ADD-ON ALCOVES TO SUIT ARB AWNINGS

FIRST THERE WERE ROOF TENTS. Then there were vehicle awnings. Now there are vehicle awning alcoves.

Made by ARB and available through the Britpart network, these new Deluxe Awning Alcoves are designed to work with the Australian specialist’s 2.0 and 2.5-metre awnings. They promise a practical way to shelter from the elements, whether that be hot sun or rain showers – in their own words, ‘whether it’s an enclosed shelter for your swag, verandah for the table and chairs or protected space for storage, this alcove is sure to provide a versatile solution against the sun, rain, wind and light.’

Made from high-density 175gsm polyester ripstop canvas, the alcoves are fire-retardant and fitted with a durable multi-mesh mat allowing pegs and poles to be inserted. They’re made with reinforced corners, too, and are supplied with eight pegs for keeping your investment secure when the wind’s trying to take it away.

THIS WRAP-AROUND STEALTH REAR BUMPER FOR THE DISCOVERY 2 is made from 4mm and 8mm structural steel. Manufactured by Dirt Monkey Off Road, it was designed to follow the curves of the original shape rather than sticking out at awkward angles.

Replacing the plastic original, the bumper is fully MIG welded and promises to combine the maximum strength with the lowest possible weight. Finished with a layer of zinc-rich primer followed by Dirt Monkey’s own hard-wearing industrial coating, it locates on the vehicle’s original chassis mounts and comes with E-marked light clusters featuring Stop, Tail, Reverse, Fog and Dynamic Sweeping Indicator functions. It’s sealed against water and dust ingress and also comes pre-wired with 900mm of insulated cable.

While many Disco 2 owners will fancy their chances with anything to do with spanners, Dirt Monkey suggests that the bumper should be fitted by someone with ‘a level of expertise’ – and a helper, too, as getting it into place is a twoman lift. A qualified auto electrician is recommended to wire in the replacement LED lights, too.

The good news is that they can do all of this for you, with a full fitting service offered at the company’s premises in South Yorkshire. Even better news is that this is cheaper than having it delivered – and if you want to discuss making modifications to any Dirt Monkey product, they’re always happy to discuss that with you.