6 Tips for Off-Road Adventures in Australia
One of the most popular Australian outdoor activities lately is the off-road adventure. People get in their UTEs and go to specifically designed off-road tracks where they enjoy raw nature but also face the challenges that harsh terrain and driving conditions offer.
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| Port Campbell Victoria, Australia |
Although this seems to some people like they’d rather not do, others love the challenge of tackling obstacles and overcoming tough situations. That’s the essence of off-road adventures – driving through harsh country roads that are often almost undrivable.
That’s why going on such an adventure means preparing perfectly. Most people will be on the road for days, camping at night and continuing the same thing in the morning. If you consider doing it, you must know a few crucial things. Follow up and find out what they are.
1. Inspect your vehicle and make sure it’s safe
Never go on the road with a broken vehicle. Sometimes, there might be issues, but you might not be aware of them. Inspect it before going on such an adventure. There are multiple mechanics around you, and they’ll quickly check for you if you’re unsure of the essential things you must do.
Some of the crucial issues to look for, and never go on the road if you encounter them, are – low oil level in the engine, deflated tires, strange noises when the engine works, and other things. If some of these things are problematic, you must fix them before going on the road.
2. Make sure you’re not travelling alone
Another rule you mustn’t avoid is never going alone. The wilderness has too many threats that may give you enough trouble. When something unexpected happens, you need help from a friend. If you’re alone, you will have to deal with it by yourself, which is not always possible.
Another thing is driving a 4x4 vehicle because off-roading means tackling obstacles that often require something like this. If your vehicle has no all-wheel drive, you need a friend’s UTE that will be able to pull you in times of need.
3. Add a toolbox canopy over the rear tub
Storing supplies and tools is essential for off-road adventures. Although UTEs have enormous storage capacities, they are often useless unless you have a toolbox canopy installed. Look for a nearby store and mount the perfect one for your type of UTE.
Look for the best manufacturers and dealers around you. Aluminium tool boxes are the best, so you should find the best one in the area. For example, look for the best aluminium UTE canopies in Brendale, near Brisbane, Sydney, or Melbourne. If there’s no dealership nearby, order one through the mail and mount it yourself.
4. Pack the first-aid kit and essential tools for emergencies
Some crucial things to take are the first-aid kit and the emergency tools. If you have an undertray toolbox, you’re already prepared for perfection. Place these items inside, and you can quickly reach them whenever an emergency occurs. It’s best if this never happens, but if it does, your reaction will be swift.
The first aid kit will help you in case of physical injuries, while the tools are needed when something happens to your vehicle. It’s normal to have a flat tire, stuck in the mud, or something similar. These things are easily solvable, but you must have adequate tools.
5. Don’t forget to pack enough supplies and additional gasoline
Going into the wilderness means you never know what you might face there. Even if you plan to stay out there for just a few days, something unexpected may divert you from them. This is why you must always pack more supplies. If you’re staying three days, pack for five, and this way you’ll have enough food and water for two days in case you’re stuck out there.
The same goes for gasoline. Have two extra jerry cans in the back as there are no gas stations every five miles. There’s one gas station where you’ll fill everything to the top, and the next one might be after 200 miles, so you must be ready for anything that comes your way.
6. Plan for the terrain you will be driving on
It is not the same driving on a sandy beach and muddy mountainous regions. The terrain dictates your driving style, but more importantly, how will you prepare your vehicle. If you’re going through sand, snow, or rocks opt for deflated tires that will provide enough grip, but if you’re going through concrete and dirt, go with full-inflated tires.
Your driving experience dictates what you might be facing as a challenge out there. Snow and mud do not require the same approach. The first requires you to be cautious and drive slowly, while the mud needs fast movements and lots of torque.
