Dirt Devils Packing Checklist

4x4 Off Road Packing & Driving Tips That Could Save Your Life

Some thought should be given as to how you will pack each of the above items in - or on - your vehicle, because overloading your vehicle can be just as dangerous as not taking along the right gear in the first place.

The extra weight can cause poor balance and unnecessary stress on your vehicle and its components, so try to pack accordingly, being careful not to overload the vehicle. You've heard about SUV rollovers?... They happen off road too!

How Much To Pack

Ultimately, which tools, equipment, and spare parts you take along will depend on where you are going and for how long.

As a rule, you should pack enough to be confident that you could get yourself out of a jam. However, in the event that you could not fix your vehicle and become mobile again, chances are that a passing four-wheeler would come to your aid soon.

Avoid Flying Projectiles

It is extremely important to keep all of the items you've loaded in your vehicle securely strapped down or safely stowed away, because loose items could, unfortunately, become projectiles if they hit you. You should use heavy-duty straps (not bungee cords) to secure items in your vehicle.

Contain and strap down anything that will hurt if it hits you. Remember that all supplies inside your vehicle must be contained in some way that will prevent bodily injury during rough riding and extreme maneuvers.

Friends & Passengers

It's always a good idea to take friends along. Four-wheeling is a lot more fun (and a lot more safe!) with a passenger along. Never go out on a trail by yourself - especially if it's a trail you haven't been on before.

Emergency Reminder

These checklists should get you started when it comes to packing for an off road trip. Remember, your goal is to be adequately prepared for the remoteness of your destination. And speaking of remote areas… remember to ALWAYS stay with your vehicle in a breakdown situation and wait for help.

Last, but not least, don't forget your driver's license, proof of insurance, money, and to let someone know where you're going. Now, all that's left to do is fill up your tank and hit the road.

And remember… Tread Lightly!

Mandatory Safety Equipment:

(First run you will not be required to have all these items.)

 

·        Functional 4-Watt CB Radio cable of transmitting on channels 4&9.

·        Fire Extinguisher

·        First Aid Kit (See recommendations below).

·        Jack capable of lifting your vehicle high enough to change each tire.

·        Safety Belts for each occupant.

·        Spare Tire that holds air and is approximately the same size as the rest of the tires on the vehicle.

·        Tow Hooks or equivalent, front & rear – welded or attached with grade 5 bolts & nuts and with an ultimate rating of 10,000 lbs.

·        Tow Strap with a minimum strength rating of 20,000 lbs.

·        Drinking Water, 1 gallon per day, per person.

·        Roll Bar or Hard Top

·        Battery Hold/Tie down

·        Functional Emergency Brake or Micro Lock.

Recommended Safety Equipment:

• Blanket • Compass

• Hi-Lift Jack

• Spare Fan Belts

• Spare Hoses

• Tool Kit with tools to fit your vehicle (even if you don’t know how to use them, someone will).

• Spare Keys

• First Aid Kit – (Tweezers, scissors, snake bit kit, tape, 1” Band-Aids, ace bandage, gauze compress 24 x72”, gauze pads 2 x 3”, triangular bandages, knuckle bandages, wound wipes, cotton swabs, sting swabs, burn spray/cream, antibiotic cream, eye drops, green soap, antacid tablets, smelling salts, aspirin or other pain reliever, poison ivy cream, antiseptic, latex gloves, and any medicines need by you specifically).

• Cargo Restraints

• Shovel

• ½” Clevis

• Leather Work Gloves

• Food/Snacks