Taking a camping trip in your own 4WD is certainly exhilarating. A weekend drive with your friends or loved ones can be extremely fun, given you pack properly and include all the necessary stuff. Well, packing might seem like an unimportant task at first glance, but it can have a huge impact on your camping trip experience.
We have all gone through the struggle of packing a vehicle. What do you take and what do you leave behind? Nobody likes the frustration of rummaging through the entire car for keys or a flashlight when really in need. Do not fret though, we are going to provide a few essential packing tips for your next 4WD camping trip.
Preplan
The first and most important step is to plan ahead on what you wish and need to include in your trip. Start by stripping your vehicle completely and spreading out the items to know what you need and don’t need on the trip. Next, assess the space available and take into consideration what everyone else wants to pack. To make the task more organized, list down everything in a notebook. Keep it simple, and only pack the essentials.
Start With a Strong Foundation
A robust foundation is essential for any structure, and the same applies when it comes to packing. If you want a good camping experience, an ideal foundation based 4WD packing is essential. Do not let the term foundation scare you as placing the heavier items at the bottom on the flat sides, and the lighter ones on top is all you need to do.
Make the Luggage Accessible
What’s the use of elaborate 4WD packing if you do not know where to find the items you need when you need them? What if you need hiking shoes or a flashlight but don’t know where you put them? As such, it is imperative to ensure you put every bag in an orderly fashion so that you can access what you need, when you need it, without unloading everything or causing a mess.
Ensure you position the bags facing the opening so as to make it easy to unzip. If you think you will get to the camping spot in the dark, make sure you fix the lights that allow you to see well.
Add a Roof Rack for More Space
If you don’t have adequate space on your four-wheel-drive, you can always attach a canvas, aluminium canopy, or a roof rack in order to increase the storage capacity. However, keep in mind that not all canopies are completely waterproof, and so, you may need to fold up the sides and windows for air ventilation and easy weather access. For more storage, consider adding drawers to your vehicle. This makes the packing and item accessibility easier and more convenient.
Secure Your Luggage
Camping trips are often adventurous, and so, it’s best to be prepared for the worst. If you intend to go off-road, load shifting and sliding may be an issue. As such, ensure you tightly strap and secure your luggage to ensure it holds firmly as you drive through the rough terrains.
With these packing tips, you should be able to enjoy your 4WD camping trip.