Few things in life can compare to the feeling of freedom and exhilaration that comes with off-roading in the great outdoors. The sights, sounds, and serenity of nature are always a welcome change from our daily urban existence, and our trusty vehicles are our passport to getting there. Responsible off-roading should always minimise the impact on the natural environment. That doesn’t mean, however, that we can’t fit out our vehicles with everything that we need to enhance the experience to the greatest extent possible. Here are some of my top picks for items that will make your next trip great:
Securely Stowed
Ensuring that your gear is secured makes basic common sense both from practical and safety perspectives. Having all your equipment and unsecured items neatly packed away in one space with a stowage unit or cargo barrier will save you hunting through the vehicle to find your gear, especially when the going gets rough and things start flying. More importantly, in an accident, unsecured items can turn into a deadly weapon. You might be familiar with a case in Australia in which a woman was killed by a flying pot of honey in an off-road accident. Such pointless tragedies are easily avoidable at minimal expense.
Staying Mobile
A mount for your phone or tablet, camera or laptop is one of the cheapest, simplest ways to enhance your ride. Whether it’s for navigation, music, or any other purpose, having your device there for you and ready for hands-free use will make your life easier and safer. There are any number of options available on the market so you should have no problems finding the mount that is right for you.
Light The Way
For safety and maximum visibility in low light and at night, nothing compares with high quality LED driving lights. Make sure to choose a rugged, well-made version with a robust exterior and the best LEDs so that you will get outstanding performance that will withstand the rough and tumble of harsh environments. LED lights provide the clearest, crispest light available and are tougher than other lights. They use less energy and produce less heat than halogens which saves your battery and prevents fogging, all things you want when you’re off the beaten track. Try them, and you will immediately see the difference.
Keeping In Tune
Off-roading is a demanding pastime that pits man and machine against nature. Few things even the odds more than a high-quality tuning and calibration device. With full visibility on all your engine and driving metrics you can assess and adjust without ever taking your eyes off the road or trail.
The Extinguished Gentleman
I am always flabbergasted at the number of off-roaders that do not have a fire extinguisher in their rig. Of all the accessories that you could have, this might be the one that is most likely to save your life. Accidents and mishaps happen, no matter how experienced you are. Hopefully, you will never have to use it, but knowing it is there will definitely provide you with the confidence and peace of mind that you need for what can be a risky hobby.
Switch Hitting
If you’re like me, then your dash is starting to become majorly cluttered with controls and other items that, while necessary, start to make your space look a little chaotic. A switch panel is a great way to address this issue. With a little electrical know-how, you will be able to create more space and feel better organized.
This is only the beginning. There are so many accessories for the inside or outside of the vehicle that I could go on for ages. We’d love to hear what accessories you recommend that have enriched your off-roading enjoyment
