Heading off on a 4×4 trip for a weekend, week or longer we’ve got just the checklist so you know exactly what you will and won’t need.
Keep in mind that this 4×4 trip checklist is just a guide, it covers the majority of spares, tools and recovery gear that you might need when travelling through, and exploring remote regions of Australia.
While we have tried to be as comprehensive as possible, there will be more vehicle specific items that you may need, where others will not.
It’s also a guide, meaning that you don’t need to take everything that has been listed. This checklist may also help to jog your memory for something else that isn’t on this list.
Here at More Dirt Less Bitumen, we like to practice what we preach, so before we set off on our trip to the Canning Stock Route and Central Australia, we used a checklist very similar to this one. They definitely help!
Just remember, know how much your 4WD weighs and how much payload you have spare. The last thing you want to do is overload your 4×4 and cause more problems!
SPARES
| Engine / Gearbox / Diff oil |
| Auto transmission oil |
| Power steering fluid |
| Brake fluid |
| Fuel / Oil / Air filter |
| Radiator hoses (top and bottom) |
| Radiator coolant |
| Spare fuses |
| Spare inline fuse holder |
| Spare seals |
| Fan / Drive belts |
| Gaskets |
| Spare wheels bearings (vehicle and trailer) |
| High-temp bearing grease |
| Hose clamps |
| Cable ties |
| Spare wheel studs and nuts |
| Spare nuts, bolts and washers (various sizes) |
| Spare tyre (preferably two for remote locations) |
| Spare shocks/shock rubbers |
| Bulbs |
| Electrical tape |
| Electrical wire |
| Electrical connectors |
| WD40 or similar |
| Fencing wire |
| Spare trailer plug |
TOOLS
| Spanners – Ring and open-ended (various sizes to suit) |
| Socket set |
| Shifter (large and small) |
| Breaker bar |
| Allen keys |
| Vehicle workshop manual |
| Wheel brace |
| Tyre repair kit |
| Tyre gauge |
| Tyre deflator |
| Bottle jack |
| Jack base plate |
| Wheel bearing socket (vehicle specific) |
| Wire brush |
| Phillips head screwdrivers (range of sizes) |
| Flat screwdrivers (range of sizes) |
| Metal file |
| Hacksaw |
| Multi-grips |
| Vice-grips |
| Multi-tool |
| Metal putty |
| Gaffer tape |
| Electrical tape |
| Thread tape |
| Battery drill and bits |
| Pliers – long and bullnose |
| Side cutters |
| Hammer |
| Compressor |
| Soldering Iron and solder |
| Multi meter |
| Test light |
| Jumper cables |
| Tarpaulin |
| Rags |
RECOVERY / 4×4 GEAR
| Recovery kit |
| Towbar recovery hitch |
| Rated bow shackles (various sizes to suit) |
| Hi-Lift jack |
| Winch and controller |
| Winch cable damper |
| Winch extension strap |
| Tree trunk protector |
| Snatch block |
| Snatch strap |
| MaxTrax (or similar) |
| Gloves |
| Shovel |
| Hand winch |
| Bow saw |
| Chainsaw (plus fuel and oil) |
| Dune flag |
| Fire extinguisher |
| Handheld UHF radio |
| Axe |
About the Author:
Hi, I’m Matt. I camp, four-wheel drive, explore the outdoors and get paid to take photos.
I’m happiest when I’m doing all four at once.
Occasionally, I’ll even tap out a couple of words on my keyboard.
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