Innehållsförteckning för Annual 2023 från NZ4WD

TESTED I had fully intended to go on the official launch of the Ranger, but Covid got me, which meant I had to defer a serious vehicle test and conduct it without the benefit of Ford's 4WD experts and budget. Wherever I found had to be gentle and safe enough to allow me to not merely cope but excel at demonstrating my off-road prowess and see if it was still true that Rangers lead the way. Hmm… A little exploring on the NZ4WD website gave me a bit of a clue as to some gentle test areas, and one which stood out to me was Wilson Road track off Wilson Rd which is in turn off South Head Rd. Wilson Rd is gravel. Now, the Ranger XLT will handle this…

4WD parts and accessories Xtreme Gravel Gear is here New Zealand and guess what? We are a proudly kiwi run and owned brand, slowly making an international footprint with a fantastic line-up of quality high end products engineered to suit the needs of four-wheel drivers in New Zealand and across the world. Our passion for this industry allows us to focus on our brand and customer's needs, every decision is inspired by our main mission, which is to provide the highest standard of off-road products and services to all customers across the field worldwide. In this rapidly changing industry, we've realised the importance of continually updating our approach to stay relevant in the market and are committed to just that by ongoing R&D and listening to feedback from our customers…

4WD parts and accessories Every 4x4 owner in New Zealand should have something from Ironman 4x4. Whether it's a set of driving lights, an awning, or perhaps a full suspension upgrade to get the most out of your 4x4 for work or play. We proudly offer tailored combinations of products. From top to bottom, you're covered. Bullbars, suspension, lighting, underbody protection, camping gear, recovery gear, and more. Ironman4x4 are the best in the business when it comes to 4x4 fit outs. We offer an impressive range of parts and accessories to turn your 4x4, new or old, into a much more capable, comfortable machine. Bullbars – Our product range and technology are always improving. Our bullbars are ahead of the game in terms of innovation. Easier to install, stronger, and…

4WD parts and accessories Founded in Australia more than 70 years ago, Matson is a leading name in the manufacture and supply of quality battery related products. The diverse product range covers everything that charges, discharges and connects batteries, such as: • Charging – Battery chargers ranging from 6V through to 48V applications, big and small, waterproof, domestic and industrial. • Jump starting – 12V and 24V jump starters and jump leads for all applications. Lightweight, high-tech lithium jump starters for passenger vehicles through to trucks, as well as super duty lead-acid starters for the heaviest applications. • Testing – Industry leading battery testers for all 6V and 12V batteries, including Stop-Start/ISS. Featuring patented Single Load Dynamic Resistance technology, Matson battery testers simulate actual vehicle starting conditions and are not…

It is well known to owners of Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series vehicles that the OE handbrake on these models is insufficient and prone to failure, causing slipping and dangerous rollaway events. To combat this, Terrain Tamer has developed the Electronic Secondary Park Brake (ESPB) kit, a secondary inclusion designed to support the vehicles primary OE handbrake rather than replace it. The kit includes calipers, wiring, controller, control switch and all accessories required for fitting, and is compatible with OE size pads and rotors, without the need to replace these parts. Once fitted, the Electronic Secondary Park Brake utilises an in-dash switch for easy activation and utilizes the handbrake warning light on the dashboard when engaged. The kit also features auto safe engagement, causing automatic activation when the vehicles ignition…

4WD parts and accBssariBS Brake fade doesn't just happen on the racetrack, it can also occur in passenger cars, four-wheel-drives and commercial vehicles particularly under heavy braking conditions and during hotter temperatures. It leads to a temporary reduction in braking performance that's caused by the added heat that's generated from repeated or sustained braking, or braking under heavy loads. When the heat doesn't effectively dissipate, the braking becomes compromised. Such conditions can arise more than we realise through the course of day-to-day driving – think of a heavily accessorised four-wheel-drive with larger tyres, or a passenger car towing a caravan descending a large hill or mountain road. For large trucks the effects are even greater, which is why so many are equipped with secondary technology such as retarders and engine…

KUMHO TYRES ‘YOUR 4s’ WINNERS Every month we invite readers and adventurers to send us images of their exploits in the great outdoors. It's a chance to showcase some great photography and shine a light on the amazing place we inhabit. At year end we bring the best pics from the year and judge them to find an overall winner. This year the prize of four Kumho tyres goes to Fin Yates, cool shot of his Nissan Patrol in its natural element: muddy trails near Ohakune, complete with all over mud camouflage! For us this showed a 4WD being put to good use in it's natural habitat – hope it didn't take too long for Fin to wash it! NOTE NO DECEMBER WINNER…

NZ4WD Compact 4WD SUV of the Year Vehicles for this award don't have to have a transfer case, or even ultra-low gear (or two), though they do have to be able to deliver off road capability and this narrows the field considerably. There has been significant model growth in this segment, with electric and hybrid models making their presence known along with some new-to-market brands. However, it was an off-road stalwart brand which stood out for the award this year showing you can't beat good genes! And the winner is the Jeep Compass. “Jeep's all-new Compass not only looks the business, it does the business.” Looks are subjective, but the ‘Baby Grand’ – which you can call the Compass without reservation – delivers on Jeep's heritage driving into the 21st…

Adventure Planning may be quite simple if you are just looking at a backroads adventure, but if you are venturing onto beaches or off-road trails then more detailed planning is definitely advisable. Know where you are going The first step is to know where you are going, is it a road or track you have taken before or is it new? Even for an on-road adventure a brief check of a map might be advisable, if off-road again check maps, if you have an off-road GPS and have been before load your previous tracks and waypoints to memory before leaving. Check online resources to see the current condition of the track and if that is suitable for your vehicle, advice of a recent slip or major deterioration of a track…

4WD parts and accessories Load-rated ‘hard lids’ are fast becoming the preferred tray-covering/securing option for utility owners, with Hamilton-based manufacturer MAC Ute Accessories being one of the key players. With clean lines, industry-leading, black powder-coated 4mm aluminium chequer plate construction and distinctive MAC Utes-branded, anti-theft handles, the company's Hard Lids are certainly not hard to spot; particularly since they have become so popular and the preferred option for many. There's a MAC Hard Lid for most current double cab ute models which includes the next generation Ford Ranger. MAC Utes manufactures hard lids for stock, meaning once a new design is released, there is a continual supply of the lids coming through production to keep up with demand. No lead times waiting for the hard lid to be manufactured because…

Exide batteries are supplied in New Zealand by Ramcar, the company that manufactures some of the biggest battery brands on the market. There are a lot of battery brands available in New Zealand, yet many of them are made in the same factories. Ramcar manufactures and designs its batteries in its own production facility and builds batteries specifically for the Australasian environment. Mark Johnson, National Sales Manager for New Zealand says the strength of the Exide brand is that the comprehensive range offered is tailored for use in local conditions. Exide also provides one of the industry's longest warranty coverage periods. Exide batteries offer the latest technology and premium quality products. Their AP9/SNT construction technology is geared to deliver the extra performance that is demanded by modern vehicles, small family…

4WD parts and accessories If you know one thing about four-wheel-drive vehicles, you'll know this: stuff – wears out. It doesn't matter if you have a 1986 Nissan-Lexus hodgepodge of a trail taming beast or a super shiny Range Rover with all the goodies and a fourth mortgage to pay for the fuel, bits is gonna get busted sooner or later. When they do, you want to be damn sure you've got the right widget doing the right work round your wheels. The answer is to get in touch with Mount Shop because the blokes behind the Mount Shop counters know their stuff, they'll have what you need first time. With nigh on 20 years supplying all manner of suspension parts, steering rack components, bump stops, engine, body and subframe…

A lot of small businesses use 4WD's for their businesses whether they be farmers, contractors, builders or trades. Yoogo Fleet have a range of Leasing and Fleet Management products that can help with operating their fleet. Established in 2013, the Yoogo Fleet team saw a real opportunity to innovate in what had become a stale and static market, creating a transparent, data- led, smart range of connected Financial, Fleet Management and Leasing products, specifically tailored for New Zealand business fleets. A fresh new face in the Fleet Management and Leasing industry, Yoogo Fleet are part of the well-known Speirs Finance Group of companies, rounding out their broad portfolio of asset finance and management solutions. Right at the core of Yoogo Fleet's offering is an integrated telemetrybased asset management system, giving…

BUYERS GUIDE 2022 SMALL SUV Each year we compile a comprehensive buyers guide to all the 4WD/AWD SUV's and utilites currently available, excluding just a few in the very rarefied price category. In the SUV section you might feel that there are some popular models missing, especially amongst the small SUV section. This is due to the fact that the manufacturers have moved to primarily supply 2WD/FWD models to this market. Some retain one AWD specification, but a lot like Mazda with the CX3 only have FWD models. As we are proudly a 4WD magazine they don't fit into this guide, they are however covered in our NZSUV 2022 guide which was published a few months ago. SUV's continue to grow in popularity – to the end of October 2022 over…

COMPARISON TEST Normally when we set out to do a comparison test for the Annual, we select three similar vehicles (say three models of ute) and test them on and off-road. This is great if you know you want a ute, but what if you are a bit further back up the vehicle decision tree? You probably know what size of vehicle you want, as this is usually based around the number of people and the type/size of cargo you might typically carry, along with factors such as the space you must park it and maybe towing capacity needed. So, let's say that you have landed on needing a large vehicle – you need to carry multiple people and plenty of stuff for camping, holidays or for activities you regularly…

4WD parts and accessories Have you ever seen something in a catalogue and thought: Yeah, that's cool. That's what I need for my truck!” Only to find that your whatever it is can't actually be sourced in New Zealand? It's a bit crushing, because now, to get your rig looking as good as you want it to, means you have to go find the item and then shell out, well, maybe a bit more than your Significant Other would approve of. Bummer! Well, the 4WD Supply Co might just be the solution to your problem. You likely won't know about the 4WD Supply Co, being as how it has been trading for a little over 18 months now. In saying that, the family-owned and operated business headed up by brother…

As 2022 comes to a close, Ali Arc Industries is reflecting on one of its most challenging years in business since being founded some 34 years ago. So why has life been so hectic this year for Ali Arc Industries? Like many manufacturing companies Ali Arc has had to endure delays in the arrival of its raw materials and consumables, adapt to the sporadic arrival of new LCV's in the country in the early part of the year, continually adjust to ever increasing operating costs, and remain vigilant on numerous compliance obligations. So, it was quite a demanding year! On a more positive note, due to its core of loyal employees, Ali Arc continues to have an excellent satisfaction rate of having accessories delivered within the time period agreed with…

Terrain Tamer 4WD Parts has recently moved its New Zealand operations into a new facility. Located in Manukau Central, the branch was the first international endeavour for the brand, and parent company Don Kyatt Group, in 1986, and has been servicing both the North and South Islands from the Wiri site ever since. Previously at 1/46 Hobill Avenue, the new home for the company is located just down the road at number 28, on a corner block that includes a larger upgraded showroom, reception area, office and sales area, as well as off-street parking. Perhaps most importantly, the new site offers a warehouse space that is almost five times that of the old one, allowing the company to increase their stock holdings in New Zealand, and making it easier and…

4WD parts and accessories After months of frequent rain, cloudy days and overall bad weather, things are looking bright and cheery across New Zealand. Adventure enthusiasts looking to make the most of the sun, sea and sand this summer should get their applications in top condition before the start of the holiday season. The recreational batteries range by the award-winning brand, Delkor, provides the reliable power needed for greater peace of mind. Delkor Deep Cycle batteries are designed with thicker plates and high-density active material to provide dependable deep cycle power. These lead acid batteries are suitable for applications such as caravans, RVs, motorhomes and 4x4s that require a steadfast power and repeated cycling over an extended period of time. For customers seeking more capacity the Delkor Heavy Duty Deep…

There are many reasons we own a 4WD. Getting into places that others do not have the means or opportunity to is one of them. Last year we got the opportunity to go up to Leaning Rock, high above Cromwell and Lake Dunstan, with High Country Journeys as part of their Great Central Otago and Mackenzie Explorer Tour. John Mulholland led a group of trucks up this steep track which starts at a locked gate in Cromwell Gorge beside Lake Dunstan, about half way between Cromwell and Clyde. The track initially came up through scrub but quickly that gave way to tussock. The inside edge of the track was a water channel, which had a few holes in places, so some care with wheel placement was required, but generally nothing…