| Author | Message | ||
     John (Donjuandr) New Member Username: Donjuandr Post Number: 20 Registered: 07-2003 |
ready to take my baby to eat some mud. yeeeeah! My '00 DII is ready for wheeling...... It's my first ride out and ofcourse I have to start moderate, my question is besides a cell phone what else do I need (the basics plz). I know the big boys list would be a winch and 100 lights around the roof rack, etc,etc..I'm just asking for the basics so be easy on me. Thanks so much! John | ||
| Axel Haakonsen (Axel) Moderator Username: Axel Post Number: 220 Registered: 02-2003 |
1. Towstrap 2. Towstrap attachement, a.k.a another truck to pull you out when you get stuck. 3. Common sense. - Axel | ||
| Kenny Bissett (Jetson) New Member Username: Jetson Post Number: 29 Registered: 07-2003 |
a camera for sure - you'll be disappointed when you twist your truck into a bizarre contortion with one or more wheels off the ground - and discover that you have no freakin camera... peace | ||
| Ian Kreidich (Ian95rrc) Member Username: Ian95rrc Post Number: 60 Registered: 03-2003 |
1. Knowledge of how to drive your disco off-road 2. Common Sense (you may be lacking some because of your post)  3. Recovery Points front and rear. 4. Tow Strap without hooks 5. 2 D Shackles 6. shovel 7. Trash bag THis all depends on where you are going. Some people would bring more, some less. If you are planning on going alone. Thats not smart. Why are you starting out moderate? Start easy. Learn your vehicles capabilities. Find people who know what they are doing. Don't be the asshole who thinks his disco is unstopable in a hole of whaleshit mud. You really shouldn't be asking this stuff. There are a ton of places on the net that discuss what to bring off-road. The bottom line is don't go if you don't have the tools to get yourself back home. Oh yeah...have fun. | ||
| Alan Yim (Alan) Senior Member Username: Alan Post Number: 705 Registered: 09-2002 |
John - do yourself a favor and read through the owner's manual too just so that you're familiar with your truck. There should be some stuff in it on basic off-road driving. Good things to know as a starting point. But aside from that I agree that you should have a tow strap, some shackles/D-rings, and another vehicle with you at the very least. If you can get your hands on a couple JATE rings for front recovery points that would be a good idea as well and a rear recovery assembly that fits into the tow receiver. It's been mentioned several times already but use common sense. If you don't feel right or comfortable with something, you don't have to do it. It is your truck after all. Have fun! | ||
| John (Donjuandr) New Member Username: Donjuandr Post Number: 21 Registered: 07-2003 |
Dam fellow discowebbers go slow with me. I am a newby at this and if i knew i was going to be called an asshole and an idiot so many times I wouldn't of asked u vet's on some helping pointers. Sorry for asking! Thanks for the info! John and ofcourse i'm gonna use common sense, thats why I ask u guys before anything. | ||
| Kelly Fristoe (Kfristoe) Member Username: Kfristoe Post Number: 54 Registered: 12-2002 |
Asshole? Idiot? How many times? I would submit to you that this is certainly not the way to approach this to get your desired results. | ||
| Kevin Bridges (Craniac) Member Username: Craniac Post Number: 161 Registered: 02-2003 |
----YIKES--- I feel your pain John. The problem might might be that typing doesn't capture the sarcasm the way words and tone do. Maybe this would be a good time to give them the benefit of the doubt. I thought it a bit harsh to though. Go with others, take the described gear, use your head and have a good time | ||
| Ian Kreidich (Ian95rrc) Member Username: Ian95rrc Post Number: 61 Registered: 03-2003 |
Ok maybe it was harse to say you lack common sense because you asked. At least you did ask before you went. I wasn't calling you an asshole John..just warning you not to be one. Everyone said use common sense because that's what alot of people lack when they take their SUV's off-road. Go have some fun with your truck. | ||
| Alan Yim (Alan) Senior Member Username: Alan Post Number: 707 Registered: 09-2002 |
John - don't get offended by the responses. Like Kevin said, some of the sarcasm that you would normally interpret in a real conversation probably gets lost somewhere in the typing. However, it might also be a good time to learn how to use the "search" feature of the board. You'll find lots of useful info there and have some of your questions answered before you even ask them. Ian - this is the perfect place to ask this kind of question. Yes there are other resources that you could probably find the same information but there's no harm in asking it here as some of the more experienced folk might give insight into things Rover related. A lot of us on here started out the same way and have built up our experience so why shouldn't a newbie tap into that resource? | ||
| Brian Friend (Brianfriend) Senior Member Username: Brianfriend Post Number: 1127 Registered: 09-2002 |
I like to see this kind of post. People don't ask it enough.....there are plenty of questions about what springs to buy but very few people actually ask questions about wheeling. John, I would say do all the above but the phrase "use common sence" is kind of like telling someone not to fall off a ladder. Untill you have some experience you won't have a lot of common sence. The main thing to bring with you is someone else that has experience, hense, common sence. Hook up with someone that you KNOW wheels, not someone who just talks like they do, they are the most dangerous types. An experience wheeler would probably enjoy teaching their hobby to someone who listens and has enthusiasm. you will be much more comfortable and have much more fun and you will be much safer. Enjoy your trip. | ||
| Dean Brown (Deanbrown3d) Senior Member Username: Deanbrown3d Post Number: 713 Registered: 02-2002 |
John I strongly recommend against it, but if you do go on your own and you intend to hit wet mud, you won't be able to dig out in some cases. So you'll NEED at least a hand winch or be prepared to walk. And not just a crappy little come-along at home depot either, get a tirfor or black rat. But the single most important thing to take is a fuck load of drinking water. Dean | ||
| Mike M (Mikem) Member Username: Mikem Post Number: 46 Registered: 02-2003 |
John, You gotta be thick skinned to survive on D-web. Just try not to take things personally. Just don't mention tools, watches or plastic boxes and you'll be fine. Lots of off-roading "common" sense is available in the articles on this site: http://www.bb4wa.com/ | ||
| Michael Noe (Noee) Senior Member Username: Noee Post Number: 720 Registered: 03-2002 |
Along with the "gear" and such mentioned above, also take a long some good ole patience. Just about every single time I've lost my patience, I've backed into something or dropped down on something a done a little damage. Stupid stuff just because I lost my cool. I hate to use the cliche, but that 10-second count thing really helps. If you get into a bind, get outta the truck, walk around, check things out, stay calm and relax. I ever you're in doubt about an obstacle, just get out of the truck and take a look and pick a line and then go with it. HTH, Mike | ||
| John (Donjuandr) New Member Username: Donjuandr Post Number: 23 Registered: 07-2003 |
Guys, Guys Honestly I was just being sarcastic about my response. But I must say you guys have been great about it all. The basic pointers, tips and recommendations. I will make sure to be comman sense and equipment ready, and not alone on my adventures. I love this site! I just joined the d-web about a week or 2 ago and every since then I check it like 20 times a day. Feels like only we understand eachother with the rover additude. I will be posting pics of my truck soon!!!!! John | ||
| John Kruger (Johnnyk) Member Username: Johnnyk Post Number: 232 Registered: 02-2002 |
Here is a list of suggestions: http://www.teampb.com/4x4_offroad_gear_checklist.shtml John | ||
| Peter Matusov (Pmatusov) Senior Member Username: Pmatusov Post Number: 976 Registered: 09-2002 |
I would say rent a Ford Taurus or like, and drive close to your local mudhole. Get a case if beerm abd spend a day or two watching others - in a few hours, you'll have a very good idea of not only what to bring or not, but also of what to do or not. It will be much easier on you and your truck, and save an embarrassment of seeing your bumper ripped off when a redneck fella pulling your disco out. | ||
| Brian Dickens (Bri) Senior Member Username: Bri Post Number: 537 Registered: 08-2002 |
Not a bad list. I usually have a fuel filter, belt, heater hoses, oil, ATF, gear oil. Bailing wire, metal strap, high lift jack, axe, shovel, water, fuel, tools (pretty much all of them). The best thing to take when you are not experienced is an experienced friend in a second vehicle. Brian | ||
| Dean Brown (Deanbrown3d) Senior Member Username: Deanbrown3d Post Number: 715 Registered: 02-2002 |
And don't forget the water. You should drain the antifreeze out of the radiator, and fill it up with clean water before you go, so that you can drink it in an emergency. The iron is good for you too. (Ok this is of course just a joke in USA, but its serious advice if you're going sahara...) | ||
| Brian Dickens (Bri) Senior Member Username: Bri Post Number: 540 Registered: 08-2002 |
I think I would just carry even more water in the desert rather than rely on nasty radiator water that could possibly poison you. | ||
| Peter Matusov (Pmatusov) Senior Member Username: Pmatusov Post Number: 977 Registered: 09-2002 |
it just dawned on me that I must be real lucky of having spent a good chunk of my childhood in the area with no paved roads, and plenty of precipitation... otherwise, I would've had to ask the same question... | ||
| Peter Matusov (Pmatusov) Senior Member Username: Pmatusov Post Number: 978 Registered: 09-2002 |
and... where exactly are you going to attach the tow strap? | ||
| R. Shane Linder (Shane_l) New Member Username: Shane_l Post Number: 6 Registered: 07-2003 |
John, Good post and I feel your pain for the teasing as I am also new to this hobby (and will probably catch some flack myself for this post). We went out yesterday on our first 4X4 trip and we had a blast! I will not pretend to be an expert or experienced, because I am not. I would follow the above recommendations and add the following... 1) Be VERY patient! We went with 22 vehicles and it took us five hours to make the first 800 meters. I was the second vehicle so we had to wait almost the entire five hours at the top of the first hill for the rest of the trucks. The Land Rover behind me (a 1972 Santana) rolled over (no one was injured), a Jeep Sahara broke an axel, the next Land Rover (1965 Santana) broke an axel, and we had to winch a Suzuki and a Mitsubishi down because they could not even make it all the way up the first hill. We lost five vehicles in the first 800 meters! 2) Make sure to help the other drivers. The owner of the LR that rolled over and I had to remove his steering rod and pound it back straight with a rock so that he could drive on with both front tires facing, basically, the same direction. Although driving is fun, I also had a great time pushing, pulling, and digging to help the other guys make it. 3) Be prepared to damage your vehicle. Sounds easy in theory, but sucks in real life. Before this trip my Disco was CHERRY. Not a scratch or ding period. During the trip I bent the rear bumber, bent the front quarter panel, and my perfect black paint job was scratched all up (maybe they are really just beauty marks). The serious off-roaders on this list take this stuff as par for the course, but for a newbie it is tough to stomach. The 1,000th time a branch rips through your paint job you laugh. The first time you want to cry. 4) Take lots of extra soda, water and food. People run out of things and it is nice to be able to share. 5) 4X4 people are strange. Almost nobody talked to me until AFTER the trip was over. Three Land Rovers (including mine), two Jeeps and two Nissan Patrols made it to the top of the mountain (remember we started with 22). It was a strange sensation that only after I had made it to the top and stood amongst the survivors covered in grease and dust did anyone ask me about me or my truck (Safari Snorkel? Warn lights? What year is that? etc). These same people that never said much to me from 8:00am to 10:00pm. When we finished they were passing me phone numbers and recommendations ("My buddies shop can straighten that bumber right out!"). These are not material things to bring like tow straps and D Rings, but they are important to bring never-the-less. -Shane | ||
| Brian Dickens (Bri) Senior Member Username: Bri Post Number: 545 Registered: 08-2002 |
It is my opinion that if the original poster and R Shane above are talking about the same trail, this might not be the best trail for a beginner to attempt (from the sounds of it). If you are just sharing an experience great. John, pick something that you believe that you can do, start with something easy and work you way up. It will be best to gain confidence vs loose it immediately. You might wish to get in a club for your first outings or pay a pro to help you learn. | ||
| Alan Yim (Alan) Senior Member Username: Alan Post Number: 710 Registered: 09-2002 |
Yea Brian's right. Start with something easy and work your way up. Not only will you gain experience/confidence slowly but you'll get a gradual feel for what your truck is capable of. As you go to harder trails, your confidence will grow accordingly and you'll also have a good idea how your truck will behave. Going full bore or to a rather difficult trail when just starting out is a good way to beat the crap out of your truck more than necessary and scare yourself silly. | ||
| Dean Brown (Deanbrown3d) Senior Member Username: Deanbrown3d Post Number: 720 Registered: 02-2002 |
Yeah and if there's big rocks or deep mud involved, one thing NOT to bring first trip is the wife.... | ||
| Discosaurus (Jurassicdisco) New Member Username: Jurassicdisco Post Number: 1 Registered: 08-2003 |
You might consider making your first trip to an ORV park that has rated trails. That way you know what you’re getting into and if you do encounter problems others will be around to help. Good luck… | ||
| Curtis N (Curtis) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Curtis Post Number: 608 Registered: 05-2002 |
I think that Shane hits it right on the head. Not sure if you guys notice, but I can tell from his post that he is likely an Aussie. That being said, I doubt the two are talking about the same trail. Since he mentions "mud", John is also not talking about the mountains which Shane was obviously discussing. As far as solutions Shane is right on. Bring enough supplies (water, food, etc...) to endure any possible faliure, and be prepared to do damage to your rig if you go offroad. Although the suggestion of "building up" to your best adventure may seem wise, the reality is that your vehicle is more capable than you are and pushing the limits is the only way to find out what you can do. IMO, Curtis | ||
| Dan Ratcliffe (Dan_ratcliffe) New Member Username: Dan_ratcliffe Post Number: 5 Registered: 07-2003 |
Here is a list you can try. http://www.theoldnorthstate.org/adventure/events/daytripchecklist.PDF Dan | ||
| Jamie (Rover_puppy) Member Username: Rover_puppy Post Number: 143 Registered: 05-2003 |
-Most important thing to take is your sense of humor. -No matter how old you are, make a firm decision NOT to cave in to peer pressure. If you are not comfortable with something, DON'T do it. Having the courage to back away or turn around is sometimes the BRAVEST route. -Make sure that you go out with responsible off roaders who know WAY MORE than you do. -Go to the dealership and spend the $295 on the paint protection. I have traveled tight trails at high speeds with big branches hitting both sides of my rover at the same time pretty hard. So far, I don't have a single scratch (yet). However, expect souveniers from your adventures on your rover. -Don't ever let a moody passenger get in your truck. If you do, it will ruin your entire day. If you have dogs, take them too, they luv this kind of stuff, and you can even learn from them. -When you are out there scared out of your mind know for sure that you will end up laughing about it someday. -I STRONGLY agree with what Curtis just said about your vehicle being more capable than you are. That has been very true for me. I have had to learn to TRUST MY ROVER and continue learning to do so. -If you tend to lose things, make sure you don't lose your sense of humor. Keep it handy at all times. It will get you through just about everything. | ||
| Brian Dickens (Bri) Senior Member Username: Bri Post Number: 558 Registered: 08-2002 |
Paint protection? If you are talking about the 3M style coating DO NOT get it from the dealer. Call the dealer and ask who they recommend, then go there. You will save a lot of money and most should come with a lifetime parts and labor warranty. It typically takes about 3 days for this stuff to setup and if you already have scratches and dings, get those fixed first. I never travel tight trails at high speed, so would not need it for this purpose, but it is also beneficial for highways and rocks/pebbles. It is much more needed on dark colors. My white shows little scratches after 8 years. The vehicle is only as capable as the driver. | ||
| Kennith P. Whichard III (Kennith) Senior Member Username: Kennith Post Number: 375 Registered: 05-2002 |
Hey man, Don't let all of this scare you. Most of the trails out there hold very little danger to you or your rover if you take them slowly, the ones that do are either clearly marked, or obviously more difficult. Let me put it to you this way, take what you would on a camping trip. Considering it's pretty hot out right now, bring the water, plus a few gatorades to recharge your elecrolytes. Just to be on the safe side, bring (and keep in your truck) the most thorough first aid kit you are capable of using. Odds are you won't get hurt while driving, but I have gotten a few pretty nasty gashes farting around the campsite before. Jamie said it best, when the going gets tough, laugh about it. If you smack a body panel, just remember that they are easy to fix, and bumpers are there to be bumped. All but the most stubborn scratches will buff out of that paint (depending on color, I have silver ), and people respect those marks of adventure anyway. A few things that will help: Bring a platform to put your hydraulic jack on, they love to sink in soft ground. In a stock truck, airing down your tires can make a HUGE difference. A tire guage and foot pump, or 12-volt, are handy. Bring a good sized socket set if you have one, and a decent set of wrenches for holdbacks and tight spaces. Extra fuel is great to have, if you have safe containers and the room to store them. Don't worry about it if you can't do it safely though, just plan ahead. If you smoke, bring several extra packs, and an airtight container (empty soda bottle) for disposal of their waste. A large roll of paper towels is wonderful to have around (for various reasons). Don't forget a camera, I always do, and I have my gallery to show for it. Most importantly, though, and I reiterate, bring an experienced friend with his/her own vehicle and recovery straps. Trust us on this. I am sure I have left a few things out, but someone will clear it up. Other than that, welcome to the party, you have always been invited, just remember to tread lightly...We do live on a fragile Earth. Cheers, Kennith |
