What to Bring?

Below is a list of items to bring on our trail runs based on thier trail rating. If you can not bring everything do not worry. This is only a list of recomendations, but brining these items if you can ensures that the trip will progress safely and any needed repairs can go smoothly.

RECOMENDED EQUIPMENT

"EASY" (Rating of 1-2)

Two wheel drive is usually acceptable with good ground clearance. Four wheel drive makes the trip safer and there will be less tire spinning.

Basic Tool Box: Bring the tools you use to work on your vehicle at home in addition to these basic tools and supplies.

  • Allen wrenches
  • Pliers
  • Electrical tape
  • Adjustable wrench - small & medium
  • 3/8" drive socket set 3/8" to 3/4"
  • Standard & Phillips screw drivers
  • Open end/box wrenches 3/8" to 3/4 "

Basic 4WD Equipment:

  • Basic tool box
  • First aid kit
  • Air pressure gauge
  • Fire extinguisher
  • DC air pump
  • Spare tire
  • Tire jack
  • Duct tape
  • Tow strap
  • Shovel
  • Tire sealer sealer/inflator
  • Rags
  • Trash bag
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • 40 channel CB (portable type OK)

Additional Items:

  • Binoculars
  • Bottle opener
  • Cooler cup
  • Jacket
  • Pocket knife
  • Snacks
  • Trash bag
  • Water
  • Extra keys
  • Compass
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses and/or goggles
  • Ice and ice chest or cooler
  • Camera, case, film and batteries
  • Maps: Sidekick Off Road Maps, state, county, Forestry, BLM Desert Access Guide, etc.
  • Snow tire chains (winter)
  • Tune-up items (i.e., points, plugs)
"Moderate" (Rating of 3-4)

Four wheel drive, low air pressure, and some experience driving off road is best.

Additional Tools:

  • Electrical wire #16, #10
  • Lug nuts
  • Assorted nuts & bolts
  • Valve stem
  • Fuel line hose
  • Radiator hose
  • Front hub or flange
  • Spark plugs
  • Coil/electronic ignition
  • Tire repair kit
  • Fan belt (water pump)
  • Tie wraps
  • Fuses
  • Electric fuel pump
  • U-joints (drive shaft & axles)
  • Radiator stop leak - silver flakes in tube
  • Larger special application nuts (i.e., back of transfer case on Jeeps
  • Extra spark plug wire - 2 of longest
  • Bring anything that's broken twice

Vehicle Upgrades:

  • Tires: upgrade to 31"
  • Adjust air pressure (check with mfgr):
  • Sand/Dirt: 8-12 lbs.
  • Rocks/Dirt: 15-18 lbs.
  • Snow/Mud: depends on tire tread
  • Lift kit only if required for 31" tires
  • Front and rear tow hook
  • Skid plates under transmission/transfer case
  • Rear positraction recommended

Additional Items:

  • Tools
  • Extra flashlight
  • Gloves & hand cleaner
  • Grease
  • Jumper cables
  • Tire star wrench
  • Full size shovel
  • WD-40 spray
  • Brake fluid
  • Motor oil
  • Power steering fluid
  • Bungie cords
  • Extra gas & funnel
  • 40 channel walkie talkie (as spare CB)
  • Hydraulic jack or hi-lift jack
  • Off highway lights: non-street legal type
  • Short cable or chain with hooks on both ends: attach to vehicles without hooks or hitch
"DIFFICULT" (Rating of 4-5)

4WD with a rear locker is highly recomended. A locker or limited slip in front differential make the drive safer. Low air pressure, roll bar, off highway experience, and a buddy vehicle are important. Body damage is possible.

Additional Tools:

  • Deep sockets 3/8" - 3/4"
  • Lock tight
  • Large adjustable wrench
  • Breaker bar
  • Spark plug wrench
  • Magnet
  • Cotter keys - various sizes
  • Files: flat & round
  • Large channel locks
  • Silicone - RTV
  • 2 sizes of pipe wrenches
  • C-clamps
  • Voltage meter or test light
  • Larger sockets
  • Valve stem remover
  • Welding rod, hood
  • Battery terminal cleaner (wire type)
  • Electrical connectors - crimp style
  • ¼" drive set w/ smaller socket sizes
  • Metric sockets 10mm, 12mm (3/8" drive)
  • ½" drive ratchet w/ larger socket sizes
  • Tube wrenches: 3/4", ½", 9/16", 5/8", 11/16"
  • Winch Kit:
    • tree strap,
    • hi-lift jack,
    • snatch block,
    • pickle fork,
    • shackle,
    • gloves

Additional Vehicle Upgrades:

  • Rear locker required
  • Rocker panel protection
  • Tire upgrade to 33" - 36"
  • Buy additional sets of tires/wheels:
  • Sand: paddle tires on wide rims
  • Mud/Snow/Rock: 8" rim w/ radical tread
  • Dirt/Light Sand: 10" rim w/ milder tread
  • Lift kit: as required for taller tires
  • CB radio (with sideband for max. reception)
  • Skid plates under spring pads
  • Front locker or limited slip recommened
  • 8,000# winch or stronger (install with on/off switch)

Optional Hard Parts:

  • Spindle bearings
  • Alternator
  • Axles
  • Transfer case/parts
  • Drive shaft
  • Starter
  • Ring & pinion
  • Spider gears
  • Solenoid
  • Tie rods & ends