4×4 Hire Alternative: The Ultimate Way to Explore Australia

Introduction

If you’re considering traveling to Australia and exploring remote areas of the Outback for 6 months or more on the trip of a lifetime, forget expensive 4×4 rentals which can be upwards of $400+ AUD per day! Consider this 4WD hire alternative:

“Enjoy a brand new customised off-road vehicle and camper (kitted out with your favourite 4WD accessories)  exclusively tailored to your needs, allowing you to travel in unparalleled style and comfort without worrying about deadlines and complicated hire company red tape.”

Travel where you want, for as long as you want, with your ideal vehicle – the ultimate way to explore Australia. Here’s how it works. You order a vehicle in advance, get it all setup with accessories + a camper and then use it for as long as you want. When you are ready to head home, you can sell it to recoup the bulk of the costs. The high resale value of 4WD vehicles in Australia often makes this option cheaper than renting for the same period. You’re probably wondering, but what about delivery, and getting the vehicle to the fit out shops to fit out the accessories etc. What about sorting out registration? etc. Don’t worry, we’ve got a solution for that too. We know that this type of trip can be a significant investment, so you want to get it right. In this article we aim to dig into this offroad hire alternative in detail so you are informed and well equipped to see what option is right for you.

The High Costs and Limitations of 4×4 Rentals

Traveling through Australia’s vast and diverse landscapes is an unparalleled experience. However, traditional 4×4 rentals can be prohibitively expensive and restrictive. Here’s why:

Daily Rental Costs

Renting a 4×4 vehicle in Australia can cost upwards of $400 AUD per day. Over a prolonged period, such as six months or more, these costs can skyrocket. For example, a six-month rental could easily amount to over $70,000 AUD. This hefty price tag can deter many potential adventurers from fully experiencing Australia’s remote and off-road locations. Opting for short trips in inferior vehicles to only limited tourist destinations, missing out on some of the most spectacular places Australia has to offer.

Restrictions and Red Tape

When you rent a vehicle, you’re not just paying for the car itself. Rental agreements often come with a multitude of restrictions and red tape that can significantly limit your travel freedom. Many rental companies impose strict limits on where you can take their vehicles, how you use it offroad and often excluding the very remote and rugged tracks that make Australia unique. Additionally, the paperwork and bureaucratic hurdles associated with rentals can be overwhelming and time-consuming.

Wear and Tear

Rental vehicles are frequently used and abused by various drivers, often resulting in higher wear and tear. This can lead to reliability issues during your trip, which is the last thing you want when exploring remote areas. Unlike a new or well-maintained personal vehicle, a rental 4×4 might not always be in peak condition, potentially disrupting your travel plans.

Accommodation Challenges

When hiring a 4×4 for long-term travel, finding comfortable and practical accommodation each night becomes a significant challenge. Many travelers opt for motorhomes, but these vehicles are typically too large and lack the off-road capability needed for remote areas. Not to mention this skyrockets your daily costs. Alternatively, camping in tents or swags can be uncomfortable and less secure, especially over extended periods. The wife is not going to enjoy that at all. Hiring a 4×4 with an off-road caravan is another little known option, but it comes with its own set of problems. The insurance costs for such setups can be extremely high, and towing a large caravan off-road requires considerable experience and skill. Moreover, many of Australia’s epic tracks prohibit trailer use to reduce wear and tear, further limiting where you can travel. By understanding these significant drawbacks, it becomes clear why many seasoned travelers seek alternatives to traditional 4×4 rentals. Or perhaps don’t come at all. This sets the stage for considering a more practical, economical, and enjoyable solution: owning your own custom-built 4×4 setup.

Benefits of Owning Your Own 4×4 Setup For Travel

Traveling through Australia’s vast Outback and remote regions requires a reliable and well-equipped vehicle. While renting a 4×4 might seem convenient, owning your custom-built 4×4 setup offers numerous benefits. Benefits include:

1. Cost Efficiency

When you consider the high costs of renting a 4×4, owning a vehicle becomes a much more economical option for long-term travel. Renting a 4×4 can cost upwards of $400 AUD per day, adding up to an astronomical amount over several months. In contrast, purchasing a vehicle and outfitting it with a Trayon Camper allows you to recoup a significant portion of your investment through resale. Vehicles like the Toyota Hilux or Land Cruiser 79 Series, known for their reliability and high resale value in Australia, can be sold after your adventure, often recovering a large part of your initial cost. Likewise, pair that with a well known and reliable slide on camper with a high resale value like a Trayon Camper and you’ll find that even with depreciation, the final cost of your trip with a new setup like this is cheaper than renting. Full example provided below.

2. Customisation and Comfort

Owning your own 4×4 setup means you can customize the vehicle and camper to your exact specifications. With Trayon Campers’ turnkey service, you can select from a range of vehicles such as the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, and more. And we turn it into your ultimate bespoke expedition vehicle. These vehicles can be fitted with essential off-road accessories, including bull bars, winches, roof racks, UHF radios, and long-range fuel tanks. The Trayon Camper itself provides all the amenities needed for comfortable long-term camping, ensuring you travel in unparalleled style and comfort.  You can opt for the top-of-the-line Trayon Camper which will have far more features and functions than the often base model hire campers… hire companies don’t get the best in class version of the campers they hire out, they get the bare minimum.

3. Hassle-Free Setup

Setting up a custom 4×4 rig from overseas can be daunting. Trayon Campers takes the hassle out of this process by offering a turnkey solution. From ordering the vehicle with fleet discounts to fitting it with the necessary accessories and integrating the camper, everything is handled for you. By the time you arrive in Australia, your fully-equipped vehicle is ready for your adventure, allowing you to hit the road immediately.

4. Flexibility and Freedom

One of the major limitations of renting a 4×4 is the restrictions imposed by hire companies on where you can travel. These restrictions can prevent you from exploring some of Australia’s most beautiful and remote locations. Owning your own vehicle eliminates these restrictions, giving you the freedom to travel wherever you want, whenever you want. Whether it’s the rugged tracks of Cape York, the stunning beaches of Broome, or the remote wilderness of Tasmania, your custom 4×4 setup is built to handle it all.

5. Reliability and Peace of Mind

Rental vehicles often suffer from high wear and tear, which can lead to reliability issues during your trip. Owning a brand-new vehicle and camper ensures that everything is in perfect working order, providing you with peace of mind as you travel through remote areas. Additionally, with a new vehicle and camper, your vehicle and camper come with full warranties, covering some unforeseen issues that might arise.

6. Long-Term Use and Convenience

Owning a 4×4 setup is particularly beneficial for those planning to travel in Australia for extended periods. Many Trayon customers choose to travel for two to three years or even longer. The convenience of having your own rig means you can camp in it periodically, store it when not in use, and even allow friends or family to use it. This flexibility makes long-term travel more practical and enjoyable.

7. Easy Storage

If say; you came to Australia for 2 years, but only wanted to do several smaller trips around Australia in that time. It’s fairly low cost to store your 4×4 vehicle and camper setup or use it as a daily run about. You could also store it long term if you plan on going home for a while and coming back later on.

The Economics of Owning vs. Renting (Worked Example)

Understanding the economic advantages of owning your own custom-built 4×4 setup can highlight why this is a smarter choice compared to traditional rentals. Below is a hypothetical example of a long term trip of owning versus renting, these prices vary over time. So please do your own research to make sure it works for you.

Cost Comparison: Renting vs. Owning

By choosing to own your 4×4 setup, you can achieve substantial long-term savings. Here’s a simple breakdown to illustrate the potential savings:

• Rental Costs: At $400 AUD per day, a one-year rental would cost approximately $146,000 AUD. For two years, this doubles to $292,000 AUD.
• Ownership Costs: Purchasing a new vehicle and Trayon Camper, fully equipped, might cost around $150,000 AUD (your options dependant). Assuming a resale value of 70%, you could recoup $105,000 AUD after your travels. The net cost for owning the setup for two years would be around $45,000 AUD.

Summary of Savings:

Renting for two years could cost around $292,000 AUD, whereas owning (and then selling) could result in a net cost of about $45,000 AUD. This significant difference highlights the economic advantage of owning your setup. Not to mention worth the time and effort figuring out the process. Additional Benefits include customization, reliability, flexibility, and enhanced travel experience. By understanding the clear economic benefits and additional advantages of owning your custom-built 4×4 setup, you can make an informed decision that enhances your Australian adventure.

The Process of Buying & Setting Up Your Ideal Travel 4×4 Camper

If you’ve read this far, you might be considering buying a 4×4 and setting it up for off-road travel. However, setting up the perfect 4×4 travel rig for exploring Australia from overseas can seem daunting. Traditionally, this involves numerous steps and coordination with multiple parties, leading to a complicated and time-consuming experience. Here’s the comparison:

The Old Way of Doing It:

1. Place an order for a vehicle: You will have to spend countless hours researching and finding the right vehicle online, comparing options and prices.
2. Get it delivered to a friend’s place or a third party: You will need to coordinate with friends or family to receive and store the vehicle, imposing on their time and resources.
3. Sort out insurance and registration while overseas: You will have to navigate complex insurance and registration requirements from abroad, dealing with time zones, lengthy phone calls, and bureaucratic hurdles.
4. Decide on the 4WD accessories you need in a market flooded with options: You will spend days, if not weeks, researching and selecting the right accessories, unsure if you’re making the best choices.
5. Organize transport to a fit-out facility to get all accessories installed: You will need to arrange for the vehicle to be transported to various fit-out shops, coordinating with multiple parties and scheduling conflicts.
6. Exchange hundreds of emails with all the involved parties: You will be stuck in an endless loop of emails and phone calls with dealers, fit-out shops, and logistics companies, consuming your precious time.
7. Find a place to store the vehicle before you arrive: You will have to secure a reliable and safe storage location, adding another layer of stress and logistical planning.
8. Manage regular maintenance on the vehicle: You will need to ensure the vehicle is maintained and ready for your arrival, coordinating maintenance from overseas.
9. Sell your vehicle after you are finished: You will have to find a buyer and negotiate the sale remotely, which can be difficult and time-consuming.

Overall, this process requires a significant time investment, coordination with multiple parties, and constant management, all while you’re miles away. This can be frustrating, stressful, and a major drain on your time, which is something you can never get back. We took a hard look at this process and designed a much simpler solution, which we call the Trayon Turnkey Service.

The New Way of Doing It – Trayon Turn Key Service:

Now, the process becomes seamless and straightforward with Trayon Campers:

1. Single Point of Contact: Trayon Campers become your single point of contact, leveraging over 20 years of offroading experience.
2. Vehicle Sourcing: We source the right vehicle for you, ensuring high resale value and securing discount prices.
3. Handling Logistics: We manage all vehicle logistics from manufacture to delivery, and coordinate with third parties to install the ideal 4WD accessories.
4. Camper Integration: We build and integrate your Trayon Camper with the vehicle, ensuring it is fully equipped for your needs.
5. Comprehensive Handover: Upon your arrival, we hand over the keys and provide a complete walkthrough of your rig. Prior to your arrival, you’ll also get access to comprehensive videos regarding the Trayon Camper that show you everything.
6. Maintenance and Warranty: Enjoy peace of mind with low frequency maintenance schedules of a new reliable vehicle and comprehensive warranties on both the camper and vehicle.
7. Facilitated Resale: When your adventure ends, we can even help facilitate the sale of the vehicle and camper if possible.

By choosing Trayon Campers’ turnkey service, you bypass the complexities of the traditional setup process and ensure a smooth, hassle-free experience. Your custom-built 4×4 setup will be ready and waiting for you to embark on your Australian adventure. We do all the heavy lifting.

Turn Key Service Case Study: The Swiss Twins

In 2023 two customers who we affectionately call the Swiss Twins, were a pair of adventurous travelers from Switzerland, dreamed of exploring Australia for two years. They wanted reliable, comfortable, and fully equipped 4×4 rigs for long-term travel but needed a hassle-free way to set everything up from overseas.

Step 1: Initial Contact and Requirements

The Swiss Twins contacted Trayon Campers with their travel plans and requirements. They needed: •        Reliable, high-resale value vehicles. •        Comprehensive 4WD accessories for off-road adventures. •        Durable, comfortable camper setups with necessary amenities. •        Minimal hassle with a single point of contact.

Step 2: Vehicle Selection

Trayon Campers recommended the Toyota Hilux for its durability and strong resale value. The Swiss Twins agreed and Trayon secured the vehicles at discounted fleet prices.

Step 3: Customization and Fit-Out

Trayon Campers managed the customization, equipping the vehicles with: •        Trays/Flat-decks •        Bull Bars •        Winches •        Spotlights •        Roof Racks •        UHF Radios •        Long-Range Fuel Tanks •        All-Terrain Tires •        Under vehicle protection plates •        Front and rear rated recovery points •        Snorkels •        Sand flags •        Secondary fuel filters and engine catch cans •        Front and rear extended diff breathers •        Engine jump starter kits •        Air compressors with tire inflator wands •        Tyre pressure monitoring systems •        Extra storage boxes •        Extra water tanks •        Rear view camera systems •        Second spare tyres •        Extendable side view mirrors •        Vehicle fire extinguishers The Trayon Campers included (but not limited to): •        Comfortable Sleeping Areas •        Kitchen Facilities •        Bathroom Facilities •        Storage Solutions •        Climate Control •        Lithium Batteries •        Solar Panels •        Shower and Toilets •        Grey Water Tanks •        and much much more…..

Step 4: Managing the Logistics

Trayon Campers handled all logistics, from vehicle delivery to accessory installation and ensured compliance with Australian regulations.

Step 5: Comprehensive Handover

Before their arrival, the Swiss Twins received handover videos and instructions of their Trayon Camper. Upon arrival, Trayon Campers provided a detailed walkthrough of their rigs.

Step 6: The Adventure Begins

The Swiss Twins traveled across Australia for 2 years – from the Outback to the coastlines with their custom-built rigs providing flexibility and comfort for long-term travel.

Step 7: Facilitated Resale

At the end of their journey, Trayon Campers offered assistance with reselling the vehicles and campers, allowing the Swiss Twins to recoup a significant portion of their investment.

Getting Started

Exploring Australia with a custom-built 4×4 setup from Trayon Campers offers a unique blend of freedom, flexibility and cost-efficiency. By choosing Trayon Campers’ turnkey solution, you avoid the high costs, limitations, and frustrations of traditional 4×4 rentals. Instead; you gain a reliable, comfortable and fully equipped vehicle tailored to your specific needs. The benefits are clear: significant long-term savings, high resale value, reduced maintenance costs, and the ability to travel at your own pace without restrictions. The Swiss Twins’ story is just one example of how Trayon Campers can transform a dream adventure into a seamless and enjoyable reality. Whether you’re planning a six-month trip or a multi-year expedition, Trayon Campers’ turnkey solution provides the perfect foundation for an unforgettable adventure. Save your time and energy for making memories – not managing logistics. Start planning your ultimate Australian adventure and discover the unparalleled beauty of this incredible country with the freedom and comfort that only a custom-built 4×4 setup can provide. If this interest you and you have more questions, please submit a contact form. and mention you are interested in turn key.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why should I choose a custom-built 4×4 setup over renting a vehicle?

Choosing a custom-built 4×4 setup over renting offers significant long-term savings, customization options and the freedom to travel without restrictions. Renting can be prohibitively expensive and come with numerous limitations, whereas owning your setup allows you to recoup a large portion of your investment through resale and ensures you have a vehicle perfectly tailored to your needs.

What is included in Trayon Campers’ turnkey service?

Trayon Campers’ turnkey service includes everything from vehicle sourcing and customization to managing logistics and integrating the camper. We handle all aspects of the setup process ensuring your vehicle is fully equipped and ready for your adventure upon arrival. We also provide a comprehensive handover, maintenance and support.

What kind of vehicles do Trayon Campers offer?

Trayon Campers offers a range of reliable, high-resale value vehicles suitable for off-road travel and long-term adventures in Australia. Options include the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, Mazda BT-50, and Toyota Land Cruiser. We help you choose the best vehicle based on your travel plans and preferences.

Can I customize the accessories and features of my vehicle and camper?

Absolutely! One of the main advantages of choosing Trayon Campers is the ability to customize your setup. We offer a wide range of accessories including (but not limited to) bull bars, winches, roof racks, UHF radios, long-range fuel tanks and all-terrain tires. Your Trayon Camper can also be equipped with various amenities, optional-extras, upgrades and accessories to ensure comfort and convenience during your travels.

What kind of support do Trayon Campers provide during my travels?

Trayon Campers offer ongoing support throughout your journey. We provide comprehensive handover videos and instructions to familiarize you with your setup before you start. Additionally, our team is available to assist with any maintenance, troubleshooting or travel advice you might need during your adventure.

How do I get started with Trayon Campers Turn-Key Service?

Getting started is easy. Simply contact Trayon Campers through our website add the link, email sales@trayon.com or phone +617 5476 5355 to discuss your travel plans and requirements. We will guide you through the process, help you choose the right vehicle and accessories, and manage all logistics to ensure your custom-built 4×4 setup is ready for you upon arrival in Australia. For a quote, please fill out our contact form and mention you are interested in turn key service. You can read more about our Turnkey Expedition Vehicles on our blog.

What are the benefits of owning a 4×4 setup for long-term travel in Australia?

Owning a 4×4 setup offers numerous benefits including significant cost savings compared to renting, the freedom to travel without restrictions, the ability to customize your vehicle and camper, and the peace of mind that comes with a reliable and well-maintained setup. Additionally; the high resale value of the vehicle and camper allows you to recoup much of your initial investment at the end of your journey.

How does Trayon Campers ensure the quality and reliability of the vehicles and campers?

Trayon Campers sources high-quality vehicles known for their durability and strong resale value. Our campers are built using top-of-the-line materials and craftsmanship to withstand the harsh conditions of the Australian outback. Both the vehicle and camper come with comprehensive warranties, ensuring reliability and peace of mind during your travels.

Can I use my custom-built 4×4 setup for purposes other than travel?

Yes, your custom-built 4×4 setup can be used for various purposes beyond travel. Many of our customers use their vehicles for daily commuting, weekend getaways and even as a base for hobbies like photography or fishing. The flexibility and customization options make it a versatile investment for a wide range of activities. And when you are done, there is high demand for resale in Australia if you choose the right setup.