Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2020 i NZ4WD

‘Ghoulies’ the local used to call them, when I first made my way to the West Coast back in the early 1980s to contest the Franz Josef (motorcycle) Enduro. ‘Ghoulies’ are the big, smooth rounded rocks exposed by the constant run-off of water from the mountain ranges which separate the Coast from the rest of the South Island. I was reminded of them as I read Scott Feller’s account of his recent trip into Montgomerie Hut and back (Page 24). This shot shows what happened to mate Sven when his ‘otherwise trusty 70 series’ got hopelessly hung up on its leaf spring hangers on just such a ‘ghouly’ in the middle of the Waitahu River. “Jamie attempted a quick snatch but the 70 was well and truly stuck,” explained Scott.…

RAM Trucks’ product onslaught continues with the arrival – in October here in NZ – of the new V8 Hemi-powered 1500 Warlock, a seriously-tough addition to the RAM family. Based on the new Crew Cab, Warlock’s key features include aggressive exterior styling, RamBox Cargo Management System, leather-trimmed upholstery, and a factory fitted suspension lift. Inside, leather-trimmed upholstery, dual-zone climate control, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity via the UCONNECT 8.4-inch touchscreen ensure every drive is a breeze. Powering the Warlock is RAM’s familiar 5.7-litre V8 Hemi, a burbling monster of a donk producing a mighty 291kW and 556Nm of torque. With an 820kg payload and the standard trailer brake control system, Warlock has a mighty 4.5 tonne max braked towing capability, pulling boats, trailers, or campers with ease.…

The 2020 Toyota Hilux will offer ute buyers here an improved driving experience when it arrives later this year, with a facelifted exterior, more powerful engine and additional smart phone connectivity features. Over the decades, Hilux has been improved with more powerful turbo-diesel engines, refined transmissions, comfort, and convenience features. The new Hilux continues to advance with new technology while maintaining its reputation for being a tough, dependable unit on the farm, in the bush, at slippery boat ramps, on the worksite or on steep coastal roads with a caravan in tow. BOLDER, TOUGHER-LOOKING With a bolder, tougher-looking face on all ‘wide-body’ SR, SR5 and SR5 Cruiser variants, and a beefed up 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine with 15 percent more power, the new model addresses two major areas tagged for improvement;…

In a bizarre twist that no fan could have imagined five – even three – years ago, the news that US auto giant General Motors (GM) has effectively distanced itself from the Holden Special Vehicle (HSV) brand and created a new ‘performance’ arm in this neck of the woods, General Motors Specialty Vehicles (or GMSV) has more relevance for the readers of NZ4WD than it does NZV8 or even NZ Autocar. That’s because the main volume vehicles the new business – which is scheduled to commence operations in the fourth quarter of this year - will be dealing in are the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ and Silverado 2500 ‘fullsize’ 4 x4 utes. Announcing the new venture former Holden NZ and now Interim Chairman and Managing Director of GM Holden, Kristian…

So. This particular story started when I got a call from a group of mates asking if my wife and I wanted to come to Reefton for some 4WD action. Obviously we were keen to join. What would stop us from that kind of invitation? My wife Kristen, official co-driver and author of previous articles, is always up for some adventure, and our nine-month old explorer, Jack, has become quite accustomed to bouncing around in a 4WD. However, since I can’t keep track of dates to save my life, I didn’t realise that the aforementioned weekend was one of the ones Kristen had to work. What a disappointment! Without my trusty co-driver I would not only be responsible for myself but solely responsible for taking care of little Jack. Yikes!…

Whilst the original braking systems on a new 4WD vehicle from the showroom is more than adequate for the job, it can be a very different story once the vehicle is decked out with the wide range of accessories as the weight of the vehicle overall can be dramatically increased. “Consider the weight of accessories such as a canopy, storage draws, a winch, bullbar, driving lights, a fridge, second spare wheel, larger fuel tank, second battery, roof rack, etc., and it is easy to see why the braking system is under greatly increased pressure and safety becomes a real issue,” says Bendix Product Manager Ian Campbell. ”Then there is an additional factor of the weight of a heavy caravan or outback trailer behind to consider.” ULTIMATE 4WD BRAKE UPGRADE Bendix…

We are used to relying on warning devices to let us know when things have gone wrong – and most of our vehicle instruments are set up only to give us this indication. Aside from the engine temperature gauge, most vehicles tell us little information about the vitals until it’s at situation critical – and these days there are plenty of vehicles that don’t even have a temperature gauge, just a blue light for colder than operating temp and a red light for too hot! Warning devices are great, they bring you back to reality when you are enjoying taking in the sights as you cruise along almost in a daydream. And under normal conditions this is when they come in handy, low coolant alarms for example, the loss of…

The map provided shows the final driven route of our latest (April 2019 to February 2020) family expedition. My initial reaction upon compiling this map, then sitting back and really taking it in, was being briefly struck by what a large chunk of the world we covered! I should hardly be surprised, as it is just what I painstakingly planned for back in 2018. Finally seeing the ‘completed’ route on the map feels like a real accomplishment, and I am pleased to be able to say that all major objectives for the trip were achieved. This was an immensely enjoyable journey, notwithstanding some not insignificant obstacles to overcome along the way. Obviously, you should expect at least a few difficulties to arise on an undertaking of this duration and complexity,…

October winner – Scott Fellers  Scott Fellers is the ‘other half’ of regular contributor Kristen Fellers, the one who usually takes the photos and does the trip write-ups… Elsewhere in this issue, however, you will find Scott’s (pretty good it is too), first attempt at a ripping trip yarn. The reason we’ve entered three of his other pics here is that we wanted to illustrate how ‘easy’ it is to take excellent photos ‘on the fly’ as it were, using the camera on your smartphone. Because that’s the camera Scott used on his recent trip to and from Montgomerie Hut on the West Coast.…

Australian 4WD parts brand Terrain Tamer is in expansion mode, recently opening a branch in the Cape Town suburb of Bellville to service the wider African community. Still owned and operated by Frank Hutchinson, who started the company in Melbourne in 1969, Terrain Tamer got its start supplying 4WD parts to tour operators who took tourists through rough, uncharted terrain in the Australian outback, to destinations such as Uluru. The company now boasts a product range of over 40,000 unique part numbers, essentially formed by parts that will keep a 4WD running – right through the gearbox, transfer case, CV joints, filters, suspension, bearing kits, brake, clutch and thousands of other parts. Operating for over 50 years, Terrain Tamer now has branches in every state of Australia, as well as…

And what of the once-proud Lion and Helmet logo that immediately identified any HSV product? Well, according to the man behind the company set up by his late father Tom Walkinshaw, Ryan Walkinshaw, boss of the Walkinshaw Automotive Group: “The HSV dealer network will continue to service HSV product and to supply warranty, spare parts and accessories to our customers into the future. “HSV has enjoyed an extremely successful journey through more than 30 years of Australian automotive history with the company’s engineering feats and ground-breaking designs capturing the hearts of Australians, creating a wide and loyal fan base. This includes the production of over 85,000 HSVs starting with our first Commodore models, through to the W1 and Sportscat models. “We are committed to preserving HSV’s integrity and heritage,” he…

All vehicles in New Zealand towing more than 2.5 tonnes are required to have an in-cab brake controller fitted, but not all brake controllers are the same so when it comes to towing safety, market leader REDARC claims that no other electric trailer brake controller on the market can match the REDARC Tow-Pro.  Simple to install and operate, Tow-Pro offers two types of braking in the one unit. The unit offers inertia sensing in automatic mode or user controlled mode for use in off-road driving. Automatic mode is used mainly for highway driving, the trailer brakes are applied at a proportional level to the vehicle braking level and will provide a smooth, safe trailer braking response. USER CHOOSER! User controlled mode provides the greatest possible control of the brake level,…

Having moved to the UK in the early 1980s and being a schoolboy with a hand-me-down Datsun 100A on a very limited budget, I needed to carry out the majority of maintenance on my car myself. I can remember many hours in my father’s workshop changing spark plugs, brake pads, cooling pumps, alternators and even a radiator. Hard to believe now... All that was a very long time ago and I must admit that as my financial wealth grew and vehicles became more complicated, both my desire and ability to repair my vehicles declined. COSTLY EXERCISE I recently decided to set up an Excel spreadsheet, with the principle aim of recording when work had been carried out on the 4x4Explorer Prado to make sure that I was adhering to the…

Like it or not, 4WD vehicles are the pride and joy of all 4WD enthusiasts. Whether it be for a joy ride around country roads, out and about on the farms, doing it tough for tradies and boaties or some serious off-roading. In this article bespoke Kiwi battery company Atomic Batteries says that there are three main factors keen NZ 4WD owners should know and understand about batteries before they can make a considered choice when they are in the market for a new battery for their pride and joy! Regardless of what you are into you will always load up your 4WD with tons of accessories for comfort, pleasure or to keep out of trouble during serious off-roading. You need your 4WD to start at every turn of the…

With new ECU and remapping technology, the industry has come a long way to increase power and fuel economy, and better meet the demands of modern 4WD vehicles. To assist with this further, Terrain Tamer have just released the first in their new range of Australian-made High Flow Exhaust Systems, to fit the Toyota Hilux, and V8 Landcruiser 79 Series. Constructed from 409 Stainless Steel and coated with black heat-proof thermal paint, Terrain Tamer’s new exhaust systems feature a double braided flex joint and three-inch mandrel bent tube which acts to maximise the gas flow of the engine, leading to better fuel economy and improved performance. The systems also include a large diameter turbo dump pipe, incorporating EGT and O2 sensor fittings, and a 200 CPI catalytic converter with a…

The second and last continent of our 2019/2020 expedition – Europe – was always going to be the quick and easy one. No more sandy, rocky deserts to navigate, remote rivers to cautiously cross, or near 5,000 metre mountain passes to ascend. Rather it was motorways, ferries and hotels, but it was still loads of fun with the kids and made for a great end to this trip. This being a 4WD magazine I won’t elaborate further here on the ‘road trip’ part of our journey, but it’s all on the blog at www.5GoOverland.com for anyone interested.…

S’been an interesting couple of weeks. M’lady and I have birthdays in the same month; this year both were significant numbers so we had a big party with lots of friends, music and delicious eats. The Gypsy Rover was in utility mode loaded to the gunnels trucking food and gear to and from a gorgeous rimu country hall that resounded with song and merriment. M’lady’s birthday prezzie was a night for two at Maruia Springs. We used that on a Thursday. It included a five-course meal, bed, breakfast and full use of hot pools. I’d recommend it. The meals were good and interesting, the pools rocky, steamy, hot and appropriately lit. Some gentle alpine rain was also arranged, adding to the atmosphere. Room and beds were excellent. I have a…

Your 4s  Our monthly feature showcases 4WDs doing just about anything except rolling over or burning! We will award a grand prize of a set of four Kumho 4x4 tyres in the NZ4WD Annual issue. This contest is open to all readers who are not professional photographers. IMPORTANT: Photographs must have been taken by the person entering them, or have the photographer’s written permission. Email your digital images and a detailed caption to: editor@NZ4WD.co.nz Send your prints and detailed captions to: Your4s with Kumho, PO Box 65-092, Mairangi Bay, Auckland 0754. Be sure to include your postal address! Submitting photos The basics: as with any photo, there’s no substitute for an image that’s sharp – in focus and free of camera shake. It should be well-exposed. Size and type The…

Where is Crumpy’s original bush-bashing, rut-busting, river-running Toyota Hilux? Not to mention ‘Scotty’s similar ‘city-busting version.’ The two iconic Toyota Hiluxes were the stars of arguably the most beloved advertising campaign ever in New Zealand, Barry Crump’s 1980’s Toyota Hiluxes. Toyota New Zealand is keen to find the red 1982 Hilux used in the first television commercial starring the unflappable bushman-poet Barry Crump and his sidekick, city slicker Lloyd “Scotty” Scott. They are also on the hunt for the yellow 1983 Hilux from the second commercial, which also featured the comedic duo. A new marketing campaign is about to be filmed to launch the new 2021 Hilux and Toyota is looking to include one or both iconic Hilux vehicles because, as Toyota New Zealand’s General Manager of Marketing, Andrew Davis,…

In mid-July Ford finally did it – officially launched its all-new and much-anticipated 2021 Bronco line-up – including a classic two-door and first-ever four-door version – the flagship of an all-new family of rugged off-road vehicles. With its distinctive heritage-inspired style, legendary Ford engineering and smart off-road technology, the new 4x4 Bronco is aimed at families who want to experience the great outdoors in safety, comfort and style. “We created the Bronco family to elevate every aspect of off-road adventure and equipped them with class-leading chassis hardware and exclusive technologies to raise the bar in the rugged 4x4 segment and take people further into the wild,” said Jim Farley, Ford chief operating officer. “They’re built with the toughness of an F-Series truck and the performance spirit of our Mustang,” he…

PROJECTA RV/ CARAVAN POWER MANAGEMENT A rise in the number of devices and conveniences connecting to the power supply can quickly drain or even overload the batteries fitted to the modern generation of motorhomes, camper vans and overland-focued 4x4 SUVs and utes. To help manage the demand, battery technology company Projecta has now extended its INTELLI-RV range of RV and caravan power management systems to include a second Bluetooth compatible model, known as the PM300-BT. Previously available only on the range-topping PM400, the Bluetooth feature allows users to control and monitor key electronics from the comfort and ease of their smart phone using the official app. Like the PM400, the lower cost PM300-BT comes with a remote LCD screen that offers information on battery/solar charging (Volts, AMPs, SOC, time remaining),…

Toyota has also upgraded its Hilux-based Fortuner SUV with the same more powerful turbo diesel engine and refinements to the cabin and audio systems. The 2021 Toyota Fortuner features a beefed up 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine that offers more power and torque as well as better fuel economy than its predecessor. “While the new Fortuner has outstanding four-wheel drive credentials, the 2021 version also comes with the latest safety technology and performance enhancements that make it even better to drive,” says Toyota Chief Operating Officer Neeraj Lala. “The turbo-diesel’s power has been increased by 20kW to 150kW while peak torque has been ramped up to an impressive 500Nm, with the improvements achieved by modifications to the cylinder block, pistons, turbo design and cooling system.” Along with the engine improvements, a…

So, you might be wondering (as I was before I picked up Ford’s press ‘car’). What exactly ‘is’ this ‘new’ Sport version of the ‘Ranger-based Everest? Bar the fact that from pretty much midway through 2019 Ford quietly dropped the original 3.2 litre five-cylinder single-turbo ‘Ranger’ engine and six-speed transmission for its new 2.0 litre four-cylinder bi-turbo ‘Raptor’ power plant and 10-speed auto trans, I wasn’t even aware that there was a second, slightly cheaper model on sale here. Yet there it was on the Ford NZ website when I was fact-checking the price of the all-singing, all-dancing Titanium model ($79,990 + ORC) – the Everest Sport RRP $73,990 + ORC. So, yes, I either have to ‘get out more’ or keep a closer eye of Ford PR man Tom…

As regular readers of this fine publication will already be aware, when the whole crazy Covid-19 thing reared its head, we escaped from our campsite in Christchurch to spend Lockdown and the winter in Marahau, at the entrance to the Abel Tasman National Park. Let’s face it, we’re living in paradise with views from the deck across Tasman bay to the Marlborough Sounds and beach and bush walks on our doorstep. The thing is though that Andrea doesn’t have a shopping mall within walking distance and for me to get to Central Otago is a two-day drive. I’m getting old, so more than six hours highway driving is more than enough for me! REEFTON? YES! What we do have however is Reefton, only three hours away. If you haven’t been…

Dunlop dealers across the country can offer customers more options now that Dunlop’s next generation of road, SUV and 4WD tyres have arrived here.. “We are pleased to increase our Dunlop offering in New Zealand and believe the breadth of the range is well-timed for the current environment,” said Goodyear & Dunlop Tyres national sales manager Jason Leong. Within the range are two new patterns of particular interest to readers of NZ4WD magazine. Designed for New Zealand’s growing SUV market, Grandtrek PT3 offers an everyday option for drivers looking for safety and fuel efficiency. Offering smooth and reliable highway driving, with off-road capability, Grandtrek PT3 features a new pattern design with an optimised circle profile, silica-based tread compound, and reduced rolling resistance thanks to a new low-heat generating compound. Then…

The name Holden might be on the way out but parent General Motors is standing steadfastly behind the owners of models still on the road with the launch of GM Trade Parts – an automotive trade-only programme that brings competitively priced Holden Genuine Parts, ACDelco and recent Chevrolet Genuine Service Parts to the trade through its Holden Dealer Network across Australia and New Zealand. GM Trade Parts takes the reigns from the long-running Holden Trade Club programme, the rebranding bringing with it a suite of new products and benefits for its existing 28,000 members. “With over 1.6 million Holdens still on the road, there’s huge demand for Holden Genuine Parts in automotive workshops today,” Paul Rietveld Holden Director Aftersales told NZ4WD. “Holden has made a commitment to its customers to…

When you match the best off-road vehicle in the world with the best all-terrain motorhome you create go-anywhere luxurious and reliable travel options in the form of the Mercedes-Benz Unimog and the EarthCruiser ultimate expedition vehicle. Bespoke Aussie company EarthCruiser makes a decent living out of building these cost-is-no-object off-road behemoths, releasing the one you see here – its most advanced expedition model at the time – approximately 18 months ago now. Based on the 224kW (300hp) Mercedes-Benz Unimog U430, the EarthCruiser Explorer XPR440, was designed and built to give a family of five an off-the-grid tour of a lifetime then bring them back safely to civilisation. Proven in use by Defence Forces throughout the world, the Mercedes-Benz Unimog features Variopilot, permitting a change between left and right hand drive,…

One of the regular trips I run as a trip leader in my 4WD club is a tour through the area around Ashhurst, ending up with a drive to the A-frame hut on the ridge line of the Ruahine Ranges. My aim is to have the trip find snow on Takapari Rd, but not enough snow to stop us reaching the A-Frame hut. I achieved this once, though in saying that it is usually cold, wet and misty, but without snow, or we have so much snow we can’t even get to the ridge. The forecast for this year’s trip was for fine weather, so while I didn’t expect snow, I did hope for that other rare experience – a view over both the Manawatu and the Wairarapa from the…

Disappointment. Just when the entry list was looking good and we were ready to go show people what the Giti Tyre Chev ProLite can do, that virus raises its nasty head again. And for the first time in its 40-year-history, the Ashley Forest Hillclimb is cancelled. I’m feeling disappointed but more so for the event and the many crews who were looking forward to tackling that high-speed hill. The worst thing for us is the loss of an opportunity to spread the Gospel of Off-road Goodness to people who still think the sport is about tractors in mud wallows. Never mind! When the alert level shifts in our favour we’ll look for some opportunities to display and demo the truck around Canterbury. People down here are hurting pretty bad, but…

Suspension bushes take a hammering on a 4WD, especially one that is used and abused off road on a regular basis and depending on the vehicle, are not so easy to replace. So it was the case with the Land Rover Discovery 3 when it went for its annual warrant of fitness (WoF) check and failed on the upper left rear suspension bush where the arm attaches to the chassis and also play in the outer steering spindles. The Discovery 3 has fully independent suspension and a reputation for failed suspension bushes in the early years, but luckily Land Rover and the aftermarket parts suppliers offer new suspension arms with bushes already installed. This saves the hassle of mucking around with pressing out the old and then pressing in the…