Vehicle Safety Requirements
1. Roll bar, full cage or factory installed hard top
2. Functional parking brake or micro-lock
3. Tow strap or rope (recommend rated at 2 times the vehicle weight)
4. Adequate attachment points front and rear, i.e. tow hooks, receiver, etc – Tow balls are not considered an attachment point
5. Shovel, gloves and recovery boards
6. First aid kit – extra personal and or pet medications
7. Jack capable of lifting the vehicle and a tool capable of removing lug nuts
8. Full set of mechanics tools, spare fuses for vehicle and spill kit
9. Spare tire equal to or within 3 inches of existing tires (no temporary spares)
10. Fire extinguisher with gauge indicating good/full, appropriately stored; fire starter and or waterproof matches.
11. Cell phone and GMRS or Ham (tell somebody where you’re going and when expected back).
12. Water for both you and the car – one gallon per person per day
13. Jumper cables
14. Seat belts for all vehicle occupants
15. TP, hand wipes, WAG bags and trash bags
16. Map and/or GPS system and compass; knowledge of local weather before heading out
17. Antennas must be rigid or restrained in a manner to prevent injuries
18. Battery hold downs (no bungie cords)
19. Must have functioning low range in transfer case
20. Must have GMRS Radio
For more remote areas and older vehicles:
21. Tire plugs, compressor and a can of tire inflator/sealer
22. All fluids: brake, engine oil, transmission, power steering, etc.
23. Plan to stay over night: clothes, bedding, food, etc; bivy bag and some spare clothes for layers
24. Travel with a second vehicle along