When the folks at ARB set out to build a better trail refrigerator, their goal was simple: One-up the quarter-century-old design they already offered. The revamp would require inclusion of a whole assortment of up-to-date techno-gadgetry, along with a sleek redesigned exterior. The intent was to improve usability while also adding function and efficiency. The new design also needed to be lighter in weight while adding additional carrying capacity at the same time. To achieve this goal ARB worked with Danfoss Refrigeration, known globally as a leading supplier of compressors and automated solutions to the refrigeration and air conditioning industry. The result of this partnership netted ARB one of the most efficient and quiet compressor units available today. We tested a 50-quart version recently and are pleased to report outstanding results.inline_mediumwraptextright25941236/techarticles/electrical/129_0912_arb_travel_cooler_fridge_freezer129_0912_02_z+arb_fridge_freezer+full_view.jpgTrue

In the world of mud-terrain tires many brands have laid claim to quiet on-pavement performance. However, typically when we test 'em, we sometimes find the word "quiet" was misused. Not so with the newest tread from Nitto. In fact, we believe the new Trail Grappler M/T may just be the quietest mud-terrain tire we've ever tested. And in all actuality, Nitto set out to do just that. Using sophisticated sound analysis equipment, Nitto's team of engineers optimized the Trail Grappler's design until they believed they had the best possible balance between performance and road noise. The pattern ended up looking somewhat similar to one competitor's now discontinued mud-terrain, so Nitto further refined the tire and at the same time added a few tricks that consumers are sure to appreciate.inline_mediumwraptextright25589006/techarticles/wheels/129_0912_nitto_trail_grappler_mt_tire_test129_0912_01_z+nitto_trail_grappler_mt_tire+full_view_tread.jpgTrue

Ford had barely lost the pregnancy weight from birthing the redesigned F-150 last year before the aftermarket was stocking the shelves with components to retool its performance, get it off-road-ready, strengthen its towing and ride quality, and give its looks more brawn. This month we're filling these pages with a peek at some of what's already available for the new pickup.

Top Truck Challenge could just as easily be called Waterboarding for Wheelers. Events such as the Twister, the Trap, and the Mini-'Con wreak havoc on axles, drivetrains and gearboxes, and nearly every competitor will cart home a boxful of broken parts by the end of the competition week. We can't fix every component that breaks on their rigs, but fortunately, we can make sure that all TTC competitors go home with plenty of cool aftermarket parts and products that they can bolt onto, or buy for, their rigs. This year, some two-dozen sponsors and manufacturers contributed goodies (thanks to all), ensuring that all who competed at TTC XVII were suitably rewarded for their sacrifices. Here's what they got for their efforts:

Off-road 'Ironwoman' and Baja 1000 team driver Emily Miller and World Extreme Skiing Champion and U.S. Ski Team Olympian Wendy Fisher have an unlikely common denominator: The 2009 19th Rallye Aicha des Gazelles, the nine-day, all women's off-road race in Morocco.inline_mediumwraptextright25588418/offshore/091200/129_0912_2009_rallye_aicha_des_gazelles_morocco_race129_0912_01_z+2009_rallye_aicha_des_gazelles+starting_line.jpgTrue

We love it when the guys who sell us cool off-road swag are actually into the sport. In Canada, those guys are The Gear Centre Group. When we received an invitation to head north to Kelowna, British Columbia, and the verdant Okanagan Valley for the second annual Rumble on the Rocks, it took us all of a millisecond to book that ticket. The Gear Centre, based in Edmonton, Alberta, operates over twenty retail shops and has been purveyors of high-quality transmissions, transfer cases, driveline and steering components for more than three decades. And a few years ago, they even jumped into the electric winch market. The rock-racing scene in Canada is on the rise, and while the inaugural Rumble was a low-key endeavor with a small but enthusiastic turnout, this year they partnered with newly established Can-Rocks (Canadian Rock Racing Association) and became one of a four-race series. And the numbers-both of competitors and spectators-grew threefold.inline_mediumwraptextright25585562/eventcoverage/129_0912_2009_rumble_on_rocks_canada_rock_race129_0912_01_z+2009_rock_rumble_canada+getting_air.jpgTrue

When Toyota offered to let us tag along on a 2010 4Runner durability test on the Rubicon Trail, we immediately accepted the invitation. Not only were we anxious to see the new, fifth-generation 4Runner, we wanted to see how it handled the granddaddy of all trails.inline_mediumwraptextright25586552/roadtests/129_0912_2010_toyota_4runner_review_rubicon_trail129_0912_01_z+2010_toyota_4runner_trail+front_view_mud.jpgTrue

One of the things that I inherited from my Dad was being what he called a "prankster." He and his fishing buddies used to pull all sorts of practical jokes on each other. While I don't fish much anymore, I sure four-wheel a lot, and there are plenty of chances to pull a trick or two on these guys. Keep in mind that a good prank leaves both the "do-er" and the "do-ee" with a smile and a laugh. It's important that your prank doesn't do physical harm to anyone or a vehicle or to the point of lasting embarrassment.

Where To Write
Address all correspondence to:
Techline
Four Wheeler
6420 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048.

You can also reach us by e-mail at fourwheelereditor@sorc.com; be sure to type the words "Tech Line" in the subject line. All submissions become the property of Four Wheeler, and we reserve the right to edit them for length, accuracy, and clarity. The editorial department also can be reached through the website at www.fourwheeler.com. Due to the volume of mail, electronic and otherwise, we cannot respond to every reader, but we do read everything.

We've always been big fans of Suzukis around here. From the Jimny to the Samurai, and down to the present day, we're continually impressed by their affordability, economy, and overall stoutness of build; for a line of budget SUVs, we've learned first-hand that they can stand a lot of abuse and still keep running. We were plenty impressed with the new-for-2009 Grand Vitara when we first tested it last January, so when the folks at Suzuki asked us if we'd like to give one a year-long shakedown, we gladly took them up on their offer.inline_mediumwraptextright31225128/roadtests/129_0912_2009_suzuki_grand_vitara_review129_0912_01_z+2009_suzuki_grand_vitara+front_view.jpgTrue

Winch Options Expanded
Are you ready for a great deal on an electric winch? Check out the new lightweight, affordable 8,500-pound winch from Rugged Ridge. It is driven by a durable 5.5hp series wound motor for long life and extreme pulling power. It features a tough three-stage planetary-gearbox with a 172.8:1 gear ratio, delivering power and reliability at an outstanding value. Priced at $499.99 at time of print, this winch won't break the bank. Info: Rugged Ridge, 770/614-6101, www.omix-ada.cominline_mediumwraptextright31225449/products/129_0912_december_2009_new_products_4x4_truck_accessories_parts129_0912_02_z+december_2009_4x4_parts+warn_electric_winch.jpgTrue

New Super Duty On The Way
The 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty is on track, and our spies recently caught it out tow testing. While the cab remains the same, Ford's heavy hitter will feature a restyled front clip, as well as a new look in the rear, as shown by the more svelte dually fenders seen here. Taillights are said to mimic those on the F-150. The biggest changes will come under the hood, where the 6.2L Premium V-8 will replace the modular 5.4L V-8 and 6.8L V-10, while the next-generation in-house 6.7L Power Stroke turbodiesel V-8 (codename: Scorpion) will replace the 6.4L Power Stroke V-8 turbodiesel V-8.inline_mediumwraptextright27025447/featuredvehicles/rpm/129_0912_december_2009_rpm_4x4_truck_auto_news129_0912_02_z+december_2009_4x4_news+2011_ford_v8_engine.jpgTrue

Where To Write
Address your correspondence to:
Four Wheeler
6420 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048.

All letters become the property of Four Wheeler, and we reserve the right to edit them for length, accuracy, and clarity. The editorial department can also be reached through the website at www.fourwheeler.com. Due to the volume of mail, electronic and otherwise, we cannot respond to every reader, but we do read everything.

Seventeen years ago, we created Top Truck Challenge as a test of "engineering smarts and driver acumen." Well, even after all these years, Top Truck has stayed true to the original goal of testing machine and driver in some of the most extreme conditions imaginable. This year was no exception.inline_mediumwraptextright27024088/eventcoverage/129_0912_2009_top_truck_challenge129_0912_01_z+2009_top_truck_challenge+rolled_4x4.jpgTrue

San Diego, California, just a stone's throw from the US-Mexico border and sharing much of the terrain with our neighbor to the south, seemed like a logical jumping- off point to realize our urges to get behind the wheel of the most controversial truck Ford has ever developed. After all, most of the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor's off-highway capability, inspired by Mexico's Baja peninsula, was developed and tested in the Anza-Borrego desert, northeast of San Diego.inline_mediumwraptextright25584743/roadtests/129_0912_2010_ford_f150_raptor_first_drive129_0912_02_z+2010_ford_f150_svt_raptor+front_view.jpgTrue

Nope, that's not a tricked-out Ford on our cover this month.

Somewhere, there's a soccer mom missing an SUV. But hey, it's for the best. This is Corey Casper's Durango, and he knows how to build a rig. After all, he's the owner of Casper Customs 4x4 Parts. To create the rig you see here, Casper blended parts from Chrysler, Ford, and GM. The result is a unique rig that not only marries components from different manufacturers, but combines old and new tech to create a capable machine. You voted this rig the Alternate for 2009.

Here it is, folks-the number one vote-getter this year by a wide margin. Not only is this '63 Willys FC-170 mega unique, it's being piloted by Wayne Sheeley, who was the co-driver for his wife, Addie, when she competed at TTC two years ago in her TJ. Now they're back for more, only this time it's his turn to drive. Sheeley says this rig was built over the course of "one cold winter." The result? A rare truck with a fascinating mix of old and new tech that apparently many of you really like.

Leroy Latham resides in Golconda, Nevada, where he kills time between trail rides by wrenching on other people's stuff (he's a mechanic). Apparently, he's pretty good at buggy building, too. This rear-engine two-seater is designed to slither through places like the Tank Trap with no problem. Will our seven events be simply the prey that Latham will crush?

When it comes to creating a state-of-the-art buggy, there are certain "givens." The givens include such things as stout axles, a powerful engine, lots of ground clearance, generous approach and departure angles, a flexy but stable suspension, and of course, big meats. In other words, a rig like Missouri pipefitter Brett Jerome's TJ buggy. It's no wonder you voted him in.

Jamie Eulberg (our only female driver this year) lists her occupation as "administrative," but in the days leading up to Top Truck she wasn't administrating, she was gettin' her hands dirty wrenching on her CJ-7 alongside her husband Dave. They worked right up until the last minute on their tall rig, completing preparations the day before the event.

Every family reunion includes at least one black sheep, and TTC is no different. This year's reader-approved square peg is an '06 FJ Cruiser that was built by some magazine guys as a project rig a couple of years back. The scribes long ago bailed on the project, leaving the hapless driver without a support crew; he managed to enlist his parole officer to help out as a last-minute spotter this year.

At first glance, there seems to be something a bit "off" about Doug Kalhstrom's Power Wagon. Maybe it's the dovetailed front clip, or those tunnel-vision headlamps, or the stubby-looking grille. But once you start poking around and inside this rig, you'll find all sorts of smart modifications that figure to make this Dodge a serious contender at TTC. All told, Doug's ride is not too shabby for a truck that was originally purchased at a junkyard for the princely sum of $400.

If Scott Sidwell looks a little sleepy in this photo, it's small wonder. Halfway to Top Truck from his Minnesota home, his trailer was sideswiped by a passing car, leaving a mangled wheel-and-hub assembly in its wake. Delayed half a day in Utah, he managed to rustle up the parts to patch up the axle, and drove 800 miles nonstop to Hollister a day before the event. He arrived with his Ranger in the dead of night, a few hours before these photos were taken.

A white-collar executive at Top Truck Challenge? Yep, besides being an avid wheeler, Tracy Graf is the CEO of a fund-management firm in Red Deer, Alberta. His Hendrix-chassis four-seater buggy certainly seems like a sound investment to weather the "liquidity crisis" that lurks within the Tank Trap, which has a long and storied history of turning AAA-rated trail machines into piles of junk assets.