With increasingly powerful Challenge vehicle winches more and more common, it seems that some believe that winch rope has not kept pace. The guys at First Four Off Road have answered this problem with the new COMP-Line Challenge winch rope. This Dyneema rope starts life as a 17mm diameter rope, but then goes through a serious of heating and stretching that reduces the diameter to 13mm, but maintains the strength characteristics. Tests have shown that this new rope now has a consistent break load of no less than 19.66 tonnes, claimed to be more than enough for even the most powerful 4×4 Challenge winches. Ropes can be made up to any length, at a price of £15.78 per metre (including VAT) and the company also has a full range of plain ropes.

Website: www.firstfour.co.uk 

Often, whenever you lose something in your vehicle, it turns up trapped under your seat. This time it’s different, as MUD-UK has a new secure storage option for Land Rover Defender owners. The XD case from Garrison Outfitters, it’s a semi-hardshell case that will fit any Defender front seat base. Full seat adjustment remains, the case is fully concealed, gives you ‘stealth’ storage but offers easy access to your roadside emergency tools, first aid items or general clutter, now neatly stored. Designed and manufactured in the US, it’s available from MUD-UK at £99 (including VAT).

Website: www.mudstuff.co.uk 

Products that work in the harsh environment of a sailing yacht or motorboat are always going to do well in the off-road world. Tallon is a company well known in the seafaring world and is turning its attention to 4x4s. The company produces an innovative socket and accessory system that will allow 4×4 owners to mount phones, tablets, iPads and other electronic equipment completely securely within their vehicle cockpit. This also includes options for USB sockets so that you can charge your electronic equipment.
Tallon Sockets are designed in New Zealand and the new mini sockets have been specifically produced for the automotive industry. The company’s website has some explanatory videos on the products, worth a look.

Website: www.tallonsystems.co.uk 

The new ARB Intensity LED driving lights are the result of no less than three years of design and engineering work, six prototypes… and this is the important bit… extensive off-road testing in Australia. ARB gear is always the business and so you can expect this new driving light to deliver. They are also going to be tough, and these new lights are submersible to three metres (if it’s a roof mounted light, then after three metres we suspect whether the light still works will be the least of your problems). The lights are dust and waterproof to IP68 rating and incorporate a Gore-Tex breather, waterproof Deutsch connectors and a special custom moulded rubber seal. Finished with a UV resistant, two-pack automotive paint, these ARB lights are available as either spot or flood versions and can be ordered from the guys at Arbil, so we suggest you give them a call and discuss your requirements on 0845 600 4556, or check out the website.

Website: www.arbil4x4.co.uk 

Those guys at Line-X have been at it again, this time turning their attention to Jeeps! These pictures show the results of their latest work – a fully encapsulated 1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ. The owner wanted something different, but also wanted something tough and Line-X is certainly the answer to that. The work was done at Line-X’s, Bermondsey, South London depot, with a green body and black roof. Besides being ‘ding and scratch resistant’ this treatment looks particularly suited to the Wrangler, don’t you think. It also goes to show that the Line-X protective cover is not just for pick-up load beds – good though it is for that – but using your imagination and you can have something that looks different and will certainly be a lot tougher, both off-road and around the mean streets of south London! If you want to know more, you can contact the Bermondsey branch on 07711 349607, or check out your nearest Line-X centre by going to www.linex.com.

Website: www.linex.com 

The Rhino Sunseeker Awning is an easy to operate, roll out awning that will shade the side of your vehicle in a matter of moments. When not in use, it is stored in its own heavy duty PVC bag. The awning comes complete with telescopic poles, guy ropes and pegs. Most importantly, it mounts to most roof rack systems, including Rhino-Rack crossbars, with the aid of an included fitting kit. It’s a sensible size, 2.5m long and 2 metres wide. If needs be, you can purchase extension pieces as well (pictured). The Rhino Sunseeker Awning retails at £259.59, and the Extension £127.05. Call the guys at TBR UK on 01832 275396 or go direct to the website.

Website: www.tbruk.com 

Keeping everything neat and tidy is the best way to enjoy your camping experience, especially important if you are on the move and touring. A sensible option is to check out the Hannibal Wolf range, available from Devon 4×4. This is a well-respected brand, and these boxes are tough and stackable. The box shown here is 52cm x 40cm x 24cm and retails at a reasonable £30 (inc VAT). Call the team at Devon 4×4 to find out more. Call them on 01769 550900.

Website: www.devon4x4.com 

One of the delights of camping has to be the food. And a proper BBQ is much better than just a tin of beans in a saucepan on a gas burner! The Bush Pig Braai is a raised folding BBQ (Braai) that burns wood and charcoal. The Braai comes complete with legs (to keep it from damaging the ground), lid and removable grill. The available cooking area is a sizeable 500mm x 250mm. When you have finished cooking, the unit can be used as a fire box to provide warmth, and when you finally retire, the lid is put back on to prevent hot ash and embers blowing about. The website price is £50, and optional extras include a selection of interchangeable grills, a hotplate and a carry bag. Call Mike on 07811 740080 or buy direct from the website.

Website: www.bush-pig.co.uk 

For many, camping is the first step and then it’s a case of exploring, often by bike. It’s essential therefore that you get yourself a sturdy and reliable bike carrier for the rear of your vehicle, and for that it’s worth contacting the guys at Pendle Bike Racks. These tow bar mounted racks hold the bikes away from the bodywork, with different arm offsets available depending on your vehicle and the number of bikes you want to carry. It’s worth remembering, although it seems pretty obvious, that with these fitted you cannot use the vehicle for towing. The Pendle Bike Rack range starts from around £114 up to £175, depending on the offset. We would advise that you contact the guys at Pendle for their expert knowledge on exactly what you require. Call them on 01282 699555, or check out their comprehensive website.

Website: www.pendle-bike.co.uk

Let’s face it, camping does allow you to search out those clever gadgets and products that you just love to own. The 1948 Original Equipment Company is just the sort of place to go to get quality equipment for your camping expedition. The company’s name is based on their own 1948 Land Rover; just like that 4×4, the stuff this company sells is built to last. Check out the website for more details. We were impressed by the Survival Bottle (£29) and the Survival Knife and fire starter (£35). And when the weather gets bad and you are stuck in the tent, check out the Freedom of the Hills deck of cards (£7). The website is packed with top quality stuff – we love it!

Website: www.originalequipmentshop.com