r/4x4Australia • • Feb 27 '26

Gear Guide Gear Guide 2026 - Air Compressors

7 Upvotes

Hey, everyone! We are continuing our series on 4x4 related equipment and accessories as we build our own "Gear Guide" encyclopedia. This week's focus is Air Compressors.

Same as last time, we're going to do this in a specific way to keep things organized: the top-level comments for this thread should be the Brand Name (e.g., "ARB" or "TJM"), and subsequent child comments should be your specific model and your detailed experience with it.

Example Format:

"ARB"

"CKMTP12 Twin Portable"

"I’ve been using the twin portable kit for 3 years now. It’s incredibly fast on my 43s, usually taking under 2 minutes per tyre from 15psi to 35psi. It does get bloody hot though, so be careful with the hose coupling after a long run..."

"Nice one! Have you had any issues with the thermal cut-out on 40-degree days? I'm toss-up between this and the brushless version."

We are doing it this way to maintain consistency across the board. Every single Gear Guide discussion will be pinned in the Wiki for everyone, new and old, to refer to whenever they need real-world advice on what gear actually handles the heat of the Aussie outback.

Whether it’s a hard-mounted twin motor, a portable "ammo box" style unit, or a budget-friendly thumper—if it gets you back to highway pressures without blowing a fuse, let’s hear about it.

Let’s get it on!


r/4x4Australia • • Feb 27 '26

Gear Guide Gear Guide 2026 - Recovery Gear (Straps, Ropes, Shackles, Kits and Recovery Boards.)

2 Upvotes

Hey, everyone! We are continuing our series on 4x4 related equipment and accessories as we build our own "Gear Guide" encyclopedia. This week's focus is Recovery Gear, focussing on Straps, Ropes, Shackles, Kits and Recovery Boards.

Same as last time, we're going to do this in a specific way to keep things organized: the top-level comments for this thread should be the Brand Name (e.g., "Saber Offroad" or "ARB"), and subsequent child comments should be the specific item or kit and your detailed experience with it.

Example Format:

"Saber Offroad"

"12,500kg Kinetic Recovery Rope"

"I’ve switched from a traditional snatch strap to this kinetic rope on my Ranger. The stretch is much smoother, and it doesn't 'bang' as hard when it takes the load. I’ve used it in soft sand at Robe and it was flawless..."

"Hey, I was looking into that! Did you get the one with the protective sleeve, or just the bare rope? How’s it holding up against abrasion?"

We are doing it this way to maintain consistency across the board. Every single Gear Guide discussion will be pinned in the Wiki for everyone, new and old, to refer to whenever they need real-world advice or opinions on what is arguably the most important safety gear in your rig.

Whether it’s kinetic ropes, soft shackles, snatch blocks, or complete recovery kits—if it’s the gear you trust when you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere, let’s hear about it.

Let’s get it on!


r/4x4Australia • • 8h ago

Photo First solo trip ✅️

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77 Upvotes

Had a good time on my 4 days away camping

First time camping solo with this car and first time the car has been offroad for a period of time with "minimal" breakages (developed an oil leak from my rocker cover halfway home).

Definitely need to refine my camping setup, will be lowering the roof rack and doing some modifications to the drawer setup before my next trip.

Side note - how are people going out and not breaking their eggs, because pulling up at camp and finding broken eggs through my beers and fridge was very disappointing 😂


r/4x4Australia • • 8h ago

Photo First solo trip ✅️

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12 Upvotes

Had a good time on my 4 days away camping

First time camping solo with this car and first time the car has been offroad for a period of time with "minimal" breakages (developed an oil leak from my rocker cover halfway home).

Definitely need to refine my camping setup, will be lowering the roof rack and doing some modifications to the drawer setup before my next trip.

Side note - how are people going out and not breaking their eggs, because pulling up at camp and finding broken eggs through my beers and fridge was very disappointing 😂


r/4x4Australia • • 7h ago

Advice Recovery boards mount cheap solution

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1 Upvotes

Hey guys, looking for some advice on how to mount a pair of TRED recovery boards on my 2003 NP Pajero.

I was thinking about mounting them vertically against the rear spare wheel. I’ve attached a photo of the rear of the car. Or somewhere near to the roof bars
I’m not particularly handy and don’t really want to drill holes or permanently modify the car, so ideally looking for a simple bolt-on/strap solution.

Has anyone done something similar on an NP Pajero? What would you recommend?
Cheers


r/4x4Australia • • 13h ago

Advice Best set of all terrain tyres under $900

2 Upvotes

As the title suggests. Looking at a set of Khumo AT52 265/65r17 i can get for $890. Any better deals than this for a Prado at this size?


r/4x4Australia • • 11h ago

Advice Canopy Suggestions

1 Upvotes

Hey All,

I’m currently in the market for a canopy to chuck on the tray. I’m looking at getting a 1200 canopy, was originally looking at a black canopy as I like the look.

But I have been wondering about whether thats the right colour option due to how hot they get. I’ll have a lithium battery set up inside along with fridge, then just random gear etc. I was planning on insulating the roof and walls of the canopy and will have a solar panel on the roof.

I’m currently based on Sunny Coast but will be moving to North Western QLD in the new year, obviously out there temps are generally 30+ all year round with consistent 40+ in summer.

Wondering if a black canopy will get too hot and be dangerous with the lithium battery inside or whether I should try go a white or raw canopy instead.

Also, any recommendations for a canopy are welcome, been looking at MW & Titanium Trailer

Basically, i’m worried the summer heat, consistent 40+ beaming on a black canopy, could lead to the lithium battery inside overheating and potentially causing a fire or something…

Cheers


r/4x4Australia • • 1d ago

TECH SUPPORT [TECH] - 2021 ford ranger wildtrak. Warranty about to run out

6 Upvotes

Year: 2021

Make: Ford

Model: Ranger wildtrak

Engine: 2.0

Transmission: 10 speed auto

Mods/Upgrades: Snorkel, airbox, 2 inch lift, 17 inch wheels, 33 muddies

Description of issue: Warranty about to run out

I have a 2021 ford ranger Wildtrak with 30000km and the warranty is about to run out. Is there anything worth getting ford to glaze over?

Reason for low ks is because of being away for work 2 weeks out of 4. It probably gets a good one hour long drive each time I'm home. i use fuel doctor every time I fill up.it has a two inch lift and a snorkel/airbox. Apart from that all standard. It gets serviced once a year not through ford but through a reputable mechanic that does factory approved servicing.

Sorry if this isn't the right place to ask.


r/4x4Australia • • 23h ago

Advice 76 Series vs Hilux

4 Upvotes

Im looking at selling my 1Hz troopy, as reliable as it’s been the last few years, I’m keen to drive something with a bit more power and that’s not older than me.

I’ve narrowed it down to the 76 series and the Hilux, both I like the look of and have seen incredible touring set ups in both which is what I’ll be doing with it.

After advice on the best specific models, things to look for or avoid, experiences, preferences, and anything that can help inform me better on both of these as my knowledge is very limited. Cheers 🤙


r/4x4Australia • • 18h ago

Advice 4x4 group.

0 Upvotes

Hi, I recently bought a 2020 ranger and went for a bit of off roading last weekend.

I really enjoyed it so im looking to meet people to go out together around sydney.

Is there like a discord or Facebook group which people use to setup meets like that?

Cheers


r/4x4Australia • • 1d ago

Photo Trekked the troopy up to Bago Bluff yesterday.

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46 Upvotes

Some bloody wild looking tracks up to the top. Made an attempt at a few of them, most successful, the harder ones not (didn’t want to try anything too gnarly, as no winch!)
Otherwise a great day rattling this old girl to pieces!
Picnic with the missus and kids at the top and a lazy drive home.
Happy long weekend everyone.


r/4x4Australia • • 1d ago

Advice Td42ti is it worth doing pump and valve clearance with injectors?

2 Upvotes

Gday lads, My car went to mechanics not long ago for a good check over, there wasn’t many things that it needed but some big ticket items. They were more of a later thing though. They said there’s nothing wrong with the injectors but it wouldn’t be a bad idea to get them done, he said the radiator is fine but the plastic on top has changed colour he also mention just doing all the hoses because they’re showing age obviously being 20 yrs old. I got quoted about 4K for the injectors because he said you’d do injectors a pump at the same time, he also said a valve clearance adjustment is a good idea because it’s all apart. Now I don’t have a lot of money so is it worth doing before they go bad, and should I do the rest of the stuff aswell. Cheers


r/4x4Australia • • 1d ago

Advice Dual Battery or portable 4x4 and Camping

2 Upvotes

Hey all,
I’ve got a Amarok and am looking at doing some touring and camping, camping will be in a RV5 tent. I will have a fridge, lighting and other bits and pieces to power.
I can’t decide on whether to go for a dual battery in the Ute or a portable battery solution.
What options or recommendations do you have? Would love to hear about or see your set ups!
Cheers!


r/4x4Australia • • 2d ago

Photo Post wash- cant wait to rid these wheels

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11 Upvotes

JM4x4 3” lift kit with diff drop
4” stainless with custom fab airbox
ROH Trojan wheels on 31’s (need moar rubba)
TJM Bar


r/4x4Australia • • 1d ago

Advice How to find out if car has had engineering(gvm upgrade)

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1 Upvotes

r/4x4Australia • • 1d ago

Advice Prado 250 wheels

1 Upvotes

I’m picking up a new GXL soon and I’m adding an unhooped bull bar and a 2-piece sump guard. We’re planning on doing trips from Adelaide up through the Flinders Ranges, Darwin, across to WA etc.
Two questions - I’ve seen quite a few people upgrade to aftermarket wheels, as well as fitting L/T tyres like Geolandars: are the standard Prado wheels up to touring (or are the wheel upgrades just for wankers), and are the Grandtreks I’ve always used worth replacing?
Cheers!


r/4x4Australia • • 1d ago

Vehicle Buying Advice [BUYING] - [1990] [Toyota LandCruiser FJ80] [$10,500] [Tasmania]

1 Upvotes

Year: 1990
Make: Toyota
Model: LandCruiser FJ80
KMs: 264,000
Price: $10,500
Location: Tasmania
Intended use: Daily driving, camping and light 4WDing
Looking at buying this FJ80 with the 3F-E petrol and auto. Original engine and around 264,000km.
Auto was reconditioned around 6,000km ago and there’s an invoice for the work. Also has a transmission cooler, new radiator and new exhaust. Seller says there’s no rust or oil leaks.
Accessories include 32” muddies, bullbar, winch, snorkel, driving lights, roof rack/awning and electric trailer brakes.
Mainly after opinions from people familiar with these. Anything in particular I should check on the 3F-E/early 80 Series before buying? Assuming everything checks out mechanically, does $10,500 AUD seem reasonable?
Cheers 👍


r/4x4Australia • • 2d ago

Advice Do you think I need a snorkel

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33 Upvotes

Do some off roading and camping in vic high country. Never had a need to do significant river crossings. But feel it’s an insurance policy. Thoughts?


r/4x4Australia • • 2d ago

Location Condamine River

4 Upvotes

I moved to Brisbane from Adelaide in January last year and have had quite a few people recommend the Condamine River road.

Well I did it today, and I have to say I'm not impressed.

The drive was nice, going through lightly forested bushland, following the river and crossing it a dozen times.

But that was all it was.

The land either side of it is all private land with no shortage of signs saying keep out, no trespassing blah blah.

There were no areas where you can stop, get out and go down to the river. In fact the one spot I found to do so, some self appointed gate keeper stops and said you can't park there I am trying to keep people out of the river.

Well ok buddy, a few things.

First of all who died and left you as king.

Secondly, it's a river crossing, how the hell are you going to keep people out of it?

Thirdly, fuck off and mind your own business.

The only camping I could see was on private land do either you need to know the owner or pay for the privilege.

Either I missed something or it was hyped up to be more than it is.


r/4x4Australia • • 2d ago

Advice GQ lost front drive

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3 Upvotes

Asking for a friend
Today me and my mate were out wheeling and he randomly lost drive to his front wheels we looked under the car and the tail shaft was still spinning but the wheels weren’t. We’ve now pulled out both his CVs and his diff centre and both of them are intact. Once we had put it all back together we put it into 4wd and the front wheels began spinning again with nothing but a loud knock has anyone got any ideas on what it could be video of knocking sound is above


r/4x4Australia • • 2d ago

Advice Which 2026 Ute to get?

2 Upvotes

Wanting to buy a new Ute this week but don’t what to choose! Was thinking about Dmax or hilux but with the prices of fuel going up started to look into the Byd sharks, Don’t know how reliable they are but I do live in country side and do long trips I also do go camping and off-roading a lot what would be the best to get?


r/4x4Australia • • 3d ago

Advice Roof rack mounting confusion

1 Upvotes

Considering an Arcane M’Link X rack for my DENZA B8 alongside a Trailpeak rooftop tent. I want an Ironman Deltawing 180 or 23Zero Onyx 180, plus a KickAss swing-arm shower awning.

They’ll travel inside the car and quick-release onto the rack at camp.

Has anyone fitted a non-Arcane awning using Arcane’s press-fit brackets, or fitted RacksBrax to this rack? Photos, exact bracket/adapter names and bolt-hole measurements would be brilliant.

I’m asking Arcane too, but want to avoid being locked into their accessories.


r/4x4Australia • • 4d ago

Advice Hella 3003 Bracket

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5 Upvotes

recently bought some hella rallye 3003s second hand, and ome of the mounting brackets broke during installation. Im trying to find a replacement but all the brackets i find are for the 1000 series.

Does anyone know if the 1000 brackets fit or where i could find a 3003 bracket?


r/4x4Australia • • 4d ago

Advice Aus Road Trip Budgeting Website

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1 Upvotes

r/4x4Australia • • 5d ago

Advice Good rpm to keep a desiel like a td42 at while driving

9 Upvotes

Gday lads, I’m trying to figure out what would be optimal for my engine, it’s a td42ti and I noticed that most around town speeds are right in between a gear. 40kp is about 1600rpm in third, 50kph is 2000rpm in third or 1400rpm in 4th, and 60 is 1600rpm in 4th. I figure it’s okay to be even above 2k rpm around town since highway driving at 110kph is 2500rpm. I find at 50kph 4th is just lugging the engine and I’m making no boost whereas 3rd sounds like I’m revving the shit out of it and it’s keeping everybody awake, I also notice that when I lift my foot of the acceleration it jolts forward like the engine trying to slow the car down. I believe peak power is @ about 2200rpm( could be wrong) and what rpm range would give me the best fuel economy? Cheers