How to Prepare for a Four-Wheel Drive Trip

Four-wheel drive expeditions are a lot of fun, but they can also be dangerous if you're not adequately prepared. Follow these steps to make sure you have everything you need before you set out.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Spare u-joints, belts, axle shafts, tire and shackles
• Extra fluids
• Maps in a weather-proof case
• Cell phone
• Hand-held or CB radio
• Extra clothes
• Gloves, a hat and coat
• Tow strap
• Chains
• High-lift extraction kit
• Tent and camping gear
• Compass
• A cooler with water and food
• Flint or waterproof matches

How to Prepare for a Four-Wheel Drive Trip

1. Find a friend who wants to go with you on your trip. You will need two vehicles in case one gets stuck or gets broken beyond repair.
2. Map out your course. Make sure you'll be on marked four-wheel drive trails so you don't end up on private property.
3. Tell a friend or family member exactly where you will be and when you expect to return.
4. Pack your truck with spare parts you can easily change out on the trail, such as u-joints, belts, shackles and axle shafts, and extra fluids, including power steering fluid, oil, brake fluid and antifreeze.
5. If you get held up on the trail, you might need to spend the night if it becomes too dark to drive back, so pack a tent, camping gear and a cooler with food and water.
6. Make sure you include flint or waterproof matches in your camping gear.
7. Although you should always carry your cell phone, you'll likely get into terrain that is out of your cell phone's range. Take a hand-held or CB radio with you, as well.
8. Pack a bag with extra clothes, including pants, a shirt, socks, a hat, gloves, a coat and a blanket. Even if you don't have to spend the night, you could get wet and muddy on the trail.
9. Don't forget any of the four-wheeling essentials, like tow straps, chains, a high-lift jack and a high-lift extraction kit.
10. Once you get started on the trail, consult your map and compass. Mark the map as you go so you know exactly where you are if you get turned around.

Tips & Warnings

• If you take a camera, don't forget to pack extra batteries for it.
• If your vehicle gets stuck and you are having trouble getting it out, send your friend to get help. It's better to wait for help than get injured hours away from a main road.
• Be aware of your surroundings. If you need to call for help, you need to be able to tell rescuers exactly how to get to you.
• Tow straps can snap, causing serious injury or death. If you are using one, make sure no one is standing near it.