Brody
January 9th, 2011, 03:00 PM
BEFORE YOU GO OFF ROAD
Before you head off road, use the following checklists to make sure that your vehicle is up for the trip, your on-board toolbox is properly stocked with the right tools, you take along the right spare parts, and basic first aid supplies & survival gear, and pack some optional accessories that could make the trip more fun.
Use these lists as a guide to get you started. They highlight what the best prepared off roaders take with them when going off road. What you actually choose to take along on each trip depends on the remoteness of the area you'll be traveling to.
Inspect Your Vehicle:
First and foremost, before you hit the road, you need to make sure your 4WD vehicle is in sound mechanical condition.
To determine whether your 4x4 vehicle is trail ready and capable of surviving a trip off-road, first do a visual inspection - inside and out. Then, take a few minutes to more closely inspect the inner workings of your ride - make sure that the following parts are in good working condition and you don't hear any strange noises coming from these areas:
Axles & Differentials - hubs, seals, vacuum lines, shift motors, vent lines, front u-joints
Battery - clean terminals, check for damaged or corroded wiring
Brakes - drums, rotors, pads/shoes, fluid, hoses, leaks, check e-brake, brake lights
Belts & Hoses - look for cracks or bulges
Body/Frame - look for cracks
Cooling/Heating system - look for leaks, fluid levels, clean and repair fins, check hoses, thermostat, radiator cap
Driveline/Transmission - inspect case and shifter, leaks, fluids, universal & cv joints, skid plates
Engine - carburetor, fuel injectors, spark plugs, wires, pcv valve, pumps, spark plugs, distributor & wires, belts; check for leaks and cracks
Exhaust - muffler, tailpipes
Fluids - oil, transmission, brake, radiator coolant, gear oils, wipers, power steering
Lights - headlights, brake lights, auxiliary lights; make sure they're aimed properly
Nuts & Bolts - tighten axle u-bolts, lug bolts, nuts
Steering - check alignment, fluid level, belts and hoses, pump and reservoir for leaks
Suspension - springs, shocks, alignment, wheel bearings, steering linkage
Tires - tighten lug nuts, air pressure, tread wear (including your full-size spare), look for cuts and missing chunks
Wipers - check for wear, fluid level
Once your vehicle is checked and ready to roll, it's time to load the necessary gear and equipment on board
Your Tool Box:
Before heading off road, you should put some thought into what tools you'll need in your off-road toolbox. Your aim is to have enough on hand so if something breaks when you're out on the trail, you'll be able to disassemble, repair, replace, and/or reassemble it in order to get yourself back on the road.
As a bare minimum, you'll want to have the following items on hand:
Air pressure gauge
Allen wrenches
Baling wire
Crescent wrench (small & medium)
Electrical tape & spare connectors
Grease (or a grease gun)
Hammer
Nuts & bolts (assorted sizes)
Open end/box wrenches (3/8" to 3/4")
Pliers - standard, needle-nose and channel lock
Pocket/utility knife
Screwdrivers - standard and Phillips
Socket set (3/8") with extensions
Standard & Phillips screwdrivers
Super glue/epoxy
Vise grips
Wire & wire cutters/crimpers
Author: Make sure that the wrenches and sockets that you bring along actually fit you vehicles. If you have spent any time at all tightening the nuts and bolts on your rig, you will have a good idea. Keep in mind that many of the newer American rigs have both standard and metric. Also realize that many metric sizes cross over to American sizes, so, as a for instance, carrying a 19mm eliminates carrying a Ύ.
Off Road Safety Gear & Supplies To Take Along
Better safe than sorry. The following safety and recovery equipment will get you out of most predicaments. And, if you're riding with a group, then these items could come from any one of the vehicles in the group; it's not necessary for each and every vehicle to carry it all.
Air pump/compressor
Axe
Blanket
Bow saw
Bucket
Bungee cords
Can opener
Candles
Cell phone and/or CB (Note: steel whip CB antennas can be dangerous out on the trail)
Cigarette lighter
Coat hanger - don't underestimate the number of uses for the common household coat hanger!
Compass/GPS unit (remove GPS below)
Duct tape
Extra gas - enough for a round trip & in an appropriate container
Extra motor oil (1-2 quarts)
Fire extinguisher
First aid kit (packed in a tight weatherproof container)
Flares
Flashlight/lantern
Flashlight/lantern/spotlight - with extra batteries
Food (dehydrated foods take little space and last a long time)
GPS unit/compass
Hydraulic/hi-lift jack
ID card, with emergency phone number contact info & medication/allergy information
Jumper cables
Leather gloves
Maps
Mirror
Multi-fit hose and a roll of rubber-weld tape - to repair a blown radiator hose
Paper towels
Pen & paper (a china marker writes on anything!)
Radiator Stop Leak / Tank sealant putty
Rags
Repair manual for your particular vehicle
Rope
Rubber gloves
Shovel
Spare clothes
Spare key kept on your person
T-style lug wrench
Tarp (6'x6') - to keep yourself out of the mud and to catch small parts
Tire pressure gauge & tire pump; fix a flat
Trash bags - heavy duty
Water - enough for you (to drink, clean up) and your vehicle (battery, radiator, washer fluid)
Waterless hand cleaner
Waterproof matches
WD-40/lubricant
Whistle
Winch kit - including straps, snatch block (pulley), shackle
Zip ties/cable ties
There are also a number of kits and products on the market today to simplify the repair process, should a particular part fail. Some of the most popular: radiator stop-leak, silicone gasket material, plastic steel, plastic aluminum, tank sealant putty, tire plugs/patch kit, carburetor cleaner, etc.
Spare Parts To Take:
Having the right parts on-board could make the difference between walking out and driving out. Make sure that you have extras on hand for each of the following parts to fit your 4WD vehicle. (Keep in mind that many of your old parts can be used as spares in an emergency, so start saving them now.)
Remember, you dont need to bring every spare part you own on the trail - just bring the parts that are most likely to break:
Air filter
Belts
Fuel filter
Fuses
Hoses and several sizes of hose clamps
Oil
Oil filter
Some brake line
Spark plugs
Tire valve stems with cores
Tires (don't forget a good full-size spare!)
U-joints
Vacuum line (a small piece)
Wiper blades
Your aim is to think of all the components that would leave you stranded if they failed. THOSE are the ones to take along spares for. A good rule of thumb is to take along anything that has already broken twice, because the odds are, it could happen again.
Author: Remember that the harder the trail, the more stuff can break. Junkyard shopping can really be your friend here if you want to carry a spare axle, tie rod or hub assembly. Also keep in mind that if you upgrade to better axles or have replaced your belts and hoses, you can toss these in as trail spares.
Again for harder trials, making, or having someone make for you, a square driveshaft is not a bad idea. If you are lucky enough (like I was) the spare square will fit on either the front or rear. At the very least carry a spare U joint.
Optional Items:
To make your trip even more enjoyable, consider toting along some modern conveniences that are easy to transport too:
Binoculars
Boots
Camcorder
Camera
Camping gear - gear - tent, stove, cookware, sleeping bag, air mattress, etc.
Cigarette plug recharger (for cell phone, camera, etc.)
Hat/cap
Ice and ice chest or cooler
Insect Repellent
Jacket - rain/snow gear
Sunglasses/goggles
Sunscreen
Toilet paper
Work coveralls
While none of these items is absolutely necessary to get you back home safely, these things will, however, make your four-wheeling experience even more fun!
First Aid:
Your 4x4 first aid survival kit should be compact, lightweight, dependable and easily accessed. Here are all of the first aid items you should include in your off road kit they could help save your life:
Adhesive Bandages
Adhesive Tape
Alcohol Preps
Anti-Diarrhea Tablets
Aspirin
Calamine lotion
Dust Masks
Elastic Bandage
Emergency First-Aid Book
First Aid Cream
Gauze Pads
Gauze Roll
Hydrogen Peroxide
Instant Cold Pack
Instant Heat Pack
Mouthwash
Prescription Medications
Razor Blade
Sanitary Pads
Scissors
Snake Bite Kit (in certain areas)
Splints
Tongue Depressors
Toothache Kit
Towelettes
Tweezers
Author:
Adding onto this basic list:
A small roll of duct tape
Tube of Super Glue
Prescription meds for everyone in your vehicle, especially heart, anti seizure, and anaphylactic shock medication
Quick Clot of similar blood stopper
Before you head off road, use the following checklists to make sure that your vehicle is up for the trip, your on-board toolbox is properly stocked with the right tools, you take along the right spare parts, and basic first aid supplies & survival gear, and pack some optional accessories that could make the trip more fun.
Use these lists as a guide to get you started. They highlight what the best prepared off roaders take with them when going off road. What you actually choose to take along on each trip depends on the remoteness of the area you'll be traveling to.
Inspect Your Vehicle:
First and foremost, before you hit the road, you need to make sure your 4WD vehicle is in sound mechanical condition.
To determine whether your 4x4 vehicle is trail ready and capable of surviving a trip off-road, first do a visual inspection - inside and out. Then, take a few minutes to more closely inspect the inner workings of your ride - make sure that the following parts are in good working condition and you don't hear any strange noises coming from these areas:
Axles & Differentials - hubs, seals, vacuum lines, shift motors, vent lines, front u-joints
Battery - clean terminals, check for damaged or corroded wiring
Brakes - drums, rotors, pads/shoes, fluid, hoses, leaks, check e-brake, brake lights
Belts & Hoses - look for cracks or bulges
Body/Frame - look for cracks
Cooling/Heating system - look for leaks, fluid levels, clean and repair fins, check hoses, thermostat, radiator cap
Driveline/Transmission - inspect case and shifter, leaks, fluids, universal & cv joints, skid plates
Engine - carburetor, fuel injectors, spark plugs, wires, pcv valve, pumps, spark plugs, distributor & wires, belts; check for leaks and cracks
Exhaust - muffler, tailpipes
Fluids - oil, transmission, brake, radiator coolant, gear oils, wipers, power steering
Lights - headlights, brake lights, auxiliary lights; make sure they're aimed properly
Nuts & Bolts - tighten axle u-bolts, lug bolts, nuts
Steering - check alignment, fluid level, belts and hoses, pump and reservoir for leaks
Suspension - springs, shocks, alignment, wheel bearings, steering linkage
Tires - tighten lug nuts, air pressure, tread wear (including your full-size spare), look for cuts and missing chunks
Wipers - check for wear, fluid level
Once your vehicle is checked and ready to roll, it's time to load the necessary gear and equipment on board
Your Tool Box:
Before heading off road, you should put some thought into what tools you'll need in your off-road toolbox. Your aim is to have enough on hand so if something breaks when you're out on the trail, you'll be able to disassemble, repair, replace, and/or reassemble it in order to get yourself back on the road.
As a bare minimum, you'll want to have the following items on hand:
Air pressure gauge
Allen wrenches
Baling wire
Crescent wrench (small & medium)
Electrical tape & spare connectors
Grease (or a grease gun)
Hammer
Nuts & bolts (assorted sizes)
Open end/box wrenches (3/8" to 3/4")
Pliers - standard, needle-nose and channel lock
Pocket/utility knife
Screwdrivers - standard and Phillips
Socket set (3/8") with extensions
Standard & Phillips screwdrivers
Super glue/epoxy
Vise grips
Wire & wire cutters/crimpers
Author: Make sure that the wrenches and sockets that you bring along actually fit you vehicles. If you have spent any time at all tightening the nuts and bolts on your rig, you will have a good idea. Keep in mind that many of the newer American rigs have both standard and metric. Also realize that many metric sizes cross over to American sizes, so, as a for instance, carrying a 19mm eliminates carrying a Ύ.
Off Road Safety Gear & Supplies To Take Along
Better safe than sorry. The following safety and recovery equipment will get you out of most predicaments. And, if you're riding with a group, then these items could come from any one of the vehicles in the group; it's not necessary for each and every vehicle to carry it all.
Air pump/compressor
Axe
Blanket
Bow saw
Bucket
Bungee cords
Can opener
Candles
Cell phone and/or CB (Note: steel whip CB antennas can be dangerous out on the trail)
Cigarette lighter
Coat hanger - don't underestimate the number of uses for the common household coat hanger!
Compass/GPS unit (remove GPS below)
Duct tape
Extra gas - enough for a round trip & in an appropriate container
Extra motor oil (1-2 quarts)
Fire extinguisher
First aid kit (packed in a tight weatherproof container)
Flares
Flashlight/lantern
Flashlight/lantern/spotlight - with extra batteries
Food (dehydrated foods take little space and last a long time)
GPS unit/compass
Hydraulic/hi-lift jack
ID card, with emergency phone number contact info & medication/allergy information
Jumper cables
Leather gloves
Maps
Mirror
Multi-fit hose and a roll of rubber-weld tape - to repair a blown radiator hose
Paper towels
Pen & paper (a china marker writes on anything!)
Radiator Stop Leak / Tank sealant putty
Rags
Repair manual for your particular vehicle
Rope
Rubber gloves
Shovel
Spare clothes
Spare key kept on your person
T-style lug wrench
Tarp (6'x6') - to keep yourself out of the mud and to catch small parts
Tire pressure gauge & tire pump; fix a flat
Trash bags - heavy duty
Water - enough for you (to drink, clean up) and your vehicle (battery, radiator, washer fluid)
Waterless hand cleaner
Waterproof matches
WD-40/lubricant
Whistle
Winch kit - including straps, snatch block (pulley), shackle
Zip ties/cable ties
There are also a number of kits and products on the market today to simplify the repair process, should a particular part fail. Some of the most popular: radiator stop-leak, silicone gasket material, plastic steel, plastic aluminum, tank sealant putty, tire plugs/patch kit, carburetor cleaner, etc.
Spare Parts To Take:
Having the right parts on-board could make the difference between walking out and driving out. Make sure that you have extras on hand for each of the following parts to fit your 4WD vehicle. (Keep in mind that many of your old parts can be used as spares in an emergency, so start saving them now.)
Remember, you dont need to bring every spare part you own on the trail - just bring the parts that are most likely to break:
Air filter
Belts
Fuel filter
Fuses
Hoses and several sizes of hose clamps
Oil
Oil filter
Some brake line
Spark plugs
Tire valve stems with cores
Tires (don't forget a good full-size spare!)
U-joints
Vacuum line (a small piece)
Wiper blades
Your aim is to think of all the components that would leave you stranded if they failed. THOSE are the ones to take along spares for. A good rule of thumb is to take along anything that has already broken twice, because the odds are, it could happen again.
Author: Remember that the harder the trail, the more stuff can break. Junkyard shopping can really be your friend here if you want to carry a spare axle, tie rod or hub assembly. Also keep in mind that if you upgrade to better axles or have replaced your belts and hoses, you can toss these in as trail spares.
Again for harder trials, making, or having someone make for you, a square driveshaft is not a bad idea. If you are lucky enough (like I was) the spare square will fit on either the front or rear. At the very least carry a spare U joint.
Optional Items:
To make your trip even more enjoyable, consider toting along some modern conveniences that are easy to transport too:
Binoculars
Boots
Camcorder
Camera
Camping gear - gear - tent, stove, cookware, sleeping bag, air mattress, etc.
Cigarette plug recharger (for cell phone, camera, etc.)
Hat/cap
Ice and ice chest or cooler
Insect Repellent
Jacket - rain/snow gear
Sunglasses/goggles
Sunscreen
Toilet paper
Work coveralls
While none of these items is absolutely necessary to get you back home safely, these things will, however, make your four-wheeling experience even more fun!
First Aid:
Your 4x4 first aid survival kit should be compact, lightweight, dependable and easily accessed. Here are all of the first aid items you should include in your off road kit they could help save your life:
Adhesive Bandages
Adhesive Tape
Alcohol Preps
Anti-Diarrhea Tablets
Aspirin
Calamine lotion
Dust Masks
Elastic Bandage
Emergency First-Aid Book
First Aid Cream
Gauze Pads
Gauze Roll
Hydrogen Peroxide
Instant Cold Pack
Instant Heat Pack
Mouthwash
Prescription Medications
Razor Blade
Sanitary Pads
Scissors
Snake Bite Kit (in certain areas)
Splints
Tongue Depressors
Toothache Kit
Towelettes
Tweezers
Author:
Adding onto this basic list:
A small roll of duct tape
Tube of Super Glue
Prescription meds for everyone in your vehicle, especially heart, anti seizure, and anaphylactic shock medication
Quick Clot of similar blood stopper