New 4x4 Gear: Ironman bullbar, ARB rear step, EZDown tailgate damper

Big is better, but small incremental changes often have their unappreciated merits, especially when it comes to the sort of 4x4 gear you choose.

A bullbar adds more than just mere style, but offers protection and serves as a platform to attach useful gear such as winches and driving lights, where as a rear step helps you gain better access to the rear cargo compartment, and a tailgate dampers aids in the raising and lowering of a tailgate. These new 4x4 gear brings those little improvements that make life with your ute so much better.

Ironman 4X4 Amarok TDV6 Bullbars

Ironman 4x4 has released two new bullbars for VW’s popular Amarok TDV6 (11/2016-onwards). The two bars – Commercial Deluxe and No Loop models – include all the expected goodies from the company, including full ADR compliance, airbag compatibility and the option(s) of a single or triple loop kit that includes replacement rubber over-riders and all fitting hardware.

The bars are created using premium-grade materials for optimum durability and maximum corrosion resistance. The designs feature triple folded edges, inset LED parking lights, fog lights, indicators, high-lift jack points, a winch mount, and provision for fitment of an aerial and spotties.

The Commercial bar offers increased protection for your vehicle’s grille and lights, etc., while the No Loop model provides great frontal protection with a more minimalist appearance.

Website: www.ironman4x4.com

ARB Summit Raw rear bar

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This new rear bar from ARB is a stripped-back, tough and protective accessory ideal for dual-cab utes destined for off-road work.

The Summit Raw features a 60.3mm black powdercoated tube and is situated lower down along the side of the tub than ARB’s Summit rear step tow bar. The Summit Raw is engineered to tow 3.5 tonnes and has provision for trailer plug wiring, compressor, trailer camera, 50amp Anderson plug and parking sensors.

The Summit Raw sits between a standard tow bar and the top-end Summit rear step tow bar, and is available for Ford Ranger PX and PXII, and Mazda BT-50. The ARB Summit Raw bar will also soon be available for the Toyota Hilux.

Website: www.arb.com.au

EZDown Reloaded

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EZDown, the inventor of the original hydraulic tailgate damper, has released its solution for lowering and raising ute tailgates, allowing you to control both the opening of the tailgate and offering assistance during closure.

The patented Reloaded system uses a Stabilus hydraulic dynamic oil damper that slows the descent of the tailgate, while a torsion pod builds up tension during the process. This tension is then released on the 14-coil, highly sprung steel torsion rod during raising and closure of the tailgate, allowing you to barely use a single finger to close it.

This tailgate-assist solution from EZDown is highly regarded in the industry, with Volkswagen, Toyota and Mazda among the many manufacturers that use it.

RRP: from $300
Website: www.ezdown.com.au