Setting up for off-roading with your 4x4 | Page 4 of 7

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The Big Lap – If you’re into the big trips then there’s a few more items that will come in handy:

Long range tank – pretty much essential for long desert drives, but once you have one you’ll appreciate the general ability to fill up when you want to, not when you have to. You’ll also find those offroad tyres and other accessories will increase your fuel consumption quite noticeably;
Second spare tyre – it’s a good idea to take two spares for the longer trips, and you’ll need somewhere to store the second one;
Carriers – maybe a shovel carrier for the spare wheel, or a dual wheel carrier for the back, or a combined wheel/double jerry holder. Just another way to take more gear;
Even more storage space – bigger trips, more gear to take. More water, more food, more everything. So packing becomes more important, as does light, small gear. Perhaps now you need to consider a roofrack or trailer?
Tools and spares – these become more important the further you travel. Generic gear like windscreen repair kits, tyre repair kits, socket sets and spanner. A few extra nuts and bolts, wires, fuses and the like are always handy. In times gone by people would take driveshafts, suspension and almost one of everything, but these days cars are more reliable so focus on the car’s weak points (ask your specialist mechanic) and take those spares, don’t weigh the car down with one of the lot;
Awning – always handy to have your own shade. Sound wimpy? Try 50 degrees in the Outback, and you’ll see what we mean!
Bullbar – in case you meet animals on track, and also a great place to mount a winch, lights, sandflag and radio antennas;
Water storage – for daytrips you can take jerrycans here and there, for longer trips you might need 80-90L of water for that you need to get organised with water tanks. The good news is water tanks can go pretty much anywhere and be any shape; and
Sand flag – required for desert or dune driving so people can see you coming.

Two minutes setup and you have shelter. Optionally add guy-ropes for windy days.

An extra fuel tank with another 90L of diesel and a pump to transfer into the original gives worry-free touring range in remote areas, or fill-time convenience on weekend trips. Another option is a larger tank to replace the original.