The latest and greatest in 4X4 touring was on show as thousands of keen-as-mustard 4WDers poured into the RNA showgrounds for the annual Brisbane 4X4 & Outdoors show.
crowds gather at the ARB display
Run in conjunction with the Brisbane Tinnie and Tackle show, punters turned up early to catch the best cut-price specials on offer. All the way from the biggest 4×4 accessory manufacturers and distributors down to the purveyors of great little Aussie inventions were present in the long list of exhibitors at the Brisbane 4×4 show. ARB and Ironman, for example had massive displays of goods and accessories. The Biji Barbi, designed and made by Tony Upton, is a great example of a beaut little idea that has been well executed. The Biji’s strength is in its simplicity and versatility for cooking over any burner or fire you have at the campsite.
Ironman’s new dualcab LandCruiser laden with show specials
Regular retail prices were slashed and arms were loaded up with winches, fridges and swags as the crowds took advantage of the one-time special deals. Even big-ticket items like camper trailers had heavily reduced prices, tempting many into picking up a bargain.
The show was awash with new solutions to problems faced by the touring community. Got a heavy load on the back of your touring rig, but don’t like the idea of airbags? Then maybe the Drivetech Sumosprings can help you out. Working with leaf spring and increasing the spring rate through a tough, rubber block that is virtually impossible to damage. It is also claimed to be a maintenance-free, fit and forget option. follow this link for more information
SumoSprings on display
What about the Hitch Master? Few Aussie inventions can claim international recognition and accolades, but this little beauty is one of them. A simple pulley system allows your rig your rope up and multiply your pulling strength. It packs up in a small box and can be used for lifting, light winching or anything that is heavy and has to be moved. Genius!
One new product that caught the eye of the PC4x4 team was the ‘Tube’ built by Iland Green Technologies out of Switzerland. Combining a 35w amorphous solar panel and a compact 200Wh battery in one easily packed and portable tube is great. This effectively stops the problem of fragile solar panels being damaged on the road, and also allows the unit to hold and dispense charge any time. This brilliant bit of gear was showcased by the guys from Lifesaver and Byfield Optics. For more information, go to http://www.iland-solar.com/
Iland Green Technology’s new technology portable solar
A newcomer to the Australian dual cab 4×4 market, the Foton Tunland made a big appearance at the Brisbane 4×4 show. Showcasing the Cummins ISF 2.8 turbocharged diesel sitting in the tray of the cab, the Tunland offers another eagerly priced dual cab option for those not willing to spend the big dollars on a new 4X4. Opinions have been varied about the Tunland, we will have to wait and see how they handle the Outback! Go to www.fotonauto.com.au/ for more info.
Foton Tunland
You could hear the Action area thundering all day with the TJM Austruck Extreme 4×4 competition, a knockout comp that ran for three days and included some of the most competitive winch trucks Australia has to offer.
the DPchip Extreme Show got the crowds cheering with some insane and hilarious stunts, they even had a ride-on esky! The crowd getting involved with the 4WD Test Rides and adrenaline-fuelled joyrides on the ATVs.
The show was one of the biggest on record.
“From the very moment the gates opened and until they closed on Sunday evening, we had people everywhere. The Action Arena grandstands were packed full throughout all three days with the DPChip Extreme Show featuring the all-new Can-Am Maverick and the TJM Austruck Extreme 4×4 Competition wowing the crowds,” said Paul Morgan, event organiser.
“Visitors to the Show were also buying up big with many of our exhibitors reporting strong sales and customer interest – Conqueror camper trailers for example achieved sales three times higher than that of last year.
“This demonstrates the continued popularity of the National 4×4 & Outdoors Show in Queensland as a destination for ideas and inspiration as well as a place to purchase the latest products and accessories from leading brands, making for a value-packed day out.”
The new Nissan Patrol’s powerplant
And of course, stand 810, was a thriving hub of activity and chock full of special deals. Fans congregated to meet MR4X4 himself and check out the new Y-62 Nissan Patrol. Packing 298kW of silky V8 power and enough luxury to make Prince Charles feel guilty, the new Patrol demonstrates ultimate refinement in a 4X4.
Jacqui Lambrecht, from Petrie in Queensland was the lucky winner of the 7 night holiday at Eurong Beach Resort, Fraser Island. She was randomly picked from thousands of entrants to claim to prize.
Another lucky attendant walked away from the show with $15,000 worth of goodies, simply by walking through the gate. Not too bad!
Missed out this year? Don’t miss the 2014 show, already planned to be bigger and better!
