Trail Tools for Off Road Exploring

I got some mail a short time ago from a newbie trail rider asking about what should be taken on a trail ride so they
can keep out of trouble. Here is a list of what you should have and why.

• Trail Buddy
  Before you head for the trails, grab someone to go with you! The idea is another 4WD vehicle, not a co-pilot. If you get in a jam and need a tug, your buddy will be a quick solution to what could be a bad situation. Also they may render first-aid in the event of any injury, may be a spotter and may be your ticket out of the woods (or desert) in the event of vehicle failure.

• CB Radio
  First and foremost, make sure you have a CB Radio. Communication is great when on a ride so you can keep in touch with the others.

• Cellular Phone
  Better chance of getting a connection to the outside world with a cell phone than a CB on Ch 9. However, many remote areas we explore has no towers in close proximity. Good to have anyway.

• Ham Radio
  2 meter VHF is very popular, and access to an autopatch is usually easy to gain. Greater range than a CB, but less likely to talk to another 4 wheeler since CBs are far more popular.

• Shovel
  A standard shovel, or a military folding entrenching tool is very handy. Many have gotten out of a bad fix with this simple tool.

• Crowbar
  Sometimes you just need a little leverage. From bent parts to tightening a loose belt, or beating that badger off your leg, a crowbar is great to have.

• Tow Strap/Snatch Strap/Recovery Strap
  One tool, three names. Its either 2" or 3" wide nylon webbing with loops in the ends (not the ones with metal hooks). 20' long is plenty, can be had at Wal-Mart and Advance Auto, to name a few.

• Rear Tow Hook
  Helps to have a way to get out of trouble you got into.

• Front Tow Hook
  Helps to have a way to get out of trouble you got into.

• Flashlight
  Spare batteries? Need we say more?

• First Aid Kit
  Make sure you have a little something for everything.

• Hand Tools
  A "medium" sized tool box is best, a small one will most likely leave you wishing for more. A good SAE and Metric set of wrenches and sockets, screwdrivers and pliers should round it out nicely.

• High-Lift Jack
  This tool is great for many applications, and when off roading you will find a regular jack just won't cut it.

• Spare Tire
  The spare should be similar in size and type as your other four good tires.

• Fire Extinguisher
  Many forest trails require it, and it is great to have when your truck decides to throw flames for whatever reason. I personally watched a car go from little flames under the hood to tires popping and a burnt waste in less than 3 minutes.

• Camera
  Still or video. Not critical, but nice to have those bitter sweet memories to show your pals at work when you roll your beast.

• Winch
  Costly, but great. Remember the rule, the winch capacity should be 1.5X what your vehicle weight is.

• Come-A-Long
  Poor man's winch, get a big one! The cheap'o models are worthless.

• GPS
  Folks rely on a GPS to find the way back out of a trail Ive never been on, or to mark special areas for others to be able to find.

• Topographic Map
  A topo map of the area your are in is nice to have, you can tell how the trail is going to develop, and any short cuts to the hard top in the event you gotta leave your rig behind.

• Lug Wrench and Jack
  For obvious reasons, helps to have one when you want to change a flat. Don't forget the key for those wheel locks, too.

• Jack Platform
  A section of 2X4, or a 12"+ square piece of material, steel works great. This is to place under your jack in the event you have poor material to try to work in, such as sand or mud, etc..

• Water Jugs
  At least two 1 gallon milk jugs, you can fill your radiator, fill your washer fluid reservoir or sneak a drink. Also good for trail side clean ups.

• Black Electrical Tape
  For electrical repairs, and many other things that it works wonders with.

• Extra Fluids
  Extra tranny, diff, power steering and oil. You never know when you will need it.

• Heavy Leather Gloves
  For hooking up winch cables, sawing or working with hot parts.

• Medic Alert Tag
  If you have a medical condition, make sure you have your tag on. Also have your needed medication on hand if required/ suggested by your doctor.

• Food and drink
  Canned food or things like MRE's and water are good to have if your trip ends up being longed than planed.
  
  Write up by Jeff Henderson
  
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  Last Modified: 7-13-05 JCH