Getting ready to go offroad

Having a well prepared vehicle and camper trailer is paramount when travelling the outback.

Nearly every year vehicles break down in remote regions of Australia and people die, usually because they have taken too much for granted, done the wrong thing and been ill prepared.

Just last trip we helped out two lots of travellers – one was so desperate they were packing their second punctured tyre with grass and spinifex to try and keep their vehicle mobile. And, like we’ve seen so many times before, they were all thirsty when we pulled up.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

Start by setting up your vehicle properly. You can really go overboard here but there are no prizes for having the most gear. There is a host of accessories for 4WDs, with some being near-useless and others not appropriate for your form of travel, so think about what you really need.

A bullbar with good driving lights, a UHF radio, an upgraded suspension, dual battery system, snorkel, some basic recovery gear and a first aid kit should be on everyone’s list before heading bush, or towing a camper or van to their favourite outback hideaway.

A long-range fuel tank takes the worry out of carrying fuel, while roof racks come in handy for carrying light bulky items such as tents and sleeping gear. You can also get built-in tanks for water or custom-made bladders, but if all else fails a couple of good plastic jerry cans will do the trick.

A HF radio or a satellite phone (a Telstra satphone is best) may be the go if you want to stay in touch, or if you are heading into remote country. A winch is good insurance, especially if you travel on your own.

Most travellers heading bush these days have a fridge of one sort or another. We’d stick to the better known brands such as Engel and Trailblaza and stay well away from the cheaper ones.

Keep in mind how you plan to keep a fridge running if you are camped for a long time in the one spot. Solar panels are great, but may be limited in their use. Generators such as the new Honda units are very quiet and more flexible in their operation.

SCOUT’S MOTTO: BE PREPARED

If you haven’t any or much experience at four-wheel driving we’d advise you to do a training course or join a club. This will help you gain experience and know what you and your vehicle are capable of. A first aid course is also a great idea.

Check out the local Yellow Pages, the web, or 4x4 Australia magazine for club and training course details.

Spare parts and tools are also required to be carried. The Responsible Travelling checklist will give you an idea of what is necessary.

Have your vehicle serviced before you go. It’s best to take it to a recognised 4WD specialist service centre as they know what the vehicle will be in for on a long outback or bush trip.

Pay a lot of attention to tyres as they can make or break any trip – and don’t forget the camper you are towing.

It’s ideal if the tyres and rims on both the trailer and the tow vehicle are completely compatible with one another.

If you have tyres that are on their last legs, buy new ones before you set out. It’s false economy to take old tyres on a big trip as they will puncture more easily, there’s more chance of an accident and replacing them when you are so far from capital cities is expensive.

If you are doing more than just a few hundred kilometres each year on dirt roads – and we’d assume you are – we’d strongly advise you to fit a set of light truck (LT) constructed all terrain (A/T) rubber to both tow vehicle and trailer.

These tyres are tougher than the normal passenger (P) constructed highway-terrain (H/T) tyres you find on most 4WD vehicles these days and will survive much better on outback roads.

If you need more aggressive rubber than an all-terrain tyre take a look at the mud-terrain (M/T) versions around. Generally the information in brackets above is detailed on the sidewall of the tyre, otherwise ask your tyre dealer.

One more thing about tyres: while there are many brands on the market I’ve found the best all-terrain or mud-terrain tyres to be American brands such as BFG, Cooper, Goodyear and a relative newcomer to the Australian market, Mickey Thompson.

DO THE RIGHT THING

Now we come to the ticklish point of human waste. Wherever you are, endeavour to use toilets where they are provided.

If there aren’t any, find a handy bush, dig a hole, do the job, burn the paper and then bury it.

If you are planning to stay a few days in the one spot, it pays to dig a trench (long, narrow and deep) and use that as a toilet pit for everyone. Or maybe it’s time to invest in the good old porta-potti! Make sure any chemicals are disposed of correctly as well.

We’re lucky in Australia that we can enjoy the bush and our fabulous outback. Do the right thing and you and your family will thoroughly enjoy the experience, and leave it as you found it for others to appreciate.

RESPONSIBLE TRAVELLING

Once on the open road you have a remarkable amount of freedom, but there are a few things you should be aware of.

•Observe all the rules and regulations pertaining to the use of public land

•Respect private land and always ask permission before crossing pastoral land

•Leave gates as you find them

•Keep to constructed vehicle tracks – never 'bush bash'

•Carry out all the rubbish you take in – burn, bash and carry the remains out – don’t bury it!

•Observe all fire restrictions and keep fires small

•Use a gas stove for cooking where possible

•Respect our wildlife

•Don’t camp right beside a stock water point

•Don’t use soap or detergent in any stream, river or any other water point

TRAVELLER CHECKLIST

Here’s our guide to what you might need to do and take with you on your journey into the Australian outback. You can add extras, but don’t go overboard.

Before you go

•Pre-plan – where, when, time, distance and fuel

•Research – fuel availability, supply points, places to see, history, attractions and things to do

•Make an itinerary – use it as a guide and keep it flexible to allow for breakdowns and extra places of interest

•Apply for permits – especially in national parks and Aboriginal land. Some parks operate on a ballot system while others insist bookings are made two to six months in advance

•Book accommodation – if you want to stay at a popular spot such as Monkey Mia in Western Australia over the school holidays, you may need to book ahead

•Tell someone your itinerary – if you change it significantly, let them know so they don't hit the panic button!

Preparing for a trip

Always carry:

•Basic recovery gear (see below)

•Basic first aid kit (see below)

•Fire extinguisher

•UHF CB Radio and possibly a HF radio/satphone

•Tool kit and spare parts (see below)

•A minimum of 20 litres of water

•Map of area and surrounds

•Matches, compass, torch, knife and space blanket

Recovery gear

Basic kit:

•Snatch strap

•Two D shackles

•Shovel and axe

•Jack and jacking plate

Extras:

•Tirfor hand winch or power winch

•Tree protector strap

•Winch extension straps

•Snatch-block

•Extra D shackles

•High-lift jack and base plate

•Air bag jack (particularly good in sandy areas)

•Chainsaw and fuel, spare chain, chain file, etc

•Snow chains if needed

First aid kit

•Basic first aid manual from Red Cross or St John Ambulance

•Antiseptic fluid – Betadine, Dettol or similar

•Antiseptic cream – Betadine or similar

•Eye drops

•Assorted Band-Aids, strips/spots, wound closures

•Elastic or crepe bandages for sprains and snake bite

•Sterile gauze bandages (50mm and 75mm)

•Steristrips

•Triangular bandages

•Adhesive tape, cotton wool, tissues

•Scissors, safety pins

•Thermometer

•Calamine lotion, Stingose or similar

•Aspirin/Panadol or similar

•Pencil and notepad

Extras:

•Antihistamine tablets

•Cold and flu tablets

•Anti-diarrhoea tablets or mixture

•Gastrolyte

•Travel sickness tablets

•Ear drops

•Temporary tooth filling mix to replace fillings or loose caps

•Toothache drops

•Burn cream

•Cream/ointment for bruises and swelling due to injury

•Strepsils or similar

•Tweezers, splinter remover

•Rubber-pointed eye probe

•Eye wash

•Methylated spirits

•Airsplint for any broken limbs

•Personal medication

Tools and spares

•Set of ring and open-end spanners

•Adjustable spanner, plug spanner

•Wheelbrace, jack and jacking plate

•Screwdrivers/ including Phillips head

•Hammer, chisel

•Hacksaw and spare blades

•Files, pliers and wire cutters

•Tyre levers

•Pumps and pressure gauge for tyres

•Tube/tyre repair kit

•Battery jumper leads

•Repair manual

•WD40 or similar

•Funnel and hose

•Radiator and heater hoses

•Fan belts

•Fuses and globes

•Electric wire and insulation tape

•Thread sealing tape

For longer trips you could include a more comprehensive range of tools and spares, such as wheel bearings, oil and air filters, spare engine and gear oil, but make sure any addition is really warranted.