Alice Springs trip, what upgrades should I need?

[SomeBlondeDJ Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close SomeBlondeDJ]

Hi all, the family currently owns a 150 '14 D4D kakadu prado and we are planning to do a road trip to and back from Alice springs driving and stoping multiple times. Is there any specific suggestions that anyone can recommend for a comfortable trip as we are already planning on buying a new set of Goodyear wrangler AT's and a UHF radio. Currently at 118,000kms so will be doing a full service soon before the trip.
Thanks Das

[404pug Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close 404pug]

If mainly by the main roads, you have it covered with the ATs. Depending on where you are staying,maybe a fridge but an esky will suffice as ice is available at roadhouses.

[RPP Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close RPP]

If you are driving the bitumen, and at night, you'll need a big bullbar, and driving lights.
Staying overnight at Coober Pedy book ahead, though might not be a big issue right now.

[Wil Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Wil]

Should carry some water also - I have been trying to do it on the cheap with 20L tank with a tap. When they have the lever operated "tap" i find something always hits the lever and dumps water through the back of the wagon. Get one that actually has a tap.

If you are going to be doing this often, I am looking at a Boab tank that goes on the floor, but this is only really comfortable long term if you dont use the back seat, of if you are like me and the kids are in booster seats.

[SomeBlondeDJ Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close SomeBlondeDJ]

Thanks for the suggestions, we will be carrying a tank of extra water not sure capacity and an esky too. Since we won't be driving on the bitumen at night, we haven't bothered to have an bullbar installed yet since its just our daily do everything SUV and if there are any other things I need to do beforehand, please let me know.

[Brett1979 Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Brett1979]

For the car itself you won’t need to do anything except for the service which will be of benefit of course. Seriously, you could do the drive in a Hyundai Excell no problems on bitumen. Extended hwy travel is good for a car. If you want to upgrade tyres go for it, but you won’t need to if your trip is on the bitumen/some well groomed dirt. Enjoy the trip.

[peterpanner Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close peterpanner]

Agree you need a bullbar, snorkel helps with dust and a UHF radio. Watch Wrangler tyres on cattle grids. My trip NSW to Darwin, Red Centre, Coober Pedy, Oodnadatta Track, Flinders Ranges, home via Broken Hill. 2 tyres cracked internally across from side to side. Coopers doing better in my opinion. If driving on sealed roads your AT'S should be fine. Bull Bar is not just for night time. Skippy, camel, emu, piggies or goats can jump out at you at any time. Fridge in car or towed mobile bedroom is also useful, running on quality power arrangement. A second battery, even if not wired in could save you.

[peterpanner Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close peterpanner]

Also tyre pressure gauge, tyre repair kit and air compressor if you intend rough roads. Water, water and fill up with fuel wherever you can.