Table of contents for December 2017 in SA4x4

Wow, that was a heck of a year! As you read this issue of SA4x4, most of us should be at the end of that mad race towards the December finale, wrapping up work commitments and making sure everything is in order for the summer break. First things first: we at SA4x4 would like to wish all of you readers and our advertisers safe travels, and trust that all of you will get a chance to recharge your batteries – whether at the coast, in the bush or just relaxing closer to home. Nobody needs reminding that times have been tough. Even the politicians are admitting that there are real economic problems, from rampant corruption and state capture to the sorry business of state-owned enterprises holding out their begging bowls.…

SNATCH STRAPS VERSUS KINETIC ROPE Jurgen Cobarg And remember to open the bonnet to protect the windscreen and yourself just in case something breaks. Henk Vallentgoed Be careful what you publish with regards to rope-type soft shackles. I would not recommend using these items as a replacement for a proper rated bow shackle when doing a snatch recovery. The filament used in the making of rope soft shackles might be extremely strong, but should never be shock loaded (as in a snatch recovery). BERG TO BUSH TRAIL – A BREAK FROM REALITY Eric Devy Great stuff Mike Voss. Makes me proud to be part of a Rock Solid Team. There is #nolimit CONNECT WITH US ONLINE Website: www.sa4x4.co.za  Facebook: www.facebook.com/SA4x4magazine…

1. Ignore your tyre pressures Tyre pressures are the most critical thing you can control when 4x4’ing. There’s a very good chance that the tyre pressures of the vehicle you are recovering are incorrect, so check the pressure and adjust. In sand especially, this is the easiest way to make a recovery simple, safe and quick. Don’t be afraid to let your tyres down a bit more if needed; it makes a huge difference. 2. Use the tow bar ball NEVER use a tow ball to snatch or winch a vehicle. It can create a heavy piece of metal flying through the air at speed similar to a bullet. Luckily, this fact has been published a lot more in recent years, but people still seem to think it is OK.…

To bolster the growing market for automatic transmissions across commercial vehicle ranges, six new auto variants of the Hilux have been launched. The single-cab range now gets a new 2.4 GD-6 4x4 SRX 6 AT model as well as a pair of 2.8 GD-6 autos in either Raised Body 4x2 or 4x4 configuration. The Xtra Cab line-up also sees the pairing of the 130 kW 2.8 GD-6 engine and Raider trim level, with Toyota’s smooth six-speed auto in both 4x2 and 4x4 guise. A new double-cab variant with the 110kW/400Nm 2.4-litre diesel in mid-spec SRX trim is now also available in automatic. Single-cab SRX, Xtra-Cab SRX and single-cab Raider models receive a substantial active safety kit upgrade with the inclusion of Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), which also incorporates Hill Assist…

Range Rover has added a fourth model to its stable, the Velar, which joins the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Evoque, and slots in-between the latter two. Although the Range Rover might have started life as a vehicle with an interior that you could hose down when muddy, it has always been a beltingly good-looking vehicle. (One of the originals was displayed in the Musée du Louvre in Paris as an “exemplary work of industrial design”.) The Velar has taken this trend of attractive family genes and run with it, becoming a Range Rover that, like the Evoque, is more about style than anything else. Or “Form with function”, as the Landy advertising guys put it. OK, so we know it’s a good-looking vehicle. But how is it when…

We were standing around the braai fire waiting for the rugby to start. I was talking about a new addition to our Rugby Manne group. He’d just moved into our dorp. He was a big oke, forceful and opinionated. He also owned a top-of-the-range 4x4. “Alastair… he’s a sales rep, isn’t he?” I asked my mate, somewhat puzzled. “Ja, but he’s also an Eye Specialist,’ replied Al. “How the hell can he be an eye doctor and a sales rep?” Alastair gave one of his deep belly laughs “Didn’t you listen? ‘I drove Van Zyl’s Pass the opposite way round… I drove the Doodsakker in Angola… I drove Baboon’s Pass in Lesotho in an hour.” I was trying to tell the manne about a fantastic trip done recently with Johan…

As the year draws to a close in southern Africa, events take place that show that Christmas is drawing near. Not a traditional northern-hemisphere Christmas with cold and snow, but beautiful sunny days with an abundance of food, baby animals, and lots of rain. Previously dry landscapes become raging rivers. Impala coordinate the dropping of their lambs for after the first rains, and the predators that gorge themselves on the abundant food source make only a small dent in the fledging population. The green flush of the new grass also brings about a park-like atmosphere, and guarantees that grazers will have plenty to eat. Flowers are in abundance, from purple and orange Vernonias to yellow Ipomoeas. Many trees are also in flower, with the Sausage tree, Weeping Boer Bean and…

In a Bushcraft situation, while making shelters, etc, it may be necessary to lash structures together. But what do you do if you don’t have any string or rope? Well, you can resort to making your own. There are many ways this can be done. We can use stems from certain fibrous plants or the inner bark of some species of trees – whether this be from the tree trunk, branch, or roots. However, it is important to understand that a tree is a complex living structure, with a multi-faceted layering system moving nutrients and water through this structure. Surrounding the tree is the protective layer called the bark. Bark has many functions. The inner, called the phloem, is a transport and storage system passing sugars from the leaves to…

If we sat around a campfire spinning yarns about our early exploits into the backcountry, my guess is that the memories, regardless of the details, have been filtered into blissful adventures. They were most likely simple affairs with a full complement of necessities: a cooler of coldies, sleeping bags, and camp chairs. I recall the first trip in my ’82 Hilux. My buddy Rich Currie and I blazed out of town one afternoon, bent on exploring a place called South Fork. The route, a muddy 6km trench, was a good distance from the tar and we had the place to ourselves. All was good until I buried the truck to its frame and realised the cooler lid made a poor digging implement. We survived, but the takeaway was that I…

There’s no point in driving around with your roofrack/ rooftop tent if you’re not on holiday. Save fuel (and wear & tear) by installing a Fredlin hoist. This proudly South African product solves the problem of where to store your roofrack/rooftop tent, canopy, or even a sports car hardtop: up and out of the way! The Fredlin hoist fastens securely to your garage roof or carport, is easily installed and can be operated by one person. TO ENTER One Fredlin hoist will be given away every month to the lucky reader featured in Me & My 4x4. Simply send a photograph – 1 MB or larger – and the answers to the categories shown above, to editor@sa4x4.co.za. Vehicle and driver must be featured together in an off-road setting. (No driveway…

THE BACKGROUND The Theart family visited Mabuasehube in August 2016, and were dismayed by the conduct of fellow campers. Charl writes: “My wife and I are members of the Boland region Honorary Rangers of SANParks and would like to bring the type of conduct of some visitors to the fore, as it goes against the Overlanders’ Code. However, my comment is not all negative, as some visitors are very well-behaved.” MABUASEHUBE MADNESS As ‘n gesin, wat sedert 1994 Botswana verskeie kere besoek het, bly dit steeds vir my, persoonlik, en vir ons as gesin, ’n unieke ervaring om die ongereptheid van die omgewing met elke nuwe besoek weer opnuut te beleef. Die opgewondenheid wat met elke beplanning gepaard gaan verander nooit nie, en raak inteendeel net meer en meer intens…

The Mercedes marketing machine drip-feed has now doled out more on its upcoming X-Class one-tonner double-cab, and this time with a proper drive in Chile. This skinniest of all South American countries is bakkieand-SUV mad, and promises to be a vital market for Mercedes’ premium take on the segment. Suffice to say plenty of new Navaras are driving around in that country’s towns and strung-out rural villages, and there were many inquisitive glances at the badging on our test vehicles wherever they went. The reason? One of the key questions about the new X-Class is this: to what degree has Mercedes stamped its brand value on the Navara underpinnings? It helps that Nissan has 80 years’ experience of building pick-ups. Mercedes engineers indicated that the borrowing of a basic platform…

For 2018, the back-to-basics Mahindra Pik Up has received a host of changes to bring it, at last, into the 21st century. Apart from some styling tweaks to the blunt front end, the Pik Up has been given a higher level of specification and an improved drivetrain. Inside, drivers will note the new 6-inch touch screen on the S10 double cab models, as well as central locking, cruise control and even a multifunction steering wheel. ABS, EDB and two airbags have also been added, along with a collapsible steering column and crumple zones. An updated 2.2-litre four-cylinder mHawk turbo diesel engine now makes use of a variable geometry turbocharger to produce 103kW (up from 87kW/270Nm). Peak torque of 320Nm is reached at 1600-2800rpm. The range gets a rear diff-lock as…

CLAMPED TIGHT Ironman 4x4 8-piece Quick Grip mounting kit Securing your cargo is vital in any 4x4. With the Ironman 4x4 Quick Grip mounting kit, you’ll have a range of clamps to handle everything from small hand tools, axes and shovels, all the way to fire extinguishers and scuba tanks. These easy to use UV-resistant rubber Quick Grips are perfect for mounting items quickly and securely, ensuring that you have no annoying rattles and everything stays in place. The kit includes two Mini Quick Grip clamps 16-32mm (up to 11kg), four Original Quick Grip clamps 25-57mm (up to 11kg), and two Super Quick Grip clamps 64-240mm (up to 23kg). R965 (011) 634 7600 www.ironman4x4.co.za WRANGLE YOUR WRANGLER Teraflex Falcon Nexus steering stabiliser Is your ‘JK’ Jeep Wrangler feeling…

I am often left speechless at the ease with which birds can move around in trees that are seemingly impassable to humans because of the presence of nasty thorns. Birds seem to fly in and out of these trees as if the branches were smoothed for easy access, and they bounce around inside the tree as if it were the friendliest of habitats in which to manoeuvre. If you look closely at the picture above, you will notice that almost all the space of every branch is covered with sharp and sturdy little hooked thorns; and, from painful personal experience, I know that should you get yourself hooked by the tiniest branch of this particular bush, you are going to need help from a sympathetic friend to get yourself unstuck,…

BASICS Dates: 15-18 December 2017 Venue: Black Leopard Camp, Lydenburg Cost: R3900 per person sharing Includes: 3 night’s accommodation in luxury tented camp; 3 meals per day; Bush walk; 4x4 Trail TOUR DETAILS Here at Ultimate Adventures, conservation is very close to our hearts and we like to help out wherever we can. One of the projects that we are involved with is Ingwe Leopard Research. Leopards are the last of the big five roaming free outside game reserves and national parks in South Africa. It is here (the largest land mass of Africa), where leopards are under threat. Ingwe aims to conserve and protect this precious resource. After all leopards are at the top of the food chain and as such a key indicator of a healthy eco-system, which…

As a tour operator with Fly Africa Safaris, I have led more than a thousand vehicles over the border, and guided countless tours as far as Uganda in my 18 years in the business. In that time, I have experienced a lot of changes and developments in the field of dual-battery systems, deep-cycle batteries and charging systems. I’ve seen technology evolve from a cooler box packed with dry ice to fridges connected directly to the vehicle’s main battery. Then solenoid systems took over the market. Today things have moved on with vehicle manufacturers opting for smart alternators, while charging technology has evolved to the use of equally smart DC to DC chargers and better storage via Absorbent Glass mat (AGM) batteries, among others. People have argued for many years about…

Carol Corlett Carol took a moment out of her solo mission to Khorixas, Namibia to pose with her handsome Defender. But with a Landy, you’re never really alone, are you? Ruan Strydom Gifberg Pass wasn’t shaped by man, but by elephants in an age long gone. Ruan thought he’d remind us of the beauty that lies beyond the Cederberg, and we’re ever so grateful. He’s the proud owner of this Isuzu KB300. Roy Kallaway Namibia’s famous Spitzkoppen are a wonder to behold. Speaking of wonders, the Kallaways managed to traverse 9300km in less than a month with just one puncture to speak of; testament to their 2007 Fortuner’s epic reliability. Mike Parsons Mike has had his 2007 Jeep Commander 3.0L CRD Ltd for 10 years and racked up 225 000km.…

“We owe the amazing diversity of wildlife that we are able to view on a safari to the dynamic equilibrium that exists between grasses and trees in the Bushveld/Savanna” If ever there appeared to be an unlikely combination of bush-related topics, I would agree this might be it; but, as John Muir the Scottish-American naturalist (1838-1914) is believed to have said, “When you tug at a single thing in nature, you will find it is attached to everything else”. Southern Africa is home to some 1000 grass species, of which at least one third occurs nowhere else on earth. Although this rarely attracts attention, it is arguable that most animals are either directly or indirectly dependant on grass - and this includes humans. Research has shown that it is not…

Introduced to other markets as far back as two years ago, the latest Pajero Sport promises to be a huge upgrade from the previous generation while offering a competitive price and practicality. The Triton-based SUV sees the introduction of a new 8-speed Aisin transmission and a potent 2.4-litre diesel mill. Styling Mitsubishi’s design concept (labelled ‘Dynamic Cruising Off-Roader’) aims to fuse sleek and sporty styling with rugged adventurous traits. How does it translate? Well, it has LED lighting front and rear with auto-levelling headlamps, an angular front end, and long, narrow upright rear brake lights - which take some getting used to, but set the Pajero apart. Interior A new interior features three rows of seats as before, while the second row features a tumble, reclining and sliding function which…

Nissan’s sharp looking softroader is halfway through its life cycle, so that means facelift-time and several interior and exterior updates. The latter include new 17- and 19-inch alloys as well as an expanded range of colours to choose from. The bumper gets a ‘V-motion’ grille, revised headlights and daytime running lights. The rear has also been tweaked to match the front end with slightly-tinted tail lights. Cabin changes move the X-Trail upmarket, and include new trim for the steering wheel (which is now flat-bottomed), door finishes, a console wrap and plusher seat fabric. Black leather trim now features white stitching. A class-leading 6-year/150 000km warranty comes standard, along with a 3-year/90 000km service plan and 24-hour roadside assist. Service intervals are 15 000km. PRICES 2.5 Acenta CVT 4WD R425 900…

Taking notes from all the aftermarket cosmetic kit being sold for Rangers around SA, the limited edition FX4 takes its name from the American F-Series pickups and sits just below the Wildtrak in the Ranger range. Under the skin, the FX4 is a standard Ranger 3.2 4x4, available in both manual and automatic guise. A number of distinctive styling cues have been added, including black finishes for the radiator, fog light bezels, side-mirrors, roof rails, and exterior handles. The standard 17-inch alloys have been painted black to match the side steps, sports bar and rear bumper. A plastic bedliner has also been added for practicality with the bed adorned with FX4 decals. Apart from the standard Frozen White, three other colours are available at R1200 extra: Moondust Silver, Sea Grey…

Back in 2007, Mike Voss, founder and Managing Director of Rock Solid Industries (RSI), had just started a fledgling business spraying bakkie bed linings. The bed lining business was successful, but somewhat dead-end, and Mike needed more of a challenge. The mining industry was first port of call and RSI began building roll-over protection systems for mine bakkies. Unfortunately for Mike, the auto industry also got in on the act, and when the T6 Ranger was released with an NCAP rating that met mines standards, this aspect of the business was made largely redundant. In 2013, RSI began the design and construction of the ‘RSI SmartBox’, a tool box that fits to the back of any bakkie – perfect for fleets and mines alike. The RSI SmartBox was a stepping…

BERMAC ON SPECIAL SA4x4 readers who place an order for a Bermac trailer this month will get R5000 off the list price. The six-berth Bermac Trail Camper is a tried and tested design, having been built in Howick, KZN, since 2000. It’s fully fitted with a top tent and mattress, 80l fridge, two-plate gas stove with auto gas cut-off, and 50l of water storage. It even comes with extra plug points and crockery and cutlery for six people! The trailer is light enough to be towed with a Code B license, but strong and stable enough to handle the harshest elements. A hot-dipped galvanised steel chassis and five-leaf spring assembly work together to tackle the toughest tracks, while the aluminium bodywork keeps your home-away-from-home rust-free. Bermac guarantees R5000 off all…

MOHAMED SUHAIL 2017 FORD RANGER 3.2 DOUBLE CAB Age: 35 Occupation: Director of Ses’fikile Signs and Graphix Modifications: RSI 3-door aluminium canopy with LED interior lights, Front Runner roof rack, six ammo-box drawer system, Level-It suspension lift, Hard Korr spot lights (which are as bight as daylight), T-Max 8000 winch (works like a dream), ARB bumper, bash plate. Future modifications: Hella LED light bar, dual-battery system, snorkel, long-range fuel tank, water tank. Vehicle wrap/branding: Ses’fikile Signs and Graphix. Dream vehicle: Toyota Land Cruiser; also own a Mitsubishi Pajero SWB 3.2 V6. Most memorable trip: Sani Pass and into Lesotho. Planned trip: Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. I never leave home without: My wife (Honey), wallet, binoculars, GPS and dash cam.…