As a 4×4 owner, there is bound to be a point in the near future where you fancy taking the family or just your better half on an off-road vacation. There is a freedom to off-road travel that can’t be denied, as all you really need is your loved ones, your 4×4 and, of course, the right camping equipment. Here, we’ll be taking you through the 5 absolute essentials that no off-road camping trip should be without.
Roof tent
We’ll start with the obvious one – the tent. While it’s quite possible to simply bung a conventional tent in the boot and call it a day, if you want to take advantage of everything your 4×4 has to offer then you’re going to want to indulge in a roof tent. And there is no roof tent better than the ARB Simpson III roof tent. Not only is the Simpson III one of the more spacious offerings (comfortably fitting a couple and a small child) but it’s one of the best quality too, with a poly-cotton blend and 300gsm density that means you’ll stay bone-dry, whatever the weather.
Winch
While it might not be the first accessory that springs to mind when you think of camping, a winch could end up saving your life in a sticky situation. If you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere without a phone signal, a winch with a heavy-duty cable attached could pull you out of just about any problem. If you’re worried about the winch harming the aesthetic appeal of your vehicle, meanwhile, you can opt for a winch that’s hidden under the license plate.
Awning
If your family is on the larger side then an awning becomes an absolute necessity. They can transform your 4×4 into a mobile home, with awnings available up to 2.5m wide. When paired with a windbreak and mosquito net what you have is a full second room for the kids that can survive even the harshest environments. We would always recommend going with ARB awning products when it comes to awnings as they are world leaders in the field with a proven track record. If you’ve decided to heed our advice and get the Simpson III there are also numerous awning options that fit perfectly with the industry-leading roof tent. A match made in off-road camping heaven.
Camping chairs
It’s just not camping if you’re not sitting around a campfire swapping stories with your loved ones and while you could go the old fashioned route and simply sit on the floor, camping chairs are a lot more comfortable. They can also be neatly folded and stored either in the boot or your roof rack. Again, we’d recommend ARB camping chairs above all other brands as the material is stellar and they are quick and easy to put up and take down.
Recovery kit
Finally, a good recovery kit should be right up there with your first aid kit as a camping accessory. At least when you’re camping in your 4×4! Useful for winching (straps, shackles, tree protectors, gloves) and also often boasting enough extra space to store other essentials, a recovery kit is the final piece of the puzzle as far as your 4×4 camping trip is concerned. Well, unless you want to get really ambitious and install a fridge/freezer too!
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