Enhancement and personalisation unlimited
The 4WD kit-out and fit-out market is primed to explode.
Propelled by the arrival of Ford’s stunning new T6.2 ‘next-gen’ Ranger, accessory makers are churning out bars, recovery hooks, steps, light combinations, hard lids and so much more.
Over the following pages, the best aftermarket accessory companies display their wares for the Ranger, and the way it is selling there are going to be a stack of these trucks on the road within a month or so. That means the proud new owners are going to want stand out from the new crowd. are the name of the game.
Likewise, maybe the 4WD already in the driveway – Ranger or otherwise – serves every purpose well, and just needs some personalisation?
Fear not, the major accessory companies haven’t forgotten the rest of the market. Ford’s new baby is hot to look at, cool to drive, but a Triton, Navara, D-Max, HiLux, T60 – every ute and SUV out there – can be freshened and personalised to stand out from the crowd and do its work more effectively.
Need to protect gear, or keep work tools safe and secure? Go for a lockable hard lid or even a full ‘work box’ for a cab-chassis.
Doing a lot of night work, on or off road? Bolt on a set of lights, or a quality light bar, sit back and drive. The current crop of lights and LED light bars are streets ahead of what was available – say – ten or 15 years ago. Some of these are only ‘fairly’ legal and should be used in paddocks and forest trails, not on the road. Fortunately, New Zealand still has plenty of those tracks and trails. Remember, too, there are places like the Auckland 4X4 Adventure Park that regularly run private-venue night events where people can set up and try out their new possum-dazzlers. Bring the family for an evening of excitement and fun!
Looking to smarten up the exterior of that 4WD? The new spray-on panel coatings are totally DIY-able and are more durable than a full vinyl wrap. Shake, spray, walk away. But don’t forget to mask off the bits that need to be kept clear – like windows!
Winches, too are still popular among those who like to go properly ‘bush’.
Has the standard OEM bumper taken a few knocks too many? Change up the look of the truck with a full replacement – one that bolts on, complies with safety rules and takes that tough look all the way. That way the truck’s new winch has a safe and sturdy mounting point too.