Offroading/4WDing is a great hobby and exploring the countryside is a pastime for many families but as with many things, the difference between having the time of your life or your worst nightmare is preparation.
Making sure you have the right equipment before getting off the beaten track is a critical part of the preparation step and to make sure you get the best bang for the buck with the equipment you need we have devised a list of what we feel is
Don’t be a sucker and buy brick and mortar anymore, while like the rest of you, I enjoy holding and touching the item, places like BCF, Supercheap, ARB are normally full retail and offer little to no backup support. With the amount of information on the internet, there should be no excuse to not be able to make an educated decision before purchasing.
I just really like there products I’ve listed here. Yes you can find cheaper Chinese alternatives (Cough* 4wdsupacentre) but some of theseare products that have been in the industry for a very long time.
The Basic 4wd Equipment ( Requirement For All Adventures) *Updated 2021*
Our Top Picks For Tyre Care:
Outbac Platinum Series OTB600 200L/min 220PSI 12v Electric Air Compressor Kit
Why We Picked It:
Seriously this compressor is a weapon, upgrading to this one from a Bushranger Blackmax 2 and boy was I impressed. It even looks good, but what I really like is how fast it inflates (160 lpm) for the price, couple that with a pretty impressive duty cycle this compressor should be double its price as it competes with the super premiums like ARB twin Compressor.
What They Could Improve:
Nothing that I have found yet. I will report once I find something
Get The Outbac Platinum Series OTB600 Here
ORCISH 70Pcs Tire Repair Kit, Heavy Duty Tire Plug Kit for Car, Truck, RV, Jeep, ATV, Tractor, Trailer, Motorcycle
Why We Picked It:
It has all you need to do emergency tyre repair while out and about and everything has its place in the kit which is also nice, The kit itself is also blow moulded plastic and very sturdy.
I also like how there are basic instructions on the inside of the lid for those who need a refresher (check out our article on repairing a punctured tyre here to go into more detail) and theres actually a small amount of extra room in the recess for a few bits and bobs
What They Could Improve:
The pointy nose pliers are on the cheaper side, I ended up replacing mine with a set of good ones just to be on the safe side.
Get The ORCISH 70Pcs Tire Repair Kit Here
Boulder Tools Heavy Duty Rapid Tire Deflator Kit with Valve Caps Valve Cores & 4-in-1
Why We Picked It:
If you have been out and about already especially out on the sand with others, nine times out of ten you will see a pack a staun deflators come out, while the theory is great on stuans, they are actually quite slow to deflate and are notorious for failing. I have opted from the start to have a tyre deflator that actually removes the valve stem of the tyre itself, this way you can get the job done quick (1 psi per second) and on the trails sooner.
I personally like the Boulder Tools deflator as is has a neat bypass attachment that allows you to check the pressure easily, It also can be used as a standard tyre gauge with the gauge attachment that comes with the kit. They take seconds to put on and once you get the knack for them you’ll be leaving your mates behind in your dust.
What They Could Improve:
I wish it was cheaper, but I believe with a thing like a tyre deflator you get what you pay for besides the initial purchase price I have had no issues with this deflator and highly recommend it.
Get Boulder Tools Heavy Duty Rapid Tire Deflator Kit Here
Our Top Pick for A Off Roading Shovel:
Bushranger 73X40 Bushranger Digger 3-Piece Shovel
Why We Picked It:
When it comes to shovels, the trusty flat bladed long-handled shovel from the back shed will do just fine and I personally used this for years, but then I came across the multi shovel from Mean Mother and I was hooked, Its made from reinforced steel core with a PE outer skin, so it feels good in your hand and its super sturdy at its longest length.
The shovel head is made of Carbon Steel with a heat treated carbon tip so no chance of breaking it. I also love that you can put the handle in the middle of the shovel for when you’re going to be digging for a while.
It has five configurations of which I really use the long and short versions of the shovel. It also comes with a handy compartmentalised carry bag. Honestly, once you get one of these shovels you will never look back.
What They Could Improve:
It would be nice if they offered a few different heads ie: a shovel head with a tip for those sticky mud situations
Get Bushranger 73X40 Bushranger Digger 3-Piece Shovel Here
Our Top Picks For Off-Road Comms:
Uniden CMX760 Bearcat Off Road Series Compact Mobile CB Radio
Why We Picked It:
Firstly, GME is the king of radio communications in Australia and they still to this day designed and manufactured in Australia for Australian Conditions. What I like about this pack is it has the TX3350 which has your display on the handpeice and in my rig, I tucked the body of the unit behind the dash so only the handpiece was exposed which I prefered cosmetically, it also has the added benefit of being able to change channels volume etc without having to reach over and muck around with the body like a traditional unit.
The kit is great because it also includes 2 antenna! and everything else you need to mount it and the unit. The Tx3350 unit itself is normally around $500 not including antennas or brackets
What They Could Improve:
It can get a bit tough sometimes to hear through the unit, I find myself holding it pretty close to my ear when the windows are down or there is alot of noise. In saying that this was the same as my previous body mounted GME unit.
Get Uniden CMX760 Bearcat Off Road Series Compact Mobile CB Radio Here
Motorola T100 Talkabout Radio, 2 Pack
Why We Picked It:
I was able to try one of these handsets while on a trip with a mate, and I found myself using it alot. You simply cant beat having a set of handheld UHF’s from everything to helping with recovery, comms when reversing to giving to the kids when they are running around the caravan park. I found these 1.5w units to be a good balance between price and battery life.
I have a little AC adaptor in the car in which the docking station plugs into so they are always on charge when the car is on, when we set up camp we move the dock to the camper. Not that I have ever used it, but it also comes with an external headphone jack to allow you to hear better with background noise. It also comes with a clip which is nice.
What They Could Improve:
Its more a cosmetic thing but they feel light and cheap for some reason, considering the price they could have a bit more meat to them.
Get Motorola T100 Talkabout Radio, 2 Pack Here
Offroad Recovery – With A Buddy
Front Recovery Point
XSTRAP 2PK Universal Recovery Tow Hooks
I personally believe having rated front recovery points is an absolute requirement if you intend to go anywhere there is a chance of getting stuck. Your 4wds stock tie-down or tow points are not rated and will simply snap off if you try to snatch off them becoming a missile in the process that can and has been known to kill.
I would recommend heading getting a set of something up there if you don’t already have something.
A-KARCK Shackle Hitch Receiver
Another important recovery point to have is a rated rear recovery point for the inevitable rear recovery. The easiest and cheapest way to do this is to have a towbar mount recovery hitch, This replaces your tow ball and puts a rated D shackle in its place which you can then snatch off. It a much of a muchness when it comes to rear shackles, just make sure that whatever you purchase complies with AS/NZ 2741.2002 standard and your bow shackle is rated.
Get the A-KARCK Shackle Hitch Receiver Here
Miolle Tow Strap 2″ x20′ (20000lb) with Loops and D-Hook Shackles
Why We Picked It:
An equalizer strap is essential for evenly distributing the load on your vehicle (and recovery points), I landed on the drive tech kit because it comes with 2 rated 4.75T shackles as part of the kit which makes it pretty decent bang for the buck
Get The Miolle Tow Strap 2″ x20′ (20000lb) with Loops and D-Hook Shackles Here
DitchPig 447051 Kinetic Energy Vehicle Recovery Double Nylon Braided Rope with Tote Bag, 1/2″ x 20′
Why We Picked It:
This is a decisive pick, you may be wondering why there are no recovery kit recommendations on here, well I don’t see the point in paying a couple of hundred dollars for a kit that requires a winch (which I don’t have) with half the gear I’m not able to use. I decided that I would do the research and only buy the gear I need and add to it when the time arises. I LOVE my kinetic rope which is used instead of a snatch strap, I decided on the 7/8″ rope just to be on the safe side.
There are many advantages to a kinetic rope over a snatch, one of the biggest benefits is that it makes for a smoother recovery with a lot less jolt when the rope takes the load, it also has longer life as a traditional snatch strap can only be used a finite amount of times.
It’s also really nice it comes with a drying bag which is super handy when its wet and muddy.
What They Could Improve:
There is one massive downside to a kinetic rope, and that is that it takes a long time (like 5 Mins) between snatches because you can use it again. Because it stretches so much you have to wait until it returns to normal size because you can use it so if you don’t get out on the first snatch it can be very frustrating.
Ymiss Strong Durable PVC Winch Rope Dampener Blanket with Pocket
Nothing particularly special about this recovery dampener, just please be sure to buy and use one, there are plenty of videos on youtube of the damage that can be caused by points breaking off during recovery, dampeners work by bringing whatever flying object is on the end of the wayward strap to the ground.
Get The Ymiss Strong Durable PVC Winch Rope Dampener Blanket with Pocket Here
Offroad Recovery – Self Recovery
X-BULL New Recovery Traction Tracks
Man, this is a tough one. I had a set of maxtrax and I also had a set of Xbulls, to be honest, I was happy with both, except the Xbulls were a 1/4 of the price. I’m going to withhold a recommendation on what tracks you should buy but I definitely think you need a set (or 2 sets).
I think it would be worth watching this video by Michael Sanders (make sure to subscribe to him as he’s very knowledgeable) where puts the premiums and the eBay specials to the test
Get The X-BULL New Recovery Traction Tracks Here
Hi-Lift Jack 60″ Cast and Steel Jack
Why We Picked It:
I think if you are going to go off road a high lift jack is a smart addition to your kit, It can be used in situations where it is necessary to lift, winch, clamp, pull and push. They are useful in lifting a vehicle clear from obstacles that come into contact with the underbody. By lifting the vehicle holes can be filled or articles such as rocks, wood or sand tracks can be positioned to assist in creating traction for the wheels.
This is one hell of a jack, i was recommended this jack by a mate about 2 years ago which coincided with my purchase of a Camper Trailer and tied in well as i needed it first trip away with it. One of the standout features of the Mean Mother Jack is its Whopping 1500KG working load limit which is best in class for a 48″ Jack, It also complies with the AS/NZS2693:2007 Jack Safety Standard which should be a given this day and aged but you will be surprised how many don’t.
What They Could Improve:
Nothing that I can see
Get The Hi-Lift Jack 60″ Cast and Steel Jack Here
High Lift Jack Accessories
Hi-Lift Jack HK-R Red Handle-Keeper
If you are going to buy a High Lift Jack, I would highly recommend you look into the following attachments. They all serve different purposes and you may use them every now and again but when you need them, you by sure need them so it’s worth keeping them in your kit.
Get The Hi-Lift Jack HK-R Red Handle-Keeper Here
Seven Sparta Off-Road Base for Hi-Lift Jack
Anyone that owns a high lift jack knows how important a stand base is. It’s basically a plastic base that increases the jacks footprint and spreads the weight, perfect for the sandy and muddy situations that you will face. Make sure to get one unless you are going to carry a piece of wood around with you.
Get The Seven Sparta Off-Road Base for Hi-Lift Jack Here
Hi-Lift Jack ORK Off-Road Kit
This neat bit of kit is used to hook onto a steel bumper to assist lifting from the rear, in saying this is have used it to lift from the bull bar and several places on my Camper Trailer, it’s a must-have
Get The Hi-Lift Jack ORK Off-Road Kit Here
ATEM POWER Wheel Lifter Hooks
Another neat bit of kit is wheel lift hooks, they hook into your rim and allow you to lift the wheel and get some traction underneath it.
Get The Drivetech High Lift Jack Wheel Lift Hooks On Sparesbox Here
Bushranger 72X10 Exhaust X Jack
Why We Picked It:
I must admit I have only had to use the trusty exhaust jack a handful of times when I have it’s been great with this Bushranger XJack. I had one particular situation where it wasn’t practical to use the exhaust gas so I used the compressor fitting (which is the reason I went for this model) and it blew it up like a treat which sealed the deal for me on the Bushranger version.
The X Jack assists lifting vehicle in a diverse range of situations or conditions such as sand, mud, snow or soft ground. Total lift height of 75cm. Total lift 2 tonnes.
Dual inflation | Dual alternatives for inflation provide the option of completing the inflation process by connecting a portable compressor to the X jack valve inlet or by the exhaust. (High temp hose included to 140°C.)
Quality construction | The hard top integrated between two layers of reinforced PVC provides structure, reducing the risk of puncture during inflation and deflation.
Convenient | Due to the X-Jacks inflatable nature, it goes anywhere, collapsing flat for easy storage into a heavy duty storage bag.
What They Could Improve:
I don’t know just yet, this thing is pretty good.
Get The Bushranger 72X10 Exhaust X Jack Here
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