2018 SEMA - GMA 4x4 products

EACH year 4X4 Australia is invited to the SEMA Show to be a part of the Global Media Award judging panel. Exhibitors at the show are invited to submit products to the SEMA New Products Showcase, and the 30 GMA judges, who in 2018 came from 19 countries, chose the 10 products which they like and think would work well in their markets.

With close to 3000 products in the showcase, it’s a long task; but here’s our selection for 2018.

Factor 55 Extreme Duty 20 soft shackle

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We’ve all drooled over the Factor 55 links shining on the front of winch fairleads, but here’s something simple and clever from the recovery equipment company. The extra-long 20-inch-diameter Extreme Duty soft shackle can be double-looped for increased breaking strength.

Made from HMPE Plasma rope with a woven polyester jacket whipped and Fiberlock-coated for protection against abrasion and damaging UV light, the shackle has greater than 418 tonnes breaking strength.

Website: www.factor55.com

Monster Zeus rope

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Another synthetic rope recovery product, the Monster Hooks Zeus recovery rope is unlike any other rope. Zeus rope has soft-shackle technology spliced into both ends. Replacing standard eyes, this allows for safe, strong and simple connections by eliminating the use of heavy shackles, making recovery much safer. Made of 100 per cent Nylon-coated rope; the ends are made of Spectra fibre.

Website: www.monsterhooksinc.com

MaxTrax hitch and winch ring

Aussie company MaxTrax has branched out from its well-known recovery boards to create other recovery items for use with synth ropes and soft shackles.

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The MaxTrax 50mm Hitch is a tow hitch receiver specifically designed for use with soft shackles and will not accept the fitment of steel shackles. It is CNC-machined from 6061 billet aluminium, featuring smooth curves and no sharp edges to protect the soft shackles; and it’s anodised for protection. With a WLL of 8000kg and tested to total destruction at 40,000kg, it is up to any 4x4 recovery.

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The MaxTrax Winch Ring takes more heavy metal out of your recovery rig by replacing the traditional snatch block with a simple 120mm-diameter polished aluminium ring, which your synth rope slides around. Again it is designed for use with soft shackles and synthetic winch rope to make vehicle recoveries as safe as possible

Website: www.maxtrax.com.au

Fox Factory Race Series 3.0 internal bypass piggyback DSC

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JL Wranglers were everywhere you looked at SEMA, with all manner of products for them. Premium shock absorber manufacturer FOX has stepped up the game for Jeep JL Wrangler suspension with the all-new Factory Race Series 3.0 Internal Bypass shocks.

These bolt-in rear shocks deliver extreme off-road performance without sacrificing everyday comfort, thanks to position-sensitive Internal Bypass technology, DSC adjusters, 3.0-inch aluminium bodies and finned piggyback reservoirs. Match them with the Fox shocks up front for the ultimate JL set-up.

Website: www.ridefox.com

ProCharger Jeep Wrangler JL 3.6L supercharger system

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Another quality product to improve the performance of the JL Wrangler, ProCharger has produced a complete air-to-air intercooled supercharger system for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL’s 3.6L V6 engine. These new systems produce a reliable 50 per cent + horsepower gain with just 7psi on otherwise stock JLs running premium pump fuel.

Website: www.ProCharger.com

Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 suspension upgrades

We were driving Chevrolet’s Colorado ZR2 on our SEMA trip and were super impressed by its suspension. Chevrolet Performance now offers the components of the suspension as individual products.

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The ZR2 High Angle Upper Control Arm enables increased upper ball joint articulation and increased front suspension travel. It increases cross car articulation by up to 18 per cent and features a sealed ball-joint design and boot design, providing protection from off-road elements.

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The ZR2’s Multimatic shocks have been retuned by Chevrolet Performance for off-road racing, and these replacement Long Travel Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve (DSSV) Shocks provide up to a 10 per cent increase in overall rear suspension travel on 2017+ Colorado ZR2 models. Intended exclusively for off-road use, we wonder if they’d bolt into our local Holden Colorado.

Website: www.Chevrolet.com/Performance

Patriot Campers X1GT

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Just like JLs were everywhere at SEMA, it seems you can’t turn around without seeing Patriot Campers and Supertourers in Australia. Its line of X1 and X2 camper trailers are super popular at home and are starting to make an impression on the burgeoning US market.

The X1 camper uses innovative features and patented designs to make overlanding easier no matter what side of the Pacific you are on. The integrated tent sets up in three minutes, a folding staircase ascends to a pocket-spring mattress, and independent suspension and an off-road hitch make the X1 one of the most capable trailers on the market.

Website: www.patriotcampers.com.au

Morryde trail kitchen

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Another product designed for the JL Wrangler but one that could be useful in the back of any 4x4, or even a trailer. The Trail Kitchen from MorRyde is a compact, modular bolt-in kitchen system that attaches to any solid, flat surface.

Offering more than 5.5ft² of counter space, 300 cubic inches of storage space, and room to accommodate the most popular 12-volt fridge/freezers in use today, it is perfect for any off-road vehicle.

Website: www.MORryde.com