Being Prepared in an older RBV

[Shran]

Specialty stuff - these are the essential things that IMO you cannot live without in an old RBV

12mm 12 point wrench for driveshaft bolts
T30 Torx socket/bit/whatever for front driveshaft bolts
Spindle nut socket for the front axle, in case you need to mess with wheel bearings
Breaker bar for ^ that
Spare lockout hub

 

[ford4wd08]

What are everyone's thoughts on a CB radio in places with NO cell signal. Would I be able to get ahold of some one (law enforcement, park rangers, etc) for help?

Edit: meant to say no cell signal

 

[Shran]

I don't know anyone who uses a CB anymore. Locally, we're using FRS/GMRS radios (the little handheld Baofeng ones you can get on Amazon.) They seem to reach out much better than CB. But there's a billion frequencies you can transmit on... the chances of finding someone listening is slim to none.

CB was a much better option when everyone and their mother was using it. I'd almost rather use smoke signals or something these days.

 

[Dirtman]

I adjust the list for where I expect to be and how many other well prepared people I will be with.

I'm a greedy jerk. I absolutely hate people who are unprepared for even the most minor inconveniences. If you travel with me you've got a better chance calling the red cross than borrowing my stuff.

You break an axle or something crazy that's different, but you come on a day trip and dont even bring water your drinking from a puddle. And you get one shot at me towing you out of a mud puddle. You go back and try the same hole again and get stuck a second time... your truck lives in that hole now. Not worth my truck to save yours because you wanna be an idiot.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

A CB is handy on the highway, truckers still use it and they tell each other about accidents and whatnot.

I have had a CB in my dd for years. Never said a word on it I just lurk for road condition updates.

 

[Dirtman]

I use vhf and grms (walkie talkie band). 5 watt vhf has more range than any cb setup except base stations. And grms is just good for short range privacy since not many people use it. but... cell phones exist and I've never been so far out that a cell wont work for a basic call.

 

[Josh B]

Well you should always have winter stuff this time of year like a good blanket or two, I like moving blankets since they are thick and are good for laying on when you gotta crawl under your truck in the dirt or gravel, extra gloves and hat, fire extinguisher, rope or paracord, definitely agree with the zip ties and gorilla tape, everyone mentioned a jack but didn't mention a good 4-way to remove lug nuts, I personally keep an 18" breaker bar with a 19mm on it at all times in my truck, decent socket set (I picked up a nice 123pc socket set made by Stanley from Walmart for $45), stop and grab a free auto trader or two as they make good fire starters. Like I said, it's winter time so you don't want to get left in the cold unprepared. Throw in a folding chair and a cooler and your ready to go catch some trout.

I always keep a good heavy coat rolled up in a grocery bag in back the truck every winter, just in case the unexpected happens when I'm out in the dark somewhere and there's a cold wet northern blowing in.

You mentioned fire extinguishers, I found two this past summer at sales. I have a 10lb for the house and a 5lb in the Explorer(just haven't mounted it yet

 

[Shran]

A lot of rural South Dakota does not have good cell service or only certain carriers. There are huge swaths of land where I just do not have Verizon service at all, it's not like the old days where one bar would at least get a text out... there is just NOTHING. But AT&T might work fine or vise versa. The surrounding area in WY, NE, MT and ND are in the same boat. Even out in the hills, you can drop down into a canyon and have nothing just a few feet in (or it might work great.) Cell is just not something I count on anymore, if I'm out, I better be prepared to stay put for a while.

 

[Dirtman]

I got a couple of those fire balls Christmas. Your suppose to just open the hood and lob it in or throw it in the fire. Or you can just mount them permanently in the engine bay. When fire hits them they explode fire goo...

Haven't tested them yet.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Some great recommendations above...but a couple things I didn't see...

Spare ammo...

And in case you can't fix it... a good fitting pair of hiking boots.

 

[RonD]

Fishing poles and tackle
Matches
Knife and flint
Frying pan and coffee/pot as luxury items

Then just sit back and eat good until they find you

 

[Dirtman]

Fishing poles and tackle
Matches
Knife and flint
Frying pan and coffee/pot as luxury items

Then just sit back and eat good until they find you

That reminds me, tin foil. I keep a folded up section of tin foil in all my kits. It packs tiny and you can use it to boil water, cook fish, folded up tight it can patch an exhaust leak, tin foil is next to duck tape on my list of stuff with a million uses.

My wallet has duck tape, 100lb spectra line, a razor blade, matches, hot glue, fish hooks, tin foil, and 3 dollars.

 

[sheep herder]

My wallet has duck tape, 100lb spectra line, a razor blade, matches, hot glue, fish hooks, tin foil, and 3 dollars.

No rubber?

 

[Dirtman]

If you keep a condom in your wallet you might as well just get a blood transfusion from magic johnson... condoms don't take well to being sat on for 15 years.

Or maybe I just need to get laid more often...

 

[Grumpaw]

I'm a greedy jerk. I absolutely hate people who are unprepared for even the most minor inconveniences. If you travel with me you've got a better chance calling the red cross than borrowing my stuff.

You break an axle or something crazy that's different, but you come on a day trip and dont even bring water your drinking from a puddle. And you get one shot at me towing you out of a mud puddle. You go back and try the same hole again and get stuck a second time... your truck lives in that hole now. Not worth my truck to save yours because you wanna be an idiot.

Dirtman, I just know you carry a half dozen cans of "Chowdah" in your truck...
Are you saying you wouldn't even part with one to help a starving guy in a broke down rig, who didn't bring any food with him ???

Grumpaw