SEMA in Las Vegas

The SEMA Show, known as the Specialty Equipment Market Association, just wrapped up in Las Vegas, Nevada. This massive auto show is not open to the public but welcomes media, manufacturers, buyers, and exhibitors from all over the world. Over 30 miles of aisles consumed the Las Vegas Convention Center and I previewed new and interesting products that could assist adventurers and offroaders alike. 

The WARN Sidewinder replaces winch hooks and the need for shackles to deliver a fast and easy link to recovery points and rigging equipment. It’s made from ultra-tough forged 6061-T6 billet aluminum and forged steel screw pin. The Sidewinder rests neatly against a fairlead for a sleek look with nominal bumper protrusion.

The new Yakima SkinnyWarrior cargo basket is a slender option for those who have dual roof systems on their rigs. This basket is built from heavy-duty weather-resistant steel, includes a fairing, and has an optional 16” extension. This product sells for $349 and is 58″ x 23″ x 6″ in size.

Lightforce showcased new rectangular Striker IR (infrared) LED lights. The IR fronts are engineered plastic that allows light to penetrate directly through, not a filter that simply diffuses light. The IR Strikers run at a 5000 kelvin color temperature, allowing a true sense of natural daylight to be seen.

The Curt Group released their brand new Echo wireless, Bluetooth-enabled brake control. Easy plug-and-play installation; connects wirelessly via smartphone app, is weather resistant, and can be used for multiple vehicles. This unit allows you to monitor all trailer brake activity from your phone.

City of Industry-based Trailer Valet displayed their self-motorized and remote-controlled RVR series to help you park your trailer easily. The RVR line-up has heavy-duty caterpillar tracks that allow each unit to navigate various terrain like asphalt, grass, or dirt. The RVRs can drive both single and dual axle trailers. As shown, the RVR5 has a 5,500 pounds capacity and retails for $3,400.

UK-based RAMAIR Filters, known for their foam air filters, has released their new PRORAM high-flow technical synthetic filters that can be used for both on- and off-road use. They are a multi-application filter that fits to most all vehicles, and are an alternative to K&N filters. Cleaning consists of their proprietary cleaning kit; they’re available now via EBay and Amazon or soon via US outlets. Prices range from $40-60.

AEV showcased their eagerly awaited Jeep JL Wrangler conversions. Items included front bumpers, LED driving lights, suspension and wheel options, as well as rear bumpers with integrated step and tire carriers. Anticipated availability date is May 2019.

ARB offered up their take on a traditional farm jack with their new hydraulic recovery jack, aptly named JACK. This jack lifts up to 4,400lbs., has a lift height of 48”, is lightweight, and offers an adjustable hook with nine positions for a wide variety of lifting heights. The jack’s handle has little resistance when tested, First shipments were sent to retailers in September and OutdoorX4 will have a full review in Issue 30.

MAXTRAX donned their Xtreme series recovery boards, same size and material as their traditional products, but has added aluminum replaceable teeth for added robustness and longevity. The Xtreme series will withstand wear and tear of wheel spin better, and will with switchable teeth, will be a long-standing recovery option. This product is slated for availability in January of 2019, estimated price to be $449, and will be available January of 2019, and will be offered in orange, desert tan, olive drab, and black.

MEK Magnets (pronounced meek) donned a heavy-duty solution to protecting your Jeep Wrangler—customizable magnetic body armor. Made in the USA and woman-owned, they offer up kits for JK two- and four-door models, as well as JKU and TJ vehicles. This product was recently released in February of 2018, with SEMA being their first major showing.

The Yakima Outpost truck rack system is their answer to solving overlanding truck storage issues. The Outpost offers fixed-height towers, sits below cab height to keep the vehicle’s center of gravity low, has side-bar options to mount items like RotopaX or MAXTRAX to, and HD bar endcap tie-down opportunities. This unit can be easily taken off when not needed, and will available February of 2019.

Scheel-Mann introduced a new integrated seat belt option with their Touring and Traveler model seats. The entire internal seat structure has been redesigned to cope with the enormous forces that are exerted on the seat in an accident, and is offered as a retrofit into cars and trucks that came from the factory with an integrated seat belt. In addition, they developed a seat mount that allows the seat to be mounted into conversion vans such as Mercedes Sprinters and Ford Transits. The seat tracks can allow the seats to be easily removed or moved around for different configurations. Integrated seatbelt seats available April 2019.

* OutdoorX4 Magazine Promoting responsible 4×4 adventure travel and outdoor recreation