{"id":3758,"date":"2019-07-24T07:58:17","date_gmt":"2019-07-24T14:58:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.4x4training.com\/w\/?p=3758"},"modified":"2019-09-09T17:04:42","modified_gmt":"2019-09-10T00:04:42","slug":"items-that-dont-belong-on-a-4wd-trip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.4x4training.com\/w\/items-that-dont-belong-on-a-4wd-trip\/","title":{"rendered":"Items That Don’t Belong on a 4WD Trip"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"

Glorious Day on the Trail<\/p><\/div>\n

If you’re a regular reader, you’ll recall that I often stress the virtues of proper packing for your 4WD trip. Having the right gear and supplies can make or break a four-wheeling experience.
\nAt the same time, taking the wrong stuff can be bad for you, your vehicle and the environment. What kinds of items am I talking about? The following list will get you started. The categories showcase the issue.<\/p>\n

Environmental Responsibility:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"\u00a2 Glass beer bottles: From the evidence I’ve seen, beer drinking can lead to irresponsible behavior. Empty bottles are tossed on the ground or into the fire pit. Broken glass litters the campground, which is a real hazard. If you want to drink beer, bring aluminum cans (and make sure you recycle).<\/p>\n

\u00a2 Wood with nails: Most nails end up in the fire pit. But some get scattered about, where they get stepped on and puncture tires.<\/p>\n

\u00a2 Processed or treated wood: This wood gives off noxious fumes when burned. Burn only pure wood and, ideally, wood that is thoroughly cured (gray in color).<\/p>\n

On a related matter, don’t transport firewood more than about 50 miles. You risk spreading invasive bugs like the emerald ash borer.<\/p>\n

\u00a2 Mylar balloons: They get wrapped up in brush and simply litter the grounds (and waterways). Animals sometimes try to ingest the material or string.<\/p>\n

Potentially Messy:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"

I cut the handles off to pack more efficiently. The standard holders do not handle extra large eggs.<\/p><\/div>\n

\u00a2 Raw eggs in the original grocery carton: There’s a high risk of breaking. The goo<\/p>\n

works its way throughout the carton and glues other eggs together. It might also leak through the carton and gum up other food and containers in the fridge. A real mess. For health and safety, do not be tempted to crack a dozen eggs into a Nalgene bottle. That’s an easy way to introduce contaminates and salmonella. Eggs quickly spoil outside the protective shell.<\/p>\n

If you want to pack raw eggs, store them in plastic egg containers. They come in multiple sizes, from one egg up to 12.<\/p>\n

\u00a2 Salsa dip in a plastic container: The lid can pop off during all the jostling of a typical 4WD trip. Then you have salsa all over the fridge\/freezer or ice cooler. And if you like to keep the salsa and chips handy \u201c in your lap \u201c well, you soon have a very tasty but messy lap.<\/p>\n

\u00a2 Car-sick dog: No explanation needed.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Do you think this will make the trip?<\/p><\/div>\n

Food, additional:<\/strong>
\n\u00a2 Perishable items: Be careful with seafood, mayonnaise, and other foods that must be kept chilled. Consider eating or cooking those quickly.<\/p>\n

\u00a2 Large containers of condiments: Do you really need a large jar of pickles, ketchup or relish for a weekend adventure? Save precious space in your vehicle. Pack only the small containers of those and other food items.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Respect others:<\/strong>
\n\u00a2 Loud radio or generator: Radios and generators have their place off road. Just keep the noise level down. That’s easy to do with a radio, of course. Place the generator as far from tents as possible. You could also craft a tent-like structure to help muffle the engine rumble.<\/p>\n

\u00a2 Human noise: We all like to have a good time while camping. Once the sun sets, make sure you lower the voice level, too. Allow other campers to sleep peacefully. Note that this doesn’t include snoring. However, if you snore loudly, please be kind to others!<\/p>\n

\u00a2 Trail mates: Leave any whiners behind (in town not on the trail).<\/p>\n

\"\"

Balloons in the wilderness<\/p><\/div>\n

Wrong vehicle:<\/strong>
\n\u00a2 All-wheel-drive vehicle: These don’t feature 4 Low, which is critical while four-wheeling. There are sections of nearly every trail that exceed the capability of an all-wheel-drive vehicle. Without 4 Low you won’t have enough power to go over boulders, up steep hills and heavy sand, or pull through snow or tough terrain.<\/p>\n

Miscellaneous:<\/strong>
\n\u00a2 Sandals: Always pack closed-toed footwear (boots are preferred). Your feet aren’t protected with sandals. Plenty of sharp, prickly things out there.<\/p>\n

\u00a2 Large, non-disposable, containers: They’re handy for storing quantities of food, firewood, and other consumables. Once you use up the products, you’re stuck with that space-killing container. Bring your supplies in a cardboard box, a bag, or soft-sided carrier. You can fold up the bag and stow it. You can break down the card box and put it in the Trasharoo for recycling.<\/p>\n

\u00a2 Firewood, Dutch oven or fireworks: If a fire restriction is in place, leave these at home.<\/p>\n

\u00a2 Illegal drugs: No explanation needed. But feel free to check laws regarding marijuana. Just understand that the state you live in and the one you’re traveling to may have different laws. Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs can seriously impair an individual’s judgment and reactions leading to an increased risk of accidents and injury. We require that all drivers are sober when driving.<\/p>\n

Lastly, things that might not be necessary:<\/strong>
\n\u00a2 Eye lash curler
\n\u00a2 Tux (unless 4WD wedding is planned)<\/p>\n

For a successful 4WD event, what you leave at home is just as important as what you take with you. As you pack your vehicle, ask yourself if you really need each item. You may discover others items that don’t belong.
\n# # #<\/p>\n

\n

Did you miss the previous article?
\n\u00a2 2019-06-14 Refresh Your First-Aid Kit
\n\u00a2 2019-05-20 Ham Radio Use Off-Road
\n\u00a2 2019-04-25 Four Wheeling Fears
\n\u00a2 2019-03-21 Safeguard Gear, Food from Varmints, Vagrants and Weather
\n\u00a2 2019-02-13 Do You Have a Tire Failure Strategy?
\n\u00a2 2019-01-16 How to Make Great Beef Jerky<\/p>\n

\n

Some Upcoming Events (click on the link for details)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

August 2019
\nAugust 03 Getting Started Off-Road \u201c LA area
\nAugust 04 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road \u201c LA area
\nAugust 12 Rubicon Trip & Adventure
\nAugust 24 Sand & Dunes – Pismo<\/p>\n

September 2019
\nSeptember 14 Getting Started Off-Road \u201c LA area
\nSeptember 15 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road \u201c LA area
\nSeptember 21 Winching: Basic to Advanced – Mojave
\nSeptember 28 Tire Repair & Hi-lift Mini Clinic – Hawthorne, CA<\/p>\n

October 2019
\nOctober 05 OAUSA Borrego Fest
\nOctober 12 Getting Started Off-Road \u201c LA area
\nOctober 13 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road \u201c LA area
\nOctober 18 Death Valley Expedition
\nOctober 26 Getting Started Off-Road \u201c San Diego area
\nOctober 27 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road \u201c San Diego area<\/p>\n

November 2019
\nNovember 02 Getting Started Off-Road \u201c LA area
\nNovember 03 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road \u201c LA area
\nNovember 04 Off-Road Hall of Fame Induction & Awards Ceremony
\nNovember 05 SEMA \u201c Las Vegas
\nNovember 16 Getting Started Off-Road \u201c San Diego area
\nNovember 17 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road \u201c San Diego area
\nNovember 30 After Thanksgiving Adventure<\/p>\n

December 2019
\nDecember 07 Getting Started Off-Road \u201c LA area
\nDecember 08 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road \u201c LA area
\nDecember 14 Getting Started Off-Road \u201c San Diego area
\nDecember 15 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road \u201c San Diego area<\/p>\n

\n

73 KI6FHA
\nI hope to see you on the trails!
\nTom Severin, President Badlands Off Road Adventures, Inc.
\n4-Wheel Drive School
\n310-613-5473
\nwww.4x4training.com
\nMake it Fun. Keep it Safe.<\/p>\n

If you find this information valuable, please pass it on to a friend. You can forward them the email. If you received a forwarded copy of this newsletter and would like to subscribe for yourself, go to: www.4x4training.com\/w\/contact-us.html and follow the instructions to join our mail list.<\/p>\n

Want to Use This Article In Your Magazine, E-Zine, Club Newsletter Or Web Site? You are welcome to use it anytime, just be sure to include the following author\/copyright information: Tom Severin, 4\u00c3\u20144 Coach, teaches 4WD owners how to confidently and safely use their vehicles to the fullest extent in difficult terrain and adverse driving conditions. Visit www.4x4training.com to develop or improve your driving skill.<\/p>\n

Copyright 2019, Badlands Off-Road Adventures, Inc.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If you’re a regular reader, you’ll recall that I often stress the virtues of proper packing for your 4WD trip. Having the right gear and supplies can make or break a four-wheeling experience. At the same time, taking the wrong stuff can be bad for you, your vehicle and the… Continue reading<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3809,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[158,20,7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3758","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-2019-articles","category-environmental-impact","category-things-to-know"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.4x4training.com\/w\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/EP169-lm.jpg?fit=2796%2C2010&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p8Imuw-YC","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.4x4training.com\/w\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3758","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.4x4training.com\/w\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.4x4training.com\/w\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.4x4training.com\/w\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.4x4training.com\/w\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3758"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/www.4x4training.com\/w\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3758\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3999,"href":"https:\/\/www.4x4training.com\/w\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3758\/revisions\/3999"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.4x4training.com\/w\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3809"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.4x4training.com\/w\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3758"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.4x4training.com\/w\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3758"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.4x4training.com\/w\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3758"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}