You never know when or where it will happen, but it does. A mechanical failure can make a good ATV trip go bad in a hurry if you're not prepared. Getting stranded on an All Terrain Vehicle should not be taken lightly, especially when you’re far from camp or other help.
The Longer the Ride, the Greater the Risk
If you’re riding more than a few miles from camp, it can be difficult and unpleasant, if not dangerous when you break down. The basic needs don't take much room. Most or all of the items below will fit in a small backpack or Camel Back, tank bag, saddle bag, or fanny pack.
The following list is a good addition to the tool kit that should have come with your newly purchased ATV, and should be combined with some of the items mentioned in the How to Plan a Fun, Safe ATV Ride travel kit including water, a tow strap, a tire repair kit and a First Aid kit.
Have a look through some images of common items that you might want to take with you on a ride and find out what you can do with them.
- A compact tool kit designed for your ATV
- A utility tool
- Duct tape or electrical tape
- WD-40
- Air pressure gauge
- Cable ties (a.k.a. zip ties)
- A radio/flashlight/signal beacon*
- A flint and steel or lighter or matches*
- A compass
- A knife
- Cloth rags
- Ziploc baggies
The Right Tool Kit
If you don't have a tool kit on your quad, you'll want to put one together that contains the basic wrenches your ATV requires, including a spark-plug wrench (deep socket), a Phillips-head and a flat-head screwdriver , a couple of Allen wrenches, and a pair of pliers.
If you would rather just buy a pre-assembled kit specifically for ATVs and motorcycles, you’re in luck. We did a review of the Trail Toolz Tool Kit that comes with just about everything you need to do basic repairs while on a ride.
Keeping just the most basic tools with your ATV can make the difference between inconvenient delays as you fix a leaking fuel line, and a stressful, sometimes dangerous breakdown in the middle of nowhere.
Image gallery of common repair kit items
