Farmers jacks are perfect for off-road situations.
Do you drive your truck in the sand, through mud, or over rocks? If so, then it’s only a matter of time before you get stuck. Here are a few items to help you get un-stuck—so you can continue your off-road adventure with minimal delay.
Gear for Tire Repairs
If you’re going off-road, then a full-size spare tire is essential. If you damage a tire or rim beyond repair, a readily available replacement tire means you can keep going. Also, having a tire repair kit and a good portable air compressor allows you to repair a flat tire, which always seems to happen in the worst place at the worst time.
A favorite type of jack for off-roading is called a farmers jack. This type of heavy-duty jack is ideal for lifting off-road vehicles and equipment. They can lift vehicles up to five feet off the ground. Also, consider packing some jack pads to keep the jack from sinking into the ground.
Mats, Straps, and Winches
Traction mats are designed to help you get out of sand, mud, or snow.
Lightweight traction mats can get you out of snow, mud, and sand. Wedge them under the tire that is slipping, aim your steering wheels straight ahead, and slowly pull out. Slow and easy are the watchwords. Too much throttle could dig you deeper into a hole. If the mat doesn’t do the trick, a tow strap connected to another vehicle’s trailer hitch can help you dig out and get going.
There might not be another vehicle to help pull you out. Be ready for those situations with a ratchet puller or a portable electric winch. If you connect your ratchet or winch cable around a tree, then use a tree-saver strap to minimize damage to the bark. It’s useful to have a shackle or two to connect to your vehicle’s frame. A snatch block can double the pulling power of your winch or ratchet puller.
Use a tree-saver strap. There’s no reason to damage a tree, especially after it helped you get out of a sticky situation.
Tools for Off-Road
Having an assortment of tools for minor off-road repairs can be a lifesaver. Your portable tool kit doesn’t have to be expensive or fancy to come in handy. The basics should include a hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches and sockets, pry bar, duct tape, hacksaw, zip-ties, and spare fuses.
It’s also a good idea to carry a shovel for digging out, an axe to chop away obstructions, and gloves to protect your hands in the process. Keep at least two pairs of gloves in your off-road kit—one for you and one for your helper.
