Pre-trip considerations
If you’ve got an RV, and are up for travel, please consider these tips before hitting the trails.
The great Australian outdoors offers plenty to do and see for the adventurous. Getting out there and back safely, is our number one goal. Here’s a few considerations to consider before you hitch up and haul out.
Weight is a nemesis to the traveller. Weight affects fuel consumption, a vehicle's dynamics, performance and braking ability. Make sure you pack efficiently. Do you really need a full toolbox for a weekend away? Every kilo of weight you add to your vehicle has an effect in some way or another. Braking takes longer when you’ve added extra mass to your RV. It sounds simple but being able to pull up safely, especially in an emergency, is a lifesaver.
Tyres are our contact points. Make sure you have the right tyre pressure for the terrain. Once you hit dirt, roll off the highway pressure down to 20 PSI. Instant benefits include a much smoother ride inside the vehicle with smaller bumps being absorbed by the tyres. The vehicle has more grip due to an expanded footprint and you won't cut up tracks as much with lower pressures. In mud and sand drop your pressures even further to avoid getting stuck. If you're towing, always make sure your van or camper is running at the same pressures as your vehicle's tyres.
Planning to do a lot of touring, four-wheel driving and touring? Then think about a suspension upgrade for your vehicle. An upgraded suspension system, coupled with all terrain tyres will see you get to thousands of places and many of the iconic ones too. Upgraded suspension and tyres will help your vehicle cope with the additional weight that travelling comes with such as food, water, tent, swag and recovery gear. The benefits will far outweigh the initial cost.
When you are towing, you need to constantly check how your trailer, camper or caravan is tracking behind your vehicle. Also, you need to be aware of what is behind your caravan or camper trailer. Poking-along-steady is great but others may not be in the same travel mode. Make sure you check regularly and let others pass when safe. Depending on what you’re towing, upgrading your side mirrors may be appropriate. These can be add-ons to your existing mirrors or completely new units which extend to provide better rear vision.
Knowing your vehicle's capacity and capabilities is crucial too.
Make sure you are familiar with its weight capacity. Gross vehicle mass (GVM) indicates what your vehicle can handle and tow. Go above this weight and your insurance will be void in an accident. Check it before you start planning your adventures and pack accordingly. Unsure about your vehicle's weight? Find a weighbridge in your local area and pack your car as you would for a trip and weigh in. You will have peace of mind on your travels if you know you are compliant with legal requirements.
The other thing to note with your vehicle is its capabilities.
It begins mostly as soon as you venture off the blacktop. Does your vehicle have 4WD or AWD? Do you need to engage it or is it always in AWD/4WD mode? Are there different modes within its traction control settings? Does it have a low range transfer case? Is there a locking differential that can be engaged when the going gets really rough? What's the vehicle's ground clearance and where is its air intake located? How much range does your fuel tank give you? How much does having a full load and using your 4WD system in different terrain affect fuel consumption and range? Get to know these before you set off on a big trip.
The driver must know their own capabilities and drive within them. Bravado and inexperience can cost a lot when you drive your vehicle in the bush and something goes wrong. Add the extra intricacies of towing a camper or caravan and the risk rises again. There’s a couple of absolute rules. If there’s flood water across the road, forget it. You are only putting yourself, your passengers and rescuers lives at risk. The other is to walk across a water crossing before driving it to gauge the depth. Water and car electrics don't mix very well. If there is a chicken track around a particularly rough bit of track, take it. It's all about eliminating risk from your travels.
The best advice is to attend a driver training course. They provide a safe environment to allow you to learn driving skills across a myriad of conditions. Many 4WD clubs have driver training as part of the club’s offerings. Check with your local one. If you have just purchased a camper or caravan, a professional towing/driving course will help enormously. Tag-a-long tours are a great way to learn how to travel remotely too.
If crossing the Simpson Desert, taking on Cape York or touring the Victorian High Country is on your wish list, these considerations will help you tick them off!
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