There are not many things as thrilling as going out for a camping trip, especially if you're doing so with some of the people who matter most in your life. If it's something you've done before, then you know what kind of experience you're in for, assuming you did it right in the past.
Should this be new territory for you, then strap in, and prepare to experience a ride (no pun intended) like nothing you've seen or felt before.
Of course, for it to be as exciting and fulfilling as is necessary, you need to take the right steps to prepare your 4x4. Luckily, you have the Pajero on your side, which already means you've chosen one of the best vehicles you could for the job. Nevertheless, here are a few elements you want to pay attention to before you take off.
Mechanical Evaluation
While you can handle this segment on your own if you're qualified for the task, it's always recommended that you seek out professional help in getting a mechanical evaluation done. If you have off-road aspirations in Australia, the last thing you want is to find yourself stranded in a remote location.
The best way to avoid that is to ensure that your Pajero is road ready and that there are no impending mechanical failures that could result in disaster while you are travelling. Some of the areas that need to be verified at this stage include:
- Fitting of your winch
- Checking for tire wear and pressure
- Verifying the levels of clutch fluid, brake fluid, coolant, engine oil, and fuel
- Checking that the battery is in good working order
- Ensuring no unexpected noises are coming from the engine upon start-up
- Viewing the dashboard to ensure none of the warning or danger lights are on
- Checking that all external lights and reflectors are in good working order, as well as for proper alignment of mirrors
- Ensuring that the spare tire integrity is where it should be, and that adequate changing equipment is present
These are some of the basic checks that should put you on the right path to a good time. Additionally, it doesn't hurt to ensure that the Pajero is not overloaded. Giving it a good clean is also not a bad idea. Depending on where you're headed, things may get very dusty or muddy, so it helps to start with a clean canvas.
If any of the checks reveal deficiencies, it would be in your best interest not to ignore any of them. Save yourself time and money by having issues addressed while you're located somewhere that is conducive to doing so.
Pack Your Supplies
Now that you’ve verified that your Pajero is ready for the road from a mechanical standpoint, it's time to go through your checklist of supplies. Unfortunately, even if the vehicle is fine when you take off, you never know what can happen while you're on the road, which means being prepared is non-negotiable.
Additionally, there are a few things you need that have nothing to do with your vehicle and everything to do with those going on the trip. Here are some of the recommended supplies across both categories:
- Toolkit
- Jumper cables
- Spare vehicle key kept somewhere that would be reasonably reachable if you were to be locked out of the Pajero
- Car chargers
- Power bank
- First aid kit
- Extra food and water
It's also a good time to point out that you should investigate the area you're headed to. While the items above represent a good starting point, some locations may end up imposing specific requirements that you need to meet.
4WD Knowledge
It's not immediately obvious, but driving a 4x4 in isolated environments that you do not frequently visit presents a challenge you may either be unaware of, unprepared for, or both.
Additionally, the handling of such a vehicle is not as straightforward as driving your car down the road. For reference, consider that military sectors train their 4WD drivers for no less than 16 days.
About 125 hours of this time is spent getting hands-on experience tackling various situations. Off-road driving skill development is mandatory, which means your designated driver should be as prepared as the vehicle is.
The best-case scenario would see multiple persons going on the trip having the required skill set. If this is not possible, however, for whatever reason, there needs to be at least one person present who has the necessary knowledge.
On the topic of learning, remember that conditions in Australia can vary from place to place. Therefore, it helps to get one or more books that cover survival essentials relevant to your destination and any areas of note along the route.
Final Remarks
As you prepare for your off-road trip, gearing up your Pajero is a must. It starts with taking care of the mechanical evaluation and addressing any issues that may crop up.
Next, it's essential to gather the required supplies for your vehicle and the people who will travel in it.
Having 4x4 knowledge may not be a part of preparing your vehicle, but doing so is critical to preparing your driver to handle the trip effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Why Is the Pajero Suited for Off-road Use?
Through a long history of development and multiple models, the Pajero has consistently proven itself as one of the most reliable in its class, which is great news when you're travelling to an isolated environment where mechanical assistance and supplies may not be available.
- Is a 4x4 Necessary in Australia
You don't need a 4x4 in Australia, but if you want to explore some of the more incredible and wild areas, having low-range gearing is almost.
- Is There a Known Downside to the Pajero?
As reliable and recommended as Pajeros are, the lack of safety tech elements such as AEB, that can be found in cheaper vehicles is a downside.
