Words by andrew middleton. pictures by Andrew Middleton & Ewert Jooste.
After opening shop just 18 months ago, the passionate husband and wife team of Ewert and Cristel Jooste are shaking up the bumper industry. With sleek lines and an extremely innovative design, Rhino 4×4 is determined to ‘Allow your 4×4 to evolve.’ We caught up with them at their new shop in Randpark Ridge, to see for ourselves what all the hype is about.
SA4x4: How did you get involved in the bumper industry?
Ewert: I used to be an electrical contractor; but my wife and I love camping, so my affection for 4x4s came naturally. I had always installed my own overlanding gear but was reluctant to fit a replacement bumper – the products on sale looked too heavy and cumbersome.
Then, while searching the internet one day, I happened upon Rhino 4×4 – a bumper manufacturer from Argentina. Their products looked amazing and I wanted to fit one to my 4×4. Unfortunately, their bumpers weren’t available in SA, so it was up to me to come up with a plan. I travelled to Argentina to meet the owner of Rhino 4×4 and visit his factory. We got on well, despite the language barrier, and (after extensive training) I was offered sole distributorship in Africa.
SA4x4: Have you been involved with 4×4 driving and adventure for some time?
Ewert: Absolutely! I have been overlanding for 13 years. Cristel and I travel and explore the wilderness as much as we can – we have some crazy stories. So far, we’ve explored much of Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Lesotho and Swaziland.
SA4X4: The bumpers certainly look sleek and different. Please tell me more about their design.
Ewert: The reason they look like that isn’t just for show; they’re actually wind-tunnel tested − unlike any other bumpers I know. This means that, at high speeds, the bumpers will not increase fuel consumption, or whistle. They also improve airflow to key points like the intercooler, by 30% over standard − thus increasing engine performance and reliability.
