WE HAD LEFT QUEENSTOWN

Hey, GT! Now you're

MSA's 6x6 displays the tractability of its triple-axled

This cable-driven vehicle

Back at Zeehan, after our drive to the Falls, we headed

CHECK OUT THE NEW SAFARI TUFF RANGE HERE

A nice spot for a camp

It's a 48km return

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MARKS4WD.COM P: 03 9552 6555