So, you want to take your 4x4 or SUV off road? if so it is a good idea to carry some basic equipment with you in case of difficulty and to make the experience as safe as possible. The following kit list is not exhaustive but will certainly cover most eventualities.
Before we examine what equipment is good to take with you it needs mentioning that the biggest safety factor you need is another vehicle to accompany you.
Getting stuck miles from anywhere when you are on your own can be dangerous and is certainly foolish. Both vehicles need to be capable of negotiating the terrain you are attempting to drive.
The following equipment is a basic list, you may find that for certain routes you may need to add to this.
Tow Rope.
It is important that you carry a tow rope or strop. Such a rope needs to have a towing weight capacity well in excess of the weight of your vehicle to allow for pulling your 4x4 or SUV out of sticky mud. Your rope should have eyes lashed in with metal supports for these eyes. If you are going to use a strop instead of a rope then make sure it too has the weight capacity needed. Both rope and strop should be in good condition with no fraying for the rope and no loosening stitching for the strop. There are advantages to both strop and rope. A rope will float which is great if your vehicle is stuck in water and a strop coils into a smaller size than rope for storage. Each vehicle should always carry its own recovery equipment.
Bridle.
This is a smaller length of tow rope with the same eyes at each end. The purpose of the bridle is that both ends are fixed to the front or rear of the vehicle, to two separate recovery points. This allows for the weight of the vehicle to be spread across two points instead of just the one. This is particularly useful if you are 'very' stuck.
Shackles.
These are 'U' shaped metal brackets that have the end of the 'U' shape closed by a bolt. Shackles are what you use to attach your tow rope to your recovery points on the vehicle. It is important that the shackles you use are correctly rated for the weight you are going to apply to them. You will need two shackles for your tow rope and two shackles for your bridle.
Shovel.
Carrying a folding shovel or spade is important as you may have to dig out one or more wheels on your vehicle if very stuck. Conversely a situation can occur when you have to fill in with some soil in front of wheels if you have over articulated and one wheel is in the air. It is also useful
for digging latrines.
Water.
You should carry at least 2 litres of water per person for each day you are out driving. In addition, you may need water to top up your radiator should overheating occur and if you have been driving in mud you will need to wash off your lights and number plate.
Saw.
A small folding saw will not take up too much room in your vehicle but will be useful for cutting any branches that may have fallen down over your route.
First Aid Kit.
This does not need to be the size of a hospital but does need to contain plasters, bandage, antiseptic cream, rubber gloves and anything else you may wish to add to it. If your first aid kit contains any pain killers or any other type of tablet make sure they are still in date.
Fire Extinguisher.
Carrying a powder filled fire extinguisher is a must. Although you do not need a particularly large size extinguisher it should have the capacity to put out an engine fire should the need arise. With powder extinguishers you do need to shake them periodically to make sure the fill is loose inside. Most domestic and vehicle extinguishers have a gauge fitted to them so you can see that they are still at operating pressure, you need to check this regularly, say once a month to make sure your extinguisher is in working condition.
Knife.
Keeping the blade length within permitted legal limits, a knife can be a very useful tool to keep in your off roading kit. Part of the blade should have a serrated edge. The reason for the serrations is that the knife will then cut rope more easily and you may need this in an emergency if something goes wrong with a tow. In addition, should a vehicle roll, then you have a quick way of cutting a driver out if the seat belts have jammed.
Jump Leads.
Either of the two vehicles in your expedition may at some time need some starting assistance. Make sure you have the means to carry this out as help may be miles away.
Tyre Weld.
Carrying a tin of tyre weld although not a perfect fix for a puncture may help to get you out of trouble. Most vehicles only carry the one spare tyre, what do you do if you get two punctures miles from anywhere?
Duct Tape.
A roll of duct tape it is said can fix just about anything. It is good for split hoses in an emergency and to short term fix dropped exhausts and any other damaged part of the vehicle.
Waffle Boards.
Carrying either specifically designed waffle boards or a length of scaffolding planking, usually about 3-4 feet in length is a must for getting your vehicle out of situations where a small ramp may be necessary. Also useful to put under a wheel if stuck in very wet mud.
Spare Bulbs.
You should carry a complete set of replacement bulbs for all lights on your vehicle. Even if off roading during the day, the possibility is that you will be returning home in the dark.
Air Pump.
Either a foot pump or compressor that runs from your cigar lighter is an essential element to your off roading kit. Not only are they useful if you get a flat or a puncture, but you may need to adjust your tire pressures dependant on the surface you are driving over.
As has already been said, this list is not exhaustive but such a small basic kit will cover you for most off road trips. Apart from the water, all can be kept in the vehicle all the time and not take up too much space. Water will need to be added to your kit each time you take it out so that it is fresh and safe to drink.