Camping in the Outback, Boondocks, Sticks - Whatever You Call it, You Have to Be Prepared
If you are thinking of leaving the sealed road and going camping off road and out into the sticks there are several very important points to consider before you go.
- You are not going to find the kind of services you might be used to in densely populated areas, and what services there are around they are likely to be miles away and miles apart.
- Given that first bullet point; if you do break down or have an unforeseen accident, it is going to be really hard to find someone to fix the problem, and even if you do find someone, parts may take days to arrive.
- Make sure that your vehicle and your rig, and YOU can cope with the rigours and conditions of where you are heading.
Roads in the sticks are generally not kind to your vehicles. - Even if the vehicle and rig are suitable, make sure they are properly serviced and in top notch condition before you even leave your driveway.
- You will need at least two spare tyres with good tread left on them, and don't even think about taking one of those space saver spares.
Make sure you have the special locking wheel nut tools if fitted. - Take the obvious spares such as fan belts, radiator hoses, etc.
, and a reasonable working knowledge of how to change broken ones.
Your vehicle handbook will come in handy here. - Make sure you have a reliable communication device with you.
You may travel out of range of normal cell phone coverage so consider buying or renting a Satellite phone. - Take a good selection of tools with you along with a varied selection of nuts and bolts, jubilee clips, duct tape, etc.
- Make sure the First Aid kit is replenished and that you have a basic working knowledge of first aid or you have a First Aid manual(ours is a Red Cross one).
- Do not overload your vehicle and keep the centre of gravity as low as possible.
Don't take items you don't need.
Remember, this is a camping trip! - Make sure you load your caravan/trailer properly.
Place the heaviest items over the wheels and low down, then distribute the rest equally front and rear trying to keep everything as low down as possible. - Test everything at least a week before leaving.
This includes your refrigerator, batteries, water pump, brakes, lights, gas cylinder(s). - Check under your caravan for loose wiring, damaged guards (especially the water tank guard), etc.
I was outback once when my caravan brakes failed due to disconnected electric brakes.
The connections had worked loose over time over rough roads.
I have since secured them more reliably and also protected them from water and stones. - Please make sure you carry plenty of water and food in case of emergencies.
Filling your water tank is one thing,but also carry some containers of fresh water too.
We will carry two 15 litre containers as well as the 80 litre tank, and we will re-fill on a regular basis. - Plan your trip for fuel stops or carry extra fuel safely.
Know the range of your vehicle and ensure you can get to where you are going - and back, with either known fuel stops or on board extra fuel supplies. - Finally, take it easy, but be vigilant.
Drive safely and enjoy your time with nature.
Listen to people who live out in the sticks and heed their advice and recommendations - don't rely on instinct or rumour.
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