Nice writeup. Help a lot for people getting into the 4x4 scene.
ive actually gone a couple of times with these hardcore Enthusiasts to lonavala(Rajmachi).
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/4x4-of...ason-08-a.html
Its a lot of fun. But 1st timers have to be very very carefull also. You do get carried away sometimes knowing little that one wrong step could be really fatal for you and the others.
A few important thing to have and really necessary tools are
1) A winch
This really helps in pulling your own car out of a tight situation. Will post a video of Adervesh(Bhpian) getting his car out of the muck. To an extent you can also use to to pull out another vehicle on trouble.
This mechanism is usually bolted on to the front end of the car and can be controlled via a remote.
2) A shovel
Very necessary to dig your sellf out if your car sinks into the mud.
3)Differential Guards.
These act as a protective cup for your axles. Since these are probably the lowest points of your offroading vehicle. It could if damaged leave you stranded.
3)Spare tire and puncture kit.
Expect alot of punctures if going off road. Sharp rocks, trees etc can easily puncture your tires. Dont be suprised to have 2 or 3 punctures in a day.
4) Hooks
The ones where your car gets towed away with by traffic cops. Make sure to have atleast one at both ends of the vehicle. This helps in pulling your jeep out or even pulling or towing others out. Also see that they arent weak. The last thing you want is a hook breaking, the only thing that can help you to remove your car from the muck.
5) Ropes or iron wires.
These help too again to tow or hook one gypsy to another to get pulled out.
6) A REALLY REALLY GOOD SET OF OFFROADING TIRES.
Very important to have the right psi and a good set of tires.
Stock tires would send you skidding all over the place. Once covered in muck even though you steer right you would go against that or in the direction of where the cars momentum is.
7) Your basic First Aid kit.
8) A jerry can.
Filled with or with out the most wanted liquid. Its up to you want you think is most important. Water or petrol.You decide
9)Spare CLUTCH PLATES.
Looks funny but true. The last time we went for a trip at least two cars had there Clutch plates fried. then you'll need to carry a mech too. to get the job done.
10) A few other important items..
Set of spanners,Jacks, Screwdrivers, Battery jumper leads incse your car gets cold fast or battery get weak.WD40 etc.
11) LIGHTS LIGHTS LIGHTS.
If your trip does get delayed and your forced to turn into the night then FOGS and Hi Beam headlights are an absolute must.
12) Bull bars and Grab rails.
So we at the back can hang on for our dear lives and enjoy the ride.
Thats all i can think of with my litte experience going off road.