A Beginner’s Journey Into 4WDing and Towing
When I bought my 2023 BT-50, I knew I wanted to explore more of Australia’s beautiful back roads, beaches, and bush tracks. What I didn’t know? Just how much goes into setting your vehicle up safely for recovery and towing.
I’m 26, I go on a lot of solo trips, and I’m still pretty new to the world of four-wheel driving. Like a lot of beginners, I was keen but unsure. There’s a lot of information out there and not all of it is beginner friendly. So, I want to share what I’ve learned early on, and why I chose to fit a recovery towbar, rust protection system and brake controller before I’d ever hooked up a trailer.
Getting Set Up the Right Way
Before I’d even towed for the first time, I had my vehicle fitted with the essentials.
I started with rust protection. I got my BT-50 sprayed by Rust-Free Brendale almost the day it came off the showroom floor. Later, the team at Speedy Towbars added a CouplerTec electronic rust protection system for extra peace of mind.
The way I see it: if you are doing beach runs or creek crossings, you’ve got to think about the long game. Rust doesn’t show up right away, but when it does, it’s costly. Protecting your vehicle underneath is just as important as what you bolt onto it.
After that, I added a recovery-style towbar. This meant if I ever got stuck in the sand or mud, I’d have a solid and safe recovery point ready to go. My car didn’t come with any recovery points at all, so I felt it was important to do this. But what about those little loops under the vehicle? They’re actually not recovery points – they’re designed for tow truck tie-downs or for securing the vehicle during shipping to Australia. Using them for off-road recovery is risky and dangerous.
Next, I had a Redarc brake controller installed. This meant that when the time came to tow a heavy trailer, I’d be ready! I didn’t want to wait until I was under pressure to figure it all out. I was good to go – safe and legal, and feeling a bit more confident because I had the right gear on my side.
My First Time Towing
It wasn’t long before I hooked up a trailer for the first time – a small single axle U-Haul box trailer. Nothing huge, but a great one to start with!
I’d never towed before, so it was a bit nerve-racking. But the team at Speedy Towbars walked me through everything. From lining up the hitch to connecting the chains and making sure all the safety checks were done; they showed me step-by-step how it’s done.
Recovery Gear That Makes a Difference
Before I did any four wheel driving, I made sure I had a recovery hitch and good gear. It’s such a simple thing, but it gives you a safe and strong point to use in the event of a recovery.
At Speedy, we stock HULK 4×4 recovery gear – it’s tough, easy to use, and a great addition to any 4WD setup. I’ve tried it myself and one thing I really love is their soft shackles. They’re incredibly strong and much safer (and lighter) than traditional metal bow shackles. Their 14-tonne soft shackle is seriously impressive and gives you peace of mind when it comes to safe, reliable recoveries.
HULK 4×4 also make a recovery hitch that’s compatible with soft shackles, so you can grab everything you need in one go. Hulk gear is easy to use, so whether you’re a beginner like me or a complete pro, you can sling it into your 4WD and hit the tracks with confidence.
I travel solo a lot, and I love the peace of mind that rock-solid recovery gear gives me. You don’t want to rely on a stranger’s gear when you and your vehicle get into a tricky situation. Having safe and rated gear all ready to go will give you confidence when you’re out there exploring.
To the Other Newbies Out There…
I used to think I had to “know it all” to get into 4WDing and towing. That I needed to have years of experience or grow up doing it. But the truth is, most of us start with no clue – that’s okay!
Whether you’re planning solo trips or just setting up your first touring rig, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed in the beginning. What matters is getting the basics right, asking for help and learning along the way.
My Top Tips for Getting Started
- Get the essentials fitted early. A towbar, rust protection and brake controller are a great starting point.
- Practice before your first trip. Hook up your trailer somewhere quiet and give yourself time to learn.
- Protect your vehicle long-term. Rust protection isn’t flashy, but it’s one of the smartest things you can do.
- Start with recovery basics. A hitch and a snatch strap are enough to get you going.
- Ask the “dumb” questions. They’re not dumb. You’re just learning, and that’s what matters.
Need a Hand?
If you’re in the early stages of your 4WD or towing journey, come chat with the team at Speedy Towbars, your trusted Brisbane towbar fitter.
Whether you’ve never towed before or just want a second opinion on your setup, we’re here to help. From recovery gear and towing accessories to electric brake controllers and rust protection, we’ll make sure your vehicle is ready for whatever’s ahead.
We’ll walk you through the setup, explain your options, and help you choose gear that suits what and how you drive.
📍 Based in Brisbane, with workshops in Everton Hills and Slacks Creek.
📞 Get in touch today on 1300 SPEEDY.
