There’s no better feeling than when you leave the traffic behind and head out for some real off-road adventure. Getting off the tarmac and into the country with all that amazing scenery instead of building after building is what owning a 4×4 is all about.
No more being stopped at traffic lights or getting stuck in lines of traffic or having to contend with pedestrians, cyclists and everything else that gets in the way of the joy of driving. Being out in the elements, just you and your truck is true freedom.
However, before you hit the open trail, it’s important that you make sure that you’ve got all the right extras, to handle any situation you may encounter. A winch can be a crucial piece of lifting equipment that might help to get you or a friend get out of trouble. Make a checklist of any safety equipment, tools and recovery gear you might need for your adventure and double-check it before you get going. Remember to let someone know where you’re going so that if you do have trouble getting in touch in an emergency that they will know where to start looking for you.
Let’s take a look at a few key elements you should always bring with you on a 4×4 adventure no matter what kind of terrain you plan on crossing.
Safety Equipment
Off-roading by its very nature takes place in harsh environments and comes with its fair share of bumps bruises, sprains and other potential injuries. A first aid kit is an essential piece of equipment to bring with you as you never know what might happen on the trail. A standard first aid kit will generally be enough. However, a first aid kit is little more than a decoration if you don’t know how to use it, so be sure to take some basic first aid training to ensure you can administer treatment to you or your passengers if necessary.
Another critical piece of safety equipment to have onboard is a fire extinguisher. As with any vehicle, if a fire does break out, you want to be able to deal with quickly and effectively to ensure the safety of you and everyone in the area. Mount it securely so that it doesn’t bounce around when you’re moving and make sure that it is always easily accessible.
Tools and Tyre Kit
Owning a 4×4 means understanding some of the inner workings of the vehicle as, at times, you may need to carry out repairs when you’re on the road. The harsher the journey, the easier it is to break parts, so be sure that you carry a toolkit that is well-equipped to be able to handle any minor repairs to the vehicle. It’s also important to pack spare parts, as you deem necessary, as well as engine oil, WD40 and different sizes and strengths of rope, wire, and tape.
A tyre kit with a tyre gauge, a deflator, and a plug kit is also essential. Tyres take a hammering when you’re driving off-road and a plug kit will allow you to plug small holes in them if and when needed. An automatic deflator can be set to the pressure you want and will go off automatically when that pressure is reached.
Image: http://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/4×4/2015/11/20/49982/custom-toyota-hilux-sr5-main.jpg
Recovery Gear
Whether you’re travelling as a solo vehicle or in a convoy, having recovery gear in case you get stuck and knowing how to use it is vitally important. Having a winch installed will allow you to pull yourself or others out of heavy mud, soft sand or deep gravel or water if the need arises. Make sure that your winch kit contains a tree strap, pulley, two D rings and a pair of gloves so that you’re covered in all instances. It’s also important that you have a strong recovery strap with loops in the ends, not metal hooks and be sure that you have towing hooks at both the back and the front of your vehicle in case you need assistance.
As all 4×4 owners, whether you are offroading on the beach or travelling deep into the outback, a shovel is a prerequisite for any trip. There’s always a chance you might get stuck and your shovel will clear the dirt and will allow you to insert rocks, sticks, or a traction device between your wheel and the ground to get you moving again.
Go Offroading with Confidence
Starting up your engine and watching the city disappear in your rearview mirror is when the excitement of a 4×4 trip really takes hold. However, no matter how good your driving is or how skilled you are, it’s crucial that you have the right setup to ensure that you are always prepared for a worst-case scenario. Hitting the road with all of your equipment loaded up means you can push a little harder and enjoy the experience confident that you’re ready for anything.
.jpg){kind=tracking}