Skip to main content

1

Off Grid Holiday Checklist

Date Posted: 2025-04-16 00:00:00

What to Think About Before Heading Off on a Road Trip

 

There’s nothing better than packing up the rig and heading off for a few days — or weeks — of off-grid adventure. But whether you’re heading up north, out bush, or just a couple of hours from home, a bit of planning can go a long way toward making your trip safe, stress-free, and unforgettable (for all the right reasons).

Here’s our go-to Holiday Checklist — a practical guide to help you get prepared before you hit the road.

 

1. Plan & Check Your Power System

Your power setup is the heart of any off-grid trip - and just like your heart, you want it to work efficiently and not have to think about it. Whether it’s keeping your your lights on and your phone charged, or running more vital devices like a fridge or CPAP machine, you’ll want to make sure it’s all working as it should.


□ Think about what you’re running and for how long. Fridges, lighting, water pumps, appliances etc all add up — so you’ll need a battery & inverter sized to suit

□ Add in a DCDC charger to make the most of charging while driving, and consider an AC charger if you’ll have access to mains power at any point.

□ A solar setup is essential if you’re staying put for a few days. Roof-mounted or portable panels help keep your battery topped up when you aren't driving. The general "rule-of-thumb" for solar is double the amount of watts for the usable battery capacity. So, for example, for a 100ah lithium, whilst 100% of the battery capacity can be used, you'll get the longest life out of if you only use up to 80%, so in this case that is 80ah, resulting in a starting point for your solar to be around 160W at a minimum.   

Remember - Don’t leave it to the last minute! Install and test your setup at home over a long weekend or even a week to make sure everything’s working before you're out in the middle of nowhere. Keep an eye out for issues like underperforming panels, incorrect cable sizes, loose connections, or power-hungry appliances.

 

2. Pack for Practical Lighting

When the sun goes down, you’ll want more than just the stars to guide you, and in the case of an emergency situation, being able to signal from afar can be life saving. 


□  Set up LED camp lights in key areas like your cooking zone, sleeping area, and under your awning. Whilst a cooking area likely needs full powered lighting, consider dimmable options for your sleeping and awning areas. 

□ Pack a couple of head torches – they’re ideal for nighttime walks (but don't forget to take them if you go for a day-time hike just incase you get stuck!), setting up gear, or fixing something on the go (our AllSpark head torches have a built-in magnetic base, perfect for bonnet hoods or under the vehicle in case of repairs).

□ Don’t forget spares — batteries, USB chargers, or backup lights can get you out of a jam should something get lost or broken.

 

3. Be Recovery Ready

Getting stuck isn’t the worst thing that can happen… being unprepared is. The right gear (and knowing how to use it) makes all the difference.
 

□ Recovery tracks, snatch straps, shackles, and a tyre repair kit should be part of every off-road setup - venturing over a river crossing? Consider attaching your tow rope before crossing so you don't have to go for a swim should you get stuck.

□ Make sure your vehicle has rated recovery points – not just the tow ball! This can be lethal!

□ A compressor and tyre deflator are essential for adjusting pressures when driving on sand or rocky terrain.

□ A shovel is a must – use it to clear around tyres, level a jack base, or dig in recovery boards.

□ Don’t forget gloves and a jack base for added safety and control.

 

Every heard of the phrase "All the gear and no idea"? If you don't know how to recover a vehicle on your own, consider investing in a 4WD recovery course or heading out with experienced friends prior to your trip. 

 

Jason and a friend took our son, Clay, out on the beach for a recovery lesson

 

4. Don’t Forget a Jump Starter

Even the best setup can fall victim to a flat battery — especially if you’re running accessories, stopping and starting often, or if the kids leave the door ajar over night!


□  Our AllSpark jump starter is a lightweight, powerful solution that can get you back up and running in minutes - GUARANTEED to start ANY 12V engine in Australia

□ The AllSpark jump starter also doubles as a torch and power bank in an emergency.


 

5. Communication in Remote Areas

Heading into remote areas? Don’t count on having a mobile signal.

□  Satellite phones can be hired and are a great safety net if you’re going off-grid.

□ EPIRBs or personal locator beacons (PLBs) are another excellent option — especially for solo travellers or remote exploration.

□ At a minimum, let someone know your planned route and expected return — and when they should expect to hear from you.

 

6. Water and Emergency Supplies

Running out of water is one of the most dangerous situations you can face while travelling remotely.

□  Always carry more water than you think you’ll need — it’s not just for drinking, but for cooking, cleaning, and emergencies.

□ Add in a couple of Life Straws or purification tablets as backup in case of emergency.

□ Your first aid kit should be stocked, up to date, and easy to access. Double-check expiry dates before you leave.

□ Keep a stash of non-perishable, high calorie food like muesli bars, nuts, and freeze-dried meals in case you get delayed.

 

7. Final Pre-Trip Checklist

A few final checks can make the difference between a smooth trip and a stressful one.

□ Do a full vehicle check – oil, coolant, tyres (including the spare), brakes, and fluids.

□ Check wheel bearings on trailers - consider having the trailer serviced if it's been a while, there is nothing scarier than having a wheel fall off at 100km/hr!

□ Make sure all your gear is securely packed and easy to access - these canvas bags are made form high quality canvas and zips, meaning they wont break open/tear when packed in tight places or amongst heavy objects. 

□ Test pack your setup to check space, weight distribution, and ease of use - towing? Consider getting weighed to ensure you are within the legal limits and capabilities of your vehicles.

□ Charge all devices and pack the correct chargers (plus spares where possible).

□ Download offline maps or carry a printed one as backup.

 

Ready to Hit the Road?

A bit of time spent prepping now means more time relaxing later. Whether you’re travelling solo, with mates, or with the family, a solid checklist helps ensure you’ve got everything covered — from power and recovery to safety and comfort.

If you're not sure where to start with your power setup, get in touch with our team or drop by our showroom. We’re always happy to help get you road trip ready.

Back to news & Insights