For example...don't let an idiot in a Willys run Pritchett.
-----Matt-----
For example...don't let an idiot in a Willys run Pritchett.
-----Matt-----
I remember the stories you told of that fool's combination of mechanical mishaps and driver-fed failures. Everyone, and The Rock means everyone, should do their own pre-trip "tech inspection" before every wheeling trip. It's pretty simple really. Basic things to check:
* Crawl under your rig, visually inspect the undercarriage. Look for things like loose hardware (nuts and bolts), bent suspension and other parts such as crossmember, skid-plates, etc., new or worsening leaks from gearboxes, radiator, etc., cuts c/t tire sidewalls and tread, excessive mud or sticks/rocks jammed up in crevices that may interfere with/damage moving parts. Clean, tighten, and fix whatever you find.
* Run your vehicle through it's basic functions. Headlights, parking lamps, brake lights, heater and defrost functions, basic legality and safety stuff. Take a test drive or take note if it's a daily driver of anything that doesn't feel right. New clunks and bumps, steering and brake pull, unexplained grinding, vibrating, or other noises, look into it. Make sure your cooling system is up to snuff, keeps the rig coolant temp under the red on a hot day in traffic.
* Equipment-wise, some basics everyone should have: Strong tow points front and rear, First aid kit, fire extinguisher, tool box with everything you think you'll need, tree-saver and 30' pull strap along with a couple of 3/4" shackles, full-size or close spare tire, jack capable of lifting your vehicle off the ground, electrical kit with fuses, lengths of wire, connectors, test-light. You can expand this list a lot depending on your specific needs, available room, and experience with things you wish you'd had on previous trips.
Most of it is very common sense stuff. Think, inspect, and test before coming out on a run. Everyone else with you that day will be glad you did.
Driving style wise, think before you mash the skinny pedal. The ideal way to conquer an obstacle is with just enough speed and power to get over it and no more. If that means you attempt to crawl an obstacle a time or two before giving it a bit of throttle, that's okay. If you go into it lead-footed, it's easy to break things and/or end up against a tree or off the trail. If you don't want a spotter, that's fine. make sure you have the experience necessary to not need one. If you want a spotter, ask for one. I've never been on a trail run where there weren't several people willing to spot someone through a given obstacle. If you're a more experienced wheeler with a capable rig, have patience and be willing to help. If you're a newb in a stocker, be willing to ask questions and pay attention. The spotter won't tell you something that will get you hurt or damage your rig 95% of the time. In the 5% of the time that Matt may be spotting you, ask for a 2nd opinion.
Common sense stuff here, folks. It goes a very long ways towards making a fun, successful wheeling trip though.