Post by K5 on Jul 23, 2006 22:49:29 GMT -5
This is a very extensive off-road checklist.
Orginal Source of Checklist
Use these lists as a guide to get you started. They highlight what the best prepared offroaders 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.
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…
Before heading off road, you should put some thought into what tools you'll need in your offroad 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
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.
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 don’t 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.
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!
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
Some thought should be given as to how you will pack each of the above items in - or on - your vehicle, because overloading your vehicle can be just as dangerous as not taking along the right gear in the first place.
The extra weight can cause poor balance and unnecessary stress on your vehicle and its components, so try to pack accordingly, being careful not to overload the vehicle. You've heard about SUV rollovers?... They happen off road too!
How Much To Pack
Ultimately, which tools, equipment, and spare parts you take along will depend on where you are going and for how long.
As a rule, you should pack enough to be confident that you could get yourself out of a jam. However, in the event that you could not fix your vehicle and become mobile again, chances are that a passing four-wheeler would come to your aid soon.
Avoid Flying Projectiles
It is extremely important to keep all of the items you've loaded in your vehicle securely strapped down or safely stowed away, because loose items could, unfortunately, become projectiles if they hit you. You should use heavy-duty straps (not bungee cords) to secure items in your vehicle.
Contain and strap down anything that will hurt if it hits you. Remember that all supplies inside your vehicle must be contained in some way that will prevent bodily injury during rough riding and extreme maneuvers.
Friends & Passengers
It's always a good idea to take friends along. Four-wheeling is a lot more fun (and a lot more safe!) with a passenger along. Never go out on a trail by yourself - especially if it's a trail you haven't been on before.
Emergency Reminder
These checklists should get you started when it comes to packing for an off road trip. Remember, your goal is to be adequately prepared for the remoteness of your destination. And speaking of remote areas… remember to ALWAYS stay with your vehicle in a breakdown situation and wait for help.
Last, but not least, don't forget your driver's license, proof of insurance, money, and to let someone know where you're going. Now, all that's left to do is fill up your tank and hit the road.
And remember… Tread Lightly!
Orginal Source of Checklist
Use these lists as a guide to get you started. They highlight what the best prepared offroaders 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.
- Is Your 4WD Vehicle Trail Ready and Capable of Off Road Travel? -
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…
- Which Tools To Keep In Your 4x4 Off Road Toolbox -
Before heading off road, you should put some thought into what tools you'll need in your offroad 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
- Supplies To Pack - Safety & Recovery Gear For 4-Wheeling Offroad -
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 Along When You Go 4x4 Driving Off Road -
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 don’t 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.
- Optional Items To Pack For Fun & Convenience Off Road -
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!
- 4x4 First Aid Kit For 4Wheeling Off Road in the Backcountry -
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
- Top 4x4 Off Road Packing & Driving Tips That Could Save Your Life -
Some thought should be given as to how you will pack each of the above items in - or on - your vehicle, because overloading your vehicle can be just as dangerous as not taking along the right gear in the first place.
The extra weight can cause poor balance and unnecessary stress on your vehicle and its components, so try to pack accordingly, being careful not to overload the vehicle. You've heard about SUV rollovers?... They happen off road too!
How Much To Pack
Ultimately, which tools, equipment, and spare parts you take along will depend on where you are going and for how long.
As a rule, you should pack enough to be confident that you could get yourself out of a jam. However, in the event that you could not fix your vehicle and become mobile again, chances are that a passing four-wheeler would come to your aid soon.
Avoid Flying Projectiles
It is extremely important to keep all of the items you've loaded in your vehicle securely strapped down or safely stowed away, because loose items could, unfortunately, become projectiles if they hit you. You should use heavy-duty straps (not bungee cords) to secure items in your vehicle.
Contain and strap down anything that will hurt if it hits you. Remember that all supplies inside your vehicle must be contained in some way that will prevent bodily injury during rough riding and extreme maneuvers.
Friends & Passengers
It's always a good idea to take friends along. Four-wheeling is a lot more fun (and a lot more safe!) with a passenger along. Never go out on a trail by yourself - especially if it's a trail you haven't been on before.
Emergency Reminder
These checklists should get you started when it comes to packing for an off road trip. Remember, your goal is to be adequately prepared for the remoteness of your destination. And speaking of remote areas… remember to ALWAYS stay with your vehicle in a breakdown situation and wait for help.
Last, but not least, don't forget your driver's license, proof of insurance, money, and to let someone know where you're going. Now, all that's left to do is fill up your tank and hit the road.
And remember… Tread Lightly!