Top-10 4x4 show rigs

Patriot SupeRam

Queensland's Patriot Campers had a handful of its ‘super tourers’ at the show, including one based on a Ford Ranger and another on a LandCruiser 79 Series. But the most impressive was the big black ‘Superam’ which made its debut at the Melbourne 4x4 Expo.

The SEMA-style American truck was extensively modified, including accessories, and suspension and tyre enhancements, thanks to sponsors including Cruisemaster, XRay Vision, TJM, Redarc, Mickey Thompson, Brown Davis and Dometic,

Not sure what the final cost is if you want one, but with the base Ram 2500 vehicle alone costing around  $140,000, we’re talking big bucks…

Isuzu Concept X

Starting with a set of monster 38x15.5-inch Open Country 20LT off-road tyres, the two Concept X vehicles based on a Isuzu MU-X SUV and D-MAX ute also made their debut at the annual 4x4 Expo.

Painstakingly built using largely fabricated metal components by EMG, the company behind the Isuzu Team D-MAX stunt team, the Concept X vehicles could be an indication of what to expect in any ‘special edition’ D-MAX utes down the track.

Stay tuned!

Polaris Ranger Crew camper

Side-by-side all-terrain ‘buggies’ are popular with rural and farm types, but this ripper rig on display at the 4x4 Expo showed how they could make a great off-road and camping rig for fishing, hunting and outdoor enthusiasts.

Based on the Polaris Ranger Crew ZP 1000 EPS, which retails for around $23,000, the show rig included a roof-top tent, along with generator, fridge and swag in the rear tray.

With seating for four, it could make a base for a rough ‘n ready family camping trip, notwithstanding you wouldn’t be able to legally drive it too far off private property in most states…

Earthcruiser Expedition

Just as the label says, this Australian-built Earthcruiser Expediton off-road motorhome is designed to comfortably house you and your best mate, while travelling through some of the harshest regions, both locally and abroad.

Based on Iveco’s go-anwhere 4WD Daily truck, it’s loaded to the gills with features including 340 litres water capacity (and the same amount for fuel), airbag suspension, front and rear electric winches and a tyre monitoring system.

There’s no slumming inside with a queen bed, 132 litre fridge, ensuite with shower and toilet, dinette and space heater. There was no price displayed at the show, so it's probably a case of: “If you have to ask you can’t afford it!”

Ex-Army Land Rover Defender 

There were few details about this eye-catching military rig on the Shannons stand, so all we can tell you is that it’s a 2004 Land Rover 110 two-door Defender with matching trailer; one of 17 built for the Australian Defence Force.

The factory eight-seater has 42,000km on the clock and presents as new, thanks to its fastidious current owner. It would make a unique off-road camping rig, but given it’s due to be auctioned at a Shannons Melbourne Auction on September 17, with a guiding range of $38,000-$46,000, we doubt any prospective buyer will want to get this collectible duo too dirty!

Brown Davis 40th Anniversary 40 Series

Sure, it’s a blatant promotional tool for long-range fuel tank specialists Brown Davis, which celebrates its 40th birthday this year, but we still couldn’t help admiring the tough, understated makeover of the ‘40th anniversary’ Toyota LandCruiser 40 Series, with a bunch of subtle but striking enhancements courtesy of sponsors including Coopers Tires, Rhino-Rack, TJM and Lightforce…

ARB Linx LandCruiser 79 Series

Another promotional vehicle, this time for ARB’s trick new LINX vehicle accessory digital interface., but one that really caught our eye...

Apart from the other added bits, we really loved the black and beige colour scheme on this 79 Series single cab Toyota LandCruiser ute, along with the chunky Mickey Thompson rubber.

A great blend of old and new!

1968 Land Rover SWB V8

This one’s a bit more original, holding pride of place on the tag-along-tour specialist Mountain-Top Experience stand.

Evoking memories of Snowy River hydro schemes, the classic ‘Cruiser was built in Sydney by Pressed Metal Corporation and started life as a Melbourne & Metropolitan Board of Works truck on the Thomson Dam project.

Around five owners later, and plenty of adventures including a lap of Australia and a starring role in a ‘Mission Impossible’ episode, the old girl is now used by Mountain-Top for promotional purposes as well as the occasional recovery job.

Darche Cruiser camper

There are quite a few ‘cut and shut’ LandCruiser ‘utes’ out there, but few with this much canvas cover!

Darche displayed its roof-top tent alongside one of the biggest vehicle ‘awnings’ going around. The Eclipse 270 Awning provides up to 11.5 square metres of shade and weather protection around the vehicle. The ‘show special’ price was $995, and Darche reckons erecting it is an easy, one person job.

We'll take their word for it!

Raptor Ranger

Another blatant ‘plug’, but appealing nonetheless, was the tricked up, all-black Ford Ranger displayed by protective coatings specialist Raptor.

Just to provide a point of difference, the tough Raptor coating in the tray was tinted a bright fluoru green, to match the similarly bright MaxTrax on the roof.