Be prepared for your 4×4 adventure.
When it’s time to hit the trail, it’s easy to forget essential items that you don’t want to be without. Take your pick of cliche about being prepared: we’ve heard them all and they all ring true.
That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive off-roading checklist so that you can stock your ride with every bit and piece of gear you might need out on the trail.
The checklist is print-friendly, simply print from your browser.
- Check Engine Oil
- Check Transmission Oil
- Check Brake Fluid
- Check Radiator Coolant
- Check Windshield Wiper Fluid
- Check Fan Belts
- Check Hoses
- Check Air Cleaner
- Check Seat Belts
- Check Tire Pressure
- Check for Tire Wear or Damage
- Tighten Drive Shaft U-bolts
- Check and Tighten Lug Bolts
- Check for Frame Cracks
- Check Brake Pads & Shoes
- Check for Loose Nuts or Bolts
- Check Gear Oils: Diffs/TCase
- Check Winch & Winch Cable
- Check Shocks
- Water – 1Gal/Person/Day
- Food – 2x trip length
- Extra Clothes
- Toilet Paper
- Hand Cleaner
- Sunscreen
- Rain Jacket
- Cell Phone
- Spare Batteries
- Prescription Medications
- Portable Battery for Phone/GPS
- Trash Bags
- Maps
- GPS
- Water Purification Tablets
- Spare Keys
- Bug Repellant
- Freezer Bags
- Safety Glasses
- Leather Gloves
- Fire Extinguisher
- Flares
- Tarp
- Flashlights
- Matches / Lighter
- Adhesive Tape
- Antiseptic Ointment
- Alcohol Swabs
- Bandages – Assorted Sizes
- Blanket
- Disposable Gloves
- Gauze Pads and Roller Gauze
- Hand Cleaner
- Plastic Bags
- Scissors and Tweezers
- Triangular Bandage
- Burnaid Gel
- Snake Bite Kit
- Disposable Emergency Blanket
- Instant Cold Pack
- Instant Hot Pack
- Anti-Diarrhea Medication
- Tylenol
- Ibuprofen
- Benadryl
- Epi Pen
- Jack and Tire Iron
- Hilift Jack
- Tow Straps
- Tree Saver
- Come-Along
- D-Rings and Shackles
- Shovel
- Winch Kit
- Pullpal
- Bow Saw
- Snow Tire Chains
- Socket Set
- Crescent Wrench
- Allen Wrenches
- Torx Sockets
- Standard and Phillips Screwdrivers
- Large Hammer
- Pliers
- Needle Nose Pliers
- Vice Grips
- Channel-Lock Pliers
- Pipe Wrenches
- Utility Knife
- Big Pry Bar
- Magnet
- Snap Ring Pliers
- Air Pressure Gauge
- Portable Air Pump
- Jumper Cables
- Zip Ties
- Duct Tape
- Ratchet Straps
- Tire Deflator
- Engine Oil
- Brake Fluid
- Power Steering Fluid
- Automatic Transmission Fluid
- Coolant or Water
- Bearing Grease
- WD-40
- Starter Fluid
- Extra Gas
- Funnel
- Spare Axle Shafts
- Hoses, Fuel Line
- Spare Tire
- Tire Repair Kits and Plugs
- Extra Lug Nuts
- Cotter Pins and Keys
- Valve Stems, Valve Stem Remover
- Nuts and Bolts
- RTV or Hylomar HPF
- Radiator Stop Leak
- Spare Hub
- Electric Fuel Pump
- Coil / Electronic Ignition
- Spare Universal Joints
- Extra Spark Plug Wire
- Spare Drive Shaft
- Spare Fuses
Remember that off-roading is an inherently dangerous activity. To mitigate risk, it’s best to distribute these items between several vehicles. It is much safer to travel in a group; off-roading alone is never recommended.