Off-road travel is one of the best ways to experience Australia beyond its cities and major tourist hot spots. Taking you everywhere from dusty outback tracks and gravel coastal roads to remote bush trails and alpine passes, travelling off the beaten path lets you access places most tourists don’t see.
However, the thing about off-road travel is that it asks a lot of both you and your vehicle. That’s because you often encounter uneven surfaces, constant vibration, and unpredictable conditions, which can quickly turn a great trip into a stressful one if you are not prepared.
One of the best ways to prepare for off-road travel is to understand how those rough roads can affect your setup and take simple steps to reduce wear, damage, and risk. This does not necessarily mean brushing up on your extreme four-wheel-driving skills (although it wouldn’t hurt!) or buying specialised gear for every situation. Instead, it means knowing your limits, checking the basics, and driving with care.
When your vehicle and caravan are properly set up, bumps in the road become part of the experience rather than a problem. Here’s our guide on how to do that.
What Is Off-road Travel?
For those who aren’t quite sure what we mean, off-road travel refers to driving on unsealed, non-bitumen roads. This includes:
* Gravel tracks
* Dirt roads
* Corrugated outback roads
* Sandy access paths
* Uneven bush trails
These conditions place more strain on your vehicle (and caravan, if you are towing one) than everyday highway driving.
It is vital to prepare properly for an off-roading adventure because if you don’t, what would otherwise be small issues that would be easily fixed could suddenly, literally, stop you from progressing. This is especially true if they occur in remote areas.
For instance, things like loose bolts, incorrect tyre pressure, or poor weight balance can lead to breakdowns or damage. Hence, by planning ahead, you’ll enjoy a safer and more comfortable trip.
What Are Some Common Off-Road Conditions That Test Vehicles and Caravans?
Given how big the country is, you won’t be surprised to discover that Australia’s off-road conditions vary widely. As a result, each one tests vehicles and caravans in different ways. Corrugated roads, for instance, are common in regional areas. They can cause constant vibration, which over a prolonged journey could loosen fittings, cause cupboards to shake in your caravan, and strain your suspension systems.
Something else to be aware of is that ruts and washouts often appear after heavy rain. This can catch experienced road-trippers off guard, let alone first-timers. Additionally, rocky tracks can challenge tyres and underbody clearance, while loose gravel reduces traction, especially when towing.
For these reasons, travellers planning to head out on routes that include these surfaces often look into suv hire with Redspot to source the most appropriate vehicle. They, and companies like them, can help you find something with higher clearance, greater stability, and increased comfort.
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Offroad Travel
If you do hire a vehicle for your off-road travels, you’ll have the peace of mind that the rental company have ensured it is fully operational and roadworthy.
However, if you are taking your own vehicle, it is recommended to have it fully checked out by a qualified mechanic. At the very least, you should do basic checks yourself. This includes:
Fluids
Brakes
Heating/cooling system
Battery health
Lights
Tyre pressure
Spare Tyre
How To Set Up Your Caravan or Camper for Rough Roads
Before you set off on your off-roading adventure, you will need to set up your caravan or camper for the trip. Off-road conditions subject every part of your setup to constant movement and vibration. So, it is important to ensure everything is secure and supported. A good place to begin is to check your suspension components, wheel bearings, and mounting points. These are the parts that handle most of the stress on uneven surfaces.
Inside the caravan, all your cupboards, drawers, and appliances should be latched or padded to reduce movement while travelling. Loose items can shift quickly and cause damage over long stretches of corrugated road, which is why you would be wise to secure them.
Weight distribution is also important, as this affects how smoothly you will travel. Make sure you store your heavier gear low and balance it evenly to improve stability when towing. Other things you should do include checking the hitch, coupling, and safety chains (especially during your trip on a regular basis).
What to Pack for Offroad Travel and Remote Area Driving
Packing is always a balancing act when it comes to off-travel. On one level, you won’t want to take too much, as it will slow you down. But, on the other hand, you’ll naturally want to have as many home comforts as you can at your disposal.
A good place to start is with the essentials. This should include:
* Food
* Water
* Well-stocked first aid kit
* Basic recovery gear, such as a shovel, a tyre repair kit, and an air compressor
* Navigation tools like offline maps or a GPS unit
* Communication devices, including UHF radios or satellite messengers
* Spare parts and tools to fix minor issues as they arise
You’ll also need to take clothes appropriate to where you are visiting (be mindful to take warmer clothes if you are heading out into cooler climates). Additionally, it is a good idea to take books, a few personal items, and cameras to capture all your memories.
*contributed post*
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