After six years in an Amarok, I felt entitled to try something new. Of course, I was wrong. Just ask social media. Like a footy player who had gone to the dark side, I was a turncoat. How dare I place my butt in the seats of the best selling vehicle on the market!  

And while people generally don’t like change, I do. At least when it comes to 4X4s. I knew the Amarok’s inside and out and loved them, but “Dear Volkswagen, it’s not you, it’s me”. I wanted a fresh start. Well, there’s more to it than that, including an opportunity to help engineer the next model of Ranger (which ironically will also be the next Amarok). It was an opportunity to work with Ford that I couldn’t pass up.  

Probably the biggest difference I noticed when modifying the Ranger, was the plethora of parts available. If one part was out of stock, you could grab another ten different brands. Suspension, wheels, switchgear, you name it. If someone is going to make a 4X4 accessory, it’s likely they’ll build it for the Ford Ranger first. And why wouldn’t you? Not only is the Ford Ranger the top seller, it eclipses the second-placed HiLux by a mile when it comes to private vehicle sales (the HiLux gains much of its volume by sales to the mines).  

EXTERIOR 

The duco of the bi-turbo WildTrak is Sabre Orange, so I thought I would try for the old black and orange look for my ride. So it was off to ARB Moorebank for a black steel Summit Bar. It’s a fantastic quality winch bar that fits like a glove, and features a couple of hi-lift jack points, while importantly transferring all of the frontal collision sensors of the Ford.  ARB side rails are also attached and run neatly down to the side steps. It’s a neat touring package all-round.  

Inside the bullbar sits a new VRS 12,500lb winch from Ateco. The control box sits up front, and out of that sits a wire connected to a receiver, which means the winch can be remote controlled. It’s a nice small remote control unit with a 30-metre range, which can attach to your key fob; handy if you’re driving and winching at the same time. The VRS winch is IP68 dust and water-rated, thanks to double-lipped seals. Synthetic winch rope comes as standard.  

Australian made UltraVision Nitro 180 lights sit up front, and this is my first experience with them. Oh my gawd – they throw some serious light! I’ve never had such light power up front. They’re a premium light, that’s for sure, and are buyers get the choice of two colour temperatures – 4000k or 5700k. Basically, it’s the difference between a warm light or a white light. The Nitro’s are mounted on an adjustable stainless steel bracket and come with a five-year warranty. But that’s not where the lighting story ends. The leading edge of the Rhino roof rack features a full-width UltraVision Nitro Maxx 305W 35-inch light bar. There’s nothing like a party trick, and with new passengers on board, I simply flick the high beams and wait for the expletives! It’s actually the closest thing to daylight I’ve had at night. The cool thing with these Nitro lights is the fact that they can be run on low beam or high beam, controlled by a three-stage switch. But even cooler, is the fact that they’re colour-coded from the Swan Hill factory. Just give the Ultra Vision team your paint code, and they’ll match it. This is an awesome feature in my books, as it just adds the finishing touch to your 4X4.  

Yet one of the crowning glories of the roof rack is a pair of colour-coded Atom 25W work lamps. They sit mid vehicle and are one of the most practical features of the vehicle. More often than not, I arrive at camp later than expected, and we amble into camp after dark. Pop on the Atom’s off both sides though, and your campsite is instantly lit so you can see exactly where to roll out the swag. I’ve got mine wired off my Revolution Power Australia 100AH lithium batteries in the tray, so I never have to worry about flat batteries. I even left them on overnight accidentally in the Barrington Tops, and they were shining just as bright the next day after eight hours of runtime.  

Also up there on my Rhino rack and sitting atop the ARB canopy, is a product that I’m rather excited about. It’s a shovel holder. I know, it doesn’t take much for me to get excited… But it is the best design of a shovel holder in the universe. Having used the screw down design for the past few decades (and having shovels fall off on the freeway) this new system is far superior. Not only does it click/ratchet down onto whatever sized handle you have, it doesn’t shake loose. All you need to do is press the two buttons and the catch releases. To install your shovel, just pop it on, and click down on the arm. It’s simple and awesome. Although this is only a prototype, so don’t be surprised if this Aussie-designed masterpiece takes a few months to land in stores.  

Also mounted upstairs on the Rhino rack backbone setup, is an 85-Watt Redarc solar panel, and a pair of ExiTrax Ultimate recovery boards. The recovery boards are pretty cool, as they have the new Exi-link system, which allows you to link two ExiTrax together.   

You might think that I underdid it on the solar panel, but I do carry a Redarc 150-Watt solar blanket on board for those long stays in the one spot. Incidentally, the wiring for the solar panel is well hidden, thanks to Rhino Rack’s new platform, which allows the wiring to be fed through the internals leaving no unsightly cable ties or loose cable.  

An ARB Summit rear step tow bar has been installed to protect the tail end of the Ford Ranger. I’ve watched these rear bars develop over the years, and ARB keeps on refining the product, with smaller panel gaps and better finishes. I’ve given the rear bar some serious curry in recent times, and it saved a rear quarter panel from serious damage. A nice touch is the location of the trailer and Anderson plugs – they’re up and out of the way and aren’t subjected to rock damage.  

The ARB colour-coded canopy not only looks great but is a nice watertight fit. They’re made in ARBs New Zealand factory, and fit like a glove on the tub. The central locking feature is something I never want to live without, and the flap on the front of the canopy helps keep it positively pressurized to minimize dust ingress. Believe me, it works. I initially forgot to flip it open, and my canopy instantly filled with dust. But after flipping it open very little dust has entered my drawers.  There’s also an LED courtesy light at the rear of the canopy. 

To assist with towing and general vision, Clearview Next-Gen mirrors have been installed. I’m a big fan of the more compact streamlined look, and the in-built indicators are seriously bright. But the main features of having a short- and long-range mirror remain, which affords excellent vision. Plus, the Ranger mirrors operate on the same electronic switch as factory, so you can power fold them back to the body.  

UNDERBODY & SUSPENSION 

Outback Armour suspension with around a 50mm lift has jacked the Ranger into the air. It has also allowed me to fit 285/70 R17 BF Goodrich KM3 Mud-Terrain rubber. That’s 33s in the old speak. Thankfully, despite their bigger diameter, the spare tyre fits nicely under the rear of the rig. For the Wildtrak specifically, I’ve put Adjustable Bypass – Expedition HD’s up front, that feature a 50mm lift (with height adjustment), as well as 20 different settings for damping control in a coil-over-shock design. In the rear, I’ve matched up the Performance 60mm twin-tube shocks with appropriate load-carrying leaf-packs. Suffice to say, I’m really happy with it.  

ARB Moorebank also installed the steel bash plate, which protects not only the sump but the transfer case as well. It’s a meaty construction, and the front recovery point is integrated into this setup too.  

Also under the Ranger is the Long Ranger fuel tank. It replaces the stock plastic tank and beefs out capacity to 150-litres. It’s made of 2mm aluminized steel and importantly houses a drain plug. It’s worth noting that plastic aftermarket tanks, while being lighter in weight, don’t have a drain plug. Worth knowing if you get a bad batch of diesel and need to drain your tank in a hurry.  

INTERIOR 

Undoubtedly some of the biggest transformations are housed in the tub of the Ranger. A Melbourne-made Fourby Fitout drawer system is at the heart of it all, and I’m a big fan of the fit, finish and weight of this unit. I opted to go with a customized system, made up of one long drawer, sitting next to an Engel fridge drawer. The Engel is really made for this system and has a nice gap above it allowing the compressor adequate ventilation. The Engel fridge drawer is awesome, in that it keeps drinks amazingly cold, and hard wired, you never have to worry about cords popping out or losing power.  

The Clearview Easy Slide effortlessly drops the big Engel MT-V 60-litre combi model to a useful height I’m a big fan of the fridge/freezer design, as having a freezer on-board has been brilliant. And what you may not appreciate is the low power draw of the Engel’s. While other fridges are chewing up to 8 or even 11 Amps, the Engel always chews under 3 amps. This is due to the ultra-efficient Sawafuji compressor, which boasts just one moving part. Some fridges out there are fancier, but none are better.  

The nooks and crannies around the central drawers have allowed us to mount all manner of items. The compressor sits on the left of the Engel, while up front are a couple of Revolution 100AH lithium batteries. These are no-nonsense batteries that hold their charge incredibly well, and charge up fast. And they don’t overstate their power like some cheaper brands.  

Switching that 12-volt grunt into 240-volts is a Redarc 2000 watt pure sine wave inverter. This powers truckloads of gear, and will happily drive sandwich presses and coffee makers. The Redarc Manager 30 controls the whole system and allows rapid charging via alternator or solar power. And best of all, you can track the whole system via an LCD screen at the rear of the drawers. It’s brilliant being able to track your power usage and battery life, and particularly handy when you stumble upon a great camp and need to stay for days. That’s when you really need to monitor your power.  

For UHF comms, I’m running the Uniden UH9080. The brains of the unit are mounted under the seat, leaving just the handset up on the dash. I’ve trialled a few other brands over the last few years, but the quality of the speaker in the Uniden is what sets it apart. That, and my other favourite feature, the replay button. If you miss a transmission (easy to do if you’ve got the tunes turned up), you can just hit the replay button and hear it again.   

The UH9080 is paired with one of Uniden’s ATX970 heavy-duty fibreglass antennas with a stainless–steel spring base. This antenna has a 6.6dBi gain and is suited to all-round use in various terrain types. The antenna is mounted to Uniden’s MBU-05BK heavy-duty folding antenna mount bracket, which provides a quick and easy way to fold the antenna down if you run out of height, such as in tight scrub or when mall-crawling underground car parks. 

When you go wheeling in a top-spec vehicle like the Wildtrak, adorned with leather and fanciness, there is an element of guilt in getting them dirty. To that end, I’ve wrapped the seats in Black Duck seat covers, using their new 4-Elements material. I prefer it over canvas as it’s more comfortable to sit on, but it is still waterproof and machine washable. Plus, they look pretty damn awesome, with the personalized orange stitching, which matches the Wildtrak dash.  

The floor carpets are protected with Australian-made Trufit 3D mats. They’re a nice deep dish and hold plenty of sand/mud or even water. And while they look very high end, you can hit the filthy mats with a gurney at the end of the trip to get them back to new. I never knew you could do this with carpet. They also have a high-quality rubber version, which we have fitted to our Everest. To stop the mats slipping and sliding around, they’re adorned with a backing called ‘Maxpider’. It grips the carpet like a squirrel, and the mats never slip anywhere.  

Still on the floor, is a Kap Industries fire extinguisher setup. Melbourne-based Kap has gone to the trouble of creating custom brackets for every make and model of 4WD. You simply whip out the factory seat bolts, line up the bracket, and bolt it back in. At well under $100 complete with a fire extinguisher, it’s a superbly smart installation.  

Up on the dash, I’ve mounted an Ultimate 9 EVC throttle controller. I’ve been using them for years, first as a customer and now as a sponsor. They’re easy to install and give your throttle super-human capabilities. And while they don’t actually create more power, they do allow you to access the power you have more quickly, or slowly. If you’re after more pedal feel, just dial up the switch to nine. Want a more subtle throttle response for rock crawling? Dial it back. The Ultimate 9 also has an economy mode.  

THE PACKAGE 

There’s little doubt that I’ve thrown the kitchen sink at the Wildtrak. Many asked why I didn’t go for the Raptor model, and while I love its handling attributes, it doesn’t carry a load as well as the leaf spring models. The bi-turbo model has ample grunt despite the added load, runs like a steam train. The ten-speed auto is rather awesome, and makes the most of the engine power. It’s a sweet ride indeed, and I’m incredibly happy with the end result. 

Words by Pat Callinan 

Images by Tommy Salmon 

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The mounting brackets, that suit the Redarc BCDC range, assist with the installation of the units at the front of the vehicle, ensuring they stay cool, and with the best possible airflow for our hot Australian conditions. Redarc has just added the Mitsubishi Triton MR Diesel and Pajero models (2019-onwards) with the BCDCMB-009 model bracket, as well as the BCDCMB010, to suit the Nissan GU Patrol Series 4 – 9 models in diesel variant (01/2005 – 04/2016).

The brackets are vehicle specific, which ensures that the sizing and mounting placement is perfect for the secure fitment of the BCDC charging range within the engine bay. Aside from having the unit in front of the radiator in the fresh air, it also removes any need to drill holes or make up custom brackets as part of a dual-battery install. This will save both time and money, allowing a bolt-on professional install.

Aside from the new additions, the entire range of Redarc BCDC mounting brackets consists of:

Built in Australia and proudly bearing the Australian-made logo, the new BCDC mounting brackets and chargers are tested for the harshest conditions, meaning they will work in the extremes of the outback to the alpine region and not let you down. Like all REDARC products, the BCDC mounting brackets and charger range come with nation-wide support, including a 2-year hassle-free warranty and after-sales service to answer any questions.

For more information visit redarc.com.au/battery-chargers/mounting-brackets

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ARB has just launched a brand-new product to market that makes its modular drawer systems that much more modular. The new ARB Slide Kitchen fits into the standard ARB Drawer System and includes a benchtop, gas stove, utensil drawer and kitchen sink. The new drawer is a full-extension, freestanding drawer that also includes an auto-locking mechanism that stops the drawer from rolling closed while in use – handy if you park the four-wheel drive nose down. The drawer features a 1250mm stainless steel bench-top and has a 30kg load limit so it’ll take a bit of weight for those of us who get to cook for an extended family.

Included with the ARB Slide Kitchen is a three-burner Thetford stove, which has a tempered glass top that also doubles as a splash-back while in use. The new Thetford stove also has ‘Flame-Out’ technology that automatically cuts off gas flow if the flame were to blow out, or when the lid is closed on the stove. The kitchen comes with a 12-litre collapsible sink with plug that also doubles as a drying rack for when you’re done cooking and the kids (yeah, right) are on clean-up duty. This stores away neatly in the utensil drawer while not in use too.

If you’re not planning on running the kitchen full-time, or you use the drawers in the back of your rig for day-to-day life, then you can even get an optional replacement drawer that can be swapped out quickly and easily in place of the ARB Slide Kitchen.

Worth a mention here too, if you’ve got the ARB Outback Solutions drawers already, the new ARB Slide Kitchen can be integrated into them as well, saving you having to replace your well-loved drawers in the back of your rig.

Pricing of the new ARB Slide Kitchen is set at $2795 (East Coast Metro) and includes the kitchen and outside housing for the single drawer. As we said above, you can run this with the ARB Outback drawers you already have as a pair, or run it by itself. It all depends on how you have the back of your rig set up.

RRP: $2795 (East Coast Metro)

Website: ARB

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More than a few modifications to our four-wheel drives these days come at the expense of tricking the vehicle into doing what you want, as opposed to what it’s designed to do. Whether that be tuning, rail-pressure chips, or even the less-than-legal DPF removal chips; they all tell your four-wheel drive something is there, or reading a certain value, when it’s not. The team over at Proud Rhino in the US has released an interesting little ‘hack’ that tricks the air suspension in the new Land Rover Defender into thinking it’s two inches lower than it really is, thus the Defender gains a two-inch lift.

How it all works, is that you can install a set of arms that connect the height sensors with the chassis, that are of a different length. For example, one-inch extended brackets offer up a one-inch increased height of the Landy. Where it gets interesting, is that this affects all modes; so even at it’s lowest, it will still be an inch higher. The other option is to go for the two-inch lifted arms, and as you’d expect, two-inch lift in the Defender.

The greatest thing about the ‘hack’ (or mod if you will), is that you can install the new arms with no tools at all, and they’re being called an ‘upgrade’ by the manufacturer, featuring new bushes and anodized aluminium over the factory parts. Lift kit and weight saving, what’s not to love?

This is no new thing, as we said above, with Johnson Rods having manufactured the upgraded lift bars for more than a few years.

Now don’t get us wrong, this mod is nothing new to the Land Rover nuts around the world (this will work with just about any air-suspension fitted Land Rover), but it certainly piqued my interest being a lowly ‘Yota driver… I wonder if Deano will be able to somehow make this work on his old 110… Probably not I’d reckon!

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More and more often these days, you’ll find campsites with signs everywhere declaring fires must be in those dodgy provided firepits or within self-contained stove type deals. That’s great and all, if you’re the only one at a campsite with three firepits for 30 campsites, or you’ve got the room to lug around a keg sized ‘Fire-Pig’ in your four-wheel drive. If space (and let’s face it – weight) is at a premium in your rig, chances are this little gem from the folks at RotaBBQ may just be the thing to take camping.

I got my mitts on one of these little jiggers after having a yack with the folks behind RotaBBQ, along the lines of ‘surely there’s a better way’. It turns out there is, and I’m not the first person to wonder about it.

The RotaBBQ Kit

To give you good folks the entire story on the RotaBBQ, the kit I got comes with everything. Aptly named the Ultimate Kit, it comes with the RotaBBQ itself (which is the pole, and rotating grill),  the firepit dish, a light-pole extension (with a torch) and a carry bag to keep it all neatly packed away to stop you losing parts into the depths of the shed where all the 10mm sockets end up.

The entire kit is made from high-quality 304-grade stainless steel, so it won’t rust on you, or give off any dodgy chemicals as you’re using it (there’s a reason they don’t use aluminium cookware anymore). The main stake (not steak; we’ll get to that in a bit!) is a full 1000mm long and 18mm in diameter, which makes it long enough to be used in sand and solid enough to just about be hammered through rock!

One of the greatest things about the entire kit is that as it’s machined so well, the BBQ plate and firepit all rotate and move around; so if you’re using it on a windy day, you can move everything around to keep the food over the heat, or off it, depending on what you’re cooking.

The grill itself is a whopping big 600mm diameter, so you’ve got plenty of room to feed the entire tribe, with the Rota Arm being 675mm long and made from 25mm tube.

What’s it like to use?

In a word, fantastic. Now I absolutely know this ‘idea’ is not brand spanking new – indeed I’ve seen a few National Parks campsites around the country with a mild steel swing in/out barbecue plate. That said, I’ve not seen one that’s not been kicked, hit, jumped on by kids or in perfectly working condition, so having your very own that is completely portable and doesn’t need to be concreted in is awesome.

Putting it all together is very straightforward, and it’s just a matter of putting the pit at a height that works for you, the grille above and off you go. With the minimal tolerances in which it’s designed and made, the RotaBBQ self supports without issue; however, I’d suggest having a play with it before you start lighting fires – you’re able to move the grill up or down once it’s all put together by grabbing both sides of the Rota arm. Still, it’s a lot easier working this out before it’s been sitting over a fire.

Do I rate it?

Look, I do; however, it comes with a caveat. If you’re someone who cooks strictly over gas on a frying pan, this isn’t going to be much good. That said, if you want the ability to use a grill, you can still put your gas cooker on the ground and use this over the top of it – it’s absolutely horses for courses.

At the end of the day, I’m tickled pink with mine and will be pressing it into service just about every camping trip I get. And for those of us who live in suburbia, and don’t want a permanent firepit, this thing works wonders in the backyard.

Specs:

Material: 304 stainless steel

Weight: 4.5 kg

Dimensions

Stake: 18mm diameter x 1000mm long

Rota Arm: 25mm diameter tube x 675mm long

Grill: 600mm diameter

Packaging: 750mm x 750mm x 50mm

Kit as tested:

RRP: $340

Website: Ultimate Pack (RotaBBQ, Fire Pit, light pole and light, carry bag)

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ARB has expanded its fridge freezer line-up with the addition of the new single-zone 36L ZERO Fridge Freezer model. The addition of this new variant means there are now three single-zone ZERO fridge freezers (36L, 44L and 60L) and two dual-zone models (69L and 96L).

Like other models in the range, the new 36L ZERO Fridge Freezer features an LED display on top to make it easy to set and monitor temperature, as well as an internal LED light so you can find cold items at night. It also features front and rear 12-volt power inlets to make it easy to plug in the fridge in different positions, a 240-volt inlet at the front to pre-cool the fridge from mains power, and a handy USB port for charging and powering devices and accessories.

All ZERO fridge freezer models can also be wirelessly controlled via an app on compatible Bluetooth-enabled smartphones and tablets. This set-up also allows for remote monitoring of fridge temperature.

The 36L ZERO is a single-zone fridge with a traditional front opening and removable lid, an internal basket with divider and sturdy carry handles. It features a boost function for rapid cool down, as well as anti-condensation technology which, ARB says, is designed to keep fridge contents dry and at the set temperature.

For true portability, the 36L ZERO Fridge Freezer can also be used with ARB’s Fridge Power Pack, which has a 15Ah lithium battery and attaches to the side of the fridge via a magnetic base. The Power Pack is claimed to be able to power a fridge for up to 18 hours (test conducted on 44L Zero fridge/freezer set at 4°C in 25°C ambient temperature).

RRP: $1149 (Australian East Coast metro)

Website: ARB ZERO Fridge Freezers

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A new range of vehicle-specific ARB Isuzu D-MAX accessories are now available including a new Summit bull bar, a selection of canopies, various cargo system setups and more.

The all-new Isuzu D-MAX is now one of the most advanced 4X4 utes on the Australian market, and ARB’s new range of accessories are designed to protect it and transform it into a more practical tourer.

The new ARB Summit bull bar is said to provide the highest level of protection to the engine bay from animal strikes, and it also features twin ARB Jack or Hi-Lift jack points, as well as provision for fitment of driving lights and antennas.

At the rear of the new D-MAX, ARB’s Classic and Classic Plus canopies have been redesigned to suit the shape of the D-MAX’s unique tub. They provide secure and weatherproof storage, and are available with a choice of lift-up or sliding side windows, as well as a range of roof-carrying accessories including ARB’s new BASE Rack.

ARB also has a huge range of existing 4X4 accessories that complement the new D-MAX, and the company has confirmed fitment of already available vehicle-specific products including Outback Solutions cargo drawers and Tailgate Assist. Of course, there’s also a wide range of non-vehicle-specific products available to suit the new D-MAX including driving lights, LED light bars, winches and more.

ARB’s team of designers and engineers are still busy developing more products to suit the new D-MAX and before the end of the year they expect to have completed work on Old Man Emu suspension kits (including a GVM upgrade kit), an expanded range of bull bars, rear step tow bars, an under vehicle protection system and recovery points, as well an Ascent canopy, a Sportlid, a Sportguard and a Ute Liner.

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BMPRO, one of Australia’s leading manufacturers of power management solutions, has collaborated with Australian family owned company Sealed Performance Batteries to introduce the new range of BMPRO Zeal lithium batteries.

The new Zeal lithium range of batteries is available in 100Ah and 200Ah capacities and they are positioned at the value-end of the market, retailing for just $999 and $1799 respectively. BMPRO adds that up to four batteries can be placed in parallel to create a large battery bank; this would ensure you always had plenty of power on tap to keep food fresh and beers cold (which we love here at mr4x4.com.au), as well as charge all your 12V accessories and run an inverter. Another advantage of lithium batteries over traditional lead acid batteries is they are much lighter, which is an important consideration of you want to add extra batteries in parallel.

Tested in BMPRO’s Australian facility, the company says the Zeal lithium range provides “a high degree of safety by utilising lightweight aluminium encased LiFePO4 prismatic cells, which are among the safest and most stable lithium cells available”. In addition, Zeal lithium batteries feature an integrated battery management system (BMS) that protects against overcharging and over-discharging, over-temperature and short-circuit events.

BMPRO is a manufacturer of lithium compatible battery chargers, battery management systems and other lithium compatible products, and as such the new Zeal range is completely compatible with BMPRO power management systems, including the company’s BatteryPlus35 and J35 units.

Zeal batteries are not just suitable for use in 4X4s, but also in RVs, caravans and camper trailers, as well as marine and other applications… and they are covered by a three-year warranty.

RRP: $999 (100Ah); $1799 (200Ah)

Website: This link for BMPRO; this link for Sealed Performance Batteries

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Toyota owners will be happy to hear a new LC79 Rhino-Rack Backbone is now available for the easy fitment of Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platforms to the roof of the iconic off-roader.

The new Rhino-Rack Backbone for the 79 Series LandCruiser Double Cab mounts directly to the vehicle’s factory roof gutters thanks to a simple and robust clamping mechanism. Rhino-Rack says this mounting method ensures weight is evenly distributed throughout the LandCruiser’s body.

The Backbone is manufactured from non-corrosive stainless steel to withstand all types of weather and conditions, and it is said to be compatible with all Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platforms, including the All New Pioneer Platform. The Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platform itself is manufactured from lightweight yet tough and durable aluminium and fibreglass-reinforced nylon, and it is powder-coated black for corrosion resistance and is compatible with a wide range of roof-mounting systems and accessories. These include mounts for recovery boards, jerry cans, gas bottles and spare tyres, holders for shovels and Hi-Lift jacks, and mounting points for LED light bars and work lights.

For those already using a Pioneer Platform with Rhino-Rack’s Gutter Mount Legs, an additional fitting kit can be used to ensure compatibility with the new Backbone system. Rhino-Rack advises the new Backbone can be installed in around 45 minutes.

RRP: From $519.00

Website: www.rhinorack.com.

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A tiny 340kg load-carrying capacity has always been a limiting factor for Suzuki Jimny owners who want to go on longer trips than just short weekends away, but now Ironman 4X4 has developed a Federally Approved 1785kg Jimny GVM upgrade kit that more than doubles payload capacity to 690kg!

According to Ironman 4X4: “The original GVM of 1435kg is increased to 1785kg with revised axle loading limits of 800kg front and 1100kg rear, this is up from the OE figures of 680kg and 880kg respectively.”

In addition to the increased 690kg payload, the Ironman 4X4 suspension upgrade results in a 45mm ride-height increase and it allows owners to fit accessories such as a bull bar, a winch, bigger wheels and heavier LT tyres, and a roof rack while leaving enough payload capacity for vehicle occupants, a fridge, luggage and other gear. The GVM upgrade kit includes items such as new springs and matched shock absorbers.

Ironman 4×4 says it has conducted all required testing to ensure complete integration with the Jimny’s safety systems as well as compliance with federal laws, and the GVM upgrade is available through approved Ironman 4X4 GVM installers across Australia in pre- and post-registration kits. Like other GVM upgrade kits, the advantage of pre-registration GVM upgrade fitments is the vehicle is federally approved and an additional compliance plate is affixed to the vehicle, while post-registration fitments must be inspected and approved by a state authorised automotive engineer for the issue of modification plate.

RRP: $2571 (plus freight and fitting)

Website: Ironman 4X4

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