The trick to a fun and successful 4×4 off-roading experience is preparation. We will show you the essential 4×4 off-road kit you need to be prepared for any eventuality, and able to tackle that off-road track you’ve been dying to try without too much hassle.

There are a few essentials you should always have with you when going on any off-roading adventures.

The essential 4×4 off-road kit:

Tyre repair kit

When you’re out in the bush being awesome, the last thing you want to put a dampener on your adventures is a flat tyre. Fortunately, with tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) mounted inside each tyre you’ll be alerted to the loss of tyre pressure before the puncture can cause any damage to your vehicle, tyre, or rim.

Your vehicle more than likely has tubeless tyres. They are now the preferred option for almost all new cars. A tubeless tyre can be easily repaired if you get a puncture by using plugs. The Ironman 4×4 Tyre Repair Kit includes 30 repair cords (or plugs), tools carry case and digital tyre gauge.

If you have a tubed tyre your puncture repair process will be slightly different. You can easily check what tyres you have by looking on the sidewall of your current tyre.

Once you’ve fixed your puncture, you’ll need an air compressor to inflate it to the correct PSI. If the tyre needs to be removed from the vehicle to repair the puncture, you’ll also need a jack and wheel brace.

Air Compressor

Off-roading entails navigating various types of terrain with varying tyre pressure. Lowering your tyre pressure expands your footprint, improves the way your suspension works, and improves your vehicle’s traction. It also assists your tyres in adjusting to changing terrain. Be careful not to under-inflate your tyre, as this may cause it to slip off the rim.

A standard tyre deflator can be used to reduce tyre pressure for soft sand, rocky terrain, and other conditions. After you’ve passed through the soft sand or rocky terrain, an air compressor will allow you to easily inflate your tyres. An air compressor can also be useful for re-seating a tyre that has come loose from the rim. Remember to re-inflate your tyres before driving on paved surfaces or at high speeds.

Ironman’s air champ dual inflator with pressure gauge allows you to simultaneously inflate two tyres. You are also able to inflate and deflate tyres.

Wheel Jack

The standard jack that comes with most four-wheel drives can only lift the vehicle high enough to change a tyre on paved or hard packed surfaces.

A high 4WD lift jack is easy to use and can be used to lift, push, pull, or winch. Take note of your vehicle’s mounting points before you embark on your adventure. The Ironman 4×4 Highlift Jacks have a lift capacity of 1,050kg, a continuous lift of 97cm, and a free carry bag.

Snatch Straps

A snatch recovery occurs when a mobile vehicle is used to pull out a stuck vehicle and the line connecting the two is not tensioned prior to the recovery, as in a tow recovery. Snatch straps are nylon-webbing or elastic tow ropes used to recover stuck vehicles. You should use a snatch strap that is two to three times the weight of your loaded vehicle.

Because a snatch strap can be stretched by up to 25% in length you are able to avoid the jerk or shock load that comes with using a chain or static tow rope. Be cautious, as snatch straps used incorrectly can be extremely dangerous.

Recovery Tracks

Recovery tracks are lightweight and can get you out of some sticky situations. Recovery tracks are designed to fit beneath the wheels and provide more traction, or to provide elevation to help the vehicle get out of a dip or hole. You can use recovery tracks to help you navigate through sand or mud, or to cross over rocky outcrops. If you have the space, you should take at least two recovery tracks, but four is preferable. If you’re towing a trailer, you should consider taking up to six tracks.

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If you are looking to improve your 4×4 off-road kit, Autoworld 4×4 has a wide range of accessories. After your adventure, you should inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have been caused. The team at Autoworld 4×4 are happy to assist.