For seasoned and inexperienced off-roaders alike, there are plenty of adventures off the beaten path. Even with the best, most well-equipped off-road vehicles, any off-roader knows that having repair and recovery accessories is essential to a safe, fun experience. Today, we'll look at some of the most important gear to have on you for every one of your wild adventures.
Off-Road Tires and Repair Kits
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As the primary contact between your vehicle and the terrain, your tires are a core element of every off-roading experience. Tires meant for off-roading tend to look tough, but they aren't just made to look the part — off-road tires provide essential traction and grip when traversing rocky, rough terrain that regular, everyday tires can't handle. Plus, they're more durable, reducing the risk of being stranded with a flat or damaged tire.
Similarly, you should always have a tire repair kit on hand. Being stranded because of a tiny nail isn't any off-roader's preferred activity. Even though tire repair kits don't usually provide long-term solutions, they can often get you as far as a repair shop and therefore are an essential asset for any off-road vehicle. Though it isn't meant for repairs, an automatic tire deflator and a portable air compressor aren't bad to have when you wish to improve your tires' traction by quickly reducing or increasing the air pressure.
Lift Kits and Suspension Upgrades
Many off-road vehicles offer impressive ground clearance on their own. However, there are always lift kits and suspension upgrades if your off-road vehicle is lacking in performance. Increasing your ground clearance is vital to ensuring you can make it over extra-rocky terrains such as boulders, logs, and hills around Oneonta. Depending on your upgrade, you can make it easier to overcome the big obstacles while remaining stable, secure, and confident inside your vehicle.
Skid Plates and Rock Sliders
Even with the maximum potential ground clearance, you'll want to be careful to avoid any damage to the undercarriage of your off-road vehicle. When off-roading, your vehicle will inevitably make contact with terrain in places other than your tires, and you should be prepared. Off-road vehicles should be equipped with an aluminum or steel skid plate to ensure that the bottom of your vehicle can withstand the rough terrain you encounter throughout your adventures.
Winches and Recovery Gear
When pushing the boundaries of your off-roading vehicle, you or a fellow off-roader will undoubtedly get stuck at some point. In many cases, you may be in an area where it could take roadside assistance a while to arrive, or you may not have cell service. You should be prepared to be able to get unstuck at any moment or help another off-road get unstuck with a high-quality recovery kit. The best recovery kits include essential gear such as a tow strap, bow shackles, a winch or pulley, a tree saver, a snatch block, and a high-quality pair of gloves.
Emergency Medical Kit
Your vehicle isn't the only thing you should be ready to protect or repair. Every off-roader should have a complete emergency first aid kit on hand in case of any accidents, injuries, or mishaps. Adventuring outdoors can be highly unpredictable, so you should always be prepared to handle minor cuts, scrapes, burns, and bug bites. Plus, in the case of serious injury, a first aid kit could be the thing to hold you over until medical assistance arrives. Don't forget to double-check your med kit before every adventure to ensure you're stocked up on all the essential supplies.
Communication and Navigation Tools
When off-roading, it's not uncommon to find yourself in an area with poor or no cell service. Thus, you should always be equipped with the best communication and navigation gear while adventuring, such as two-way radios, satellite communicators, personal locator beacons, or top-notch smartphone apps to help you navigate the terrain and keep in touch with loved ones back home. After all, you don't want to find yourself lost in unfamiliar territory with no way to contact emergency assistance in the case of a dangerous situation.
Recovery Boards
Even with the best tires for traction and grip, you'll encounter plenty of slippery, tricky terrain while off-roading, such as mud, sand, or snow, and you never know when the ground will be too difficult to navigate. You should always have recovery boards, also known as traction boards, to help to get your vehicle or a fellow off-roader's vehicle unstuck and back on track. These are made for placing in front of your tires and giving them something to grip to climb out of a tough spot.
Fundamental Tools and Equipment
In addition to the hefty gear we've mentioned, such as off-road tires, repair and recovery kits, and communication devices, there are plenty of other tools you should have on hand that seem so simple that they might get overlooked. First, we highly recommend having a high-quality pocketknife available. These are great for various purposes, from clearing environmental hazards, cutting paracord, and breaking through your vehicle's windows. You should also keep basic tools and equipment on hand for any minor repairs or replacements during your adventures.
You'll also find that having a powerful jump starter can provide needed peace of mind, especially when you may not have access to another vehicle's battery to give you a start. Not only can these serve as a way to boost your battery back to life, but they can also typically provide emergency power to your smartphones and other electronic devices, as well as a flashlight to improve visibility.
Buckle Up For an Adventure To Remember
With all the indispensable gear on hand, you can be sure to have a safe off-roading experience that's memorable for all the right reasons. Here at All American Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (CDJR), we provide a range of top-notch Mopar parts and accessories for any off-road adventure. Consider yourself a newcomer to off-roading? We'd love to show you around our inventory of brand-new vehicles and help you find the perfect set of wheels for beginning your adventures. Don't hesitate to visit us here at All American CDJR in Oneonta, Alabama, to set yourself and your vehicle up for success.