Taking part in off-road rallies can be a great way to spend your free time. You can also make new friends and meet other people sharing similar interests. However, before setting off on your first adventure, check if you have the right equipment.
Taking part in off-road rallies can be a great way to spend your free time. You can also make new friends and meet other people sharing similar interests. However, before setting off on your first adventure, check if you have the right equipment.
First of all – a cable winch
Study the terrain of the route you will be taking before you go. This is important, in order to avoid surprises you could have foreseen. Even after a quick analysis, it will be easier to predict potential difficulties you may come across and better prepare for them. For example, if the terrain is wet and muddy, waders with boots will come in very handy when you get stuck in the mud. If this happens, cable winches will come to your rescue, and can be attached to various types of elements (trees, boulders, another car, etc.). It’s also good to have a shovel available.
Second of all – bridging ladders
These could save the day if you need to get your car out water, snow or mud. They also make it easier to cross small obstacles such as ditches, chasms, holes or crevices. However, you are normally only able to take such equipment along with you if you have a larger vehicle. Cable winches can fulfil more or less the same function, and take up much less space. Spend a moment to consider which type will be the most useful in such situations.
Thirdly – why do you need a snorkel?
Snorkels supply air to the engine and prevent it from flooding, which is a very practical solution, making snorkels as popular as cable winches in off-road driving. They are usually used in vehicles intended for use in extreme conditions. The snorkel allows you to protect the engine against flooding when crossing a ford or a stream, or when driving through a deep puddle. However, fitting one only makes sense if the entire intake system is absolutely water tight. Otherwise, it only raises the temperature, “chokes” the engine, worsens performance and increases fuel consumption.
And last of all – a hi-lift jack
SUVs and other off-road vehicles usually have high suspensions. This is mainly for practical reasons and comes in useful in marshy terrain, streams, deep sand, bumpy areas, etc. However, if you need to change a wheel, you will need a special jack for high suspensions – a hi-lift jack. You can also use it to recover traction if your vehicle is hanging on its chassis. A hi-lift jack will be more useful here than a cable winch, despite the latter’s versatility.
…and all the rest
When putting together your list of vital equipment, remember about items such as a first aid kit, fire extinguisher and even reflective vests. Safety should always be the top priority. Also make sure you have replacement light bulbs, a torch, navigation (although ordinary paper maps will also come in handy) and a CB radio in case there is no phone network. The key to an exciting adventure is not only a reliable, well-equipped vehicle, but also working together as a team.
Share