Outfitting your 4x4 for Offroad Travel

Many people new to 4wd'ing are often puzzled about the equipment needed where to go and what spare parts to carry

The answer to this is to join a club. Usually such Clubs run "Driver Training days" which show the best and safest way to use a 4wd.Most clubs also issue to new members lists of spare parts and recovery equipment needed to be carried. Also you can see how others have fitted out their 4wd's.

The following are ideas for setting up 4wd's they might not apply to everyone

RECOVERY EQUIPMENT

Whenever going bush on a 4wd trip carry the following Basic Recovery Equipment

• High Lift Jack ( with 300 x300 wood 10ply base plate)--- can also be used as a winch

• Tree Trunk Protector

• Snatch'em Strap

• Shovel

• Axe or Bow Saw

• D Shackles (proper rated ones stamped with Safe Working Load))

• Wheel Chains

• 10 m snig chain--- Hook one end ,eye the other)

For harder trips or if traveling in one vehicle I include a hand winch & cable with a couple of snatch blocks and a Chainsaw.

In addition it is important to have proper recovery hooks or tow hitches fitted front and rear to the vehicle Purchase properly rated tow hooks from a 4wd Accessory Company and don't rely on the factory fitted hooks as many are not designed for the loads subjected to them during winching or using a snatch strap.

SPARE PARTS

It is much easier if going on a long trip to make sure everything is mechanically sound before going than trying to fix a problem on the side of a bush track. Service the vehicle regularly and check the condition of radiator hoses fan belts lights check for oil leaks condition of tires and suspension before going on any trip.

However I do carry the following spares

• Complete set of belts for power steering a/c and fan

• Complete set of radiator hoses

• Spark plugs

• Fuses for car and to suit CB Radios etc

• Spare globes for tail light stop light and headlights

• Selection of small ball bearings--- handy to blank off brake lines and wheel cylinders

• Complete tire repair kit (including bead breaker)

• Distributor cap

• Ignition lead

• A couple of lengths of electrical wire fitted with alligator clips

• Gearbox Oil (2 liters)

• Engine Oil (2 liters)

• Brake Fluid

• Radiator Fluid

• Set of Jumper Leads (made from 100 Amp cable)

• Distilled water for battery

• Wheel Studs (front & rear) & a couple of wheel nuts

• Fuel Filters for main & Auxiliary tank

If going on a desert trip or to some other remote area I would include a spare coil ignition module, front wheel bearings & seals Brake m/c kit ,Clutch m/c & Slave cylinder kit ,Diff pinion seal, spare front & rear shocker, fuel pump ,water pump.