- Location
- Antioch, CA
Seems like we need a post around here talking about self reliance on the trail. Please keep this as an informational post and leave the drama out of it.
If you plan on running The Rubicon (or any other rock crawling type trail), you need a back-up plan. If your back-up plan revolves around relying on the kindness of strangers, or someone you know finding you, then you have no plan at all.
Bring a buddy. There was a thread here recently about not wheeling alone. This is good advice, although an experienced wheeler with a proven rig has some latitude on this rule, it is always a good idea to go with another vehicle. Sufficient camping supplies and food for at least one nights stay should be brought along as well.
Take the time to check over your rig BEFORE you hit the trail. Check the basics, like your cooling system, oil leaks, tune-up, driveshaft and axle joints. Check your steering, frame, axle brackets, control arm mounts, and springs for signs of damage or cracking. Leaving your house with a rig with known problems is a recipe for disaster.
Spare parts. Do not rely on someone else to supply you with spare parts. We all know stuff happens on the trail so be prepared.
Axle shafts. Slip off a rock, get wedged, and apply just a little too much throttle and *snap*, there goes an axle shaft. You should have a spare shaft, and the tools/know how to replace the broken shaft. Spare gear oil. silicone for your cover, a strong magnet, and a spill kit may be needed to remove the broken piece of axle from your differential. Spare axle joints are always good to carry as well.
Driveshafts and u-joints are known to break and are prone to trail damage. A complete spare rear driveshaft is a good thing to have. Perform routine maintenance on your driveshafts BEFORE you hit the trail. Changing a bad driveshaft u-joint on the trail is no fun. Also be aware that all the torque from low range, water, mud, and dirt can ruin a good driveshaft u-joint along the trail. Fixing this before driving 100+ miles home is a good idea.
Spare tires and on board air. Having an adequate air supply is a good idea. From airing up your tires for the drive home, or fixing a blown bead on the trail a good air supply comes in handy quite often. A full size spare is a must if you want to drive your rig home at the end of the day.
Steering. If you have a custom steering set-up do not expect anyone else to have a similar set-up and have spares. I carry 2 spare heims and the hardware to install it, and a complete tie rod. If you have stock steering then you NEED to carry a complete tie-rod. Even Currie steering will break so plan ahead.
Don't expect other people to solve your problem. The truth is that there are people who will bend over backwards for a stranger, but these people are few and far between. More than likely someone will help you fix your problem if you have the parts. Do not expect a stranger to give up their spare parts, instead offer to buy them or trade them for other spare parts.
Sometimes it is impossible to carry a spare for everything. This is where the second vehicle comes into play. A quick trip to the trailhead and removing the needed parts from a friends rig might be the only way to get you home or off the trail far enough to call a tow truck. They might also need to drive into town to get parts. This is where the food and supplies come into play.
Being prepared is essential to having a good time, and making sure those around you have a good time. If you stop and work on your junk 2 times before you even get on the trail then don't expect to be invited along the next time.
If you plan on running The Rubicon (or any other rock crawling type trail), you need a back-up plan. If your back-up plan revolves around relying on the kindness of strangers, or someone you know finding you, then you have no plan at all.
Bring a buddy. There was a thread here recently about not wheeling alone. This is good advice, although an experienced wheeler with a proven rig has some latitude on this rule, it is always a good idea to go with another vehicle. Sufficient camping supplies and food for at least one nights stay should be brought along as well.
Take the time to check over your rig BEFORE you hit the trail. Check the basics, like your cooling system, oil leaks, tune-up, driveshaft and axle joints. Check your steering, frame, axle brackets, control arm mounts, and springs for signs of damage or cracking. Leaving your house with a rig with known problems is a recipe for disaster.
Spare parts. Do not rely on someone else to supply you with spare parts. We all know stuff happens on the trail so be prepared.
Axle shafts. Slip off a rock, get wedged, and apply just a little too much throttle and *snap*, there goes an axle shaft. You should have a spare shaft, and the tools/know how to replace the broken shaft. Spare gear oil. silicone for your cover, a strong magnet, and a spill kit may be needed to remove the broken piece of axle from your differential. Spare axle joints are always good to carry as well.
Driveshafts and u-joints are known to break and are prone to trail damage. A complete spare rear driveshaft is a good thing to have. Perform routine maintenance on your driveshafts BEFORE you hit the trail. Changing a bad driveshaft u-joint on the trail is no fun. Also be aware that all the torque from low range, water, mud, and dirt can ruin a good driveshaft u-joint along the trail. Fixing this before driving 100+ miles home is a good idea.
Spare tires and on board air. Having an adequate air supply is a good idea. From airing up your tires for the drive home, or fixing a blown bead on the trail a good air supply comes in handy quite often. A full size spare is a must if you want to drive your rig home at the end of the day.
Steering. If you have a custom steering set-up do not expect anyone else to have a similar set-up and have spares. I carry 2 spare heims and the hardware to install it, and a complete tie rod. If you have stock steering then you NEED to carry a complete tie-rod. Even Currie steering will break so plan ahead.
Don't expect other people to solve your problem. The truth is that there are people who will bend over backwards for a stranger, but these people are few and far between. More than likely someone will help you fix your problem if you have the parts. Do not expect a stranger to give up their spare parts, instead offer to buy them or trade them for other spare parts.
Sometimes it is impossible to carry a spare for everything. This is where the second vehicle comes into play. A quick trip to the trailhead and removing the needed parts from a friends rig might be the only way to get you home or off the trail far enough to call a tow truck. They might also need to drive into town to get parts. This is where the food and supplies come into play.
Being prepared is essential to having a good time, and making sure those around you have a good time. If you stop and work on your junk 2 times before you even get on the trail then don't expect to be invited along the next time.