Top 10 Guide to Aussie 4x4 Accessory Manufacturers
26th Oct 2020
BRONCO BUILT
This fast-emerging company based in Bathurst (NSW) was started by brothers Derek and Chad Mansur only in 2014, yet it has already widened its initial focus from the east coast of Australia to cover the whole country. Bronco Built conducts all its R&D, abrasive blasting, powder coating and robotic welding in-house. It specialises in ute trays “for now!” with its range of fully customisable V3, V4 and (flagship) V5 trays. Products also include its
Bronco Canopy – an aluminium canopy available in varying sizes and featuring gas-strut-assisted gullwing doors.
BTA TOWING EQUIPMENT
Whether your towing needs are relatively light duty with a small boat or you’re looking to pull a caravan, horse float or large trailer, Victoria’s BTA is ready to hook you up with its assortment of towbars, towballs and hitches. Based in Dandenong, the company has more than 45 years of experience and an extensive distribution network. BTA (Better Towing Australia) is also a distributor for the Airsafe Receiver hitch, which features ‘Airhitch’ technology designed to significantly reduce transfer shock between vehicle and trailer.
https://www.btatowingequipment.com.au/
DRIFTA
Whether you have a van, 4WD or ute, Drifta Camping and 4WD – based in Gloucester, NSW – has established itself as one of the go-to brands for clever, customised vehicle storage fit-outs. Drifta covers drawer systems, kitchens, fridge systems and 12-volt installations, while its product catalogue also boasts an impressive array of camping gear including tables, chairs, cookware, tarps and portable firepits. Formed two decades ago, Drifta now employs nearly 100 staff. Its Gloucester headquarters is complemented by additional showrooms in Brisbane and West Gosford, and distribution has even expanded into Europe.
EGR
EGR has nearly five decades’ worth of experience in Australia’s aftermarket segment. It specialises in canopies, hard lids and fender flares, though its ever-expanding list of accessories includes sports bars, nudge bars and side steps. The EGR RollTrac is a particularly notable product – a fully electric, aluminium rolling tonneau cover that can be linked to the vehicle’s electrical and remote central locking systems. This 100 per cent Australian-owned company has its main manufacturing facility in Brisbane and employs about 600 people worldwide.
ECB (EAST COAST BULLBARS)
Meet Australia’s oldest bulbar manufacturer. Queensland’s East Coast Bullbars has been making alloy bars for almost 50 years – and today they come with some impressive specification: ADR compliance, airbag compatibility and a lifetime warranty. Headlining ECB’s product range is its Big Tube Bar, which is made from hi-tensile alloy to weigh about half that of an equivalent steel bullbar. They also allow for extra mounting points for other accessories such as driving lights, and are designed so they don’t interfere with cooling or safety sensors. ECB caters for different vehicle types: vans, dual-cab utes and full-size utes such as the RAM 1500 Warlock.
MAXTRAX
Inspired by almost losing his stranded vehicle to an incoming tide, Brad McCarthy went on a mission in 2001 to create a recovery aid simple enough for one person to use without the need for a snatch strap, winch or even a shovel. The result four years later was the Maxtrax – a flexible, light, yet durable board made of reinforced nylon and featuring rugged teeth to bind with tyre tread to help slipping wheels gain crucial traction. The super-portable recovery tracks feature integrated carry handles and tapered, flat ends that act as a shovel... Available in varying sizes, designs and colours (including the company’s trademark orange), Maxtrax recovery tracks boast an impressive list of customers who include lifeguard services, rural fire services, the Australian Army, the US Defense Force and even the United Nations.
NORWELD
Community-focused North Queensland company Norweld has been designing and fabricating ute trays and canopies since the early 1970s. Catering for both tradies and weekend explorers with single-cab or dual-cab utes, Norweld aims to help customers create their ultimate work or off-road vehicle with its impressive selection of aluminium tray and canopy packages – for budgets big and small. Its product line-up even considers man’s best friend with its dog-pod canopies. Aside from its main set-up in Cairns, Norweld expands its customer reach with showroom and fit-up facilities in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.
REDBACK EXHAUSTS
Melbourne-based Redback combines decades of experience with a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility to make advanced exhaust systems for popular utes, 4WDs including the Toyota LandCruiser and Prado, and big US trucks in the form of the RAM 1500. The 3-inch stainless-steel exhausts are manufactured with unrivalled precision and consistency as a result of Redback’s investment in electric mandrel benders over hydraulic machines used elsewhere. There’s also the advantage of modular components, allowing for interchangeable muffler components – even after the initial fitting. Individual exhaust components as well as safari snorkels are also available.
https://www.redback4x4.com.au/
RHINO-RACK
Whatever you’re looking to carry on the exterior of your vehicle – whether it’s surfboards, skis, bikes, luggage, or work materials – Rhino-Rack has a solution. The New South Wales company, formed in 1992, sells a huge variety roof racks, roof trays, canopy roof racks and roof boxes through stockists nationwide, priding itself on both high quality and affordability. Its updated Pioneer roof platform was a Gold Winner in the 2020 Good Design Awards.
Rhino-Rack is now an international brand, exporting its locally made products to 55 countries.
https://www.rhinorack.com/en-au
ARB
After an off-road trip through the remote landscape of Far North Queenland’s Cape York in the mid-1970s, Series 1 Land Rover owner Anthony Ronald Brown realised there was a need in the 4x4 market for well-engineered, long-lasting off-road gear after encountering fellow travellers with damaged vehicle accessories. More than four decades after Anthony first started making his own roof racks for 4WD enthusiasts on his own driveway, soon followed by bullbars, ARB – taking its founder’s initials – is currently Australia’s largest manufacturer and distributor of 4x4 accessories, including a major export network and international offices.
Image Credits - All Images from manufacturer's website and/or Facebook page. All images copyright of their respective owners.
