Consumables and Spare Parts (2000 OBW)

macogle

macogle

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Joined
May 27, 2010
Messages
10
Location
Northern Washington
Hello all!

I've been doing a lot more offroad driving lately, and I'm starting to get my recovery gear sorted. I feel like I have a handle on what I need for recovery, but I'm less confident in my supplies in case I break down.

I carry ATF Fluid and Oil, but should I be carrying any spare parts? What is most likely to break and leave me stranded, and is it worth carrying a spare?

For a little background on my offroading habits, most of it is on forest service roads and within an hour of civilization, but I need my car to be able to limp out of the woods on its own if at all possible. Obviously a major mechanical breakdown will require a tow, but I'm looking in terms of repairs I can make myself.

Honestly, I ask because I feel like it would be embarrassing to break down somewhere in my Outback, when so many 4x4 owners around here laugh at me for driving it in the first place. :o

Thanks for your help folks.
 
Ignore them in their big 4WDs... you know what they say bout people who need huge vehicles as compensation lol :lol:

Some water, radiator top hose, fuses, rope, fencing wire, duct tape/gaffa tape.

Recovery kit;
First aid kit;
Camera for when things go wrong ;)
Sense of humour for when things go wrong :lol:

Good thread here:
https://www.offroadsubarus.com/showthread.php?t=885
 
Haha yes, the compensation bit is very evident around here. The phrase "Nice truck, sorry about your d**k..." comes to mind. ;)

As far as a First Aid kit goes, I'm a Wilderness First Responder and I carry a BLS bag everywhere, so I think I'm good in that respect.
For recovery, I carry a snatch strap, shackles, a shovel and an axe, and I'm planning on picking up a compressor and a hand winch/straps/blocks in the near future.

The radiator hose is something I hadn't even considered. I have some hose clamps in the car, but I suppose they're worthless if I split a hose (and duct tape won't do the trick).


Should I consider a spare axle assembly? That would be about the limit of my current mechanical aptitude to replace, but I've seen them break before...

EDIT: I suppose I could have posted in the recovery thread, but I'm mostly just concerned with mechanical trouble...
 
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You have to draw the line somewhere. I think if you break an axle assembly- only Eden has done that- (Where is Eden these days?) you are either using the wrong parts like he did (unknowingly)or you are just unlucky. Put some new drive belts on and use the old ones as spares. If you must travel on your own then consider a PLB. Make sure you have sufficient food and especially water in summer (I don't know your climate) and warm clothing in winter. A plank of wood or 2 to fit under a tyre can also help.
 
I think you're right on the money there Rally.
Spare belts & the like, yes sure. But you have to draw the line somewhere :cool:
I'd have to say, by taking/having a spare axle assembly would be a of over kill really.
A couple of other things you might want to have with you is a battery jump starter & some spare fuses too :iconwink: Oh & some zip / cable ties, they will always come in handy :ebiggrin:
And like Rally said, if you are traveling alone a PLB would also be a good idea too :)

Regards
Mr Turbo
 
This is why I come to you guys for advice. Haha with my luck I would break an axle if I was carrying a spare.

So it sounds like my repairs list consists of general supplies, like tape, zip ties, wire, fuses, and cordage, as well as a radiator hose, clamps, spare belts (alternator & timing, or just alternator?) and fluids (Oil, ATF, Water).

When you say PLB, you're referring to something like a Spot, right? I've considered one in the past, primarily for climbing, but I've always ruled it out due to expense. I suppose it does merit a second look. My Ham radio has always provided sufficient coverage, but it certainly wouldn't hurt to augment my setup...
 
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macogle said:
When you say PLB, you're referring to something like a Spot, right?
Click to expand...
Yes that is correct.
A PLB is very similar. They're properly known as "Personal Locator Beacons"
We just call them a PLB for short :)

Regards
Mr Turbo
 
More likely you won't break an axle if you have a spare with you. But you will break one if you don't! Amateur radio is all well and good- it really is. But with a PLB you don't need to find time-which you may not have- to get accurate GPS co-ordinates. A mate of mine has an amateur radio licence and has a set up in his car. For years he has been trying to get me to get a licence as well, but I'd only get one if I went outback again. Now that PLB's exist, I'd just grab one of those
 
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