- Introduction: The Best Off Road Checklist
- Tools in your off-road toolbox
- Required supplies & safety gear
- Which spare parts to take along
- Optional items for fun & convenience
- 4x4 first aid survival kit items
- Packing & driving tips that could save your life
First and foremost, before you hit the road, you need to make sure your 4WD vehicle is in sound mechanical condition.
To determine whether your 4x4 vehicle is trail ready and capable of surviving a trip off-road, first do a visual inspection - inside and out. Then, take a few minutes to more closely inspect the inner workings of your ride - make sure that the following parts are in good working condition and you don't hear any strange noises coming from these areas:
- Axles & Differentials - hubs, seals, vacuum lines, shift motors, vent lines, front u-joints
- Battery - clean terminals, check for damaged or corroded wiring
- Brakes - drums, rotors, pads/shoes, fluid, hoses, leaks, check e-brake, brake lights
- Belts & Hoses - look for cracks or bulges
- Body/Frame - look for cracks
- Cooling/Heating system - look for leaks, fluid levels, clean and repair fins, check hoses, thermostat, radiator cap
- Driveline/Transmission - inspect case and shifter, leaks, fluids, universal & cv joints, skid plates
- Engine - carburetor, fuel injectors, spark plugs, wires, pcv valve, pumps, spark plugs, distributor & wires, belts; check for leaks and cracks
- Exhaust - muffler, tailpipes
- Fluids - oil, transmission, brake, radiator coolant, gear oils, wipers, power steering
- Lights - headlights, brake lights, auxiliary lights; make sure they're aimed properly
- Nuts & Bolts - tighten axle u-bolts, lug bolts, nuts
- Steering - check alignment, fluid level, belts and hoses, pump and reservoir for leaks
- Suspension - springs, shocks, alignment, wheel bearings, steering linkage
- Tires - tighten lug nuts, air pressure, tread wear (including your full-size spare), look for cuts and missing chunks
- Wipers - check for wear, fluid level
For more detail about how to inspect the inner workings of your vehicle, check out these two articles written by 4-wheelers for 4-wheelers.
Once your vehicle is checked and ready to roll, it's time to load the necessary gear and equipment on board…
