Our Pre-Trip Rig Prep Checklist

We run matching rigs, which means our prep list is identical and we can split the checks between us. This is the version that's evolved after a few trips where we skipped a step and paid for it later.

A week out

• Oil, coolant and brake fluid levels checked, and topped up or changed if due.
• Belts and hoses inspected for cracking — cheap to replace at home, expensive to deal with on a dirt road.
• Battery terminals cleaned and connections tightened.
• Tyres inspected for wear and sidewall damage, pressures set for the load we're carrying.

The day before

• Fuel and water topped up to full, plus spare fuel loaded if the route calls for it.
• Recovery kit checked — see our full recovery gear breakdown in Tools & Tips.
• Fridge or cooler pre-cooled overnight so it's not working overtime on day one.
• Roof rack and awning fixings checked for anything that's worked loose since the last trip.

On departure morning

• Walk-around check of lights, tyres and any obvious leaks under the rig.
• Spare key with the other rig, and a shared route plan with an estimated return time sent to someone at home.

None of this is exciting, but it's the reason our trips are about the driving and the camping, not about troubleshooting in the heat.