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Tips for Your Off-Road Trip
Tips for Your Off-Road Trip

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How best to prepare for an off-road adventure? By turning to the experts, of course. Specifically, to Weston Miller, manager of marketing, branding, and overall development of Outworld, an action sports project devoted to a life outdoors.  Regardless of the season or sport, the gang at Outworld are on an endless hunt for moments that take our breath away. 

The following Tips are presented by Weston Miller of Outworld:

Now that your rig is General Tire equipped, adventure is just a turn of the key away. Here are some essential tips to consider before heading out:

Systems check:

The basics are the easiest to overlook. They can also be the first things to strand you. A five minute walk around the vehicle can save hours of headache down the road. Keep an eye on the following:

  • Fluid levels (radiator, engine oil)
  • Tire pressure
  • Air filter
  • Battery terminals
  • Headlamp/auxiliary light check

For longer hauls, we recommend packing spare coolant and engine oil.

Map your location:

Navigation is an underappreciated talent, and with today’s technology it’s simpler than ever. Paper maps will always be a safe option, and learning how to read and plot coordinates is a skill any aspiring traveler should practice. Several mobile apps are readily available and allow users to download maps and set waypoints ahead of time.

Did you know? You do not need cell service for GPS! As long as you have a clear view of the sky and downloaded maps, your phone/tablet navigation will work.

Share your location:

Especially important for those going solo, tell someone where you’re going, and when you plan to return. At the very least, a general location helps. If you have coordinates and entry/exit points, even better.

Always carry your emergency gear!

It doesn't matter if it's a week off the grid or a day trip to your local mountains, problems can arise at any time. And without the right preparation, a minor issue can deteriorate into a major one simply by being unprepared. These are a few of the items we pack on every trip:

  • 1 gallon water per person
  • Flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
  • Nutrition bars or nonperishable food
  • Knife and lighter
  • Basic first aid kit (rubbing alcohol or wipes, bandages, gauze, compression wrap)

Check your spare tire and changing tools

Even if you have a spare tire, it's worthless unless you know how to change it, and the last place you want to learn is the middle of a trail. 

  • Confirm your spare is holding air
  • Locate your jack and ensure all pieces are present
  • Know where your jacking points are
  • Have locking lug nuts? Make sure your lug key is handy!

Basic trail tools:

When mechanical troubles arise off road, your best bet is getting to a more accessible location like a trail head or main road. A basic tool bag can empower a number of trail fixes. It's the difference between being stranded on the trail, and driving out under your own power.

  • Socket set
  • Philips/flathead screwdriver
  • Zip ties
  • Duct tape
  • Assorted nuts, bolts and washers
  • Hammer
  • Pry bar

Head over to outworldhq.com for more information on Outworld and their upcoming adventures. 

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