Whether you’re heading up the Coral Coast, tackling the Gibb River Road, or venturing deep into the Goldfields, long-distance travel in Western Australia can be one of the best ways to experience the beauty and freedom of 4WD touring. But before you load up and hit the road, a bit of prep goes a long way – especially when you’re travelling remote.
Here’s a practical (and honest) guide to getting your 4WD ready for the long haul across WA.
1. Start with a Proper Service
First things first – get your 4WD booked in for a full service. It’s easy to assume everything’s fine if your rig’s been running well, but the last place you want to discover a worn belt or dodgy brake line is 200km from the nearest roadhouse.
At Oceans Automotive, we give your vehicle a top-to-bottom check to make sure everything’s good to go. That includes filters, fluids, brakes, steering, cooling system and all the little bits that can make or break a trip.
Tip: Let your mechanic know you’re preparing for a long-distance or off-road trip so they can check for wear specific to touring.
2. Check (and Upgrade) Your Suspension
WA’s roads can be brutal. Between corrugated tracks, sandy washes, and heavy loads, your suspension cops a beating. Factory setups often aren’t up to the task, especially if you’re carrying gear, towing, or heading off-road.
If you haven’t already, now’s the time to consider upgraded shocks, springs or a full suspension kit suited to touring.
Need help? We can recommend the best suspension setup based on where you’re heading and how loaded up you’ll be. Get in touch.
3. Tyres – More Important Than You Think
Long distances = lots of tyre time. Before you go, check your tread depth, look for uneven wear, and make sure your tyres are suited to the terrain you’re tackling. If you’re planning sand, gravel or rocky terrain, an all-terrain or mud-terrain tyre will make a massive difference.
And don’t forget your spare (and your tools to change it).
Extra tip: Consider carrying a tyre repair kit and portable air compressor – especially if you’re airing down for off-road sections.
4. Sort Out Your Storage and Loadout
Touring in WA often means carrying food, water, tools, spares, camping gear, and recovery gear – plus whatever else makes your trip comfortable. All that adds weight, and weight needs to be evenly distributed.
Roof racks, drawer systems, fridge slides, and tie-down points help keep things safe and secure on the move. We can help fit out your 4WD with a setup that suits your travel style with our range of 4WD accessories.
Rule of thumb: Heavy stuff low and centred. Light gear up top. Always secure your load – especially for off-road sections.
5. Plan Your Power
Whether it’s keeping the fridge cold, charging your phone, or powering your camp lights, electrical setups can make or break your experience. If you’re relying on power for multiple days, a dual battery system is essential.
At Oceans Automotice, we install and wire full 12V touring systems, including battery monitoring, solar panels, USB ports, and Anderson plugs.
Planning remote travel? Always have a backup charging method – solar, DC-to-DC, or both.
6. Recovery Gear: Don’t Leave Home Without It
Even the most experienced off-roaders get stuck now and then. A basic recovery kit should include:
- Recovery tracks
- Snatch strap
- Rated shackles or soft shackles
- A shovel
- Tyre deflator and compressor
Pro tip: If you’ve never used your recovery gear, consider doing a quick training session before you leave – or chat with us at the workshop. We’re always happy to show you the ropes.
7. Navigation and Communication
Mobile reception in WA? Don’t count on it. A proper GPS, offline maps (like Hema or ExplorOz), and a UHF radio can be lifesavers. For remote trips, a satellite phone or PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) is well worth the investment.
Bonus: Mark out fuel stops and water refill points before you go – some can be surprisingly far apart.
8. Pack for the Unexpected
Long-distance trips can throw a few curveballs. Consider packing:
- Spare fluids (oil, coolant, brake)
- Basic tools
- Spare fuses and belts
- A first-aid kit
- Extra food and water
Even if you never touch them, you’ll be glad to have them.
Ready to Roll?
WA’s outback, coastline, and hidden gems are just waiting to be explored – but your 4WD needs to be up for the challenge. If you’re planning a big trip, swing by Oceans Automotive in Butler, Western Australia. We’ll make sure your setup is road-ready, off-road capable, and reliable for the long haul.
Let’s get your 4WD adventure-ready.