Great Gifts for 4WDers

Christmas is only two days away ? Are you shopping for your favourite four-wheel driver this year? Did you know the team at Maxliner Australia has geared up our showroom with some of our favorite brands to make it the ultimate one-stop-shop for all off-roaders.

Camp Chair

You can never have enough camping chairs, and Darche makes some of the best in the business.

Tyre Deflator (& Inflator)

Almost everyone knows about Clearview Accessories towing mirrors, but one of their handiest products is the Tyre Spider that quickly helps you adjust your vehicle’s tyre pressures.

Insulated Travel Mug

There is nothing like your first hot cup of coffee or cold beer as you hit the campsite. This myCOOLMAN one is the perfect stocking filler that keeps liquids cold or hot for hours.

Head Lamp

Another great stocking filler or perfect for that office KK is the Stedi Type S LED headlamp. This little ripper can be switched between lighting modes and run for up to 7 hours.

Organisation

Step up your Christmas present game and give the gift of organisation with RV Storage Solutions

EVC Throttle Controller

You will be on the top of the nice list if you unleash the power of your loved ones off-roader with the Ultimate 9 EVC Throttle Controller.

Drink Protection

With the massive range of 4×4 accessories, the MSA 4×4 team makes the biggest issue you will have is just choosing one. We pick the wine bottle or stubby tubes for the perfect stocking filler.

Diagnostic Tools

OBDII Scanners by AutoPhix are the tool you didn’t know you needed until you did. These handy little DIY diagnostic tools are sold by a team of Aussie travelers who know what it’s like to be stranded with a 4WD that is not performing at its best.

Navigation Tools

What do you get the off-roader that has everything? Something from Hema is sure to tickle their fancy. Hema has a range of digital and printed resources that help you take the unknown path and get out and explore the vast and wonderful land of Australia.

Luggage Bag

4WD’s can never have enough storage. Gear up your loved ones with the team from Rhino-Rack. The Rhino-Rack Weatherproof Luggage Bag is the ideal solution for carrying your bulky, lightweight gear while on the road.

Bike Rack

You will win the Christmas game if you purchase the RockyMounts Backstage bike rack. The only rack on the market that will let you open the rear door without taking off your bikes.

Heading away these holidays? Check out our favourite tips for camping with kids.

AAAA Magazine – October 2021

AUSTRALIA’S NEWEST FLOOR COVERINGS HAVE ARRIVED

Engineered for Aussie vehicles by the automotive aftermarket industry expert, Vandapac Company Ltd

Maxliner Floor Liners are said to be renowned worldwide for their durability, quality, and dependability. Every year, over five hundred thousand sets are reportedly sold across the globe.

A tailored fit and finish

Floor Mats are traditionally a flat mat sold to cover up some of the carpet in your vehicle. While some OEM mats are designed for the car, many mats sold through high-volume retailers are one size fits all. You may even need to trim them to install in some vehicles. Maxliner Australia says its engineers have used the latest CAD technology to offer perfect fits and finishes on every set of MaxPro Floor Liners.

Floor liners which stay in place

Maxliner Australia says its R&D team designs its liners to use a vehicle’s existing retention system. Using the retention system ensures MaxPro Floor Liners don’t move around while driving or getting in and out of the car, stopping any mishaps while driving and protecting the vehicle’s flooring better.

Easy to clean

When most people think of floor mats, they picture the standard carpet mat with a rubber backing. The carpet tends to pick up dirt and debris, which can be annoying and time consuming to clean. Maxliner Australia says one of the best things about the MaxPro range is you can take them out, give them a spray with the hose, let them air dry, and get them back in without having to touch a vacuum.

Stop dirt from getting anywhere near the interior

Your shoes collect sand, gravel, dirt, and other debris from the job site to the campsite or even just down at the beach. On carpet mats, this debris can get rubbed in and ruin the fabric. Maxliner Australia says its liners are made from a high-quality semi-flexible material with ridges and are tough enough to withstand dampness, mud, or other dirty matter on the bottom of your shoes and live to drive another day.

Maxliner Floor Mats are available for Australia’s most popular utes, 4WD, and SUVs. Maxliner Australia says it is so confident in the design and engineering of the MaxPro range that it offers a lifetime warranty.

For more information on sales, distribution, or stockist opportunities, contact the Maxliner Australia Network Development team on 1800 592 192 or sales@maxliner.com.au

To read the original article click here

Australia’s Best 4WD Tracks

We have no words for how excited we are to hit the tracks now that Australia is opening up again. Our team loves to get out and explore the best 4×4 trails this country has to offer and torture test the Maxliner Australia gear under real-world conditions. These are our top five; what are yours?

CREB Track – QLD

Aww, Cape York, this Daintree beauty takes away our breath every time we visit. And the CREB track well that generally makes us hold our breath. The perfect combination of rough but steep, it gets even trickier in the wet. Because of this, the Council may temporarily close the track; check the Council’s website before you go.

Know before you go: You will need a proper 4WD and some decent off-road experience if you want to survive this track.

Carson River Track – WA

This one is our holy grail of 4WD trips. The 400km+ track runs from Home Valley to the Kalumburu Road and was once celebrated as one of the world’s most remote and challenging 4WD tracks. The only way to do it these days is a tag-a-long tour that allows you to learn about the region’s history, culture, pioneers, and military significance.

Know before you go: Even on tour, self-sufficiency is a must if you dare to tackle this route. You must carry all the gear you need as well as recovery and repair equipment.

Binns Track – NT

If you have been banking up your annual leave for the ultimate adventure, this track could be what you are looking for. The route runs for 2,230 from the SA/NT border up to Timber Creek and takes you through desert country, the mountain ranges, and the open plains. The landscape doesn’t just change, so does the terrain. Experience sandy slopes, soft riverbeds, jagged rock, bogs, bitumen, and bulldust.

Know before you go: Not just a driving trip. Make sure you take the time to stop and smell the roses and explore the region along the way. The team at Tourism NT has put together an epic ten-day itinerary here.

Oodnadatta Track – SA

The 600km route runs from Maree to Oodnadatta through to Marla. The main road is not a technical track, but the driving and landscape offer plenty of camping along the way. If you want to step up the off-road elements, the Lake Eyre and Halligan Bay access tracks are a bit more of a challenge.

Know before you go: If you don’t have a hardcore 4×4, this could be the track for you. You can still experience the wonders of the outback, but most of the time, the road is in easily driveable condition.

Billy Goat Bluff – VIC

This is Alpine National Park driving at its best; getting up (and down) there is a challenge, but gosh, that view is worth it. In just 7kms, the fire trail ascends 1200m making it one of the more challenging climbs in the high country. Not only is the view worth it, but so are the thrills from traversing the mountain trails.

Know before you go: During winter and high-risk fire days, the tracks in Alpine National Park will be closed. Check with Parks Victoria before you go.

If you are going to hit these tracks, why not take your accommodation with you. Read on to see why the team at Maxliner Australia love themselves a roof-top tent.

Roof Rack 101

We will put it out there, but we reckon you would be hard-pressed to find a ute or SUV that goes off-road or to work that doesn’t have some sort of rack on the roof. Given this, there is a heap of options available. So before you head out and spend your hard-earned coin, we thought we would ask our fitting team for the ins and outs of what they believe.

Find an expert

Our first tip when buying a roof rack, chat to with someone in the know. Yeah, your mate might be sold on why the setup he purchased is the best thing since sliced bread, but an independent retailer is our bet. A great one will take the time to ask what you use it for and what you carry.

What type do you want?

Roof bars are cheap and light but not the most functional racks you can get. Our team recommends side-by-side racks over lengthways. If you only want to chuck some fishing rods or a ladder up there, they will do the trick.
Baskets are a more practical, lightweight option that sits on rails. They let you load up on light but bulky gear that takes up space in your vehicle: perfect for putting luggage or sleeping bags out of the way.
Platform racks are probably the most practical option out there. They are available in different shapes depending on what you want to carry. And a reputable brand will come with optional accessories that let you take everything from a spare tyre to a surfboard.
Luggage boxes or pods are great for providing weather protection and security but can limit what you can put in them.

Weight Matters

It might seem like a good idea to get the roughest and toughest rack you can find but not if it is so heavy you can’t fit any other gear on it. Your roof load limit is the maximum you can carry on the roof. If this is 100kg and the rack weighs 30kg, you only have 70kg left for gear. We recommend weighing what you think you may carry to help you decide what rack works best. It’s also important to remember that your roof rack on-road weight limit is likely to be less than when off-road.

Know the limits

Roof racks are perfect for adding some extra storage space when heading off-road or to job sites. The downside is that you are limited to what you can carry up top by the load limit on your roof. And the wind resistance created can increase running costs, reduce your vehicle performance and make wind noise. We recommend only using your racks when you can’t fit what you are carrying in your vehicle.

Packing 101

If you are heading off on a trip, the way you pack can your racks can make your life easier.

Always distribute weight evenly. The heaviest items should be in the middle. If your gear in the back end is heavy, you may want to push this a little forward. Try and balance left to right sides as well.
If you (or a passenger) are likely to need something while driving, don’t put it on the roof. Kids pillows, we are looking at you!
Unless you have a pod, think about weatherproofing your gear. You can get covers, bags, and boxes that will do the trick. But even taped-down plastic bags work as well.
Tie-down and double-check before you go. Whether you are using rope, bungee cords, nets, or ratchet straps. Make sure everything is secured well.

Got your gear loaded and ready to go? Check out why our floor liners are so much better than floor mats for work and play.

Top Towing Tips

Own a ute or SUV, and in Australia, it likely has a towbar.

Done incorrectly or without the proper gear towing can be one of the most dangerous things we do with our vehicles. Whether it’s dragging the work trailer, taking a van around the country, or hauling your favorite fishing boat away for the weekend, these are our top tips.

Choose the towbar that is right for you.

Where you are going and what you want to tow will depend on the tow bar you choose. The traditional hitches with a tow ball are pretty standard. But some heavy van towers swear by a weight-distribution hitch. Off-roaders may prefer an off-road coupling or even a rear step for ground clearance.

Know what you can tow.

If you are loading up to take a van away from the weekend or even purchasing a new one, it’s essential to know what you can legally tow.

Working that out can be easier said than done. Using your Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM), Gross Trailer Mass (GTM), and Gross Combined Mass (GCM) can help you work out what you can tow.

Take your vehicle GCM, deduct the GVM, and that’s the maximum weight you can tow (GTM). But don’t forget that the gear installed and added, plus passengers for a weekend away, all contribute to the GVM.

If you are unsure always check in with your local towing specialist or your vehicle manufacturers service department.

Pack safe, stay safe.

Correctly loading your trailer or van can help reduce trailer sway and on-road stability. Heavy items should be at the bottom and all weight distributed evenly across both sides and axles if possible.

Towing mirrors are worth their weight in gold.

Rear cameras are priceless when reversing your van into that riverside camping spot but are not a substitute when you are on the road.

Towing mirrors are needed when towing anything wider than the tow vehicle to provide a more expansive view.

Off-Road towing is a whole new ball game.

Even the most experienced on-road towers can face challenges by the extra complexity that comes with off-road towing. If you plan on taking a van or trailer off-road, ensure that it has rated recovery points. And, if you are unfamiliar with the track, see if you can unhook and drive the path first or ask a spotter to talk you through it.

You have hooked up the van and are ready to go. Check out our favourite country pubs to head to.

Best 4WD Gear for Work & Play

You’ve got the rig, and you have the canopy (hopefully one of our MaxTop Canopies), so what’s the next gear on your bucket list? If your 4×4 is an office during the week and a family getaway car on weekends and holidays, setting it up with some multi-purpose accessories will allow you to make the most of work and play. Our team at Maxliner Australia are experts at 4WD builds for both tradies and holidaymakers, and these are their top five add ons for making the most of a work ute that is perfect for making the most of adventures.

A towbar

The best feature of a ute canopy is that your gear is safe and sound from the weather and prying eyes. That doesn’t come without sacrifice, though. A canopy can make it trickier to carry anything big and bulky. That’s where a towbar comes in handy, whether it’s adding a bike rack for a weekend away, taking a trailer to the job site, or towing a caravan around Australia.

With a plethora of towing options available, some of our favourites are:

OEM Manufacturers – made to suit your vehicle.
X-Bar by Hayman Reese – great for those doing a fair bit of off-roading.

Roof Racks

Behind the tow bar, roof racks would have to be the most practical job site to campsite accessory going around. Whether you are packing the Hilux, the Ranger, or the Triton, a decent rack set up can take you from work to play in no time. And putting a few things up on racks gives everyone more room and makes for a happier holiday. A ton of options on the market have add-on accessories that can make them even more helpful:

Rhino-Rack – a clear favourite of tradies & off-roaders across Australia.
Yakima– a range of crossbars or platforms to choose from, depending on what you want to carry.

A drawer system

A canopy gives you storage space, a well-designed ute or 4WD drawer set-up gives you a storage system and solution. In a ute, they also make the best use of what can sometimes be hard-to-reach space.

Whether you’re carrying around tools, camping supplies, or fishing gear, you want something that makes the most of the space available and is safe to use. Aussies’ love of off-roading means we have a stack of choices available. We find the most popular options are:

RV Storage Solutions – great quality and large range of ADR certified 4×4 & 4WD Rear Drawers
Customised set-up – If you can’t find the perfect set-up, why not consider looking into a customised and specifically purpose-built set.

Fridge

Take a step up from ice packs or eskies and keep your smoko and lunch with a portable car fridge. A fridge does take up space, so while it is tempting to get a monster that can keep you going off-grid for weeks, our team recommends getting the smallest practical size. After you have narrowed down the size, you want its time to decide if you need a fridge and freezer dual-zone option, or you can make a single zone fridge or freezer work. With a ton of options on the market, our tried and tested brands are

myCoolman – are powerful, robust, and ready for any adventure
Dometic – you can’t go past them for the range. You are bound to find something that works for you.

Dual Power System

If you’ve added a fridge, the next upgrade we recommend is a dual power system. It’s not just your camping fridge that drains your battery either; using safety lights or radios can all contribute to a flat battery. If you want to run anything that requires power with your engine off, a dual power system is worth its weight in gold. With the help of an isolator, extra gear draws from the second battery as a power system when your engine is off. You are playing with an electrical system, so we recommend seeking a professional to install, but if you are a bit handy, these are our go-to products

Redarc are industry favourites and have over 40 years of experience in the game.
Projecta are another favourite with a decent range.

Our Maxliner Australia gear is perfect for work or play with our top three add-ons: floor liners, Maxboxes, and MaxSlide tray.

Our Epping Maxliner Australia fitting team are experts when it comes to ute builds. Drop them a line at sales@maxliner.com.au or 1800 592 192

Camping with Kids

School holidays are upon us once again, and with international borders closed, now is the perfect time to pack up the kids and get out and discover the vast and wondrous land that is Australia.

When it was just you and your mates heading away, it was probably easy to pack up the swag, some food, and bevies and head off. Add one or even a couple of tiny humans, and things get a bit more tricky. These are some of the tried and true tips from the heroes that have come before you.

The easiest way to keep kids clean

“Some communal camp shower facilities are cold, not so clean, or maybe non-existent. Baby wipes are the perfect camping cleaning tool, wipe off sand or mud after a day of fun, clean hands before eating, or use for a daily bath.”

Bonus use install some Maxliner Floor Liners before you head off, and they will protect the interior of your vehicle from sand, mud, dropped food, and drinks and can be wiped down with your multi-purpose baby wipes.

Pick a destination with something for everyone.

“Ease the boredom of camping and get a little bit of adult time by visiting a holiday park. Some Big 4 resorts have a kids club school holiday program with staff to amuse and supervise the kids.”

Camping may be a little boring for some kids. With a Rocky Mounts bike carrier, you can bring along the family’s bikes and explore the local area to break up the day and burn some energy.

Keep track of what you take.

“The more stuff you take means, the more things you have to lose. Make a list of what you take with you and check it off as you leave, it might take an extra 10 minutes, but it will save you hours of driving if you get halfway home and find that Timmy’s favourite toy is by the river.”

Got a ute? Pack like a pro with the help of Maxboxes. They keep your gear organised, are weatherproof, covered a lifetime warranty, and can double as an esky when you hit your favouorite camp spot.

Be prepared for Mother Nature.

“Being out in mother nature is fantastic most of the time, but a tent, swag, or camper trailers can be a little cosy when its too hot or wet. Adding an awning will give your family extra space to stretch out in, and they take up minimal room when mounted to your ute.”

And We cannot stress this enough, even though these little people come with lots of stuff already, have wet weather backup activities, lego, colouring or books, card or board games or even a hidden iPad.

Plastic Tubs are your friend.

“Cheap, stackable, see-through, weatherproof, and robust ones can double as some camp seating. Plus, you can take them inside to pack or unpack things such as clothes or food or leave them in the shed with your camping gear ready to go.”

Team them up with a MaxSliding Tray, and you will be packing and unpacking in an instant.

Now that you know what to do, check out our top 4WD road trip hidden gems.

More reasons you should get a ute canopy

Hilux to Ranger and everything in between utes a great for moving gear from A to B, but having that gear out in the open leaves it vulnerable to the weather and people looking to grab it. Adding a canopy can offer increased security and protection from the weather, but there are some other reasons why we love our Maxliner canopies.

Convenience

Dropdown tailgates and side windows mean you can access your gear with ease. Want to make it even easier? Add a Max Sliding Tray.

$$$

The addition of a canopy can increase the resale price of your ute. Buying a fitted out second-hand ute offers the purchaser additional storage and security without any of the efforts of sorting it out themselves. Another way to protect your investment is to add a Maxliner Tub Liner to protect the tub from marks and scratches.

Looks

Engineered uniquely for each vehicle, our Maxliner range of canopies will increase the aesthetic appeal of your ute. This engineering means that whether you are driving a D-MAX down a beach or towing a trailer with a BT-50, you will have the perfect fit and finish on your canopy. Want to increase the curbside appeal of your ute? Consider adding our weather shields, flares, or steps.

Customisable

Business up front or party down back, maybe a bit of column of A and a sprinkle of column B? A lot of utes get used for work and play. A canopy can help you customise it to suit your needs, add drawers, shelving, storage, and you have the ultimate travel companion.
The MaxBox range takes your ute from tool-carrying tradie to camping companion just by switching up your gear.

Still not sure about what cover option will suit your ute? Read on to find out the main differences between canopies and hard lids

Rooftop Tents and why we love them

Are you ready to hit the road and travel across Australia or just looking to get away for a quick weekend getaway? In that case, a rooftop tent could be the perfect combination of comfort and convenience. Read on to see why the team at Maxliner Australia love them.

Time

Perfect for chucking on top of your Patrol or your MaxTop Canopy on the Hilux, you can set up a rooftop tent in minutes, meaning more time to relax and put your feet up with a cold beverage rather than hammering tents pegs in the dark.

Protection

Swags are quick and easy to great…until you get torrential rain and the ground gets muddy, or the local wildlife decides to check out your digs. A RTT gives you better protection against weather and wildlife.

Money

Sure packing up a camper trailer or caravan and heading off for the weekend can be an effortless weekend away, but a van or trailer can be exxy. Not to mention the extra insurance, fuel, and wear and tear that comes with towing.

So what type of rooftop tent should you get. There are many options around, including Darche, 23Zero, iKamper, and there are advantages to each brand. You can choose from soft or hard shells, with or without an annex; it ultimately comes down to how you want to use it, who you want to take with you and what kind of setup you want to achieve.

Got your rooftop tent and ready to go? Check out our Top 4WD hidden Road Gems by state.

Top Five Off-Road Holiday Vehicles

Over the last few years, 4WD vehicles have become the ultimate getaway vehicle, and sales have soared. There are many four-wheel drives on the market, but not all of them are suited to harsh Aussie conditions. These are what the Maxliner Australia team recommends if you are hitting the road for a holiday.

Ford Ranger Raptor

Ford engineered the Raptor to be an off-road warrior. And it ticks every box you could want when hitting the road. It combines off-road performance with toughness, reliability, and a decent load-carrying capacity. Team it up with a Maxliner Australia canopy and iKamper rooftop tent, and the world is your oyster.
Toyota 79 Series

There are rugged off-roaders, and then there are 79 series. The 79 series is the no-frills option for good solid off-road driving. Its basic out-of-the-showroom fitment means you can get it straight to work. They do look pretty special geared up, and many 4WD experts are doing some epic mods. But, if you want to keep your trip simple, chuck in your MaxPro Floor Liners and Darche swag and set off on the adventure of a lifetime.
Nissan Patrol Y62

Patrols are heralded for their rugged and simple design with a well-thought-out interior. Equally, at home on off-road tracks and sandy beach dunes, the current model V8 petrol engine lends itself to being a perfect luxury tourer that feels more like driving a car. Add a Rhino-Rack Batwing Awning and our brand new MaxPro Floor Liners for an epic beach camping buggy.
Toyota Hilux

A vital characteristic of an expedition vehicle must-have, a decent range of aftermarket accessories. You can’t go past the stalwart of the Aussie ute industry. Whether you want to tow, carry, protect or go further, you will find a tried and tested solution for a Hilux. Perfect for packing up the kids and heading away for the weekend or taking a grown-up trip around Australia, chuck on your RockyMounts bike carrier and MaxPro KD liner, and you will be unstoppable.
Isuzu MU-X

If taking the kids along is essential, then the Isuzu MU-X could be right up your alley. Perfecting the balance between off-road ride and handling and room to pack it to the brim with family holiday necessities, MU-X ticks many boxes. If you need to bring the boat, the van, or even a trailer full of gear, the MU-X has you covered. Add some Clearview Mirrors and a Maxpro cargo mat, and you will be all set for a family adventure.

Not sure where you want to head on your roadtrip? Check out our top five country pubs to visit.