Latest developments from BLACK SHEEP

[Michael H.]

I was delighted to receive a visit today from Thomas Grütter from @Black Sheep, together with Andy from Clevershade. They popped round to my place to deliver Black Sheep's newly released CTEK D250SE mounting plate to suit my Utility Wagon. As many of you would already know, they had already released a version to suit the Station Wagons, but the low clearance between the Smartpass 120S and the 2-seater's battery compartment lid required a different design.

Thomas is in Australia to plan the most efficient ways of getting his products to our market.

He let me in on some of the projects he is currently working on ...

Molle panels to fit on the inside of the solid rear panels, for those who don't have rear side windows.

Replacing the battery compartment cover on Utility Wagons with smaller sectional lids.

Modifying the hinges on the rear side doors to open wider so that you could install slide out drawers etc.

Developing a more substantial folding number-plate bracket to replace the plastic one provided by INEOS to those with winches.

I also asked him about a UHF antenna bracket for those of us without roo bars, and together with Andy, he said they would look at a side mirror mount or a bonnet mount.

Thomas has great passion for the Grenadier, and a keen eye for detail. It was a real pleasure meeting him (and Andy) today, and I would definitely recommend checking out their websites.

Ineos Grenadier

blacksheep-innovations.shop

Clevershade Vehicle Awnings

Clevershade is an Australian-made freestanding awning 180deg, 270deg and 360deg with robust construction and a slimline design. It has excellent wind resistance and is rated up to 45km/h, plus it provides 99% UV protection. Lightweight yet durable, this awning is an outstanding choice for anyone.

clevershade.com

 

[DaveB]

Clevershade stuff looks good.

CLEVERSHADE 360 DEGREE ULTRA-LITE AWNING

Introducing the Ultra-Lite 360, the world's lightest freestanding 360-degree awning. Crafted from two 180-degree awnings and a center piece to create the ultimate shade solution. Built to withstand winds up to 40km/h, this Australian made awning boasts European-grade acrylic canvas and...

clevershade.com

 

[Trialmaster]

Fantastic news for us all and especially you in Australia.

 

[Michael H.]

I forgot to mention that they are also developing a system to mount full size (20L) jerry cans on the sides of the Grenadier.

 

[Gormanchov]

Fingers crossed they develop a bracket system that utilises the hand rail hard points for mounting a 270 awning.

 

[YellowLab]

Clevershade stuff looks good.
View attachment 7824245View attachment 7824244

https://clevershade.com/products/ultra-lite-360[/UR

Nice - but insane at $5000US - too many other options from Rhino and others to consider it. Unless if comes with free beer

 

[DaveB]

Nice - but insane at $5000US - too many other options from Rhino and others to consider it. Unless if comes with free beer

AUD$4,995 is equivalent to USD$3,205.
However I see when you select USD$ it still shows USD$4,995
Although it is the first 360 awning I have seen

 

[YellowLab]

AUD$4,995 is equivalent to USD$3,205.
However I see when you select USD$ it still shows USD$4,995
Although it is the first 360 awning I have seen

Still waiting for the free beer option!

 

[AnD3rew]

Nice - but insane at $5000US - too many other options from Rhino and others to consider it. Unless if comes with free beer

I agree, it looks like a fantastic product and if it was competitive even at a reasonable premium I would probably have one if I didn’t already have a rhino one (not from INEOS but from a previous vehicle.) but at $5000, I can replace my Rhino one every year for 5 years before I am behind on the $ (and I won’t have to). I get that you pay for the quality and it clearly is quality, but at some point that equation no longer adds up.

 

[bakepl]

Fingers crossed they develop a bracket system that utilises the hand rail hard points for mounting a 270 awning.

100%, Thomas suggested the smaller platform that was in development/been developed, maybe it's about 400-500mm wide. But then still have to attach the Clevershade crossbar piece to receive the awning bracket, and then something else for the front of the awning to be attached. I guess could get Rhino 210mm feet and Clevershade crossbars but I suspect the Blacksheep solution would be sturdier. I'll wait and see how this all develops as I need to keep my weight to a minimum.

 

[YellowLab]

This might be a better version - full coverage around the cab

 

[DaveB]

I agree, it looks like a fantastic product and if it was competitive even at a reasonable premium I would probably have one if I didn’t already have a rhino one (not from INEOS but from a previous vehicle.) but at $5000, I can replace my Rhino one every year for 5 years before I am behind on the $ (and I won’t have to). I get that you pay for the quality and it clearly is quality, but at some point that equation no longer adds up.

Considering most of the awnings I see on vehicles look like they haven't seen daylight in years, the cheaper may be the better.
Below are some pictures of Eli Creek on Fraser Island.
This is a classic location where people stop for 30 minutes to half a day or more.
A quick look and a guess I would say less than half the vehicles have awnings setup, and most of them seem to be the simple 180 units that need posts and ropes.
This is a classic example of where a free standing 270 degree awning is fantastic.
1 minute to setup and pack up means you are far more likely to use it.
It can get windy so the more robust the better.
It also allows for when the sun changes it's position.
The ones I have circled have clearly done this more than once.

 

[Tazzieman]

Arghh look at those too many cars!

 

[DaveB]

Arghh look at those too many cars!

Yes my thoughts exactly.
And no toilets so the creek gets well used.
Not to mention lots of load, bad music

 

[Tazzieman]

And no toilets so the creek gets well used.
Not to mention lots of load, bad music

Cross another place off the long list!

 

[YellowLab]

Cross another place off the long list!

Sadly - humanity finds a way of ruining most places...

 

[DaveB]

Cross another place off the long list!

Eli Creek is just one small part of Fraser.
Sadly there does seem to be a lot of bogans (rednecks for US readers) that go there.

 

[Michael H.]

We're straying off topic a bit here, boys.

 

[YellowLab]

We're straying off topic a bit here, boys.

Speaking of airplanes.....

 

[AnD3rew]

Arghh look at those too many cars!

The trick is to avoid school holidays. Also to go to inland spots and West coast spots that tend to be much less crowded.