Table of contents for Fitout and Accessories in NZ4WD

There is no better mission than camping way up in the boonies with mates and the wilderness for company. Summer is almost here, so this is the time to plan that adventure, and make sure the 4WD is equipped are ready to hit the trail. Tow a pop-top caravan trailer, fit a rooftop tent, or go all-out with a full-on off-road capable caravan. Everybody has a different ‘ideal’ campsite setup, and their own idea of the best places to visit. Using a 4WD makes the camping experience super-convenient and satisfying because the vehicle can easily reach challenging tracks, whether the conditions are sandy, muddy or snowy. It improves the driving experience, and it is way safer than 2WD. In fact, many of the best spots in remote areas really require…

The world of performance upgrades is vast, and it's easy to get lost in a maze of tweaks that can improve the vehicle or make it less effective. Planning is the key, and it's the first step for any owner wanting more from their 4WD. Start with a clear idea of how the vehicle is going to be used, what is to be achieved by a modification, what the budget is, and how the upgrade will be achieved. Is it a weekend DIY project, or is it better to take the vehicle to a 4WD specialist workshop? A few decades ago, getting more performance out of a 4WD was about hardware: engine swapping, transmission change-outs, even bolting on a turbocharger or supercharger. Land Rovers received Holden six-cylinder engines, ‘shorty’ Land…

Not long ago, adding accessories to your 4WD was a fairly blunt exercise – the product needed to look the part and deflect damage, but its performance didn't get much more complex. Those fundamental requirements haven't changed, but vehicles most certainly have. And with them, expectations around efficiency, technology and product availability have also come to the fore. Ali Arc Industries has been producing aluminium bullbars, nudge bars, load-carrying rack systems, steps and vehicle guards for NZ conditions since 1988. Developing new products month-in, month-out, for 38 years has made Ali Arc masters of refinement. Modern vehicles are more sophisticated than ever and running them comes with a fuel cost that demands consideration. Advanced driver systems, tighter compliance requirements and soaring prices at the pump mean accessories can no longer…

That 4WD is an enjoyable and practical vehicle for so many daily tasks. But it's hard not to start thinking about New Zealand's wild places, and about some tweaks to the truck that would make adventuring safer, easier and more fun. But where to start? At the vehicle's ‘mechanical foundation’. What does it need to survive rough use in remote places? Suspension and drivetrain. Add better shock absorbers, heavy-duty springs, maybe a proper air-locker diff. Sort out the brakes – check the disc rotor widths are still in spec, check and replace the brake pads and give the whole system a thorough bleed through. When bleeding the brakes, give the steel and flexible hoses a close look-over for damage. A sensible suspension lift (less than 50 mm) helps keep the…

Christchurch's GLI Caravans sells lift-top campers, camper trailers and caravans, due to growing demand, they are proud to introduce their new Semi-Off-Road Caravan Range – designed for travellers who want durability and adventure capability without stepping into full extreme off-road territory. Built on the exact same heavy-duty chassis as their full off-road models, this range delivers the same rock-solid foundation and structural strength their brand is known for. Strength isn't compromised – only the suspension configuration is tailored to suit a different style of travel. What sets it apart? The Semi-Off-Road models feature: Fixed axle with proven leaf spring suspension. Heavy-duty off-road chassis construction. Designed for shingle roads, dirt tracks, and regional touring. Lower ride profile for improved towing stability. A more budget-friendly entry into off-grid capable caravanning. While the…

Fitting out your 4WD is a very personal decision, based around what you want to use the vehicle for and your budget. Over the life of NZ4WD magazine we have built three project vehicles, each with a different goal and use case and hence a significantly different approach to the problem of how they were fitted out, all were covered by a series of articles as we built them up. Based on this we would comment that our best advice is to think through your goals and make a plan for the upgrades before you start – if your budget is tight, you can phase the additions choosing the most important first. The three projects were: Project Prado: A five-door 1996 Toyota Prado LX – built as an everyday vehicle…

As well as operating our South Island, New Zealand, guiding trips from November to April, we have expanded and are now operating trips in Europe. This is the story of how this came about and how we did it. Like so many things in live in life, opportunities appear in the most unexpected places. For several years, we have kept a 4WD in the UK for use on holidays back to Europe every couple of years. In 2025 we were looking at having it shipped to New Zealand as a backup vehicle. Being a 2004 model Mitsubishi Shogun (Pajero), it was now 20 years old, and was therefore deemed to be a “classic”. Sitting around a campfire, up a valley somewhere in the Southern Alps, one of our regulars, Martin,…

Redarc delivers complete, plug-and-play power with its new RedWorks pre-wired power panel range. Each RedWorks panel is an all-in-one 12V power solution that removes the complexity from off-grid setups by combining Redarc's proven charging, monitoring, and control technology into a compact, ready-to-install system. Built for touring, canopy, and service vehicles, RedWorks streamlines installation. Power for every set-up The RedWorks range includes three series tailored to different users: SCOUT – For when you just want to power a fridge and some lights. NOMAD – Systems for travellers and tradies adding more gear or staying off-grid longer. PIONEER – Fully integrated system with RedVision control and advanced monitoring for complete system management. Plug, play, and power up Each panel arrives pre-wired and ready to mount, with pre-crimped connectors, Anderson plugs, and smart…

From the factory, most standard OEM wheel and tyre packages are a compromise, allowing the vehicle to perform at adequate levels across a wide range of driving conditions. In more serious off-road conditions though, larger tyres will increase clearance, provide a bigger contact patch with the ground – especially at reduced tyre pressures – which improves traction and flotation. These positives aside, one thing that's often overlooked when opting for a larger wheel and tyre package is how this modification will affect the vehicle's braking performance. All states and territories have rules limiting the size increase of tyres and wheels, with reduced braking performance being the main concern. As a general guide, if you increase the radius of your wheel and tyre combination by 10 percent, the amount of extra…

Just bought a ute or SUV? Great. Driving around urban streets, thinking of excellent off-road adventures? Stop. The tyres of many new 4WDs are best suited to urban and open road use. That reflects the main use patterns manufacturers expect their clients to experience. Let's face it, manufacturers aren't psychic. They can't know how a particular client plans to use the shiny new 4WD after it rolls off the forecourt. Likewise, in the case of a second-hand 4WD, the previous owner has often had different uses for the vehicle. Either way, when it's time to replace tyres, it's important to choose the tyre that will best do the job. Stock tyres for urban use Stick with a regular Highway-Terrain (H/T) tread if the vehicle spends its life on tarmac. Benefits…