New 4x4 gear: TJM Fox Monotube, Pelican cooler, Ironman 4x4 bullbar and more!

ANNUAL leave has been approved and the fourby is ready to roll. Now it’s time to get some top quality aftermarket kit for your Christmas getaway.

TJM FOX MONOTUBE SHOCK ABSORBER
Aussie aftermarket brand TJM has partnered with FOX suspension to produce a unique and innovative monotube shock tuned to Australian driving conditions. This all-new damper features a single-wall design (for faster heat dissipation), a two-inch smooth bore and honed alloy steel tube that ups the oil capacity for enhanced damping grunt, and nitrile rubber bushes to keep everything quiet underneath.

The shock’s internal floating piston is designed to offer optimum on- and off-road handling by separating the oil and gas in the shock, thus reducing shock fade. The shaft is constructed of 16mm hard chrome-plated, heat-treated alloy for robustness and the shock is compatible with vehicles that are 50 to 75mm higher than standard. At launch, the shock is available for Jeep JK Wrangler, Nissan GQ and GU Patrol, Toyota LC79, LC78 and LC76 wagon, plus 80 and 105 Series Cruisers. The TJM FOX monotube shock absorber comes with a three year/100,000km warranty.
Website: www.tjm.com.au

SUUNTO SPARTAN SPORT WRIST HR BARO
Yep, it’s a mouthful, but this new GPS sportswatch from Suunto is packed with a lengthy list of features for adventurers and tourers. The watch uses GPS/GLONASS satellites to ensure accuracy when you’re outside, and it now includes an inbuilt barometer, which increases accuracy of altitude and location readings plus offers storm warnings if it detects a sudden drop in air pressure.

The watch includes all the sports/training related features, with heart rate measured via its internal wrist heart rate monitor (at the back of the watch) and a daily activity tracker. Sunrise and sunset times are inbuilt, and advanced navigation features include route navigation, POI notification and estimated time of arrival – perfect for bushwalkers, mountain bikers, paddlers and tourers. You can also download ‘heatmaps’ (routes) that showcase popular tracks and trails.
Website: www.suunto.com.au

RRP: $800

PELICAN 50QT ELITE COOLER
Famous for its tough waterproof protective cases, Pelican also produces high-end coolers that are just as bombproof. The 50QT Elite features 47 litres capacity, stainless-steel hardware, along with 50mm of polyurethane insulation and a freezer-grade gasket for a claimed 10 days of ice retention.

The 50QT’s robust build comprises a sloped drain and tethered threaded plug, moulded handles (with inbuilt trolley handle), tie downs and a lock hasp, and rugged wheels for dragging it around the campsite. There’s also a cool (excuse the pun) fish scale on the lid to check the length of your catch and an inbuilt bottle opener. Pelican’s reputation for robust products is also reflected in the cooler’s lifetime guarantee.
Website: www.pelicanstore.com.au
RRP: $429.95

IRONMAN 4X4 NO LOOP BULLBAR
This new steel bullbar from Ironman 4x4 offers a minimalist appearance without sacrificing toughness or the ability to fit accessories such as lights and radio aerials. The No Loop bar improves a 4x4’s approach angle and includes integrated mounting points for fitment of driving lights. There is provision to fit a winch, and the bar includes inbuilt fog lights and LED indicator lights. The bar meets ADR standards and is airbag compatible.

The black powdercoat finish is matched by the rugged polyurethane bumpers, and you can option a single chrome loop for an additional cost. The No Loop bar is available for NP300 Navara, MQ Triton (2015+), Hilux (2015+), PXII Ranger and Everest, MY17 Colorado and MY17 D-Max. The single chrome loop kit is available for all these vehicles.
Website: www.ironman4x4.com
RRP: $1315 (bar); $247.50 (optional single chrome loop kit)

OZTENT RX-4
The RX-4 is a two-room, full-height waterproof tent that expands on the original OzTent design. The full RX-4 package contains a number of new features – zip-in heavy-duty heat-sealed PVC tub entry floor, a SkyMesh skylight (this unzips and has a flymesh screen), and included fly – and is made from the new ModCan material developed exclusively by OzTent.

This new material is rated to CPAI-84 flame retardant, is waterproof, UV-resistant, super-strong and more ‘breathable’ than regular canvas, thus further minimising condensation. The RX-4 offers a fast set-up bush accommodation that, when all combined, offers two spacious rooms that are weatherproof. You can also opt to set up the single tent by itself for even faster camps. All flyscreens are No See-Um mesh and the full-height areas make this a great option for the touring family.
Website: www.oztent.com.au
RRP: $1999

YAKIMA SHOWDOWN
Just in time for summer, Yakima has released the ShowDown. This load-assist setup provides between 30 to 45 per cent weight assistance (figure dependent on boat width) when you are loading your watercraft on top of your vehicle. The load limit is 36kg – plenty for a river/sea kayak or two SUPS. The universal mount system fits most racks (the ShowDown can’t be used with clamp-style roof-racks), is easy to fit and folds down flat when not in use.

The ShowDown brings the boat holders down to waist level (tilting down approximately 650mm), making loading your watercraft onto a tall 4x4 a doddle. The felt-covered cradles prevent scratching/damage and are designed to flex to conform to your kayak’s hull. All tie-down straps are included.
Website: www.yakima.com.au