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As Trail Leader, you should plan for issues and problems. Some plans are generic since you cannot predict the exact situation. You apply your skills, tools, and techniques to the problem. A first aid kit is a good example. For some issues you can speculate what might happen and develop a specific contingency plan. One that falls into that category is the need to leave your vehicle behind. One of the toughest decisions a four-wheeler has to make is whether to abandon a vehicle. Fortunately, abandonment is a rare occurrence in the 4WD world. Even so, you should know what steps to take in case you as Trail Leader are faced with the issue.
Most of us have many small items (and backup items) tucked here and there throughout the vehicle wherever they will fit. Sometimes items are spread out over several bags and containers. These are bags that are always with you. But what happens when you leave the vehicle behind? You have to leave some gear behind too. There is likely not enough room in the support vehicle(s) providing you with transportation.
In the rush to clear out the disabled vehicle, it’s easy to forget the everyday stuff: batteries (especially if in the glove compartment or other hidden spot), sun glasses, hat, boots, and such. The probability is that you will forget to take all the essentials. A simple example is replacement AA batteries. You remember to take your GPS, camera, and radios but forget to pull the 12v charger out of the socket. You have three or four places with backup AA batteries (the center console, in a spares case in the back, in the radio bag, etc.). None of these batteries made the transition. You decided to take only one bag and that one does not have batteries in it and didn’t think to look in the center console. BTW you forgot your sun glasses too. The Go Bag you carry (you have one, right?) makes a very nice container and starting point to gather all the additional items you need. Assess the supplies and tools the other vehicles have. You might feel it is not necessary to bring your recovery gear but might feel uncomfortable relying on a first aid kit you are not familiar with. Preparation for this contingency is as simple as preparing a check list. With the multitude of potential problems for which you can write a contingency plan, why did I choose to share Abandon Your Vehicle?As a Trail leader, it revolves around having a customer mind set and customer focus. The loss of your vehicle (hopefully temporary) should not be a show stopper for the outing and the customer experience. As long as other transport is available, you can continue as the Trail Leader.Your vehicle can be dealt with after the trip, after everyone is in camp for the night, or by your tail-end gunner. The key is the checklist. Use it to ensure you take the necessary items for your comfort, health and hydration, along with the tools needed to safely manage the trip and take care of your guests. | |||
Related Articles from Badlands Off-road Adventures | |||
Did you miss the previous article?
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Some Upcoming Events
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Sign up now for the Wilderness First Aid Class scheduled for June 3 & 4 near Gorman, CA It is not too soon to sign up for the Rubicon Trip in August and begin to prep your vehicle. Sign up for a Rock clinic as well! We plan to schedule a number of Tire repair clinics once we find room for them. Send us an email if you want to be put on a wait list. Summary of upcoming events.
June 2017 July 2017 August 2017 |
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Yellow is sold out
The Orange and Red went fast last time with blue not far behind so if you want a specific color order now while we have them all available. The Bandana layout follows the “Vehicle Recovery Plan” with pathways to more detail. A unique section of the Bandana, gives the steps for a “Winch Rigging Check: Walk through” so that you verify every element of the rigging before you commit to the pull. Stuff this in your recovery kit and you will always be ready. Warning – the Bandana is not a substitute for proper training and use of quality equipment used within the bounds of their safe working load. We advise you to use the information provided in the Winching Recovery Bandana at your own risk. We cannot control the quality and specifications of the equipment used and the methods actually employed. The original press release with larger graphics is on the website |
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