New 4x4 Gear: Narva work lamps, Terrain Tamer gear sets, and more

Gear up and prep your 4x4 rig for the great outdoors with this month's essential 4x4 gear.

Narva 4X4 LED work lamps

These three 9-36V multi-voltage work lamps have been engineered by the Narva team to withstand rugged conditions, while emitting plenty of light thanks to the ‘Cree’ LEDs. The 72358 lamp features five 3W LEDs for a total output of 1050 lumens.

The next model up – the 72364 – pushes out 1800 lumens, courtesy of its two 10W LEDs. The top-end 72360 uses four 5W LEDs to produce 2000 lumens.

Both the 72358 and 72364 produce a wide-spread, flood-beam pattern, while drawing minimal current. For those keen on a spot-beam pattern, the 72360 (current draw 1.6A at 12V; 0.7A at 24V) is the go.

The lamps are sealed to IP68 levels (waterproof to one metre) and are built tough; die-cast, powdercoated aluminium housing and polycarbonate lenses combine to ensure durability, backed up by stainless-steel mounting hardware.

Website: www.narva.com.au

Reese ratcheting cargo bar

Gear moving about in the back of your vehicle is annoying and can be dangerous. We always recommend tying down gear in the back, but this cargo bar from Reese would be ideal as an additional load-securing device, regardless of whether you have a pile of camping gear or the shopping back there.

The aluminium bar simply extends to the width of your cargo area (range: 1020mm-1780mm) and is then tensioned via a ratchet, with the rubber-capped ends ensuring you don’t scratch up the load area surfaces. Once secured, the bar will keep gear from sliding back and banging against the hatch/rear door area of your vehicle. It’s a simple design that is well-priced and works effectively.

RRP: $70
Website: www.reeseproducts.com.au

Terrain Tamer modified ratio gear sets

Available for a number of Toyota models, along with some Nissan and Suzuki vehicles, these new gear sets from Terrain Tamer offer an approximate 15 per cent increase or reduction in the vehicle’s transfer case ratio.

The Japanese-made gear sets (made using Terrain Tamer tooling) thus allow owners to adjust their vehicle’s gearing to suit the particular type of driving they do; opting for the lower-ratio set means a smoother, more controlled delivery of power and torque, ideal when tackling some low-speed rock-crawling or challenging climbs.

Going for the higher-ratio option means you get a drop in engine revs for more relaxed cruising on-road, plus improved fuel consumption. Toyota LC79, LC76 and Troopy owners take note!

Website: www.terraintamer.com

Projecta emergency lithium jump starters

Projecta has expanded its jump-starter range with the addition of two new models that feature lithium iron battery tech for enhanced performance. Both new models – LS950 (950Av 12V) and the punchier LS1250 (1250Av 12V) – include high-rate discharge lithium iron phosphate batteries that allow for up to 1800 battery cycles.

The LS950’s 950A peak amps and 290A clamp power make it powerful enough for jump-starting diesel engines up to 3.2L and petrol donks up to 6.0L. The LS1250 ups this with 1250A peak amps and 400A clamp power, suitable for diesel engines up to 4.5L and petrol up to 7.0L.

Both units can also double as power banks, via their included USB ports.

RRP: $290 (LS950); $395 (LS1250)
Website: www.projecta.com.au

Pelican duffel bags

Pelican cases are globally renowned for toughness and durability, and the company has recently applied that DNA to the humble duffel bag, releasing 100L and 40L models.

The 100L features robust 1000-denier nylon that is water resistant, thanks to its DWR (Durable Water Repellency) coating. It also includes a water-resistant media pocket, a separate protective laptop pocket inside the lid, tough YKK zips all-round (with a water-resistant YKK zip on the external media pocket), convertible shoulder straps and additional ballistic nylon-coated, compression moulded EVA ‘impact zones’ on the bottom corners for even more durability.

The carry handles are padded, the main compartment has assorted pockets for additional storage, and it has a lifetime guarantee. The 40L is a shrunken version of the big-bopper model, with the same features. Both models include reflective Pelican logos, so you’ll never lose them.

RRP: $249.95 (100L); $199.95 (40L)
Website: www.pelicanstore.com.au

Explore Australia by Camper Trailer

Respected travel journo and photographer Lee Atkinson has released this comprehensive guide to the best destinations for camper trailer owners.

Specifically focused on camper trailers (the first guidebook of its kind), the 352-page tome details some of the more remote campgrounds that can be found in national parks and along outback tracks. More than 320 camper trailer campsites (a mix of bush destinations, national parks, free campsites, station stays and caravan parks) are reviewed in the book.

The destinations are located in 50 regional areas and the information covers everything from local bushwalks and day trips, to fishing spots, bike trails and more.

RRP: $40
Website: www.hardiegrant.com/au