Photo by Jens Mahnke: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-and-woman-sitting-beside-bonfire-during-nigh-time-776117/
If you've ever been on a 4WD camping trip, then you know just how much fun it is. There's nothing like the exhilaration of driving through challenging terrain and then sitting around a campfire with good friends. And when you're prepared for your off-road adventure, there's no limit to where your 4WD vehicle can take you.
But before you and your group head out on that first camping trip, it's important to do some prep work. Here are the steps I follow when planning a 4WD camping trip.
Plan for an Enjoyable Time
Before you go on your first 4WD camping trip, here are some things to think about and keep in mind.
Make sure you have enough fuel, water, food, clothes, money, and safety gear. You don't want to be caught short of any of these things.
Make sure that your vehicle is in good condition and has been serviced recently by a mechanic who knows how to work on 4WDs.
How much budget do you plan for the trip?
Identify the Type of Holiday You Want To Have
You should start by identifying the type of holiday you want to have. You have to think:
What type of 4WD camping do you want to do? Do you prefer long drives along deserted roads? Or perhaps rough tracks off the beaten path?
What do you want to see or do? Are there any particular places that are important for your trip? Is there an activity that needs to be done in a specific location?
What type of food and drink do you like (or don't like). You might not be able to avoid having these things on your trip, but knowing what they are going into the equation will help you make decisions about where and when they can appear in the mix with less stress than if they were an unknown quantity.
Once these factors have been identified, it's time for some more planning.
Book Your Campsite in Advance
Booking your campsite in advance is a great way to ensure that you get what and where you want. Not only can this save time and money, but it will also help you avoid the stress of having to find a campsite on-the-fly.
If you're planning on traveling during peak season (April – October), it's important to secure your spot as soon as possible—otherwise, there won't be any room left when you arrive at the park!
Check the Weather Forecast
Before starting the journey, checking the weather forecast is a must. You don't want to be caught in a storm while out in the bush, so it's imperative that you have an idea of what kind of weather conditions will be confronting you in your camping area.
It's equally important that you check the weather forecast while on your trip – or at least make sure someone else is checking it every day, or every night if possible, and also before leaving on your next trip. You can find information about the accurate weather at tomorrow.io.
Familiarize Yourself With the Vehicle Before You Go
Before you hit the road, you should make sure that you know how to operate your vehicle. That includes knowing how to use all of its systems and accessories. Make sure you can start it up, turn on the air conditioning, turn off the lights, and so on (if your vehicle has these functions).
You should also be familiar with how to use at least one recovery tool: a winch or snatch strap. So, familiarize yourself with the basic principles of using these tools.
Check the Condition of Your Vehicle
Before you go off-road, check that your vehicle is in good working order. Do a thorough inspection of the following:
Oil and water levels
Tires (including the spare tire) for tread depth and condition of any visible sidewalls or rims
Battery (and jump leads) to make sure it will start under load with a full tank of fuel and accessories onboard
Lights - headlamps, tail lamps, indicators, and brake lights to confirm they work properly before setting out on an adventure
Brakes - check they stop your car smoothly without pulling one way or grinding metal-on-metal when pressed down by hand; if there is any concern about their condition, then have them checked by a mechanic before driving further than necessary to fix them up yourself, at least.
Get Insurance for Your Vehicle
Before you head out on your adventure, make sure you have insurance for your vehicle and contents. Some policies have a high excess, so it's worth checking what the threshold is before you sign up. Also, check whether any of the items in your 4WD are particularly expensive, as some insurers might charge extra for these.
Use Your 4x4’s Capabilities To Get Out of Sticky Situations
When it comes to driving in the bush, your 4WD is an invaluable asset. It will get you out of a lot of sticky situations and allow you to explore places that would otherwise be inaccessible by conventional means.
Don't push it too far, though! Take care not to exceed your vehicle's capabilities or the road or track you are on. If something goes wrong and you get stuck, there will be no one around for miles, which can help.
Conclusion
So now you're ready to hit the road! With all this information on planning a 4WD camping trip, you can make your next adventure one to remember. Remember to be safe above all else, and have plenty of fun!