Gear Up for Adventure: Must-Have Automotive Accessories in 2023
A Roundup of the Latest Automotive Accessories
1. Tuff Stuff Overland/ Portable Air Compressor
Stay prepared on the road with the all-new Tuff Air Portable Air Compressor. Rugged and compact, the Tuff Air is the perfect accessory to take for every adventure. With a 5.65CFM air intake and heavy duty 12V motor, this little machine has a duty cycle of 40 min at 40 psi. An anti-vibration base keeps everything rattle-free, while a 10-foot insulated power cord with heavy duty alligator clips ensures its durability. Includes a 26-foot coiled hose, 150 psi pressure gauge, storage bag, and nozzle adapters for different inflatables.
MSRP: $159.99
tuffstuffoverland.com
2. Redarc/ Alpha 150 Lithium Battery
This 150Ah lithium battery is used to power your off-grid electronic needs, whether that’s your fridge, lights, cameras, or other electronic devices. The Alpha150 offers unrivaled discharge capacity, faster charging, higher power density, and higher weight efficiency than other competitors on the market. Pair the advanced features such as self-heating and onboard Bluetooth monitoring with the ruggedness and durability that REDARC is known for, and you have the highest-performing lithium batteries on the market.
MSRP: $2,299.00
redarcelectronics.com
3. Hi-Lift/ Handle-All® Multi-purpose Tool
The Handle-All by Hi-Lift® is a multi-functional tool with telescoping handle and 4 full-sized implements. Compact and rugged, while maintaining full-size utility. Perfect for camping, off-roading, recreation, farming, ranching, and forestry. When driving off-road, it is essential to have recovery equipment. Most reliable sources strongly suggest a Hi-Lift jack, a shovel, and an axe as minimal gear. In fact, many off-road parks consider these items mandatory equipment. This is a compact set of tools ideal for off-road vehicles where storage space for supplies, equipment, and tools is limited.
MSRP: $215.00
hi-lift.com
4. JBA Offroad/ Upper Control Arms
Upgrade your Bronco with JBA Upper Control Arms for enhanced caster, superior control, and improved articulation on any trail. Their patent Ez lube bushings make maintenance quick and easy. Experience the ultimate caster advantage and the 100% sealed JBA ball joints with a remarkable 90-degree range of motion.
MSRP: $590.00
jbaoffroad.com
5. Amsoil/ 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil
AMSOIL 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil is purpose-built for the unique demands of high-mileage engines to help extend vehicle life. Engineered for vehicles with over 75,000 miles, it helps reduce oil consumption and preserve horsepower. Formulated with robust detergency and seal conditioners to help remove deposit buildup and restore performance, it cleans and protects engines against oil breakdown and leaks for up to 12,000 miles or one year, helping to boost preventive maintenance programs. It is available in 0W-20, 5W-20, 5W-30 and 10W-30 viscosities.
MSRP: varies
amsoil.com
6. Bilstein/ B8 TerraSport Shocks
The new B8 TerraSport direct fit shocks from Bilstein are designed to increase ground clearance, lift by 1 to 2 inches, depending on the application, and improve off-road capability for CUVs. Patented digressive valving instantly reacts to changing surface conditions, so off-roaders can safely traverse backcountry terrain without sacrificing ride comfort or quality. Available for 2015-2020 Jeep Renegade, 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4, and 2013-2017 Subaru Crosstrek.
MSRP: $230.00
bilstein.com
7. Leitner Designs/ ACS ROOF
Pair to ACS Platform, the first platform rack from trusted name Leitner, ACS ROOF delivers innovation in the form of fully adjustable load bars. Unlike traditional platform racks, ROOF’s structural rigidity comes from its exterior frame, not its load bars. Toothed channels run the exterior of the rack, as opposed to bolts that run through the exterior frame in a fixed position. The load bars clamp to these toothed channels, creating an adjustable but incredibly secure mounting solution.
MSRP: $1,300.00
leitnerdesigns.com
8. Leitner Designs/ GearPod ROOF
Unlike most rooftop storage boxes, GearPOD ROOF opens from the side, not the top, which improves accessibility but also creates additional storage space on top of the box. The GearPOD ROOF can hold up to 100 pounds of gear on its top, making it the perfect place for off-road necessities like MAXTRAX or RotopaX. These boxes are easy to mount to most storage racks with Leitner’s proprietary internal locking mechanisms, which create a solid, watertight seal that keeps your gear safe and secure.
MSRP: $699.00
leitnerdesigns.com
Editor’s Note: A version of this article appeared in TREAD Nov/Dec 2023.
