With the summer season right around the corner, many people are turning their attention toward their 4x4 vehicles. These vehicles can be used to climb over rocks, navigate mountain roads, and traverse rough terrain with ease.
It's important that you are prepared for any type of situation when you are enjoying the outdoors in your 4x4 vehicle. Consider adding the following items to your 4x4 recovery kit so that you can rest assured knowing that if you get stuck, you have the ability to free your vehicle.
1. Tow Hooks
It's easy for a 4x4 vehicle to get stuck in the mud. Getting out of a mud bog often requires the help of another vehicle. If you want your 4x4 to have the ability to get pulled out of the mud safely, you will need to install some tow hooks before you hit the road.
Many vehicles come with tow hooks, but they may not be strong enough to handle the force that will be required to free your vehicle from a sticky situation. Invest in specialized tow hooks made for off-road use.
Be sure that you have hooks on both the front and back of your vehicle to facilitate any recovery you might need in the future.
2. Winch
In the event that you are off-roading in your 4x4 alone, you need to have access to something that can be used to pull your vehicle out of trouble. A winch can provide the power that another vehicle normally would to get your 4x4 out of the mud. The winch can be attached to a tree.
A flip of the switch activates a motor, which allows a spindle on the winch to rotate. The wire connecting your vehicle to the tree is wound back onto the spindle by the winch motor, pulling your vehicle toward the tree in the process.
Don't get stuck in a bad position without the ability to help yourself. Be sure that you have a winch installed on your 4x4.
3. Spare Tire
You will encounter many obstacles when off-roading in your 4x4 vehicle. Some of these obstacles could damage your tires. You should always have at least one spare tire with you at all times.
In addition to the tire, you will need the equipment required to change a tire under any circumstances. This usually means that you should have a high-lift jack in your 4x4 whenever you are navigating rough terrain.