Innehållsförteckning för December 2017 från NZ4WD

Foton New Zealand has just launched their special edition Tunland TS1 to the local market. Based on the 2.8 litre turbo-diesel double-cab which has already proved popular here, the TS1 kicks things up a notch with a stack of added extras including: • TS1 graphics pack. • 20 inch exclusive special edition alloy wheels with Nexen 265/50 R20 PRO RA8 tyres. • Colour-coded grill accents. • Blackout mirror and pillar covers. • Black-tint bonnet protector. • Black nudge bar. The TS1 comes in both two-wheel-drive ($32,888+ORC) and four-wheel-drive ($37,838+ORC) and is available in three base colours (Ibis White, Tungsten Grey, Phantom Black) with matching designer packs. “Our customers tell us the Tunland gets all the basics right in terms of looks, ride quality, value, and, of course, engine performance, but…

Automotive accessory distributor Griffiths Equipment has teamed up with Australia’s Mechatronics Auto Parts (MAP) to provide a comprehensive nationwide supply of parts for repairing worn or damaged items on electronic car keys. Available through leading automotive outlets nationwide, as well as some vehicle repair/service workshops, MAP’s extensive range of complete keys, key fobs, key rubbers and remotes will cover an increased range of popular vehicle models here. For those who require guidance, the www.maparts.com.au website offers instructional videos for the replacement process, which can be accessed directly from a smartphone using the QR code supplied on the packaging.…

So let’s say you want to launch a new a mid-size pickup into the world, where would you do it? Well, it would seem to go without saying that somewhere in the Southern Hemisphere is a no-brainer, after all, that is where they sell in the biggest numbers. Australia and New Zealand, along with South Africa, Southern Asia and South America are all the big areas for mid-size pickups, in fact it seems that pretty much anywhere south of the equator is far keener on the mid-sizer than their northern neighbours. North Americans favour the large pickup, while Europe really doesn’t care for them all that much (although that is changing), so it made a lot of sense that Mercedes-Benz chose Chile as the location for the international launch of…

Following Topo Maps on my tablet we did several shingle roads heading towards Arthur’s Pass and had a short adventure up Maori Gully. We were now at the top of Lake Brunner where we approached one of the stations about access for a shortcut showing on the Topo Map versus a long shingle road drive. After finding the owner he asked how we felt about deep river crossings, which begged the question ‘how deep?’ The reply came back very quickly and with a smile as “wiper level!” As we both have modern petrols, we weren’t keen on wiper depth at all so the farmer kindly offered to take as to the crossing and showed us the line and assured us the base was solid. I still think he wanted to…

When I swapped out my 12V compressor for one that was much bigger in both size and capacity it was a pleasure to be able to inflate my Prado’s tyres more rapidly. However, the compressor was too big to fit in the slide-out drawers and too heavy to haul out of any available storage space. Time to bite the bullet and start a new project to build a full on-board air system. Start with a plan My first job was to decide what features I wanted. Initially I planned to just mount the compressor in the space beside the rear drawers and run a heavy-duty cable from the battery. Unfortunately, while this worked, the voltage drop was such that it added about a minute to the inflation time – a…

A properly engineered roof rack from ARB is the ideal way to increase your vehicle’s ability to carry large or irregular sized luggage. ARB roof racks are built to support the full rated load capacity of a vehicle with the mounting system and structural integrity of the rack being designed to withstand the most demanding of conditions. The company’s racks are available in a variety of lengths and widths for vehicles with or without gutters, so you can choose the appropriate size to suit your requirements. Both steel and aluminium roof racks are available from ARB, and along with fitting a roof rack to your vehicle, you can also select from a number of optional extras. Options include; Touring Racks Specifically designed for our rooftop tents, the Touring rack cage…

Whether it is for a lift, an increase in load carrying capacity, an improvement in ride quality or all three, Tough Dog 4WD Suspension has a solution to suit. Toyota’s latest Hilux is one tough truck but its ride errs on the stiff side for ultimate ride comfort in everyday use. So, if you are after a better compromise between load carrying and comfort Tough Dog can now provide complete 40mm lift kits using either their 35mm Nitro gas, or nine-stage adjustable 40mm shock absorbers paired with a 0-300kg spring in the rear. Tough Dog can also offer lift and/or load carrying upgrades for everything from a Ford Everest SUV to a the latest leaf-spring versions of Nissan’s NP300 Navara. The company offers complete 40mm lift solution for the Everest…

The trip started when May and I met up with a few members of my 4WD club at Aokautere on SH57. We had time to greet the local goat and for May to do a bit of shopping at the curio shop before everyone arrived and it was time to head off. Our first real track was to be Takapari Rd, which climbs up to the ridgeline of the Ruahine Ranges from the eastern side of the Pohangina Valley. Since the drizzly and murky weather was forecast to improve during the day, we decided to take the long way by heading all the way up the western side of the valley then back down the eastern side to Takapari Rd. With a number of keen photographers in the party, frequent…

Round 5, the final round of the 2017 Mainland Superwinch Challenge and we are in Dunedin. For those who have competed in all five rounds this has been a huge commitment. Not only is this the final round it is also the AGM which is always something to look forward to. Teams from Blenheim and Nelson all headed away Thursday, spending the night in Amberley. With the Kaikoura Road still closed the Lewis Pass takes a while to get through. All other teams (Christchurch, Timaru, Balclutha, Queenstown and Dunedin) left home Friday. Scrutineering was between 2.00 and 5.00pm on site at the Dunedin Club’s property tucked into the folds of the hills north of the southern city. Entered were 24 teams, five in Clubman and 19 in Outlaw. A couple…

OK, so it’s not the much anticipated all-new ute model quite yet, but Jeep has pre-empted the official motor show launch (slated for the Los Angeles Auto Show at the end of the month) by dumping teaser images of Short and LWB versions of its thoroughly revamped Wrangler on the interweb. Calling it ‘the most capable SUV ever,” the company says that the latest version of the iconic model ‘delivers even more legendary Jeep 4x4 capability, thanks to ‘a modern design that stays true to the original, but adds advanced fuel-efficient powertrains, more open-air options, and is loaded with more safety features and advanced technology than ever before.’ But they would (say that), wouldn’t they? While we will all have to wait until at least the end of the month…

Dig This, Invercargill’s newest tourism attraction, is finally open. In what is a first for the Southern Hemisphere, guests can now live out their wildest fantasies and operate heavy earth moving machinery, including diggers and bulldozers, themselves. The official opening of Dig This Invercargill in October completed a six month project to bring the attraction from Las Vegas to Invercargill. It is part of a burgeoning transport-related tourism business set up by Scott and Jocelyn O’Donnell of the HW Richardson Group to complement their original venture, Bill Richardson Transport World. Scott O’Donnell, Transport World Trustee says: “Dig This is a great new addition to Transport World’s attractions. It’s fun and unique and we hope it will create another reason for guests to not only visit Invercargill but stay longer. Whether…

So how much of a Navara is the X-Class? It is hardly a secret that the X-Class is based on the Nissan Navara. But even that knowledge leaves a lot of questions unanswered. Is it just the chassis that the two share? Or is the X-Class merely a re-badged Navara? At first glance you could actually be forgiven for thinking it is the latter. After all, that rear door window is straight off a Navara. Except it isn’t. When you look closely at it, the Mercedes has a shallower angle that straightens out further into the door than the Navara and is, in fact, a totally different panel. Both the doors are, in fact, at least on the outside. The inner doors are shared with the Navara, but the outer…

Featuring a sleek, modern design, high quality components and the ability to create a fully customised system tailored to your requirements, the Outback Solutions range is the answer to all of your storage needs. As a complete modular system, the range can be individually selected and customised to your needs and vehicle, while reducing redundant areas and providing increased storage space. Exclusive to ARB Sold exclusively by ARB and suitable for many vehicles including wagons, utes, buses and trailers, this system can be just as easily applied to non-vehicle applications such as down in the back shed. Three types of modules are available, and these modules (a roller drawer, a roller drawer with roller floor and a roller floor) come in a range of sizes which can be mixed and…

U-Pol’s Raptor is a tough and tintable two-pack polyurethane coating originally produced for coating the trays of utes and trucks. Since its launch U-Pol has identified hundreds of other possible uses for the product, including use as a protective coating inside and outside of 4x4s, RVs, and camper trailers and equipment. Raptor can be easily applied as a DIY project, using a simple underbody coating spray gun, a roller or even a brush and is available in black and in tintable formulations. In fact, Raptor tintable can easily be tinted to match any colour by adding 10 percent automotive basecoat. The polyurethane formulation dries rapidly and provides excellent UV protection. The Raptor kit comprises a bottle with 750ml of Raptor, plus separate hardener. The Raptor bottle is 1.1 Litre capacity,…

We had a number of new competitors trying their hand at the hazards so it’s a good time to cover the basics of a day at the CTC. For instance, I drive a Jeep Wrangler in Class 3, which allows modifications and a maximum tyre size of 35 inches. On arriving at the site the most important thing you can do is to lower your tyre pressures to let your tyres flex and work better in mud. Lighten up Also, a modification available on a number of models is to disconnect the front sway bar. This is common in Jeeps and gives the suspension more articulation. I also take out as much weight as I can by removing the rear seat, spare tyre and tools and leave that stuff in…

Is it a trend, or a blip? The top three unlimited class trucks in New Zealand are all ProLite designs. Nick Hall’s Toyota Hilux Chev is our class 8 champion; we brought the GT Radial Falcon home second in class and Dale Buckley’s US-built but locally adapted version was third. Interesting to note that the latter two trucks are turbo four cylinders and though Nick was the winner on the day, neither four-banger disgraced itself. So the Nelson final round over Labour Weekend came and went, and a new set of champions have been crowned. That region always turns on a good and varied show, with short course and endurance racing to suit every taste. This year though I got to ‘taste’ a little more of Nelson than usual, and…

On the subject of new models, word from across the ditch suggests that Hyundai is going ahead with plans for an ‘urban’ sort of ute, based on the Santa Cruz concept (pictured) which has been doing the rounds of the auto shows since 2015. Bar the fact that Hyundai Australia staff have confirmed that the factory is now talking with them about ‘a ute’. Not much else is available by way of detail, bar the fact that the Aussies would sooner have a Hilux or Ranger-like RWD to sell... and have made their feelings abundantly clear to head office in Korea!…

The Tiger Shark has earned its stripes, since release four years ago it’s taken a huge bite out of the world market and now stands as the number one selling winch worldwide. Featuring a 5.2hp motor, three stage planetary gearbox, high tensile steel drum pre-loaded with 10mm dyneema synthetic rope and finished off with stainless steel rollers, tie bar, and free-spool T-bar there’s not a winch in this class that can touch it. November 18th 2017  South Waikato 4Wheel Drive Club Fundraiser trial; held at Waimakariri Road, Tapapa, Tirau. Hosted by the South Waikato 4wheel drive club raising funds for Can-Teen. Club member Brett Felton is currently battling cancer and this is one way the club is showing support and they need your support too. Entry is $25.00 and briefing…

The X-Class will come to New Zealand with a 2.3-litre four-cylinder diesel engine – in either single or twin turbo guise – and two transmissions. The single turbo engine produces 120kW of power and 403Nm of torque, while the twin turbo produces 140kW and 450Nm. Both are available with a choice of a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission, depending on model. The Pure model is the rugged workhorse of the range and is available with either the 120kW or 140kW engine. The 120kW Pure is available in either 2WD or 4WD with a six-speed manual transmission, while the 140kW Pure is 4WD only and is available with either the manual or a seven-speed automatic transmission. Workhorse Entry-level Pure gets black bumpers, 17-inch steel wheels and plastic floor coverings though…

The 2017 NZ1000 will be remembered not so much for the racing but for the weather that impacted the course and teams throughout the weekend. An already wet course took an even more hammering rain-wise over the two days with many drivers struggling in the atrocious conditions. This actually gave the 4WD competitors an advantage especially as the track conditions deteriorated as the 2WD vehicles couldn’t get the power down and get traction. Also, having a windscreen, which most 4WD competitors did, meant better vision and less chill factor while racing, unlike the open buggies. Angela Lord in the Suzuki Grand Vitara only managed two laps on Saturday before rolling and crashing out for the day. She would come back Sunday, however, finishing the weekend with a third overall in…

Progressive rate springs are the ultimate in spring design. The principle is simple. The spring rate increases when you need it (cornering, load carrying etc.) and decreases when you don’t. The science behind designing a progressive rate coil is knowing over what suspension travel and to what degree the spring rate will increase. This varies greatly between vehicles. With Kings Springs’ Tapered Wire /Performance Progressive Rate Springs a substantial spring rate increase is achieved with minimal loss of ride comfort, as the spring rate increases and decreases where necessary. Key principle The key principle being “the less coils in a spring, the higher the spring rate”. As the spring compresses under load the gathered coils come into contact and become inactive thus increasing the spring rate. The point at which each…

Ironman 4x4 has a large range of accessories to make carrying that load in the back of your 4WD station wagon or utility easier and safer. Products include deck liners, ute boxes, rear sliding draws, canopies and a range of deck mounted tool boxes. Deck Liners Deck liners are available for most late model double cabs utes. Produced from three mm thick UV-stable extruded polyethylene the liners have high impact resistance, and protect the tray beneath from most common chemicals. The liners are compatible with canopies and come standard with chrome tie down points and require no drilling to fit. Ute Boxes To offer a secure and watertight load carrying option, Ironman 4x4 produces two sizes of ute boxes designed to fit inside the rear tyre wells of the deck.…

My 4WD has worn a reversing camera for about a year. Bit of an experiment – are they worth their weight? Certainly, with reservations. A lot depends on available mounting positions, height, how central and position of external spare wheel or racks. Trailer coupling and reversing may need two different camera sites. How vulnerable? Monitor position? Some monitors clip to the rear view mirror, though I’m told they are too small and next to useless. Mine is 4.3-inches mounted to the dash, OK for size but the bigger the better. The cameras are wide angle so detail gets easily lost in a small monitor. The image is clear and colourful but can sometimes be washed out by bright lights or low sun, like any camera. Rear distance vision when dark…

This year’s Mainland Superwinch Challenge series started in May with the first round at Alexandra hosted by the Shotover 4WD Club with Bert, Richard and Keri the main organisers. In June we headed Maruia for the second round, hosted by the Marlborough and Nelson 4WD Clubs with Mike Holmes, Mike Dredge and Pat Pretty being the main organisers. Round 3 was supposed to be held in July in Cust near Christchurch but due to bad weather the host club, 4x4 Events, were forced to postpone it until August. Ashley and co put a lot of time into sorting this in July only to have to do it all again a month later. Round 4 was held at Makikihi south of Timaru in September, with Malcolm being the main man here…

Victory was hard won for Tauranga Polaris racer Ben Thomasen, who came to the offroad racing national finals at Labour Weekend in Nelson hoping only for a class title. “This has been the toughest year ever, competition has been incredibly strong at every event and without top points coming into the round I was doubtful I could expect more than the S class win,” he said afterward. But after two days of hard-out racing near Nelson, the factory-backed racer not only owned the class title but the outright title, and had chased unlimited-class race car driver Tony McCall all day in a fast and dusty 225 km endurance race that decided the championship. Two from two x two That victory meant Thomasen has once more taken the sport’s elusive premier…

What’s the most common item usually broken on the drive train of a 4WD used and abused off road? If you said differentials or axles you’d be wrong. The answer is constant velocity joints or CVs. The CV joint is used to link the rotational motion of the axle to the front wheels allowing for a high degree of articulation whilst maintaining the same speed on its input and output shafts allowing for the up and downward movement of the suspension and the turning of the front wheels to steer. The most common type of CV is one with an inner bearing race or cage, a carrier and six steel balls (bearings) inside the ‘bell’ of the CV. The bearings are allowed to pivot about the central axis, but cannot…