How to prepare for off roading... suggestion

[Donner]

If it's not here already, is there a Preparation thread/forum for those of us that will be either be bystanders or participants in these O/R runs? What to bring, what to expect, etc... Most of all, how to prepare for the run. Also, how to clean the vehicle aftewards... Is GPS recommended or is a cell phone and/or walkie talkie recommended? Thanks!

 

[Tbars4]

...a c.b. is best with a cell phone for backup...gps is great for location's and directions...you could look in the forums page under california and read the return from threads to see and read alot about our local recent runs...
...most of the trucks don't get cleaned after the runs but normal cleaning usually does the job...very few mud runs out here...

 

[Ritsui]

Check here: http://www.explorer4x4.com/trail_equip.html

Personally, I recommend a bare minimum:

+ CB Radio
+ Cell phone
+ Tow hooks front and rear
+ Tow strap
+ Working spare (or two)
+ As complete a tool set as you can afford (sockets, hammer, pliers, etc.)
+ Duct tape and electrical tape
+ Several gauges of wire
+ All fluids (water/oil/trans/brake)
+ First aid (should be at the top, probably used more than anything else)

Obviously, a lot of preparation depends on exactly what you'll be doing, where you'll be and who else is there. When I'm wheeling locally I don't worry much about 'survival', but anywhere in the desert (arguably most of So Cal) I make sure to bring enough food, water clothing and shelter to walk from wherever I could get stuck to wherever I need to get to.

 

[Tbars4]

...ritsui, you beat me to it, lol...and don't forget, don't go wheeling alone...

 

[Burns]

Ah i was looking for that but Ritsui got it for ya

 

[cybergasm]

Ah i was looking for that but Ritsui got it for ya

LOL i was looking for the same thing but was slow in finding it

 

[Donner]

Exactly what the rookie needs... I will bring the basics too (water, first aid kit, tp) This rookie thanks you all! We will see you soon...

 

[Ritsui]

I had that page in the back of my mind for a while. I've been intending to create a checklist and update all my trail gear but I keep putting it off. Thanks for reminding me, Donner

 

[Donner]

No, thank you!

I had that page in the back of my mind for a while. I've been intending to create a checklist and update all my trail gear but I keep putting it off. Thanks for reminding me, Donner

For people that would like to at least be able to get started, I can now see where I would have made some pretty basic mistakes. The first would be assuming that the vehicle was ready to go just because it is 4x. I wouldn't have thought about communication and/or getting lost, having to walk a distance if something happened... Well, this sounds like a write up that could win over a lot of wouldbe off roaders... I hope you all are able to put it together for us. (I would also recommend carrying what I call a coconut cracker, some call it a police issue flashlight... just in case you run into an animal or human that you can't out run)

 

[Ritsui]

I would also recommend carrying what I call a coconut cracker, some call it a police issue flashlight... just in case you run into an animal or human that you can't out run

No kidding . I keep one (3 cell mag light) behind each seat. I have them mostly because I seem to end up in a lot of dark places (our area has no street lights), but yeah, the alternate usage argument is a good one too... at least for the majority of people who don't carry short swords .

As for the basic survival preparations... I try to apply the same rules as for a bug out bag or home disaster kit. What would I need to comfortably survive for X days without any outside help? A lot of items (flint, space blanket, etc.) will almost never be needed, but when the are they can save your life.

To keep in economical, my wife keeps much of our disaster supplies in Rubbermaid boxes and backpacks so they can be quickly moved from car to garage and back and we don't have to duplicate everything. I do the same with common tools like a socket set and pliers.

I'm not so sure about creating an kind of official write up, but I'll see what I can come up with when I get around to updating my offroad/survival kits.

 

[Tbars4]

...might i add that one of the most important things you can have is a AAA card with at least a minimum of a plus membership for getting home or at least towed to a facility...

...we can drag a broke vehicle to the street for towing but getting them home can be a nightmare...

 

[Charlie]

I always have a 6d underneath the front passenger seat, easy to grab, easy to use. It is really big though, but plenty bright. Makes the 4d ones look like AA flashlights.

 

[carlover]

...might i add that one of the most important things you can have is a AAA card with at least a minimum of a plus membership for getting home or at least towed to a facility...

...we can drag a broke vehicle to the street for towing but getting them home can be a nightmare...

AAA is one of they next things i have to do before i go out again lol.

 

[Donner]

This is a manual!

I always have a 6d underneath the front passenger seat, easy to grab, easy to use. It is really big though, but plenty bright. Makes the 4d ones look like AA flashlights.

First, you all are cracking me up!! And these are all good things to know... However, with the 6d, I thought about that, but I also thought about, "What if they take it from me?" If it's an animal, you're good... but if it's a big fella, wow, could be a problem... but I'm going to get one anyway, 4d by the seat, 6d in the back storage area next to the beanie and gloves. (Years ago, I tried to put on chains on the 2wd. Within minutes my hands were numb, and I had to pay somebody to put them on... so I keep that equipment in the back just in case...

 

[rickcdewitt]

also axle shafts,rear drive shaft,hub,other parts that have given you trouble.

 

[Maniak]

also axle shafts,rear drive shaft,hub,other parts that have given you trouble.

True.. Basically, any part that has given you trouble.

On the last TH run I gave out two of my spare brake lines.

I also carry bearings, u-joints, hubs, RA bushings, Shock bushings and any other little thing I've had an issue with before.

~Mark