Outback rentals

No idea regarding equipment hire but there are often a lot of international travellers selling up their gear (and vehicles) on Gumtree before leaving the country.
You might be able to intercept one near your point of entry...

www.gumtree.com.au

My brother in law from no hired a troops and did the Kimberly’s with us. It had pop top and came with all the camping gear with external kitchen and awning plus fridge inside. The complete package.

We met some people near Alice who had hired a Britz*Hilux and taken it across the Simpson. It came with all the camping gear.

Before you book anything make sure you check out the T&C's to make sure you can take it where you want to go. Some hire car companies have a reputation for not giving people their bonds back - I'd really suggest doing some research to make sure you're not signing yourself up to a nightmare.

* I think it was Britz... apologies if I've remembered that incorrectly!

Make sure you do a thorough web search on the company you choose. One company here in Oz is nothing short of a thieving bunch of B...... who rarely give bonds back and will take every cent they can from you. They have received media coverage about their crookedness. Just do your homework...it could save thousands and a lot of worry.

Mark
When hiring it may be a good idea to always ask WHO is the owner or boss of the company. If they falter with an answer, be suspicious. They are all in business to make money but some are crooks.

Hi Mark, so what sort of camping equipment have you found is omitted in the various rental options you've found so far that you need...do you mean to say they dont include cooking gear? Sleeping gear?

There are plenty of 4wd hire companies, but when you look at the fine print of their policy...they don't want the 4wd to go "off Road"...WTF..The one company I have used that allow their 4wd vehicles off road are "Britz"..but you will be paying and "arm and Leg" for the privilege, they have several models of 4wd with camping facilities. in getting the vehicle with all the items you needs will be a bit costl. It maybe best to get your friends to loan you extras, ie portable UHF, recovery gear, sand flags etc.
The Britz 4wd's come with the camping gear and minimal recovery gear...so it would be best to check their Britz web site for details.

Google “Redsands”, they seem to have some nicely kitted out 4x4s. No other info, just seen a few around and they look great!

Hi nzjourneyman, I have a friend in NZ who has traveled all over this land and he has experience hiring and owning 4wd vehicles in Australia. Drop him an email and he can offer some advice. nzrees@yahoo.com

Mark,

I've twice hired 4WD's from Britz in Australia. In 2008 it was one of their Troopy-based Bushcampers (RIP). And this year their Scout, which is a Mercedes Sprinter 4WD van. The latter was fine for the tracks I did (except for one...), but I wouldn't tackle the Simpson in it!

I prefer a vehicle I can sleep inside, as it is so much easier plus it's the mode I'm used to traveling in.

Both of those vehicles seemed to have a very complete camping kit. Quite frankly, a lot of it I never used. And the company offers other items you can hire during your trip. I'm curious which companies you have looked at? Maybe the ones that cater more to the mining business than to tourists, thus the lack of camping gear?

My experience with Britz has been good. I think they really want you to take the vehicle out and explore. Whoever you hire from, be sure you understand ahead of time where you may or may not take the vehicle. (All these hire companies have GPS trackers on their vehicles.) You may need written permission for certain areas or tracks.

Please note that I had trouble-free hires and no problems getting my bond back because I read their T&C carefully, followed their rules, and bought extra insurance coverage. IMHO, most of the online griping you see is from people who did few or none of the above. Then when they lose part or all of their bond, they are upset.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Toyota-Landcruiser-Troopy/263953672983?hash=item3d74dd6b17:g:ODkAAOSwAnlbp3xO

It’s an option. I personally wouldn’t do what you are proposing, as if you break down it’s 12000 to be recovered.

Been trying to remember the company that Swiss friends used recently, but can't....
It was none of the "regulars". I have the thought that the owner was Swiss.
They picked up and dropped off the vehicle in Adelaide, drove it up the Oodnadatta Track, across the WAA line and back to Adelaide via Walkers Crossing and the Strz.
On the way they wrecked a tyre and replaced it at Oodnadatta. The company paid direct over the 'phone. Then 'swapped' it for a whizz bang to drive to Sydney where it was dropped off.
The vehicle was very well equipped as per their request. Roof top tent, 2 spares, even a sand flag.

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome