Basic recovery equipment for mild/moderate off roading

[Ron4RNevada]

I go off-road by myself in Colorado quite often. Here's how I keep it safe.
- Error on the side of caution. If a trail looks dicey, I park and walk, or turn around.
- Plenty of paper maps covering the areas I'm likely to be in, plus an old fashioned magnetic compass.
- Plenty of fuel
- extra oil and brake/clutch fluid
- Reasonably complete tool kit with multimeter
- Basic recovery gear (hi lift, shovel, axe, saw, ramp boards, tow/tree straps, chain, shackles, etc.)
- Water and shelter (clothing, sleeping bag, backpacking tent, fire starter, and LIGHT) for foreseeable weather for 2-3 days.
- Good hiking boots and a good day pack. Usually in Colorado I'm within 6-10 miles of civilization. I can walk that far if I have to.
- Delorme Inreach satellite communicator. I can send texts to any cell phone from anywhere on the planet, and send an SOS to search and rescue if things get really bad. Plus I can have it send continuous tracking points to the Delorme website at regular intervals, so that those who care about me can always see exactly where I am.

Obviously, this list will look a little different for different areas of the country, but the idea is the same. If you prepare adequately, vehicle problems or getting stuck should be at worst expensive inconveniences, never life-threatening emergencies.

Wow, you're set up! I started out that well equipped in the old days but I have pared down somewhat since.

No satellite tracker, no hi-lift, no tent or sleeping bag, no chain, but most of everything else.

Around here, walking to a highway can be as much as 50 miles.

 

[RonJR]

Well, Ron4RNevada, maybe when I grow up I'll relax a bit more and leave some of my stuff behind. I'm only 67, so have a few years to catch up! I hope I can still be doing this 10 years from now. Way to go!

I got the Delorme Inreach a little over a year ago, and I really like it, and my wife likes it even more. Half the time when I head into the mountains I change my mind as to where I'm going when I get there, due to road closures, weather, or just plain wanting to see what's over the next hill. Rather than having to stick to a pre-determined plan so my body can be found, I can just send a quick text and move on. It's really added to our peace of mind. It costs me about $150 a year, which in the grand scheme of my outdoor adventure expenses, is relatively small.

In the end, though, managing difficulties in the backcountry is as much about mindset as about equipment. There's always more than one way to get out of a situation, and usually the best thing is to first of all go pee, then sit down, have a drink of water and a snack, and think things over before doing anything. And, recognize that getting out late but safely is still a success. Getting hurt or killed is not.

 

[wallytoo]

a 1935 Dodge Panel Delivery: 2 wheel drive, 215 cu in six

you sure about the "215"?

the 218 was common, along with an earlier chryco 219. there was also a reworked small block 6, the 212. i believe these were all 23" blocks. the 251 and 265 were 25" blocks, along with the canadian versions.

my '48 dodge runs the "desoto" version, the 237, a 25" block.

wally

 

[Ron4RNevada]

you sure about the "215"?

the 218 was common, along with an earlier chryco 219. there was also a reworked small block 6, the 212. i believe these were all 23" blocks. the 251 and 265 were 25" blocks, along with the canadian versions.

my '48 dodge runs the "desoto" version, the 237, a 25" block.

wally

Maybe it was - I had so many inline sixes back then with slight variations:

The '35 Dodge; a '46 Dodge; a '49 Chevy; a '51 Chevy; a '51 Plymouth; a '53 International.....

 

[ADK Explorer]

I'm with the old guys. I have and do wheel alone.

One piece of equipment no one has mentioned is a tape measure. Out west you have wide open spaces. Here in the east we have all these damn trees in the way. More than once I've measured my rig and the gap between a big ass boulders or trees to see if I could fit.

Warm clothing in case you have to spend the night.
Hiking boots to walk out if necessary.
Granola bars and water.
Shovel and a saw.

These and common sense will get you out of most sticky situations.

I do plan on getting a winch soon cause in mud season, the trails around here could swallow a t4r never to be seen again!

 

[wallytoo]

to be sure, i've wheeled alone numerous times; it is often part of my job. that said, i've also got more than 25 years experience doing it. the most important equipment, although cliche, is located between our ears, behind our foreheads.

mostly, don't take unnecessary risks, don't panic. when wheeling with others, use the opportunity to find out a bit more about your vehicle's capability.

at a mininum, have water, food, first aid, blankets. everything else is a luxury, but can be useful.

wally

 

[Ghaddan]

Get a Winch

I was out alone 4 wheeling last weekend in Colorado. I know, I should not be out alone, but usually go on trails I have been on many times. This time was out in the snow, and came across a jeep coming up single track road. He pulled to the side to let me pass and got stuck. Great chance to help out, and use my winch setup.

10,000 Pound SmittyBuilt,
Snatch Block,
Tree Strap
D Shackle
Chain

Performed a 45 degree pull. It was a breeze to get him out!:clap2:

 

[Ron4RNevada]

Trees are a rarity around here - My first rule = CAUTION!; If it looks like I'll get stuck. turn around and look for a better route.
My second rule = Don't off-road with 20-somethings; they like to show off and I wind up pulling them out of trouble.

 

[propain]

I'd like to hear some recommendations on good, basic recovery gear for mild trail riding and potential solo recovery. Obviously all solo riding would be done to keep risk minimized.

So far I'm thinking -

1) Hook-less tow strap. What length, width, load rating?
2) D-ring shackles for front recovery points and other vehicle. Again, what specs?
3) Receiver D-ring hitch. Specs?
4) Is a Hi-Lift safe for solo recovery? If so, what other gear is needed besides the main recovery strap?
5) Is a fire extinguisher necessary in a modern vehicle (5th gen)?
6) Is a matching 5th/spare tire needed or is the OEM okay if running 4 stock sized aftermarket AT tires?

I'm running a stock 2014 Trail with AT tires.

Get a pair of maxtrax.

 

[e60ral]

I need recommendations for a come along

Sent from my P00A using Tapatalk

 

[Ray Dunakin]

I need to get a fire extinguisher for my rig. Any recommendations?

 

[Ron4RNevada]

Any of the powder type that are rated for petroleum based fires. Same type you would buy for your kitchen. That is if you want it for putting out an engine fire.

If you want it for putting out a runaway campfire, water is best.

 

[Nightglow]

OK - I am not a "newbie" to off-road and adventure Overlanding but I am new to my 2016 Toyota TEP (45 days now) and interested in options and opinions on where to store recovery or EDC items like an easily accessible fire extinguisher. I have one FE in the back in a "go bag" because I cannot see how anything could fit in under the seats up front. Ideas? Thanks for your help as I set up and build my new truck for Overlanding in Colorado.

 

[dchan4r]

OK - I am not a "newbie" to off-road and adventure Overlanding but I am new to my 2016 Toyota TEP (45 days now) and interested in options and opinions on where to store recovery or EDC items like an easily accessible fire extinguisher. I have one FE in the back in a "go bag" because I cannot see how anything could fit in under the seats up front. Ideas? Thanks for your help as I set up and build my new truck for Overlanding in Colorado.

There is a FE mount for the front seats being mocked up right now. It's only available for pre-order right now though. Here is a link to the thread: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/231981-wits-end-fire-extinguisher-bracket-pre-order.html

 

[Nightglow]

Thanks for the reply - this prototype looks like it might be handy to retain all types of items. Would it work for both the passenger and driver side front seats? Not sure why it would not but I have not examined the seat brackets to see if they are the same. Please post a website link to order when you go into production.

 

[wallytoo]

I need recommendations for a come along

Sent from my P00A using Tapatalk

maasdam pow'r pull. american made, sturdy. i have two.

or, a more power puller. i do not have one.

 

[WaldoOneFive]

maasdam pow'r pull. american made, sturdy. i have two.

or, a more power puller. i do not have one.

Which model do you reccommend for self recovery? Obviously not the 1 or 2 ton... so. 3 or 4 ton rated? Their "Heavy Duty" line?


-

 

[wallytoo]

either choice, depends on expectations.

really, even the 1 or 2 ton versions are better than not having any, if you are stuck.