What should I always have with me when riding AATV's?

[rjmorgan]

I am an old dirt biker and 4x4 rider. I have worked my way up from CT 50 Hondas through 600 cc dirt bikes and have ridden trails all my life. My big question is as being new to the aatv scene what are the survival kit essentials for these machines if I plan to be in the woods all day?

[srfnson]

I usually just ride around my 160 acre property and out on my river that leads into a bigger lake. I carry a cell phone, fire extinguisher, extra drive belt, master links, drain plugs, collapsable paddle, minature air horn, snatch block, tree saver winch strap, duct tape and basic tool kit. Been meaning to add a throttle cable to my kit as well....

[jpswift1]

I usually just ride around my 160 acre property and out on my river that leads into a bigger lake. I carry a cell phone, fire extinguisher, extra drive belt, master links, drain plugs, collapsable paddle, minature air horn, snatch block, tree saver winch strap, duct tape and basic tool kit. Been meaning to add a throttle cable to my kit as well....

You covered it very well there, srfnson. You must know from experience. That's how I learned it. If I go out solo that's the stuff I'll bring with me as well.

[Groundhog]

All good suggestions above. Similiar to you I have been a dirt bike guy long time. The 6 wheelers give similiar thrills and are much safer. Having a passenger is a nice adder also. My minimum list of things to pack is cell phone, bottled water, toilet paper, and air pump. Almost always pack snacks, not required but always handy.

[Bazooo guy]

And a chain breaker and spare chain.

[blown84gt]

And if it's a Max IV like mine you need two 3/4" wrenches (or adjustables) for chain tensioners and a good pair of work gloves are handy

[swamp donkey]

Extra drain plugs for sure. I crossed some flooded timber one time and desided to pull a plug and make sure I didnt have any water leaking in but when it was pulled it ripped. Come to find out a whittled down stick the rite size will get u back but it wasnt any fun.

[Rock Doctor]

This was a list I wrote up a long time ago, it is by no means "All Inclusive", and over time it had been slightly modified. Keep in mind that I often ride alone, and could be up to 15 or 20 miles from the nearest road.
Some of the things I carry...........


You might want to pull up a chair
Pretty much every tool needed to work on the machine. (Any time I work on the machine, I try to use only the tools I carry with me). They take a suprisingly small amout of room ( I use a "Dewalt" 18v Cordless drill box, with deviders removed). Fits in the hollow in the front floorboards PERFECTLY.

Spare outer Bearing housing W/ seals, Spare nuts
Outer bearing (Idler shaft brng)
Most springs and little conecting rods for the carb/throttle linkages
Little bushing under the throttle linkage (Droped one of those before)
Mechanics magnet and mirror
Pushrod
Master links
A bit of each kind of chain
Chain Breaker
Belt
Dry Graphite lube
WD40
Isopropyl gasline antifreeze
Spark Plugs + wrench
Tie down straps
Spare tire/rim
Track pin + Collar
Snatch Block
Heavy rope (winch line extension)
Spare hitch pin
Spare Trailer hitch spring/Tongue/Jam Washer
Chainsaw/gas/oil/file
Axe
Throttle cable
Air Compressor
Wire connectors/plyers
Headlight (flashlight)
Engine oil
Grease Gun
Gloves
Brake pads/Soft Kit/brake fluid
Fuel filter
Spare fuel line
Spare valve caps/Valve stems
can of "tire inflator goop"
Feeler guage
Misc. Bolts/washers/splitpins,ect (just a few)
Either
Rags/towl
Hand cleaner
Lighter/Benzo Torch
Firestarter
Fishing Rod/Lures (colapsable kit)
Compass
GPS
Batteries
Spare Sprocket setscrews
Power inverter (12v DC to 120v AC)
Spare body Plugs
Fuses
Bearing kit for my trailer
Tire plug kit
Spare cloths/footwear
Rain gear
Food/water
First aid Kit
Pack of Cigars
Ear plugs
Rifle/Ammo
BUG SPRAY at least 2 cans, you don't EVER want to run out
Note Pad and pencil (to leave a note if I have to walk....Got **** about that once and it wasn't even me that did it)
Small Tarp/String

No Bilge pump, but I should have one



I know there is some more stuff in there, but can't think of it right now.
I carry alot of stuff (alot of it is in a kit, that I can put in/take out easily), but I access some pretty romote places, cell coverage is poor at best, and I am often alone.

As a general rule of thumb "If you have it with you, you won't need it"

Short list of tools..........
I'm at work, so I'm going on memory here.......

Hammer (with handle cut short)
Combo Wrenches, 15/16, 3/4"(2), 13/16, 9/16, 1/2(2), 7/16, 10mm, 12mm
8" Adjustable
Modified Needlenose Vice Grips
Flat Screw drivers (3- Stubby, med, large)
Philips Screwdriver (2)
Red Handle Robbie Screwdriver (#2)
2 sets Allen Wrenches (folding set and loose set{swivel head}, plus a couple spare 5/32" and 1/8")
Plyers
Pressure guage
Torch Tip Cleaner
1/4" Drive Ratchet
-1/4", 10mm and 12mm sockets
-2 extensions and a 3/8" adapter
3/8" dr Ratchet
-1/2", 9/16", 16mm, and 9/16 med deep sockets
-Extension
1/2" dr Ratchet
-Extension and 3/4, 15/16 sockets
track pin punch
Test Light
Side Cutters
Zip Ties
Electrical Tape

Just winging it, I'm sure that I have missed a few
All my tools are in a small box that fits into the floor pan well, and all the parts,cleaners, ect fit in a smallish Rubber Made Tub.


By no means do I feel you need all this stuff, and in fact, I use most of my stuff trying to help others that I meet to get going again.
Do you think I'm CRAZY yet

IF YOU HAVE IT WITH YOU, YOU PROBABLY WON"T NEED IT

RD

[rjmorgan]

This was a list I wrote up a long time ago, it is by no means "All Inclusive", and over time it had been slightly modified. Keep in mind that I often ride alone, and could be up to 15 or 20 miles from the nearest road.
Some of the things I carry...........


You might want to pull up a chair
Pretty much every tool needed to work on the machine. (Any time I work on the machine, I try to use only the tools I carry with me). They take a suprisingly small amout of room ( I use a "Dewalt" 18v Cordless drill box, with deviders removed). Fits in the hollow in the front floorboards PERFECTLY.

Spare outer Bearing housing W/ seals, Spare nuts
Outer bearing (Idler shaft brng)
Most springs and little conecting rods for the carb/throttle linkages
Little bushing under the throttle linkage (Droped one of those before)
Mechanics magnet and mirror
Pushrod
Master links
A bit of each kind of chain
Chain Breaker
Belt
Dry Graphite lube
WD40
Isopropyl gasline antifreeze
Spark Plugs + wrench
Tie down straps
Spare tire/rim
Track pin + Collar
Snatch Block
Heavy rope (winch line extension)
Spare hitch pin
Spare Trailer hitch spring/Tongue/Jam Washer
Chainsaw/gas/oil/file
Axe
Throttle cable
Air Compressor
Wire connectors/plyers
Headlight (flashlight)
Engine oil
Grease Gun
Gloves
Brake pads/Soft Kit/brake fluid
Fuel filter
Spare fuel line
Spare valve caps/Valve stems
can of "tire inflator goop"
Feeler guage
Misc. Bolts/washers/splitpins,ect (just a few)
Either
Rags/towl
Hand cleaner
Lighter/Benzo Torch
Firestarter
Fishing Rod/Lures (colapsable kit)
Compass
GPS
Batteries
Spare Sprocket setscrews
Power inverter (12v DC to 120v AC)
Spare body Plugs
Fuses
Bearing kit for my trailer
Tire plug kit
Spare cloths/footwear
Rain gear
Food/water
First aid Kit
Pack of Cigars
Ear plugs
Rifle/Ammo
BUG SPRAY at least 2 cans, you don't EVER want to run out
Note Pad and pencil (to leave a note if I have to walk....Got **** about that once and it wasn't even me that did it)
Small Tarp/String

No Bilge pump, but I should have one



I know there is some more stuff in there, but can't think of it right now.
I carry alot of stuff (alot of it is in a kit, that I can put in/take out easily), but I access some pretty romote places, cell coverage is poor at best, and I am often alone.

As a general rule of thumb "If you have it with you, you won't need it"

Short list of tools..........
I'm at work, so I'm going on memory here.......

Hammer (with handle cut short)
Combo Wrenches, 15/16, 3/4"(2), 13/16, 9/16, 1/2(2), 7/16, 10mm, 12mm
8" Adjustable
Modified Needlenose Vice Grips
Flat Screw drivers (3- Stubby, med, large)
Philips Screwdriver (2)
Red Handle Robbie Screwdriver (#2)
2 sets Allen Wrenches (folding set and loose set{swivel head}, plus a couple spare 5/32" and 1/8")
Plyers
Pressure guage
Torch Tip Cleaner
1/4" Drive Ratchet
-1/4", 10mm and 12mm sockets
-2 extensions and a 3/8" adapter
3/8" dr Ratchet
-1/2", 9/16", 16mm, and 9/16 med deep sockets
-Extension
1/2" dr Ratchet
-Extension and 3/4, 15/16 sockets
track pin punch
Test Light
Side Cutters
Zip Ties
Electrical Tape

Just winging it, I'm sure that I have missed a few
All my tools are in a small box that fits into the floor pan well, and all the parts,cleaners, ect fit in a smallish Rubber Made Tub.


By no means do I feel you need all this stuff, and in fact, I use most of my stuff trying to help others that I meet to get going again.
Do you think I'm CRAZY yet

IF YOU HAVE IT WITH YOU, YOU PROBABLY WON"T NEED IT

RD

I think I will have to buy a trailer to haul all of that.

[Vortex]

Thanks RD,

I'm currently building a toolbox for my conquest...I like the idea of always working with the tools you have in you Argo on your trip...

Printing the list now and will adjust it for my needs.

No Duct tape??? Almost impossible...I must have jump a line!!!

Thanks Again.

[Bazooo guy]

Thats quite a list.....but whats the robertson screwdriver needed for?
I only carry 2 allen keys for bearings and sprockets and 9/16 and 1/2" wrenches for tensioners and to remove the seat and floor.Spare chain,links and breaker. Some of my bearings are shimmed for chain tension so i also have some spare shims.
Hand cleaner a rag and gloves. Snatch block and a short piece of chain and tow strap to wrap trees for winching.
Vise grip pliers and a standard screwdriver.
Good idea with the cordless box. I have a small hilti box without the drill. Now i have a use for it.

[wfo]

i just take beer and chips

[Rock Doctor]

Thanks RD,

No Duct tape??? Almost impossible...I must have jump a line!!!

Thanks Again.

LOL, It's in there. I was running on memory when I made the list :-)

RD

[Rock Doctor]

Thats quite a list.....but whats the robertson screwdriver needed for?
I only carry 2 allen keys for bearings and sprockets and 9/16 and 1/2" wrenches for tensioners and to remove the seat and floor.Spare chain,links and breaker. Some of my bearings are shimmed for chain tension so i also have some spare shims.
Hand cleaner a rag and gloves. Snatch block and a short piece of chain and tow strap to wrap trees for winching.
Vise grip pliers and a standard screwdriver.
Good idea with the cordless box. I have a small hilti box without the drill. Now i have a use for it.

I've had to replace some Machine Screws, the ones on the Carb Float Bowl and the ones on the Master Cylinders come to mind. Robertson is what I had handy.

Sometimes I envy those that can go out riding without having to concern themselves with possible repaires. Ironically, most of the time that I need tools and parts is to help those that don't have tools and parts. I guess I've had a kick at fixing a lot of things out in the bush, that is how my tool/parts boxes evolve. If I get into a situation where I need a tool that I don't have, then that tool will be added to my box when I get home. Just to give an idea, this would be a partial list of stuff I've had to deal with:
Carb Rebuilds, Water Pumps, Brake MC's and Calipers, Clutches, Shafts, Bearings, Seals, Axles, Chains, Body Repaires, Valves, bent Pushrods, Chainsaws, Seadoo Pumps, Generators, Quad Ujoints/CV joints/Boots, Sunk machines (Fluid changes), Throttle Cables, Throttle Hand Grips, Governors, Tire repaires, Fishing Reel repaires, ect, ect.
I never know what I will get into, so I try to be ready.
I should take a pic sometime of my tools/parts, so you guys can see that it doesn't take up all that much room in my machine

Tight Lines
RD

[plott hound]

Thats quite a list.....but whats the robertson screwdriver needed for?
I only carry 2 allen keys for bearings and sprockets and 9/16 and 1/2" wrenches for tensioners and to remove the seat and floor.Spare chain,links and breaker. Some of my bearings are shimmed for chain tension so i also have some spare shims.
Hand cleaner a rag and gloves. Snatch block and a short piece of chain and tow strap to wrap trees for winching.
Vise grip pliers and a standard screwdriver.
Good idea with the cordless box. I have a small hilti box without the drill. Now i have a use for it.

thats a suburban/urban tool list.little different when you broke down 12 miles from your truck.