Check dipstick — between min and max. Top up Shell Rimula R4 X 15W-40 if needed. Note any drop since last check.
Check overflow tank — should be between MIN and MAX cold. Top up Toyota LLC 50/50 if needed. Check for sweet smell or residue around cap.
Check reservoir — should be at MAX. Any drop indicates a leak. DOT 4 only.
Check reservoir with engine off — should be at FULL cold mark. ATF Dexron II.
Top up. Not critical but useful on dusty tracks.
Check tension and condition — no cracking, glazing or fraying. Press mid-span — should deflect 8–10mm.
Squeeze both hoses — firm but pliable. Check clamps are tight. No seeping or staining.
Check for diesel smell or seeping around injection pump, filter, and injector return lines.
Check pre-cleaner on snorkel — clear of debris. Check filter condition if recently in dusty conditions.
Check underneath for fresh oil — sump, gearbox, transfer case. Any fresh drips must be investigated.
Clean, tight, no corrosion. Check both main and aux battery connections.
Check mounting and air line connections are secure.
Check both front tyres — on-road: 2.4 bar (35 psi). Adjust for terrain. Check for cuts, bulges or embedded objects.
Inspect tread and sidewalls visually. Check for slow puncture — compare height to rear tyres.
Check winch hook is secured and line is neatly spooled. ARB bumper bolts tight. Shackles on bull bar if fitted.
Check headlights, park lights, indicators and IPF spotlights — all operational.
Check mid skid plate is secure — no loose bolts or damage from previous trip.
Door hinges and seals intact. Mirror adjusted and secure.
Re-confirm front tyre checked. Visual on rear driver tyre.
Check U-bolts — grab and try to rotate. Check spring leaves for cracks.
Check extended 145L tank — no seeping around fittings or tank guard. Fuel level noted.
Check side step secure. No loose body panels or damage that could foul tyres.
Check spare tyre pressure — same as road tyres (2.4 bar). Check it is properly mounted and locking nut is in the cab.
Both MaxTrax boards present and mounted securely on rear door or carrier.
Snatch rope, tow rope, shackles (metal + soft), tree protector, pulley block, line dampener, spade, PPE — all present.
Present, pin secured, handle attached. Base plate stowed.
Both present and accessible.
Check all cargo is secured — nothing loose that can shift under braking or on rough terrain. Heavy items low and forward.
All roof rack items strapped — table, accessories. Nothing can work loose at speed.
Check brake lights, reverse lights, indicators and number plate light — all operational.
H/D gooseneck tow bar — check locking pin if not towing. Check hitch ball nut if towing.
2× Desert Fox 20L — filled if needed. Caps tight. Stowed securely.
Visual check front and rear — tread, sidewalls, pressure confirmed.
Check U-bolts and spring condition — same as driver side.
Check snorkel intake is clear of debris, mud, bird nests. Pre-cleaner clear.
Door and seal intact. Mirror adjusted.
Check all rack mounting bolts — grab and try to move the rack. No movement.
Table is folded and secured to rack underside. Nothing loose.
Hardkorr 200W portable panels — stowed and strapped. Cables not trailing.
GPS powered and updated. Paper maps for the route in the cab. Offline maps downloaded.
Registration, insurance, roadworthy, permits — all present and in date.
All passports present. Visas checked for validity and correct country.
Printed list of emergency contacts, nearest hospital, recovery contacts for the route.
Satellite communicator / PLB — charged and registered. Test check-in sent.
Kit is present, stocked and accessible. Check expiry on critical medications.
All personal medications packed — sufficient supply for trip duration plus 3 days.
Minimum 4L per person per day. Check containers sealed and accessible.
Provisioned for trip duration plus 2 days emergency reserve.
Powered on, set to correct temperature, loaded and sealed. Check contents.
In glovebox or cab — not in cargo that could become inaccessible.
Know where the spares box is. Critical items (oil, coolant, V-belts) accessible without unpacking everything.
Check BM2000 monitor — aux battery should show 12.6V+ rested. If below 12.2V, investigate before departure.
Check isolator is armed — LED indicator on. Both batteries will charge once engine starts.
Set correctly — on standby or off for driving. Not drawing load unnecessarily.
Steel Mate Solar TPMS — all 4 sensors reading. Note baseline pressures.
Check lights, fridge draw, inverter load — nothing unnecessary draining battery before start.
Allow full preheat cycle before cranking — especially cold mornings. Wait for glow light to extinguish.
Start engine. Allow to idle 2–3 minutes. Check for warning lights, unusual smoke or noises.
Oil pressure light should extinguish within 3 seconds of start. If it stays on — stop immediately.
Check voltmeter — should read 13.8–14.4V at idle. Confirms alternator charging.
Press brake pedal firmly — should be firm, not spongy or sinking. Check handbrake holds.
Confirm all zones A–H checked. Nothing left on roof, bonnet or behind tyres.
All doors closed and latched. Windows up or set as preferred. Roof hatch closed.
Route for the day confirmed. First fuel stop identified. Camp location known.
Note departure time for ETA calculations and emergency reference.
If entering 4WD terrain — hubs locked before departure, not on the track.
Driver phone at 100% — emergency contact and backup navigation.
Check in with an off-route contact — confirm route, expected check-in times, emergency protocol.