Light use offroad kit and bushranger max air

[Ashes]

I'm looking to put together my beginners offroad kit. Not anticipating any heavy or difficult terrain any probably only get out once or twice a month with the family.
Having said that, I'd prefer to buy quality gear once than have average gear let me down so don't mind spending a bit extra now for stuff that will see me out for many years.

So far done a day trip through some muddy forest tracks and a driver training day (heaps of fun!!). The kit currently sits at a shovel, tire guage and some local maps:)

Current vehicle is a D3 Discovery.

On my must have list at the moment is
- 8t heavy duty snatch strap, 2 x 4.5t bow shackles, gloves
- air compressor (looking at Bushranger max-air
- uhf radio (icom 440 or gme 3440 - still researching).

I've had several people recommend the bushranger max-air compressor and came across this company with a very competitive price

Bushranger Max Air 2 - FREE SHIPPING - Discount Car Accessories (http://www.discountcaraccessories.com.au/store/products/Bushranger-Max-Air-2-%252d-FREE-SHIPPING.html)

Anyone used them or had experience with warranty claims. Seems cheap to me, am I missing something?

[GRIFF]

Sounds good
try this guy out, I brought some gear off him and he runs a good srvice

Compressors 12V (http://www.sidewinder.com.au/page154aa.html)

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Your list sounds like a good start,,:D
just remember to keep all those heavy items locked away/tied down,,,:cool:

oh! and research snatch points on the D3 too,,,:eek:

[Shamo]

Hey mate,

With the UHF, a great place to buy them is on Prestigecom.net.au Best Prices on UHF CB Radio, GPS Navigation and Communications, Express delivery Australia wide (http://www.prestigecom.net.au/) they have really good prices on GME's and Uniden UHF's and you can get some in a combo with aerial.

If you want an aerial, i recommend this package Uniden UH015sx 6db Antenna Bundle [UH015SX/AT] - $359.00 : Prestigecom.net.au Best Prices on UHF CB Radio, GPS Navigation and Communications, Express delivery Australia wide (http://www.prestigecom.net.au/index.php'main_page=product_info&cPath=31&products_id=674) or if you just want the unit without the aerial then i think it is only 300 which is a hell of alot cheaper than what they sell for in stores (400).

I bought a uniden without the aerial and my mate bought on with the aerial and they are both fantastic units.

Good Luck,

Shamo

[Ashes]

Thanks for the replies so far. I'm pretty set on the max-air given the largely positive reviews it gets, the 5yr warranty, history and availability of parts and service. Should the be last compressor I'd need to buy. Not so concerned with it being the fastest or cheapest.

Mostly wondering peoples experience with discountcaraccesories.com.au

[Graeme]

I carry a spare filter holder and filters for my Max-Air to ensure its not run without a filter as the holder is only plastic and can easily get bumped.

[Grumndriva]

I have had a Max Air Bushranger compressor for some years. I have never needed after sales service as nothing has gone wrong with it. It seems to be well made and good value for money. The only real downside with the MaxAir is that the gauge is nowhere near accurate.

I narrowed my choice down to the MaxAir or the previous model ARB, and went for the MaxAir for the greater capacity at similar price. On reflection, I think that the ARB idea of mounting the compressor inside a protective box was probably a bigger advantage than I thought at the time, but the canvas carry bag is still quite acceptable.

Hope this helps.

[rmp]

Max-Air is a great unit. I own one, but have replaced the silly plastic hose with a better one from Purple Pig, and deleted the inline gauge. Consider also the ARB CKMA12.

Don't forget a first-aid kit, fire extinguisher and flat plate for the jack.

The 4X4 Show is coming up soon, often a good place to bargain.

[George130]

Sounds like you are on the right track.
Might be worth looking at a tyre deflator to make things easy. I'm usually still using a stick:angel:.
Also get a base plate for your jack. Even a lump of wood will do. Can be a god send when you need it. Also those tyre pluggers can get you out of trouble for those times your tyres decide not to play anymore.

[Ashes]

Max-Air is a great unit. I own one, but have replaced the silly plastic hose with a better one from Purple Pig, and deleted the inline gauge. Consider also the ARB CKMA12.

Don't forget a first-aid kit, fire extinguisher and flat plate for the jack.

The 4X4 Show is coming up soon, often a good place to bargain.

Thanks Robert. I actually had the ARB site up and was looking at the CKMA12. I do like the idea of the hard case and as I said earlier, reliability not speed or cost is my primary criteria. Couldn't find a warranty lenght though?
First aid kit - check
Jack plate - check
Fire Extinguiser - added to the list - what type?

The 4x4 show slipped by my radar, thought it was in November, not September..Fathers day weekend:D
Recon I might wait for that and clear some credit card space..
"Danger Will Robinson, Danger":eek:

[MickS]

Go the ICOM - from Prestige. They can't be beaten for price and service IMHO. And the ICOM is brilliant.

Also, a basic toolkit - spanners, sockets, hammer etc.

A cheap tarp to lie on if you find yourself having to do some under car repairs/tyre changes - helps if you drop nuts/washers etc in the dirt, and can act as a cover for water crossings if necessary. Ratchet tie downs - a number of uses. Cable ties. Rear recovery point such as -

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/........

[MickS]

I bought this ARB portable - excellent.

http://www.arb.com.au/resources/images/products/compressors/CKMP12_main.jpg

[CraigE]

The Max Air is not a bad unit (had 4 for work vehicles), but the hose is useless and needs a better hose.
Personally I would go for a good Thomas such as a Blue Tongue if you can afford it. I have had mine for around 15 years and it has not missed a beat.

[weeds]

my lockers are plumbed to a max air, i also have an outlet on the bullbar to inflate tyre etc, never had a problem

[rmp]

Go the ICOM - from Prestige. They can't be beaten for price and service IMHO. And the ICOM is brilliant.

Also, a basic toolkit - spanners, sockets, hammer etc.

A cheap tarp to lie on if you find yourself having to do some under car repairs/tyre changes - helps if you drop nuts/washers etc in the dirt, and can act as a cover for water crossings if necessary. Ratchet tie downs - a number of uses. Cable ties. Rear recovery point such as -

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/........

D3 already has a rear recovery hook. The above is useful if you have the Mitch Hitch. If you have the Plough, you'll be bogged anyway....

[MickS]

D3 already has a rear recovery hook.

There you go then - the D2 hasn't.

[djhampson]

What about this kit... Mitchell Bros 4x4 and more - Online 4wd Store - Home page (http://store.mitchellbros.com.au/discovery-3-tow-hitch/discovery-3-air-off-kit?SID=ff657cd63d9be131c724b27540587af2)

I've only just found it so I'd love to hear if anyones tried it.

[Ashes]

I think I'll stick with a portable. At least that will work on a future vehicle. Seems like an expensive option for some hose and fittings though..

Does anyone have any comments on the following recovery kit (for occassional, perhaps never use..)

A. Noble & Son Ltd (http://www.nobles.com.au/overview.asp~area=2&cid=35&parent_id=0&product_id=248.html)

[rmp]

Nobles make good kit. They are really a hoist company so know this sort of stuff very well.

[djhampson]

Seems like an expensive option for some hose and fittings though..

Yikes I didn't notice the price when I posted that link.... think I'll leave that one.

[AnD3rew]

for the ocassional 4wd'er the best and most important piece of recovery gear is a really good quality snatch strap and two high rated D shackles and a mate in another vehicle. This will sort you out with 99% of situations that you are likely to get into in a stock vehicle that you like unless you are a nutcase. If you take nothing else take these.

I supplement this with a milk crate that includes two shifting spanners, several screwdrivers, a set of multigrips a pair of pliers a rubber mallet and a roll of electrical tape and a roll of gaffer tape, and a can of tyre plug stuff. and a good quality tyre gauge

I also throw in a spade from the garden shed.

A compressor would be good and it is next on my list along with a handheld UHF.

I am also considering purchasing an exhaust jack but there are many differing opinions on the usefulness of them.

[cal415]

Has anyone got one of those sidewinder compressors? they look ok, but im just worried about there warranty and durability?

[VladTepes]

I have had a Max Air Bushranger compressor for some years. I have never needed after sales service as nothing has gone wrong with it. It seems to be well made and good value for money. The only real downside with the MaxAir is that the gauge is nowhere near accurate.

I narrowed my choice down to the MaxAir or the previous model ARB, and went for the MaxAir for the greater capacity at similar price. On reflection, I think that the ARB idea of mounting the compressor inside a protective box was probably a bigger advantage than I thought at the time, but the canvas carry bag is still quite acceptable.

Hope this helps.

I have a Max Air as well and I completely agree.

if I were to buy another compressor (I have two so that ought to do me though) I'd have no hesitation buying aother BushRanger Max Air.

[CraigE]

I think I'll stick with a portable. At least that will work on a future vehicle. Seems like an expensive option for some hose and fittings though..

Does anyone have any comments on the following recovery kit (for occassional, perhaps never use..)

A. Noble & Son Ltd (http://www.nobles.com.au/overview.asp~area=2&cid=35&parent_id=0&product_id=248.html)

Nobles make some of the best rigging and lifting gear around, bar none and their handbook is a great item to have.