Stock 4×4 Off-Road: Beginner’s Guide
If you have a stock four wheel drive or just picked up a brand new 4×4 straight from the dealer, this is for you. There are plenty of restrictions, rules and new people getting into the hobby, so here are practical tips to keep your vehicle safe, know what to bring, what to avoid and the only mod worth doing first. The aim is simple: get out, have fun and preserve your vehicle.
Before You Head Out
Always go with someone else when you are taking a stock 4×4 off-road. If something goes wrong you want experienced help nearby. There is no substitute for hands on four wheel drive training. If you cannot get formal training, the tips below will give you confidence and reduce the chance of damage or getting stranded.
Know Your 4WD System
Read the user manual. Seriously. Every vehicle is different.
- On many modern automatics you must put the transmission in neutral before switching from four high to four low.
- On manuals it is usually easier to engage low range.
- Some vehicles have manual locking hubs on the outside and others do not.
- Low range often disables stability control, traction control and sometimes parking sensors. If your vehicle’s parking sensors remain on they will beep constantly in low range unless you switch them off.
Learn the exact procedure for your vehicle on the road first so there are no surprises on the track.
Tyres: The Most Important Part
Your tyres are the first part of your suspension. They absorb the initial hits before anything reaches your shocks and chassis. Picking the right tyres and running the correct pressures will make the biggest difference to capability and durability.
Tyre types and sidewall strength
- Highway Terrain (HT) tyres are fine for gravel roads, the beach when careful and general travel. They typically have weaker sidewalls and lower ply ratings. They will puncture more easily on stoney, stakey country.
- All Terrain (AT) tyres are a compromise, stronger than highways and good for mixed tracks.
- Mud Terrain (MT) tyres have stronger sidewalls and more plies. Many mud tyres are around 10 ply and handle rough country much better.
Example ply figures from testing: a highway tyre on one of my vehicles had around seven ply. A typical mud terrain can be around ten ply which makes a big difference on rough tracks.
Why tyre pressure matters
Over inflated tyres try to keep their shape. That makes them more likely to puncture when they hit a sharp stick or rock. In testing a highway tyre at 40 psi popped quickly when it met a stick. Lower the pressure and the tyre balloons, deforms around obstacles and is far less likely to puncture.
Lowering tyre pressure does two important things:
- It increases the length of the footprint so the tyre has more contact area and is less likely to sink on sand.
- It reduces the chance of punctures because the tyre can deform around obstacles instead of forcing a rigid shape.
Practical pressure numbers
- Start around 20 psi if you have highway terrain tyres and you are new to off roading.
- If you have larger rims and tyres you may need to experiment. For example, on 18 inch rims with highway tyres 18 psi worked well on loose sand.
- On beaches with mud tyres: around 14 psi.
- Do not be scared to go below 12 psi in soft sand if needed, but know your tyre and rim limits.
Understanding Your Vehicle Limits
Know the approach angle, ramp over angle and departure angle of your vehicle. The only safe way to learn these limits is to test the vehicle on forgiving terrain such as sand, not on hard logs or rocks. Use soft sand to find out how far you can tilt or climb before you make contact.
Be careful with sidesteps and cosmetic steps on the body. Those steps are mainly for getting in and out of the vehicle and can bend if used as recovery protection.
At the rear, fit a tow bar or factory tow assembly if possible. A tow bar or dedicated recovery point protects the body when you contact the rear on steep climbs. Replace factory tow balls with rated recovery points and use soft shackles or shackles rated for recovery. Do not rely on factory tie down points for recoveries.
Essential Gear for a Stock 4×4
There are two absolute must haves and several highly recommended items.
- Shovel or spade for digging yourself or others out.
- UHF radio for communication (in Australia UHF is standard for convoys so everyone can coordinate recoveries and guide vehicles over obstacles). A handheld UHF is fine to start with and portable around camp.
- Tyre deflator and tyre pressure gauge. Cheap gauges are invaluable so you know what pressure you actually have.
- Air compressor for reinflating tyres to highway pressure. Small portable units work; they take time but get the job done.
- MaxTrax or other recovery boards if you like to get out on your own. They are one of the cheapest self recovery devices compared to a winch and work well on sand and mud.
- Soft shackles and rated recovery points for safe recovery attachments.
- Self recovery kit such as a hand winch or traction boards if you often travel solo.
- First aid kit in the vehicle at all times.
- Cooler bag or esky for food and drinks on day trips and longer journeys.
Starter kit picks (our recommended basics)
Kinetic Recovery Strap
Gentle stretch for safer extractions in sand/mud.
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Soft Shackles (x2–3)
Light, strong connectors; kinder to gear than steel.
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Tyre Deflator & Gauge
Accurate pressures = traction + fewer punctures.
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Portable Air Compressor
Air back up for the highway after trail deflation.
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Heavy-Duty Gloves
Protect hands during digging and recoveries.
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Folding Recovery Shovel
Dig ramps, clear mud, and seat traction boards.
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Compact First-Aid Kit
Non-negotiable safety for every trip.
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Rechargeable Headlamps
Hands-free light for night fixes and camp.
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The One Mod You Should Consider First
If you are going to modify anything first, change the tyres. Swap from highway terrain to all terrain or mud terrain tyres. Good AT or MT tyres make a huge difference in control, protection and capability.
If your vehicle came with large 19 inch rims, consider selling them and buying smaller 17 or 18 inch rims with larger sidewall tyres. More sidewall equals better off road performance and protection. If you plan to keep it stock for now you can still get out and have fun, but tyres are by far the highest impact upgrade.
What to Avoid in a Stock 4×4
- River crossings deeper than the rim height: Do not attempt water deeper than the rim. Stock breathers on differentials and the gearbox sit low and can ingest water. Water mixing with oil leads to expensive and dangerous damage.
- Remote outback travel without prep: Stock tyres, low clearance and plastic bumpers are not ideal for serious remote travel. A kangaroo strike at highway speeds can destroy radiators and intercoolers on a stock bumper. Prepare properly before attempting long remote trips.
- Gnarly rutted muddy hills (especially with rain): Rutted tracks become slippery fast. Highway and some all terrain tyres clog or lose grip in slippery mud. Even large V8 cruisers and patrols can slide. Avoid these hills if there is any chance of moisture.
Where to Learn and Practice
Find a local 4WD park or a controlled area with a range of obstacles. A place that offers easy through to extreme tracks is ideal so you can pick and choose challenges and slowly build confidence. Practising on sand dunes, beaches and gentle tracks lets you learn tyre pressures, approach angles and recovery techniques in a safer environment.
Final Tips
- Build confidence gradually. Stock 4x4s are often more capable than you expect if driven correctly.
- Travel with friends on your first outings and learn from experienced drivers.
- Keep gear simple and effective. A shovel and a radio will solve far more problems than fancy but unused equipment.
- Respect the tracks. Lowering tyre pressure helps preserve route quality for the next people who come along.
Get out, have fun and be safe. If you have tips for beginners share them with your mates and pass on good practices so we all enjoy the tracks responsibly.
