Offroading kit

[Apache]

As someone whose only done fairly basic offroading where there's been no real chance of getting stuck (except for a two day LR course a few years ago), what does the esteemed membership regard as minimum basic kit to take offroading so as not to p*ss more the more experienced off by having to have them recover you all the time?

Also, the centres or legal runs in the UK, how would you grade them? ie, what ones are 'easy', 'average' and 'gnarly'?

[nero279]

I'm thinking of doing a day here soon, to get some instruction in my own vehicle, i don't think it's 'too' far from you http://www.whitecliff4x4.co.uk/index...id=6&Itemid=10 . I would consider a basic kit if you wanna go out to pay & plays to be a strop and a tested shackle. Although most centre's are very friendly and will pull you out whether you're carrying your own gear or not. Most people will help you out either because they're nice people, or on the basis that next month you might be the only person in the part of the site where they are stuck and they want you to pull them out.

[da SLUG man]

they'll throw you a line and expect you to wade into the mud and attach it yourself though!

[Woodzie]

Strops...http://www.hiluxsurf.co.uk/php_lib/shop.php

couple of shackels
and a digging implement , i use a collapsible spade


O/S landranger maps if doing byways

[MudSurfer]

I don't do loads, but when out I carry a full tookit, army shovel, tow-rope, recovery straps and water....oh and gloves and boots.

I stil considering a winch but haven't needed one or been pulled out by one yet, so at the moment, I'm not too fussed.

As for sites - Avon Dassett is fun, not too much but with plenty of thrills for the novice to the nutter - good place to get started - just off the M40 junction 12 (Leamington) or 11 (Banbury)

[MudSurfer]

I'm thinking of doing a day here soon, to get some instruction in my own vehicle, i don't think it's 'too' far from you http://www.whitecliff4x4.co.uk/index...id=6&Itemid=10 . I would consider a basic kit if you wanna go out to pay & plays to be a strop and a tested shackle. Although most centre's are very friendly and will pull you out whether you're carrying your own gear or not. Most people will help you out either because they're nice people, or on the basis that next month you might be the only person in the part of the site where they are stuck and they want you to pull them out.

Im going there too - why not meet up?? I haven't decided when to go - you need to go during the week to use your own truck.

[nero279]

they'll throw you a line and expect you to wade into the mud and attach it yourself though!

Yeah but you just know that when they get stuck it's gonna be deeper and colder, so smile back knowingly.

[The Lovely Boyo]

what does the esteemed membership regard as minimum basic kit to take offroading

I've taken the view that I should prep the truck first - so i've

Body lift and suspension lift to improve ground clearance and approach / departure angles (though my tow bar gets grounded, !!!! its gotta go) Larger tyres (same as above) plus they have a serious off-road tread. Well maintained truck (oils, fluids etc) so it's less likely to 'POP'.

I'm working on an equipment list - high lift jack etc .

My next 'costly' mod will be lockers, not sure which type yet. Then winch.

Next cheap mod/project will be to finish my on-board air - reducing the tyre pressures in the mud helped a lot.

Oh - and I've read the odd article about 'how to...' to reduce chances of needing a rescue (although i also take the view that getting stuck is all part of the fun).

EDIT - Yeah - strops and shackles, full toolkit water to wash screen.

[nero279]

Im going there too - why not meet up?? I haven't decided when to go - you need to go during the week to use your own truck.

Sounds good, i haven't decided when to go yet either, but i'm skint this month and next due to snorkel and paying someone else to fit on wednesday, i know, i'm a mug, but i just couldn't face cutting a hole in my wing. And a winch hopefully next month at the indoor4x4 show at donington castle.

[Apache]

A mate of mine offered me a 6m strap. Does it just simply attach to the standard towing eye?

The whitecliffs place is only about half an hour away from me!

[scotty]

agree, if youve never been stuck your not trying hard enough.

i always put my tow rope on the back before i start, its a bugger to connect if your in the sh8t. just chuck it in the rear window.

you can do the same on the front if you have a a bar or bull bar to wrap it around.

doesnt seem much but saves a lot of time when recovering or being recovered, and saves you kneeling or lying in mud trying to find you recovery points.

cheers scotty

[nero279]

A mate of mine offered me a 6m strap. Does it just simply attach to the standard towing eye?

The whitecliffs place is only about half an hour away from me!

Do you know what type of strap it is? Aslong as your chassis and recovery points are in good order then yes.

If its a kinetic (snatch strap) you can use a bridle to spread the load between two points.


[confused] which thread am i replying to?

[Apache]

Do you know what type of strap it is? Aslong as your chassis and recovery points are in good order then yes.

If its a kinetic (snatch strap) you can use a bridle to spread the load between two points.


[confused] which thread am i replying to?

Dunno. Apparently it's bright orange webbing and about 3" across.

[nero279]

Probably a normal (non-kinetic) strop then, check it's in good condition ie) no tears/ frayed edges/ notches Give it a wash in plain water if it needs one and let it dry naturally. 3" should b ok, see if it's got any markings at all, some have coloured bands weaved in at the ends which can tell you what it's rated to. It sounds fairly substantial, but it may be worth putting it on the list for replacing, if it starts getting regular use and we can't work out what it's rated to or whatever.

[Apache]

Probably a normal (non-kinetic) strop then, check it's in good condition ie) no tears/ frayed edges/ notches Give it a wash in plain water if it needs one and let it dry naturally. 3" should b ok, see if it's got any markings at all, some have coloured bands weaved in at the ends which can tell you what it's rated to. It sounds fairly substantial, but it may be worth putting it on the list for replacing, if it starts getting regular use and we can't work out what it's rated to or whatever.

I believe it's brand new. He's the sort of mate who has one of everything squirrelled away in his garage! A very useful guy to know!