New 4x4 Gear: Projecta battery meter, Safari 4x4 ECU, Piranha Off Road battery tray

Although the image of a proper custom 4x4 rig often includes big tyres, huge suspension lifts, and enough lighting power to drown out the sun, some of the most essential modifications are those that you cannot see.

Modifications like an ECU or extra components like a battery tray don't often cross the mind of the casual 4x4 owner, and can add extra hidden cost to your modification plans. In light of that we have taken the liberty to highlight these essential and often overlooked 4x4 gear for your convenience. You're welcome.

Projecta BM320 Smart Battery Meter

For those who tow caravans, camper-trailers or camper-vans, Projecta’s new BM320 Battery Meter is ideal.

The BM320 Smart Battery Meter is suited for use with 12V Wet, AGM, Calcium-type and Gel batteries up to 320amp/h in capacity. The battery data is easy to see thanks to the unit’s full-colour 2.4-inch LCD interface that actually includes two screens.

Screen one is for the beginner user and includes all information needed to check battery performance (voltage, charge/discharge, capacity remaining and time to empty/full), while the second screen provides additional info such as ambient temperature, battery capacity reading (ampere hour) and state-of-health (SOH).

There are two inbuilt alarms (low capacity and SOH) and a real-time clock with date and battery status display. The unit is super-accurate and also boasts self-learning capabilities to track and monitor battery SOH.

Website: www.projecta.com.au

Safari 4x4 ARMAX

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Safari 4x4 has released the new ARMAX Engine Control Unit (ECU) that is designed to work in conjunction with your vehicle’s OE ECU to produce up to 30-35 per cent more torque, 20-25 per cent more power and improved throttle response.

The ARMAX is also claimed to improve fuel consumption while reducing turbo lag. The unit is rated to IP68 for dust- and water-ingress protection (it is operable to a depth of one metre) and it also includes an Exhaust Gas Temp (EGT) control to monitor operating temperatures – a must for modern turbo-diesel engines.

The unit is backed by Safari’s engine protection systems that offer constant live monitoring of your vehicle during operation.

Website: www.safari4x4.com.au

Piranha Off Road cabin-mount battery tray: for Ford Ranger PX

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Piranha Off Road has expanded its impressive auxiliary battery tray range for Ford’s popular Ranger PX to three, with this new cabin-mount tray.

Already available in under-body and tub fitment versions, this new cabin-mount model is ideal for the remote tourer who will be off the grid for a few days and is keen to keep all their food (and beer) cold. This cabin-mount tray fits neatly behind the Ranger’s rear passenger seat on the driver’s side of the vehicle. It can be fitted with either a 100amp/h or 150amp/h battery, which means plenty of fridge time.

Designed in Melbourne, the tray’s 3mm steel is electro-plated for longevity and durability. By fitting this tray in-cabin, it frees up space under-body for a long-range fuel tank; plus, being out of the tub means more space for gear.

RRP: $365
Website: www.piranhaoffroad.com.au