As VW’s new pick-up hits the roads of the UK, so do the new range of accessories designed specifically for the exciting new model. Stylish new roll bars and a truck top have been announced by 4x4at.com. These large diameter roll bars with rear stays are available with a long or short side stay option. Manufactured from grade T304 Stainless Steel 76mm tubing which is polished to a chrome like mirror finish.
Mounted to the pickup top rail to avoid encroaching on the bed space, the long stay roll bar is also compatible with 4x4at.com’s Roll & Lock Roll Top tonneau cover.

When it comes to getting the best performance out of your off-roader, snorkels and exhausts can make a world of difference. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right set-up for your vehicle? In this month’s Price Watch, we take a deep breath, and dive in to find out

Focus on… OEC International Difflock

Devon-based OEC International sells Safari snorkels for a range of 4x4s. The company specialises in preparing vehicles for overland adventures, where trips through dusty deserts are likely to be de rigueur and snorkels are therefore a much-needed accessory. Whatever your off-road needs, OEC can provide products to suit. It has recently re-launched its website, where it provides details of its range of Safari snorkels as well as a host of other products designed to enhance your muddy fun.

Even better, OEC is clearing its stock of Airtec snorkels, and selling them for as little as £180 on its Difflock online shop. For more details, visit http://shop.difflock.com/snorkel-clearance-sale-p-324.html.

www.oecinternational.com

One thing enthusiastic off-roaders need to consider is a decent method of getting all that muck and grime off their vehicle. A decent pressure washer is a very sensible accessory, and this month we have two new washers to consider.

The guys at Sealey have a special summer promotion running that includes a ‘star buy’ pressure washer offer. The PC2701 is on offer for £99.95 (plus VAT). It comes with high/low pressure lance, rotary and fixed brush attachments. There’s also a patio brush attachment – which might be necessary after you’ve dumped all that mud on the driveway! The washer offer is in Sealey’s special summer promotion catalogue, available at www.sealey.co.uk

Nicknamed “The Beast,” Karcher’s brand new pressure washer (pictured) can deliver a 150bar maximum – which is around 40 times a normal garden hose, and should be treated with respect. The K6 also has a clever “Plug ‘n’ Clean” system where you can add detergents.

The guys at Cooper Tires have told us that interest in the new Discoverer S/T Maxx tyre range has been great – and that was before they even had any in stock. Our experience of the Discoverer range has been very positive, so we are not really surprised. Let’s face it, they look great don’t they! Probably not the most objective reason for purchasing tyres, but let’s be honest, it helps parting with your money if they actually look the business! The more objective reason for choosing these tyres are the strong sidewalls and durability, the Discoverer S/T MAXX also has a great ability to discharge stones – a must for a proper off-road tyre. There is a good range available from LT235/85 R16 120Q up to LT275/70 R18 125Q.

Go to www.tyrespec.co.uk for more details or just call the guys on 01908 311515 and say that 4×4 Magazine sent you because you need a set of these tyres for your truck!

Blood Red Off-Road now have new Rocksliders for the Mk6 Toyota Hilux. These are fully welded steel construction and they bolt to existing chassis points and therefore require no drilling. Blood Red supply these powder-coated in satin black. They are also available for Mitsubishi L200 (2001-06), and the Daihatsu Fourtrak and Sportrak. Also new this month are UK made extended shackles; 10mm thick laser cut, powder-coated steel plates with CNC zinc plated EN8 pins. Manufactured to suit a range of vehicles including Daihatsu Fourtrak and Sportrak and most Japanese based pick-up trucks including Mitsubishi L200, Nissan D21/22, Toyota Hilux Mk 1-5, Isuzu Rodeo, and Ford Ranger. Now drilled and fitted with grease nipples to keep your bushes moving freely.

Check them out at www.bloodredoffroad.com

A new range of high-performance race quality hoses for 200 and 300 TDi Land Rovers have been announced by Siliconhose. The company claims that these hoses outperform the original equipment in terms of heat and pressure. Constructed from hand-formed four and five ply construction, these hoses are claimed to be a ‘fit and forget’ accessory and after 35 years in the business it is fair to say that they have a good competition history and that’s where reputations are made – and lost!

Prices start from £29 (plus VAT) and if you want to know more, go to www.siliconhoses.com or call the technical department on 0845 838 5364

Will the latest economic downturn lead to an increase of motorist DIY? That’s certainly the views of the guys at STP. Those with long memories will remember STP, a massive American company that has been around for over 50 years now. How many remember STP-sponsored American race cars? Perhaps less known to UK enthusiasts, the company has a well-established range of additives and engine treatment products and believes that these will become more important to vehicle owners as they worry about meeting the increasing costs of garage servicing. STP suggests that the addition of its Fuel Injector Cleaner or Diesel Injector Cleaner to a tankful of fuel every 3000 miles removes some of the naturally occurring deposits, delivers better engine efficiency and better fuel economy. A 250ml bottle, for petrol or diesel engines will set you back £5.49. Over 3000 miles, even a small improvement in economy should make that a worthwhile investment.

Available at many garage and accessory shops or checkout the website at: www.stp.eu/uk

High powered pressure washers are all very well, but at times it comes down to elbow grease polishing up your pride and joy! The Kent Chamois Company is a good place to start for all this gear, new from them is their Microfibre Wash & Dry Pack which offers a Noodle Mitt and Drying Towel in a ‘two for the price of one’ summer offer. The Kent Car Care range is available to view and purchase online at www.carcare.co.uk

Claimed to be strong enough to support a four tonne vehicle, Lift Trak is an inflatable device that could get you out of a particularly difficult hole that no amount of digging can solve. As it is inflatable, varying the amount of air means it can effectively ‘mould’ itself into the shape of the obstacle you are trying to overcome. Good if it means that you have to dig less, and don’t have to mess up the land around – use this and Tread Lightly. As the name suggests, it can also be used as a lift, again useful in certain boggy ground where you cannot get any solid foundation. When not in use it rolls up into a small duffel bag and can be stowed away in quite a small space.

A pair of Lift Trak will cost £210 (plus VAT). For more details go to: www.arbil4x4.co.uk

A new range of Dyneema Winch Lines has been launched. The company behind the ropes, Malvern’s English Braids, chose the recent British Indoor 4×4 Show to showcase its new product line-up.  English Braids has been manufacturing braided cords and ropes for over 40 years. The new products are its first range of Dyneema Winch Lines aimed specifically at the 4×4 market. Speaking about the launch, Steve Hayman of English Braids said, “We were really pleased with the volume of interest, and the feedback we got was excellent.”