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Planning a trip through Australia’s remote tracks, outback regions and challenging off-road terrain requires more than choosing a vehicle with four-wheel drive. You need enough room for camping equipment, reliable performance on rough surfaces and the ability to carry essential supplies without exceeding your vehicle’s weight limits. This is where the choice between a 4×4 truck and a conventional 4WD becomes important.
Both types of vehicle are capable of handling the rigours of touring, but they have very different strengths. The 4×4 truck will generally have the greater carrying capacity and the flexibility to accommodate a more specialist touring rig; the traditional 4WD wagon, on the other hand, will have the passenger comfort, the enclosed storage and the day-to-day practicality.
The right vehicle for you will depend on your own individual travel plans, the number of passengers you’re likely to be taking with you, the equipment you’re going to be carrying and the terrain you’re likely to be encountering. It’s all down to what your remote touring requirements are and what vehicle best supports those.
Before you go any further and start comparing their touring capabilities, it’s worth understanding what actually differentiates these vehicles. The terms ‘4×4 truck’ and ‘4WD’ are often used as synonyms, but they don’t necessarily refer to the same thing at all.
A 4×4 truck generally refers to a four-wheel-drive utility truck or ute designed to carry heavier loads. It has a single cab, an extra cab or a dual cab and will have a separate tray which can be used for equipment, storage systems and touring gear. Depending on the model you’re looking at, you can then go on to customise the rear with a canopy, a service body or a range of other camping-type set-ups.
A ‘conventional’ 4WD is generally a 4×4 wagon or SUV. They have a proper cabin and boot, so they are ideal for the family or the person who likes to have all their storage in one place. The Toyota Land Cruiser, the Ford Everest and the Isuzu MU-X are all examples of this type of vehicle.
Both can provide the low range gearing, off road traction and ground clearance that you need for a tough track. The difference can be in their capacity, their interior space and their practicality for touring.
Payload is by far the most important consideration when you’re planning a trip away from the populated areas. Your vehicle has to carry the passengers, the fuel, the water, the food, the recovery gear, the camping gear and any accessories you’ve got installed prior to departure.
A 4×4 truck or ute generally offers greater payload capacity than a comparable 4WD wagon. The rear tray carries around bulky equipment. The load-carrying nature of the vehicle means it can be used in a more touring capacity.
You can fit in a canopy, storage drawers, fridge slides and an auxiliary battery system all without ever having to use the passenger compartment. It also enables you to organise your equipment in accordance with how often you need it on a journey.
For those carrying recovery boards, spares, camping gear and extra water, this extra carrying flexibility can make a real difference.
A standard 4WD wagon has a useful amount of boot space, but that payload capacity can quickly become an issue when you start adding on all the various bits and pieces. Bullbars, winches, roof racks, long-range fuel tanks and drawer systems all add to the weight.
Passengers and luggage will of course further reduce the remaining capacity. A vehicle that looks very roomy on the inside may in fact have very little capacity left over for any additional touring gear.
Neither vehicle should be loaded beyond its manufacturer’s load limits. Check the Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM), axle ratings and the Gross Combination Mass (GCM) if you’re towing. A higher advertised towing capacity doesn’t necessarily mean you can tow that weight with a vehicle that’s fully loaded.
Storage is another area where the differences become obvious, especially when you’re out for a few days without access to shops or regular accommodation.
A truck with a separate rear tray gives you far more freedom in terms of how you can arrange your storage to meet your individual travel requirements. You can fit an aluminium canopy on to protect your kit from the elements and dust, install drawers for your smaller bits and bobs or create specific compartments for your recovery gear and tools.
A well-thought-out setup can also incorporate a portable fridge, cooking gear, spare fuel and water stores. It’s much easier to access the essential supplies if you keep them separate from the passenger cabin.
However, an open tray requires some form of protection. Without a properly fitted canopy or cover, your gear is going to be exposed to the elements (rain, dust, etc.) and vulnerable to theft. You’ll also need to bear in mind the impact of the canopy on vehicle weight and available payload.
A 4WD wagon gives you an enclosed boot area which will keep your luggage and gear dry from the elements. This is very useful if you’re touring with children or have some fairly valuable personal possessions to protect.
The principal constraint is that passengers and camping gear all share the same general area. If you fit in a fridge, some drawers and the like, the space available can become quite limited.
For short trips or touring with minimal kit, a wagon’s built-in storage is often the more convenient option. For longer trips where you’re likely to be carrying specialist kit, a truck is obviously going to be the more flexible option.
Choosing between these vehicles shouldn’t be down to payload capacity alone. Getting to remote bits of Australia can involve rocky tracks, sandy sections, mud, steep ascents and all sorts of uneven ground.
A properly equipped 4×4 will cope with the toughest off-road conditions (rightly so, it has the right ground clearance, the right tyres, the right suspension and the right traction). The problem with it is that its longer wheelbase and its long rear overhang can be a bit of a problem on sharp departures, on uneven ridges and on tight tracks.
A 4WD wagon can have the advantage in such circumstances. Its shorter overall length and potentially better approach, departure and ramp-over angles will see it get through the technical bits more easily. Suspension articulation and vehicle dimensions will also have a bearing on how well it can maintain grip over the undulations of the ground.
Neither vehicle automatically wins in every off-road comparison. A well-equipped ute can be a very capable machine on remote tracks, whereas a capable wagon can be a bit of a disappointment if it’s loaded down or has the wrong tyres.
The driver, the vehicle and the condition of the track all have an effect on performance. Don’t just go on the off-road figures that are quoted for the vehicle; think about the terrain you’re going to be in before you pick either option.
Remote touring will invariably involve several hours in the car, often over corrugated roads and over uneven gravel. Ride quality is absolutely critical when you’re doing long distances with passengers.
A traditional 4WD wagon will generally offer a more comfortable passenger experience. Many will have independent rear coil suspension, supportive seating and a fairly quiet cabin. The rear passengers are also well looked after with dedicated seating, climate control and easy access to their own things.
A 4×4 will tend to feel firmer, especially if it has a rear suspension set up for carrying heavy loads. Some of the utility vehicles will have leaf spring rear suspension, which will be a bit harsh in the ride when the tray’s light.
However, suspension upgrades can improve both comfort and handling, provided they’re matched to the actual touring weight of the vehicle. The objective is to get a sensible compromise between load carrying capacity, suspension performance and passenger comfort.
If you’re travelling with family, then a wagon may well be the more sensible option. For couples, solo travellers or people who are primarily concerned with equipment capacity, a properly configured truck can be well worth the trade-off.
Fuel availability is a major consideration when you’re travelling through the remote bits of Australia. Some places simply don’t have the option of refuelling, so fuel range and consumption become very important indeed when you’re selecting a vehicle.
Both the 4×4 trucks and the conventional 4WD wagons are available with diesel engines and long-range fuel tanks. Your actual range will of course vary depending on the engine, the conditions you’re driving in, the load on the vehicle, the tyres you’ve got and whether or not you’re towing.
A very heavy truck with a canopy, camping gear and all the extras on board will probably use more fuel than you’d expect. So too will a wagon towing a caravan or one which is full of passengers.
The benefit of a truck in terms of a self-sufficient touring rig is its flexibility. Depending on the truck and the kit you have, you can easily add in extra fuel capacity, extra water tanks and auxiliary power.
A dual battery setup can also be used to power the fridge, the lights and any other electrical accessories without unduly taxing the starting battery. That’s particularly useful when you’re out camping and there’s no power available.
Before you set off, calculate your likely fuel requirements and establish where you can refuel. Never assume that the advertised fuel range will be the same under the conditions of heavy touring.
If you’re remote touring in a camper trailer, caravan or boat, then towing capability absolutely needs to be considered.
A 4×4 can be a great towing platform, particularly if you’re looking to take a bit of equipment in the rear tray. The flexibility of the load carrying is a real advantage for the traveller who wants to bring their camping gear along without necessarily filling the passenger cabin up.
However, a longer rear overhang can have an effect on towing stability; it all depends on the vehicle in question and the position of the towbar. Correct weight distribution and appropriate suspension are a must.
A 4WD wagon can also be a very capable towing vehicle. Its shorter rear overhang and passenger-focused design can make it a comfortable option for families travelling with a caravan. Some of the larger wagons on the market have quite high towing capacities; of course, you still have to factor in the available payload to take account of the passengers, the accessories and the luggage.
Whichever vehicle you go for, check its towing capacity, GVM, GCM and individual axle ratings. You need to look at the total weight of the vehicle, trailer, passengers and equipment rather than just one of the ratings.
The right bits and pieces can make either vehicle far more practical for long off-road trips. The mods should be aimed at meeting real travel requirements rather than just adding bits of kit.
A good suspension setup will help to maintain the stability, handling and ride comfort of the vehicle when carrying the additional touring gear. A robust suspension may be the right choice for a truck that’s going to be carrying a canopy and storage system, whereas a wagon will probably be better off with suspension appropriate to its accessory weight and normal load.
Bullbars provide a point of attachment for a range of accessories and can also offer an extra degree of front-end protection. Recovery points, rated recovery equipment and appropriate tyres are all important when you’re out in the wild and travelling over difficult ground. Ensure that all your recovery gear is compatible with your vehicle and is used in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
A dual battery system provides an additional power source for your touring gear (fridges, camping lights and a number of the electronic accessories). It comes in really handy if you’re going to be out for multiple nights away from a powered site.
For the 4x4s, a good canopy can turn the rear tray into a proper touring space. Add in the drawers, the fridge slides and the various compartments and you’ve got a very practical way of keeping your gear protected and at hand.
Wagon owners can get a similar degree of organisation through the use of cargo drawers, storage barriers and dedicated equipment mounts. These, of course, do need to be selected carefully, as there’s a danger they’ll end up reducing your available payload.
Sharp 4×4 provides 4WD accessories and touring solutions to help owners get their vehicles ready for the tough conditions that they may encounter. The right mix of equipment and a full consideration of the vehicle as a whole will go a long way to maximising the return on your touring investment.
Yes, provided its payload, suspension, fuel range and storage setup meet the demands of your route, equipment and passengers.
Often, thanks to its comfortable cabin, enclosed cargo space and family-friendly seating.
Check payload, fuel range, terrain, passengers and accessory weight before deciding.
Yes, you can improve a 4WD for remote touring with suitable suspension, tyres, recovery equipment, storage and auxiliary power upgrades.Â
A 4×4 is often the way to go if you’re after payload, equipment storage and the flexibility that comes with it. The fact that it has a separate tray makes it much easier to set up a proper touring rig, especially if you’re doing a long expedition and are likely to be carrying around a lot of supplies, recovery gear and auxiliary power.
A conventional 4WD wagon is generally the vehicle of choice for families and people who are looking for a vehicle that’s all about passenger comfort, enclosed storage and general usability. It can also offer very good off-road ability without any need for any major mods.
Your decision should be based on how you intend to travel. If you’re going to be spending a lot of time in remote areas and you’re going to be taking a lot of kit with you and setting up a fully self-sufficient camp, then a 4×4 is definitely something you should consider. If you’re primarily going to be travelling with the family, towing a caravan and wanting a reasonably comfortable cabin, then a wagon is probably the way to go.
Whatever platform you end up going for, preparation is just as important as the platform itself. You need to pay attention to payload, suspension, tyres, fuel range and recovery gear before you go into the unknown.
For help in getting your vehicle sorted for your next Aussie adventure, check out the range of 4WD accessories available at Sharp 4×4 and select the gear that best meets your requirements for remote touring.
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