4WD1.com - Newsletters - November 2011

There's so many brands of self-recovery winches available these days. How do you decide which is the best for you?

Every man and his dog seem to be importing them from China and whacking their own tough-sounding name on the outside. Some of the Chinese winches could be well made (in whole or in part) but are they good medium and long-term value?

If something goes wrong three years from now, what will be the situation with parts availability? And where do you stand if the importer has decided that it was all 'too hard' and has stopped importing them; or has gone out of business?.

Fair enough. If you can get the same benefits and results as a Warn for less $$ - you should take it.

Plus, if your winch purchase is more for "just in case" use, you probably prefer not to have the front of your vehicle owing you part of the National Debt.

The thing is, when you get snagged in the middle of nowhere, with no way out except for the pulling power of a winch - What if you get out, plug in the controller, attach the cable to a suitable tree with the right gear... Then, you go to power up the winch and there's nothing...no power... dead!

"You're 'the one in a thousand", your supplier tells you (if you can reach him).

It's why when you purchase a new winch, although you may not intend to use it often, its faultless operation is a critical factor for self-recovery (and sometimes personal survival). That means you need a proven performer, regardless of cost.

Now if you prefer a great winch at a price that's easier on your wallet, meet (and buy) the VRS.

The VRS winch was designed in Australia, for Australia, and other tough regions of the world.

The VRS winch series is nothing like commonly available "cheapie's". Such businesses (small and large) usually source generic-make winches from say Alibaba (the Chinese supplier affiliate website), and slap their own sticker on the box to sell to Aussie's as "bargains".

Visually, the winch looks super. The body work is coated with a special textured UV and corrosion-resistant acrylic compound. The stainless steel hardware and fittings will look good for years to come and help maintain the products build.

The bracket that holds the fluted-design control pack, is not the usual flimsy metal piece you think you might have received as a bonus with your breakfast cereal.

Of course, it's not the outside that counts. The VRS winch's real beauty is on the 'inside'.

The VRS motor and gearbox is strong, smooth and efficient. The clutch handle feels good to engage and disengage, with great free-spool action.

There's 4 great models to choose from... Check out the installation pics to my JK (below).

Here it is (workshop floor) Ready to install. This one is the 9500lb synthetic rope version.

Synthetic rope winches should use (supplied) a smooth-finish hawse fairlead. Not a roller type.

Go Sam! The VRS winch is being fitted to a Rugged Ridge stubby bar.
It does however, fit most types of winch-compatible bull-bars - ARB, TJM, Ironman, ECB etc.

The VRS remote is tough, comfortable to hold and easy to use - even with gloves.

This is Ian. He's Sam's dad. Ian had nothing to do with fitting the winch, but we
took his photo anyway so he felt part of it :)

This is our workshop mascot. It's also what we all look like with our shirts off... Yep! :)

The control box not only looks nice. The way that the cable connects to the control box is great.
It's a three prong system with a screw-down collar over the top. Once it's in - It's in.

OK. The JK has never actually been bogged or stuck. But we needed some pics...

It's Rick O'brien (action man, off-road enthusiast, former associate editor of 4WD Action Magazine, and owner/director at the Off Road Media Group).

Rick got a VRS winch earlier this year, and has since really put the product through its paces.

Rick says of his VRS "In short, the VRS winch is tough, reliable and powerful...From my own testing, as well as when needed for numerous real-life recovery situations, the VRS winch has performed faultlessly each time.."

So don't wait... Introductory price! Plus, order now and receive FREE Australia-wide delivery.

For big-lift 4WDs with high-articulation suspension, the key to good under-body performance is the quality of the components, combined with the bore-size of the shocks (struts), and the appropriateness of the spring’s rating (stiffness).

Bore-size is the diameter of the piston and the inside of the pressure tube. Generally, the larger the unit, the higher the potential control levels because of the larger piston displacement and pressure areas.

The larger the piston area, the lower the internal operating pressure and temperatures.

Introducing the new Rancho RS7000MT. The Rancho RS7000MT mono-tube shocks run cool, and look HOT! Plus, they provide exceptional vehicle control and ride-comfort characteristics, in any given situation.

Made in the USA, and engineered to the highest specification tolerances (including the strongest seals to maintain oil integrity), the new Rancho RS7000MT shocks – which provide more efficient heat dissipation for less fade – offer precise control through a 46mm bore and piston.

Built to the exacting standards of Rancho engineers, the new shocks feature a high-pressure gas charge (separated from the internal oil) to provide maximized damping efficiency and control.

The RS7000MT shock body is brushed, zinc plated, then clear coated. A black protective boot to protect the piston rod is included.

Rancho products are owned by Tenneco, a $5.9 billion global manufacturing company with headquarters in Lake Forest, Illinois and approximately 22,000 employees worldwide. Tenneco is one of the world’s largest designers, manufacturers and marketers of emission control and ride control products and systems for the automotive and commercial vehicle original equipment markets and the aftermarket.

Rancho products have led the off-road shock and suspension market for more than 50 years.

A high-quality air-compressor is a good thing to own. 4WDing, camping, boating, hunting, or fishing, a good portable air-compressor can assist with numerous related tasks.

My favourite past-time is ‘beach driving’. Aussies have to be the luckiest people on the planet. You could spend a lifetime doing just a one-lap tour of our country’s coastline. And that wouldn’t include a peek at the more than 7,600,000 square kilometres in the middle!

You an off-roader? Lower tyre pressures mean greater traction. Letting some air out of your tyres increases its ‘footprint’ area. This reduces the weight per square cm and also increases the ‘length’ of the contact area.

Contrary to what many people will try to tell you, it is the increase in length, rather than width, which improves a vehicle’s ability to cross soft surfaces.

Take a look at some photos of horse-drawn coaches, or cars sold in the early part of the 20th century. Notice that they are fitted with very tall and skinny wheels. Yet, they were capable of driving on very sandy or extremely muddy roads that (today) we would call ‘tracks’.

And, just as it does on a snow ski, it is the length of the contact area that makes the difference.

If you always carry a decent tyre pump, you won't hesitate to let some air out of the tyres when desirable. (You know you will be able to pump them up again).

Driving on the road with low tyre pressures, is not wise.

If you plan to drive on sand regularly, buy the best-performing air-pump your budget will allow.

So which pump?

With as many 'brands' available as baubles on a Christmas tree, the choice can be over-whelming!

From experience, few models live up to the claims printed on their box. Hose connections are a real bugger on many pumps. When you're outback trying to repair and re-inflate a tyre, or are getting back onto the tar after a beach run - You need performance over promises.

But check out 4WD Action Magazine's latest AIR COMPRESSOR COMPARO - An extensive torture and comparison test of 24 (yes, 24) popularly-distributed portable pumps.

What I liked about the 4WD Action test was their focus on the pumps performance during realistic use (ie. hard work).

The output of a pump under no load means exactly that... Nothing!

Let's do 4! Lets do 8 tyres! Let's check the operating temperatures... I like it!

I'm going to be the guy who spoils the ending of a good movie you wanted to see:

The winner of the (24) pump comparison test was the 150L DR AIR PRO-FLOW unit.

How good is it? I think the guys at 4WD Action said it best:

"... And then we come to our champ - both of the $251-$500 category, and 1st place overall. The DR AIR PRO-FLOW 150LPM is a sensational piece of equipment that consistently placed at the top of it's field in all disciplines, only being bettered in the initial <single tyre> 0-40psi test. A five-year warranty and sub-$300 purchase price mean that when the dust settled and we tallied the figures, it was the clear winner..."

In the single tyre inflation test of from 16-40psi, the DR AIR PRO-FLOW did the job in 2.42 minutes. Tyre size was 33x11.5x16 or 285/75R16.

This was faster than the Tigerz 11, MCC 150LPM, TJM Portable, KCI, Piranha Max Volume, MCC 90LPM, Bushranger RV Air, MCC 72lpm, Bushranger Power Air, ARB CKMP12, Terrain Tamer TTAC3, Bushranger Super Max, Opposite Lock 1Air, Bushranger Auto Max, Bushranger Max Air, Bushranger Black Max, Bushranger Pro Air, Piranha Red and the Opposite Lock Twin Tongue pump.

The Terrain Tamer TTAC2 was DNF (That's a polite acronym for DID NOT FINISH). A bit like DOA means DEAD ON ARRIVAL.

In the speed inflation test of four (4) tyres, the DR AIR PRO-FLOW did the job in 12.16 minutes. Tyre size was 33x11.5x16 or 285/75R16.

This was faster than the Tigerz 11, MCC 150LPM, TJM Portable, KCI, Piranha Max Volume, Bushranger RV Air, MCC 72lpm, Bushranger Power Air, ARB CKMP12, Terrain Tamer TTAC3, Bushranger Super Max, Opposite Lock 1Air, Bushranger Auto Max, Bushranger Max Air, Bushranger Black Max, Bushranger Pro Air, Piranha Red and the Opposite Lock Twin Tongue pump.

The Terrain Tamer TTAC2 was DNF (DID NOT FINISH).

The MCC 90lpm was also DNF (DID NOT FINISH).

The DR AIR PRO-FLOW did the job 12 seconds faster than the ARB CKMP12, and 4 minutes and 18 seconds faster than the TJM Portable.

In the speed inflation test of eight (8) tyres, the DR AIR PRO-FLOW did the job in 25 minutes and 30 seconds. Tyre size was 33x11.5x16 or 285/75R16.

This was faster than the Tigerz 11, TJM Portable, KCI, Piranha Max Volume, Bushranger RV Air, Bushranger Power Air, ARB CKMP12, Terrain Tamer TTAC3, Bushranger Super Max, Opposite Lock 1Air, Bushranger Auto Max, Bushranger Max Air, Bushranger Black Max, Bushranger Pro Air, Piranha Red and the Opposite Lock Twin Tongue pump.

The Terrain Tamer TTAC2 was DNF (DID NOT FINISH).

The MCC 72lpm was also DNF (DID NOT FINISH).

The MCC 90lpm was also DNF (DID NOT FINISH).

The MCC 150lpm was also DNF (DID NOT FINISH).

And, the ARB CKMP12 was also DNF (DID NOT FINISH).

The DR AIR PRO-FLOW did the job in excess of 8 minutes faster than the TJM Portable, and almost 2 minutes faster than the Opposite Lock Twin Tongue pump.

The DR AIR PRO-FLOW's alligator clamps are no 'croc'.
The cables are also thick for maximum power transfer.

The bayonet-type air-connection has a nice industrial-style 'click' .

The in-line pressure gauge has a clear, clean look and protective surround.

The screw-on tyre valve fitting is both robust and trouble-free.

If you think the hose looks chunky & strong - It's because it is.

Space is at a premium when traveling. It's why so many ask if a particular tyre pump or air-compressor can be under-bonnet mounted.

Whether you spend $200 or $2000, the answer in the case of an electric-powered pump is (should be) no.

The greatest inhibitor of a compressors performance is heat. An electric compressor (any brand) generates tremendous heat - even at mild ambient temperatures.

Few pumps will inflate a decent size 4WD tyre from 15 to 36psi twice without needing a rest, or the thermostatic overload protection switch kicking in.

So why start at engine room temperature?

Speaking of heat, 4WD Action Magazine said of the DR AIR PRO-FLO 150 "It's also surprising that although most of the faster compressors gave high temperature readings, this unit produced a reading of 54'C at the cylinder head. [ie. a good rap].

Are you still reading? Get your own DR AIR now.

PAT'S BACK! AND BETTER THAN EVER!

Pat Callinan’s a bloke who needs no introduction.

An extension to the TV show and PC brand, Pat gave his editorial team a simple brief: ‘To build the perfect 4X4 magazine.’

Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Adventures will be a publication with a genuine conscience. Both credible and honest.

Dedicated to 4X4 touring and related activities, expect a unique perspective on what's new - products, treks and characters - supported by inspiring images in a beautiful format that is easy to read.

Stay sharp for the 1st edition. Each issue will be a souvenir.

3 NEW WEAPONS FROM TOUGH DOG

Tough Dog suspension (winner of 4WD Action Magazine's 19-page shock absorber torture and comparison test) has three new applications for their heavy-duty EXT steering damper series.

- Landrover Defender
- IFS (torsion bar front-end) Toyota Hilux
- Current model V8-engined 76, 78 and 79-series Landcruiser's

Unlike cars, most 4WDs need a steering damper to control front-end shimmy and/or wide tyres that often seem to have a mind of their own -especially on back roads. The heavy-duty EXT has a larger bore size than most original dampers. This means more control, better handling and less driver fatigue. EXT dampers bolt up to the existing mounts, so fitment is easy.

Tough Dog is the big-bore shock specialist for heavy-laden 4WDs and most independent suspension applications. Gone are the days when you could provide a one-type-suits-all shock absorber application, regardless of the vehicle type or customer need.

With four radically different shock absorber design concepts, totaling more than 450 individual part numbers, Tough Dog collars the competition.

CHRISTMAS IS NOW!

I do this one each year…..

The photo above is a picture of Darren. He’s hiding behind the counter with plugs in his ears. It’s the last two weeks before Christmas.

He might even be hiding from you.... Fair-dinkum!

That’s because year after year, we’ve found that so many people want to order their 4WD suspension kit, shocks, or winch etc. at the very last minute - and expect all to go well.

There are a few reasons why this might not happen.

Firstly, it’s the Christmas rush. While we plan ahead to cater for the extra business – it’s intense. If you live in the suburbs, you know yourself what it’s like to visit the local mall. It’s bedlam! Lot’s of things sold out. It’s hard to get good service. You get what you can get.

Secondly, most sections of any industry are looking forward to their Christmas/New Year shut-down. From mechanical workshops and fitters, manufacturers, transport companies and even Australia Post, everyone is under pressure.

Lastly, many products (such as in the case of a suspension kit) should ideally be fitted weeks before a big trip. This gives the components a chance to settle in and be adjusted if required - and have a proper wheel alignment.

It also gives you a chance as a driver to get to know your vehicle’s characteristics with the newly fitted suspension – compared to the tired old components you’ve just replaced.

That makes for a more relaxed, enjoyable trip.

So if you phone us or walk into our store on Christmas Eve to enquire and collect your premium Rancho/Rockcrawler kit for your Hilux, please don’t be upset if we offer you a beer instead!