PACK THE RACK

Knowing the vehicle's roof-load limit and the carrying capacity of the roof rack system is crucial when packing gear onto a roof rack.

It's important to note that the vehicle's roof-load limit encompasses the weight of the rack system itself. If you opt for an old-school steel tray, it will restrict the amount of gear you can transport on top. Even with a lightweight alloy roof rack system, which can still weigh over 25kg, you must subtract this weight from the overall load you intend to carry.

Additionally, some vehicles have separate limits for static roof-load and roof-load while driving. This distinction becomes particularly significant for those utilizing a rooftop tent. The static limit pertains to the combined weight of the tent and the individuals inside it, whereas the limit while driving applies solely to the weight of the tent itself.

In addition, certain manufacturers of roof-rack systems may specify a lower capacity for vehicles driven on gravel roads or in off-road conditions. This is due to the additional strain that vibrations from rough surfaces and the vehicle's movement off-road can place on both the roof-rack system and the vehicle's roof. It is crucial to adhere to the roof-load limit provided by the vehicle manufacturer and the on- and off-road limits set by the roof-rack manufacturer.

Keep in mind that many of the lighter items suitable for transport on a roof rack, such as tents, swags, and gear bags, tend to be bulky. As they increase in bulkiness, they also create more wind resistance when driving at highway speeds. This, in turn, affects the vehicle's performance and leads to higher fuel consumption. Considering the current high price of fuel, installing a weatherproof and streamlined roof pod to carry some of your bulky gear could prove cost-effective after just a few trips.

Furthermore, recovery boards, shovels, and similar items are well-suited for transport on a roof rack. Numerous dedicated mounting systems are available for these items, ensuring both secure attachment and easy accessibility when needed.

PACK IT RIGHT

It is essential to pack certain gear for easy accessibility rather than focusing on size and weight distribution. This includes items like the first aid kit, fire blanket, fire extinguisher, and vehicle recovery equipment. When traveling off-road, it is imperative to have a well-equipped and up-to-date first-aid kit. Ensure that everyone in the vehicle is aware of its location and knows how to use it. Additionally, all vehicles should have a securely mounted fire extinguisher within the cabin, easily accessible in case of an emergency. For added safety, it is advisable to have a second fire extinguisher in the back of vehicles where cooking or the use of electrical equipment may occur.

In addition, it is essential to have convenient access to recovery gear. Alongside the standard equipment like gloves, snatch straps, shackles, snatch blocks, and winch extension straps, it is crucial to know the exact location of your winch controller at all times. By storing all recovery gear in a dedicated bag and properly packing it away after each use, you significantly increase your chances of quickly accessing the necessary tools, as opposed to having scattered items throughout your vehicle.

Similarly, it is advisable to keep the air compressor in a readily accessible location, accompanied by its corresponding accessories, such as an air-pressure gauge and air hose.

When traveling to remote areas, ensure that your satellite phone or satellite communicator is securely stored, fully charged, and easily accessible.

PACK IT LIGHT

When preparing for a trip, it is crucial to pack as lightly as possible for several reasons. The primary reason is that your vehicle has a limited payload, which refers to the maximum weight it can carry.

The payload is determined by subtracting the vehicle's kerb weight from its Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM). You can usually find this information in the owner's manual or on the manufacturer's website. For instance, let's consider a five-seat Toyota Prado GXL wagon with a GVM of 2990kg and a kerb weight of 2285kg. This means the payload capacity is 705kg.

However, it's important to note that the 705kg payload doesn't indicate that you can simply load 705kg of gear and be on your way. The payload figure includes the weight of vehicle occupants (driver and passengers) and any accessories installed, such as bullbars, winches, side-steps, towbars, roof racks, drawer systems, and driving lights.

For example, if you're a family of four, with two adults and a couple of children, their weight alone can easily reach around 240kg. Consequently, your initial payload capacity of 705kg is reduced to 465kg. Adding the weight of accessories like a steel bullbar (80kg), winch with synthetic rope (40kg), side-steps and towbar (70kg), drawer system (50kg), roof-rack system (up to 25kg), and quality driving-light system (up to 10kg) further reduces the available payload to just 190kg.

Only 190kg remains for essentials such as food, water, tools, spares, recovery gear, tent/swags, clothes, electronics, and personal items. It's no wonder that 4x4 utes are popular due to their higher payload capacities. Even if you drive a dual-cab 4x4 ute like the Toyota Hilux SR5 auto with a 1050kg payload capacity, the example above shows that adding a 60kg canopy allows for only 475kg of gear before exceeding the payload limit.

Exceeding your vehicle's payload capacity should be avoided at all costs due to numerous critical reasons. Firstly, overloading your vehicle adversely affects its performance, handling, and braking capabilities. It also diminishes its off-road capabilities, accelerates wear on mechanical components, increases tire wear, and negatively impacts fuel economy. Most importantly, it poses a significant safety risk. Additionally, exceeding the payload is not only illegal but also voids your vehicle's warranty and insurance coverage in case of an incident.

Therefore, it is essential to carefully consider the weight of individual items when purchasing equipment for your vehicle and planning your trip.

PACK IT TIGHT

Regardless of whether you drive a wagon or a ute, it is essential to properly secure your gear. It is crucial to avoid heavy items flying around the cabin and potentially injuring vehicle occupants, especially when driving off-road or in the event of a collision.

If you drive a 4x4 wagon, it is advisable to install a cargo barrier to keep heavy items separate from the vehicle occupants. While it is still necessary to secure your belongings, a cargo barrier also enables you to utilize the available space inside the wagon efficiently, allowing you to pack gear all the way up to the roof.

Another excellent method to secure your gear and ensure easy access is by using a drawer system. Additionally, you can enhance the organization by using dedicated storage bags specifically designed to work with various drawer systems. However, keep in mind that some drawer systems can be heavy, which may affect the vehicle's payload capacity.

For those driving a ute, fitting a canopy is an effective way to secure items in the tub. Nowadays, there are numerous well-designed canopies available on the market, made from different materials. When choosing one for your vehicle, consider factors such as how it mounts to the tub, its weight, the accessibility provided through doors and windows, and the possibility of fitting a roof-rack system.

PACK IT LOW

To maintain optimal stability and performance while packing a 4x4 vehicle, it is recommended to place heavier items in lower positions and lighter items on top. This practice ensures that the vehicle's center of gravity remains low, minimizing potential issues.

When heavy gear is positioned too high, it raises the center of gravity, negatively impacting the vehicle's on-road ride and handling. This results in increased body roll during cornering and more pronounced fore and aft pitching when braking and accelerating. Furthermore, off-road performance is compromised, significantly raising the risk of a rollover in challenging terrains.

Examples of heavy items that can be conveniently packed in lower positions include tools and spare parts that are infrequently needed, if at all. These items should be securely placed near the vehicle's floor or at the bottom of the luggage area, ensuring they are properly fastened to prevent shifting during travel.

INSTALL A SET OF REAR DRAWERS

These rear drawers offer a secure storage solution for all your equipment in the back of your 4WD, along with multiple tie-down points for heavier and bulkier gear.

Using a drawer system is an excellent method to ensure the safety of your gear while also providing easy access. To enhance organization, you can utilize specialized storage bags that are compatible with various drawer systems. However, it's important to note that certain drawer systems can be heavy, potentially reducing the vehicle's payload capacity.

Properly securing your portable fridge/freezer within the vehicle is essential. A fridge slide can be a convenient way to access chilled items. Some fridge slides have a drop-down feature, allowing for easy access to the fridge contents. Keep in mind that certain models may be heavy.

If you have a fridge slide, it is advisable to install a fridge barrier to prevent items from falling behind the fridge when pulled out. These barriers also serve as convenient mounting points for items like fire blankets and fire extinguishers. It's important to consider that these additions will contribute to the overall weight, though.

SEPARATE YOUR GEAR

When organising camping gear, place all the heavier bulkier items at the bottom, with lighter more easily packed gear placed on top or inside drawers. This way you’ll be able to fasten all heavier items, including tools, camping chairs, or fridges.

DISTRIBUTE WEIGHT

By evenly distributing your gear across the vehicle, you can prevent an imbalanced weight distribution, which can lead to increased instability on uneven off-road tracks and a higher risk of rolling or losing control. Furthermore, this approach helps avoid unnecessary strain on your brakes.

INSTALL A CANOPY

Installing a durable and reliable canopy on your 4x4 vehicle not only maximizes its storage capacity but also ensures the safety and security of your camping gear and essential tools during your trip. This high-quality canopy shields your belongings from rain and dust, providing an enjoyable and stress-free camping experience in the outback.

Furthermore, having a canopy allows you to keep your gear separate from the passengers in the cab, enabling you to organize and store your food items in cooler boxes under the protective shade it provides.

NOTE:

When loading items into UTEs, it is crucial to place the heavier cargo towards the front of the tray since the majority of the storage space is located behind the rear axle. Once you have utilized every available space in your vehicle, it is advisable to visit a registered weighbridge nearby and compare the total weight of your loaded vehicle to the manufacturer's recommended gross vehicle mass. Exceeding this limit poses the risk of damaging your tires.

Loading your 4WD with essential items resembles a game of Tetris, requiring both efficiency and safety considerations for all occupants.

Approaching the task with a plan and understanding where each item should be placed in the back of your 4WD will simplify future endeavors, particularly during campsite pack-ups. Taking excessive items may lead to the laborious process of reloading them after they have been unloaded.