If you plan to go remote travelling in Australia, you and your vehicle must be prepared to battle the roughest roads and nastiest terrains. To ensure that your 4WD is ready for this kind of trip, investing in essential 4WD accessories is recommended. These accessories will help make your journey more comfortable and a lot safer.
Below are the six most important 4WD accessories to help you tackle the toughest obstacles during an Australian outback road trip:
1. 4WD Tyres
The tyres are one of the most essential investments for your 4-wheel drive, especially if you want to experience terrific driving performance. There are different types of 4WD tyres available, and picking the right one is necessary for an efficient and comfortable journey. The right type of tyres will vary depending on the kind of terrain you are traveling.
Highway Terrain (HT) Tyres
Highway terrain tyres are typically the standard tyres of a 4×4 vehicle. This type of tyre is great if you frequently use your 4WD on-road. They are considered as high-performance tyres and are ideal for highway driving. However, they are not recommended for off-road use because they don’t have enough thickness and tread depth for rough terrains.
All Terrain (AT) Tyres
All terrain tyres are the premium option if you plan to use your 4×4 vehicle for both on-road and off-road driving. This type of tyre provides a balance of both on-road performance and off-road capability.
Mud Terrain (MT) Tyres
Mud terrain tyres are the best tyres if you mostly use your 4WD to drive on the toughest off-road terrains. If you often go outback driving, the mud terrain tyres are a necessary investment because of their off-road qualities such as tyre thickness, strong grip, puncture resistance, and the ability to clear tread pattern in thick, muddy roads.
2. 4WD Tyre Deflator
Different types of terrains require different levels of tyre pressure. This is the reason why airing down your tyres is essential during an outback drive. The wrong tyre pressure for some particular terrains can leave you stranded. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to bring a tyre deflator so you can easily lower your tyre pressure to the recommended level for any kind of terrain.
3. Winch
A 4WD winch is an important piece of recovery equipment in case your vehicle gets stuck in a muddy pit. There are different types of winches available in the market, but the most popular type is the electric winch. You can use an electric winch without a running engine. It is usually mounted at the front of your 4WD, so it lets you move your vehicle in a forward direction. Bringing an extra manual winch, also known as the hand winch, is recommended in case you need to move your vehicle from the rear, left, or right side.
4. 4WD Rock Sliders
The 4WD rock sliders protect your door sills from rocks and other road obstacles during remote travel. While traveling off-road, your vehicle’s door sills are at a high risk of getting scraped or dented especially when driving over steep, rocky terrains. Rock sliders are typically made of steel. They are designed to let you slide over rocks and are reliably tough against damage caused by these rocks and other obstacles on the road.
5. Bullbar
A bullbar is an essential 4WD accessory for outback travel in Australia, because it protects you from animals that may jump right in front of your vehicle while driving on the road. A bullbar is also designed to protect your 4WD from any front impact. It also provides you with more ground clearance, which allows you to drive over rocky or steeper terrains.
6. Diff Breather Extensions
If you expect to drive on any watery surface, which can possibly happen during outback travel, then it’s best to invest in a diff breather extension. Diff breather extensions let you secure the breathers in a high location so they won’t be in contact with water, dust, debris, or grit. Moreover, the filter component of an extended diff breather helps remove dust and keeps the air clean, which generally protects your diff gears.
Other Important 4WD Accessories to Bring
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Long Range Fuel Tanks
A long range fuel tank has a bigger capacity which enables you to carry more fuel. This is essential for your long remote journey.
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Auxiliary Fuel Tanks
An auxiliary fuel tank is important in case of emergencies. For instance, if your fuel tank gets punctured or damaged in a way that causes a leak, you can use the auxiliary fuel tank to continue with your trip.
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Roof Racks
A roof rack allows you to store your bulky items above the vehicle, so they won’t have to occupy precious space inside the rig. This is essential especially if you’re traveling with a group of friends or your whole family.
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Awnings
A 4WD side awning is a necessary investment if you’re planning to camp in remote places during your trip. Awnings can give you shelter against the heat of the sun or rainy weather while camping.
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Spare Tyre
Never forget to carry a spare tyre with you, especially when you’re driving on rocky and uneven terrains.
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Driving Lights
Upgrade your 4WD driving lights or install more lights so you can have a comfortable driving experience during the dark hours of your travels. It’s also best to carry extra lights with you in case one breaks. These are essential 4WD accessories that provide additional safety while driving at night.
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Tools & Recovery Equipment
As you never know when you’ll get into trouble, it’s wise to bring a variety of tools and basic recovery equipment during your long, off-road trip. You should also be familiar with the components of your 4WD vehicle and have a basic knowledge on how to fix it. This is necessary especially if you want to go outback driving. Examples of tools and recovery equipment are:
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- Pliers
- Spanners and sockets
- Screwdrivers
- Hammer and chisel
- Tyre gauge and repair kit
- Jack and wheel spanner
- Shovel
- Leather gloves
- Torch light
- Axe or chainsaw
- Shackles
Why Invest in 4WD Accessories
Going on a remote journey using your 4WD vehicle can be both exciting and risky. Investing in 4WD accessories can make your outback driving a more comfortable, convenient, and safe experience. The accessories that you should buy will greatly depend on your personal preference, travel plans, and the kind of 4WD vehicle that you have. It’s best to speak with a 4WD expert to help you figure out what you truly need.
Only trust the experienced 4WD professionals! Call Sandgate Auto Electrics today on (07) 3269 3158 and one of our seasoned 4WD experts will be more than happy to help you.
You may also visit our workshop at 113 Connaught Street Sandgate QLD 4017 or send us a message.