Pre/Post Trail Inspections and Maintenance

What are some simple items you like to check before and after you hit the trails? And what is some essential gear you carry with you for emergency trail repairs?

I'm no mechanic but I can check items for wear and function. And if there are items I can't repair myself, I can recruit a trail buddy as long as I have the parts.

I have a 3rd Gen TRD OR.

Thanks.

 

Depends on the trail and how far off the grid I am, but at a bare minimum I do a visual inspection of the tires and check fluids.

For recovery, again it depends on where I am, but the most important items are my toolbox with everything I need for most common repairs (zipties, socket set, mechanic wire, visegrips, breaker bar, etc etc), traction boards, kinetic rope w/ straps & shackles, winch, axe, saw, shovel, leather gloves, mat to lay down on, two bottle jacks, flat repair kit, air pump, and jump start battery kit.

 

Thanks for the reply. Any common items that shake loose or wear on a rough trail ride that I should check after the trip? I don't do any really deep water crossings but definitely over the axles. Any maintenance items I should check after the ride?

 

It's specific to the person, their build, where they are and how they use it, but I'll outline what I do.

I created a torque spec checklist specific to my truck and its aftermarket parts, as well as the socket size I need. That way I can run through the truck and check the torque on key components fairly quickly, primarily suspension related.

I do a visual inspection of the entire underside of the truck. I look for any cracks in the frame, any wet spots that shouldn't be wet, etc.

I top off the gas tank right before the trail, regardless of trail length.

Doing all of these things gives me immense peace of mind and has also caught bolts that aren't loose per se, but did take a 1/4 turn of the torque wrench to hit spec.

For emergency trail repairs, I carry a spare fluids of all flavors, serpentine belt, tire plugs, zip ties, duct tape, tie rod and tie rod ends, axles, etc. Stuff that can be really debilitating if it goes out on the trail. At the very least I want to be able to limp back to civilization to where it can be repaired better or make it to a tow truck/my trailer.

Recovery gear, shackles, appropriate shackle points, kinetic strap, winch, static strap for a tree saver, etc. The biggest thing is to have good gear in good condition and know how to safely use it.

 

Definitely this. It's good to be prepared but that doesn't necessarily mean buying everything under the sun. Being prepared can also mean going with experienced folks who have gear you can use, or having comm equipment so at the very least, you can contact somebody to come save your ass. Or a combination of all three.

 

Thanks. Will check out the link. I always go with a buddy who has recovery gear, we have good comms, and we have a great 4x4 recovery group here in CO. So I'm not worried so much about getting unstuck but I would like to keep an eye on maintenance items that I can regularly check.

 

Top off the gas, make sure tires are good, and just poke my head under the truck and see if anything is missing or loose.