Sunday, January 10, 2010

Equipment To Bring On Your First Off-Road Trip

By R. Nathan Rickaway

So you've got a Jeep or other OHV and your ready to Step into the offroad world, you've hooked up with local club or Internet forum and going to a local Offroad park or National Park.

Before you take off there are some things you might want to consider purchasing for your vehicle before you go. Do you have proper Recovery hooks at the front and rear of your vehicle, if your vehicle isn't lifted do you have any body protection or Skid plates to keep things straight under your Vehicle?

The first trip offroad I went on was so embarrassing, first I backed up onto a rock and pinched my exhaust system to where it would not flow any longer, I didn't have any tools, a jack, and no way to work on my Jeep, Later on that day I got myself into an off camber situation and almost put my Jeep on it's side if not for my awesome club members to come to the rescue and figure out a way to get me back to earth. Luckily I was with a great group and everyone jumped in to help, but I still felt bad that I'd held up their day.

Having the right equipment in and on your vehicle is important for safety reasons and to improve your day of fun. Now I know a lot of you don't have play money just to go throw at your truck, so don't think you've got to go run out to buy a winch right away (not a bad thing to have though). The first thing I did was I made a tool box that fits into the back of my Jeep with some of the necessary tools for the trail, which includes.

A bag of hand tools (Metric and standard wrenches and Sockets)

A couple Recovery straps, be sure to get looped ends, you don't want to be in the way of a projectile Metal hook if the rope snaps or comes loose.

• A Flashlight (yes even if it's a Day trip)

• Either a Hi-Lift Jack or regular Bottle or scissor jack

• A Pry bar

• A Cheater bar if you don't have power tools

• You're Electric Drill with some extra batteries from home

• Duct and Electrical tape

• A Spare tire of equal size

• And any extra Tools you can get in there.

• A First Aid Kit

This list is a rough list for a starter, as your OHV starts growing and getting more serious the time will come to bring spare parts like axle shafts Engine parts, Drive shafts, Steering and Suspension Joints the list goes on and on.

On your first trip be sure to pay close attention to what the experienced club members are bringing and how they use the tools they brought in certain situations. You never know, you could save the day for someone on your first trip.

Nathan Rickaway is an avid offroader and loves teaching people the in and outs of his hobby. For more Articles and information please visit http://www.rockrunneroffroad.com -The new trend in Offroad Motorsports.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=R._Nathan_Rickaway

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Caring for Your Jeep: Getting the Right Jeep Parts

By Terry Brown
For over six decades now, Jeep has been one of the most popular car makes in the history of the automotive industry. Jeep has successfully established its niche as an excellent sport utility vehicle, with excellent Jeep Auto Parts, even before SUV's became commonplace. When people think of Jeeps, they picture rugged vehicles traveling through rough terrains. Jeep has created an image of fun, spontaneity and ruggedness. Yet, through the years, innovations and add-ons have made Jeep more than just a vehicle for rugged terrains. Today's Jeep models not only retain the aspect of fun, and functionality that earlier Jeeps have been known for, but have added technological advancement, convenience and enhanced performance to its long list of winning characteristics.

A tough, hardworking, and reliable vehicle like a Jeep deserves special care and attention. Because Jeeps are most often used in off-road conditions, it requires extra care so that its functionality will be maintained. A little care will go a long way to make your Jeep work excellently all the time. Frequent off-road driving can take its toll on your Jeep's auto parts. Frequent oil and oil filter changes are necessary because of the muddy or dusty conditions. You should check those auto parts that are prone to wear and tear such as air filters, brake linings, PCV valves and other Jeep parts. Jeep parts such, as Jeep Wrangler Parts and Jeep Cherokee Parts require the utmost in car care and protection. Check for signs of damage on the chassis and undercarriage. You should also inspect your Jeep's parts for loose bolts and connections. Look over your Jeep Exhaust, Jeep Radiator, Jeep Bumper, Jeep Tail Lights, Jeep Mirrors, Jeep Catalytic Converters and Jeep Fenders for signs of damage. It is wise to repair or replace damaged Jeep parts as soon as possible to prevent further damage or accidents.

Replacement Jeep Parts are easy to find nowadays. If ever you need a replacement Jeep bumper or a new Jeep headlight for instance, you do not have to pay a visit to a good auto parts dealer across town. All you need is a computer, an Internet connection and you can now access some of the most reliable, and excellent auto parts wholesalers and suppliers online.

Inner Auto Parts is one of the most trusted online Jeep Parts suppliers. They offer a very comprehensive array of aftermarket Jeep parts and Performance Jeep parts ranging from high quality Jeep accessories, Jeep bumpers, Jeep car mats, Jeep fenders, Jeep grilles, Jeep catalytic converters, Jeep headlights and others. A visit to Inner Auto Parts is worth the while of any Jeep owner. The site also has an excellent resource section offering extensive information about the automobile. Getting the right Jeep Parts – those that are durable, long lasting, reliable and budget-friendly - is a great way to care for your Jeep.

Terry Brown is a 32 year old from Houston Texas, and an enthusiast for anything auto related. He is currently employed as a market analyst by one of the top car parts company in the area.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_Brown