Getting ready to go off-road first time

T

TinBucket

New member
So I grew up around 4wds but never really went offroad(well some powerline roads or forest service roads in a chevy luv and hiking roads in an outback, but that doesn't count), now I'm too old to go out unprepared, but still young enough to want to learn.

So what should I check/do? I'm getting tires in the next week or two and the truck will be caught up on basic maintenance at least (fluids, tune, cvs).
1" spacer lift, 265s, 4wd, manual

I'm thinking of just doing some forest roads known to be "rough" in the short term, but I'd like to test out some of the local parks.

First aid, fire extinguisher, come along? Hi lift?

Remove tow bar?


For what it's worth I can pretty much hike out of anywhere I'd get to, but of course that's not the goal.
 
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Best thing to do is read up on some offroading tips about taking lines and how to use the throttle.

Other than that best to wheel with another rig with some tow rope.

One of the best things is a small good air compressor so you can down air your tires on the trail. 10-15psi tire pressure will give you a 100 times better ride and night and day difference in traction no madder the tires you ahve.

Good luck
 
step 1, let someone know when and where you're going and expected back. Of course you can hike out, assuming you're not injured.

Hi lift is great for recovery, if you've got the right accessories to help get you out, but more importantly know how to use it in each situation.

in no specific order- extra fuel, spare tire, tire repair/service kit-including lug wrench and air source, the hilift and straps, zip ties, duct tape, basic tool set in a pouch with sockets that fit things like belt tensioners, extra fluids, a small shovel, gloves, headlamp, jumper cables, fuses, etc...

Just think of the worse conditions for an accident and go from there- which usually involves something breaking in the dark while you're tired, hungry, thirsty, with an upset stomach because you thought those berries were a different berry.

Chances are it won't happen, but with that mindset it always will.
 
Pretty sure that beer is not the best thing to "be prepared" with. Try to go with people who are experienced, you will learn more, be safer and have more fun
 
Bicycle, bicycle pump (works for your car tires), tire repair kit, bear spray, GPS beacon, guns, bacon, alcohol, other drugs, sand trap ramp things
 
Mark_BC said:
Bicycle, bicycle pump (works for your car tires), tire repair kit, bear spray, GPS beacon, guns, bacon, alcohol, other drugs, sand trap ramp things
Click to expand...

I'm glad someone brought up bacon. I was starting to get worried you all were giving bad advice!
 
Never forget extra, extra water. For you and the car... But really mostly you. Hid some bottles that you never plan to use. Stay safe, go slow and have fun exploring rarely seen places.
 
Assuming the vehicle is in good shape, and you have taken the precautions and have all (or a good assortment) of the tools and spares previously mentioned, the remaining important thing is this:
If you are not intending to go on a "thrill ride" and are uninterested in damaging your vehicle, when the road gets rough, sketchy, very rough, or you can't see what's ahead slow down. Slow down, and if necessary stop and get out and look ahead on foot.
 
bring someone else in another 4wd with you. can't overstate the importance of this. an oh shit situation where you get yourself stuck and it takes hours to get out is usually a 10 minute recovery pull when you have someone else with a rig there.
 
Extra gas, extra water, snacks, recovery straps, some tools, a shovel, shackles (D rings), a heavy duty trash bag, if you can a Maxxtrax. Small folding saw like a Silky doesn't hurt.
First aid kit should always be in the car, along with an extinguisher, and some flashlight.

Cellphone charger.

And do NOT forget appropriate clothing and shoes. Hiking boots are a must. Got stuck in the mud and had some decent Merrell, it saved the day.
 
"shit tickets" AKA - toilet paper

You never know when nature will call, sucks losing one of your favorite socks.....

Otherwise, ^ this stuff
 
First, decide on your goals. A comfortable, "no-hassle" trip is different than a safe trip. There's no real safety issue in getting stuck in a mudhole for two hours (assuming you don't do something stupid trying to get out), but it is a hassle. Hiking out is also a hassle, but again, in most places it's not a safety issue either, as long as you're healthy, properly clothed, and not lost.

Judgment is the most important thing to bring along. Going by yourself isn't bad, in most situations, but you need to be more conservative about what conditions you'll attempt to drive through. I stop and get out to look things over a lot when I'm by myself. Work your way up gradually and see what the vehicle will do. Go with someone more experienced to increase your learning curve and be able to try things you wouldn't do alone. And, if you do have a problem, sit down and think things over before taking action.

The most important physical things to bring along are stuff to keep you warm, dry, and hydrated. The rule of 3's applies.
You can live 3 minutes without air,
3 hours without shelter (proper clothing is part of that),
3 days without water (except perhaps in the desert),
and 3 weeks without food.
That should help you prioritize what to bring along.

I bring basic tools, but I'm not a big fan of bringing lots of random spare parts and exotic tools, because you'll likely never have the right ones anyway. (If you're rock crawling and know you are prone to breaking CV's or something similar, that's a different thing.)

On all my backcountry trips, hiking or offroading, I bring a Garmin Inreach, which allows me to send text messages via satellite to my wife from anywhere, cell phone coverage or not. It also has an SOS function, but the text messaging is probably more valuable day in and day out for me. It allows me to change plans in the middle of a trip and still keep my loved ones apprised of where I am.
 
Bunch of preppers in this thread.

OP is talking about short trails and parks, not the damn Saharan desert.

#1 important thing above all else, AIR DOWN!!. 15 PSI is perfect. When you're done wheeling, don't go above 50 mph until you have a chance to fill the tires up to 32 psi.
 
I've been stuck on a short trail. The Ranger couldn't bring his truck because of the narrow trail / mud / slope, and I did not have any recovery gear nor shovel etc.

If it hadn't been for a fantastic group of people on ATVs, we'd still be there.

It was a very easy trail and no mud was reported... but I was dumb not to have recovery gear anyway. Now it's always in the truck.

Btw you feel like an idiot when you get back on the trail thanks to the winch of an ATV :) definitely something to get down the line (the winch).
 
You have had some good info given, the one where the GPS can reach satellites with a text sounds awesome.Food, water, medical, tire sealant,lubricant for removing something,tools,clothing,shelter.Good luck.
 
A 2nd vehicle with a driver experienced in offroading, preferably the trail your on.
I don't have this resource, so I am taking baby steps. Gradually trying more difficult terrain.
Along with recovery gear I bring a handheld ham radio tuned to the local Search And Rescue frequency.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
 
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