Happy New Year to all of you in our little Expedition134 community! We sure hope that things pick up from last year and we all have a bit of a turn-around for the better.
Have you ever been a business owner, manager, coach or planner of some sort and done a half-year review and wondered just what the hell happened to the plan? Well, that’s us right now, no doubt about it. But with adversity comes opportunity, and part of our ethos here is to try and turn adversity or criticism into an opportunity for learning and improvement. This is not an easy thing to do, but we strongly feel that it defines us as a company over others.
Adversity
In November last year I returned from a lengthy period stuck overseas to find that we had some quality issues with our Expedition134 boxes caused by poor manufacturing practices. These issues had not cropped up through customer complaints, but they were simply unacceptable to us and we withdrew our product from sale and contacted our reseller family and those who may have bought a box that was not up to our standards. We started the process of rectifying things as quickly as possible.
Needless to say, this has cost us personally and as a company. It’s cost us a lot of money, time, effort, sleepless nights and stress, and it’s still ongoing. We do, however, stick by our warranty and will deal with this issue to ensure we’re delivering the best product possible. A product we’re proud to call our own.
Opportunity
Through this bit of adversity we learned a few lessons and won’t make the same mistakes again. We changed manufacturers (and wasn’t that a learning experience in itself) and are now fast-tracking a plan to test out 100-percent recycled plastics with a new manufacturer. This is super exciting if it pans out as we are passionate about our environment and in particular our backyard in Cape York and the Great Barrier Reef. To think that we could have some wonderful opportunities to do our bit to make things a bit better for our environment while still having a great product. That’s what it’s all about!
New Product Alert!
Have you ever noticed how most fridge straps seem to gradually vibrate loose and get sloppy? And once that happens there’s no stopping your fridge moving around on the fridge slide. We’ve certainly experienced this, and with some big brand-name straps as well. That’s why we decided to do something about it and have come up with something better! The new Expedition134 Fridge Tie-Down straps are 100 percent Australian made using Australian and New Zealand-made products. When you pull them up tight, they stay tight!
We are gearing up to have these fridge straps available really soon. The first set has been well tested and works a treat. So no more useless cam-locks on our gear!
Weight Loss
No, we’re not talking about post-Christmas or New Year goals, but rather the weight of your vehicle. Who else has noticed the weight creep up on their 4WD? We blame clever marketing making us believe we need to spend more on unnecessary gear.
Now’s the time to put your 4WD on a diet and start enjoying better handling, fuel efficiency and durability. This month we’ve written about how 4WDers can reduce the amount of gear their 4WD is carrying, getting some inspiration from the professionals. Click the link below to read the blog.
How to Reduce 4WD Weight: Tips & Techniques from the Pros
Box Feature Highlight of the Month
Did you know that the lids of the Expedition134 storage boxes are designed to hold up to 50-millimetre webbing straps securely in place whether you place them lengthwise or crosswise? Combine this with the ability to ‘brick-wall’ stack them and one strap can hold down several boxes!
Here’s to a better 2021 and some more adventures ahead.
The Expedition134 Team
OPEN SKY TOURING REVIEWS
from 84 reviewsIt fits... Stanley socket set and screwdriver set, spanner roll (large), hammer (med) , 2x vice grips, Allen keys set, 2x bum wipe, a restraint bag (6x 500kg ratchets&straps), kings recovery kit, kingcrome 80amp jumper leads, a 200mm x 250mm x 150mm box with wheel nuts/studs, cable ties ect, a roll of paper towel, a large total tool breaker bar (diagonal) and wheel sockets. Plus little wires and stuff i find. Can recommend.
Three fit perfectly along the width of my ute tray. Kept out red dust and rain with no issues, and are a great size to prevent you overfilling them and being unable to lift easily! No metal components on the hinges, so don’t have to worry about rust with all the salty gear that got thrown in the boxes.
The quality of the products are great and to be a Australian product worth it. The first aid kits are well stocked.
Very happy awesome box
Another great Aussie product, simple and easy to fit.
Impressed with the quality, not much use yet but if it performs as good as it looks I be even more impressed.
Great storage box and tie downs. Secure with locking points. Easy to open to access without removing straps. Straps have a clip to easily disengage when taking off. Dust proof. No problems in/out of byfield national park.
Excellent product, absolutely fit for purpose.
Awesome aussie made product, top notch service!!!
Quad Expedition134 Pack
Awesome !!!!
Great quality, love the tie downs and their anchor points, box fits on my spare fridge slide perfectly and I can use as a pantry box
Recently tried out these Expedition134 storage boxes. They are rippers! Aussie Made and Owned! They are great for boat, the 4wd, or around camp.
So easy to clean. You can lock them. You can open them without having to undo tie downs. And seal up great to protect you gear! Can’t say enough about them. Thanks Open Sky Touring for designing these great Aussie boxes!
Once again my delivery from Open Sky Touring arrived without a problem and I knocked the boxes together easily. I love these boxes and when finances allow will purchase another three. These are simply the best boxes on the market.
Strong, versatile and easy to store in camper trailer