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When Holding It Is Not An Option For non-competitive four-wheelers, the Black Cat External Catheter is either for those of us who are obsessed about not wasting a minute of their time, or those of us who are just really, really lazy. What is it? Why, it's exactly what you're afraid it is: it's a pee-in-a-bottle system. Hah, and you thought it was some kind of colloquialism for an exhaust sytem, didn't you? Click on the link for all the details.Make Some Christmas Money With Your Half-Ton Pickup This Winter  Western Products have just announced a full-size, full-featured snow plow specifically designed for half-ton trucks. Now owners of these smaller, more fuel-efficient trucks can put them to work plowing snow and earning money.Custom Or Stock Mopar E-Body Aluminum Radiators From Mark 7 Radiators  Dodge owners who are beefing up their motors will want to take a moment to visit Mark 7 Radiators' website. They build custom or stock replacement rads for all Mopar makes, models, and years. Their custom rads are built specifically for your engine/transmission combination. The rad pictured here can cool up to 750hp in 100F weather with the a/c running.VOTE: Should off-road vehicles be banned from Blue Mountain?  The Maple Ridge Times is running a survey, asking if off-road vehicles should be banned from Blue Mountain. Click on this link and go vote!! If you can't find the survey, click here for more information.The JackMate - Lift Jack Accessory is BACK!  The latest iteration of the Jackmate lift jack accessory features some notable improvements, such as a Super-Grip diamond plate top, wire fence pulling slots, and an improved quick-release pin. We reviewed this product back when it first came out and are glad to see it's still around and being improved upon.ORTT's Recovery Strap Holder  It's a common problem: where do I store my tow strap so it's easily accessible and what do I do with it when it's covered in slimey mud? Off Road Trail Tools has an elegant solution to both of those problems. Their new Recovery Strap Holder is a compact unit that can be mounted pretty much anywhere you'd like. I'd mount it somewhere on the outside of the vehicle where a spotter can easily grab it. Vision X Lighting's XIL-M1  In the arms race of off-roading lighting systems, Vision X has just brought us to the brink of nuclear destruction. If you want the most high-tech, bleeding edge lights for your 4x4, drag your credit card, kicking and screaming, out of your wallet and order the XIL-M1, also known as the "Patriot Smart Light." You can click the link for full tech details but here's the summary: this thing rocks.Pit Bull Tire Company Releases Its 2009 Radial Light Truck Tire Lineup  New for 2009 are Rocker XOR LT radials, a slightly tamed version of the LT off-road tire, modified to provide better street manners. Radial sizes announced for 2009 are:41.5X1350R16.5, 17, 18 & 20 - Coming Fall 2009 35X1250R15, 16, 17, 18 & 20 - Coming Fall 2009 37X1250R15, 16, 16.5, 17, 18, 20 & 22 - Coming Winter 2009 Read the full article for the other Pit Bull Tire announcements. Pillowtrack Recovery Device  We get it, we really do. The concept makes sense but we also know our buddies would roll on the ground in hysterical fits of laughter as soon as we started inflating these bags. The Pillowtrack Recover Device is basically an inflatable sand ladder with one significant benefit: they can conform to a variety of terrain, making it possible to use them on rocks, as well. They also pack up smaller. Rancho Tube Doors for Jeep JK  Rancho adds another product to their growing RockGear lineup with the introduction of Jeep JK Tube Doors. Off Road Trail Tools Wheel Chocks  Yeah, I know. Wheel chocks aren't exactly a sexy item to add to your off-road tool kit, but they can literally save your life. Off Road Trail Tools' new ORTT Wheel Chocks fold flat, don't spark, are light-weight, and very strong. I could have really used a set of these a few weeks ago when my Jeep was pointing downhill and I had to winch a vehicle uphill. They'd also be extremely useful when changing a tire or swapping out an axle shaft on unstable terrain.Ultimate Diesel Performance Introduces Their New Performance Differential Covers for Dodge and GM Trucks  Ultimate Diesel Performance has released their new diff covers. Major features include extra fluid capacity, easy fluid service without removing cover, and a built-in heat sink for cooler oil. Daystar Scorpion Performance Shock Absorbers  Daystar leveling kits have been on the market for years and are almost standard issue as a first modification for many truck and SUV owners. Up till now you could only buy a leveling kit from Daystar but you had to choose shocks from a different manufacturer if the amount of lift made your stock length shock absorbers inadequate. Not anymore! Daystar has now released their new Scorpion shocks.Nitto Trail Grappler MT  Nitto will have a new tire available starting in September called the Trail Grappler MT. Looks like a smart move for them to come out with a new design that will be more than an all terrain and less aggressive than their current off road tire. The stated goal was to offer a tire that was more aggressive than their Terra Grappler and obviously more all around friendly than their Mud Grappler yet be able to deliver the kind of well-rounded performance many of us are looking for when choosing a tire for our full size rigs.AFE Mach Force XP 3-Inch Exhaust for 2009 Chevy Trucks  AFE has now released their new Mach Force XP 3" cat back exhaust for 2009 Chev Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks equipped with V8 4.8/5.3/6.0 gas motors. This cat back will work on Flex-fuel trucks but not on the Hybrids.Hi-Lift Jack Mount For Tubes  Hi-Lift jacks are handy tools and most every four-wheeler carries one as part of his tool kit. The age old question in Hi-Lift ownership has always been where to safely mount this big hunk of life-threatening steel. Well, Hi-Lift has finally come out with a tube mount.Fabtech 6" Lift System For 2005-2009 Toyota Tacoma With VSC  Fabtech has finally been able to overcome the issues surrounding properly lifting a Toyota Tacoma equipped with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). Available either in a Basic system that uses a spacer with the factory coilover or a Performance system that features a replacement Fabtech Dirt Logic 2.50 coilover shock. |
November 2009 Covershot Did Google Just Kill Garmin?  Free software is cool but does the release of Google Maps Navigation signal the impending demise of today's consumer GPS makers, and a bleak future for GPS devices and map products for outdoor recreationists? The Jinxed Weekend  I suppose the dead bird was a bad omen but I didn't realize it at the time. Had I known, maybe the weekend's parade of annoyances wouldn't have bothered me so much. Since human beings have a wonderful capacity to find enjoyment in someone else's misery, I present the story of my weekend for your pleasure. Trailhead Automatic Tire Deflators  For airing down my tires, I've always used the valve core removal method because it's so fast. But after trying out the Trailhead Automatic Tire Deflators, I've decided that the differences aren't as great as I thought. They're faster than I thought, and since I can deflate four tires simultaneously, it ends up taking about the same time as the valve core removal tool. On top of that, the automatic nature of the Trailhead deflators means I can attend to other trail prep tasks while airing down. Land's End Hill Climb  The Land's End Hill Climb, a race up a winding gravel road approximately 6 miles long, is a qualifier for the 2010 King of the Hammers (KOH) race. The top five from the rock racer class have a guaranteed spot in the KOH race. In February 2009, while driving back from pitting on the Evolution Machine KOH crew, Curtis and I decided we had to do everything in our power to get a spot in the 2010 KOH race. Whipsaw And Beyond  Read Kris Wheeler's first-hand account of the Whipsaw and Beyond trip, which involved a motley crew of BC4x4 message board members. Their meandering journey took them from the Whipsaw trail to Shea, Lake, Cabin Lake and ending on the East Harrison FSR. A dirt road journey of grand proportions. Coastal Cruisers' Show and Shine  July 11, 2009 saw the annual Coastal Cruisers Show and Shine event at Deas Island Park in Delta, BC. The weather was incredible but I suspect that the same number of Landcruiser fans would have been there even if it were pouring rain in biblical proportions. Wildfire Risk Critical Across The Province The wildfire risk across the province has reached a critical level due to continued hot and dry weather, and British Columbians are being asked to voluntarily restrict back country activities, said Premier Gordon Campbell.
Fourwheelers, if you're going out this weekend, please be VERY CAREFUL! Forest Road Rules Guide Safe Off-Road Vehicle Use Forests and Range Minister Pat Bell reminds British Columbians of some basic safety rules when using Forest Service roads. "All motor vehicle operators on Forest Service roads (FSRs) must have a valid driver's licence for the class of vehicle they are driving, including Class 5 licences for all-terrain vehicles and Class 6 licences for motorcycles. All operators must also carry a minimum of $200,000 third-party liability insurance, available through any insurance agent. Some off-road vehicle and outdoor recreation clubs also provide group insurance policies as part of their membership package." While it sounds more like a harangue than advice, it probably is a good idea to be insured, particularly if you've ever witnessed some of the gong show antics when travelling on FSRs on long weekends.
Madman EMS1 Multi-Gauge  Dave Blair wanted to start tweaking his diesel's boost pressure so he needed a reliable pyrometer. His past (bad) experience with analogue pyrometers and limited room on his dashboard led him to the Madman digital multi-gauge. Did he live happily ever after? Click on the link to find out. Coolers - What You Get For Your Money  Cooler technology has come a long way since the dawn of the classic Coleman ice chest. Nowadays you can be 3 weeks into your camp-out at an isolated location in the middle of the summer and still enjoy ice cold beverages and ice cream treats...without using any ice at all. But this increase in cooling ability comes with a related increase in price, so let's look at the cooling options available to four wheelers and see how they stack up. Reckless Behaviour Threatens Kamloops Grasslands  Illegal off-roading activities are causing significant damage to an important grasslands area near Lac du Bois Provincial Park, not far from Kamloops. In response, the ministries of Forests and Range and Environment are stepping up their efforts to identify and charge those responsible for the damage. This type of irresponsible four wheeling behaviour negatively impacts all four wheelers, usually in the form of trail closures. So remember to OBSERVE, RECORD, AND REPORT if you see any off-trail activity.Help Needed To Apprehend Arsonist The Coast Fire Centre needs four-wheelers' help to identify and arrest the person or persons responsible for setting wildfires in the Mount Benson area, near Nanaimo. So far this year they've had 38 person-caused wildfires in the area. Besides being an obvious danger to nearby residents and backcountry recreationists, the damage is extremely costly in terms of the environment and manpower used to fight the fires. All four-wheelers are encouraged to record and report any suspicious behaviour.
Turtle Jam 2009 - Register Now!  The Herd of Turtles' TURTLE JAM 2009 is fast approaching (Aug 1-3) but there are still spots available if you want to join in the fun. The event takes place on Apex Mtn, in the sunny Okanagan. Last year's event provided great scenery and challenging obstacles. We also tried a trail that wasn't on their list of trail runs and ended up making a butt-puckering traverse across a very scary sidehill, thousands of feet above the valley floor. This year promises to be just as enjoyable but with the added bonus of optional gourmet meals prepared by a chef. Go to this link (http://forums.hot4x4.ca/showthread.php?t=393) for more information and SIGN UP as soon as you can! I'm going to be there, for sure. I'll bring some BC4x4 stickers with me so look for me if you want some.Nicola Lake  When I first got back into four-wheeling in 1993, it was to explore trails and go camping. But somewhere along the way, I got hooked on doing harder and harder trails and my focus shifted towards doing the trails for the sake of the trails rather than for the scenery or destination. Years later, my interest in exploring trails is returning. When I got the invite from Rob Slett to join his group (loosely known as the "Fedexplorers"), I decided that would be my way back to the exploration side of four-wheeling. Choosing A Tent For Off-Road Camping  Choosing the right tent can make the difference between a successful, enjoyable camping trip and a divorce-causing night of hell. To get you ready for camping season, we've come up with a list of things you need to consider when shopping for a tent. This list is the result of years of 4x4 camping experience and too many nights of misery. So read it well and learn from our mistakes. Happy camping! The Mystery Of The Whipsaw Ford Falcon Is Solved  If you've driven the Whipsaw trail, you've no doubt driven (or tried to drive) up "Falcon Hill" but do you know how it got its name? The name derives from a bronze plaque placed there back in the '70's. It commemorates a trip made by some guys who apparently drove a Ford Falcon through the Whipsaw trail. Ever since I first saw that plaque, I've wondered who those guys were. Well, now I know. Eagle Ridge Snow 'Wheeling  Eagle Ridge is one of those very rare 4x4 trails that is literally next door to a heavily populated urban area. It features interesting rock fins, ledges and boulder fields that provide lots of entertainment for owners of stock or moderately modified 4x4's. But if you've got a seriously built 4x4 it can be a bit of a yawner. Dual lockers, 35" tires, and a compliant suspension will let you walk through the entire trail system without a hitch. But when there's snow up there, it's a completely different story. Starvation Lake Rescue  If you have ever had to make the gut-wrenching decision to leave a broken vehicle in the woods, you will understand the fear involved in coming back to a vandalized or stripped rig. This unfortunate situation recently happened to my co-worker, Ian, when he snapped a one-piece AMC 20 axle shaft on a trail near Squamish. Not having a spare axle shaft as a trail spare or one at home, he had to leave the CJ5 on the trail overnight Sunday and hoping for the best. Monday morning would launch a search for the axle shaft and parts required to get the Jeep off the trail. Herd of Turtles' GPS Challenge 2009  Aside from my Jeep flopping onto its side, this year's GPS Challenge, put on by the HOT4x4 club, was a fun time. This year it was held along the West Harrison Forest Service Road. The weather co-operated nicely and I discovered some new and interesting trails. Read the full article for pics and vids. |
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Disclaimer: Activities and vehicle modifications appearing or described on this website and its pages may be potentially dangerous. We do not endorse any such activity for others or recommend it to any particular person - we simply describe our experiences and opinions. If you choose to engage in these activities, it is by your own free will and at your own volition. Use common sense and remember that none of this material is presented as being recommended by a professional mechanic or driving instructor. This information is presented for your amusement only. Do not take unwise risks, consult a certified professional if you are not sure of something. - 599244 BC Ltd. (bc4x4.com) and the authors of these articles assume no liability for how any particular individual chooses to use the information presented here.