It is way too easy to get caught up in the big‑ticket upgrades when you are outfitting a 4WD. We all love talking about lift kits, lockers, and aggressive rubber. But sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference out in the bush.
I’ve knocked up a list of six underrated accessories. Most aren't expensive, but we use them on just about every adventure we film. These bits of gear are all about practicality. They save your knees, your time, and occasionally, your skin.
You don’t need a second mortgage to be prepared. You just need a bit of bush sense and the right kit in the back.
Here is the gear I reckon you shouldn't leave home without.
Automatic Tyre Deflators: Save Time and Your Knees
When you’re new to the game, you might think a stick in the valve does the job. Sure, it lets air out. But boy, do you get sore knees crouching in the mud or dust.
Investing in a set of automatic tyre deflators is a game-changer. You simply screw them on, and they drop your tyres to a preset pressure. It’s consistent and fast.
Think of tyre pressure like footwear. High pressure is like walking on stilts; you sink straight into soft ground. Low pressure is like wearing snowshoes. It spreads your weight. These little brass tools get your "snowshoes" on without the backache.
Deflating tyres
A Handheld 5‑Watt UHF: Spotter Communication Done Right
Most of us run a fixed UHF inside the cab. That’s great for convoy chatter. But what happens when you hit a proper obstacle?
You often need a spotter outside the vehicle. If they are shouting over a diesel engine, you won't hear a thing. A handheld UHF radio puts a set of eyes right where you need them. It guides you through a tricky recovery or a gnarly rut safely.
Practical Tip: Don't skimp on power. Get a 5-watt unit. The cheaper 1-watt units just don't punch through the scrub when you need them most.
Raincoat and Waterproof Torch: Be Ready for the Worst Weather
It’s a rule of the bush: things tend to go wrong at the worst possible time. It won't be a sunny afternoon. It will be dark, raining, and cold.
Always carry a sturdy raincoat and a waterproof torch. If you are shivering and cannot see, mistakes happen. Staying dry and having good light turns a potential disaster into a mere inconvenience. It keeps your head in the game so you can solve the problem safely.
The Humble Shovel: Versatile and Underestimated
This is the most inexpensive, versatile tool you can own on the track. It is not just for recovery.
- Hygiene: essential for the morning bush loo run
- Recovery: digging out a bogged diff
- Cooking: shifting coals onto your camp oven for the perfect damper
Do not overcomplicate it. A long‑handled shovel gives good leverage, but even a compact one is better than using your hands.
Sand Flag: A necessity for Busy Dunes
I see fewer of these on vehicles lately, and it worries me. If you are crossing the Simpson Desert, the Canning Stock Route, or hitting the dunes at Stockton, this is non‑negotiable.
Sand dunes create blind spots. Two vehicles approaching a crest from opposite sides cannot see each other until it is too late. A sand flag acts like a periscope. It gives the other driver those vital few seconds to slow down. It stops remote head‑on collisions. It is cheap insurance for your life and your vehicle.
Water Storage: Lifeblood of Any Trip
Finally, you need water. Not just a bottle in the cup holder, but a proper tank or jerry can.
Water is the lifeblood of any trip. You need it for a drink when the heat kicks in. But it is also vital for hygiene. After you have crawled under the car to fix a linkage, you will have grease up to your elbows. Being able to wash up makes the rest of the day much more pleasant.
Water shower
The Bottom Line
You do not need to spend a fortune to be capable off‑road. These six underrated 4WD accessories, tyre deflators, a handheld UHF, wet weather gear, a shovel, a sand flag, and water storage, cover the basics of safety and comfort.
Get the basics right and the rest falls into place.
Keep the shiny side up.
Pat
