SEMA Show 2018

This year’s show saw a come back within the off-road sector and a strong showing of Toyota based builds even though the Ford Ranger was the hype of the show,with a variety of featured builds in and out of the Ford booths.  Although it’s been a while since Toyota has given us anything new to go crazy over, the aftermarket industry is continuing to evolve in great ways, which gives us endless options to equip our favorite off-road rigs.  As only one of the 170,000+in attendance at the 2018 SEMA Show, it was impossible to see everything, but here are some highlights from our coverage of this year’s show. 

Proffitt’s Resurrection is known for their top notch builds and 2018 SEMA was no exception in their specialty.  Proffitt had two land cruisers in the Battle of the Builders this year, the FJ40 displayed with Bilstein and this HZJ79 displayed at the outside Maxxis booth.  Although neither took home gold, both stood out amongst the crowd.  Proffitt also had their version of the BJ42 featuring an R2.8 Cummins swap and all new 70th anniversary Warn M8274-70 winch.

Toyota –Toyota did not unveil any huge off-road news this year, but they did bring a couple trucks that drew a lot of attention.  Kevin Costner’s Tundra was on display this year and was quite impressive (check out our web article feature for more information on this truck).  Toyota also brought one of Ivan Stewarts trophy trucks to remind everyone how awesome Toyota trucks can be.  Toyota will be expanding their add-on market with a wide variety of black-out badges and accessories to add some awesome to your Toyota.

Dometic’s new PLB40 portal battery was impressive to see in person this year.  In a sleek black packaging, the PLB40 can provide users with 40 hours of power to cover your weekend camping trip with two USB ports, a 12V socket, and 2-pin threaded connection to power a variety of accessories and fridge.  The PLB40 also allows for recharging via 12V vehicle socket, solar panel or AC Power.  Dometic also unveiled their limited edition all black CFX as well as their economic class of fridges, the CFF35 and CFF45 with a unique double-sided opening lid for easier access and cleaning.

FJ Company held nothing back this year with their G43S Battle of the Builders entry.  Starting with a chassis and body of a 1984 FJ43, FJ Company added a supercharged Toyota 1GR-FE paired with a 5-speed H150F transmission, custom exhaust with a Borla Muffler, coiled front suspension with leaf rear paired with King shocks, part time 4x4 with automatic locking hubs, stability and traction control, ABS, front and rear locking differentials, power steering, all many upgraded interiors to satisfy so many needs.

There can be many words to describe the Hefty Fabworks built 4Runner, but in person, it left me speechless.  This supercharged beast was on display this year outside at the Center Line booth, sitting on 37s and outfitted with plentyof Hefty goodness.

Maxtrax unveiled some slick new recovery gear products this year including their new Winch Ring designed to work with soft shackles , rated to 9.5 tons, and their new Hitch 50 also designed to be used with soft shackles and rated to 8 tons.  Maxtrax has also evolved their Xtreme lineup to include a variety of color options which really makes the aluminum replaceable studs stand out.

From a crazy idea unveiled last year to a working marvel, Baja Designs had their OnXSix Laser featuring 2 laser diodes and 4 LEDs to project ridiculous light output for incredible distances.  BD also broke out their new LP6 as a 6” alternative to their previously released LP9.  The LP6 throws out 10,300 lumens, 8,600 forward and 1,700 using their Integrated Peripheral Technology.  BD now also offers the LP6 in either a white or amber lens option.  

Bilstein is known to have their presence in multiple vehicles around the show, however, the Tacoma and FJ out front caught our eye.  The Tacoma paired nicely with Dirt King upper and lower control arms, and propped up using a Pro Eagle jack. Of course the Proffitt’s Resurrection built 1971 FJ40 featuring a 3FE from a 1991 80-series Land Cruiser, which was entered into this year’s Battle of the Builders, was also eye catching.

Harrop brought a new toy for the Toyota crowd this year, and is releasing their supercharger kit for the 3UR-FE 5.7L V8 found on the Tundra, LC200 and Lexus LX570.

Front and center ARB had a hands-on display of their new hydraulic Jack.  Rated to 4,400lbs (2,000kg), Jack can safely and with little effort lift most offroad vehicles’ safely off obstructions that they may get hung up on while resting securely on the ground with its pivoting base.  The two-stage release level allows a smooth descent with a slow speed for the first two thirds and quicker final third release.

Seems like a broken record at this point, but yet again, Cooper is continuing to raise the bar in the tire industry with yet another SEMA award for their new Discoverer AT3 4S.  The LT and XLT feature their Durable-Tread Technology with added cut and chip resistant compound to help add strength when traveling off the beaten path.

Trigger released their new Six Shooter wireless control system this year to expand their lineup and branch out beyond the UTV market.  The Six Shooter features a wireless switch panel that allows endless switch mounting possibilities as well as Bluetooth capabilities to operate the system through your phone.  A wired switch panel is also available if preferred.

Warn released their Sidewinder to replace dated winch hooks and the Hyperlink which is a dual-pin shackle for fast and easy rigging.  Warn also upgraded their winch covers this year with their Stealth Winch Cover line for a weather resistant cover that still allows you to operate your winch while remaining covered.  Also new this year is the Warn 4X Fender Flare available now for the 2014-2018 Tundra and 2016+ Tacoma.

Rigid unveiled their PRO series this year which offers popular styles with increased output values ranging from 70% more lumens in the RDS Series to 160% more lumens in their D-XL Series.  Also on display this year were diffused output options for dust lights and additional DOL approved options including amber lens options.

Factor 55 had some of their new products on display.  The Loop Guard was an interesting product for a protective piece to stow winch rope or cable.  Factor 55 also had on display their new LDP (Load Distribution Plate) allowing load distribution along multiple lines.  

Fox Racing brought some big names this year showing off Cassie Currie’s new Ultra 4 truck flexing outside as well as Loki the Wolfdog’s 4Runner.  Ok well it’s not exactly Loki’s, but his paw prints were still fresh and hair hiding in every crack possible I’m sure.

Nefarious Kustoms dropped some jaws this year with their long-travel IFS FJ45 desert truck.  This FJ45 rests on a shortened Tundra frame, powered by the Toyota 5.7L V8, and is ridiculously wide!

Not all SEMA finds are flashy and expensive.  Perfect Bungee has taken the bungee cord and taken it to the next level offering some great options for numerous ways to tie down your cargo.

Although not new, Camburg had a sharp Tundra on display this year showing off a Decked system in the bed.  Looked like a fun rig using Fox suspension all around for some extra cushion.

Besides building durable storage solutions for pickup beds, Decked also knows how to build some clean looking Tacomas! Two great looking rigs with a nice variety of options showing many options to build out your rig to fit your needs.

Sloop Imports had a unique 3rd Gen Tacoma on display this year at the Maxxis booth inside featuring a stainless-steel snorkel from In-House Fabrication, Camp King RTT and Topper with a killer setup inside the bed including a nitro beer tap system!

Titan Tanks had a couple products on display this year outside.  This FJ Cruiser was sporting their Trail Trekker tank which mounts on the spare tire mount and offers 12 gallons of additional fuel storage.  While the Titan Tanks Tacoma featured two 15-gallon Sidekicks in the bed.

A great design feature noticed on the James Baroud RTT and awning: their awning opening that allows for an attachable door shelter.  This allows the awning to be deployed and a covered opening accessing the roof top tent above.  Add some walls to the awning for even more covered shelter.

Auto Nation teamed up with Jeff Allen Design for an eye catching 4Runner on display outside to promote their AutoGear program.  The details found within the design could keep you busy finding hidden visuals around the truck.

Expedition Overland had their new Tundra build(LINK: https://tctmagazine.net/summer-2018/expedition-overland-tundra) on display at the Patriot Camper booth this year.  The bed buildout on this rig is the main attraction featuring the PCOR Tray and Canopy loaded with Dometic fridges, rear mount Warn winch and built in power station for the numerous accessories they utilize.

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This Wrap Armored Tacoma caught people’s attention in the Enkei booth this year.  Great to see more companies offering good options for offroad vehicles in the wheel market.  Wrap Armor did an amazing job with the wrap on the Tacoma with a unique burgundy and black color theme. 

Injen Technology rolled out their new Evolution intake for the 3rd Gen Tacoma which utilizes a ram air design and large filter box to house their dry air filter.  

Lund International is known for their expanding lineup of products known by many different names (Amp Research, AVS, Bushwacker and Roll-n-Lock, etc.).  This year’s display showcased many of their Tacoma products including AVS headlight and taillight covers, AVS Aeroskin, AVS Ventvisor, Lund Bull Bar and steps, Bushwacker flares, AMPBedStep, Roll-n-Lock Tonneau cover, Qwikrak and Cargo Manager.

Addicted Desert Designs showing off their BDS lifted Tundra sporting ADD front and rear bumpers, roof rack and sliders.  

Bestop –Bestop added some new features to their canvas tops this year with a new window options, improved third brake light, improved support bars and improved storage roll.

 

 

 

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Fall 2018 Issue: