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This
pre-trip checklist is meant to be comprehensive. You
certainly won't need all of it every time. over time
you'll learn just what's needed for your rig, for
your style of drving and for the trails you frequent.
Assemble
the following items in storage containers to keep
on-board. Be sure to secure all items in your vehicle
as any loose tools and spare parts can become dangerous
projectiles if the vehicle stops suddenly or hits
an unseen bump on the trail. Here we go - pack as
you see fit:
~ full-sized, matching spare tire - mini-spares won't
cut it
~ a good hydraulic jack (and a piece of thick plywood
for a jack base)
~ a hi-lift style jack if your rig is modified with
a taller suspension - be careful with these!
~ first aid kit (the largest that you can reasonably
pack - don't forget medication/prescriptions, bug
spray and sun screen, too)
~ non-perishabe foods - make sure you have enough
for a few meals, just in case
~ compass or GPS
~ flashlight or lantern (bring extra batteries)
~ waterproof matches
~ pocketknife
~ blanket
~ rain suit
~ spare warm clothing
~ shovel
~ towrope & vehicle tow strap
~ 2 boards (about 2-feet long)
~ aerial or road flares
~ duct tape
~ electrical tape
~ tarp or ground cover
~ at least 1 gallon of water per person
~ mobile phone (but remember that mobiles have limited
coverage)
~ maps, trail guides
~ fire extinguisher
~ air compressor (aerosol "fix-a-flat" works
well in a pinch)
~ 2 gallons of water for the radiator (not antifreeze)
~ 3 quarts of engine oil
~ 2 quarts 80/90w gear oil for diff's and transfer
~ 5 gallons of spare gas/diesel
~ 1 pint brake fluid & funnel for all fluids
~ an axe
~ if you'll be riding in dunes, take along a flag
so people can see you
~ washer fluid
~ garbage bags
~ towels, rags
~ bungee cords
~ snow chains with tensions (correct sizes with rubber
or spring straps, not cable-chains!)
~ D-ring shackles rated for the weight of your truck
~ tow hooks properly mounted to your 4x4, front and
rear
~ gloves
~ basic tool kit
~ spark-plug socket
~ jumper cables
~ tire pressure gauge
~ some key spare parts - axle shafts, hub kits, basic
nuts and bolts in common sizes
~ winch and winch kit - for offroading, stick with
winches rated 8,000 lbs and higher
~ check the winch rope or cable to ensure it is in
good working order and is safe to use
~ appropriate manuals for your vehicle for quick repairs
Remember,
this is a pretty comprehensive list. Feel free to
add or subtract items which make sense to you, based
on your situations. Though this may seem like a lot,
you'd be surprised how well this stuff can be packed
down with practice.
One
final note: make sure to leave detailed notes on where
you plan to be and for how long with someone at home
before you venture off the beaten track. Include a
date and time for your return. Should something happen
on the trail, everyone will know where to start looking
any you'll know when to expect help.
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