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Good news – warmer weather is right around the corner. That means it’s almost time for the 4-B’s: beers, BBQs, beaches and, of course, boats. From spring onwards, as the weather firmly entrenches itself in the 20s and higher, you’re going to want to take every opportunity to hit the water, but the last thing you want to have to worry about is gear prep!

That’s why we reckon getting all your boating gear prepped, serviced and ready to use as early in spring as possible is the way to go – and one of the biggest and most time consuming jobs in getting prepped to head out, is ensuring your trailer is serviced, setup and ready to go. Here’s everything you need to know from trailer light wiring to boat trailer parts to ensure your boat trailer is ready for the summer!

Get Set Up For Boating Season

Choosing the Right Trailer System for your Boat

First up, if you’re in the market for a new trailer, you’ll want to ensure you’re getting the right trailer for your boat. There’s a few different options available, from basic rollers to skids. Here’s a quick rundown on each, and what type of boat they’re best suited to:

Rollers 

This system is versatile and good for most boats. In a nutshell, they allow you to roll the boat off the trailer. ARK has a range of rollers that’ll suit your needs. The three main types of roller style trailers are:

  • Wobble Rollers – Ideal for fibreglass hulled boats 
  • Roller Bunks – Ideal for smaller boats, and sit-on Jetskis
  • Keel Rollers – Using soft poly, hard poly or rubber rollers, these are suitable for both fibreglass and aluminium boats. 

Skids

Skids are generally made from either teflon or carpet, and you will use one or the other depending on what your boat’s hull is constructed from.

  • Carpet Skids – Ideal for fibreglass hulled boats
  • Teflon Skids – Ideal for aluminium hulled boats (May scratch fibreglass hulled boats)

Effective Trailer Light Wiring

When it comes to effectively wiring your trailer up, we firmly believe that keeping it as simple as possible is the best idea. This is because it makes servicing and repairing much easier down the track.

One fantastic option when it comes to effectively wiring your boat trailer is to use something like ARK’s Ezi-connect Boat Trailer Harness. This harness is a complete boat trailer wiring solution that’s suitable for trailers hauling both jetskis and boats up to 16ft- or as big as 21ft with an extension part. The best part about this harness is the ease with which it can be used – there’s no cutting, stripping, splicing, crimping or heat shrinking required!

When it comes to lights for your trailer, LED’s are really the only way to go these days. ARK’s LED trailer lights are high quality and feature a heavy duty construction for top notch durability.

Rust Prevention

Rust and corrosion are the natural enemies of boating, and particularly boating trailers. There’s two elements to rust and corrosion on your boat trailer: prevention, and treatment.

Your first goal should be preventing rust from ever gaining a foothold. There are three main elements that you’ll want to consider when preventing rust and corrosion:

  • Rust Resistant Coating: A coating of fish oil or lanolin can go a long way to ensuring rust and corrosion can never get a foothold on your trailer.
  • Fresh water hose down: It’s important once you’ve taken your boat and trailer out, that you give them both a comprehensive wash with fresh water, after EVERY use, to ensure there’s no pockets of salty residue on your trailer. 
  • Storage: You’ll want to ensure that you store your trailer in a dry place, well away from any adverse weather. This is especially important if you live near the coast, as salt spray can be a real issue.

Secondly, if your trailer already has a bit of rust and corrosion, you’ll want to be doing everything you can to ensure that corrosion doesn’t spread. Two things you can do to help prevent corrosion spreading are:

  • Hose down: Again, do so comprehensively with fresh water after EVERY use. This will ensure that there’s no salty residue to assist corrosion spreading.
  • Treat the affected area: Using a wire brush get rid of as much of the rust and corrosion as possible, and then apply a rust and corrosion treatment, before finally repainting the trailer with corrosion and rust resistant paint.
Rust Prevention and Trailer Care

Brake Adjustments

It goes without saying that your trailer’s brakes are an important part of safe towing, and ensuring they’re operating correctly is paramount. Here’s a quick three-step guide to checking and adjusting your trailer brakes:

  1. Remove the brake cover: usually made from plastic or rubber, the cover will need to be removed to access the brake chamber and adjustment wheel.
  2. Tighten the adjustment wheel: You can do this with a flat head screwdriver, or a specialist brake spook or adjustment tool. You’ll need to turn the star wheel adjuster one click at a time, spinning the wheel between each click to ensure it spins freely. 
  3. Stop when the wheel begins to drag: Once the wheel becomes difficult to turn, top tightening the adjuster. The tyre should spin freely, but still slightly drag.

Trailer Wheel Bearings

Your trailer’s wheel bearings may be small, but they carry the entire load of both your trailer and your boat, and are one part that you most certainly do not want to fail you. A failed wheel bearing will literally see the wheel fall off your trailer, and can cause significant damage to both the trailer and your boat. Boat trailers especially suffer from trailer bearing wear and tear due to the fact that the bearings are regularly submerged in water (often corrosive salt water).

Some people suggest checking your trailer’s wheel bearings every three months, but for boat trailer’s, we’d suggest doing so more frequently – one a month during high use periods would be ideal.

The good news is that checking your wheel bearing is a relatively quick and painless exercise.

  1. Jack up one side of your trailer so the tyre is off the ground
  2. Grab the tyre with both hands (at the 10 O’Clock and 2 O’Clock positions)
  3. Shake the wheel and feel for any movement or rattle
  4. Spin the wheel, and listen for any rumbling sound
  5. Repeat on the other wheel

Another quick way to check that your wheel bearings are in good health is to feel the wheel hub after you’ve been driving for 15-20mins. If the wheel hub is warm, then that could be an indication that there’s an issue and you should investigate further.

Where to go for more information?

Ark are the proven experts when it comes to boat trailer parts and accessories.. They’ve been leaders in trailer parts, towing gear and 4WD accessories for over 40 years, are 100% Australian owned and independent.

Get in touch with our expert team of boaters and 4WDers if you need more information about your boat trailer!

ARK Corporation Towing Experts


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Bumpy rides, adventurous trails, off-road tracks, and unbeatable views. There’s just something about 4WD trips that simply can’t be matched by anything else. Plus, for those of us living in or visiting New South Wales, we’re in for a treat with all the spoils of off-roading adventure right in our own backyard!

If you’re itching to conquer the rugged terrain of NSW, consider yourself in for a wild ride. From untouched sandy beaches that’ll have you feeling like you’ve stumbled upon an oasis, to rainforest tracks that’ll push your skills to the limit, NSW is an off-road paradise just waiting to be discovered. Buckle up, because here are our top picks for the most epic 4×4 adventures you can tackle in NSW.

Exploring Barrington Tops National Park: A 4×4 Paradise

Barrington Tops National Park is located in the Northern Tablelands region of New South Wales, Australia. It’s the perfect place for an adventurous drive through some of Australia’s most beautiful scenery.

The park offers a variety of activities and trails including hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, and camping (you’ll need to book ahead). There are also two lookouts where you can enjoy stunning views over Barrington Tops National Park or even see koalas!

The best way to get there is via a 4×4 vehicle as some sections of the road are unsealed. Your drive shouldn’t take more than 90 minutes from Port Macquarie or Murwillumbah with one stop along the way at Mount Warrigal lookout point, where there are toilets available. Make sure you bring plenty of water with you if planning on doing this trip during the summer months when temperatures can reach 40 degrees Celsius!

A key point to remember when traversing the expanse of Barrington Tops National Park is its combination of roads and trails. While the roads can accommodate easier skills with 2WD vehicles, the trails are reserved for 4WDs and call for a moderate to advanced skill set. It’s important to watch out for mountain bikers and bushwalkers, as the trails are shared.

If you’re looking for somewhere special, try camping out under starry skies at one of 3 designated campsites within this area:

  • Gloucester River campground includes 30 campsites and caters to tents, trailers, caravans, and vehicle-side camping;
  • Junction Pools campground is a beautiful, secluded area that houses only 5 campsites, and is only accessible by a 4WD trail;
  • Polblue campground is a spacious and relaxing camping area that’s perfect for caravans and vehicle-side camping setups. With 45 campsites available, you’ll be spoilt for choice here.

Be sure to book your campsite ahead of time and bring your own tent, sleeping gear, and other necessities.

barraba national park

Barraba Track & Mount Kaputar National Park

Located amongst volcanic mountains in Northern NSW near the towns of Barraba and Narrabri is one of NSW’s best-kept secrets, Mount Kaputar National Park. This National Park is a sensational high-altitude destination with some of the greatest views in the state.

The park offers many different 4×4 tracks, including the Barraba Track. This track is a great way to get a taste of what it’s like to drive through rugged terrain with options for mountain biking and bushwalking. It’s also possible for you to drive through Mount Kaputar National Park on your way from Barraba to Dungowan, although this area isn’t recommended for inexperienced drivers or those who don’t have moderate to high 4WD skills.

The Barraba Track is a one-way 8km stretch of beautiful bushland, various rocky terrains, steep climbs, and narrow shoulders. Twist and turn your way through the track while taking in spectacular views of the volcanic mountains.

Bookings are essential for entry, as well as a 4WD driving permit for $10 per vehicle. The track is restricted to 8 4WDs per week in order to preserve the site and ensure optimal safety for all drivers. Barraba Track is accessible to most 4WDs and skill levels and is possibly the best way to ascend to the top of Mount Kaputar at its height of roughly 1500m above sea level. Be prepared for incredible views from this vantage point!

The best campsite once you’ve traversed the track is Dawson’s Spring. Enjoy fully equipped accommodation with a variety of BBQ options, walking tracks, picnic spots, and more.

4x4 stockon beach

Tackling Stockton Beach: NSW’s Iconic 4WD Playground

Stockton Beach needs no introduction. It’s been a mainstay of 4×4 adventures in NSW for decades and is the perfect summer adventure destination for those looking for the ultimate weekend away.

Located in the Worimi Conservation Lands north of Newcastle, and accessible from Williamtown in the south or Anna Bay in the north, Stockton Beach offers an expansive 19km of beachfront for sand-driving action. You’ll of course need to obtain a beach driving permit before heading there. This also allows you to test your 4×4’s sand driving capabilities in the Recreational Vehicle Area where you’ll discover some of the best dune driving you can experience in NSW.

The terrain here varies from soft sand to rocky outcrops along with some steep climbs that offer some challenging obstacles for drivers looking for an adventure. The best time to tackle Stockton Beach’s 4×4 tracks is during low tide when you can explore all parts of the beach without getting stuck in soft sand or missing any hidden gems.

To ensure you make the most of your time away, it’s crucial that you’re carrying a comprehensive range of recovery gear. When it comes to winching heavy loads or when you’re really stuck in the sand or mud, having a Snatch Block readily available will go a long way – this item is one of the most versatile tools to have in your recovery kit.

man at lookout watagans

Watagans National Park: Off-Road Thrills Amidst Nature’s Beauty

Located on the beautiful Central Coast of NSW, Watagans National Park is known to be one of the most challenging and exciting 4×4 tracks in NSW, and for good reason: it doesn’t matter how modified your 4WD is or how experienced you are beyond the wheel, there’s a track that will suit you – everything from mild to wild.

Some of our favourite 4×4 tracks in the park include:

  • Watagan Forest Road: An easy skill-level track, this scenic route offers plenty of room and flat terrain to take things at your own pace while getting to enjoy the views. Running from the Hunter Valley’s Cooranbong down to Jilliby on the Central Coast, this track also has lots of fun 4×4 tracks branching away from the main.
  • Creek Road: A moderate skill-level track, Creek Road takes things up a notch with some more difficult terrain and 4×4 climbs. Come prepared for a few slippery ascends, ruts, and rock steps. This track is conveniently located near some of Watagans’ best campsites, so it’s a great option for those comfortable behind the wheel.
  • CPT 80 Road: Things start to heat up with this hard skill-level track. Get ready for big ruts, rocky steps up and down, and large puddles scattered throughout. You’ll want to bring a good winch for this track to get you through the bog holes and assist with the advanced climb out.
  • Daniels Point Road: Now for the big guns, Daniels Point Road is only for those with advanced skill levels under their belts. This treacherous yet exhilarating track is known for its extreme ruts, deep bog holes, and wild climbs. Ensure you bring all the best gear for this trip, along with a team of experienced 4×4 drivers!

Watagans National Park also features several campgrounds that are easily accessible, including the Bangalow and Gap Creek campgrounds, both offering BBQS, fire rings and amenities. For those looking to tap further into their adventurous side, there are lots of scenic lookouts, bushwalking, and mountain bike tracks waiting to be explored.

4x4 adventuring yalwal

Yalwal: Explore Historic Trails

Located south of Sydney and within a stone’s throw of the South Coast town of Nowra, Yalwal is home to one of the most adventurous tracks in the country, Monkey Gum Fire Trial.

With a range of iconic 4WD tracks, Monkey Gum is definitely a destination worth a visit. The exciting trail winds its way through the forest, up and down hills, and across streams. It’s not an easy track by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s certainly worth taking on if you’re looking for a challenge.

Make your way up the mountain and take advantage of a whole network of challenging and technical courses. The steep ascents and descents, sharp bends, river crossings, and plenty of rocky terrain will test even the most experienced drivers. But if you have time for only one track in Yalwal then this should be it!

We recommend carrying an electric winch to ensure you can get yourself out of any situation you may find yourself in along Monkey Gum.

The best time to visit Yalwal is during summer (December–February), when temperatures are warmer and rainfall is lower than in other seasons.

Coffs Harbour: Scenic 4×4 Trails to Remember

If you’re looking for an adventure that will take your breath away, Coffs Harbour is the place to be. Nestled on Australia’s North Coast and surrounded by lush rainforest, this coastal city offers some of the best 4×4 tracks in NSW.

Tracks in Coffs Harbour range from easy drives through forest roads to extreme skill-based treks through rough terrain. Whichever route you take, you’ll want to bring along a good GPS system, as the many trails weave and wind their way all over the region – which can quickly turn into a maze if you’re not familiar with the area.

Take your trusty 4WD through tracks like Perseverance, Rocky, and Commando (all very aptly named due to their hardcore natures). Or, if you’re feeling like a more relaxed and scenic cruise, head down to the beaches for a picture-perfect drive along a pristine coastline. If you’re planning on doing any beach driving, though, be sure to check the Coffs Harbour beach driving regulations first.

Along with essential equipment and 4×4 recovery gear, you’ll want to bring plenty of space on your camera roll for any and all of the incredible Coffs Harbour tracks. From white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters to sparkling waterfalls and lush rainforests, there’s no shortage of beautiful scenery to enjoy in this iconic 4×4 NSW hotspot. Check out our tips on camping and equipment ideal for Coffs Harbour tracks.

Safety Tips and Preparations for Conquering NSW’s 4×4 Trails

It’s important to be prepared for any situation, especially if you’re planning on those more challenging 4×4 tracks. At Ark, we’re all about safety first, so here are some recovery tips and tricks that will help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip:

  • Always carry a tow rope or snatch strap with at least 100 feet of recovery line ( preferably more).
  • A winch is also an essential piece of equipment when traversing difficult terrain where getting stuck could happen at any moment. If you’re going through really rough terrain, an electric winch is your best bet.
  • Make sure your vehicle has sufficient ground clearance for the track you plan on driving on – you don’t want stuff getting caught under the chassis!
  • Roll down your windows if you’re in dangerous territory. If your vehicle collides with a tree or rolls, this will help to prevent injuries from shattered glass.
  • Always walk the track you’re venturing down first to test for unstable rocks. Oftentimes a patch of ground that looks safe from a distance actually consists of uneven rock that can shift and slide when driving over it.
  • Bring sandbags or other ballast weights if possible so that if one tire does get stuck, it won’t pull out all four tires simultaneously. This can also help to prevent rollover accidents from occurring due to sudden weight shifts when stopping suddenly.
  • Make sure your vehicle has a good high-torque starter motor and battery, as well as an auxiliary power source (generator or solar panel) that can power the winch. If possible, bring extra batteries to recharge with so that you don’t have to worry about what happens if you get stuck for more than one day.
  • Consider investing in a portable power system for longer trips, as this provides an inbuilt AC-DC and DC-DC charger and can power up anything from your fridge to your vehicle battery.

At ARK, we Live & Breathe the Off-Road Life

For the team at ARK, exploring the country in a 4×4 and a camper trailer isn’t just a job, it’s a lifestyle. Not only do we have all the gear you need to ensure your time on the tracks is trouble-free, but we also do all our own real-world testing.

We’ve been in the 4×4 industry for over 40 years and are Australia’s largest 4×4 retailer, with a team of over 200 dedicated staff. We’re often venturing out across the country to discover new and exciting trails at all levels of difficulty, during which we use our own trusted gear for optimal results and safety. When it comes to getting out on the trails and exploring new places there is no better gear you can equip yourself with than ARK!


Shop our huge range of 4×4 off-roading essentials to prepare yourself for the ride of a lifetime.

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Aussies love nothing more than loading up their 4WD and heading off the beaten track to explore some of the more remote spots that this diverse and varied country has to offer. Whether you’re looking at tackling the Red Centre, the tropical north, the southern highlands or any one of the myriad pristine beaches our coastline has to offer, there’s nothing like exploring the country off-road.

If you’re looking at getting off the beaten path, a camper trailer is the ultimate home-away-from-home however, there are a few accessories that’ll make your trip both safer, and more comfortable. Take a look out at our recommended must-have accessories for your next trip!

Off-Road Capable Jockey Wheels

If you’re planning to explore the more remote regions of the country and expecting to camp at remote and rugged campsites that are only accessible to 4WDs and off-road caravans, then you’ll need a jockey wheel to suit. An off-road specific jockey wheel, such as the XO Series, are specifically designed to handle anything the Aussie bush can throw at it. They’re super tough, but they’re also highly versatile with multiple height options, a highly maneuverable trailing yoke design, different yoke locking positions and are available in many sizes, weight ratings and cover most of the styles mentioned above. 

Battery Box  

A battery box is one of the easiest ways to ensure you have ample power for your campsite. Even if you have a dual battery already setup in your 4WD or tow vehicle, having a battery box specifically for your camper trailer is a smart idea, especially if you plan to be off the grid at remote locations for extended periods. ArkPak is the ultimate battery box on offer, and is the only one on the market that has a built-in AC-DC and DC-DC charger. ArkPak also features a 300Watt modified sine inverter, a 5V USB 2.1 amp socket, 2x 12V accessory sockets, a 50A Anderson Socket, external battery terminals and much more, making it the ideal power solution for your camper trailer. All you need to supply is a battery and you’re good to go!

Ark pak offroad accessory

Corner Steadies

A corner steady jack such as the XO Corner Steadies on offer from Ark are the ultimate dual-purpose addition to your camper trailer. Whether you need to stabilize a corner of your camper trailer while at camp, or need to jack it up to execute a remote tyre change, a Corner Steady can serve both needs. The versatility of the strong 19mm hex drive on Ark’s XO range means that you can use them with the supplied winding handle, a wheel brace or an impact driver.

Power Distribution

If you’re looking to wire up your camper trailer to provide all the creature comforts of home right at your campsite, then a power distribution box is an absolute necessity. The thing is, not all power distribution boxes are made equal! Ark’s XO Power Distribution Hub is the ultimate all-in-one power management system and is unlike any other 12V control box on the market. This Power Distribution Hub allows you to control all of your on-board devices, easily monitor usage, protects your battery and offers a huge range of outputs along with Bluetooth connectivity for remote control and monitoring via your smartphone. 

power distribution hub camping must have

Solar Power

Whether you’re planning an extended camping stay in the middle of the Kimerley or on Fraser Island, solar power is the ultimate way to keep your fridge powered and the drinks cold! Of course, a decent solar setup will do much more than just keep the fridge powered. It’ll ensure you can enjoy all the creature comforts of home without the need to hook into power or run a noisy generator. ArkPak Freedom Amorphous Foldable Solar Panels are the Ark’s premium solar offering and are available in both 30W and 60W offerings, generating 2-4.2A per hour. These panels will work in low light and partial shade and are lightweight and compact so they don’t take up unnecessary space. 

Where to go for more information?

When it comes to getting off-road and exploring this magnificent country, Ark are the proven experts. They’ve been leaders in trailer parts, towing gear and 4WD accessories for over 40 years, are 100% Australian owned and independent.

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Whether you’re hitting rugged tracks for a bit of challenging fun, or heading remote with a camper trailer in tow, the Aussie off-road lifestyle has become a part of our culture.

One of the key elements to an enjoyable, successful and safe 4X4 trip is being prepared for any situation. Knowing how to safely recover your 4X4 in the event of an incident is all part and parcel of the off-road experience, and having the kit and knowledge you need to recover your vehicle is paramount. Here’s a look at some of the recovery elements you need to consider when hitting the tracks.

Recovery Gear for Your 4X4

There’s a lot of different products on the market that are specifically designed to assist in recovering your 4WD if it gets into a situation where it becomes bogged or stuck. To prepare yourself for this, properly rated recovery points should be at the top of your list when you get started. Many people assume that the factory tow points that are fitted to your 4X4 are suitable for recovering your vehicle, but that is simply not the case and indeed using factory tow points (or worse – a tow ball!) can actually be very dangerous and has in the past actually led to fatalities. Perhaps the most versatile and easily fittable recovery point you can put on your vehicle is a Hitch Receiver Bracket and Shackle.

This bracket fits into your tow hitch, but is rated to 4.75 tonnes which means it’s ideal as a recovery point. This recovery point will allow another vehicle to use a snatch or recovery strap to pull you out of any bog hole or other sticky situation, or it’s an ideal point for another vehicle to use as a winch point.

must have 4x4 towing accessories

Recovery Gear for your Trailer

You might think that as long as you have the right recovery gear for your 4X4 that you should be right, even if you’re towing a trailer. The thing is, when you’re towing a trailer off-road, whether it’s a light camper trailer or a larger off-road caravan, you’re adding a whole extra vehicle that will need recovering due to increased overall vehicle length and weight. 

To safely get both your tow vehicle and trailer out of trouble, take a look at our recommended must-haves.. Firstly, an off-road jockey wheel such as Ark’s XO750 XO Series Jockey Wheel is worth its weight in gold in an emergency situation where you may need to consider unhitching your trailer to perform a recovery. This jockey wheel can be deployed when seriously stuck to remove the trailer from the vehicle allowing the vehicle to self-recover, reposition and then using the 750kg load rating of the jockey wheel to skull drag the trailer out of its own situation. And not only does it offer the ability to assist in a recovery situation, it’ll also make maneuvering your trailer around at camp easier than ever.

Another accessory that can assist greatly in a recovery situation is a corner steady jack such as Ark’s XO Corner Steadies. These allow you to both stabilize a corner of your camper trailer while at camp, as well as  jack the trailer up to execute a remote tyre change. Certainly handy on a rugged track if your trailer suffers a puncture or a tyre that has rolled off the bead.

recovery accessories for trailers

Speak to the team at Ark for all your Recovery Needs

Having the gear to recover your 4X4 and your trailer when bush is a hugely important part of heading off-road in Australia, and when it comes to getting off-road and exploring this magnificent country, Ark are the proven experts. They’ve been leaders in trailer parts, towing gear and 4WD accessories for over 40 years, are 100% Australian owned and independent.

Reach out to the team at Ark today to find out how they can help turn your camper trailer into the ultimate off-road home-away-from-home!

Categories: News