LIGHT IN THE HEAD
Having a decent head torch is a vital accessory for all campers and the range available is vast. Try Devon 4×4 Princeton Tec head torches, the one shown here is the Scout. It’s a lightweight option and the hinged lamp housing allows you to direct light where you need it, or you can detach the light from the strap for use on your cap, backpack strap or belt. It has different mode settings so you can conserve battery power (it’s powered by four 2032 Lithium coin cell batteries). It’s available at a reasonable £24.95 (inc VAT). Call the team at Devon 4×4 to find out more. Call them on 01769 550900.
Website: www.devon4x4.com
We have a separate tent review feature elsewhere in this issue, but had to include this new James Baroud roof tent option. They are actually French in design and build, and have been available for some 20 years, but they are now available exclusively from Devon 4×4. There are a lot of benefits from a roof tent as it is simple to erect – especially important when you need to get that sorted ASAP to get out of the inclement weather! These are quality products. Call the guys at Devon 4×4 to find out more. Call them on 01769 550900, or check out the movie clips on the website.
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.
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.
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 
We have a piece this month on fitting a Mountain Top to our Hilux (see page 82) and were interested to learn of this new cover for the Isuzu D-Max. In many cases, rear covers are functional rather than design led. It looks, however, that Up Country has a new, and very stylish cover, for the D-Max. It offers keyless entry using the Isuzu key fob, which will make it look like an OE product. This is further emphasised by the fact that the rear spoiler and side fin panels can be customised to match the pick-up’s body colour. It certainly looks like one of the best looking load bed covers on the market – fitted to one of the very best pick-ups. To find out more, go to the website or call the guys up on 01986 875171. Remember to say 4×4 Magazine sent you.
We are looking forward to a few issues time when we take our annual view of the side-by-side utility terrain vehicle market, so it was great to hear about the makeover for the John Deere XUV 855D Gator. We were so impressed with the build quality of the version we tested last year, and the bright in-your-face colour scheme. For 2013, this model has a new digital instrument cluster, larger capacity alternator and a much larger (27.6-litre) fuel tank – obviously allowing for long working range. Engine braking has been improved which should aid performance, especially down muddy slopes, where UTVs traditionally have a tendency to ‘toboggan’. Price of the 2013 XUV 855D 4×4 Gator utility vehicle starts at £12,227 (€14,385 in Ireland) for the base machine in familiar green and yellow livery, fitted with standard seats and Terrahawk all-purpose tyres. The power steering option adds £512, while there’s an olive and black version with power steering as standard starting at £12,843 (€15,110). All prices exclude VAT. 
Gigglepin’s new airline kits are designed to be used on air systems that are powerful enough to inflate tyres. The kits include 5m of 6mm reinforced ID hose, with a male fitting at one end, and female at the other. The kit also has a female quarter inch threaded base, and similar sized male. Obviously these kits work best with Gigglepin’s own air manifold kit – which allow for the fitment of up to six air fittings at once. Ideal for anyone using air-locking diffs. To find out more, go to 
Overheating can be a problem on many engines, and the Land Rover TDi is no exception. Evans Waterless Engine Coolants now have a formula especially for these models. Unlike water, Evans Waterless Coolants contain no oxygen or minerals and so eliminates corrosion and with a boiling point in excess of 180 degrees prevents hot spots caused by pockets of steam. Evans also allows the cooling system to run at a lower pressure, which in turn reduces stress on components, key benefits to Land Rover owners. Perhaps more familiar in the US, it seems Evans is looking seriously at the UK 4×4 market. For more information on the company’s extensive range, go to 
Prev