The Land Rover Club of Las Vegas (“LRCLV”) compiled the following
off-road check list to assist you while off-road. The list is not intended
to be nor is it comprehensive. The list is only a recommendation, as such,
because each trip is different, you should pack accordingly. Also the
list includes tips for proper conduct on the trials.
Topics covered:
PRE- TRIP VEHICLE CHECK:
-
FULL TANK OF GAS
- RADIATOR - CHECK FOR LEAKS, ABD PROPER PERCENTAGE ANTI-FREEZE-- RADIATOR
CAP ON AND TIGHTENED
- MOTOR OIL - FILLED TO PROPER
LEVEL
- BATTERY - CHECK LEADS
- POWER STEERING - FILLED TO PROPER LEVEL
- AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID -FILLED TO PROPER LEVEL
- AIR FILTER - CHECK FOR EXCESSIVE DIRT
- MOTOR BELTS
- WINDOW WASHER FLUID
- WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
- LIGHTS - CHECK HI/LO BEAMS, BRAKES, REVERSE, REAR AND SIDE MARKERS,
INTERIOR
- CLEAN WINDOWS AND MIRRORS
- TIRE PRESSURE
- TIRE CONDITION
- SPARE TIRE
- BRAKES - CHECK PADS AND ROTORS
- UNDER VEHICLE, CHECK FOR LEAKS, WET SPOTS, DAMAGE: EXHAUST PIPE HANGERS
- STEERING LINKAGE
- SUSPENSION
- TRANSFER CASE
- TIE DOWN ALL SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT
- CB RADIO
- KEYS -SPARE KEY GIVEN TO CO-DRIVER
- KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING
- KNOW YOUR WAY BACK
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WHAT TO BRING:
-
COMMON SENSE - Use your head. Do not take unnecessary chances, pay
attention and be careful. You can run into trouble even on a short or
easy runs; therefore, before heading out, research the area, terrain,
climate, trail conditions, weather, fuel locations, food, water, and familiarize
yourself with the appropriate maps. Never go alone and always tell someone
where you are going and what time you should return. A simple phone call,
an email or a note, could save your life.
-
WATER - Bring at least one (1) gallon of drinking water per day per
person. Consider a collapsible five (5) gallon water bag. Always bring
more water than you need.
-
FOOD - In addition to meals you plan to eat, bring extra crackers,
beef jerky, military rations or other non-perishable items.
-
COOLER - Food and drinks get hot in this climate, even in the winter.
-
ICE - A block of ice lasts longer than cubes. Keep your food in plastic
bags. Do not dump ice water. In an emergency, you can drink the water
or add it to your radiator.
-
FIRST AID KIT – Gauze, bandage tape, ace bandages, pain reliever,
insect repellant, sunscreen, antiseptic, soap, large sewing needle, straight
pins, distilled water, band-aids, cold pack, safety pins, bandage scissors,
large pressure dressing, upset stomach medication, powdered sports drink,
salt tablets, antibacterial hand cleaner, alcohol swabs, Q-tips, surgical
gloves, suture kit, snakebite kit, tweezers, magnifying glass, lip balm,
nail clippers, water purification tablets, and a first aid book.
-
COMPASS OR GPS - Know how to use a compass or your GPS.
-
SPARE TIRE - Check air pressure and condition of the tire. Do not
go without a good spare. Know how to change a tire.
-
HYDRAULIC JACK AND HANDLE - Comes with truck. Know how to it. In the
dirt, place a large piece of wood under the jack.
-
LUG WRENCH - Consider a breaker bar and a socket.
-
WHEEL KEY LOCK - If you have wheel locks, make sure you have the
key.
-
WHEEL CHOCKS - Always chock the wheels before changing a tire.
-
CB RADIO - Check frequency setting. Perform a radio check
-
CELL PHONE - It may not work, but it could.
-
MAPS - Know how to read a map. Bring the appropriate maps.
-
POCKET / SURVIVAL KNIFE - Swiss Army knife or a military survival
knife.
-
LEATHERMAN TOOL - Supplements your knife.
-
FLASHLIGHT – Carrier at least one small flashlight, but consider
larger flashlights.
-
LANTERN / FLOODLIGHT - Large portable light. Battery operated, rechargeable,
or runs off the cigar lighter.
-
SIGNAL MIRROR - Very effective for attracting attention in the sunlight.
-
WHISTLE - Very effective for attracting attention in the dark.
-
MAGNIFYING GLASS - Comes in handy for reading maps or starting fires.
-
TIRE PRESSURE GAUGE - Check pressure when airing down, airing up.
-
TIRE DEFLATING TOOL - Makes airing down easier and faster.
-
TIRE REPAIR KIT / FIX-A-FLAT AEROSOL – If you get more than
on flat.
-
JUMPER CABLES - Consider heavier gauge wire (lower gauge number),
heavy duty coating, long length. Know the right way to 'boost' another
vehicle.
-
TOOLS - A well equipped tool kit for emergency repairs.
-
CROW BAR / PRY-BAR - For moving stubborn rocks or for prying body
damage.
-
SHOVEL - Consider folding military surplus style.
-
AXE – For removing trees and cutting fire wood.
-
SAW - Consider a folding type used for pruning trees and hedges.
-
BATTERIES - Bring extra batteries for your electronic devices.
-
FUSES – Carrier a small selection.
-
BELTS AND HOSES - Carrier a spare fan-belt.
-
WIPER. BLADES – Mud, dust or ice will damage blades.
-
WINDOW CLEANER – To remove, mud and dust.
-
HOSE CLAMPS - Consider a selection of sizes.
-
LIGHT BULBS - Carrier spares for the essential lights.
-
FILTERS - Consider a spare air, oil, and fuel filter.
-
MOTOR OIL - Consider a couple of quarts.
-
RADIATOR STOP LEAK - Your radiator can be punctured from a flying
rocks or debris.
-
BRAKE / STEERING / TRANSMISSION FLUID - Bring small containers to
replenish your truck.
-
BLANKET - Consider a military survival blanket.
-
ROCK GUARDS – Protects your differentials.
-
WINCH - Always use a winch wrap. A snapped cable can whip and cause
serious injury or death.
-
TOW KIT - A 10' tree sling, 3" x 30' tow strap, 20' of logging
chain, clevises.
-
REAR TOW MOUNT - A secure mount for a tow strap.
-
'D' RINGS - A secure tow point.
-
HIGH LIFT JACK AND ADAPTOR - Consider a 48" or 60" heavy
duty model. High lift jacks can pull a truck off a rock or out of sand,
mud, rocks, etc...
-
MATCHES and/or a LIGHTER - Keep matches in a zip lock bag or a sealed
canister.
-
FIRE EXTINGUISHER – A must for every truck.
-
DUCT TAPE - The one-piece tool for many uses.
-
BALING WIRE - When duct tape does not work.
-
PLASTIC TARP - Comes in handy as a drop cloth.
-
WORK GLOVES – Great for changing a tire or moving rocks.
-
PLASTIC BAGS - Keep tape and matches in to prevent damage from heat
or moisture.
-
TRASH BAGS - Leave the trail cleaner than you found it and never
bury your trash.
-
PAPER TOWELS AND TOILET
PAPER.
-
SAFETY FLARES - Warn traffic, signal for help or starting a campfire.
-
OFF ROAD LIGHTS - Essential for night driving--off-road, illegal
on public streets.
-
AIR COMPRESSOR / TIRE PUMP - An electrical compressor is useful but
pricey. Use to re-inflate tires after an air down.
-
TOWELS - Drape them on your seat on a hot day. Also useful for emergency
first aid.
-
SHOP WIPES – For repairs and cleaning hands and/or parts.
-
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS – Always bring your prescription medications.
-
MONEY - Bring at least $50 in small bills.
-
SEWING KIT - Bring a small kit for quick clothing repairs.
-
CLOTHING - Dress for the climate.
-
SPARE IGNITION KEY - In case you lose your keys.
-
BACKPACK - Good for carrying essentials side trips.
-
EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION - Write down emergency contact numbers,
allergies, prescription medications and your blood type.
-
CAMERA - Extra film. For digital cameras, consider extra memory cards
and batteries.
-
WRIST WATCH - Keep track of time.
-
BINOCULARS – For amazing views.
-
MISCELLANEOUS - Rubber bands, paper clips, can opener, bungee cords,
WD-40, electrical/scotch tape, masking tape, rope, string, paper cups/plates,
plastic utensils, camping chairs and table, canopy, and portable radio.
-
COMMON SENSE
-
Be an asset to the group.
-
Help your companions. Do not assume other will help.
-
If you bring children, bring toys and keep them under control.
-
Bring enough food and water for all passengers.
-
If you bring pets, bring water and food. Be responsible for your pets.
If your pets bite consider leaving them at home.
-
Pack your truck efficiently.
-
Prioritize packing: fire extinguisher, tow gear, first aid gear should
be easily accessible.
-
Do not overload your roof rack.
-
Practice personal accountability.
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WHAT NOT TO BRING:
-
ALCOHOL – NEVER drink and drive. The LRCLV forbids drinking
and driving—it is illegal and dangerous. If you drink and drive
you may be expelled from the club and you may be arrested. On overnight
trips, responsible drinking is permitted once we are camped for the evening.
-
RECREATIONAL DRUGS – NEVER. The LRCLV forbids any recreational
drugs on club events—it is illegal and dangerous. If you use illegal
drugs on club events you may be expelled from the club and may be arrested.
-
FIREARMS – NEVER. The LRCLV forbids any firearms on club events.
In addition, most State and Federal recreation areas, parks, forests,
and game preserves restrict firearms and hunting. Violators are subject
to arrest and fines. Your Nevada pistol permit is not valid outside the
state.
-
PERSONAL PROBLEMS.
-
BAD ATTITUDE.
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ON THE TRAIL:
-
Do not venture off alone. Always travel with at least one other vehicle.
-
Stay in the convoy and do not wander off on your own.
-
Allow the proper space between vehicles. The trail leader will advise
the group on the trail conditions.
-
Vehicles with a winch should occupy the second or third spot behind
the leader. If the lead vehicle gets stuck, the winched vehicle can pull
out the leader.
-
Keep speeds appropriate for the terrain. It is not how fast you get
there it is about getting there and back safely.
-
Do not take unnecessary risks. You may jeopardize your safety as well
as others.
-
Stay on the existing trail. Leaving the trail destroys plant life,
kills animals and violates the TREAD LIGHTLY philosophy of the LRCLV.
-
Be careful where you stop. Heat from your motor and/or exhaust may
ignite dry grass, plants, or weeds.
- Never stop immediately downhill
from vehicles behind you when traction is loose. They might not be able to avoid
hitting you if they loose traction.
-
If you are not comfortable with the trail, STOP. Turn back and find
a safer route. There is no shame in knowing your limitations.
-
Have fun and take the time to smell the flowers, see the sights and
enjoy the camaraderie.
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IF YOU GET LOST:
-
DO NOT PANIC. Stop and wait. The group will find you. Do not make
yourself harder to find by leaving the trail.
-
Try contacting the group on a CB radio.
-
Try contacting the group via of a cell phone.
-
On the trail, keep track of your location via CB, GPs, and/or maps.
-
If you lag behind and lose sight of the group, look for their dust
trail. If you do not see a dust trail, get out of your truck and look
for fresh tire tracks.
-
Find a high point near your trail and climb to the top. Leave your
truck on the trail and NEVER lose sight of it. Always leave a note as
to which direction you climbed.
-
If you see the group in the distance and cannot raise them on the
CB or a cell phone, try attracting their attention with a signal mirror
or whistle.
-
If circumstances force you to leave your truck, leave a note on the
driver's seat. The note should contain what time you left and which direction
you headed. Also load a backpack with maps, GPS, compass, first aid kit,
knife, blanket, mirror, whistle, food and water. Head for the nearest
road by using a map, a GPS, or a compass.
-
Get your bearings. The sun rises in the east, sets in the west. Moss
usually grows on the north side of tree trunks.
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ON THE WAY HOME:
-
Disengage the differential lock. Shift your transfer box into high
range. You can damage your drive train by using the differential lock
and/or low range on dry pavement.
-
Use the Buddy System. Pick a traveling companion for the trip home.
You may not notice damage to your truck until the trip home. If you see
another member on the side of the road, stop.
-
Obey the speed limits.
-
Clean your windows and lights.
-
Re-inflate your tires to the proper operating pressure.
-
Check your fuel level.
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QUICK CHECKLIST:
-
COMMONSENSE
-
EPOXY
- WATER
- BRAKE / STEERING / TRANSMISSION
FLUID
- FOOD
- GAS
-
SIPHON HOSE
- COOLER
- ICE
- BLANKET
- FIRST AID KIT
- COMPASS / GPS
- WINCH
- SPARE TIRE
- JACK AND HANDLE
- TOW KIT
- LUG WRENCH
- 'D' RINGS
-
HIGH LIFT JACK AND ADAPTORS
- CB RADIO
-
MATCHES/LIGHTER
- CELL PHONE
- FIRE EXTINGUISHER
- MAPS
- DUCT TAPE
- POCKET / SURVIVAL KNIFE LEATHERMAN
TOOL
- PLASTIC TARP
- FLASHLIGHT
- WORK GLOVES
- LANTERN / FLOODLIGHT PLASTIC
BAGS
- SIGNAL MIRROR
- TRASH BAGS
- WHISTLE
- PAPER TOWELS
-
VEHICLE MANUAL
- SAFETY FLARES
- MAGNIFYING GLASS
- AIR COMPRESSOR / TIRE PUMP
- TIRE PRESSURE GAUGE
-
SUNGLASSES
- TIRE DEFLATING TOOL
-
GLASSES
- JUMPER CABLES
- SHOP WIPES
- TOOLS
- PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
- CROW BAR / PRY-BAR
-
HARD CANDY / MINTS
- SHOVEL
- MONEY
- AXE
-
TISSUES
- SAW
- TOILET PAPER
- BATTERIES
- CLOTHING
- BELTS AND HOSES
- BACKPACK
-
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES NOTEBOOK, PENCIL, PEN
- WINDOW CLEANER
- CAMERA
- HOSE CLAMPS
-
WRISTWATCH
- LIGHT BULBS
- BINOCULARS
- FILTER
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