The latest gear on the 4x4 market

WITH the warmer months just around the corner, it’s time to get your rig in tip-top shape.

Regardless of whether you’re an experienced remote-area tourer or a first-time adventurer, there’s always something you can add to your off-road repertoire.

So for this instalment we’ve assorted a range of aftermarket products that’ll make your next off-road venture that little bit easier.

HELPING HAND
YOU’LL be getting your mates out of mischief in no time with Sherpa 4x4’s new 17,000lb winch called The Steed. The heavy duty winch is designed, assembled and tested in Australia, so it’s made to withstand everything the harsh Aussie outback throws at it. The 6.6hp motor coupled with a three-stage planetary gearbox will make light work of whatever needs recovering. It’s compatible with almost all 4x4s and winch bars, and it’s available in 12- or 24-volt. There are synthetic rope or steel cable options available.
RRP: $949-$1299
Website: www.sherpa4x4.com.au

TOW, TOW, TOW YOUR BOAT
THE recently released Tow-Pro Classic from Redarc offers a single (user-controlled) mode of braking at the turn of a dial. Simple to use and easy to install, the next-generation brake controller has the power to stop you safely and comfortably when towing caravans, camper trailers, horse floats and boats. It’s suitable for 12-volt vehicle systems and is AL-KO ESC and Dexter Sway Control System compliant. It’s also able to operate electric and electric/hydraulic trailer brakes without manual selection, while the remote head can seamlessly be mounted in the cabin. It comes with a two-year warranty.
RRP: $275
Website: www.redarc.com.au

VICE CITY
WILTON’S All-Terrain Vise lets tradies turn their 4x4s into portable vice stations. The high-strength vice simply connects to a standard two-inch tow bar hitch. It can be transported from job to job and it’s ready to lock down as soon as you get there. Features include a hitch pin for security, a patented 360-degree locking handle and screws designed to fit tightly and limit vibration when driving. The lightweight vice is easy to carry and comes with a lifetime guarantee. It can be mounted in the tray of your ute or truck.
RRP: $289
Website: www.intercoequipment.com

SOLAR POWER
RELYING on mains power at a campsite is a thing of the past with the release of Redarc’s solar blanket range. The range includes three black solar blankets with SunPower cells in 115-, 150- and 190-watt power ratings and a flexible 112-watt red solar blanket with an Amorphous cell. The portable and lightweight blanket range includes newly designed solar regulators with Anderson SB50 connectors available in 10, 20 and 30amp models. A large three-inch backlit LED display allows you to monitor the solar panels, battery and system information. The blankets are backed by a two-year construction warranty and five years for the cells.
RRP: $1500 (approx.)
Website: www.redarc.com.au

CURVE BALL
COOLDRIVE Distribution has welcomed Ignite’s curved single-row LED light bars to its range. The curved light bar range is available in three sizes. Complementing the existing Ignite straight single-row LED light bars, the curved design provides a wider beam angle and improved aerodynamic efficiencies. Three different beam patterns are offered: spot (pencil), flood (spread), and a combination beam. The compact and lightweight 6063 extruded aluminium casing features a black anodised polyester powdercoating that is UV stabilised. While an IP68 rating protects against dust, moisture and water pressure. More features can be found on CoolDrive’s website.
Website: www.cooldrive.com.au

DAWN OF THE DEAD
THE new Jump Start Kit (UPP120) from Uniden is a must-have travel companion. It enables users to self-sufficiently recharge a flat car battery, power up a variety of devices and even adjust tyre pressure. A powerful 12V portable battery pack and a set of jump cables allow users to supercharge a flat battery. It has a lifecycle of 1000 discharges. In addition, motorists can inflate their own tyres while on the road with the help of a compact air pump with pressure gauge and an in-built air hose. The kit also packs a 2-1 mini USB/micro USB cable and an LED flashlight. Looks too small to be true.
RRP: $199.95
Website: www.uniden.com.au

HOW MUCH JUICE?
STAY on top of your battery’s life with an Ironman 4x4 12V Digital Battery Monitor. The new monitor displays a digital readout for both main and auxiliary batteries. To ensure your batteries are healthy the Ironman 4x4 monitor shows if either battery is undercharged (11V) or overcharged (15v). There is also a built-in auto dimming feature. The monitor can be used with dual or single battery set-ups. A mounting kit is also included.
RRP: $135
Website: www.ironman4x4.com

GOT THE CHILLS
KEEP those beers chilled in an Opposite Lock portable fridge/freezer. OL has added two fridges – a 42-litre and a 70-litre – to its range of accessories. The ideal travel partner is designed with attractive stainless-steel cabinets. Both fridge/freezers feature a durable polyurethane foam insulation, which provides top-class insulation. The units also feature a Snomaster 66W refrigeration compressor, an interior LED light, 12V/24V/240V power, and an insulated transit bag. They’re fully supported with a nationwide five-year national compressor warranty and a two-year national parts warranty.
RRP: $1249 (40L); $1549 (72L)
Website: www.oppositelock.com.au

BLOWIN’ IN THE WIND
HERE’S one way to rid your rig of leaves and muck: blow 270km/h air at it, with Bosch Blue’s new versatile cordless blower. Sure, there are better ways to clean your rig, but the blower has many more uses around the house or worksite. Its great for starting campfires for example. The 18-volt Professional Cordless Blower weighs in at a lithe 1.4kg and is only 523mm long, so it’s easy to lug around. The German-engineered blower is great addition to the tray of any 4x4.
RRP: $129
Website: www.bosch-pt.com.au