PACKING YOUR 4x4 FOR SAFETY

Some thought should be given as to how you will pack each of the above items in - or on - your vehicle, because overloading your vehicle can be just as dangerous as not taking along the right gear in the first place.

The extra weight can cause poor balance and unnecessary stress on your vehicle and its components, so try to pack accordingly, being careful not to overload the vehicle. You've heard about SUV rollovers? They happen off road too!

How Much To Pack
Ultimately, which tools, equipment, and spare parts you take along will depend on where you are going and for how long.

As a rule, you should pack enough to be confident that you could get yourself out of a jam. However, in the event that you could fix your vehicle and become mobile again, chances are that a passing four-wheeler would come to your aid soon.

Avoid Flying Projectiles
It is extremely important to keep all of the items you've loaded in your vehicle securely strapped down or safely stowed away, because loose items could, unfortunately, become projectiles if they hit you. You should use heavy-duty straps (not bungee cords) to secure items in your vehicle.

Contain and strap down anything that will hurt if it hits you. Remember that all supplies inside your vehicle must be contained in some way that will prevent bodily injury during rough riding and extreme maneuvers.

Author:
Hi Lift jacks are notorious for causing many deaths and off road injuries. Why? People don’t strap them down when they are inside the vehicle…it isn’t the jack’s fault. All you have to do is to take a good look at the jack and imagine what it would do to you or a passenger if it hit your head at speed during a rollover or tip. That should be suitable inspiration to anchor it down very well.

Fire extinguishers and tool boxes are other causes of off road injuries. They are both heavy and made of metal, something that your head would prefer to avoid having violent contact with.