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Perry Mack
Safety cash
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Staff Sgt, Edward Eagerton
A CH-149 Cormorant helicopter from 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force, takes off from the tundra after loading simulated casualties for extraction during exercise Arctic Chinook, near Kotzebue, Alaska, August 24. Arctic Chinook is a joint U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Northern Command sponsored exercise which focuses on multinational search and rescue readiness to respond to a mass rescue operation requirement in the Arctic. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt, Edward Eagerton/released)
Words by Tom Severin
One constant in four-wheeling is the need to pack properly. Because we’re off on our own – away from the conveniences of city life – we have to be self-sufficient. Not only do we prepare for the expected (camping, cookouts, and such), we must try to prepare for the unexpected.
So we pack axles, U-joints, starter motors, and other parts just in case, plus a full complement of camping gear.
Over the years I’ve realized the need for many other incidentals. Some seem obvious, others not so. But all serve a very good purpose. Considering adding many (or all) of the following to your preparation checklists.
- Emergency cash. Even deep into the Digital Age, there are times when cash is the only currency. Many people these days don’t even carry enough cash for a cup of coffee. You might need it to cover a tow or an after-hour’s repair at the mechanic’s house. I’ve heard of truck and trailer rentals that were done on a cash basis. Nothing talks louder than a couple of 100-dollar bills to induce a tow truck driver to pull you out of a remote stuck! I suggest big cash somewhere between $500 and $1,000. Hide it in your vehicle or split it with a buddy. Make sure your buddy has lots of cash too. So you can borrow it. As my dad always said, “if you can buy your way out, you don’t have a problem.”
- Wash basin and trash bag to catch fluids. Never drain your oil, coolant or other fluids directly onto the ground for a field repair. That’s true anywhere, but never more so than while on the trails and at campsites. You can really mess up the environment. The basin need not be large – 30 x 30 x 10 cm (12x12x4”) is sufficient. And it can be used for washing dishes, storing equipment, and other tasks. If gear oil is involved, double bag (even triple bag) the trash bag. The smell of gear oil never comes out of the washbasin or your car’s carpet if it leaks. You can get really nice collapsible versions. Once extended you might not realize it is a collapsible basin.
- On the subject of money, stash $5- $10 dollars’ worth of quarters and loonies somewhere in the vehicle or your gear. The car wash, laundromat, and shower facilities at campgrounds often require coins. The same is true for water dispensers at convenience stores. Don’t assume the machines will accept bills or there will be a working bill changer. I once had the longest solar heated warm shower you can imagine for seventy-five cents. Of course, I had my stack of quarters ready in case it quit before all the soap was rinsed off. If you pre-run a trip that requires clean drinking water mid-trip from a machine at a convenience store, test that your water container will fit in the space both width and height.
- And since we brought up the subject of requiring a tow, it is a good idea to buy long-distance towing insurance. You’re usually allowed one long tow per year, but that will be enough to save your hoard of big cash. Check with your auto insurance carrier or go online for more options.
- Chamois cloth and squeegee. These are great for cleaning the windows. The interplay of light and dark light through the trees makes it very hard to see the trail with dirty windows. Start fresh each morning with a clean windshield. To help conserve drinking water, consider using your old dishwater (use the wash basin above) to rinse off the windows. It really works, and you don’t get soapy streaks like you’d expect.
- Pack a spare key for your vehicle. You may need to be airlifted out, at which point a buddy can drive your vehicle out. Lend a key to a guest so he can access your vehicle for supplies or gear. If you lock yourself out, your buddy can open the door for you (for a beer, of course). Finally, if you need to get towed out, you can leave the spare in the ignition. That allows you to keep the main set of keys on you.
- Keep a few pieces of silverware in the glove compartment & a small salt and peppershaker too. It can save you from digging out your camp box for lunch. Or you might get invited to share a pineapple upside down cake by neighbouring campers provided you bring a fork. Perhaps you do not have your camping gear in the rig, but you pick up a ready to eat hot chicken and an all in one salad bag at the super market. Along with a beer from the cooler and the utensils / condiments from the glove box - supper is served.
- Always pack an extra shirt. Even when going out only for the day. You never know when you will spill a cup of coffee (or much worse) on yourself. Put it in a zip lock bag.
- Pack a can of dog food as part of your survival rations. Why dog food? No one will eat it before its time. If someone has suggestions on brands to stock, I’m all ears – saves me a lot of taste testing.
- Download PDFs of important manuals on an electronic device you take with you. Down load Instructions manual for cameras, first aid, camping equipment, GPS, Phone, Radios (FM, Ham, CB), solar panel, vehicle repair, water filter, winch operation, etc. Back it up with the key paper manuals in case your device breaks or loses power. Specs and drawings are just a few taps away. If by chance you have the repair PDF for every Jeep made from the CJ to the JL, think how useful that would be to trouble shoot a buddy’s vehicle.
Bonus. Make copies of important documents. These can include your driver’s license, passport, ham radio license, national park pass, and recreational licenses. All these papers can be stored in a medium-sized envelope in the glove box (maybe a duplicate copy at home?)
Some of these items may be familiar to you. Others, like the spare cash, may feel awkward. Once you encounter a situation calling for one of the extra handy items, you see why I included them here.
Tom Severin, 4x4 Coach, teaches 4WD owners how to confidently and safely use their vehicles to the fullest extent in difficult terrain and adverse driving conditions. Visit www.4x4training.com to develop or improve your driving skill.
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