The Campfire

There’s no shortage of opinions on what tyres your caravan should be running. You’ve probably heard everything from “just match your tow rig” to “it doesn’t matter, they’re not even driven wheels.” Like most things in the touring world, the truth sits somewhere between bush logic and engineer-speak.

If you’re new to 4WDing or you need a little reminder on what’s okay and what behaviours should be left home, I’ve created this cheat sheet to guide you on the tracks.

You’re never going to get Prius-level efficiency towing a three-tonne van into a headwind, but you can absolutely stop throwing away diesel by the litre.

Leaving the bitumen is where Australia really opens up, but it’s also where preparation, respect for the conditions, and the right gear make the difference between a story you’ll tell for years, and a cautionary tale.

Let’s be clear, towing a caravan isn’t easy, but it’s also not something you should fake your way through. Done right, it’s safe, manageable, and opens the door to a whole new style of travel.

Whether it’s getting the best spot, creating your own rubbish bin or positioning yourself the right way for sun or wind, there are some free camping hacks that make all the difference and can turn a good camp into a great one.

Most 4WDers opt to carry a dry powder unit. It’s the go-to: cheap, light, readily available at every parts store and BCF, and fair enough—it ticks most of the boxes — but I reckon there’s better options out there.

So, it’s time to let your current 4X4 go. Maybe the family’s grown, maybe you’re upgrading, or maybe the old girl’s just not getting the love she used to. Whatever the reason, you’re ready to sell, and you want to do it properly.

Once you’re off the bitumen, hundreds of kilometres from the nearest roadhouse, and well outside phone range, everything changes.

Before you dive headlong into the deep end, there are a few things every beginner 4X4er should understand. Consider this your glovebox guide to getting started in the world of low-range and high-adventure.

You don’t need to be a jack of all trades on day one, but having a rough idea and the basics of each terrain will limit the shock factor on your off-road adventure.

Beach driving and coastal camping bring a special kind of magic… and a special kind of mess. Salt, sand, moisture, and mud can wreak havoc on everything from your underbody to your camp chairs if you don’t give things a proper clean-up and check-over post-trip.