Innehållsförteckning för November 2020 från NZ4WD

Snow makes for some stunning photos, as regular NZ4WD magazine contributor Paul Richards is want to prove. This shot – for instance – is one of four the Geraldine man sent in after his ‘home patch’ (South Canterbury) got a decent sort of late winter dumping. “The snow was right down to Geraldine with the outside temp staying below five degrees all day. As you can see though the next day was so beautiful I went for a drive up to Lake Heron and had lunch by the lake. This particular shot is looking north towards Lake Heron Station with the coffee steaming in the sunlight at 2 degrees. Being able to take a trip like this is one of the many reasons I love my 4WD Mazda BT-50 Utility…

Terrain Tamer has recently released a range of Upper Control Arms for vehicles with Independent Front Suspension. IFS systems traditionally allow only a very small adjustment range for successful wheel alignment, and this has proven to be particularly true of lifted vehicles, causing issues with camber, caster, ball joint articulation and clearance of the coil assembly. The Terrain Tamer Upper Control Arm provides a solution for any lifted IFS vehicle up to 70mm, allowing greater clearance to the coil assembly and more articulation of the arm, thanks to its extended length. The design of the arm allows the shock absorber to restrict full droop, minimising any strain put on the ball joint when the vehicle is lifted. They also provide an increase in caster level and negative camber, working to…

But the images also featured a face that brought back good memories of drives around Tekapo. That face was Bruce Scott, self-proclaimed and well recognised guardian of the lake, and Mayor of the Mackenzie Basin for many years. Most people who live in the Mackenzie basin have a love for their environment and a respect for their lakes – but Bruce Scott, and his father before him, have a passionate enthusiasm that goes back many years, and while I’d never met Mr Scott, I’d always been aware of his concern for his beloved Lake Tekapo. Seeing him again on television brought back some recent memories that began with a series of mistakes. The first mistake The day began with our first mistake. We had spent a wet night on the…

Right then. I can tell you two - three actually – things about Toyota’s new-for-2021 facelifted Hilux. The cabin is quantifiably quieter and the ride definitely less choppy – particularly on the rubbish chip-seal surfaces that regional roading authorities continue to short change us on – than in the model it replaces. The new’un definitely has more grunt as well – as a prod on the go-pedal between 80 and 100km/h in particular – is wont to prove. The 2021 Hilux now also looks better, tougher, thanks to a new, bolder grille on most models, plus there’s an all-new ‘halo’ off-road – oriented ‘Trophy Truck’ model called the Mako to give dealers around the country something to sell against Ford’s Ranger Raptor. Over the two-day press drive programme – which…

ENGINE: 5.7 litre (5654cc) 90-degree Hemi V8 w /VVT and fuel-saver technology TRANSMISSION: 8-speed automatic POWER: 291kW@5600rpm TORQUE: 556Nm@3950rpm ECONOMY: 12.2L/100km Co2: 283g/km SUSP FRONT: Coil SUSP. REAR: Coil BRAKES: Disc front & rear WHEELS/TYRES: 20 in. dia. alloy/ Hankook Dynapro H/T 275/60 R20 TURNING CIRCLE: 12.1m LxWxH: 5833x2097x1917mm WHEELBASE: 3569mm APP/DEP ANGLES: 15.2/23.7degrees GROUND CLEARANCE: (min) 235mm KERB WEIGHT: 2620kg TOWING: (auto) 750kg (ub), 4500kg (b) TRACTION: ESC incorporating ABS, EBD, TSC & HSA SAFETY RATING: No NZ ANCAP rating WARRANTY: 3 year/100,000km RRP: RAM 1500 Express Crew Cab as tested $104,990…

I am writing this article sitting on the deck of our apartment, looking out at the entrance to the Abel Tasman National Park and the Marlborough Sounds on the far side of Tasman Bay. This has been our home for the last six months and was our escape location following the impending Level 4 lockdown in March. We’ve been extremely fortunate to have been living here, however, by the time that you read this, we will be back living in Christchurch where my partner, Andrea’s job is based. The fact that she has been working quite successfully from home for the past six months and now has to return to the office, is something that I don’t understand, but that’s another subject ... One of the many great things about…

Ironman 4x4 has totally redesigned and upgraded its range of Monster winches, including stronger motors, heavy duty casings, synthetic ropes, competition style solenoids and are the only winch on the market with a motor breather. With two in the range, a 9500lb and a 12000lb and with the option of steel or synthetic cablethere is a winch to suit your needs. ENGINE BREATHER The greatest new feature of the range of winches is the fully sealed motor with a breather that allows the motor to equalise changes in temperature and pressure by means of a remote breather hose which can be placed high in the vehicle away from water. The Ironman Monster winch is the only winch on the market with this feature. Issues tend to arise when winches come…

As I write this back in September, the country is really in a state of limbo with Covid-19 restrictions and electioneering. Both make it very difficult to envision the immediate future of this country. Covid-19 has certainly stymied overseas visitors, which potentially might mean an easing in the previously rapidly growing pressures on many of the tourist ‘hot spots’… or will the lack of ability for New Zealanders to travel overseas create even more pressure as we look to explore our own country? I must confess that earlier today I spent time looking at various websites related to 4WD touring in the South Island with thoughts of a few weeks down there in late summer 2021. I cannot decide whether to do the ‘organised’ style of trip or maybe something…

Your 4WD has probably had a quiet time over recent months what with winter and lockdowns especially those residing in the greater Auckland area so it’s time to check the vehicle over ready for the next trip. When checking your vehicle do you consider checking and doing maintenance on the winch? Probably not. To most, the winch is an electromechanical piece of equipment that just sits bolted to the front of their four-wheel drive and isn’t given a second thought, until it is required. It’s always on the front of the vehicle and hasn’t let you down (yet) and you don’t give it that second thought until needed when bogged to the diffs in some mud hole. A bit of quick regular winch maintenance is required to ensure it doesn’t…

The penny dropped – as it were – when we were ushered out onto the balcony of the Cape Egmont Boat Club and encouraged to ‘look up.’ Despite the cool, blustery conditions a large cargo helicopter appeared to the south-west with something ‘ute-like’ hanging beneath it. The chopper then headed offshore for a beat before arrowing into the boat club’s air space and dropping its valuable load (Toyota NZ’s prototype 2021 model range topper, the Mako) gently down on the concrete boat ramp in front of the club rooms. The new Hilux Mako is a special, strictly limited edition ‘halo’ model which will be built to order at Toyota’s Thames Vehicle Operations centre. Toyota New Zealand’s Chief Executive, Neeraj Lala, who drives a Hilux when he’s not driving a Supra,…

Sitting one step above the entry-level 1500 Express Quad, RAM’s 1500 Express Crew features more space, higher specification, and an even sportier appearance. Priced from $104,990 (+ORC), the plus-size 1500 Express Crew features the larger cabin found on the Laramie, meainng more head, shoulder and leg room front and rear than any other five-seat ute on the market today. The 1500 Express Crew also builds on the already well-equipped Express Quad by adding updated connectivity with the 8.4” Uconnect Touchscreen system featuring Apple CarPlay and Google Android, as well as dual zone air conditioning. Optional RamBox system Outside, the 1.7m (5ft 7in) tub – complete with hard-wearing, spray-in bed liner – can also be optioned with what RAM calls its RamBox Cargo Management System – effectively a pair of lockable…

hat’s right; our plans – as a couple of fairly typical North Islanders four-wheelers – for a full-on four-week sojourn down south were well underway. But like those of many other Kiwis they had to change post-Covid-19 and the end of (the first) lockdown. Instead we pondered which areas of the North Island we still needed to explore... only to make a last-minute call based on the weather! And so our 11-day/1,700km journey began ‘at home’ in Taupo from where we heading east down the Napier-Taupo Highway to the Mangatutu Hot Springs in the Kaweka Forest Park north-west of Napier. The winding gravel roads were warmly welcomed after a seven week lockdown, especially with a fresh coating of snow on the range. The drive also gave Cam an opportunity to…

Greg stood ankle deep in snow, surveying the wooden bridge above the ice-covered stream. There were no railings and fresh snow obscured its doubtful vehicle worthiness. The planks for the tyres were narrow, wide enough for each wheel, with gaping cavities between the planks and little leeway on each side. It was much more sensible, he concluded, to take the track below on the ice over the stream. We breathed a sigh of relief. He eased his Toyota Land Cruiser down the slope towards the stream, followed by the two other vehicles. The ice covering the stream looked as if it might have been cracked recently, perhaps by a heavy truck. Greg jumped out, stepped onto the ice and stomped across it. Would it hold his vehicle, burdened with its…

Early vehicles didn’t have gearboxes. All you got was a belt drive and a lever with a roller on the end that tightened the belt to grip the pulleys. However, simple mechanical gearboxes quickly replaced belt drives and gradually gained more ratios. Americans worked themselves up to three speeds and stayed with them almost forever along with two and three-speed automatics. Britain and Europe meanwhile went to four, then five-speed manuals. Currently available are multi-speed ‘DCT’ (Double Clutch Transmissions). These are quite unlike a CVT and are a clever amalgamation of technology from the manuals and autos that many of us are still driving. Put simply, a DCT is a mechanical gearbox that is computer controlled and can be used in auto or manual mode. There is no direct connection…

November winner: Jayden Goldsack  We owe our November winner, Jayden Goldsack, a bit of an apology. In fact, had the Ed not gone back through the bulging ‘Junk’ file on his computer’s email inbox and found his submission, Jayden’s good work would have forever been lost in cyberspace. “Here are a few photos from my recent trip around parts of the South Island,” said Jayden. “I started in Waiau and worked across to the West Coast doing as many tracks along the way as possible, including Rainbow Station, Porika Track, Big River, Napoleon Hill, and many more. It was the first big trip in my ute and I loved every minute. Can’t wait to join a club and go on as many trips as I can.” Good on you Jayden,…

Set to land in New Zealand in early 2021, Ford’s all-new Ford Ranger FX4 Max brings greater off-road capability, with unique features including off-road suspension with FOX shocks, 32-inch all-terrain tyres and new all-weather materials and finishes inside. Channelling the tough-as, range-topping, Ranger Raptor, FX4 Max brings unique stance and exterior treatments, including Conquer Grey paintwork, as well as “F.O.R.D” grille, metal ‘hoop’ sidesteps, unique alloy wheels and full-length sports bar. Ranger FX4 Max boasts a 981kg payload and 3500kg towing with standard technology including FordPass Connect embedded modem, SYNC 3 with built-in sat-nav, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone compatibility. Like buyers of every other Ranger model, those choosing an FX4 Max wil benefit from a five-year or 150,000 kilometre factory warranty as part of Ford Service Benefits, which include…

For the first time in eight years the Isuzu’s D-Max has undergone a full model change, and will arrive in Isuzu Utes dealerships mid October 2020. The latest-generation of Isuzu’s one-tonne features premium-levels of refinement, technology and practical enhancements, yet retains the reputed durability and ruggedness that has cemented the D-Max as one of New Zealand’s top-selling utes. “It’s a very exciting time for Isuzu with the introduction of the all-new D-Max, a model that has been worth the wait. There’s a whole lot more to this ute, whilst retaining its toughness and durability. With new active safety, greater power and torque, even more off road ability, plus enhanced technology and improved driver comfort, the all-new D-Max is ruggedly refined,” says Isuzu Utes New Zealand General Manager Sam Waller. “Kiwis…

Sometimes ‘things’ are just meant to be. Like the weekend recently, when I was finally able to get behind the wheel of my ‘second’ drift car, a ‘Series 1’ Nissan S14. Now the poor old S14 – which my son initially rescued from the hands of a serial car abuser only to lose interest and leave it sitting in the MacKay garage for over a year – was very much ‘ready-to-drift.’ However each time a day at the recently renamed Genesis Massive (formerly Evergreen) Drift Park appeared on the calendar I was either on deadline on NZ4WD or didn’t have anything suitable to tow it the 220km to and from the ‘Park (at Meremere, south of Auckland) and the (The Republic of) West Auckland where I live. So, you can…

Let’s go camping this summer Because most of the 4WD vehicles on which our fantastic recreation is based are built tough to take on some of the world’s toughest and most inhospitable terrain we are luckier than most fellow outdoorspeople be they trampers, hunters or trail bike and MTB riders in that we can carry more overnighting gear further. We can carry more and better equipment too, whether it is packed inside or on a rack on the roof outside. This gives us ‘options’ which in terms of staying out overnight can be boiled down to: 1) Traditional tents. 2) the recent phenomenon of roof-top tents. 3) the increasingly popular fold up and outs swags. 4) and a sleeping platform inside the vehicle itself. TRADITIONAL GROUND TENTS A trad tent…

A period of fine weather while on the second round of L2 lockdown inspired Gillian and Ashley to suggest a recent outing. Having a craving for a bit of coastal scenery I did a quick check of the map and found a road near Castlepoint as being somewhere new to visit with the potential of a nice picnic spot, and another new road in the same general area to make a loop trip of the day. In keeping with the still relatively short days, and the weather not being as good as we had hoped it would be, we met up at Featherston and just took the main road to Masterton and then out towards Castlepoint. SPRING IN THE AIR The countryside on the road from Masterton to Castlepoint was…

Off-road racing is coming back to life, though national titles are few and far between at the moment. Like most types of motorsport, the resurgence is driven from club level, so if you have a good club in your area there are some decent local options to try before things get busy next year. In addition to our 2021 planning we have been looking at the rest of 2020 as a chance to get the word out to non-traditional audiences. Having seen COVID-19 pull the pin on the Ashley Forest hillclimb, I’m casting an interested eye over some northern activity at the moment. We have a chance to do a ’show’ down this way and then may take a look at Andrew Hawkeswood’s rally-style event (That would be the Repco…