If you’re planning a touring setup, it’s easy to get caught up looking at accessories.
Electrical systems.
Fridges.
Storage.
Recovery gear.
The options are almost endless.
But after helping customers build touring vehicles for all kinds of adventures across WA and around Australia, we’ve learnt something important.
The best touring setups don’t start with accessories.
They start with understanding how the vehicle is actually going to be used.
Start With Your Travel Plans
One of the first questions we ask isn’t what tray, canopy or accessories you want.
It’s:
“What type of travelling are you planning to do?”
The answer shapes everything that comes next.
A vehicle built for weekends away will have very different requirements to one heading off on a lap around Australia.
Some customers are travelling as a couple.
Some have young families.
Others need a setup that works during the week for work and transforms into a touring vehicle on the weekend.
There’s no single right answer, which is why we always start by understanding where you’re going and how you’ll be using the vehicle.
A Touring Setup Should Work For Your Lifestyle
It’s easy to assume there’s a perfect touring setup because you’ve seen one online.
The reality is every traveller has different priorities.
Some people want maximum storage.
Others place more importance on fridge access, power or keeping the vehicle as light as possible.
A good touring setup isn’t about copying someone else’s build.
It’s about creating something that makes your own trips easier, whether that’s heading north for a few weeks or spending a long weekend down south.
Think About Compliance From The Beginning
One conversation we have early in almost every build is vehicle weight.
As a touring build grows, so does weight.
Bull bars, trays, canopies, water, recovery gear, camping equipment, batteries and tools all contribute to the overall load the vehicle is carrying.
That’s why it’s important to consider compliance and GVM before the build gets underway.
Planning for this early helps ensure the finished vehicle remains safe, practical and compliant, rather than trying to solve those challenges later.
More Gear Doesn’t Always Mean A Better Setup
One of the biggest misconceptions is that every touring vehicle needs every available accessory.
In reality, that’s rarely the case.
Take spare tyres as an example.
Many people assume carrying two spare wheels is essential.
For plenty of travellers, good quality tyres and a puncture repair kit may be all that’s needed.
Carrying unnecessary weight simply because there’s room for it doesn’t always improve the vehicle.
The best touring setups aren’t the ones carrying the most gear.
They’re the ones carrying the right gear.
Plan Your Electrical System Early
Electrical is one area that’s worth thinking about before the build begins.
Whether you’re planning to run a fridge, lighting, charging points or a complete dual battery system, having a plan early can save both time and money.
Forward planning allows wiring to be completed as part of the overall build, rather than needing to revisit areas later when additional accessories are added.
Even if you’re not fitting everything straight away, discussing your long term plans from the beginning can make future upgrades much simpler.
Touring And Work Setups Have Different Priorities
Touring and work vehicles can look similar on the surface, but they’re usually built with very different goals in mind.
A work setup is all about organisation, security and having a place for every tool.
A touring setup is built around flexibility.
It needs to adapt to different trips, whether that’s a family holiday, a weekend away with mates or a longer adventure around Australia.
Understanding those priorities early helps create a setup that’s practical long after the build is finished.
Our Advice Before You Build
If there’s one piece of advice we’d give anyone planning a touring setup, it’s this.
Have a conversation before choosing products.
After helping build so many touring vehicles, we’ve learnt there isn’t a catalogue that can tell you exactly what your setup should look like.
The best touring setups are built around the owner, not the accessories.
At ARB Rockingham, that’s why we spend time understanding how you plan to use your vehicle before recommending a solution. Whether you’re planning a weekend camping setup, a touring vehicle for travelling around Australia or something that needs to work just as hard during the week, we’ll help you build a setup that suits your needs.
If you’re ready to start planning your touring setup, book an appointment with our team or visit us in store. We’d love to chat about your ideas and help point you in the right direction.
