Basics of 4x4ing 

Your 4x4 is capable of going anywhere but when you head into the unknown of the Aussie outback it pays to get as much info as you can about the area you’re going to tackle. Even if you have ventured there before things can change in a very short time.

Due to the isolated locations of most 4x4 tracks in the Aussie Outback, they are often not maintained or checked regularly. Anything could lead to circumstances that make the road impassable, putting a stop to your tour quickly.

  Make sure you know if there is mobile phone service, and if not, make sure that you are equipped with other type of communication and/or have friends close by – just in case you end up in the stuck or broken down.

  Make sure you also have a range of maps for the designated area just if things do go pear shaped and you get lost. Never rely on technology to get you out of trouble.

2. Learn how to get unstuck when you get stuck!!

An essential skill for anyone keen on 4WDing is learning how to get out when your stuck. At some stage in your off-road adventures, you will come across another vehicle needing help to get out of the mud or sand. There is also a good chance that you will also be in their shoes at some point and bogged to the nuts. Helping each other in the bush is the only way we can survive the Aussie outback so be sure to stop and help your fellow 4x4ers in your travels. Learning how to do this safely and efficiently will help a great deal.

But what if you are on your own? If you don’t have a winch there are a number of techniques that can be used to get a vehicle out of deep mud.

• Don’t spin your tyres when your pissed off. The reason you are in this shit situation in the first place is because your tyres are struggling to gain traction in the mud or snow. If you attempt to drive out at all, take it easy and wait for the tyres to get traction before flogging it out of there.
• Keep a shovel handy to dig out around your wheels.
• Be prepared with a decent set of recovery tracks you can use as a base.
• Get the boys to help you out by pushing as you gently accelerate to help gain traction as pressure is added to the tyres.
• Pick the best direction to get you out before attempting it. Make sure you have an alternate route if your going out backwards to save back tracking all that way.

3. Get all the Gear

Just because you have that 4x4 doesn’t mean its going to go everywhere. You are goin to need a few extra bits and pieces to help you along the way.

The basics to a 4x4 recovery set up.

1)Recovery Tracks (Preferably 4)

2)Winch (Even hand winch or tow bar mounted cradle is a good option if you don’t have a winch bar)

3)Long handle Shovel

4)Recovery kit (Snatch strap, Bow shackles, Snatch block, Tree protector and winch extension)

5)Air compressor and deflator (to adjust tyre pressure)

6)Jack and base plate

7)Snow Chains if tackling the high Country

4. Don’t overload

When your packing for your adventure remember just because it’s a 4x4 doesn’t mean you can take the whole house with you. The heavier you are the more likely you will sink in the mud or make the rig work harder on those climbs. Reducing weight is key to a successful drive. 

5. Do a course

A good 4X4 course costs just hundreds. What that one-day course will do for you though, is genuinely open the doors to one of the world’s finest recreations. And there’s a bonus – think of a course as cheap insurance. By doing a course you’re theoretically far less likely to drown your vehicle in an ocean or river, or up to the windows in mud. There are excellent accredited operators that run all manner of courses around Australia, so you can take your pick. Also if your towing a camp trailer or caravan it will pay to check out a towing course if you are unsure. Worth a look at joining your local 4x4 club and scrap the knowledge off the experienced people in the club.

 

Here at AussieOutbackStore we like to help everyone from experienced 4x4ers or beginners. We are happy to help select the right products for you or just to point you in the right direction. We use all our products and have the knowledge on how to use it. If you have any queries feel free to email us at info@aussieoutbackstore.com.au and one of our team members will be with you ASAP.

Cheers Guys and Girls

Happy travels and stay safe