Topic: Off road kit

[Northernridge]

Maybe this goes nowhere but there's always some chatter on the forum about off roading. I came across this simple, obvious and smart list of essential gear to carry when travelling off road. What else do you carry?

http://www.roadandtrack.com/boot/car-accessories/to-go-off-road-solo-you-need-these-tools

[Great_Big_Abyss]

I found a variety of clevises (different sizes) always came in handy, especially when trying to hook onto tow points on different vehicles.  Some trucks have closed tow hooks that you can't hook a strap loop into.  Hence the necessity for a clevis. 

A shovel was also an invaluable tool, and should never be omitted, especially when going out in the snow.  Many times I got stuck in a snow-drift, only to spend fifteen minutes with a shovel and drive out under my own power.

And keep in mind, these are all just basic necessities for the 'just in case' scenario of self-recovery.  If you're planning on off-roading much more often there is so much more kit that is necessary, including but not limited to Hi-Lift Jacks, Ground Anchors, Chain Saws, Radios, other vehicles in a group (this is absolutely important).

[Snowman]

Good list, I also had a jack-all


Great for lifting truck when getting hung up, especially on railroad tracks.

[Great_Big_Abyss]

Good list, I also had a jack-all


Great for lifting truck when getting hung up, especially on railroad tracks.

Also known as a hi-lift.  Indispensable.  Can be used as a winch, too, should the situation arise. 

[Northernridge]

^^Funny. I only know it as a farm jack.

[Fobroader]

Good list, I also had a jack-all


Great for lifting truck when getting hung up, especially on railroad tracks.

Absolutely agree, have gotten many a Jeep out of many sketchy situations because of one of these Hi-lifts. Indispensable in the bush.

[johngenx]

Add some high rubber boots.

[Fobroader]

Also, never go "offroading" by yourself. I have heard many horror stories of long walks through bear/wolf/cougar areas, almost dying because an accident happened and no one was there to help and VERY expensive tow bills to get someone out where another vehicle could have easily pulled them out. Always go with a buddy.

[Snowman]

Add some high rubber boots.

Yeah....always had a pair of waders in the box.

[Fobroader]

Add some high rubber boots.

Yeah....always had a pair of waders in the box.

Hmmm....maybe fishing is all that bad 

[ArticSteve]

12 pack of beer and a box of crackers.

A portable electric winch that you can attach to your hitch and plug into the truck.

[KD]

Hmmm lets see:

first aid kit
shovel with heavy steel blade and good wooden handle.
jack
pruning saw
rope and chain
12v air pump
rubber boots
rain suit
change of clothes
lots of non-perishable food
tarp
headlamp, flashlights and extra batteries
kettle, tea bags and extra water
matches, lighter and propane torch
soon to add microwave oven 

winter time add:
ice grips for boots
snowshoes
hd helly hansen parka and pants
hd winter boots
traction gravel (not sand)
tire chains

[Trainman]

List is pretty good.  I carry a pulaski as well:



I stopped using the jackall as they do not work well on newer style bumpers and are considered rather dangerous to use unless you really know how, and what their limits are.

[Snowman]

List is pretty good.  I carry a pulaski as well:



I stopped using the jackall as they do not work well on newer style bumpers and are considered rather dangerous to use unless you really know how, and what their limits are.

Good point about modern trucks with plastic bumpers. I guess carry a 4l jug of gas to burn it down if it gets stuck bad enough 

[Fobroader]

List is pretty good.  I carry a pulaski as well:



I stopped using the jackall as they do not work well on newer style bumpers and are considered rather dangerous to use unless you really know how, and what their limits are.

You can get an adapter kit that hooks onto the rims. Yeah, the bumpers on the new trucks are laughable from that standpoint.

[Northernridge]

I make sure I have the trailer hitch with the truck when I'm going off road. That way I can tow or be towed from the front (tow hooks) and rear.

Much of my off road venturing in the pickup is during hunting season in the fall and includes traversing ditches and driving in farm fields which around hear means driving in 'Manitoba gumbo' or clay (have you ever been seriously stuck in clay soil?). So getting stuck has a lot to do with how wet and cold (frozen) the ground is. We don't deal with many rocks, fording or elevation changes. Of course if it snows early it's a completely different animal.

Over the years we've had to plead with a local farmer to fire up his tractor to yank us out. Believe it not they're pretty gracious.

I also hunt in NWO and it's different there what with trees, rocks, hills and water - and much more remoteness - so different stuckage threats.

[Fobroader]

I make sure I have the trailer hitch with the truck when I'm going off road. That way I can tow or be towed from the front (tow hooks) and rear.

I have one of these in the truck and the Mitsu at all times. Ive seen a recovery strap fly off of a ball hitch........

[Northernridge]

I make sure I have the trailer hitch with the truck when I'm going off road. That way I can tow or be towed from the front (tow hooks) and rear.

I have one of these in the truck and the Mitsu at all times. Ive seen a recovery strap fly off of a ball hitch........

Good idea.

[Snowman]

I make sure I have the trailer hitch with the truck when I'm going off road. That way I can tow or be towed from the front (tow hooks) and rear.

Much of my off road venturing in the pickup is during hunting season in the fall and includes traversing ditches and driving in farm fields which around hear means driving in 'Manitoba gumbo' or clay (have you ever been seriously stuck in clay soil?). So getting stuck has a lot to do with how wet and cold (frozen) the ground is. We don't deal with many rocks, fording or elevation changes. Of course if it snows early it's a completely different animal.

Over the years we've had to plead with a local farmer to fire up his tractor to yank us out. Believe it not they're pretty gracious.

I also hunt in NWO and it's different there what with trees, rocks, hills and water - and much more remoteness - so different stuckage threats.

Back when I lived up there we also would install hitches on the front of our trucks. Very good for launching boats where there are no ramps and pulling our adventurous buddies out of the loon shat.

[ktm525]

You dig the truck out. I am going riding.. One of these in the truck while the others play Camel Race wannabes.