Who doesn’t dream of an adventure out on the off-road patches for an ideal weekend? You might have the best machines in your garage but trust me, without the proper set of safety gears and accessories you are going to hate your time behind the wheel.
Here we would like to create a checklist for you so that you won’t forget even a pin. We would like to categorize depending on the priority to make sure your luggage is minimal on the trip, but you don’t miss anything necessary.
For the ease of making the list and execution, we categorize the big list into 6, namely:
- Pre-departure checklist
- Basic off-road checklist
- Advanced off-road checklist
- Additional items
- Safety list
- Survival list
- Pre-departure checklist
No matter which surfaces you are hitting, be it tarmac or off-road patches, you need to have a basic check on the mechanical condition of your vehicle. If it’s the latter, your check should be a little more cautious.
- Check the fluid levels namely, Engine oil, Transmission oil, Brake fluid, Windshield wiper fluid, coolant, and Gear oils i.e., transfer case or differentials fluids. If necessary, top up the fluids to the optimum marks. If not, you will end up in the middle of the adventure with your machine stalling and not making it over the patches.
- Check the winch for any damage or kinks and make sure the winch gear and motor are functioning properly. Winch cable should be straightened if necessary.
- Tires should be checked for air pressure and any damage on the side profiles.
- Headlamps, Brake lights, and any auxiliary lights should be checked along with the wiring and battery terminals.
- Shocks, fan belts, and Brake pads should be checked.
- Shaft u bolts and lug bolts should be tightened with appropriate torque. All loose bolts should be tightened.
- All extra fittings should be checked and greased if required.
- Basic off-road checklist
It includes a set of bare minimum requirements you should take to an off-road adventure. These items are very needful and one shouldn’t dare cut short this list to save space, time, and money.
- Personal necessities, including food and water.
- A spare tire of the same size and profile.
- Jack and Rod to change tires.
- Tow strap and tree saver.
- A hand-operated winch
- Tool kit
- Safety gloves with perfect fit and proper grip
- Compass or GPS
- A cutting tool preferably a knife.
- Fire extinguisher
- The second key of your car
Having all the items in this list will ensure that you won’t get stranded while on your adventure trip and that you’ll find your way back home safely.
- Advanced off-road checklist
If you plan to go to hard off-road patches, then you need something extra.
In case your vehicle gets stuck in the mud, you are gonna need these recovery tools to get out.
- Tow straps and a high-capacity jack
- D rings and shackles
- Shovel and tree saver
- Spare chain and snow tire chain
- 2 cycle engine oil
Carry a complete set of tools to the patch, as it will be hard to predict which of those will come to use in the situation you face.
Your basic tool kit should have some advanced wrenches, a complete socket kit, standard screwdrivers, open-end and combination wrenches, and Torx sockets.
Excluding these, you should also carry pipe and large crescent wrenches, a hammer, knife, needle, and large channel lock pliers, and a magnet.
Apart from all these, it will be better if you can also take tools such as jumper cables, snap ring pliers, a portable air pump, and a pressure gauge.
- Additional items
For some miscellaneous uses, you might need some stationery items that you tend to mostly neglect and come to your rescue most of the time.
These include tapes both electrical and duct, woodblocks, ramps, a platform for the jack to be placed, glue, ropes, and bungee cords to meet your strap needs, a waterproof glove, and tie wraps.
Nobody can assure you that your vehicle will never stall in the middle. This is why you must carry the necessary lifeline tools and consumables that will give your car a new life at these extreme terrains.
Apart from these, we also recommend that you carry fluids including engine oil, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and additional fuel as a backup. A funnel and siphon hose that reaches the reservoirs should also be carried. A spare tire and tire puncture kit is a must-have tool. Carry some extra lug nuts and tire star wrench to save you when you happen to lose a nut by accident.
Note that those exposed hoses on your machines are prone to damage in case of a hard hit. So take an extra fuel line and coolant line hose with you. Nuts and bolts of assorted and standard size preferably taken in a separate box will come in handy at times.
In case of any electrical failure, having a set of spare fuses, switches, wires, and relays is a must. Insulation tapes, multimeter, and soldering equipment to repair any problems and spare bulbs in case of any electrical shortage.
It won’t be possible sometimes to carry an extra hub and spare axles with you. An onboard welder, welding gear, and welding supplies could only finish the list.
- Safety items list
- Flashlights or torches with extra batteries
- Matchsticks
- Fire extinguisher
- Extra clothes
- Insect sprays
- Goggles
- Communication devices
- Rain jackets
- Survival items list
This takes care of any wounds or other health conditions you may encounter on these extreme terrains.
- Alcohol swabs
- Antiseptic and analgesic ointments
- Gauze pads
- Band-aids
- Scissors
- ORS powder
- Burn ointment and snake bite kit
- Sanitizer
To Sum Up
The problems you are going to face on the terrain you go to could be predicted but it’s always advisable to be prepared for many. In case you don’t have any of these items on our checklist, visit us and grab them at the best price in the market. Happy off roads!