How to prepare an SUV for an expedition?

The success of any automobile expedition directly depends on the reliability of your transport. Competent preparation and correct tuning of an SUV is not just a whim, but an urgent necessity that will ensure your safety and cross-country ability on a difficult route. Before setting off on a long journey far from civilization, it is necessary to turn a standard car into a real expedition fighter.

Chassis and wheels are the basis of cross-country ability

The first thing to start preparing is the suspension and wheels. They take the brunt of off-roading.

• Suspension Lift: Increasing ground clearance is a must. This allows you to install larger diameter wheels and overcome more serious obstacles.
• Reinforced shock absorbers: Standard shock absorbers will not withstand prolonged loads on rough terrain.
• Mud tires: M/T (Mud-Terrain) or A/T (All-Terrain) grade rubber with strong sidewalls and a developed tread is your key to confident driving on any surface.

Protection and power equipment

In off-road conditions, contact with obstacles is inevitable. It is important to protect the vehicle's vulnerable components.

• Power bumpers : They not only protect the body, but also serve as a platform for installing a winch and additional lights.
• Underbody protection: It is necessary to cover the engine crankcase, gearbox and fuel tank with strong steel or aluminum sheets.
• Snorkel: This element allows the engine to "breathe" clean air when driving through dusty areas and safely ford water obstacles.

Expedition equipment

For complete autonomy on the road, the car must be equipped with special equipment. Install an expedition box (trunk) on the roof for transporting oversized cargo and a spare wheel. Be sure to take a winch, dynamic sling, sand trucks and a rack jack with you. Don't forget about canisters for additional fuel and water.