GPS Navigation
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Why dedicated GPS still matters for 4WD touring
A dedicated GPS keeps working when your phone gives up out bush. Your phone needs two things to get you home: a signal and a battery. Head off the beaten track and you'll lose one of those pretty quickly, maybe both (though both our fingers and toes are crossed that doesn't happen). A dedicated GPS couldn't care less about phone towers, so it keeps you sorted when you're properly off grid.
What a dedicated unit gets you that a phone doesn't
- Navigation that keeps working with zero phone reception
- Off-road maps and tracks built in, not just sealed roads and suburbs
- Battery life built for the trip, not for scrolling on the drive in
- A screen that's actually readable in direct Aussie sun
None of this means ditching the phone altogether. Think of a dedicated GPS as the backup that works when your first option taps out in the middle of nowhere!
Handheld GPS vs in-vehicle systems: choosing your setup
The right setup comes down to how you travel, not which unit looks the business on the shelf. Both do the same core job, they just do it differently.
Handheld GPS
A handheld GPS goes wherever you go, clipped to a pack for a side hike or sitting on the dash for the drive in. If your trips involve exploring on foot, not just driving between camps, a handheld is the more versatile pick.
In-vehicle systems
An in-vehicle system stays mounted and focused on getting your rig from A to B. It won't leave the car with you, but if navigation's purely a driving job, that's not really a downside. Genuinely torn? Plenty of tourers run both, a mounted unit for the drive and a handheld for anything on foot.
Vehicle monitors: beyond basic navigation
A vehicle monitor keeps an eye on what your vehicle's doing underneath you while you drive. It isn't a GPS at all, it's a display that tracks your rig's health on the move. A lot of people don't realise these exist.
What a vehicle monitor tracks
- Engine and drivetrain data your factory dash doesn't show you
- Tyre pressure across your tyres in real time
- Temperature and load information on selected systems
- Early alerts before a small issue turns into an pricey one
Touring remote country where a mechanical hiccup becomes a serious pain in the neck? A vehicle monitor gives you an early warning system most stock dashboards simply don't offer.
Maps, offline navigation and GPS accessories
A GPS unit is only as good as the maps loaded onto it. It's worth knowing what you're getting before you rely on it out bush.
Getting offline maps sorted
Some units come with useful base maps preloaded, while detailed off-road or topo maps are often a separate purchase. Check what's included with your unit and load any extra maps before you leave phone reception behind, not after!
Accessories worth adding
- A proper mounting bracket so the unit stays put on corrugations
- A protective case if it's getting bounced around in a pack or glovebox
- A spare charging cable, kept somewhere you'll actually remember
- An external antenna if you're chasing the strongest signal in tricky terrain
Getting new GPS navigation for the upcoming adventure?
Shop the full range of GPS navigation and vehicle monitors above. GPS is one part of staying found and staying in touch, so it works best alongside a few other bits of kit. A UHF radio setup keeps you talking to the convoy when mobile reception's long gone, and portable satellite internet keeps you connected well beyond where phone towers reach. It's worth sorting a car phone holders or mount setup too, so your phone stays secure and within reach as a handy backup. Complete your kit with BCF's nav and comms gear.
We offer:
- Club pricing with exclusive member-only deals
- Price Match if you find it cheaper elsewhere
- Click & Collect, so your gear's ready in as little as 1 hour
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a handheld GPS work with no phone reception?
Yes, that's the whole point of a dedicated unit! A handheld GPS uses satellite positioning rather than mobile networks, so it keeps working where your phone shows zero bars. Just make sure the maps you need are loaded before you head off, since it can't download anything new without a signal either.
Do I need to buy separate off-road maps, or are they included?
It depends entirely on the unit, so check the specific product listing before you buy. Some GPS units come with useful base maps preloaded, while detailed off-road, topo or 4WD track maps are often a separate purchase. If off-road navigation is the main reason you're buying one, confirm exactly what's included first.
What does a vehicle monitor track that a standard GPS doesn't?
A vehicle monitor is a genuinely different tool to a GPS. It tracks what's happening with your vehicle itself, like engine and drivetrain data, tyre pressure and temperature or load information, rather than where you are on a map. Some tourers run both for complete coverage of navigation and vehicle health.
How long does GPS battery life last on a multi-day trip?
This varies considerably by unit and how you're using it, so check the battery life listed for the model you're considering rather than assuming a universal figure. Packing spare batteries or a charging solution is a smart move regardless, especially on longer multi-day trips.
