Ute Gear: ARB Ascent canopy, Lightforce Striker LEDs, and EFS XTR shock kit

Today's range of 4x4 pick-up trucks may be the most versatile and practical vehicles on the market, but there is always room for a little improvement when it comes to preparing it for the Outback.

Aspects like lighting, suspension, and power management - while more than adequate for daily usage - could do with a little tweaking if you plan on taking your ute out to the isolated, rough-and-tumble environment of the open country. Because of that, these ute gear are often the first things to get fitted to one's adventure ute.

ARB Ascent canopy

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This fully featured canopy is the result of ARB’s many years of experience producing canopies for the dual-cab market.

From its vanishing-edge shell design – effectively making the canopy look like an integrated part of the vehicle – to its frameless windows (5mm tempered glass with 28 per cent tint for optimum UV protection), this canopy exudes quality. The canopy is made from vacuum-formed 9mm ABS thermoplastic, can withstand temps from -20 degrees to 90 degrees Celsius and includes what ARB dubs an ‘invisible’ hinge system to further promote the smooth styling.

The Ascent also features an integrated central locking system, using the vehicle’s key. Roof load weight limit is 100kg and a number of popular roof-racks and cross bars can be fitted.

Website: www.arb.com.au

Clearview clip tray

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Clearview’s clip-on/clip-off tray is a great addition to the company’s Easy Slide for those who are after more platform space for food prep (the tray only fits the Clearview Easy Slide) when you want to stop either for a quick cuppa or a big lunch.

This tray adds an area of 454mm x 390mm, a fantastic addition to useable space in the back of your rig. Stored in a branded carry bag and able to be left in your ute when not in use, the tray is a simple fit when it is needed. It can support 15kg of weight, too, thanks to its fold-down, injection-moulded legs having inbuilt stainless-steel supports along their length, secured with stainless steel screws.

RRP: $89
Website: www.clearviewmirrors.com.au/

EFS XTR shock kit – Toyota HiLux

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The brainstrust at EFS has released a 40mm bore XTR shock kit for Toyota’s HiLux (dual-cab and single-cab, 2005-2015). The kit allows for an increase in fluid volume which assists in preventing the build-up of heat in the shock, and the resultant fade that you can experience on rugged tracks.

The shocks feature Dynamic Motion Control Technology (DMCT) which alters the valve forces dependent on the velocity of the fluid as it travels through the piston valve. As oil speeds up through the valve, this technology slows that flow down for improved control in high-speed scenarios.

When the oil is passing more slowly through the valve (during off-camber/slow-speed off-road conditions) it allows the oil through the valve at a higher volume to assist in suspension flex.

RRP: $269.50 each (XTR 40mm front strut); $180 each (XTR 40mm rear shocks absorbers)
Website: www.efs4wd.com.au

Lightforce Striker LED

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The gurus at Lightforce have done it again, with the release of the new Striker LED lights. As with any Lightforce product, build quality and tech is top-notch, plus the lights are very easy to install, thanks to the included plug-and-play harness.

The Striker LED is a great light for any 4x4 owner – especially those with less front ‘real estate’ in which to fit the lights – thanks to the slim and compact size, along with the lightweight but tough construction. Features include an amazing 1Lux output to 754 metres and a 5000K colour temperature, designed to reduce glare and eye fatigue.

The modular filter system allows for a combo light setup or flood beams. Aussie-made and well proven, the Striker LED is a great option for those looking for additional lighting for their touring rigs.

RRP: $599
Website: www.lightforce.com

Piranha Off Road cabin-mount battery tray – Ford Ranger PX

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Piranha Off Road has expanded its impressive auxiliary battery tray range, for Ranger’s popular Ranger PX, to three, with this new cabin-mount tray. Already available in under-body and tub fitment versions, this new cabin-mount model is ideal for the remote tourer who will be off the grid for a few days and is keen to keep all their food (and coldies) cold.

This cabin-mount tray fits neatly behind the Ranger’s rear passenger seat on the driver’s side of the vehicle. It can be fitted with either a 100Ah or 150Ah battery, which means plenty of fridge time.

Designed in Melbourne, the tray’s 3mm steel is electro-plated for longevity and durability. By fitting this tray in-cabin, it frees up space under-body for a long-range fuel tank, plus being out of the tub means more space for gear.

RRP: $365
Website: www.piranhaoffroad.com.au

Supafit seat covers

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Take your pick with Supafit Seat Covers’ two new products. The heavy-duty canvas seat covers protect your ute’s original upholstery while offering fantastic wear-and-tear resistance thanks to the tough Aussie-made 14.9-ounce poly/cotton canvas material.

These covers are waterproof, mould/bacteria-resistant and UV-stabilised – in short, they’re tough. The denim seat covers are made from 100 per cent cotton-twill fabric and laminated with a high-density 6mm foam backing. These seat covers are super-comfortable, offer a cool feel, protect the original seating from dust and dirt, and have UV protection as well.

Both seat-cover types are airbag-certified and ADR72/00 compliant so work perfectly in the unfortunate circumstance of an accident.

RRP: $317 (single cab); $558 (dual cab)
Website: www.supafitseatcovers.com.au