If you’re planning an off-road trip with your family or friends, it is essential that you have the tools, accessories, and parts you need. From extra fuel to spare tires and a first-aid kit, Dave Sears explains that being prepared will allow you to enjoy your trip without having to worry about something going wrong. As the owner of Alamo Cycle Plex, a motorcycle store in San Antonio, Texas he has some of the best products in the industry. Having been on dozens of off-road trips, he knows just how essential preparation is. Dave is here to share a comprehensive list of everything you need to do, pack, and prepare for an off-road trip.
Tools For Your Vehicle
Whether you’re going away for a day, a week, or a month, it is vital to have a well-prepared off-roading kit. The first thing you need to do is familiarize yourself with your vehicle, key service items, and prepare a kit specifically for your vehicle. Dave Sears claims that these ‘must-haves’ should include: adjustable wrenches or common sized wrenches, regular and Phillips screwdrivers, a roll of flexible wire, duct tape, a flashlight, tire plug kit, and a 12-volt air pump. He claims that having these tools on hand will help you repair mechanical failures or make adjustments on the trail. Of course, he stresses the importance of becoming familiar with your vehicle before embarking on an off-road trip.
Safety Equipment and Supplies
In addition to packing supplies to service your vehicle, it is also important to bring safety equipment in case of an emergency. If you’re new to off-roading, Dave Sears suggests completing a safe riding course to learn about safe riding techniques. Once you’ve completed safety training and are ready to embark on an off-road trip, some of the items you may want to consider packing are: proper riding gear, safety-certified helmet, a small fire extinguisher, mobile phone, matches, pocket knife, maps or GPS, and remember to never ride alone. Wearing the proper gear for your journey is important not only for safety but also to fend off the elements.
Emergency/Recovery Kit
Next, you want to think about creating an off-road recovery kit. Dave Sears cannot stress the importance of having a tow strap enough. It can be used to tow another vehicle or extract a vehicle. Ensuring that you have an accessory winch is vital to getting out of tricky situations, and can be utilized in so many different ways. In addition to your recovery kit, ensure that you have a first aid kit on hand. You can either pick-up a fully stocked first-aid kit or put one together on your own. Before you leave on your trip, be sure to understand everything that you have in your kit, how to use it, and in what situations. This can be the difference between life and death, making it important to be as prepared as possible.
Spare Parts
No matter what vehicle you’re taking on your off-road trip, you should have a spare parts and repair items kit. Dave Sears states that this kit can include: extra fuel, spare rim and tire, lug wrench and jack, spare drive belt, and spark plugs. Depending on where you’re headed, it is useful to bring items that may not be easily accessible once you head into the backcountry. A few extra gallons of fuel will help give you that peace of mind.
Alamo Cycle Plex is a great place to stock up on spare parts. Offering the newest models of well-known brands like Honda, Kawasaki, Polaris, Suzuki, Yamaha, and more, Alamo Cycle Plex has an easy-to-use website that allows you to find spare parts based on brand, model and year.
Common Items
On an off-road trip, it is important to come personally prepared. From wearing the right apparel to bringing enough food and water, don’t forget about taking care of yourself. Dave Sears explains that some things you should consider bringing are: technical layering apparel, off-road riding gloves, engineered cooling shirts, protective and vent capable jackets, water or electrolyte drinks, trail mix, nuts or beef jerky, and all-in-one energy bars. It can be easy to overlook these simple items, as riding may not feel strenuous. However, Dave Sears points out that your body is working hard and staying hydrated and fueled will help you remain alert, focused, and safe.
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