Vehicle Preparation

We can help you:

• Choose a vehicle that is right for you, right for the terrain and has spares available en route
• Ensure every aspect of your vehicle is in tip-top condition
• Learn how to repair and maintain your vehicle so you are prepared for anything en-route
• Protect your vehicle from the wear and tear of off-road travel
• Protect your vehicle from extreme conditions
• Safely carry spares, fuel, water and other essentials
• Maximise use of space within your vehicle
• Calculate fuel and water consumption over different types of terrain
• Select the most suitable camper conversion for your requirements
• Maintain comfortable temperatures
• Run electrical equipment without draining your battery
• Ensure that you have the resources to cope with any eventuality

4x4 are pretty capable vehicles but most standard factory vehicles emphasis comfort and luxury. Their soft suspension guarantees comfort but reduces load carrying ability and resistance to the large potholes, obstacles and extreme terrain are inevitably encountered in off-road conditions.

Choosing wisely from a huge range of aftermarket equipment and accessories will overcome these compromises and prepare your vehicle for the rigours of your chosen route, activity, requirements and preferences.

Thorough preparation will extend the life of your vehicle and it provides a kind of insurance; in the form of the tools and resources to cope with all eventualities.

For the duration of your trip your 4x4 will be your home as well as your transport. Your vehicle must be equipped to withstand the toughest landscapes and allow the daily routines of eating, sleeping, cooking, washing and changing to be carried out simply and safely.

Ed’s theory gives an overview and guidelines on the most important things to bear in mind when planning the preparation of your vehicle.

Alternatively, if you know what you’re looking for, search these categories for more information and details of specific products.

Product categories

• Suspension
• Fuel systems
• Battery systems
• Protection equipment
• Roof racks etc
• Roof and ground tents
• Raised air intakes and filtration
• Traction aids
• Winches and mounts
• Storage and security
• Fridges
• Navigation
• Recovery equipment

Warm Climate
Driving over parched land in arid conditions can be more punishing than other types of terrain because of impact of deep corrugations over hard ground. The corrugations that form are probably the most significant cause of fatigue and failure in a 4x4. Fitting good quality suspension and not overloading your vehicle can overcome this.

When driving in desert conditions and soft sand, tyres must be deflated to broaden the contact area with the ground to prevent the vehicle sinking.

Cold climate
Broad tyres are dangerous in snow because they tend to float over the surface. Narrow tyres with block tread and hard shoulders are best as they increase your chances of breaking through the snow and ice to grip the surface beneath.
Snow chains are particularly valuable and should be fitted to all four wheels.
A shovel, towropes and winch will help you get out of snowdrifts.

Useful Tips

• Do not leave home without a workshop manual. A parts guide might also be useful.
• You will need plenty of water for drinking and washing but don’t forget to cater for radiator refills, windscreen washing, cracked pipes and leaks. Soap and water is also required for lubricating tyre levers when repairing tyres. Also allow for evaporation and spillage.
• >Reduce tyre pressure only when absolutely necessary and return to normal pressure as soon as you can
• In cold climates make sure you have at least 50% antifreeze in your cooling system.