Overlanding & touring advisor

Tyre pressure & terrain

Pressures affect traction and flotation — always reinflate before highway speeds.

• Highway: keep manufacturer-recommended pressure. Gravel/rock: slightly reduced only where suitable, for traction.
• Sand: lower pressures improve flotation — air down carefully.
• Always reinflate to road pressure before returning to sustained highway speeds.

Recovery kit priority

Build in order — essentials first.

• Rated recovery points on the vehicle; tyre repair kit and plugs; compressor and gauge.
• Recovery/kinetic rope, soft shackles and a snatch block; traction boards and a shovel.
• A winch is close to essential for solo or remote travel.
• Carry a suitable fire extinguisher that is easily accessible from outside the vehicle.
• Avoid travelling alone on remote routes unless you carry suitable communication equipment and have a realistic self-recovery plan.

Water, fuel & food

• Plan drinking water for climate, altitude, activity and possible delays, and identify reliable refill points before departure rather than relying entirely on carried water.
• Calculate fuel reserves for detours, difficult terrain, idling during recoveries and closures. Carry fuel only in approved containers, keep it away from ignition sources, secure containers against movement and check regularly for leaks.
• Store food separately from fuel and chemicals; audit total weight (food + water + fuel) against payload before departure.

Navigation & communication

• Carry offline maps or downloaded GPX routes plus a paper backup — assume no internet.
• Tell a trusted contact your route and expected return time.
• A satellite communicator or emergency beacon is recommended for remote routes.

Inspections & electrical

Extended travel stresses systems commuting never does.

• Pre-trip: engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, belts, hoses, suspension, wheel bearings, brake pads, tyres, battery and recovery points — fix faults before leaving.
• Dual-battery setups generally need a DC-DC charger on modern smart-alternator vehicles (a simple isolator suits older fixed-alternator vehicles); fuse every positive cable close to the terminal and use the correct gauge.
• In sub-zero regions, choose a battery chemistry rated for cold charging.
• Post-trip: wash mud from the chassis and suspension, inspect tyres and suspension, check recovery gear, dry straps and re-torque mounts. If deep water was crossed, also inspect wheel bearings and check driveline oils for water contamination.

Load safety & legality

Payload and roof limits are safety and legal rules, not guidelines.

• Payload = the vehicle's rated Gross Vehicle Mass minus its kerb weight — read the door placard, not a guide; build a weight budget before buying gear.
• Exceeding the manufacturer's approved weight limits may be unlawful, can affect insurance and creates liability.
• Distribute cargo to stay within both the total vehicle weight and the individual front and rear axle load ratings — being under GVM isn't enough.
• Roof load has a much lower dynamic (driving) limit than the static (parked) limit — confirm yours, include the rack, awning, brackets and accessories (not just the tent), and keep heavy items low to limit rollover risk on off-camber trails.
• Significant permanent expedition loads may need appropriately rated suspension — but suspension upgrades do not increase the manufacturer's approved payload.
• For family touring, ensure child restraints stay securely installed and aren't obstructed by drawer systems or cargo.
• Ensure all modifications, weights and equipment comply with applicable regulations, and consult your manufacturer and insurer about significant modifications.