Every year, plenty of WA travellers point their vehicles north and head for the Kimberley.
It’s one of Australia’s most rewarding places to explore, but it’s also one of the toughest environments you’ll drive through.
Long distances.
Corrugated roads.
Heat.
Dust.
Remote locations.
Once you’re up there, the last thing you want is to be worrying about something that could have been checked before you left.
If someone asked us what we’d recommend checking before a Kimberley trip, this is where we’d start.
Make Sure Your Vehicle Is Ready
Before focusing on accessories, it’s worth making sure your vehicle is ready for the trip.
If your vehicle is due for a service, we’d recommend having that completed by your mechanic before you leave. It’s also a good opportunity to have anything that could affect reliability checked over before heading into remote areas.
Once that’s taken care of, you can focus on making sure your touring accessories and equipment are ready for the adventure ahead.
Check What You’re Carrying
It’s surprising how quickly weight adds up before a big trip.
Camping gear.
Recovery equipment.
Food.
Water.
Fuel.
Extra clothing.
It all adds weight to the vehicle.
Before you leave, ask yourself if everything you’re packing is something you’ll genuinely use.
Travelling lighter where possible helps your vehicle perform better and can also help you stay within your legal weight limits.
Make Sure Your Tyres Are Ready
Your tyres will do some of the hardest work on a Kimberley trip.
Before leaving, check:
- Tyre condition
- Tread depth
- Tyre pressures
- Spare tyre condition
It’s also worth packing a quality puncture repair kit and an air compressor, and making sure you know how to use them.
Whether you choose to carry one spare tyre or two will depend on your vehicle, tyre size and the type of travel you’re planning.
One of the simplest ways to look after your tyres is to adjust your speed to suit the conditions. Corrugated roads can change quickly, and slowing down can help reduce unnecessary stress on both your tyres and your vehicle.
Inspect Your Recovery Equipment
Recovery gear is something you hope you never need, but when you do, it needs to work.
Before heading away, inspect your:
- Recovery straps
- Shackles
- Recovery points
- Winch (if fitted)
Make sure everything is in good condition and replace anything that shows signs of excessive wear.
Test Your Electrical System
If your vehicle has a touring electrical system, don’t wait until you’re at camp to discover something isn’t working.
Test your fridge.
Check your battery system.
Make sure lights, charging outlets and any accessories are operating correctly.
If you’ve recently added electrical components or are planning to, it’s worth checking everything before leaving home.
Don’t Forget The Essentials
Sometimes it’s the smaller items that make the biggest difference.
Before heading north, make sure you’ve packed:
- UHF radio
- Air compressor
- Tyre repair kit
- First aid kit
Taking a few minutes to check these before you leave can save a lot of frustration later.
Look Over Your Accessories
If your vehicle is already fitted with accessories, it’s worth giving everything a once over before a major trip.
Check your bull bar, roof rack or canopy, recovery points and any mounted accessories to make sure everything is secure and working as it should.
It’s also worth checking canopy seals and storage compartments. Fine Kimberley dust has a habit of finding its way into places you wouldn’t expect.
Check The Latest Road Conditions
Road conditions throughout the Kimberley can change quickly depending on weather and maintenance.
Before you leave, and while you’re travelling, check the latest road condition updates so you know what to expect and can plan accordingly.
Plan Ahead Before You Leave
One of the best things you can do before a Kimberley trip is start preparing early.
If your vehicle is due for a service, organise that with your mechanic well before your departure date. If you’re planning any new accessories or upgrades, don’t leave those until the last minute either.
Planning ahead gives you time to have everything installed, test your setup and make sure it’s working properly before you’re hundreds of kilometres from home.
Our Advice Before You Head North
The Kimberley is an unforgettable part of Australia, and taking the time to prepare your vehicle properly can make the trip safer, more comfortable and far less stressful.
At ARB Rockingham, we help customers prepare their touring setups for remote travel every year. Whether you’re planning a few final upgrades or would like advice on your current setup before heading north, our team is here to help.
If you’re planning a Kimberley adventure, book an appointment with the team at ARB Rockingham or visit us in store. We’ll help make sure your touring setup is ready for the journey ahead.
