4WD accessories are essential for any off-road adventure. A favourite pastime for a lot of Aussie families is hitting the road and going 4WDing, whether it’s a day trip, weekend away, or extended trip. It’s the perfect way to escape from work or school and lose yourself in nature. However, you need more than just your 4WD to have a successful trip — you need a range of 4WD accessories! We’re here to tell you about the top accessories we recommend so that you stay safe and comfortable while you travel.
Our team have collaborated to come up with a list of our top 4WD accessories. They’ll keep you and your family safe while 4WDing, increase your comfort and have you ready to tackle any situation that may arise. When you’re tucked away in the bush, hours or even days away from help, it pays to be prepared! That way, all you have to worry about is having fun and making memories with your family!
Water-crossing bra and snorkel
This one always has people talking. While it has a funny name, 4WD accessories like water-crossing bras are essential for travelling through deep water, such as rivers. Protect your 4WD’s equipment, including the expensive electronics, by putting on the water bra before crossing water.
Snorkels are also essential 4WD accessories for going through water, as they help the air intake increase and stop water from entering the engine.
Bull bar
Animals like kangaroos can do a lot of very expensive damage if they hit your car and will likely cut your journey short. Lessen their impact by installing a bull bar on the front of your 4WD; it will protect you and your family, and also keep important parts of the car, like your engine, safe from extensive damage. A bull bar is one of those 4WD accessories that combine both safety and durability, making it a must-have.
Large (long range) fuel tank
Often, when you’re going on long journeys, particularly to remote areas, a standard tank often doesn’t have the capacity needed to get you the whole way. Petrol stations don’t exist in the deepest parts of the bush, so get a long-range fuel tank installed to avoid running out of fuel and getting stranded.
Jerry cans and water tanks
Stored water is essential, making jerry cans and water tanks must-have 4WD accessories. Always keep a supply of drinking water on hand, as in most cases you won’t be able to drink water you find in bores or creeks. If the worst happens and you get stuck, having water is invaluable in helping you survive, especially in the harsh Australian heat.
All terrain tyres
These tyres will help you conquer any terrain and they are a lot less likely to puncture as well. The further off-road you go, the more these 4WD accessories will be a worthwhile and vital investment.
Tyre repair kit and spare tyres
Since you won’t find a tyre shop in the bush, it’s important to have spare tyres on hand so that you’re not stranded if you have a blow out or puncture a tyre.
A tyre repair kit is one of the best small investments you can make. As one of the essential 4WD accessories, a tyre repair kit can help you fix your tyre just enough to make it back to town, where you can flag down assistance or pop into a repair shop. If you’ve had horribly bad luck and have popped your tyre and your spare, you can patch one of them to get yourself out of trouble for the time being. In our opinion, this one is a non-negotiable.
Satellite phone and UHF radio
City folk often forget that 3G or 4G is not available everywhere, even in our highly advanced country. You won’t always get reception in the outback and if you need help you can’t rely on another car to come by – it could be days before you see another 4WD, if you see one at all. Essential 4WD accessories like communication devices can make all the difference.
In the unfortunate case of emergency, you’ll be grateful you had your satellite phone and UHF radio on hand, as it may be the difference between getting medical assistance or not.
If you are travelling with friends, they are ideal for keeping communication channels open, advising each other of hazards if you see them first as well as communicating path changes, route changes or general updates. These are important 4WD accessories to have.
12V fridge
There’s nothing wrong with wanting cold drinks when camping! A 12V fridge is one of those 4WD accessories that will keep your drinks and food cool and provide you with more options when planning your meals for the trip. Catch fish and keep them cool until you cook them, and store beers for those fireside chats with mates.
First aid kit
Even if you have been successful in calling for help, depending on where you are, it can take time for help to reach you. Having a well-stocked first aid kit is one of the most important 4WD accessories for keeping an injured person stable until help arrives. For example, bandages can control bleeding until the wound can be stitched or glued as needed. Having a first aid kit on board provides peace of mind and allows you to assist others you may come across who need medical attention.
Backup battery system
This one’s self-explanatory; a backup battery is incredibly important to have on hand in case the first battery fails. Start your engine with the backup battery and keep your lights and fridge running too. Retaining a form of power as backup is essential for travelling, especially for those who travel away from towns and cities. A backup battery is one of the must-have 4WD accessories for any off-road trip.
Cargo barrier and drawers
Cargo barriers are so important to have in the back of your 4WD to prevent things you’ve packed from becoming projectiles in the case of an accident. Drawers keep all your belongings organised, so you won’t be stuck sifting through all your stuff to find something you need. Both cargo barriers and drawers are practical 4WD accessories that enhance safety and convenience.
Roof rack
Roof racks are a great way to pack larger items that won’t fit in the back of your 4WD. Things like surfboards, surf skis, tents, swags, etc. can be stored on roof racks.
Tool kit and spare parts
Being out bush means it can take days for mechanics to reach you, so it’s important to have a well-stocked tool kit and some spare parts on hand to get you out of minor trouble. They’ll help you make it back to town where you can get full repairs carried out, if needed. Tool kits are also handy for fixing things around a campsite – maybe you need a hammer to push tent pegs into a harder than expected surface.
Heavy Duty Suspension – Essential 4WD Accessories
Carrying a larger load is much safer with heavy duty suspension. It can handle the extra weight better than standard suspension, which reduces unnecessary wear and tear on your 4WD and helps lessen the need for what can be expensive repairs. This is one of the must-have 4WD accessories.
If you need further advice, call us on (07) 3269 3158 or book a job using the button below. We are located 113 Connaught Street Sandgate QLD 4017. Feel free to visit us at any time.