Innholdsfortegnelse for April 2018 i NZ4WD

As I write this I’m just back from a whistle-stop trip to Invercargill and environs and can I just say from the outset what a pleasure it was to be there. Flying in and out of Queenstown, and staying a night either side in Arrowtown obviously helped. But as I discovered when I spent a day in the city itself, Invercargill now has attractions of its own to draw – and hold – visitors. The obvious one is ‘the Truck Museum,’ opposite Stadium Southland on Tay St. The brainchild and lasting legacy of local truck industry legend Bill Richardson (and now officially called Bill Richardson Transport World) the museum is an absolute treasure-trove of the ordinary (boyhood friend Brian Tressider’s family farm truck) and the extraordinary (the only remaining streamliner-style…

It’s that time again, time for the 2018 Suzuki Extreme 4x4 Challenge. The day is Sunday, the date April 29. The Suzuki Challenge is an annual made-for-television 4x4 Trials showcase created and hosted by local 4x4 Trials guru Dan Cowper and his business, Cowper Trucks, at 2278 SH3 Turakina (near Whanganui, Ed). This year it will again feature the best of the best drivers and 4x4 Trials competition vehicles in the country. Vehicles and crews have been personally invited to test their skills against 12 extreme 4x4 courses. FMX superstar Levi Sherwood is also locked and loaded as the Suzuki Extreme 4x4 Challenge 2017 guest driver. Levi will be one of the 10 competing drivers and will pedal an LS3 V8-powered CowperTruck. Steep hills, vertical banks, massive jumps, mud and…

Emergency services in New Zealand can now tap into some of the world’s best signalling devices, light bars, warning and mass notification systems thanks to local company Narva NZ signing on as the exclusive distributor of Federal Signal products for NZ Federal Signal is extremely well regarded worldwide with the bulk of the range designed and manufactured in the United States. Narva NZ National Sales Manager, Tim Paterson, says the new partnership increases the company’s ability to target opportunities within the ‘red and blue’ Police, Fire, Ambulance Services and related markets, by offering a wider range of high quality products. Federal Signal is best known for its powerful police vehicle-mounted lightbars, along with siren and speaker system, and it recently added body cameras to this line-up.…

Back in 1993 Ford introduced a model into its venerable F-150 line-up that would change the way people looked at the big ol’ truck. It was the SVT Lightning, a powered-up road-focussed version of the F-150 that was all about straight line speed and, yes, good handling. By American truck standards, that is. The Lightning was dropped in 1995, but came back again in the 1999 model year with even more power (thanks to a supercharger bolted to its 5.4-litre petrol V8) and cemented the legend of the fast Ford road truck. The Lightning was again dropped from the line up when the new F-150 appeared in 2004, but Ford was determined to do another performance F-150. However, it wouldn’t be what anyone expected. Way to go!  That is where…

The names and some of the styling choices may different but like Toyota NZ, Toyota Australia is adding three new ‘Tuff Truck’ models to its 2018 HiLux (Note that our Australian counterparts capitalise the L in HiLux) line-up for 2018. The three new 4x4 variants – the HiLux Rogue, Rugged and Rugged X – will extend the “unbreakable” reputation of HiLux with features that boost off-road protection, recovery and functionality. Toyota Australia’s vice president sales and marketing Sean Hanley said the new models will add a bold, aspirational attitude to the quintessential HiLux attributes of being tough, strong and unbreakable. “HiLux buyers increasingly demand additional features – in fact, they spend more on accessories than any other vehicle in our range,” Mr Hanley said. “HiLux Rugged X is a no-compromise…

The Algodones Dunes, commonly known as Glamis, at over 517 square kilometres (200 square miles) is the largest OHV (Off Highway Vehicle) sand dune recreational area in the USA. It is located in the south east corner of California near the border with Baja, making it an ideal place for us to get our off road fix before heading into Mexico for the SCORE Baja 1000 (see feature story in the March 18 issue, Ed). We headed into the southern section of the dunes, officially known as the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreational Area. Arriving on Veterans’ Weekend, it was supposedly quieter; having missed the mayhem of Halloween the previous weekend, and the upcoming craziness of Thanksgiving when the dunes are supposedly crowded with all manner of Sand Rails, UTVs and…

Linx is an all-new vehicle accessory interface developed by Aussie 4x4 accessory specialist ARB. A unique modern controller that declutters the dashboard and centralises the command of vehicle accessories the Linx system replaces classic switches, gauges and monitors with one sleek and smart driver interface (touchscreen). Linx is built on an expandable platform, and will continue to evolve into the future. Total Control Fitting out a modern 4WD with a range of accessories, such as driving lights, Air Lockers, dual batteries and air compressors can quickly lead to a dash full of out of place, hard to reach switches and a myriad of gauges and monitors either stuck to the windscreen or drilled into the dashboard, not to mention all the associated fuses and wiring. Linx offers a single point…

Kawhia is a good day’s drive from Wellington so we planned to get up to New Plymouth on Saturday to give us a more relaxed day on Sunday, with time to stop for a bit of sightseeing. The tide cooperated, with the ideal time for the hot pools on Sunday being from 6:00pm. Leaving Wellington late Saturday morning after essential chores had been done, we linked up with with our fellow travellers Gillian and Ashley near Otaki, pausing for cheap fuel at Levin and lunch at Waitarere Beach before making some distance north on SH3. Backroad bypass Just past Stratford we turned off to follow a network of backroads to bypass New Plymouth. These slower, at times windy roads, were a pleasant chance to slow down and enjoy the scenery…

The name “Central Zone Club Truck Challenge” (CTC) isn’t that catchy and I wonder if it is holding back a major expansion of competitor numbers. Sure the “Central Zone” of the NZFWDA supports us and the lawyers say “Challenge” instead of bare knuckle competition but maybe we need to look at other sports for some inspiration. My son and I went to watch NZ-wide Pro Wrestling and it was genuine entertainment, albeit from the ‘70s. It could certainly teach us some lessons about wearing costumes and performers having stage names, so like the V8 Ute racing series we could be known by nicknames; the tights and thigh boots can come later. To that end I have decided to test my theory on the readers of this fine magazine. To whit:…

Breaking News, Breaking News; We interrupt this column to bring you the urgent and devastating news that the Maratoto track, also referred to as the Wires, has been closed by the Department of Conservation (DoC) due to the threat of Kauri Dieback disease. The Maratoto track is situated in the Maratoto Valley in the Coromandel Ranges off State Highway 26 between Paeroa and Thames. It was designated a special use area for four-wheel-drive vehicles in 1978 and has been a popular place for recreational four-wheelers and motorbikes for many years. The closure was just as the New Zealand Four Wheel Drive Association had finally got an agreement with DoC over the care and maintenance of the track. The concern is over Kauri Dieback Disease and as Auckland City Council has…

Saturday February 24 was a big day for Aussie company Ironman 4x4 and its exclusive New Zealand distributor, Christchurch-based Terraquip NZ. That was the day that Terraquip NZ officially opened its new, state-of-the-art interactive 150m2 Ironman 4x4 showroom at 174 Waterloo Road, Hornby. On display in the new showroom is Ironman 4x4’s full range of 4WD accessories and outdoor products including bull bars, suspension, recovery gear, lights and camping gear and to say that company director Vince Rietveld is proud of it is an understatement. Newest & largest “We believe this is the newest and largest 4WD product showroom in New Zealand where accessories can be tested including spot lights, light bars, fridges, compressors and winches,” he told NZ4WD magazine’s Niki O’Brien a the official opening function. The new showroom…

The Edendale Vintage Machinery Club’s annual Crank Up event continues to draw the crowds, thousands making the pilgrimage to the iconic Southland event over the January 27-28 weekend. History – literally – comes to life at the Crank Up, now in its 31st year. Not that there is anything high brow about what has to be one of the best regional events (or rather, best kept secrets) in this country. Rather, it is history writ small, and proudly colloquial, with the focus unashamedly on the machines and machinery that helped make New Zealand great. The traction engines on which the Crank Up event was originally based, still play a key part. But now the celebration of all things mechanical includes everything from stationary engines to tractors, trucks and yes even…

Finding the right fuses to keep electrical items working in your car, recreational vehicle, boat or truck has become easier with the expansion of Narva’s range of fuses and fuse accessories in New Zealand. Narva has introduced new ANS, ANL and micro fuses along with holders to help owners keep up with the ever-rising demands on vehicle and marine electrical systems. The ANS fuses are a ‘bolt-on’ type and feature copper alloy construction with tin plating and an inspection window. These fuses are available in 50, 60, 80, 100, 125 and 150 Amps. ANL variants are also bolt-on and again feature copper alloy construction but with a gold-plated appearance – they’re also designed with an inspection window for fast diagnosis. They are available in 80, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200…

When you ask Ford Performance Chief Engineer Jamal Hameedi what his favourite part of the new Ford Ranger Raptor is, he smiles broadly and says “I have a crush on the rear suspension! “It’s the first multi-link coilover on a pickup truck that is a Watts link(age) and it is a game changer from a ride and handling standpoint. It’s the best-handling pickup truck I have ever driven, by far. And I’ve driven a LOT of pickup trucks. This thing is amazing.” The Raptor’s rear suspension is a development of the coilover set-up introduced on the Everest SUV, while Ford has also extensively modified the Ranger’s chassis for use under the Raptor. New chassis and geometry The frame design incorporates new geometry for the large suspension that provides increased track…

Following on from the success of the F-Pace, it was inevitable that Jaguar would add more SUVs to its line-up, so to that end we have the “barely an SUV” I-Pace all-electric SUV due later this year, and the very car you see before you now, the smaller E-Pace. While it comes in both FWD and AWD forms internationally, the New Zealand range will be exclusively AWD, with a mix of diesel and petrol power. The diesel powered D150 S kicks off the range at $69,900, while its petrol equivalent – the P250 S – lands at $74,900. Two R-Dynamic S models come next, with a P250 and a more powerful diesel D180 both costing $79,900. The R-Dynamic SE tops the range, with the P250 landing at $ 84,900, while…

We’ve all heard (indeed, many of us have at times tried to live by) the old adage, ‘do it once, do it right.’ All too often, however, ‘life’ gets in the way. For most of us the problems start early. We either start with the wrong vehicle then proceed to throw money at it in the mistaken belief we can somehow make it ‘right.’ Or run out of money/time/inspiration at the final hurdle. Which is, of course, all part of life’s rich tapestry. What if you’re not like that though? What if you have a natural aversion to doing anything half-cocked, a burning desire to... ‘do things once and do them right,’ using genuine parts, and the determination and wherewithal to see any project through to its natural conclusion? What, for…

Each ARB agent has full workshop facilities and equipment specifically suited to servicing 4x4s as well as suitably trained technical staff. They can offer a wide range of services from routine scheduled maintenance to diagnosis and full mechanical repair to Wheels and Tyres. They have well stocked workshops and stock a range of ARB 4x4 accessories. Because 4x4s have such a wide range of capabilities they are used in a multitude of different applications. These range from recreational vehicles to explore back country, access hunting and fishing spots and tramping tracks to working vehicles that are used on farms, for field service vehicles and as load carrying vehicles to carry payloads into difficult to access areas. So there is a huge variety in the way each of these vehicles are…

Change is constant and no more so than within organisations like the Department of Conservation (DOC). During February, advice was received from DOC that all unsigned partnership agreements would need to be re-drafted in a new format with the aim of standardisation. The word ‘partnership’ has gone from the title too; with documents now simply being a ‘Community Agreement’. For those contemplating establishing an agreement with DOC to assist with maintenance of an area, the new guidance notes advise… “Be aware that under the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) 2015, DOC, as a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU), has a duty of care, so far as is reasonably practicable, to ensure the health and safety of a community group (and the public) when it is carrying…

Ever wanted to get into the back country and travel through many of the iconic South Island sheep stations and experience the isolation and majestic scenery of the high country in your own time? Then why not join a fully guided self drive or tag-along tour organised by High Country Journeys. High Country Journeys is now run by Maniototo-based John Mulholland who lives near Ranfurly. John has been involved in the 4WD guiding scene in the South for over twenty years. Two new tour options Last season High Country Journeys introduced two new fully guided tour options; the ‘South Island High Country Grand Slam’ and the ‘Great Mackenzie Country and Central Otago Explorer,’ both of which have proved extremely popular. ‘The Grand Slam’ is a seven-day/eight-night package that starts in…

February 24th 2018  NZFWDA National 4x4 Trial – Rnd Four Manawatu; A National 4x4 Trial is based upon the ability of competitors to drive their vehicles over difficult terrain, including hill climbs, water courses, mud bogs, up steep hills, over rocks, ruts, along banks and a speed section. Open to the public and spectator friendly, the NZ National 4x4 Trials Series comprises of one-day events hosted by NZFWDA affiliated Clubs around the country. This Round will be hosted by Manawatu 4WD Club. For more details visit; nz4x4trials.co.nz/calendar-and-results/ March 10th – 11th 2018  Ahuroa Volunteer Fire Brigade Fundraiser; By Rodney Offroad Club. Normally held November each year it will now be in March 2018. Annual event held at Ahuroa. Usually two options Club Shiny (Option 1): need Wof and Reg, great…

Terrain Tamer have recently partnered with iconic Australian outback apparel brand R.M Williams to offer their new durable, red dust-proof ute bag. Made entirely in Australia from heavy duty, medium weight hard canvas material, the 60 litre bag is both large enough to hold enough belongings for a long outback trip, and strong enough to withstand the toughest of 4WD adventures. Stencilled with both Terrain Tamer and R.M Williams branding, the bag features heavy duty metal zippers and leather straps, fashioned from the same high quality leather R.M Williams’ goods are renowned for, and has been double stitched with nylon thread for extra added strength. The development of this Ute Bag marks the first of many meetings of the two leading Australian brands – R.M Williams, which was founded in…

The new SR5 Cruiser sits above the SR5 and replaces the outgoing SR5 Limited in Toyota New Zealand’s 21-strong 2018 Hilux range. As revealed in our range launch story (but not pictured because at that stage TNZ didn't have a finished example to show us) the new SR5 Cruiser is immediately distinguished by a bold new nose which features a larger, now lack hexagonal upper grille, revised front bumper design and heavily revised LED fog lights. “The Hilux benchmark has been raised again with a more aggressive style that will appeal to even more customers, and build on the long-standing Hilux attributes of being tough and unbreakable,” said Neeraj Lala, Toyota New Zealand’s General Manager of new vehicle sales and product. Bold statement “SR5 Cruiser makes a bold statement with…

Saturday February 17 , and after a weather-induced postponement from the weekend before, the sixth annual Danne-Vegas (Dannevirke) to Herby (Herbertville) 4x4 Scenic Trek went ahead, very much as planned. The weather had still been changeable through the week, but with a good forecast for the day, it was up (in my case anyway) before the crack of dawn, vehicle packed and out the gate heading for Dannevirke. A quick refuel when I got to town then it was along the road to the A&P Showgrounds and registration. A few vehicles were already in the paddock when I arrived and before long Trevor the organiser and lead vehicle driver, was introducing himself and working through the safety briefing relating to the day. He then introduced the Mayor of Tararua District,…

ARB Air Lockers work by using a 12 volt air compressor to activate and deactivate a solid and durable locking mechanism inside the differential. Delivering traction on demand at the flick of a dash mounted switch, the Air Lockers allow owners to drive at a slower and more controlled pace, even in the harshest terrain. The company launched its Air Locker range back in 1988 and since then has sold thousands units to satisfied customers throughout the world. Design has evolved Since 1988 it has also been evolving the Air Locker design to the point where it now incorporates features such as forged gears, timed gearing and a two-piece design, along with launching a new logo and five- year warranty. The phenomenal amount of force applied to the gears means…

Even ahead of setting off, you can pack your belongings to reduce the risk of your trailer or caravan weaving, yawing and snaking by loading the trailer or caravan in a specific way that distributes weight efficiently. The centre of gravity of the load needs to be about 10-20 cm in front of the trailer or caravan’s wheels, which can be achieved by loading slightly more weight in the front half of the trailer or caravan than in the rear, ensuring that you don’t exceed the recommended towing weight for your vehicle, of course. You should never load a trailer so that it is lower at the rear. It should be either level, or ideally, slightly nose down. Any load should be secured to the trailer tie-downs where available and…

Australian advanced-electronic manufacturer Redarc Electronics have been at the forefront of electronic brake controller design and manufacturing since the first release of their Tow-Pro in the early part of 2014. Over the years, Redarc have made further refinements to their electric brake controllers, constantly improving its technology and introducing new features which culminated in the current iteration of the Tow-Pro Elite, released in 2015. The Tow-Pro Elite has been the recipient of several awards including a Global Media Award at SEMA and is a simple to operate and user-friendly braking solution that offers two types of braking in the one unit; proportional and user controlled. Proportional mode is used mainly for highway driving, meaning the trailer brakes are applied at a comparative level to that of the vehicles braking, ensuring…

Daughter came around to scrounge some camping chairs. I offered a lightweight table too – an aluminium roll-up top with stiffeners and parallelogram legs. Lay the top inverted, fit the stiffeners, clip legs, revert it. Done. By now you’re thinking “I’ve got one of those!” Very common and excellent until a gust of wind blows them end over end down the beach... As the parts shook out a stiffener was short of a plastic tip that mates the top and legs. Where’s that, I wonder. She says “You’ll be able to 3D print one.” (I have access to a 3D printer). She was right. Easy job to run up a 3D solid model on my CAD (Computer Aided Design) system, save as a .stl file, send it to the 3DP.…