OFF THE GRID

SETTING UP YOUR 4X4 FOR EXTENDED OFFGRID, REMOTE-AREA TRAVEL INVOLVES CAREFUL PLANNING AND PREPARATION TO ENSURE YOU ARE SELF-SUFFICIENT, SAFE, AND ABLE TO HANDLE THE UNEXPECTED

- GLENN MARSHALL

EMBARKING on a remote tour in Australia and staying off-grid for any extended amount of time can be the adventure of a lifetime. The Australian outback, with its vast landscapes, rugged terrain and remote beauty, offers an unparalleled experience. However, extended off-grid adventure comes with its challenges, requiring thorough preparation and modifications to your vehicle.

The cornerstone of a successful extended remote touring experience lies in a well-prepared vehicle; a 4x4 suited to travelling in the Australian outback is one that must be reliable, durable and capable of handling harsh conditions.

Here is what I have learned over 25 years when it comes to setting up a vehicle for such an endeavour.

FUEL RANGE

IF the fuel capacity and range of your 4x4 is less than 1000km, carrying extra fuel will be necessary. One of the reasons I purchased a Toyota Prado was its standard twin 90L fuel tanks. I also carry enough 20L jerry cans to give me a range of more than 1200km, so I can travel long distances off road without having to worry about running out of fuel.

The best way to improve your vehicle's fuel-carrying capacity is to instal an aftermarket auxiliary tank, or replace your existing fuel tank with a larger capacity aftermarket fuel tank. The major players for aftermarket fuel tanks are ARB, Long Ranger and Brown Davis, but they don't necessarily manufacture tanks to suit all vehicles.

For vehicles from the USA, several imported replacement fuel tanks are available, with Titan Fuel Tanks one company that specialises in this area. Ute owners also have the option to instal a polytank in the tub or tray; some of these come with pump kits included, while others require you to manually siphon fuel into the OEM fuel tank.