New 4x4 gear: Opposite Lock bullbar, Xtreme Outback heavy duty clutch kit, Ironman 4x4 solar mat kit

While the pen and paper is out plotting the route for your next adventure, why not deck out your 4x4 with some new aftermarket kit before you take off. Here’s just a small sample of what’s currently on the market:

OPPOSITE LOCK PREMIUM STEEL 3 LOOP BULLBAR – D-MAX

Oppy Lock has expanded its range of protective bar-work for the Isuzu D-MAX, with the release of its new Premium Steel 3 Loop Bullbar. This airbag-compliant bar includes a central split air dam, heavy-duty over-riders to protect against those carpark nudges, and a provision for fitting fog lights and low-mount electric winches. The central split air dam combines with the three-piece protection plate up front to minimise engine damage during a collision. The recessed LED indicator lenses are also well protected in the event of a collision. Also included are three quick-release aerial mounts, the option to fit spotties into the bar, and twin high-lift jack mounts. The two recovery points are rated at 3000kg, and the bar itself is phosphate cleaned and powdercoated in matte black to ensure durability and easy cleaning.

Website: www.oppositelock.com.au

XTREME OUTBACK HEAVY DUTY CLUTCH KIT – VW AMAROK

This heavy-duty upgrade is suited to 2011+ Amarok 2.0TD vehicles. Designed to offer increased clamping forces up to a claimed 30 per cent above the standard clutch, this kit does so while retaining a self-adjusting clutch cover and dual mass flywheel. For any Amarok-based off-roaders – and those who tow regularly – this kit is a worthwhile upgrade as it boosts durability and offers smooth operation. The kit includes the heavy-duty, self-adjusting pressure plate, a 240mm sprung organic friction disc, and a concentric slave cylinder. There’s little doubt this kit is built tough, with the ability to handle torque loads of up to 600Nm.

Website: www.xtremeoutback.com.au

IRONMAN 4X4 120W SOLAR MAT KIT

Packing plenty of power into a compact size, the new 120W solar mat kit from Ironman 4x4 is packed with efficient charging technology for all battery types (excluding lithium). The kit comprises a 12V digital five-stage 15A PWM (pulse width modulated) controller, a mat featuring six panels (20W each; the black monocrystalline C60 cells are claimed to be 22.5 per cent more efficient than others on the market), 50A heavy-duty Anderson style plugs, five-metre extension lead and a 0.8m extension lead with battery clamps. The increased efficiency means more Amp hours are delivered into the batteries being charged. All this packs up into a carry bag that measures 40x30cm and weighs a paltry 4kg.

Website: www.ironman4x4.com
RRP: $799

RHINO-RACK FOLDING AERIAL BRACKET

Radio aerials and flag antennae add considerable height to your 4x4, making the transition from outback travel to parking in urban areas with limited height clearance (read: low-roofed carparks) an often painful experience. Rhino-Rack’s new folding aerial bracket minimises the hassle of (often) having to remove the aerial or antenna from your rig, with up to seven customisable angles over a 180-degree arc. The bracket’s tough steel frame body features a large internal space design for associated cables and is compatible with Rhino-Rack’s Vortex, Heavy Duty, and Pioneer rack systems. You can also mount the bracket direct to the bullbar of your rig. Operation is easy – just pull the spring-engaged lever and move to the appropriate angle.

RRP: $89
Website: www.rhinorack.com.au

MSA 4X4 ACCESSORIES PROTECTION TUBES

Exploding beer bottles in the fridge/freezer when you’re away on a big trip is an off-roader’s worse fear. MSA 4X4 Accessories’ neoprene protection tubes are now available to remove that fear. The crew at MSA haven’t just gone with the chunkiest protection, either; the 2mm neoprene is just the right thickness to ensure protection and maximise storage. These come in two colours (red and black) for easy identification of the goodies inside, with the can and stubby version housing 12 tubes; the wine bottle model has six. There’s even a canvas storage bag that can be easily affixed to your fridge/freezer when not in use. These jobbies come with a lifetime warranty.

Website: www.msa4x4.com.au
RRP: from $34