Before I settled down and had a couple of kids, my husband and I would often take the two-person tent and rent a 4×4 to go off-roading for the weekend.
We liked it so much that it became something of a tradition, to pack up on a Friday night and take off, settling in often after dark and toasting marshmallows over the open fire, while enjoying a drink or two before bed.
Today, 4-wheel driving is an experience for those who don’t mind going off the beaten path for an adventure. Many times you leave there without thinking about what you may need during the trip, and we always came across people who had run out of water or food, the right tools to get them out of the rough terrain.
We always ran into someone who also ran out of gas, thinking they would have enough for the two or three days they would spend hiking through rough terrain, muddy waterholes, or obstacles. But, all these types of 4-wheel drive experiences will definitely use up your gas much faster than when you were driving on the normal roads.
There are many clubs in your area that you can join for free or a small fee to gain the knowledge you need to keep you and your loved ones and your beloved 4×4 safe and maintained as you embark on your own adventures. If you don’t want to join them, you should really consider doing some research before you leave home. Making sure the basics are covered, like these few handy bits you may need:
- Spare tires with repair kits
- fuel pump
- Replacement fan belts
- Water Pump
- fuel filter
- plugs
- Radiator hoses and clips
- Air filter
- Oil filter/oil and fluids
- alternator belt
- A support plate and a jack in case you need to change the tire
- A high quality boot strap.
- Ropes and a first aid kit
- fire extinguisher
There are many more parts or tools to consider, but speaking from experience, these are the items I’ve needed over the years while driving 4x4s. My husband taught me a lot about this during our adventures. Little did I know on our first ride, and we ended up bogged down and knee-deep in mud pulling out the 4-wheel drive. That was very funny and very messy at the time!
I also learned that on your vehicle you’ll find a decal on the driver’s side that will explain the best tire pressure your 4×4 needs to cushion whatever terrain you’re going through and avoid getting those expensive flat tires on your ride. Please, if nothing else, read this sticker! Reducing tire pressure should help protect your tires when traveling over rough surfaces. Above all, research the weather conditions of the place you’re visiting before you leave so you can be better prepared for any weather on your trip.
Enjoy your 4 wheel drive experience and stay safe!