Dont Panic...and carry water!

[CaptainMorgan]

If and when you get stuck or break something, dont panic. Many people new to the sport are not mentally ready for being stuck badly, or broken badly. Some are. I just thought it would be a good thread to just let people know that everyone on here has likely broken something and been stuck...Many more than once. Just know there are people on here who can usually help, people out on the trail usuaully will help and as long as you stay hydrated out there, you will make it out with your Jeep.

And the water thing, that is HUGE! Whether it is summer or winter you always need water when you are out in the wilderness. You just never know what might happen and water always helps.

Maybe others can give suggetions for the eventual first stuck/broke.

One good pice of advise is never wheel alone, I've followed that rule and been either both broke or both stuck at least three times. Those are trying times indeed but livable.

[YJunk]

Well... I always wheel alone; that doesn't mean I should and that I won't pay for it down the road...

As a permanent fixture in my jeep now is a backpack with a small tent, lightweight sleeping bag, first aid kit and two camelback water bladders, some dry food and a huge tarp... In addition I carry a small flexable cooler with another gallon of water.

If I do get stuck somewhere, I should be able to hump out in the course of a day and if need be will be able to spend the night without worrying to much about the things that bite...

[CaptainMorgan]

I wheel alone as well, but for a newbie who isnt prepared, it isnt a good idea.

[SEDONA RICK]

I Wheel Alone Because I Have No Friends.
Maybe If I Bathed Once A Month:d

[YJunk]

aaaaaaaagreed... I also think there is a lot to be said for the type of trail you're wheeling by yourself; how far it is from the air down spot and how much traffic you can expect on the day you're out there...

but as stated better to go prepared like you're alone, but be with at least another rig and possibly two as a minimum.

[k7mto]

Aside from my normal gallon or so of cold drinking water I bring each trip, I've carried a 5 gal (blue plastic) container of potable water every trip. It might be warm but it'll keep me alive in a pinch. Most trips it's never used and I refresh it every few trips. So far the only time I've used it is for refilling radiators after a busted hose or overheating (usually someone else), but I'd rather carry it and never use it than not have it when needed.

[Stomper]

but I'd rather carry it and never use it than not have it when needed.

True words to live by. Another benefit of going out with a group is usually that everyone has somewhat different items. If you break something, another wheeler may have the skills and/or materials to repair what you need if you do not have them. On the flip side you may be able to help someone that needs a part you are carrying and they are not.

[Frisbie]

First off never go alone if you are new to wheeling.It takes a while to put the supply kit of parts and knowledge you might need.Also just use your head.If you are paying attention and stay away from mud and deep water you should never get " stuck " If you want to be more risky get a winch.If you use your head you will break down long before you get " stuck "

[amber.hodge]

MREs - compact, cheap, last forever*, 3,000 cal in each bag with dessert/main course/snacks/sides/mini tobasco/ waterproof matches/etc - all individually wrapped, also include a heater bag *just add water* :D

[CaptainMorgan]

MREs - compact, cheap, last forever*, 3,000 cal in each bag with dessert/main course/snacks/sides/mini tobasco/ waterproof matches/etc - all individually wrapped, also include a heater bag *just add water* :D


X2! Even if they sit in the sun for a couple years they are edible...but semi-gross. I've definitely been grateful for a five year old, heat soaked MRE a time or two. And the Orange Drink makes bleach treated water taste better. One drop of bleach for a gallon of clear water and two for cloudy has been my rule for my whole life. If you decide to treat your water with bleach, make sure to let it sit with the cap open for at least half an hour. Easier to keep a little mini vodka bottle full of bleach than a charcoal cleaner in the Jeep.

[Andrew F]

X2! Even if they sit in the sun for a couple years they are edible...but semi-gross. I've definitely been grateful for a five year old, heat soaked MRE a time or two. And the Orange Drink makes bleach treated water taste better. One drop of bleach for a gallon of clear water and two for cloudy has been my rule for my whole life. If you decide to treat your water with bleach, make sure to let it sit with the cap open for at least half an hour. Easier to keep a little mini vodka bottle full of bleach than a charcoal cleaner in the Jeep.

I didn't know that adding bleach to water can make it safe to drink. It makes sense when you think about it, but I never would have done it.

[Hivemind]

Another benefit of going out with a group is usually that everyone has somewhat different items.

That's why I like wheeling with C-Rubi, he brings plums!

[CaptainMorgan]

I didn't know that adding bleach to water can make it safe to drink. It makes sense when you think about it, but I never would have done it.

It's an old trick my dad tought me for backpacking, not once have I ever gotten sick from any water I treated myself.:)

[Fire Ball]

Oh and unless you know exactly where you are and where to get help. Don't leave the vehicle, don't leave the vehicle, don't leave the vehicle.

How many people are found in the desert and the snow who left a perfectly good shelter, their vehicle. They always find the vehicle first. :)

Plus always let someone know approximately where you will be and when you should return, Like a flight plan. It could very well save your life. Heat kills more people than all weather phenomenon combined. I am more than happy to come out to rescue you if you get stuck or broken but I sure as he11 don't want to come find a body. :(

[Andrew F]

Oh and unless you know exactly where you are and where to get help. Don't leave the vehicle, don't leave the vehicle, don't leave the vehicle.


This is really good advice. My uncle used to be high up in the Maricopa County Sheriffs Department search and rescue and he told me that if you ever get stranded, stay with the vehicle becuase during the day you are easier to spot and at night, it is much easier to pick you up with those thermal cameras they have. He said almost all of the difficult searches he has done has been becuase of people leaving their vehicles.