Project Toyota HiLux gets Opposite Lock gear

IT HAS been a long journey, but the final pieces of the Loaded Lux puzzle are coming together as we get ready to give away this exciting get-away package to one of our lucky readers. For this last fit-up we headed to Opposite Lock’s store in Dandenong to get some gear from Front Runner fitted and, while we were there, we also fitted one of the all-new Opposite Lock fridges on an MSA 4x4 fridge slide.

Click here for your chance to win 4x4 Australia's Custom Toyota Hilux.

Front Runner is a South African brand of quality storage and protection products, and as the Saffas share our love of bush travel and have harsh terrain similar to our own, their stuff is generally top notch and built tough. The Front Runner gear is no exception – we’ve been running a Slimline roof rack on an LC200 for a few years now and have no complaints about it.

RACK ’EM UP

WITH this in mind we again chose the Front Runner Slimline II rack to sit over the cab of the HiLux, as its low profile keeps it in line with the tent on the back and its versatility is unrivalled. Front Runner offers a specific fitting kit and size to suit the popular double-cab HiLux.

The versatility of the rack comes from its slots in each of the aluminium crossbars, which accommodate sliding eye bolts that can tie down specific accessories. This include clamps and brackets for mountain bikes and kayaks, as well as popular 4x4 accessories like spare wheels, high-lift jacks, jerry-cans, shovels, awnings, roof-top tents and more. There’s even a swing-out arm that you can hang your shower bag from.

This will allow the lucky winner of the HiLux to tailor the rack to his or her own needs. However, one accessory we have included is a clever camp table that slides in under the rack to take up space that’s normally wasted.

The Slimline II racks are made from powder-coated aluminium, so they are lightweight and durable. The design of the slats and surround make it rigid, while the slats can be moved to best accommodate your loads. Extra slats can also be added to create a solid load bed. The HiLux rack measures 1165mm x 1358mm and includes a wind deflector at the front to limit wind noise.

BUMP & GRIND

OPPOSITE Lock also fitted a Front Runner sump guard to the HiLux. This is a 3mm steel plate that replaces the factory tin plate to better protect your engine sump from the potential damage caused by scraping against rocks and ruts when driving off-road. It’s powder-coated for longevity and, being steel, it’s tough and offers superior protection to the underside of the vehicle.

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CHILL FACTOR

OUR arrival at Opposite Lock couldn’t have been better timed, as it coincided with the launch of the new OL stainless-steel fridge/freezer range. These are another South African-made product, and Opposite Lock has chosen 40- and 72-litre sizes.

Inside the stainless-steel case these fridges have a think 60mm of polyurethane insulation, so once that 66-Watt SnoMaster compressor gets the contents down to temp, it keeps them there longer without having to switch on as often. Speaking of temp, the fridge will chill down to -22 degrees and up to 10 degrees. The compressor draws 5A on full power or 2.5A on low current draw, and the unit operates on 12, 24 or 240V, with a variable low voltage cut-out option.

The 40-litre unit, as fitted to the back of the HiLux, features three internal baskets, an LED interior light and a door open warning chime. It also comes with a remote temperature controller and a transit bag. External cabinet measurements are 600 x 420 x 520mm (WxDxH). The lid side-opens on stainless hinges and there are stainless handles at each end, so it can be easily lifted and tied down.

The new Opposite Lock stainless-steel fridges retail for $1249 for the 40-litre, single-door model and $1549 for the bigger dual-zone, double-door, 72-litre version. They both come with a five-year manufacturer’s warranty on the compressor and two-year parts warranty.

The OL crew mounted the fridge on a top-notch slide from MSA 4x4, so it’s now a simple task of dropping the tailgate, sliding out the fridge and dipping inside to retrieve a coldie at the end of a long day driving. The Australian-engineered MSA slide is anodised and powder-coated, so, like the stainless-steel OL fridge, it will stand up to the elements when it’s exposed in the HiLux tub.

CONTACT
OPPOSITE LOCK
Stores: Nationwide
Website: www.oppositelock.com.au

OPPOSITE LOCK DANDENONG
Where: U4/97 Monash Drive, Dandenong, Victoria, 3175.
Contact: (03) 8788 8277

Want to know more about the Project Toyota HiLux build? Follow the link to find out.