Trip Preparation

Excellence is never an accident.

First Aid

Carry a First Aid Kit and consider doing a First Aid Course, particularly before going on a remote area trip. There are a number of levels of First Aid training including:
HLTAID003 Level 2 – General first aid
HLTAID005 – Provide first aid in remote situations

You should, as a minimum, know how to deal with a snake bite. The modern technique is quite different to the way many of us were taught at school.

YouTube video on treating snake bite. (watch from 1:45) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEIx6SOl7bA

Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers should be of the type fitted with 2 steel retaining straps. Plastic mountings can break in an accident allowing the unit to fly through the vehicle.

Recovery Points

All vehicles must be fitted with front and rear recovery points for trips rated Medium and above. Tie-down points are not recovery points. If you are not sure, have a Trip Leader check your vehicle before a trip. This is for the safety of all who may be involved in a vehicle recovery.

Cargo Barrier

You can be involved in an accident at any time without it being any fault of your own. You can, however, help to minimize injury or even a death by securing all heavy, hard or dangerous items. A Cargo Barrier often the most convenient option but it should be able to be removed from the back seat if the rear door lock jams – a common problem with dust on some station wagons. See more information about loose cargo.

UHF Radio

UHF radios are used for short range communication within a convoy. These radios are not considered an emergency radio as longer distance communication is usually required in an emergency (but don’t ignore the possibility that help might be closer than you think.)

Radio Setup for CTCSS:
We prefer to use a radio feature called CTCSS. This allows us to communicate within the convoy without receiving interruptions from other groups. If your radio does not have CTCSS, we are not asking you to replace it – simply let the Trip Leader know and he won’t use it for that trip. If you do have CTCSS (check in your manual) then we ask you to put in a bit of time to set it up. Most radios are easy to set up but we have had one GME which had an option called Silent Mode which first needed to be turned on. The four basic steps are underlined below. Please note that we need everyone in the convoy to have the system programmed correctly in order to use it. If you have any problems, please let us know before your next trip.
How do I set up CTCSS? We use channel 28 and a CTCSS code of 107.2 Hz. If you use channel 28 in another group please speak to us first.
1. Look in your user manual for a table with a similar title to “CTCSS Codes and Frequencies” (usually found in the appendix). If you don’t have a user manual you will need to download a copy (or we can do it using trial and error).
2. Under the column heading “Frequencies (Hz)” search for 107.2 and make a note of the corresponding Code Number. (The Code Number should be in the vicinity of “14”). Not all radios support all the standard frequencies. If your radio does not support 107.2 Hz please let us know. Also make sure you are using the correct manual for your radio as the code numbers vary depending on the supported frequencies on your radio.
e.g.

3. Turn on your radio and select channel 28.
4. Press the CTCSS button (or it may be in a Menu System) and select the Code Number you recorded above. You may need to refer to your manual on how to enter the code, save your selection and exit the menu.

Channel 28 on your radio is now programmed to only hear other radios with the same CTCSS code and should display a “C” or some other code (see your manual) on CTCSS enabled channels.
Why use CTCSS? With CTCSS enabled on a specific channel you will only hear other radios (i.e. our convoy) which have the same code on that channel. This means we won’t be interrupted by other users. They can still hear our conversation unless they also have CTCSS enabled in which case neither group would know that someone else is using the same channel unless we both happen to transmit at the same time. This should eliminate the need for us to change channels or to put up with 3rd party chatter.
What is CTCSS (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System) and how does it work? You may be familiar with the squelch system on your radio. It blocks out (mutes) unwanted background radio “noise”. The more you turn the squelch up, the stronger the incoming signal has to be to turn the muting off and allow the signal to enter your radio. CTCSS uses this squelch system to completely block all incoming signals on your selected channel ( in our case, channel 28) unless it also receives a sub audible frequency ( in our case, 107.2 Hz). This frequency is transmitted the whole time the PTT ( Press To Talk) button is pressed. Although this tone is very difficult to hear, it is usually filtered out by the radio before it reaches the loudspeaker.

There is another system called DCS (Digital-Coded Squelch) which works in exactly the same manner as CTCSS but uses a digital code.

Handheld: If the convoy is not spread out then often a handheld unit will do the job. Two watt is a common size and one watt will also work but anything less is not recommended. Five watt radios are also available but battery life may be a problem. Having a handheld unit is often very helpful in a vehicle recovery situation but do not use them for critical instructions such as “Go” in case of miscommunication.

In-Car: In-car units that produce 5 watts are recommended as they give a much greater range of up to 10 km and 50 km in perfect conditions on a mountain top. Be careful when selecting a radio which has the controls in the handpiece as some units are prone to changing channel too easily if the handpiece is bumped.

Antennas – long vs short: A long antenna (approx. 6 dB) is used in flat outback terrain where a convoy can be spread out due to dust. This type of antenna concentrates the radio wave to produce a flat disc like pattern which can achieve greater distances but if the vehicle is on an incline then the signal can be shot straight over the top of the other vehicle even though it may be quite close. In mountainous country we use a short 3 dB antenna which produces a spherical radio pattern which is more suited to these undulating conditions. It has a shorter range but this is not usually a problem as the vehicles are normally traveling closer together. If it does become a problem then the trip leader can appoint someone in the middle of the convoy to relay messages. Recommendation – buy an antenna which has interchangeable long & short antennas.

Poor radio signal. This can often be due to moisture getting into the coaxial cable of the antenna. External connections should be sealed with either Self-amalgamating Tape or Denso Tape for maximum protection.

GPS Systems

There are two types of GPS systems:

Interactive: These recognize the roads and tracks you are traveling on. Google Maps is an example of this system and can show nearly all of the smaller tracks. The problem with this system is when you zoom out to get an overview of where you are, the smaller tracks disappear from the display. This makes it difficult if you are planning a trip or you have to choose a new route. You should always carry a paper map to help with planning and in case the GPS fails. These systems are possibly more suited to road trips and outback Australia than they are to the High Country. Other examples of these systems are Hema Explorer, ExploreOz Traveller and Back Country Navigator.
Non-interactive: This displays a picture of a scanned paper map and has no interaction with the picture in the display. The GPS is able to show your location on the map. An example of this system is OziExplorer. If you have the same physical paper map as that displayed in the GPS then it is much easier to work with when planning trips.

External GPS Receiver: If you are running a GPS app on a tablet then you need to make sure that the tablet has a real GPS receiver. Some tablets advertise “GPS” which is a satellite system but in fact they are getting their location from mobile phone towers. This is useless if you don’t have mobile reception. You can buy an external GPS Receiver which connects to your tablet via Bluetooth or USB cable. Alternatively, you may be able to connect to the GPS receiver in your phone but first make sure that it has a real GPS receiver.

Dedicated GPS unit vs app: Both VMS and Hema offer their systems in a dedicated GPS unit or you can purchase their app and download it to your own device. The advantage of using your own device is that you can purchase something with a bit more processing power and you can also use it with other apps such as a battery monitoring system or WikiCamps.

Screen Size: The dedicated GPS units usually have a 7 inch screen which is ample. An 8 inch screen tablet (9″ overall) also fits nicely on a dash but you will need to check your own dashboard layout. Make sure it does not obstruct your visibility of the road.

Emergency Communication

Emergency communication systems are technology based and can change very quickly. If this section needs updating, please let us know. Last updated January 2019.

Overview

Emergency communication systems may be used for a number of purposes:
Life or death emergencies (SOS)
Requests for assistance (e.g. tow truck)
Communicating with family and friends.
but some systems can only be used in an emergency. A mobile phone would be your first choice but reception is limited including in the High Country of Victoria and there are many blind spots in the local hills around Melbourne.

Voice Call vs Distress Beacon. Speaking to an operator is always preferable. It gives the operator the opportunity to confirm the situation, allocate the appropriate resources and give advice. Voice systems also give you the flexibility to call a tow truck or mechanic. Distress beacons should have a place in your emergency plan but they only transmit your location when they are activated. They give no other information and so should only be used in life or death situations.

What is Considered an Emergency. A vehicle break down is not an emergency and you should contact a tow truck. If you are stranded and have waited a reasonable time for a passing vehicle (perhaps one or even two days depending on your location, food and water supplies) then in time this situation is a risk to your life and is considered an emergency and you should press the SOS button. If you press an SOS button or call 000 be aware that they will evacuate you and not your vehicle. It is still up to you to recover your 4wd. You can dial 000 for police, ambulance or fire brigade. The situation needs to be a risk to health, property, or the environment but not necessarily a risk to life. You must communicate these facts.

Give GPS Coordinates in Decimal Degrees. Emergency Services prefer to receive coordinates in decimal degrees. e.g. “minus 37 point 86670 comma 144 point 93354”. It would be helpful in an emergency if your GPS was pre-set to this mode and everyone in your car knew how to find the information.

Reliability of Communication Systems: The Royal Flying Doctor service uses two forms of communication in their land vehicles in SA – satellite phone and HF radio. It is good practice to have a backup system. Satellite phones have limitations you might not expect. The most flexible and reliable system appears to be HF radio but it is also the most expensive. Modern HF radios are, however, easier to use than in the past. Also, belonging to a network has a lot of advantages. I will discuss the pros and cons of each of the following systems:

Distress Beacons

Summary:
A PLB is recommended when bush walking or as a backup to a voice communication system.
Pros: PLBs are light weight, compact, inexpensive and don’t require a subscription.
Cons: They don’t support 2-way communication and can only be used for an emergency.

There are 3 types of Distress Beacons:

PLB (land use)
EPIRB (sea and land)
ELT (aircraft – not discussed here)

A Distress Beacon will only transmit your location to a command centre via satellite. `There is no provision for any other communication and so should only be activated in a life threatening situation. It could take 20 minutes or longer for a satellite to orbit past you and pick up your signal. Each satellite that passes will update your position if you have moved. (see battery life for each type of beacon). The problem with this system is there is no two-way communication which could be critical in a medical emergency. Two-way voice communication is preferable but if you have to travel to get phone reception then Emergency Services prefer that you activate your beacon immediately and then try to contact 000 to confirm the situation as soon as you safely can. Take note of your GPS coordinates when you activate the beacon as emergency services will cross-reference the location when you call.

Personal Location Beacon (PLB) is a small handheld unit well suited to bush walking and as backup to a voice system. They have a minimum battery life of 24 hours once activated. PLDs are the lowest priced option and there are no ongoing subscriptions.

EPIRB is the same in function as a PLB but it is larger, heavier and has a longer battery life when triggered (48 hrs vs 24 hrs). They are designed for maritime use but work just as well on land. If you have a boat then an EPIRB is worth considering.

See http://beacons.amsa.gov.au/about/

Spot Gen 3

Summary:
This offers some extra features over a PLB but does not meet Australian Standards for a Distress Beacon.

Pros: SOS function, tracking, limited one-way messages, light weight, compact, inexpensive to purchase.
Cons: Requires a subscription, battery life needs to be monitored, does not comply with Australian Standards as a beacon.

This is a tracking device which requires an annual subscription that allows family and friends to track your location on a website. You can also send pre-programmed messages to them but it cannot receive a message back. There is only one user defined message which can only be changed on their website. It has an SOS function similar to that of a beacon but it does not comply with the Australian Standards for Distress Beacons. The SOS call from a Spot is received by a company in America and then passed on to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority in Canberra where it is then treated in a similar way to a Distress Beacon call.

The system has a large following and appears to work well as a beacon while giving the added features of a tracking system and one-way messages.

Mobile Phones.

Summary: Use is limited to mobile reception areas and is subject to black spots around hills. If it is used as a primary form of emergency communication then a PLB should also be carried as a backup.

Pros: Portable, Equipment is readily available.
Cons: Limited reception.

Mobile phones are limited by the extent of the reception area. If any of your trip is not within mobile phone coverage then the phone will not serve as a reliable form of emergency communication. They are also subject to black spots in hilly areas. Check the Telstra coverage map for Australia (scroll down the page) to see if this system is suitable for your trip. A mobile phone should be used in conjunction with a PLB as an emergency backup. A call to 000 will be received by any available network regardless of who your account is with except on mobile phones manufactured before 2002 then dialing 112 will provide this option. An external antenna may extend your range by 50 km in flat terrain and reduce black spots but give little overall improvement in outback Australia or in the Victorian High Country. See Antennas under UHF Radios.

Emergency+ App

If you have mobile phone reception this Australian Government app will connect your phone to 000 and display your location on your phone’s screen but it cannot transmit your coordinates. You will have to tell the operator your location. See Give GPS Coordinates in Decimal Degrees. – scroll to bottom of section

Satellite Phone (Sat. Phone)

Summary: At present no Sat Phone system is reliable enough to be solely depended upon as an emergency communication system throughout Australia.

Pros: Portable.
Cons: Unreliable reception depending on location, expensive to run.

There are now four Sat Phone networks available world-wide using different approaches in order to solve the same problem in Australia which is a lack of reliable signal. On 11th January 2019 Iridium launched the last of its 75 new satellites replacing its old constellation of 66 satellites at a cost of USD 3 billion. Time will tell if this is the answer. To date no network has provided a reliable service in both the northern and southern regions of Australia. There are two basic systems:

LEO (Low Earth Orbit) – Subject to signal dropout in the northern parts of Australia where satellites are spaced further apart. Network Providers: Iridium & Globalstar.
Geostationary – Satellites maintain a constant position in the sky. This works well in northern Australia where the satellites are high in the sky but suffers from black spots in the south where the satellites are low to the horizon and can be blocked by mountains. If you have a signal on this system then you will most likely maintain your connection but if you can’t get a signal then the satellite will never come into view and you will need to move.

See http://www.thegreynomads.com.au/accessories/communication-gadgets/satellite-phone-networks/

HF Radio.

Summary: Commercial type HF radio is the most reliable form of emergency communication in remote areas and the network providers offer a comprehensive service which will get you out of any trouble.

Pros: Reliable communication, comprehensive service.
Cons: Cost of equipment, slight learning curve.

Mobile HF radios are in-car mounted systems and have a power output up to 100 watts. With a standard vehicle mounted antenna, you can transmit between 2,000 and 3,000 km which covers most of Australia from any corner of the country. With a larger external antenna you can transmit around the world. An HF radio signal (particularly those in the lower frequency range) will curve around the surface of the earth for a few hundred kilometres but long distance communication relies on bouncing the radio signal off the ionosphere. The properties of the ionosphere changes throughout the day and with seasons but it is always there. It may take a minute or two to work out which frequency is working the best at the time but there are rules of thumb – the higher the sun, the higher the frequency.

There are two types of HF radio systems with differing ease of operation.

Commercial HF Radio. – Specific frequencies are purchased by organizations and can only be used by their members. There are a number of organizations dedicated to providing HF communications to 4wd travellers such as VKS737 or AusTravel Safety Net which provides a one button emergency call facility. Joining one of these organizations is a simple matter of paying an annual subscription. No licence testing is involved as the radios are programmed to only transmit on the required frequencies. These organizations offer a range of services from connecting you with the RFDS, organizing a tow truck, connecting you to a phone call from your family and providing road closure information on a daily scheduled broadcast where you can also check-in to record your progress.
Amateur (Ham) Radio. – You must pass a radio theory test to obtain a licence to transmit on the amateur radio bands. A volunteer network called The Travelers Net broadcast every day at a set time and frequency for travellers to meet or request assistance. As with commercial HF radio, there is a community of radio operators available to help you if you put out a call at any time. The services available are more limited than with a commercial station and the radios are more complicated to operate making it dangerous if only one person knows how to use the system. Only one licence is required however, as anyone is permitted to transmit in an emergency or if a licenced operator is overseeing the broadcast. You cannot directly contact RFDS on amateur. radio

http://www.wia.org.au/members/nets/travellers/

UHF Radio.

The primary use for UHF radio is local communication within your convoy but don’t ignore the possibility that the help you need may be closer than you think.

Channels to monitor:
5 – Emergency only
10 – Off roaders
11 – Call channel
18 – Caravans
40 – Truckers
30 – Information broadcasts only (bushfires etc)

Repeater channels 1 to 8 and 41 to 48 (you will need to switch to duplex to respond to a repeater)

See Trip Preparation – UHF Radio

Details You Should Communicate in an Emergency:

Don’t rush your communication – speak clearly.

Know your location and nearest intersection. If you are in a remote area you should give your GPS coordinates in decimal degrees – see above. You can get your location from the Emergency+ app. Providing a track name helps confirm that your coordinates are correct.
State the nature of assistance you require.
Describe the type of emergency. Injured person, sick person needing urgent hospitalization, stranded with no prospect of recovery, fire.
Have as much information about the patient available as possible – age, pulse, temperature, state of their breathing.
Number of people involved and any pets that need to be evacuated.

Source: Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority.

Suggested Packing List

Copy and Paste to create your own list.

Basic Equipment
• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher
• Water
• Emergency food
• Woollen blanket (warmth or bush-fire protection)
• Air compressor and tyre pressure gauge
• GPS & maps
• Torch
• Chainsaw, hand saw or axe
• UHF radio (for convoy communication)
• Emergency communication equipment (Mobile phone/HF radio/satellite phone/PLB)
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen
• Hat

Recovery gear

• Snatch strap
• Rated shackles x 2 min
• Drag chain
• Axe
• Shovel
• Hand winch (if your vehicle is not equipped with a powered winch)
• Winch extension strap
• Pulley Block (also called a Snatch Block)
• Tree protector
• Gloves
• Tyre chains

Toolkit

• Set of combination/ring open end spanners (check whether you need metric or AF for your vehicle)
• Large 250mm adjustable spanner
• Screwdriver Set
• Hammer
• Pliers and side cutters
• De-watering fluid (WD 40, CRC or similar)
• Hacksaw with spare blades
• Battery jumper leads and/or booster device
• Workshop manual to suit your vehicle
• Jacking plate – 30cm square x 2cm thick board
• Spark plug spanner (for petrol engines)
• Insulation tape
• Gaffer tape (100 mph tape)
• Silastic
• Cable ties

Vehicle spare parts

• Radiator hoses
• Heater hoses
• Fan belt
• Assorted fuses
• Assorted globes
• Engine oil
• Fuel filter

Miscellaneous Items

• Masking tape
• A bundle of plastic bags
• Wheel chocks (not wooden)
• Poly tarp
• Firelighters and waterproof matches

Emergency Grab Bag

Consider having an Emergency Grab Bag just in case your vehicle catches on fire or there is some other emergency that leaves you stranded.
Think about how you are going to retrieve the bag in an emergency. Read through the following scenarios and decide what you would do.

If you have two people in the 4wd and it catches fire, one person tackles the fire (possibly under the vehicle) and the other grabs the emergency supplies including a water container. If travelling by yourself, have your Grab Bag near the fire extinguisher and set it clear of the car without damaging your emergency communication equipment. You can move it later if the fire gets out of control. You will normally have a little bit of time to collect supplies once the fire extinguisher is empty so concentrate on the fire first.

In the case of a river crossing, if the river is flowing quickly then the situation can change quickly. You will still have a few minutes before the 4wd sinks providing it is not already full of water. Depending on your swimming skills, consider taking the bag with you. If it is well sealed it could act as a buoy. If it becomes an obstacle to getting safely to the bank, don’t be afraid to let it go. It is of no use to you if you have drowned and you will possibly be able to retrieve it in the backwaters of the first bend in the river anyway.

The bag should be fireproof and be contained inside a waterproof bag. It will need to contain food for 2 or 3 days along with emergency communication equipment, shelter and a means of collecting water. A good book to pass the time would also help. Perhaps the SAS Survival Guide or Les Hiddins’ Bush Tucker Field Guide may have a new interest to you.

Water will be your biggest concern so try to grab a large supply (20 + litre). If you have to ration water, don’t drink less than one litre per day and preferably three litres or more. Collect what water you can every day.

Communication Equipment – Ideally you should carry a sat phone in the bag but this may not be practical if you keep it turned on. A PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) may be a good choice for a Grab Bag but also take it with you if you go for a walk.

Basic Items:

High protein food
Water purification system
Means to carry water
Sheet of clear plastic to collect water
Sat phone or PLB
Mirror (to attract attention)
2m tarp (for shelter)
Small roll white cloth tape (water collection/setup shelter)
Cable ties (water collection/setup shelter)
Twine (setup shelter)
Space blanket
Tissue papers/toilet roll
First aid kit – fractures, burns, pain, major bleading, antihistamine, electrolytes (cramp)
Sealed firelighters and lighter
Medicines

Possible Inclusions:

Handheld UHF radio
Whistle
Headlight torch (one battery in backwards or plastic between terminals)
SAS Survival Guide
Les Hiddins’ Bush Tucker Field Guide
Old reading glasses
Sun glasses
Bright coloured tape (to use as breadcrumb trail to your site if off main track)
Multi-tool
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Hat
Mosquito head net

Vehicle Modifications – for MEDIUM Rated Trips

(Medium Rating: Tracks with some steep and/or rocky, slippery or sandy sections – may have shallow water crossings – vehicle recovery is unlikely to be required.)

Any standard 4WD straight off the showroom floor with around 220 mm of under vehicle clearance should cope beautifully with Medium rated trips. This also applies to many “soft roaders” provided they are fitted with recovery points. However, if the tracks are steep you will need a low range gearbox.

All Terrain (AT) tyres are recommended for most Medium Rated Trips.
See Tyres
If you are traveling in a convoy (such as a 4WD Group trip) then you will need a UHF radio.
See UHF Radio

Vehicle Modifications – for DIFFICULT Rated Trips

Ground Clearance. If you intend driving on deeply rutted tracks then the first thing you will need is more ground clearance. There are 3 ways of doing this.

Suspension Lift. This lifts the body and the chassis of your vehicle. If you have a solid axle (also called a “live axle” i.e. not independent suspension) the height of the axle and diff will not change. A suspension lift is the minimum recommendation for difficult rated trips. In Victoria you are legally allowed a 50 mm suspension lift. (see Legalities below).
Larger Tyres are the only way to get solid axle diffs and bottom shock absorber mounts, higher off the ground. Check your vehicle Speedo against a GPS Speedo. It is not uncommon to find your Speedo is more accurate after fitting larger tyres. In Victoria, 25 mm increase in tyre radius (50 mm in diameter) is legal. (See also Rim Sizes below).
Body Lift. This is normally only fitted to vehicles that don’t need to meet legal requirements as a suspension lift is more effective and will lift the vehicle to the legal limit. A body lift involves fitting a spacer between the chassis and the body which only lifts the body. It does not lift the chassis.

Suspension Lift vs Larger Tyres. (If you are only going to do one or the other.)

While larger tyres are the only way to lift your diff higher off the ground, you are limited to 25 mm and the same clearance can often be achieved by good wheel placement over obstacles. Larger tyres may also affect your fuel consumption. A suspension lift gives you 50 mm of extra clearance which is more likely to reduce panel damage. For difficult rated tracks the best solution is to do both which gives you 75 mm of extra clearance which is more likely to have an effect.

Legalities. In Victoria you are legally allowed to lift your vehicle 75 mm. This can be made up of no more than a 50 mm suspension lift plus 25 mm on the tyre radius. Unfortunately, these laws are not universal throughout Australia and while Queensland has come into line with New South Wales and Victoria, you should check the current situation of other states before travelling over the border.

Disadvantages of Lifting Your Vehicle. Check whether your vehicle will still fit in your garage, especially if you’re planning to fit a roof rack at a later stage. Lifting a vehicle will raise the centre of gravity, making the vehicle slightly less stable. Larger tyres will increase the unsprung mass which will affect the ride and fuel consumption – being heavier it is also harder to do a wheel change and the larger diameter tyre may not fit in your spare wheel carrier. If you are driving hard rated tracks then generally the disadvantages are outweighed by the advantages. Many of the disadvantages can also be overcome by adapting your driving style (this is not a sports car), better shock absorbers and the way you pack your 4WD.

Tyres. Tyres used on 4WDs should have a Light Truck rating with LT as part of the tyre specification code. These have a stronger side wall and are less prone to being damaged.

There are 3 basic types of tyre:

Highway Tyres. These are fine for sand driving or on easy tracks only if it is dry but are not suitable for any other off-road driving.
All-Terrain Tyres. A good all-round tyre suitable for off-road and highway driving.
Mud Terrain Tyres. While their chunky tread can give more grip in mud and on rocks, generally there is no need for these tyres, which on the highway can be noisy and wear out more quickly. Surprisingly, they work fine in sand although you may need to let out more air than you would with an AT.

If any of the above tyres are not performing well in any off-road situation then let out more air. As the tyre tread wears out you may also find that you need to run lower pressures off-road.

Since we are discussing fitting larger tyres, we should also discuss rim size and material before you buy new tyres.

Rim Sizes. Modern styling suggests that 19 inch rims are better than 16 inch rims but in four-wheel driving this is not the case. We are looking for as large a sidewall as possible to allow for more tyre flex and less likelihood of damaging the rim. There are other issues to consider such as comfort, road noise and wet and dry handling. Your choice of tyre type and brand will probably make more difference to these issues than will the choice of rim size. If your vehicle comes fitted with 18 inch rims or larger and a different badge series has 16 inch rims, check to see if those rims will clear your braking system. You can also buy aftermarket steel rims to suit most 4WDs

Rim Material – Steel or Aluminium. There are pros and cons for both and the most suitable will depend on your personal situation. Aluminium rims are lighter and will contribute to better fuel consumption and ride but if they are badly damaged against a rock, that is probably the end of them. If you are planning a lot of outback travelling then steel rims may be more suitable

Shock Absorbers. If you are planning long-distance travel on corrugated roads then be aware that standard shock absorbers can overheat and fail in these conditions. Consider fitting remote canister shock absorbers or even adjustable shock absorbers. These can be very expensive but a good set will transform the ride in your vehicle over rough roads and also on the highway.

Winch. If you are travelling on hard rated tracks, then needing to do a vehicle recovery becomes more likely. If you are travelling in a group there may be other solutions but there are times when a winch is the best answer. If travelling by yourself, especially in remote areas, then a winch becomes a necessity and could even be rated as safety equipment.

Bull Bar. If you fit a winch then you will also need to fit a ball bar (or a smaller version of a bull bar) in order to mount the winch. (Not all Bull Bars are designed to take a winch.) Bull Bars usually give you a better approach angle than the original bumper bar (which is usually removed) and are useful for mounting antennas and driving lights if you want to fit them.

Cross Axle Diffs Locks. Maximum traction is obtained when all 4 wheels are rotating smoothly. While Traction Control (TC) can make all 4 wheels rotate, it is a reactive system so the wheels have to be spinning first before TC will operate. Cross Axle Diff Locks give a constant drive to the 2 wheels on that axle and so are much more effective, especially in sand when driven gently. If you are only going to fit one locker, fit it to the rear axle even if you already have a Limited Slip Diff in that axle. A Diff Lock on the front axle is a helpful accessory but you will use it less often as it affects the steering to a point where the vehicle might not turn at all, even with the steering wheel fully rotated. An increasing number of 4WDs are being manufactured with a Rear Cross Axle Diff Lock as standard equipment.

Snorkel. A snorkel has 2 functions: 1) reduce the amount of dust going into your air filter, 2) reduce the possibility of water going into your engine during a river crossing. This last one is particularly important for diesel engines which are very high compression and will not tolerate the smallest amount of non-compressible water in the piston cylinder. Be aware that some snorkels are only rated as dust proof. Some air filter boxes are fitted with a one-way valve to let water flow out – others just have a drain hole. The problem with just a drain hole is that water can also come in. You will need to plug this hole before doing a water crossing.

Diff. Breathers. These are air pipes which allow the air pressure to equalize in your front and rear differentials and are also fitted to the gearbox. They stop water being sucked into the diffs and gearbox through the bearings when the hot or even warm steel is dipped into a cool river crossing and the air inside cools and contracts. Some 4WDs come with them fitted as standard equipment but if your vehicle doesn’t have them or they are not vented high up in the vehicle, you need to fit them before doing a deep river crossing.

UHF Radio. If you are traveling in a convoy (such as a 4WD Group trip) then you will need a UHF radio.
See UHF Radio