Established by Fred Black in the backyard of the family home at Wangi Wangi in 1976, Out Of Town 4WD Group has grown from humble beginnings into a family-owned business operating across four locations and six businesses.

What began with the manufacture of long-range fuel tanks after Fred recognised the need for greater touring range became the foundation of LONGRANGER Fuel & Water Tanks, one of Australia's most recognised names in fuel and water storage solutions. As demand grew, the business relocated to Argenton in 1979 before establishing a permanent home in Barnsley in 1986, where Out Of Town 4WD opened its doors and began supplying premium 4WD accessories alongside Australian manufacturing.

A partnership with ARB in the early 1990s helped expand the Group's reach, while continued investment in manufacturing, retail and innovation has seen the business evolve across multiple generations of the Black family.

Recent milestones include the acquisition of 4WD & Ute Extras Coffs Harbour in 2021, the opening of the Group's first flagship ARB store at Rutherford in 2022, the relocation of ARB Newcastle from Lambton to a purpose-built flagship facility at Tighes Hill in 2025, and the expansion of TLR Products throughout the ARB store and stockist network nationwide as a preferred mounting solutions supplier.

Today, Out Of Town 4WD Group supports adventurers, tradespeople, fleet operators and industry with a unique combination of retail expertise, Australian manufacturing and vehicle fit-out solutions.

In 2026, Out Of Town 4WD and LONGRANGER Fuel & Water Tanks proudly celebrate 50 years in business. From a backyard workshop in Wangi Wangi to a group spanning multiple retail locations and Australian manufacturing facilities, our success has been built on innovation, quality workmanship, strong family values and an unwavering commitment to supporting Australians wherever work or adventure takes them.

Historic photograph of Out Of Town 4WD's humble beginnings in a backyard workshop at Wangi Wangi, NSW, where the Group's Australian manufacturing and retail journey began in 1976.
Out Of Town 4WD Group Logo
  • A man operating a small green construction vehicle on dirt ground in a backyard with trees, a fence, a shed, and two parked cars, one in the shed and one outside, during daytime.

    1976

    Fred Black starts business in his backyard at Wangi Wangi, NSW manufacturing 4WD accessories and long-range fuel tanks called Out of Town 4WD.

  • A vintage gas station with a sign for 'Newcastle's 4WD Centre' and servicing for ARB, tanks, diff locks, winches, and seats. There are two vans and a four-wheel-drive vehicle parked at the pumps, with gas pumps and utility poles visible.

    1979

    The business grows out of its grassroots location and moves to the Golden Fleece Service Station in Argenton, NSW.

  • An old, small brick building with a sign that reads "Barnsley Sheet Metal Light Construction," situated on a corner with a sidewalk and grassy area. There are trees and utility poles with wires in the background.

    1986

    Fred and his wife Cheryl purchase a site in Barnsley, NSW, and a dedicated manufacturing facility commenced.

  • Exterior view of an automotive parts store with signs for OME Suspensions, ARB, and Engineered Vehicle Equipment, with a grassy lawn and a bench in front.

    1988

    The Out of Town 4WD showroom outgrew the service station and relocated to Barnsley, joining the manufacturing site.

  • Man operating a forklift on a construction site surrounded by trees and equipment.

    1992

    Fred’s son Ric rejoined the family business as Manufacturing Manager, building Longranger tanks and service body vehicles for Pirtek.

  • A flatbed truck carrying multiple gray concrete blocks parked on a residential street, with houses and trees in the background.

    1993

    An exclusive partnership with ARB Corp. is signed to distribute Longranger tanks, providing sales and after-sale support to a broader range of resellers and customers.

  • A large, beige industrial building with a brown section on the front, featuring a rolled door, brick wall, and windows. There is grassy land and trees in front, and power lines in the sky.

    1999

    Adjoining buildings to Out of Town 4WD in Barnsley are purchased and Longranger receives its own manufacturing facility.

  • A building with signs that say 'ARB,' '4X4 ACCESSORIES,' and the number '89,' featuring off-road vehicle images, a motorcycle, and outdoor decorations, with a clear blue sky background.

    2006

    Out of Town 4WD expands and opens a dedicated ARB 4x4 Accessories store in Newcastle, NSW.

  • Group of six people standing in front of a 4x4 accessory store and a vehicle.

    2015

    Fred's granddaughters, Jessica and Katie Black, join the family business, continuing the third-generation legacy. Jessica steps into the role of General Manager after completing a Bachelor of Business at the University of Newcastle and gaining experience in both operational and corporate roles

  • A smiling man with a beard wearing a blue Polo shirt and a black cap with the Toyota logo. The shirt has various logos and patches on it.

    2016

    Sadly, Fred Black passes away but has comfort in the knowledge that the business is in safe hands with Ric and Jessica.

  • A man in sunglasses standing next to the open trunk of a vehicle at an outdoor event with tents, flags, and other people visible in the background.

    2021

    TLR Products is launched as a brand that builds niche 4WD mounts and accessories. 4WD & Ute Extras in Coffs Harbour, NSW, an ARB reseller, is acquired.

  • Store interior with a red motorcycle displayed on a counter, surrounded by various auto accessories and equipment for off-road driving, with promotional banners hanging from the ceiling.

    2022

    Purpose built ARB 4x4 Accessories Flagship store is opened in Rutherford, NSW with over 2200 m2 in the development.

  • Grand opening of an ARB store with a group of employees and customers in front, two off-road vehicles parked outside, and a red and black building.

    2025

    ARB Newcastle relocated from Lambton into a new state of the art Flagship Store in Tighes Hill.

  • Logo with the text 'Out of Town 4WD' in bold white letters on a red, gray, and black background, with a stylized red wheel and tire graphic.

    2026

    Out Of Town 4WD and LONGRANGER Fuel and Water Tanks celebrate their 50th anniversary as a business.