When preparing for your 4×4 adventure, many novice drivers are shocked by the sheer amount of supplies you need to survive and thrive off-road. Even after upgrading your vehicle with recovery essentials and other important off-road additions, you’ll have a whole heap of 4×4 trail gear and camping equipment to find space for.
Whilst packing your 4×4 like a pro comes with experience, those looking to hit the ground running can learn a thing or two from the following top tips.
Remember, the weight of your 4×4 matters
The weight of your vehicle is an important consideration when upgrading or packing your 4×4. There are many dangers associated with overloading a 4×4 as Tyre Review details:
“When adding more weight to a vehicle, there are a lot of components affected. Items like springs can be permanently damaged and start sagging. As suspension load is increased you can increase the risk of torn or damaged bushings as well as flogging out the shock absorbers and bump stops quicker. Don’t forget about your poor wheel bearings too, as they’ll cop the worst of it.”
Don’t put stress on your vehicle, instead upgrade and load your 4×4 within its weight limit to ensure optimum safety and performance both on the road and off.
Share the load of off-road supplies
If you’re travelling in a group during your 4×4 adventure, be sure to share the load. Sharing gear amongst your party means those all-important supplies can be pooled and the weights of your vehicles can be minimised.
Distribute the weight of those essentials
Whether you’re sharing the load or going it alone, how you distribute the weight of supplies when packing can help you get (and stay) organised. Uneven distribution of weight can also have an impact on your driving experience, with stability more difficult to gain on uneven trails and an increased likelihood of rolling or loss of control.
Place bulkier, heavier items at the bottom of your storage space, making sure they are distributed evenly across both sides of your vehicle. Finish by packing lighter items on top in a similar manner. Use your 4×4 roof rack to store bulky items that are on the lighter side, such as cycling gear, awnings, fishing equipment and kayaks.
Take advantage of these storage solutions
Packing like a pro isn’t just about what you know, it’s about the accessories you have. There are several storage solutions that help to organise off-road equipment and supplies without adding too much weight to your vehicle.
The ARB BASE Rack is one such solution that will enhance your roof rack setup. Despite being lightweight, simple and flexible, the BASE Rack offers countless mounting and attachment options thanks to its robust, highly configurable design. You can secure, access and detach loads with ease, whilst its low, ultra-sleek profile also looks the part.
Your in-car storage can be carefully organised and easily accessible too with our ARB Drawer Systems. Sporting modular designs that can be customised to your exact requirements, these drawer systems are made for adventure and popular for commercial use.
Explore our storage upgrades to pack and organise your 4×4 before and during your trip.
