19 replies to this topic

[ntsqd]

With the avatar dune buggy weight was precious. Every ounce counted. My tool selection process was to put an empty tool box in the buggy. Every time that I worked on it, and I did 100% of it's work, I used the tools in the tool box. When the box didn't have the tool needed it got added. It took a while, but eventually the box had exactly the tools needed to do anything required and no others.

 

I have a set of "Mr. Goodwrench" jumpers that are a small wire gauge and aren't heavy or hard to carry. They have surprised me with how effective they can be. All three off-pavement capable vehicles also carry booster packs. Two are XP-10's and I'm impressed with those (one started a 12 valve Cummins with flat batteries), the one off-brand unit not so much.

[JHanson]

"I did a bit of searching both on the forum and with Google. I can't seem to hunt anything down. Would you kindly point me in the direction. Thanks!"

 

I believe he is referring to Overland Tech and Travel, here. :-)

 

Search there and you'll find . . . a lot . . . on tools. But at a minimum a quality 3/8ths socket and ratchet set and the equivalent wrenches, screwdrivers, a selection of pliers, and one soft and one hard hammer is a good basis. Personally I'd ditch the folding shovel and carry a proper recovery shovel like this one. That and your recovery boards (and patience) will get you out of most stuck situations.

 

But you are completely on the right track in having the means to solve, 1) battery issues, and, 2) tire issues, the two most common causes of breakdowns. And three cheers to you for airing down frequently!

Edited by JHanson, 18 August 2021 - 01:41 PM.

[Mighty Dodge Ram]

I believe he is referring to Overland Tech and Travel

 

Well yes, yes I am! A worthy exercise even if, like me, you get caught up in analysis paralysis. And easy for me to say while driving a 3/4-ton with a GVM of 9200#. Lots of good comments here while you decide and balance needs, comfort, safety, and weight for your intended activity. Ex: you mention only bringing traction boards for snow; I’ll always bring four Maxtrax, minimum two. Different strokes, as they say.

 

I could easily drop 250# or more by ditching the winch and mount. I’ve never used it to self-extract…hmm. 

[eyemgh]

 

"I did a bit of searching both on the forum and with Google. I can't seem to hunt anything down. Would you kindly point me in the direction. Thanks!"

 

I believe he is referring to Overland Tech and Travel, here. :-)

 

Search there and you'll find . . . a lot . . . on tools. But at a minimum a quality 3/8ths socket and ratchet set and the equivalent wrenches, screwdrivers, a selection of pliers, and one soft and one hard hammer is a good basis. Personally I'd ditch the folding shovel and carry a proper recovery shovel like this one. That and your recovery boards (and patience) will get you out of most stuck situations.

 

But you are completely on the right track in having the means to solve, 1) battery issues, and, 2) tire issues, the two most common causes of breakdowns. And three cheers to you for airing down frequently!

 

Thanks! If we’re going anywhere soft, snow or sand, I throw in a long handled shovel. Off to read! 

[Jon R]

I like to have a strap with me and the hitch connections to use with it. If I come across a stuck person and don’t have the right pulling equipment, i may feel pressured to help using somebody else’s crap. If stuff fails while pulling it can snap back and damage your truck or hurt somebody. I don’t feel right driving away from somebody who needs help, but I don’t want to have a problem because of their substandard equipment.

[JHanson]

I like to have a strap with me and the hitch connections to use with it. If I come across a stuck person and don’t have the right pulling equipment, i may feel pressured to help using somebody else’s crap. If stuff fails while pulling it can snap back and damage your truck or hurt somebody. I don’t feel right driving away from somebody who needs help, but I don’t want to have a problem because of their substandard equipment.

This is a very good point. I always stress to people they should have their own tools even if they have zero mechanical ability. If you have to rely on a passing good Samaritan to help the least you can do is offer your own tools.

 

The same goes for recovery gear, with the added component of safety. Suppose you're stuck and someone stops to help and pulls out a chain? At a minimum a kinetic recovery strap or rope and a pair of shackles should be in your kit. Soft shackles are wonderful but not usable in all situations. Most shackle attachment points on ARB bumpers and the like are too sharp-edged to use soft shackles.

[eyemgh]

This is a very good point. I always stress to people they should have their own tools even if they have zero mechanical ability. If you have to rely on a passing good Samaritan to help the least you can do is offer your own tools.

 

The same goes for recovery gear, with the added component of safety. Suppose you're stuck and someone stops to help and pulls out a chain? At a minimum a kinetic recovery strap or rope and a pair of shackles should be in your kit. Soft shackles are wonderful but not usable in all situations. Most shackle attachment points on ARB bumpers and the like are too sharp-edged to use soft shackles.

 

 

I have appropriately rounded attachments. It might make sense to take one bow shackle in the event that they don't have an appropriate attachment. Drip by drip, gram by gram, I'm creeping back to the original problem though, carrying too much stuff and being over weight. 

[michelle_east_county]

Does anyone use a come-along anymore? They used to be common for extractions before electric winches became ubiquitous, but they're still a lot lighter and less expensive. Re safety of any cable or strap with tension on it, your carpet runner, a blanket, or some branches cut from a bush (don't get caught by a ranger!) hung over the cable or strap will all help cut velocity if something slips or snaps.

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

I also have that "old school" item. Stores in engine area right fender well cover.

Out of the way.I I forget it most of the time,but it's there when/in I need it.

 

Great advise about placing something on the cable.

Frank

[RicoV]

Ditto.  Our little come-along is 17 lbs of goodness that I don't mind hauling with us, knowing that if I didn't bring it along to the high country I'd regret it somewhere down that lonesome forest road.

Rico.