If you’re hungry for an adventure that’ll take you off the beaten track and onto the roads, or rather the 4WD tracks less travelled, you’ll need a camper trailer that is up to the challenge! Unlike other imported camper trailers, JAWA hybrid campers have been modified specifically to push the boundaries of off-road exploration by allowing our customers to navigate the most rugged terrain and withstand the harsh Australian elements. Our campers give travel-lovers the peace of mind to explore far-flung destinations, whether that be the outback, national parks, forest trails or remote beaches. Australia’s landscape is diverse and can present several challenges to people wanting to experience some of the less-accessible beauty spots, so before setting out on more challenging routes, it’s important to consider whether the terrain is safe to cross. Learning which 4WD tracks your off-road camper can handle means you can visit breathtaking destinations that other people can only dream of. The trick is not to be too cautious – JAWA campers are built tough – but don’t act recklessly either!
“I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve stopped at the entry to some 4WD track and thought “Nah, I can’t take that,” only to find that my JAWA was more than capable of the road ahead,” explains John Perry, Managing Director, and Owner of JAWA Off Road Campers. “The thing is to make sure you’re using your common sense. If it’s going to be risky for a 4WD, it’s going to be risky for a 4WD towing a camper!”
Off Road Campers Built for Off Road 4WD Tracks
JAWA campers are specifically upgraded as standard for off-roading:
- Fully off-road heavy duty independent coil spring suspension with Lovell’s 4×4 heavy-duty off-road suspension system (shock absorbers and springs), Dobinson suspension upgrade (springs and shock absorbers) or Drivetech Enduro shock absorbers, dependent upon the specific model
- Heavy duty drawbar construction and cruisemaser D035 off road tow couplings
- Under body deadener to protect your chassis and drawbar
- Electric drum brakes, heavy rigid wheel bearings and high-quality automotive seals
- Mud terrain off road tyres 265/75/R16 – including the spare
- Re-sealed and tested for water and dust
- 5-year structural warranty
When you go off-road you need gear you can count on. Equipment failure can spell disaster – for your holiday plans and for your safety. That’s why JAWA Off Road Campers have invested heavily in making sure that their off-road campers are fitted out with heavy duty, quality Australian products and are ready to tackle whatever Australian outback adventure awaits.
Here’s our tips on how to tackle the more challenging 4WD tracks with your JAWA safely:
Research the Off Road Trail
We can’t stress this one enough. If you are planning to follow an off-road route, you must do your research. It’s important to pay attention to things like terrain and weather conditions. For example, some places are susceptible to flash flooding, so whilst an area may be accessible at certain times of the year, it may become dangerous or impossible to traverse at others. It’s crucial to do your homework, be prepared and have a contingency plan ready if needed. Other experienced off-roaders can be an invaluable source of knowledge about specific routes and destinations. If you don’t know anyone who has travelled the route you are considering, online forums can be a great way to chat to people who have.
Consider Creek Crossings Carefully
We advise people to always tackle each crossing like it’s the first, even if you have done it a hundred times before. Creeks and rivers are ever-changing – current flow, water levels and bank erosion mean that no two 4WD track creek crossings are ever the same. Assuming you aren’t in crocodile territory, if it’s safe to do so, walk the crossing first on foot paying special attention to dips, low spots, and holes. Your aim should be to pick the safest line and then stick to it! If the water is moving too fast, is too deep, or you do not feel confident that you can get across it safely, don’t do it!
Phone Service is Always a Positive
We rely on our phone for so much these days. Not only do we use them to stay in touch with loved ones, we also often use them to tell us how to get from one place to another. The problem is that many remote Aussie 4WD track locations have limited, patchy, or no phone service. If you plan to visit these areas, be sure to equip yourself with reliable navigation tools that don’t rely on phone services such as GPS devices and consider hiring or buying a radio so that you can make calls in the event of an emergency.
“Just remember,” John explains, “if it looks too dangerous, it’s probably too dangerous!”
