Off-roading is an adventure in its own right and a one of a kind experiences for all kinds of travel enthusiasts because admittedly there is nothing quite like a road trip. Off-roading is generally practiced on all kinds of terrains, whether it is desert terrain, muddy, dried-up river beds, and snow, etc.
Since these road trips are bound to take you on unfamiliar terrains and areas, it is better to be prepared than to be caught unawares in the middle of nowhere.
For this very reason, we have put together a list of some must-have tools you should have in your kit at all times!
A Recovery Kit
A recovery kit is mainly for the purpose of towing your car if it gets stuck fairly deep in snow, mud, or quicksand.
This is because you will likely need another vehicle or tow truck to lead your car out. It includes nylon strings that are stretchable and therefore provide for the bulk of strength during the towing process.
Flashlight
When off-roading, there may be several instances where you have to work on your vehicle after dark as well.
Therefore, you need a heavy-duty rechargeable flashlight or headlamp to give you a hand. It is best to get a headlamp or magnetic work light with long battery life so that your hands are free to work.
Shovel
If your car gets stuck in a bit of mud or soft sand, your best bet is to dig a little around the tires that are stuck.
With sand or snow, this shouldn’t be too hard, and all it requires is a little hand.
You can make a small ‘trench’ or indent around the area, and that should help you maneuver your car out of there pretty easily.
Worn in Wooden Board
A wooden board or two comes in handy if your wheels are stuck in some mud etc. You can prop these at an angle under the wheels, and they act as a barrier between the wheels and the ground below.
This allows you to release your car and drive over the boards with ease.
Replacement Tire/Puncture Kit
Given that you are going to be traveling a fair amount of rough terrain, it is likely that you end up with a puncture or flat tire.
As in most cars even on conventional roads and highway, it is recommended that you always travel with a spare tire as well as a professional tire repair kit for any situations like these.
Safety Gloves
This is a given whenever you are working on your car. You will likely have to maneuver around a fair bit and feel for various components.
For this purpose, safety gloves add another layer of protection and give a much better grip while you are working.
Jump Starter Cables
In case your car breaks down, you will likely need a couple of jump starter cables to jump-start your engine.
In the past, you would need another vehicle to do this, but now you can travel with a battery pack of your own and use it to jump-start your car.
This battery can be charged while you are on the move as well and is useful for charging your phone on the road as well.
Hand Tool Kit
A hand tool kit contains a variety of standard tools ranging from hand wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, etc.
Even if you don’t feel the need to work on your during your trip, you should have these handy just in case you need to tighten up anything that might’ve come loose during the journey.
Air Compress
To make for a smoother drive on off-road terrain, it is best that your tires have air pressure that is slightly lower than usual in order to provide more friction and hence have a better grip on the terrain.
Should you choose to do this, then keep an air compressor on hand so that you bring the air pressure up once you are back on the road.
GPS System
Although most phones and even cars come with GPS navigation software, it is best to have another GPS device handy just in case your present one’s malfunction or if you find yourself unable to access the internet, etc. It will show you where exactly you are headed and keep you in the loop even on the toughest terrains.
Conclusion
Always remember that safety is a priority, and even though this list might seem fairly lengthy, it is bound to pay off if you are ever stuck in a pickle.
Having a few extra tools can save you a world of worry and help you get your car back on the road or to the nearest service station at the very least.