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Side steps can be mounted directly to the
vehicle body or to the vehicle’s chassis. Side
steps mounted to the chassis are generally
favoured as they are stronger and they won’t
damage the 4WD’s body if they are bent. If you
are a serious off-roader check to see the steps
are not mounted too low as they may scrape when
going over logs and uneven terrain.
Further protection for the vehicle is available
by the addition of side rails or bush bars to
protect the flared wheel guards. The side rails
or bush bars are mounted to the chassis and
attach onto the bull bar on the front of the
vehicle.
4WD/SUV Rear Wheel Carriers
One of the reasons owners adopt a rear wheel or
spare wheel carrier is to make room for a long
range fuel tank or water tank underneath the
vehicle. Another reason is to accommodate rear
tyre carriers or jerry can holders
and mounting points for a
high-lift jack, HF radio antenna, shovel and
large rear light.
4WD vehicles with the spare tyre
mounted underneath often cannot accommodate a
tyre larger than the standard tyre plus it can
be awkward to get to, hinders departure angles
and can get damaged from dragging on the ground
on uneven terrain.
A
rear wheel carrier can bolt onto the vehicle’s
standard bumper but often the whole rear bumper
is replaced with one compatible with the single
or twin spare wheel carrier.
If replacing the whole rear bumper and you plan
to add a long range fuel tank later make sure
the tow bar set up will accommodate the fuel
tank.
Also
make sure the rear wheel carrier will
accommodate
the tyre size you want to have on your vehicle,
your rear registration number plate
and light relocation mounting as well as tail
light assemblies.
Check your state or territory
Department of Transport or Road Transport
Authority website as there are often standards
to be met to comply with any vehicle
modifications and accessories such as those
relating to bull bars, roof racks, bike
carriers, fishing rod holders, accessory guages,
long range radio antennas and DVD screens.
Bull bars, nudge bars, side steps and brush bars
and rear wheel carriers are available from Team
Poly, 4WD Systems, ARB, TJM, Kaymar, Opposite
Lock, Strongarm Wheel Carriers and other vehicle
accessories stores. Original bull bars and
nudge bars are also available for the 4WD, the
family sedan or station wagon through Toyota,
Holden, Mitsubishi or Nissan.
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