Trip Planner Checklist

Most of us get real excited and fired up about a weekend on the trail, in the woods, beach, campsite or desert with our friends and doing some wheeling and camping and we start piling stuff up in the vehicle or camper. best we try often we forget something important. Below is a list of things we here at BlueLakeOffroad.com think you should check and pack before a ride, so we don’t forget some important items to help you have an enjoyable trip. Start preparing this checklist a few days ahead of time so you have time to fix something if needed. 

Things to check on Vehicle/Camper:

  • Check tires, oil, and coolant on towing vehicle, trailer, and camper 
  • Check diffs and lube suspension on rig
  • Fuel full in both, or plan before reaching park
  • Load rig and check straps, trailer ball, and lights
  • Test your winch
  • Fill Propane
  • Fill Camper Water Tanks
  • Pack Extra Fluids (Engine Oil, Differential Lube, Transmission Fluid, Silicone sealant)  

Things to bring:

  • Food and drinks (bring extra especially of there is no running water)
  • Cooler/ice
  • Camp stove/grill/pan/utensils/lighter
  • Cups/paper plates/knives/forks
  • Camping table
  • Paper towels/shop rags
  • Trash bags
  • Maps/Atlas in addition to a "true" GPS device 
  • Flashlights/Lanterns
  • Shovel/Axe 

Personal:

  • Camera/phone/video camera/sunglasses/hat/gloves
  • Camp light
  • Camp chair
  • Tent/sleeping bag/mattress/pillow
  • Clothes- warm/cold
  • Shaving kit
  • Soap and towels
  • Toilet paper
  • Medication 

Miscellaneous:

  • Tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, multi-meter, hammer, elect tape, hose clamps, etc)
  • Ground blanket/rags/work gloves
  • Spare parts 
  • Air gauge
  • Tire deflators
  • Survival/Utility knife/multi-purpose tool
  • Jerry can with extra gasoline or water
  • Firewood
  • Generator
  • Compressor and air line
  • Hi Lift jack
  • Lug nut wrench
  • Spare tire inflated
  • Tow straps & tree saver
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Emergency Contact list in Glove Box in case you are injured
  • Park Passes for Private, State or Federal land/parks, etc
  • Pet food/leashes/etc, doggie day care, farm animals care

If your ready to upgrade your vehicle, be sure to take a look at what we offer for your Truck or SUV! 
www.BlueLakeOffroad.com

 

    10 Rules of trail etiquette for four-wheeling and camping 

    1. Be considerate. That’s the overriding principle here, and it deserves special mention. As you encounter others, whether friends or strangers, remain considerate. Perhaps you don’t feel like going out of your way for someone. At least avoid the temptation to be a four-wheel bully. 

    2. Yield right of way to mountain bikes, horses and hikers and especially children. They can’t compete with a two-ton vehicle. Slow down as you approach them, and give them space. Avoid kicking up unnecessary dust, honking your horn, and such. 

    3. Yield to a vehicle driving uphill. That vehicle may need some momentum to climb. If we force him to stop, he may need to back up to gain that momentum.

    4. Keep track of the vehicle behind you. If you come to an intersection or a curve, make sure the vehicle behind you sees which way you went. 

    5. Closely observe the vehicle ahead of you, this will help you pick the proper line(s) for negotiating a rough spot. It means keeping the proper distance back. Too close, and you could find yourself in a dust cloud. You also want to make sure the other vehicle’s rear end isn’t in your blind spot. Back off until you are at the proper distance. 

    6. When stopped, pull completely off the trail. Make sure that other vehicles can safely pass your group on the trail.You may not be the only person on the trails. Someone could overtake you or come at you from the other direction. When you pull off, pick a spot that’s already been disturbed. Try not to park on tall, dry grass. Your catalytic converter could start a fire.

    7. Don’t throw cigarette butts out the window. Not only is that littering, but it can be a fire hazard

    8. Need to stop for a bathroom break? Boys left, girls right. This little ditty is a reminder of which direction everyone goes.

    9. Be mindful of other while campering for the night. Don’t slam car doors or run the vehicle engine before 7 am or after 10pm. NO BRIGHT LIGHTS!!!

    10. No music in camp unless its in your headphones and nothing after folks go to bed, usually 10pm is a rule of thumb. Keep your voices at a low level, sound carries at night.

    Enjoy and be safe out there!

     

    Sample Offroad Trail Ride Event Pics of why a Winch bumper comes in handy sometimes :O)