There are certain "Jeep Essentials" that every Jeeper SHOULD have, and I'm not just talking about clean underwear - although that wouldn't be a bad idea.
During the course of Jeeping, little emergencies pop up, and wouldn't it be nice if you were prepared for them? We'd like to help by providing you with a list of items that we've learned from experience are a good idea to keep in (or on) your Jeep. And though a few of these items mostly pertain to trail-bound emergencies, they’re good to have around when you’re stranded on the highway, too.
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1. Hi-Lift Jack...You have no idea how many jams a Hi-Lift Jack can get you out of. Sure it's a jack, but did you also know it's a come-along? How about "Jaws-of-Life"? Metal-brake? Bead-breaker? Breaker-bar? Pry-bar?
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2. Fire Extinguisher...You all know what this is for, and you DON'T want to be caught without one when a fire breaks out on the trail - especially if it's your Jeep that's on fire.
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3. Vise Grips...Where do I start?? These things are like the "Ultimate Jeep Tool", and I DON'T mean cheap Taiwan knock-offs. They make a great hammer, hose-clamp, "body sculpting tool", stripped-screw or -bolt remover, etc. Oh yeah, they're pretty neat pliers, too.
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4. Flash Light…Make that a GOOD flashlight. Check out the super-bright Scorpion from Streamlight. It’s also a good idea to keep a longer-lasting LED light like the Brinkman 2-AA LED light or the Seattle Sports Led Hedz handy. Lightsticks aren’t a bad idea either.
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5. WD40…What CAN’T this stuff do? The all-in-one paint-removing, bolt-loosening, flame-throwing, starter-fluid, lubricant. You could probably brush your teeth with it if you had to.
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6. CB…When all else fails, it’s always nice to be able to call for assistance. Most handheld radios may not be as powerful as mounted CB’s, but at least you can walk up a hill from your dead Jeep for better reception, or take it with you if you need to walk out. Check out Cobra Electronics.
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7. Swiss Army Knife…The BIG one. It’s got everything from pliers to screwdrivers to tweezers to a hacksaw to knife blades. Makes a great pocket toolset.
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8. Drinking Water…Even if YOU don’t plan on getting thirsty, your broken radiator might.
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9. Come-Along…Although it may not be entirely necessary, you’ll sure be glad you have if you ever need it! My come-along has kept me from walking home more than a few times.
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10. Duct Tape…This stuff makes a great patch - for you OR your Jeep. Kind of like a roll of universal first aid. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to keep a roll of electrical tape on board as well.
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11. First Aid Kit…Even a small first aid kit will be welcome if it’s ever needed.
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12. A Tow Strap…Even if you don’t think YOU’LL need one, that guy in the samurai probably will! It can also be used to tie loose bumpers and such back on after they’re ripped off on the trail. Get a good sturdy one – someone’s life (or someone’s Jeep) may depend on it.
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13. Essential Fluids…Keep a little of every vital fluid your Jeep might need in an emergency. Oil, gas, brake fluid, transmission fluid, gear oil, etc. Even IF you manage to patch a ruptured oil pan or radiator, what were you planning to put back in it - dirt?
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14. Full-Size Spare…Doughnuts are for cops. Get a REAL spare if you don’t already have one.
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15. Spare Belts…Most of the newer Jeeps use a serpentine belt, so you only really need one spare. Some of the older Jeeps use multiple belts, though, so one of each or a couple of universal belts (adjustable) would be a good idea.
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17. Folding Shovel…It’s a lot easier than digging with your hands.
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18. Jumper Cables…Not everyone has dual Optimas, and a dead battery sure is a dumb excuse for having to walk back to town and leave your Jeep unprotected.
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19. Small Tool Kit…A Swiss Army Knife may not always be enough. Stop by Sears and pick up a enough items to create a small emergency tool kit: Crescent wrench, multi-tip screwdriver (something with Torx bits for those of you with newer Jeeps), SAE/Metric socket set, maybe even a small hammer. Don't forget Vise Grips (see #3)!
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20. Fix-A-Flat...The LARGE can. Though it's not the right way to fix a flat tire, it'll work in a pinch.
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Dirt Road Magazine is sponsored by Central 4WD & Turner 4WD Parts Co.
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