YEAR & MODEL
Our 4X4 is a 2014 Volkswagen Amarok TDI420 Highline Dual Cab Ute. It is an 8 speed automatic 2.0L Twin Turbo Diesel in Starlight blue. Find out current pricing on a new Amarok here.
We chose the Amarok due to its car-like ride, smooth and quiet engine performance and a 5 star safety rating (we need to do what we can to keep the kids safer). We also just love the way it looks.
REDARC TOW PRO ELITE
We have installed a Redarc Tow Pro Elite Electronic brake controller. It has made a significant difference when towing our loaded van. Our Coromal van has a tare weight of 1420kg and the Amarok has a braked towing capacity of 3000kgs.
AGM BATTERY
An AGM battery should outperform other types while 4wding and using corrugated roads.
PERFORMANCE CHIP / TUNE
The Amarok had been fitted with a SW Performance Chip. Installing the chip was worth the cost and was easy for Adam to install. There are many new ways to improve the engine performance and in recent years, tuning has become a very good option. After a few years of running the chip, we decided to have the Amarok tuned. We heard lots of good things about the increase in performance and improved fuel economy with a CPI Tune, so the chip was removed and replaced by the tune. The performance was better than the chip but the fuel consumption did increase. However, the tune was mainly used to address DPF issues and it has certainly done its job.
BULLBAR
The bullbar is a Xrox that has been modified by Adam and colour coded sprayed by our good friends at Grange Smash Repairs, Smeaton Grange. We purchased a LED light bar from Perception Lighting and Adam created a place for it in the bullbar.
SUSPENSION
The front suspension was upgraded with Dobinson springs to cater for the increased weight from the bull bar and to improve ground clearance.
A WINCH WARNING
What's in a name? Initially, the Amarok was fitted with a popular 4x4 winch brand. Within a year and after only a handful of test runs, the winch failed. Then came the disastrous warranty experience, where the service office requested WE pull the gearbox and motor apart to inspect it. This is when alarm bells started ringing. As most people would know, OPENING motor and gearbox components would VOID a warranty claim! Going against instinct, the gearbox was opened, photographs and video was taken and emailed to the service team. The faulty winch was then freighted to their service office at our expense and we received the news that our warranty claim had been rejected. It would cost $500 plus freight to get our winch back. This winch brand had a 5 year warranty period and we were totally guttered that we had trusted them to honour it. They still have our winch to this day, most likely have used it for spare parts or sold it as seconds to someone else.
A WINCH THAT WORKS
The Amarok now has an OUTRANGER winch, sourced from eBay. We've used it a few times now, it has performed as it should and we are bloody happy about that! Check out our Bogged at Inskip YouTube clip (at the end of this page), where we used the winch for the very first time.
THE TYRES
After one year of owning the Amarok, the factory Bridgestone Dueller tyres were upgraded to BF Goodrich All Terrain KO2 265/70/17. When we changed the tyres, it did make a difference to the way it felt whilst driving. It became lumpy and transitioned to feel more like a 4x4. We chose BF Goodrich because we had the Mud Terrains on our first 4x4 and they took us around Australia with no dramas.
We replaced the All Terrains with Mud terrains in June '18 and it's fair to say the Muds felt more grounded and the 4wd tracks are easier. However, they spit out planet sized boulders on dirt tracks and the front of our van was feeling the pain!
BF GOODRICH MUD VS ALL TERRAIN
After less than 30,000kms, one of our Mud Terrain tyres had a catastrophic blow out! The front passenger inner sidewall suffered a complete failure while driving about 80km p/hour on a straight bitumen road. We aren't too sure why it happened, there didn't appear to be anything sharp on the road to cause it and our tyre pressures were at the manufacturers recommended PSI. The only thing we can think of is that the road was a bit dippy. The tyre shop told us that we could not get the tyre replaced under warranty (the tyre was less than 1 year old) and BF Goodrich weren't interested in hearing our concerns. As you can imagine, we became unsure if the rest of our tyres were up to the standard needed for remote travel.
See the damage to our BF Goodrich Mud Terrains on our YouTube clip "Blown Tyre".
We decided to return to the All Terrains when the Muds were due for replacement. The Muds had worn down quite quickly, we seemed to bog down in sand a fair bit and the fuel consumption was creeping up the older they got.
TYRE UPDATE
In 2021, the Amarok was fitted again with the All Terrains. They are a good all rounder and we are very happy with their longevity and performance.
REDESIGNED SPORTS BAR
Adam has redesigned the original Amarok rear sports bars. An extended piece was added and the bars were repositioned.
CUSTOM CANVAS COVER
We approached five businesses in Sydney to quote a canvas cover for the rear. All bar one refused to even quote the job and the one that did, would only complete the work in vinyl. Yuck! The standard sewing machine that we have, received an overhaul by Adam so we could sew our own canvas cover. The canvas was sourced from Melbourne and is Australian made and UV treated for Australian conditions. The removable cover keeps our gear hidden and dry.
TOW BAR
Our Amarok was fitted with a genuine tow bar by the dealership before it was picked up from new. As expected, it works perfectly with the Redarc Tow Pro Elite and the parking sensors. The only issue we have encountered, is the placement of the trailer plug connection. We managed to damage it while 4x4ing , it has now been relocated to a more protected position.
DUAL BATTERY SYSTEM
We have chosen a KickAss Battery system sold online by australiandirect.com.au
It was easy to install! At the third of the cost of a traditional dual battery set up, it is well worth considering for your 4wd.
CUSTOM ROOF RACK WATER STORAGE
Adam used PVC pipe and tap fittings to create a custom water container around the roof racks. It stores 40 litres, we use it to top up the van when we are off grid camping and for spare water for drinking, washing and showering.
DBA T3 DISC ROTORS
BENDIX BRAKES VS VOLKSWAGEN GENUINE
Tasmania really cemented the decision to upgrade the brakes. Tackling the steep descents and twisties was clearly taking a toll as we would need to pull over on some occasions mid descent to wait for the brakes to cool down. The caravan brakes were also worn out. We replaced the van brakes while still in Tassie and the difference was VERY noticeable.
The Amarok received its new upgraded brakes in Melbourne, 4 months after we started our Australian Road Trip. We chose DBA T3 disc rotors combined with Bendix brake shoes. After one year and 35,000kms of towing, we have gone back to genuine Volkswagen brake pads. They are far superior to the aftermarket Bendix and we will stick with the VW genuine from now on.
Got any questions?
You can contact us at contact@lappingoz.com.au or direct message on Facebook or Instagram.
Cheers, Adam & Mia
