I was reading a thread in the
forum earlier that went along the lines of what should I buy and how should I equip the vehicle, posted by a self-confessed “newbie”.
And these types of questions are welcomed on ExplorOz as usually there are many experienced hands to pass on
well founded knowledge, after-all there is no such thing as a silly question.
But it got me thinking that perhaps this question is asked the wrong way around – how much money could one save if the question was turned around to read “What equipment shouldn’t I buy”.
An often held view is that today’s modern four-wheel drive vehicle needs to be optioned up and fitted with all kinds of after-market gadgetry in order to do the “big lap” around Australia.
In reality, late model examples of the most the popular brands, including Toyota Land cruisers, Nissan Patrols, and
heaven forbid, Land rovers , yes I have two Defenders, are quite adequate straight out of the box for most of the work that will be asked of them.
And by “work” I include trips across the
Simpson Desert or even down the CSR.
And don’t take my word for it, just look at most of the mining vehicles running around the outback, you won’t find too much, if any, after-market gadgetry on them to enhance the performance of the vehicle, or to make it “fit-for-purpose”.
Besides, the bean-counters would never spend the money anyway...
Yes, I understand there are many out there who ask a lot of their vehicles and travel to areas where they are exposed to risks that might warrant the fitting of specialist equipment.
But this doesn’t necessarily “fit-the-bill” for the tourer who wants to see a great cross-section of our great country, even accessing remote areas.
The after-market parts industry would have us believe that a five-inch lift, winch, diff-locks, a bull bar big enough to push over a small building, and a full over-haul of the
suspension system is required – and that is just a start to get you down the front-driveway.
But the reality is quite different, and a slightly different approach could have you “banking” cash to spend whilst on the trip, or something to put away for the next.
My advice, go out and enjoy the country and “suck it and see” on any short-falls you might find, if any, in the equipment or vehicle you have, you might just find you don’t need anything for the touring you are doing.
So I’ll kick-off with the following list, I’m sure there will be others who can add to it, or debate that it is needed...
All food for thought though and I’ve been a little “tongue-in-cheek” in putting together my list – just in case someone is reaching for the gloves to give me a clip around the ear!
Bull-bar
Nice to have, but adds a lot of weight to the front-end almost guaranteeing you’ll need a
suspension upgrade. Yes, I know your uncle lives out at whoop, whoop and he hits a “Roo-a-week” and no doubting he needs one. I’ve never hit one in years of travelling. A nudge bar might work just as
well, if you need anything at all.
Winch
Well if you get a bulbar it is a great accessory to adorn it. But in reality unless you actually “intend” to go into areas where it is almost guaranteed to be required, then save your money. Many want to add it for insurance, just in case, and it usually dies from under-use.
Suspension upgrade
Okay, can be a tricky one, if you’ve (wasted) spent money on the first two then you’ll probably need to chuck some money at this as
well. Besides, the Prado will look great in traffic driving across the Harbour
Bridge, head and shoulders above everything else. But if, yes, if you can drive with caution and approach obstacles carefully, and not feeling like you’re in the Paris to Dakar rally, you might get away with the stock standard system that was fitted to the vehicle when you drove it out of the show room.
Radios
Okay, if you like colourful language and get a little lonely travelling by yourself, it might be a useful addition to an already cluttered dashboard, otherwise if your wife blushes even at the thought of a four-letter word, or you’ve got three kids strapped in the back, then save your money. If you keep a look out the front windscreen you’ll probably avoid most vehicles coming the other way.
Seeing is believing, or so they say!
Although, come to think of it, if you have got three kids in the back, it might make a change from the “are we there yet” whine.
Power Upgrades
Isn’t that the beauty of modern engines that use computer technology. You can spend lots of your hard earned cash tweaking something the vehicle manufacturer spent tens of millions ensuring was the best combination for the intended use of the vehicle.
Okay, if you want to tow a van half the size of a mansion behind you, or you have a need to cover the CSR in record time, then I can see you might need it...
But hey, don’t get me wrong, there are people out there doing chip-upgrades and they need a retirement fund, so live in the knowledge you’ll be making it a more comfortable retirement for them.
Fridge
Well this is heading into dangerous territory, after all how do you keep the beer cold without it? Or
heaven forbid, the missus’s wine cask. But really, in this day and age fresh food is readily available in many
places, some
places that will surprise you, otherwise you can make plenty of interesting meals with “dry” food. Negating the need for one...
Besides what do you do with all that rotting food if the damn thing breaks down on you in the middle of no-where.
Dual Battery System
Well, if you need a fridge for the beer then you’ll need a second battery to run it, and perhaps a couple of tinnies to get you over the bill when it comes from the auto-electrician.
Roof-Rack
Crikey, ever lifted one of those things, they’re usually pretty heavy if you want a good one. Another reason you’ll probably need a chip-upgrade and better
suspension. But if you can leave a few items at
home, like three-quarters of the things you “think” you’ll need, then you may be able to say to your local 4WD Warehouse – no thanks.
Spot Lights
The bigger the better, after all if you’re going to spend money on those shiny things that go up front, you might as
well get a pair that would spot a Spinifex Hoping Mouse at three
miles. But many of the people I see with them on the front of the “truck” are tucked up in bed at one-minute-past-sunset, which sort of makes them a bit redundant...but hey, what better way to let someone into your wallet again.
Anyway...
I don’t want to hog this, so I’ll leave it over to others to add or delete from the list – and what makes me an expert?
Yes I heard you whispering!
A “truck” full of gadgets and an empty wallet...
Good luck out there, wherever there is!
Baz , The Landy