Ultimate guide: preparing your RV for the Australian Outback

When it comes to preparing for travel in the Australian Outback, it is crucial to assess every possible eventuality, prepare for the worst, and hope for the best. Many people have underestimated the intense, brutal power of the Outback over the years and have paid for that naïve approach with their lives.

Our team of expert outdoor enthusiasts have a wealth of experience and hard-learned lessons when it comes to this type of trip and have these tips when preparing for travel in the Australian Outback:

Have your RV serviced and thoroughly checked-over

It is the perfect time to address any issues you have been having with your RV and make sure it is in the absolute best condition possible before embarking on your trip. In fact, it is highly irresponsible not to do so and should be a non-negotiable condition of your adventure. Significant mechanical failure will ruin your trip if you are not able to handle it yourself on the road and it might be something avoidable a good service would find. Leave nothing to chance in a trip of this kind and ensure the following are in excellent working order:

Brakes

It should go without saying that your brakes need to be in perfect working order before a trip of this magnitude. Make sure you choose a trusted professional to inspect and lubricate them for you and do not scrimp and save in this area. Your lives may depend upon it.

Wheels and tyres

Similarly important are your RVs wheels and tyres. These must be carefully inspected and checked for degradation as tyres that have been sitting unmoved for extended periods are prone to damage and cracking. The chances of encountering a blown tyre at some point during your Outback adventure are already high and the last thing you want to do is virtually guarantee it with substandard tyres. 

Make it a mantra to check your tyres daily on the road too, it takes just a few moments and can be the difference between seamless motoring and constant hassles. Some other elements of your wheels to check include:

• Wheel nuts 

It pays to quickly check that these are in good condition as it is a nightmare to find one of them has a nut that won’t come off when you are on your knees in the searing heat of the desert. 

• Tyre pressure

You will need to get used to raising and lowering your RVs tyre pressure as the road surface beneath you changes. On decent, paved roads you can push the pressure up for more efficient driving. Poor quality roads and loose surfaces will require you to drop that pressure to increase the amount of surface area each tyre puts onto the road. 

If you do not have the budget or space for an air compressor then take it from us, once you are underway, you would happily throw out half the clothes you brought not to have to get the foot pump out one more time. Petrol stations are also a good resource for air but don't rely on them to always appear exactly where you need them.

• Wheel bearings

Wheel bearings take the whole load of the vehicle and need to be in the best possible condition, it is as simple as that. Jack the wheel off the ground and try to move it. If the nuts are properly tightened, anything other than its intended rotational movement means you probably have a set of dud bearings that need to be replaced immediately.  

Suspension

Your suspension is going to get the shock of its lifetime on what passes for roads in the Outback so have it inspected for cracking, sagging, or excess play beforehand. Bounce one side of the vehicle and observe how long it takes to stop, preferably a couple of times at most. 

Electrics

A thorough inspection of all your lights and other electrical systems is essential, right down to making sure the solar panels are creating electricity. Make sure the battery is healthy after sitting so long without being used.

Plan your route carefully and share it

Researching your trip is part of the fun and also the only responsible way to proceed. Use online resources and expert advice to choose the route and aim to stick to it relatively strictly. There may be times you will stray off course to investigate something of interest but that makes you much harder to find in case of emergency. You should bring the following with you:

• GPS navigation system
• Traditional paper map
• Satellite communication device

Plan for survival situations

When travelling in an RV, you have the capacity to carry lots of emergency rations and supplies. There should never be a situation where you find yourself running out of essential items and, if the worst happens, you should be able to sustain yourselves for many days to follow. Some items to consider:

• 8 litres of drinking water per person, per day
• Non-perishable food in cans
• Spare can opener
• Fire-making materials
• Medical supplies
• Extra blankets
• Cool mats in case of overheating

If there is an emergency, you should be as prepared as possible and have already discussed the steps you will take in any given scenario. 

Learn how to use tools and essential equipment 

You are going to need some basic tools before setting off on your Outback adventure but they are of little use if you are unaware of their importance or how to use them. This is not the kind of trip to undertake if you have no clue how to perform even the most basic mechanical tasks. Make it your business to find out exactly what you need to be able to do on the road and take notes you can refer to if necessary. 

Embrace your adventurous side but know your limits

Being prepared is an essential part of any trip into Australia’s fascinating, beautiful, but dangerous Outback. It is not a trip you can simply undertake at a moment’s notice without any planning or forethought. But neither is it something to be afraid of and any potential dangers and annoyances can be mitigated relatively easily. Try to think of every eventuality but be prepared to adapt on the move and change your actions according to the exact circumstances you find yourself in. 

Adventuring will never be smooth all the time but that can be part of the fun and should not put you off embarking on the experience of a lifetime. Accept that this kind of travelling is inherently more dangerous, embrace the adventure, and use your discretion to decide what you can and can't handle. There is no sense exploring hardcore off-road trails if your RV can't cope with the terrain or you have small children with you. Use your common sense but don't allow fear to rule the day. The extra effort and thought required to ensure your Outback travel is as safe as it can be will be far outweighed by the sense of freedom and awe you will experience in the rugged wilderness.

Take sensible security measures

Even in the most unlikely, remote places, there is always a chance opportunist thieves are lurking nearby and it is wise to consider using as many modern security solutions as you feel are appropriate. 

Brief Summary of the tips

• Have your RV checked and serviced
• Create a planned route and share it with people you trust
• Carry communication devices
• Plan for survival situations
• Understand your equipment and tools and what they’re for
• Don’t give in to fear nor be complacent
• Take security precautions

Contact us

When preparing for travel in the Australian Outback, we hope you will consider some of these tips and implement useful suggestions borne of years of camping experience and work in the industry. At RV Parts Express, you can find a huge range of products and accessories to enhance your experience and many others to ensure your safety and comfort at all times. Please take some time to browse through them and be sure to get in touch with any questions or comments.