RESEARCH

Talk to other travellers , roadhouses or service stations about road and track conditions before setting off . Also find what mobile coverage there is ( if any ), and what help might be available if you get into strife .

If Nick had asked any of the travellers coming off the Birdsville Track , he would have heard numerous stories about flat tyres . He would have also learnt phone coverage was almost non-existent and that he needed to be prepared .

CORRECT TYRES

The key here is to always have tyres that suit the terrain . In this case , a good all-round , popular outback size is important . An allterrain light truck tyre is our preferred choice for Nick ’ s style of vehicle .

SPARE TYRE

Check your spare is in good condition before setting off . This entails having suitable tread , holding pressure , and the correct wheel rim for your vehicle . We would go so far as making sure it could be removed from its

RV FEATURE

location and that your jack , tools and base plate were in good working order .

ADDITIONAL TYRES

We like to carry a second spare for peace of mind . By carrying a correctly-sized tyre carcass for your vehicle , it can at the very least , be fitted by a tyre fitter or someone who has the tools and knowledge to change a tyre carcass on the road .

WHEEL NUTS

Ensure your hand tools are sized correctly for your wheel nuts and that they ’ re able to be undone and retightened . We ’ ve seen nuts that are ‘ frozen ’ on tight , caused by incorrectly torqued rattle guns . Not what you want to find out when you ’ re on some remote track .

INFLATION PRESSURES

Being able to measure tyre pressures and having a process that allows you to lower pressures while on the road is paramount . It ’ s our belief that a tyre with a lower pressure will roll over rocks and stones much easier , reducing the risk of puncture .

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