Named ‘The Seal’ (because of its slick grey exterior and water repellent properties) the latest product from Bushranger 4×4 is a new 12V recovery winch range. Fitted with Dyneema SK-75 Synthetic Rope, providing superior tensile strength with up to 9500lbs of line pull tension and connects with a pre-fitted Clevis Pin Hook. This is an Australian designed winch and also has an overheating warning system, and is claimed to be a very low Amp draw, thereby increasing battery life and has a light but durable aluminium alloy die cast housing. Bushranger recovery winches can be changed to suit 24V applications (for high draw needs). For more information, contact Darren Hellmund at Bushranger 4×4.
Website: www.bushranger.com.au
This August, visitors to the 
A new range of stainless steel exhausts are now available for VW Amarok (2010+), Ford Ranger T6 (2012+) and Isuzu D-Max (2012+). The exhaust system comes complete from the catalytic convertor (you will note from the excellent price, this does not include the cat), and comes with clamps and all fittings. Given it’s for the more modern pick-ups, probably the top three available at the moment, the thought of fitting a quality exhaust makes some sense, especially if you are planning to keep the truck for some time. Prices are all on the Up Country website. As an example, the Ranger exhaust is £685 (plus VAT). To find out more, go to the website or call the guys up on 01986 875171. Remember to say 4×4 Magazine sent you.
Regular readers will remember our reports on ‘reluctant retiree’ Les Carvall and his decision to get one Ultimate Challenge under his belt before the pipe and slippers took over. Les set up the ‘Heaven Can Wait I’m Busy’ charity and set off with three mates (combined age of 297) to drive across 16 countries, three continents and cross two oceans over a massive 28,000 mile challenge, all aboard two relatively standard Suzuki Jimnys. We have recently heard from Les explaining how it is all going:
This Sunday is the Surrey Capel 4×4 Auto Jumble with all the event’s profits going to Help for Heroes. This Surrey auto jumble has an entry price of £4.50 and free camping on Saturday night.
Land Rover has announced a three year global sponsorship for the exciting Extreme Sailing Series. The Land Rover Extreme 40 Catamaran was unveiled in Qingdao, China. The race series takes place over eight events, in city harbour venues across the globe to make spectator viewing easier than is often the case in competitive sailing events.
For many, getting muddy is half the fun – or even all the fun! However, it can also be really annoying. These new additional add-on wings can prevent the front wheels splattering yuk over the front wings and doors, bridging the annoying gap between the bottom of the wheel arch eyebrows and the front mud flaps preventing the unsightly dirt spraying the vehicle. The Dirt D-fender are said to be very easy to fit and cost £39.99 (inc VAT) a pair. Check out online.
Pedders Suspension has added to the company’s extensive product range with a new range of polyurethane bushes for Land Rover Discovery (Series 3 and 4) and Range Rover models (including Sport). These are for the front and rear control arm bushings and are claimed to be easy to install (no press is required) and are ‘groan and squeak free’ due to the internal bore grease system. They come with a two-year, 40,000km nationwide warranty. To learn more, check out the Pedders website or email 
THE CO-OPERATIVE Funeralcare service has launched a new service to appeal to those who want their last journey to be by Land Rover. A specially-converted 110 TDCi XS – in black of course – is now available for funerals across the north west of England. As David Collingwood, operations director of Co-operative Funeralcare explained: “We hope the new hearse will be of great benefit to families of Land Rover enthusiasts or those that just love the off-road terrain, to enable them to give their loved one a fitting farewell.” A final touch of greenlaning en route to the cemetery, or even a quick trip to a pay ‘n’ play site for the congregation to enjoy, perhaps?
Nigel Fryatt – editor
It took a long time, but finally I’ve done it. From the very start of my Toyota Hilux ownership, some 18 months ago, I’ve been going ‘to do something about it….’ The problem with the Hilux, and any opened backed pick-up is that despite the fact that you have enormous carrying capacity, it’s not actually very secure. You can’t just sling things in the back and forget about them; they’d get nicked, and they’d get very wet! The only option, therefore, is to have bags and cases behind the front seats. To help this, the Hilux’s rear seat folds upwards and so there is a massive space, and it does have ‘privacy glass’ to help mask what’s being carried, but it’s not secure should you park the vehicle and leave it for any period. There are two ‘secret’ hidden compartments under the rear seat (don’t let anyone know) but these are small, only really useful for documents, wallets etc. They are not even big enough for a decent sized camera.
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