So, you would like to venture out into some
awesome backcountry, but you'd like to do it in a 4 wheel drive vehicle?
Utah offers miles of off road trails to explore. So does Death Valley
National Park in California. I am looking forward to
doing more and more off road trekking in my Jeep. One advantage is that one can
carry plenty of food, water and gear for the extremes of scorching, arid
summers and snow blanketed winters.
Here are a few web sites covering 4x4
trips:
Click here to go to Moab
4WD trips.
Click here to
go to Canyonlands 4WD trips.
Click here to go
to the Calif. Sierra's Dusy-Ershim OHV Road
Click here to go to California Jeeper 4WD Web site
OHV
and 4WD TIPs Web Sites
Operating
your 4WD Vehicle
Backcountry
Repairs
4WD Links Page
Spotting
in Difficult Situations
4WDing
in Winter
Must-have
Emergency Gear
(In addition to Backpacking or Hiking Emergency Gear)
Tow strap
(2 to 4) Traction Boards - 2' long x 6" wide
100' of heavy-duty rope
Good spare tire
Can of aerosol "flat repair"
Tire Repair kit
Basic vehicle repair tools
Good shovel
Engine Coolant/Quart of Engine Oil in Plastic container
Air pump/compressor or bicycle tire pump
2 Gallons per person of extra water
Comprehensive First Aid Kit
Jumper Cables
Baling wire & Duct Tape
Jack
Good gloves
Ground Cloth or Tarp
Heavy duty Flashlight (spare batteries & bulb)
Tire Gauge
Shop Towels and/or Roll of Paper Towels
Winch & gear (highly recommended for solo treks)
Cellular Phone
Emergency Survival Kit - 
Click Hiker to see Kit - for extremely
cold regions, you might wish to add dehydrated food (Ramen or Backpacker meals,
which may both be eaten cold, in cold water or in hot water). A small pot
for boiling water may also prove very useful. Cold weather clothing -
boots, socks, warm layers and shells and wool hat or balaclava.
Spare Parts you may wish to take along!
Belts or have checked ahead of time.
Fuel filter
Fuses
Hoses and several sizes of hose clamps - replace all hoses if in doubt.
Oil
Oil filter
Some brake line
Spark plugs and tool
Tire valve stems with cores
Tires (don’t forget a good spare tire!)
U-joints
Vacuum line (a small piece)
Wiper blades or have checked ahead of time.
"tread lightly" -
jeep web page - click on Jeep icon
to go to Tread
Lightly web page.
Jeep Brand supports and is a founding member of this environmental organization
dedicated to resource preservation and respect for the back country by off-road
recreational users.
Safety
Tips (12 Commandments)
1. Drive straight up or down slopes - never approach at an angle.
2. Drive slowly at all times.
3. Get out and inspect questionable obstacles such as water crossing
depth, boulders, steep slopes, deep cuts, etc.
4. Travel in twos or more; never go solo into wilderness.
5. Carry safety and emergency gear listed above.
6. If towing out of distress, always put hood up on towed vehicle to
protect against whipping effect of snapped cable, rope or tow belt.
7. Make sure someone at home has your itinerary and a map of your planned
route. Let them know when you are out safely.
8. Obey all signs, back road use regulations, etc.
9. Be considerate of horses, dogs, hikers and other drivers.
10. Pack it in! Pack it out! Never leave trash behind.
11. Respect all wildlife; all plants; and all private property.
12. Don't pollute. Make sure your vehicle is in good operating
condition. Check for oil, brake or transmission fluid, or radiator
leaks. Keep engine noise down, and make sure your muffler operates
properly.
 |
www.TENTRAX.com |
My 2003 Tentrax Rubicon - Off Road Trailer.
This baby can rock crawl and handle any 4x4 work, due to its articulated hitch.
Sleeps two + one rack in rear & 2 on hitch tongue.
12V electrical system - outlets for accessories.
See link above to go to Tentrax Web site.
HikingwithMike.com is a free, non-profit informational service utilizing my personal experiences as the major resource. Neither I, nor any person or entity linked to this Website, guarantee, attest to, endorse or promote any product, service or information referred to herein. Opinions offered are strictly those of this website. This site deals with Wilderness hiking, 4WD activities and use of remote areas. By their designation as wilderness sites, these locations cannot be guaranteed as safe, nor can their naturally changing conditions be predicted at any point in time. These dangers cannot be eliminated without eliminating the wilderness itself. The inherent dangers associated with wilderness activities may result in injury or death. Sudden, furious storms, wild animals, and rugged, inhospitable terrain can cause serious injury or death. Entry into or use of any wilderness area is done at your own risk! Your good judgment and common sense may determine your ultimate safety. Be prepared; hike, drive and camp only within your own experience level or use the services of a professional or experienced guide. When engaged in 4x4 activities in remote areas, go SLOW and never try anything which takes you over your head, experience wise.
HikingwithMike.com will strive to maintain current phone, fax, mail and Internet addresses for all external links indicated. You can help me by advising me of any information that you find has changed. Simply Email me by clicking on: hikingwithmike@aol.com
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