KEEP COVERED
This new awning from Rhino-Jack, the Foxwing Eco 2.1 is ideal for small and medium SUVs. It is simple to mount and then swings out from the rear and side of your vehicle, offering no less than 270degs of shade. Given that it was originally designed for Australia, that makes a lot of sense, for those of us living in the soggy UK, you’ll be pleased to know that it is also waterproof so works well to allow you to sit outside when the weather turns. Made from lightweight polyester, with a UV protective polyutherene coating, the extension poles are anodised aluminium and therefore rustproof. Rhino-Jack has a great range of off-road accessories and all are available from the guys at TBR Accessories, so give them a call on 0800 169 9946 / 01832 275396 or check out the website for more details.
Website: www.tbruk.com
As we are mentioning the coming colder months here, it will also mean shorter days and a lot less sunlight. Working on a vehicle in the afternoon – especially when you are underneath it! – can be difficult, and a head torch can be an ideal accessory. Of course, these are also a ‘must have’ for all people thinking of travelling overland, and to be honest great to have even if you are just venturing to a UK campsite. If you are going to get one, then we have no problem recommending this one from ARB, it’s a 5W LED headlamp, fully adjustable and will run for a claimed seven hours. It comes complete with three AAA batteries and has a RRP of £24. Further details and your local distributor can be found on the Arbil 4×4 website.
This recent hot weather does bring with it the odd thunderstorm and if you are caught out driving in a heavy rainfall it can be an alarming experience. There seems to be too much water falling and the wipers often don’t seem able to cope. There is a cheap and highly effective way to aid your vision. Armor All produce a product called Shield for Glass and it has an amazing affect of almost ‘repelling’ the water. It’s used by a lot of motorsport enthusiasts when caught in a rainstorm while racing. Trust us, it works! Available at a lot of motor suppliers or you can call 0845 602 1995 for find your nearest supplier.
The trend to capture on camera your off-road exploits is a growing one. You can see budding film directors following the exploits of friends and family at many a Pay ‘n’ Play day. If this is something you fancy, and would like a ‘driver’s eye view’ of what’s happening then you really need a decent clamp to hold your camera steady… and often that’s not your co-driver bouncing alongside! RAM has some new action camera mounts that solve this problem. We have used a RAM mount before and can confirm that they are certainly rigged and well built, made from marine-grade aluminium, with durable composite plastics and the company’s patented shock-absorbent rubber coated adjustable ball sockets. These things can be fitted to roll cages, windscreens or any flat edge. The range of mounts is comprehensive, check out the website.
Well known for an extensive range of high quality overland adventure gear, Front Runner has a great range that is ideal for Challenge competitors. Front Runner has a recovery range that includes Sand Traxs right through to canvas recovery bags. The company also makes this exquisite titanium shackle, and it’s a work of art! Rated for 4.75ton it does the job as well. Now available in the UK from Front Runner dealers. To find your local dealer just email 
It is worth remembering when travelling abroad, there are different regulations in different countries and if you are crossing Europe this year for a holiday, it would pay to check up on the law. Ring actually produce a European Travel Kit, reasonably priced at £29.99 that should have you covered for most trips. Some of the products that you need are pretty obvious such as having a GB sticker for the vehicle, but do you know you need alcohol breathalysers when driving in France? The kit also includes a warning triangle, high vis jackets, universal bulb kit, beam convertors, GB sticker, first aid kit, foil blanket, twin pack of breathalyser tests, all in a compact carry bag. Available in many motor factor outlets or check the website.
Changing suspension bushes on older models of Range Rover can significantly improve the vehicle’s handling and ride quality. The problem can be that they are difficult to remove. These two new rear suspension bush tools are designed for the Range Rover L322 (2003-2012), the Range Rover Sport and Land Rover Discovery 3 and 4. The lower hub bush tool and the upper hub bush tool have been developed to allow you to remove and refit these rear suspension bushes with the minimum of dismantling required. Being able to perform the task on the vehicle saves considerable time over the more traditional use of a workshop press and the requirement that the hub be completely removed. Check out the website to find out more.
You have to admit that all this good summer weather must make even the most grounded couch potato think about exploring the great outdoors – let’s go camping! Tuff-Trek has a wide range of tents, many ideally suited for 4×4 owners. We particularly liked the version designed to suit the Suzuki Jimny, it makes such a change from all the Land Rover versions! The company also has a special introductory offer of the TT-01 roof tent for only £645 (plus p&p). It’s made from the genuine poly-oxford canvas usually found on bigger tents, and is ideal for overnight stops or weekends away. The company has a great range of tents and awnings, so check out the website.
Webcon fuel pumps have a strong reputation and could be the ideal option if you are making an engine swap, or building a competition off-roader. The successful American Facet Red Top is now available in the UK. The pump runs at 6.0-8.0 psi pressure and flows at 33 gallons per hour. The pump is certified to EEC 95/54 requirements and retails at £84.02 (plus VAT). Contact the guys at Webcon for more details on 01932 787100.
Off-roading correctly means you have a strong understanding of your environment, and this is never so obvious than if you get involved with winching. Besides looking after your vehicle, it is essential that you look after whatever natural objects you may use – especially trees. Warn has a great range of Tree Trunk protectors made from premium quality nylon with reinforced end loops, coated with Cerakote for extra strength. The straps available include a one inch x eight foot version rated to 7200lbs, a two inch x eight foot rated to 14,400lbs and a four inch x eight foot version rated to 30,000lbs. Recommended retail prices for these straps start at just £50. Further details and your local distributor can be found on the Arbil 4×4 website.
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