Whilst taking a solo off-road trip with confidence is easy with the right upgrades, there’s nothing like adventuring as a family.
An opportunity to explore the great outdoors in the most thrilling way, a family off-road adventure can be a memorable holiday and the perfect way to escape everyday life as well as experience something a little out of the ordinary.
As with any family holiday, planning makes perfect with supplies and upgrades that keep your little ones engaged and all of the family safe essential. Read on to discover our top tips and upgrades for travelling by 4×4 as a family.
Choose your destination wisely
Not all off-road destinations are made for families, so be sure to take care when selecting a location that everyone will love.
The beauty of off-road travel is that there really is something for everyone. Historic stop-offs are great for parents and older kids interested in finding out more about their chosen destination. Whilst natural features like glaciers, waterfalls and forest trails are certain to impress and inspire all, even the youngest in your party.
If you’re travelling a little further afield for your 4WD trip, these family-friendly off-road destinations offer variety, beauty and adventure just a stone’s throw away from civilisation.
Plan your journey from start to finish
Once you’ve picked the place you’ll hit the open road, plan your route to ensure it strikes the right balance between travel and fun for all the family. Keep every member of the family in mind when planning the journey, and try not to schedule too much driving time from day to day to keep things interesting and varied.
Make life comfortable on the road
Your off-road adventure doesn’t have to be a chance to test your survival skills. When travelling with children by 4×4, those creature comforts will keep everyone happy. You can create a home away from home with your choice of upgrades.
Drawer systems and modular roof racks are great options for ensuring the space you need for that long list of supplies without compromising on comfort in the vehicle. Adding a rooftop tent to the mix will also provide safer, spacious, and more comfortable sleeping arrangements wherever you pitch up for the night.
Put safety first every time
The safety of your family during your off-road adventure is of course paramount, and it all starts with your vehicle.
Before you depart, make sure your 4×4 is in good working order and fit for purpose. Next, it’s time to think worst case scenario. Here 4×4 Australia explains why a recovery kit should be the first thing on your shopping list:
“It’s almost impossible to pick up a four-wheel drive magazine without reading that safety and recovery gear should come before just about anything, including your first tank of diesel. The ability to safely and quickly self-extract is something that should be put before any single aspect of off-roading. There isn’t a camp oven or light bar that should be higher on your shopping list than the simple bow shackle.”
There are a number of 4×4 upgrades that you should invest in to ensure self-recovery in any scenario or setting is possible. These include a solid and reliable winch kit, a speedy puncture repair kit, recovery boards, and a professional-grade recovery rope. You’ll find all of these essentials and more in our recovery and rescue range.
