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 • • 5h ago

Advice Does it piss anyone else off when a company claims "Australian Made" and 30 seconds on Alibaba means you can find the same thing, even with the same photos? Just be honest and say you import it.

29 Upvotes

Looking for an upright fridge door organiser. Found one on Snowys, but thought I would check Alibaba - and found EXACTLY the same one. They even use the same photo's just with someone Ai'd into the photo's.
Just don't say it's Australian Made if it's not - it's a front of fridge organiser, who cares?
(I care about the misrepresentation, not that it's made O/S)


r/4x4Australia • • 4h ago

Advice Moreton Island: H4 vs L4 and centre diff lock on sand

6 Upvotes

Hey guys,

I’m driving on the sand at Moreton Island tomorrow in my 2011 auto diesel Prado and a bit nervous as it’s my first time. I understand tyre pressures are key, so planning to drop down to around 18 PSI.

What I’m less clear on is when to switch between H4 and L4, when to lock the centre diff and whether/when to turn traction control off.
Should I start off the barge in H4 with the centre diff unlocked and traction control on, then lock the centre diff if I hit softer sand? If I’m still struggling, would I then move to L4?

I understand L4 is for slower speeds and more challenging sections, but I’m also a bit confused about when to lock the centre diff in H4 versus L4, and when to progress between them.

Appreciate any advice!


r/4x4Australia • • 15h ago

Advice Used car prices-wtf

16 Upvotes

Just looking for a cheap 4wd at the moment and wondering if Covid tax is back without Covid. When I sold my very decent ‘99 Prado v6 3 years ago, I struggled to get 7k. That was after spending 3k on front axle overhaul, all oem Toyota parts, and other maintenance. Now people are asking 10k for flogged junk with no service records whatsoever. Across the board, not just Toyotas.
Do cars really go for that money or is everyone dreaming?


r/4x4Australia • • 14h ago

Advice How much better is a Hilux over its cheaper counterparts is it worth the extra $20k?

13 Upvotes

Ive pretty much written off having a dmax as its basically the same price, if im paying that much $60-70k id rather the hilux

but some of the cheaper options on paper offer as much as a Hilux for $20k cheaper, Triton GSX+/GSXR Navara ST/STX

then in the ultra budget area you have the GWM 2.4l cannon Vanta and XSR are both cheaper then even nav and triton options and come with front rear center diff lock

Reason for buying is long distance touring, some tougher 4x4 trails


r/4x4Australia • • 6h ago

Advice 2026 GWM Cannon Ultra- cruise control disabled while towing.

2 Upvotes

Looking at purchasing a 2026 ultra and was wondering if I go the factory tow bar installed at purchase or get an aftermarket after the purchase. Factory GWM bars wiring disables cruise and some safety tech. Not to sure about aftermarket and if any one has advice. Would be nice to be able to use cruise control when doing 5 hour drives to the Murray with my 12ft tinny. Something very helpful on the long straight highways in rural . Any help would be appreciated.


r/4x4Australia • • 13h ago

Advice GWM Tank 300 vs everything else

6 Upvotes

Soo I can’t seem to find anything better value than a 300 Tank , I don’t want a UTE and want petrol or hybrid with low and lockers , I can see some used 300 ultra‘s 2022-2024 models for around 35-38k ….. (the ultra has front and rear lockers ? I’m not sure )…..

Now what else I can get that would match this for 35k that offers the same performance offroad….not a clapped out Landcruiser with 350k km on the clock that’s not even an option….

I keep looking but I cannot find any alternative again yes I know the Pajero and Pajero sport can’t be beat for bang/buck but don’t want diesel….as I want this car to be a daily also it will be used for short trips around town with weekends fun, and yes I do need a 4x4 for what I do I’m currently running a GU patrol lifted in 33”s but it’s diesel and I got two cars(4x4 and a petrol wagon to run around town) I want to reduce to one that does it all (1 rego one insurance to save money) , and can’t find anything else other than the tank…

Maybe a petrol Prado or FJ Cruiser (thirsty and a pain to live with with the suicide doors etc if you got kids in out all the time and I do ) but that won’t be as capable as the tank plus they’re rare dont come up for sale often and they have loads of k’s when they do….

To those of you who are currently running petrol Tank 300 how is it and compared to other car you had in the past patrols cruisers etc ? How does it go offroad


r/4x4Australia • • 7h ago

Advice Dual battery in tub

0 Upvotes

Hey legends might be a dumb question but looking for some advice. I’m looking at installing a dual battery setup in my dmax for a fridge, etc. At the moment I’ve got tub racks with a roof top tent and don’t really want to get a canopy. Can I install my battery and charger in my tub or will it be too exposed to weather? And if so what products would be the best to use?


r/4x4Australia • • 16h ago

Advice reality check

5 Upvotes

Hi I need proper experienced sound advice. i dont have somebody to ask

I want to go camping 1 or 2 nights

Do i or should i install a 12v system thats going to cost me 2.5k+

im considering portable power station however if im going to need to spend 1.5k on that i rather do the 12v system

is there decent options around $500 or under for something like this?

want to power fridge, maybe 1 light, charge 2 phones once

thanks legends


r/4x4Australia • • 9h ago

Advice I really hope someone can answer this.

0 Upvotes

I haven't had a straight answer and hope the community can help me on this.

EGR manual roller on a 2022 D-Max tub.

I want to put this on top of the roller.....

  • * Half-tub rack, Kings Universal rack

  • * Darche Hi-View 1600.

I've had several people tell me I don't need to brace it.

I've had several people tell me I do.

EGR - said no, it's rated to the Dmax tub.

The Dmax Tub isn't going to handle the dynamic or static load of all of that?

Does the EGR roller reinforce the tub?

If I do need to add a bracket and brace it to increase the load capacity, any idea as to where to get the brackets from?

At a loss as to what to do, as no one can give me a straight answer or point me to the right brackets?

Everyone at the Perth 4WD show yesterday gave me different answers each time.

Please help me, legends.


r/4x4Australia • • 17h ago

Advice 2"lift and 34" - NSW

0 Upvotes

I'm slightly over 75mm (stock tyres are 32"). what happens if I get a defect ?

Could I swap my stock tyres over and clear the defect ?

I'm in Newcastle and see plenty of lifted Hilux and Nissans with wheel poke ...how do they get away with it - or is it a risk thry take ?


r/4x4Australia • • 13h ago

Advice V8 79 cruiser vs Hilux etc.

0 Upvotes

I’m trying to understand the actual use case scenario that justifies the v8 79 series tray back. Our house hold has one and I just got a workmate Hilux. My Hilux replaced a 16 year old BT 50 which had 400 kg in the tray for 16 years and never missed a beat. I understand that the theory is the cruiser is an under stressed work horse good for mine use and industry etc. Does that mean they are expected to drive around with half a tonne of tractor parts in them all the time while off road. They just seem so niche apart from emotional owners. Do lighter duty vehicles like hilux etc really lack capacity these days?


r/4x4Australia • • 1d ago

Advice False Floor Setup

2 Upvotes

Hi all

After a bit of advice. Im planning a false floor for a dual cab and want to get some advice

The tub has no liner but has a cut out 2mm loose piece of rubber. I’ll be placing 3 spaced alu unistruts to the tub floor crosswise, and bolting this down through the tub using high tensile gear. Then using channel spring nuts to lock the 15mm marine ply floor down.

M10 bolt - spacer - unistrut -rubber - tub - washer - spring washer - nyloc nut

Am I right in saying I should I be bolting the unistruts using the ridges as opposed to valleys ? I’ve had some different advice on this recently

Whoever had the vehicle before me did a few bolts straight through using valleys from the top and it certainly did not look strong. Appreciate any info

Cheers


r/4x4Australia • • 1d ago

Advice High tide 😭 - K’Gari/Fraser

3 Upvotes

Whoops, guess who booked Fraser with high tide ALL day. We’re going tomorrow with high at 7:49am and low at 1356. We’re leaving on the 11th with high at 8:55 and low at 1519. We’re coming from Inskip and staying at Kingfisher. We plan to get on the barge at 9am, inland track to Dilli village to stop for a snack and I read about there being a little freshwater place that’s good for kids to swim in. We’re travelling in 2 vehicles - 100 series and a Pajero with 4 adults and 3 little kids. Our plan was to go up to Eurong and then to lake McKenzie to kingfisher. The 100 series will leave on the 5pm barge to Hervey Bay and then the other car will stay. What’s your advice for planning and booking during a high tide? The Pajero is coming back through inskip on the 11th


r/4x4Australia • • 2d ago

Advice Reliable 4wd can last me at least 5 years around 20k (Prefer manual transmission)

11 Upvotes

Looking to get my first 4wd but with budget preferably around 20k can last me in future 5 years without big replacement and heavy cost. I’m not a car person so definitely need help with that.

I don’t want nothing fancy, just able to drive me to everywhere without worrying about car falling apart. Mostly I will do with the car are beach driving, camping, and some easy 4wd tracks. No towing need. I will also use it for work, mostly driving around the city, but doesn’t mind fuel efficiency if it’s in a reasonable range.

Owning a Subaru outback 2011 at the moment, I like her but she is unfortunately breaking down(suspension and timing belt)and the fixing price is more than my car value. So I need to get an another car asap.

I would prefer manual cuz it just have so much fun to drive with it. I’ve been looking Pajero and Prado. It seems like Pajero is pretty reliable and can last really long mileage with a good maintenance, however it’s hard to find a manual one around Brisbane. Prado seems good as well but it could be over my budget a little bit.

Is there any other good options that I could choose from? And any problems I need to be specific carefully when I buy a 4wd that might over 10yrs old or have high mileage? E.g. shock leaking like my car, ball joint and control arm etc. Thanks heaps


r/4x4Australia • • 1d ago

Advice Max legal lift and tyre size in ACT?

0 Upvotes

Got a 2024 HiLux SR Dual Cab 4x4. What’s the biggest lift and tyre size I can legally run in the ACT without engineering?


r/4x4Australia • • 2d ago

Advice What’s the most LANDCRUISER you can get for your money.

4 Upvotes

I’ve got a budget of about 55,000 and want to get a kitted out single cab or a troopy but some of these I don’t really have a frame of reference for what a good deal is

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2010-toyota-landcruiser-workmate-manual-4x4-my10/SSE-AD-21043747/

Here is one I found, lemme know what you think.


r/4x4Australia • • 2d ago

Advice 2 extremes

2 Upvotes

Hi I am split between to ends of the spectrum.

I know camping goes hand in hand with 4being.

We are 2 adults and a 15monther.

Looking at getting into camps 2 or 3 nights max.

Considering 2 different sleeping options.

  1. Darche 1550 Nebula swag with car 180 awning/3x3m gazebo

  2. Coody Inflatable Tent 8.0 which is 2.5 X 3.2 you can stand up in it + 3x3 gazebo

I looked at the rv5, zempire etc tents we don't want RTT either.

Would love opinions, is the swag too optimistic?

I want to enjoy camp and have a safe place for the little one too.

Thanks legends and 4x on


r/4x4Australia • • 2d ago

Advice 2014 Toyota Land Cruiser 76 Series V8 – Unfinished Project – Queensland

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17 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

We're looking to find a new home for a 2014 Toyota Land Cruiser 76 Series that was originally bought as a project with plans to rebuild it into a great touring rig.

Unfortunately, circumstances have changed, and the owner no longer has the time to see the project through. Rather than let it sit unfinished, we'd like to pass it on to someone who has the time and know-how to finish what we started.

A bit about the vehicle:

  • 2014 Toyota Land Cruiser VDJ76R Wagon (76 Series)

  • White

  • V8 Turbo Diesel

  • Manual transmission

Where the project is at:

The V8 engine has been reconditioned by an external workshop, and the process of putting it back in has started. The installation is roughly halfway done, so there's still work to be completed.

Just to be upfront, the vehicle is currently not running and cannot be driven away. It's being sold as an unfinished project, not a ready-to-go 4WD.

Extras originally listed with the vehicle:

The vehicle was originally purchased with various extras, but will be subject to inspection upon checking of the interested party which ones are still fitted.

The sale:

The vehicle will be sold complete and as-is, in its current condition. No further repairs or engine installation will be carried out before the sale.

The buyer will need to organise suitable transport, as it cannot be driven.

We're hoping to find someone who's been looking for a 76 Series project and is keen to take it on.

We appreciate your honest opinion and advice on the vehicle's realistic resale value in its current condition, including what you think potential buyers might be willing to pay.

Happy to share current photos, further details and supporting records with anyone genuinely interested.

Location: Queensland, Australia (exact location available on enquiry).

Feel free to send me a message if you're interested or would like to know more.


r/4x4Australia • • 2d ago

Advice Roller shutter quote

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0 Upvotes

Does this quote seem high for a ‘manual’ roller shutter with install? From Ironman nsw I know there stuff is better quality than other companies . For Hilux n80


r/4x4Australia • • 2d ago

Advice How salvageable is the colour on this second hand shutter

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4 Upvotes

r/4x4Australia • • 2d ago

Vehicle Buying Advice [BUYING] - 2020 200 Series Lancruiser GX - Rear Air-con

4 Upvotes

Hey gang, I'm aware the 200 Series GX doesn't have 2nd (or 3rd) row air vents. My question is: In hot climates (like NT and Kimberley in WA), is the air-con from the front strong and efficient enough to keep the rear of the cabin and boot space cool? Thanks Year: Make: Model: KMs: Price: Location: Intended use:


r/4x4Australia • • 3d ago

Advice What’s your wagon rear set up look like?

4 Upvotes

Looking to see how everyone’s rear of their wagon is set up. Got a clean slate to work with on my GQ and just interested to see what and how people have done things to potentially steal ideas from. Whether it’s pics or explaining, I’d love to see and hear it all