Equipment Check: Inspect and Replenish Your Vehicle Loadout

IRONMAN 4X4 USA - Nov 1, 2024

1. First, Empty It Out and Inventory

Fall is a great time to change up your vehicle load out for colder temps and wetter conditions. Plus, after a busy camping season, it is good to inventory your gear and replenish items that were used up from the summer. I like to completely unpack my truck, lay everything out in the driveway, and do a full inventory.
You will find things you forgot you had and discover things missing you thought you had. Like that handy little flashlight that is in your door pocket, you thought was there, but was buried in the back seat cushion from the kids using it on the last camping trip. Or some piece of recovery gear that you swore you had in your kit but was sadly left behind on trail during that recovery you did in the dark. Or you realize your vehicle tool kit now has several more10mm sockets and your friends oddly are missing theirs. This is the perfect time to sort these things out!

Tip: With everything unloaded, give your rig a thorough cleaning getting all of the crumbs and dirt out from the summer fun.

2. To Keep or Not to Keep

With everything out you will now have a good idea of what off road accessories needs to be replenished, what is still practical to keep in the truck during the winter season and what equipment you should remove. If you are in colder and wetter states or plan to travel up north during the winter months your loadout will be different than if you are in drier and warmer states and plan to get in some desert trips. Either way your loadout should reflect this.
Where I live it’s cold wet and snowy in the winter so my equipment change up is focused on items that keep myself and my family prepared for these kind of conditions. Things like extra warm clothing layers including gloves, rain gear, blankets, etc.… are packaged and labeled ready for use. I also keep a set of tire chains in the truck along with an ice scraper for the winter season.
Replenish used or expired items in your vehicle first aid kit. Make sure your supply of extra batteries are full and ready along with testing headlamps and flashlights for proper function. Check your emergency food kit, water, and survival gear, restock what was used. And most importantly make sure your Jetboil fuel and coffee kit is stocked and ready!

Tip: Fit your tire chains to your vehicle and make sure they work and you are confident with how they go on. Do this BEFORE winter when you need them.

3. Activate Cold Wet Weather Mode

Make sure your vehicle is mechanically ready for the winter season. Take the time to service, repair, and replace worn parts on your vehicle. Service items like fluid changes, air filters, belts, plugs, should all be inspected and considered. How does the tread on your tires look? Should they be replaced or at least rotated? Lubricate drive line components so the wet winter road grime won’t grind things to pieces. Make sure your wiper blades are fresh, not brittle and toasted from the hot summer. Make sure your lights are all working properly. Taking care of these routine items ensure your vehicle mobility stays at the ready.
Consider preventative maintenance items that creep up with higher mileage vehicles such as replacing your water pump, alternator, radiator, starter, battery, etc… Bigger things like these may not be failing just yet but should they do so while out in the cold, can quickly turn into a dangerous situation.

Tip: Keep a service log for your vehicle and record when and what you’ve done to it. This will be a great reference and guide on things that may be coming up due for service.

Make this a routine process in the Spring and Fall for the major inspections but also conduct this exercise after every trip. Establish good habits and discipline to keep these habits. That way you and your vehicle are always equipped and prepared for the next adventure no matter the season or location. Remember, when you are out and about you are your own first responder so be prepared.