Grant Taylor replied:

G'day Ray, good thread. I reckon some people overload on what they think they need. Before we head out we go to good mechanic get them to check the 4x4 thoroughly and ask on the condition of everything. Using this info we decide what NEEDS replacing, what may last and take a spare, and if it's big, like bits of metal in the trans or gearbox etc seriously consider whether to go at all or wait and spend the money fixing the problem, because not everyone has a money tree in the backyard. No point going out way to buggery with a dodgy diff etc. Basics would be for us... radiator hoses, maybe belts, engine oil only enough for one change as in a pinch can be used in all other components unless it's an auto then a change of that fluid, washing detergent can suffice for clutch and brake fluid in a pinch as well, snatch strap, shovel, maybe a hand winch depends on where we're going, air compressor, two spares, puncture repair kit, always some good fencing wire 2.8mm, Metrinch spanners (good for rounded nuts), one 18" one 6" shifter, big and small screwdrivers, heavy hammer, normal sized axe, fire ext, spare battery (if not a dual system)and plenty of fuses. Probably a couple of things I've forgotten but if people prepare properly, take it easy and check the ground ahead if it looks sus most problems can be avoided. If you saw the "Bush Mechanics" on ABC tv a box of matches and a pocket knife you could do anything. Hope you had a great trip.

Colin replied:

My views may be a little controversial but -- this is a bit like money ?? "the more you have, the more you spend" - and "the bigger the 4WD the more gear you take". If there are just 2 people, my suggestion is, borrow a Subaru !! if your stuff doesn't fit you have too much gear. Now I realize Subaru's aren't everyones choice but but you may have seen me on the CSR or approaching Rudal River NP from the West from Nullagine or ### etc!! Not possible you say. And we cary the frig, water, fresh food, camp oven, tents, spares, recovery gear, RFDS radio, etc etc, all the important stuff. Make a list of all the things that you never use and decide if you really need them, then weigh them. My Tow ball and tongue weighed 12 kilo. The less weight you cary lessens the strain on all the vehicle components - a "catch 22 situation"

rich replied:

Being a Subaru owner, I agree with Colin. Thena gain, whats going to save your life? and whats just gloss? If your vehicle blows 2 springs and 7 tyres on your trip are u really prepared? or perhaps your driving skills need attention.
The point I make is, most post 1990 vehicles will run the Gibb River Road without a problem.
i.e. Outback car hire companies quite happily send tourists off into the desert with nothing more than a space blanket and a spare tyre and 99.9% of them come back.
Get the vehicle prepared and checked and carry the lightest items that may stop your vehicle - tubes, fanbelts, filters etc. Carry HF radio for extreme remote and an EPIRB. I carry about 20 kilos of spares (including 1 x wheel) and have !never! had a problem big enough to stop me dead - go the Sube.
And in all seriousness, a lot can be learnt from the series "Bush Mechanics". It should be compulsory viewing at all 4WD training!
Good Luck - Be Safe.

Michelle - ExplorOz replied:

I think it all depends on how long you are travelling for. All vehicles and drivers are different, but in general the longer you go the more you need. For eg. when Dave and I headed off in the Troopy for 2 yrs, we knew there'd be many major services, on top of the need to carry spares etc. Because our vehicle was our "home" for this time, we could not afford a problem so was particular about doing oils and services at regular intervals. Every 5,000 for oils, every 10,000 the filters also (I think, but hey, I'm just a girl and he's the one that did them). Anyway, my point is we wanted to be able to replace the oils etc with the right brand and at the right price so we always took them with us (ie bought them at the right price and kept them with us until needed). David always did the services himself when the kms said it was due and so we had to carry our servicing stuff - and that's a lot for a Landcruiser! On the flip side however, our last trip was just 2mths so the emphasis was more on emergency spares than on servicing bits. I do agree with what Rich said about just taking the bits that would otherwise stop you - the rest you can improvise. But please, don't become one of those people that relies on someone else for parts/help. If you get yourself into trouble, be sure you are equipped to get yourself out of it. Just my thoughts anyway.

Mike replied:

Ray, while I agree with all the above I also believe that the guy who carries too many major parts, like springs etc., may need them because he is too overloaded. Oils, recovery gear, tools and maybe even spare shocks (for extreme trips) are necessary but a thorough pre trip check by an expert is a lot more valuable. Happy trails, Mike.

Ray Kearney replied:

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the replies to date. You've all said pretty much what I've been thinking for a while. I know it's very easy to go a little over the top so need to really sit down and consider each item. I'm the sort of person that couldn't head off and knowingly think I'd use the services of others unless it was an emergency, however I know people that do and think nothing of it.

Thanks again, I'll be looking at my list both for the short term and long term trips.