Because 4WDing can take us into some interesting places it is advisable that members carry the right gear.
We don’t expect visitors or members to have everything on the list but over time it’s a good idea to be prepared.
Recovery Points: While it is a requirement that all member vehicles to have rated recovery points installed, we understand that visitors
normally only have factory tie down points and are still welcome to come along on trips.
All vehicles need to be registered, maintained in a roadworthy condition and have a minimum of Third Party Property Insurance, however, full comprehensive insurance is preferred.
Essential Equipment: should be carried on all trips by club members:
The following items are the minimum items of safety and recovery equipment required for club trips:
- Fire extinguisher: Each vehicle is to be fitted with an appropriate type and size fire extinguisher. Don’t forget that dry chemical is not unlike chalk or talc and will pack down. This will affect the performance of the extinguisher, so take it out and shake it every oil change or service
- First aid kit: Suitable first aid kit should be carried in each vehicle
- Snatch strap: Don’t rely on others; the protocol is that you are snatched with your snatch strap. Purchase a strap that you are confident will recover your loaded vehicle. Should not exceed 3 x the smallest vehicle GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass – see Annex for more detail)
- Dampener: Two commercially available strap/cable dampeners or other suitable homemade device (such as a blanket) to restrain the recovery strap from hitting someone in case something let’s go
- Recovery points: All vehicles should be fitted with suitable recovery points both front and back. A Tow Ball should never be used as they can shear off and kill people
- Tool kit: Including flashlight and tire gauge
- Shovel: A long handled shovel is recommended
- Leather gloves: must be worn when handling winch cable or chains.
- Air Compressor
- UHF radio: The club standard for inter-vehicle communication is UHF-FM, Channel 20. Car mounted will give better range, but hand-held is the minimum requirement. (27Mhz is not supported for club events.)
- Extra food & water: For all occupants in that vehicle and warm clothing in case a trip takes longer than planned
- Chainsaw: It is recommended that one member of the group has a chainsaw and be trained and experienced in using it.
- Bow Shackle or Soft Shackle – 4.75 tonne minimum rating for use with the tree trunk protector and to attach cables and chains as necessary
- Tree Trunk Protector – to protect the environment.
George4x4 in Brisbane, Qld can supply all your recovery gear, Australian made and rated and tested at half the price of ARB.