I'm just starting out - what should I aim to get?

Hi Holly,

For starters - I suggest a shovel, an axe, a plank of wood or two for both a jacking base and a mud filler, and a decent jack - and even though 20 kilometres is not very far away from civilization, I suggest taking more water than what you would think you would need.

Cheers
Alan

Good morning, I would be taking a good map of the area you are going to visit.............. Enjoy your travels. John

have fun be patient and above all a good sense of humour. Don't lets youself be stressed.
cheers garry

Good morning
Gee ,I would like to have a 4x4 track that close to home .

Add a UHF radio. At least you may be able to call for assistance if you get stuck. But another UHF needs to be in range, so don't rely on it.

Hope you have a lot of fun.

One of the best to take with you is common sense.
and go where others go (within reason) and watch and learn.


.

First safety item for us is our PLB.

Never know when or where you can have an accident and be trapped or injured.

You will probably never use it but its nice to know its there,

Hi Holly,

Congrats on your new purchase and may you have many happy adventures in it. Suggest that fairly soon, after you have got to know your vehicle a bit, you would get good benefit from a good 4WD course. Many 4wd clubs run these.

In the meantime, when you come to a point on a track where you are uncertain about how to proceed - stop, get out and walk that section of the track and ask yourself "do I need to do this/go there?" If the answer is no, then its time to turn back.

Take it easy, get to know your vehicle before trying to be too adventurous and you will have a great time.

Cheers,

Val.

The list of recovery and safety gear you could take is almost endless and you will add bits and pieces to suit your own particular needs and circumstances as you go and learn.
To what has already been suggested I would add a good quality and capacity 12 volt air compressor and a tyre pressure gauge. It's amazing what you can drive straight out of with reduced tyre pressures but you will need to be able to re-inflate before you hit the bitumen again.
I would also suggest a basic first aid kit and maybe join a 4WD club if you are just starting out.

Safe and happy travels

Pop

I always go bush with at least one other 4by and you'll want to make sure you have at least one proper recovery point front and rear(or a tow bar at rear), no point having all the recovery gear but nothing to attach it to. Not sure about the X-Trail but some (lots) 4wds come from the factory with tie down points that can often look like a good strong recovery point but will rip straight off when snatched from a difficult recovery so id be looking into that first up.
Good luck and have fun :)

when you get a bit more confidence come out to Broken Hill and you will find many many place to see off road but several golden rules if you come out this way because of it remoteness we have limited mobil phone service so if some thing goes wrong stay with the car and let people know where you are going and expected time of return this was brought to a point only 4 weeks ago two old timers from broken hill went out to a remote property only to break down one sadly died during the wait for help but they were found very quickly because they stay with the car sadly there was one two years ago he left the car and they found his body 18 months later dead enjoy your travels where ever you go

Someone has pointed out the need to understand the capabilities of the vehicle and I would back this recommendation. Fundamentally the X-Trail is what is known in the broader 4WD community as a "soft roader"- basically meaning that it does NOT have a transfer case and low range capability. That is not to say that it is not a very capable vehicle, it is. But the vehicle will not be able to handle the same sort of country that a Patrol or Cruiser can.....and this is especially so in steep country. I would suggest that you join a 4WD club or do some proper 4WD training.....DO NOT accept the advice of the Nissan salesperson in respect of the off road capability of this vehicle on face value - the vast majority of salespeople are not competent off road drivers.

This aside I know you will enjoy the X-Trail withing the limits of its capability. It is especially good on the beach and in the sand dunes.