From Faq
This is a list of items that you should consider having when you travel on 4-wheel drive trails, in the mountains, or other remote areas where help could be delayed or not received. It is designed for all 4WD vehicles, not just Toyotas. Even if you only plan a short trip, it could turn into a long, or overnight, trip due to mechanical or navigational issues.
Information listed was obtained from California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs, Esprit De Four 4 Wheel Drive Club, Backcountry Adventures (ISBN: 1-930193-08-4), Guide to California Backroads & 4 Wheel Drive Trails (ISBN: 0-9664976-5-1), last and least: my personal experience.
WEB LINKS:
http://www.keystonekrawlers.com/4x4equipment.htm
United Four Wheel Drive Clubs
California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs
Blue Ribbon Coalition
Tread Lightly
Family Camping Gear
- DISCLAIMER: (Please read all of this!!)***
Using this list and having all of these items does not guarantee you or your vehicle's safety. You are responsible for that. You have to decide how much or how little gear and tools you can and/or want to carry. Please use this list as only a guide and do not limit yourself to just the items on this list. Be aware of your vehicle limitations and your driving skill/experience. If you have doubts about an obstacle or situation, DO NOT attempt it! Try it next time when you upgrade your vehicle and have more experience.
THE BEST ADVICE:
Travel with other people who have similarly, or better equipped 4-wheel drive vehicles. Consider joining a 4-wheel drive club. Some are vehicle specific (i.e. Jeep club), some are activity specific (rock crawling, desert), but most are non-specific general clubs and based on geographic location. Learn as much as you can about your vehicle. Understand it's abilities and design (i.e. suspension, engine, tires, 4WD system). Learn about it's weakpoints. Do your best to be prepaired and able to make repairs in the field.
Tell someone where you are going and ETA to return/destination. Obtain emergency phone numbers of emergency services in the area you are traveling in, i.e. park rangers, BLM, Sheriff's Office. 9-1-1 may connect you to emergency services that are not local.
Pay all entry fees and obtain all necessary permits and passes before embarking. Obtain permission before entering private property. Getting caught w/o permits can get you cited. Law enforcement officers are sometimes unpleasant when enforcing fee areas.
- Bold green items are minimum requirements to participate in California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs and other 4 wheel drive club runs.
VEHICLE SAFETY/CHECK LIST:
- Seatbelts for all occupants (Just as vital on slow-speed trail as on high-speed highway).
- Rollcage, rollbar, or factory hardtop.
- Functional parking brake [consider wheel chock(s)].
Battery properly mounted and secured.
- Vehicle jack [long beam ratchet (Hi-Lift), bottle, or floor] & lug-nut wrench.
Repair all known vehicle malfunctions prior to run.
New modifications (i.e. lift kit) tested prior to long or remote-location trips.
- Current registration and insurance for any on highway driving, public land wheeling, or flat towing.
Check fuel, oil, coolant, ATF, windshield washer, all other fluid levels.
Visual inspection under hood and under carriage for loose bolts, worn belts, frayed or exposed wires, etc.
Undercariage inspection for cracks, loose bolts, bent parts, excessive rust, any other problems/faults.
Windshield wiper & horn test.
Tire pressure (proper & no leaks).
Lube chassis (driveshafts, steering, etc.).
- Attachment points front & rear for vehicle recovery (Warn's receiver bracket).
Check all vehicle lights, OEM, aftermarket, dash (Day runs can turn into night runs).
Wash vehicle prior to run. To prevent spread of non-native plants, bacteria, etc.
TOOLS:
Screwdrivers (phillips and flat).
Pliers: needle nose, channel locks.
Hammer (ball-peen, large and small).
Wrench set (Metric & standard).
Socket Set (Metric & standard).
Adjustable wrench. (Large & small)
Spark Plug Socket.
Volt meter.
Prybar.
Tire repair kit.
Electrical & duct tape.
Allen wrenches.
Hacksaw.
Jumper cables/battery booster.
Vehicle service manual.
Any other tools your vehicle needs (especally specalized tools)
SPARE PARTS:
Tie Rod (Ends).
Engine belt(s).
Axle shafts.
Axle & Driveshaft U-Joints.
Spare Tire (full size, aired up to street pressure).
Tire plug/repair kit.
Spare axle hub.
Fuses.
Radiator hoses.
Tire valve core.
Hose clamps.
U-bolt spring clamps.
Spare ignition & door key.
REPAIR AIDS:
Extra hose clamps.
Bailing wire.
Duct tape.
Zip ties.
Ratchet straps.
Extra bolts & nuts.
Various sized hardened washers.
Electrical wire splice.
RTV.
JB Weld.
Locktite.
WD-40.
SPARE VEHICLE FLUIDS:
Gasoline/Diesel .
Engine oil.
Trans. Fluid (ATF).
Distilled water.
Coolant (50/50 mix would make refill simple).
Brake fluid.
Gear oil.
Power steering fluid (some vehicles use ATF for steering fluid).
Windshield washer fluid.
Fluid clean up kit (DO NOT leave petroleum products in nature).
RECOVERY GEAR:
Front mount winch & control (rear or multi-mount optional) .
Snatch block pulley.
D-Shackle(s).
Chain 10-20 feet, grade 70, 5/16 minimum.
- Recovery strap(s) (30K rating, NO stitched on hooks).
Shovel.
Axe.
Tree strap(s).
Gloves (welding gloves for winch cable handling).
Winch cable weight.
SAFETY:
- First aid kit (consider first aid, CPR, additional medical training).
- Fire extinguisher with gauge.
Flashlight (consider 2 flashlights incase of bulb/battery failure).
Food and water (Non perishable food is best)(Beef jerky is a good trail food).
Flares (handle with extreme care).
Reflective triangles.
COMMUNICATION, NAVIGATION:
Cell Phone (car charger).
CB (car charger if portable).
Amateur radio (If licensed).
FRS (for group outings).
Global Positioning System.
Area maps.
Compass.
PERSONAL ITEMS/LONG TERM SURVIVAL:
Hat, warm AND cold weather clothes (regardless of season/location).
Raingear.
Tent.
Tarp.
Camp stove & fuel.
Sleeping bag/pad.
Cooler.
Food & water (sufficient for extended stay. Be prepared to ration for longevity).
T.P., portable toilet, wet wipes, garbage bags.
Bug spray.
Sun screen.
Rags/towels.
Portable multi-purpose tool - on your belt in a sheath.
Matches/lighter (Be VERY careful with camp/signal fires).
Saw/wood splitter/maul (to build campfire).
Whistle.
Binoculars.
VEHICLE AFTERMARKET ITEMS THAT SOME OFF-ROADERS USE/HAVE:
Suspension/body lift, so that: larger tires with off-road tread can be installed.
Locking or limited slip differentials (Do research).
Upgraded front & rear bumpers (front for winch mount/recovery ? rear for gear storage/recovery).
Skid plates, nerf bars/sliders (Know the low spots on your vehicle, i.e. diffs, gas tank, transmission/t-case).
Hy Steer. Moves the tie rod up to keep it out of harms way.
Electric winch (Most vehicles cannot accommodate hydraulic winches).
Aftermarket lights for nighttime trail runs.
Extra fuel (Jerry cans can be mounted to a vehicle bumper).
Global Positioning System.
On-board compressed air system [air compressor or CO2 tank(s)].
12volt-DC to 120volt-AC electric inverter.
Air & electric powered tools.
Portable welder (welding requires knowledge and experience).
http://www.geocities.com/tacoma623/toyotatacoma.html
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