So If You Only Off Road a Few Weeks a Year?

[MDJAK]

I realize the Boy Scout's motto: Always be Prepared.

I've read through some very insightful posts here about necessary off road items.

Yes, I'd love a chase rack with a spare or two.

Yes an off road jack would also be nice. So would many other items.

But let's call a spade a spade.

I live in New York, not far north of NYC. There is as close to zero opportunities to off road as there is me getting a date with Kim Kardashian. Not that I'd want one. Ok, maybe. My wife doesn't find her attractive. I mean, I wouldn't make a career out of her, but once? ;-)

Anyway, in 2017 we drove to Boulder and Utah and did a few fun days off road in my then '17 Raptor.

In August of this year I go to RaptorAssault, and I am also driving out, planning to go on Hole in the Rock Road in Moab and as many other places as possible in the week and a half we will be there. Unfortunately as I planned it, the RaptorAssault will be at the end of the week.

How much equipment is one to buy, to bring along, for off roading when one only does it a couple weeks a year at most?

I'm not even sure I know how to get the spare out. But I'm sure my wife, the Kardashian hater, can figure it out for me.

 

[smurfslayer]

Each type of terrain has its own challenges. You’re more likely to get a punctured tire on sharp rocks than soft mud or sand. If you air down you’re more likely to unseat the tire from the bead (******** off) in soft sand - one of the 2017 testers did just that.

A lot of my stuff is old, and way undersized for the Rap so I’ve been looking at some preparedness improvements too. Some stuff I’ve been looking at or ordered recently


tow strap
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078K25FLM/?tag=fordraptorforum-20

one is none and two is one. You don’t get stuck where it’s easy to get you out.

D rings:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KY6PQMM/?tag=fordraptorforum-20

winch strap / tree saver
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BR7TD7W/?tag=fordraptorforum-20

I don’t have the setup for a winch, I opted for a come along:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074986SW9/?tag=fordraptorforum-20 <-- I’ve seen a couple USA made come alongs that seemed to be in more favor online, so I’ve not decided on what fits my needs for this.

air compressor - I’d love to have onboard air, but this will do for now.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ASY23I/?tag=fordraptorforum-20

traction pads
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MV7KJJL/?tag=fordraptorforum-20 another case of this would probably do for me / for now. I think there are some pricier options that may offer more durability and utility.

Water. whatever you think you need, double it. You will burn through all of it stemming off dehydration if you get stuck.

Optional: beer. For when you get un-stuck.

shovel: I like the fold up e-tools, but there’s a strong case for a decently put together shovel.

First aid kit. Have provisions for a splint, broken bone(s), and gunshot wound; think deep cut on sheet metal.

Fire extinguisher. You can mount on front seat, uses the floor mounts.

comms: cell with good coverage minimum.

There’s plenty more you could have, but again is it necessary for the casual off roader?

Lastly - all this stuff can’t be just laying around either. Checkout the thread by @Talbor ; bed bolt d-ring tie downs at cost and some sort of bed organization like the Builtright stuff.

 

[waveslayer]

I would add a GPS unit to the list.
Maybe a tire repair kit
Satellite phone if you are way out there
Shovel

Near Hole in the rock, you are right next to Powell, you might as well hit up Rainbow Bridge.

Easy off roading trails for the most part.

Take a lot of pics, beautiful area. At hole in the rock you can still see wagon hub Mark's on the limestone. My great great Uncle was the guy that blasted through Hole in the Rick. Benjamin Perkins. Some cool family history.

Just some food for thought on additional equipment. Water and some extra fuel maybe.

My wife thinks I only have 3 guns

 

[MDJAK]

Much appreciated. Quick question or two.

I did buy a tow strap so have that.

I bought the MaxTraxx so if I do get stuck hopefully those will work.


I do have a very good tire repair kit.

What are the D rings for if you have those OEM steel "loops" that stick out of the bumper front and rear?

Do you have a link to an extinguisher that bolts to front seat mounts?

And I'm very happy to say my daughter and her husband, who is a retired US Marine (two tours combat in Afghanistan) will be along for the ride.

Rainbow Bridge? I'll have to look that one up.

 

[GR8Ride]

Great list of items from a couple of “Slayers”! Thank you!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[BenBB]

Do you have a link to an extinguisher that bolts to front seat mounts?

Here's one, H3R, should be on amazon:
https://www.fordraptorforum.com/threads/h3r-performance-fire-extinguisher-seat-mount.31270/

Recovery is next for me as well; weighing my options on traction boards, tow straps and receiver hitch shackle (stock bumper is gone). Solid suggestions here and better safe than sorry out there!

 

[zombiekiller]

ok so, I'm going to take this question a bit differently.

There is only one thing you need...

a battle buddy with a well prepared and outfitted truck.

Don't go out into the desert alone as a first timer with no equipment or provisions.

If you only go a few times a year, perhaps you can make a list and split the cost of appropriate gear between you and a friend?

 

[smurfslayer]

@zombiekiller types the words of truth.

also, duct tape, zip ties, etc.

 

[Wickkid]

Two great books to read and reference by a good friend of mine, Bob Wohlers.

The Total Approach of Getting Unstuck Off Road: 4WD Self-Recovery & Vehicle-Assisted Recovery

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1096466414/?tag=fordraptorforum-20

Raising Your 4WD Vehicle Off-Road & In-Field Tire Repair:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1987585089/?tag=fordraptorforum-20

 

[Icecobra]

Never ever go off roading alone. Also plan stops along the trails and meet at those stops. Better to know your lost with as little trail as possible to have to track back. Your brain is the most important thing you need off road. Panic is what you need to avoid because it can be deadly. What you need is some food and water to stay alive. Fire for after dark, warm clothes, blankets, sleeping bag to stay warm hypothermia kills. Your question seems to be what can you get away with as minimums. Really what you want is to get what you can afford. A winch is handy but not required a come along works. Shovel again the better you get the better it works. First aid, straps, offroad recovery gear etc. All we tell you is great but without training how to use it might as well not carry the extra weight. Training training training is what you need first. Always travel with a buddy to make your offroad travels fun and avoid tragedy. Stupid kills faster than anything.