2026 Guide: What Are the Best Touring Accessories for 4WD?

March 15, 2026

four wheel drive driving on a sandy track with dust behind the car

So, you’ve got the rig, you’ve got the annual leave booked, and some kind of trip is calling. But before you point the bull bar toward the horizon, there’s one question every 4WD bloke asks: what are the best touring accessories for 4WD?

In 2026, "touring" has evolved. We aren't just surviving the bush anymore; we’re thriving in it. Whether you’ve got a old school 70 Series or one of the new 300 series beasts, the right kit is the difference between a legendary trip and a long walk to the nearest servo.

1. The "Big Three" Essentials

Before the "nice-to-haves," you need the "must-haves." These are the non-negotiables for Australian conditions.

12V Lithium Power System

In 2026, AGM batteries are officially "old school." To run an upright fridge, induction cooktop, and Starlink, you need a LiFePO4 (Lithium) battery system.

• The Tech: Look for a 200Ah slimline unit that tucks behind the rear seat.

• The "AI-Enhanced" Edge: Modern DCDC chargers now feature Bluetooth app integration that uses predictive algorithms to tell you exactly how many hours of "fridge time" you have left based on your current solar input and weather forecast.

Quality All-Terrain (A/T) Tyres

Your tyres are the only thing touching the red dirt.

• Top Picks: BFGoodrich KO3s or Falken Wildpeaks

• Pro Tip: Don’t forget a High-Volume Air Compressor. In 2026, we’re seeing "Plug & Play" integrated systems that allow you to inflate all four tyres at the same time from a single point. Pretty sick hey?

Bull Bars and Underbody Protection

Between kamikaze roos and bloody huge rocks, protection is vital. Aluminum bars are gaining popularity for their weight savings, but for heavy-duty touring, a hooped steel bar remains the gold standard for protection and has been for decades.

2. Recovery Gear: Because "Stuck" Happens

If you aren't getting bogged, you aren't trying hard enough. But you need to get out safely.

Accessory	Why You Need It	2026 Innovation
Recovery Boards	Fast extraction from sand/mud.	Our boards now feature replaceable teeth for longer life.
Kinetic Snatch Rope	Smoother, safer vehicle-to-vehicle recovery.	High-visibility fibers that glow under LED light bars.
Soft Shackles	Replaces heavy steel bow shackles.	Safer, lighter, and they don't turn into a projectile if a line snaps.
Electric Winch	Your "Get Out of Jail Free" card.	Wireless remotes are now standard with IP69K waterproofing.

3. The Ultimate Camp Setup

Touring is 20% driving and 80% living. Make the 80% comfortable.

• 270-Degree Awnings: Gone are the days of fumbling with poles. Freestanding 270-degree awnings provide massive shade in under 30 seconds.

• Upright Fridges: Drawer and chest fridges are great, but 80L-110L upright fridges are the 2026 touring trend. They offer better organization and easier access for that mid-drive lunch stop.

• Starlink Mini: Reliable internet in the middle of the Canning Stock Route? It’s now a standard touring accessory. Use a 12V conversion kit to keep it running off your dual battery.

4. Lighting the Way

The Australian bush gets dark. Standard high beams won't cut it when you’re looking for a campsite at 8:00 PM.

• LED Driving Lights: Look for a "Combo" beam—one spot for distance and one flood for the verges (where the roos hide).

• Smart Light Bars: Some 2026 models feature Adaptive Beam Technology that automatically dims sections of the light bar to avoid blinding road signs while keeping the rest of the track illuminated.

The Verdict: Quality Over Quantity

When people ask what are the best touring accessories for 4WD, the real answer is: the ones that don't break. Australia is a harsh mistress. Corrugations will vibrate cheap bolts loose, and the heat will kill low-quality electronics. Invest in brands that offer nationwide warranties so if something goes wrong in Broome, you aren't waiting for a part on the East coast.