August 2024 issue of 4X4 Australia is out now

We’ve driven a Ford F-150 Lightning off-road on the sand of Bribie Island, and our review of the all-electric F-truck headlines another bumper issue of 4X4 Australia magazine.

Remanufactured to RHD by the team at Advanced Manufacturing Queensland (AMQ), the Lightning Extended Range had about 90 per cent charge (400km of range) when it was picked up from AUSEV’s conversion facility in Brisbane. Giving us a bit of juice to get to Bribie Island, have a play, and get back again! We also share our thoughts on how it performs compared to its combustion-powered stablemates.

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We were also flung the keys to an INEOS Grenadier Fieldmaster edition, which sits atop the three-model range. Powered by BMW’s 183kW/550Nm six-cylinder diesel engine, this variant was equipped with front and rear locking differentials; a raised air-intake snorkel; dual-battery system; 18-inch alloys wearing BF Goodrich KO2 A/T tyres; and a factory option winch. It’s a superb out-of-the-box 4x4 vehicle, and we can’t wait until the Quartermaster double-cab ute arrives later this year.

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We also dirtied the wheels of a tradie-spec Triton GLX+, a variant that sits one rung from the bottom of the Triton’s Aussie line-up. The new Triton has already proven itself a versatile off-roader, and the GLX+ is a step up from the base-spec GLX by replacing the standard steel wheels with alloys, adding side steps, rear privacy glass, front fog lights and some silver stitching. It also adds a differential lock to the rear axle. Matt reckons this model hits a sweet spot in the local line-up.

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Dex runs his eye over a BT-50 build that proves you don’t need to spend silly money to transform a 4x4 into a capable tourer. Among a host of kit, this BT features PSR struts and Blackhawk upper control arms; Dobinsons 500kg-static rated leaf springs; and a set of 17 x 9-inch Fuel Covert rims inside Maxxis RAZR AT811 295/70R17 rubber. Add to that a MoTop rooftop tent, a Bushwakka awning, and KickAss power, and you have a seriously capable rig.

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On the travel front we explore SA’s famous Bendleby Station and its surrounds, venture to the Golden Outback in WA – the remote and isolated part of the state’s mid-west – and then take a strong along the Great North Road north of Sydney, NSW.

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What else is there?

• I-Venture Trip to the Flinders Ranges
• Tell-all guide on how to set up a 4x4 for towing
• Wheel load ratings explained
• DOOG Booster Seat tested
• New gear, readers’ rigs, news and more!

The August 2024 issue of 4X4 Australia is out now.