New 4x4 gear from Opposite Lock, Ironman 4x4, Waeco and more!

IT’S time to dust off the camping gear, lower the tyre pressures and hit the dusty trails. Here’s a bunch of new kit you could use on your next adventure.

OPPOSITE LOCK REAR STEP TOWBAR
Oppy Lock’s premium steel rear step towbar range covers all the popular current-model 4x4 utes on the market: Ford Ranger, Holden Colorado, Isuzu D-Max, Mazda BT-50, Mitsubishi Triton, Nissan Navara, Toyota Hilux and VW Amarok. The heavy-duty tow hitch is rated specifically to each model’s towing capacity, and the 63mm steel tube and plate guard, designed for optimum departure angle, means the bar is super tough.

The mounting points for both Anderson and trailer plugs are up high as well. The bar is phosphate-cleaned and powdercoated black and includes an aluminium checkerplate step, plus high-lift jack mount points. The loop tube design offers ample protection for your rig’s rear end. The full kit includes rear step, towball-mounting hitch, rego plate light and rear sensors (where applicable).

Website: www.oppositelock.com.au
RRP: $1099

GARMIN INREACH SE+ & INREACH EXPLORER+
The inReach SE+ and Explorer+ combine sat-phone technology (via Iridium network) to allow two-way text messaging, emergency (SOS), and GPS navigation. Both units include inbuilt GPS, with the Explorer+ true to its moniker and adding preloaded topographic maps, as well as a barometric altimeter, compass and accelerometer. The inReach SE+ and Explorer+ can send and receive text messages from any email address, mobile phone, or another inReach unit.

The interactive SOS triggers an emergency response from GEOS (24-hour international emergency response) or you can set up your own emergency contacts list so they are alerted once you hit SOS. Both units claim up to 100 hours of battery life per charge in tracking mode and 30 days in power-save mode.

Website: www.garmin.com.au
RRP: $599 (inReach SE+); $699 (inReach Explorer+)

IRONMAN 4X4 INSTANT AWNING
Ironman’s popular Instant Awning has been revamped. The awning’s cam-lock telescopic uprights and supports have been upgraded and flexible nylon joints have been added to allow for movement due to strong winds, thus ensuring the track system doesn’t damage. Velcro pull-over clamps now make unrolling of the awning faster and easier.

Ironman uses tough 280gsm rip-stop polycotton fabric for durability, and the stitching is seam-sealed, ensuring the awnings are fully waterproof. The fabric is also rated to UV50+ sun protection and the awning is stored inside a 1000-denier waterproof PVC cover. Other features include an integrated LED light strip (with strip light dimmer), glow-in-the-dark guy ropes and a comprehensive installation kit. The Instant Awning is available in three sizes: 1.4m x 2.5, 2m x 2.5m, and 2.5m x 2.5m.

Website: www.ironman4x4.com
RRP: $245 (1.4m x 2.5m); $270 (2m x 2.5m); $295 (2.5m x 2.5m)

OZTENT KING KOKODA CHAIR
Oztent’s new King Kokoda sits within the new HotSpot chair range and is rated to 150kg. An Oztent HotSpot is a heating pouch that slots into any of the King Kokoda’s four HotSpot pockets. The HotSpot pouch is warmed by placing it in the supplied microfibre bag, immersing this in a billy that you bring to the boil and let simmer for five minutes.

The warmed pouch is then placed in one of the pockets and you’re set for an hour of warm comfort.The pouch can be used/reheated up to 500 times. The King Kokoda is built tough – heavy-duty steel frame, solid alloy armrests, comfy padded polyester – and features adjustable lumbar support. The carry bag stores in the headrest.

Website: www.oztent.com.au
RRP: $139.95

WAECO CFX75DZW FRIDGE/FREEZER
This new twin-compartment fridge/freezer from Waeco continues the company’s push into Wi-Fi tech, which means temperatures can be monitored remotely via the Dometic CFX app on your smartphone or tablet. The fridge/freezer features improved Variable Motor Speed Optimisation, enabling the compressor to maintain optimum cooling speed via ‘soft start’ or ‘turbo’ modes, and a three-stage battery protection set-up.

It measures 887mm (W) x 472mm (H) x 495mm (D), with a weight of 20.5kg. The low power draw is the result of thicker insulation in the unit. Inside, there’s LED lighting, and the evaporator plates are mounted flush, enabling easy cleaning. There’s also a USB charge point and tough latches, hinges and handles for securing it to your cargo area.

Website: www.dometic.com
RRP: $1799

TROJAN MOVABLE ANCHOR POINTS
For ute and trailer owners, Trojan has released two new anchor points: the Movable (in a twin-pack and rated to 125kg capacity) and the Heavy Duty (420kg capacity). The versatility of the anchor points means you can avoid drilling unsightly holes in your ute tray, as they can easily be attached to – and moved between – ute and trailer. The anchors feature extended-length screws for securing to different thicknesses and through different surfaces.

The Movable model has a rubber covering on its base and sides to avoid scratching ducos, while the Heavy Duty jobbie has a tough zinc-plated finish. The Heavy Duty anchor also includes a pivoting ring that offers up to 180 degrees of rotation to ensure easy access and effective tie-down force.

Website: www.trojanparts.com.au
RRP: $39.95 (Movable, twin-pack); $34.95 (Heavy Duty, single unit)