TOP 10 Things to CHECK BEFORE you GO OFF ROAD [Basic Overland Checklist]

Before you head OFF ROAD, here's our TOP 10 THINGS to check BEFORE you GO OFF ROAD. There are essential PARTS of your OFF-ROAD VEHICLE that you should routinely check to ensure a SAFE and fun OVERLAND trip. Our friend, Frank, from TOP SHOP AUTO (a professional 4x4 and OFF ROAD mechanic), joins us for this episode. We'll deliver our TOP 10 TIPS for things you should check before heading OFF ROAD on your next excellent OVERLAND ADVENTURE. Whether you're NEW TO OFF-ROADING or a seasoned OVERLAND PRO, you'll find value in this 4x4 OFF ROAD GUIDE. And, these are OFF ROAD TIPS AND TRICKS that you can do yourself (DIY) in your driveway. No 4x4 GARAGE needed!

We believe that ADVENTURE is NECESSARY. And we also believe that learning HOW TO OFF ROAD SAFELY should be fundamental and that you regularly revisit to ensure a SAFE OFF ROADING, OVERLANDING, OR CAR CAMPING experience for you and your family. GOING OFF-ROAD for the FIRST TIME can be intimidating. But, this checklist is not just for BEGINNERS. Seasoned OVERLAND PROS can often benefit from this OFF ROAD GUIDE and pre-trip checklist.

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Table of Contents:
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0:16​ - Intro
1:18​ - 1 Tires
2:56​ - 2 Fluids
5:54​ - 3 Suspension
7:20 - 4 Electrical
10:07​ - 5 Winch
10:43 - 6 Tire Repair
12:04​ - 7 Lights
13:20​ - 8 Filters
14:02​ - 9 Warning Lights
14:45​ - 10 Brakes
15:27​ - Bonus
16:00​ - Outtakes

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GEAR WE USE!
Sun Glasses: Julbo Vermont Classic Glacier Sunglasses
Communication: Garmin InReach Explorer Plus:
Communication: Yaesu Original FTM-400XDR HAM
Communication: Uniden PRO520XL 40-Channel CB Radio
Communication: Midland MXT400 40 W GMRS:
Storage: Roof Rack Storage Containers:
Recovery: MaxTrax Recovery Boards:
Recovery: Warn 87800 M8000-s Winch with Synthetic Rope:
Lights: KC HiLites - MEMBER DEALS (must log on as member):
Tires: BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2
Tent: Gazelle T4 Camping Hub Tent (4-person):
Battery: NorthStar Ultra High-Performance Group 31 AGM Battery:

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[ponyboy]

One thing I learned from my pops is when you change the hoses an belts an if they are not to beat save them for just in case one of the brakes that way you have a spare to get you to a shop to get a new one

[tacoma_jon]

I just throw my stuff in the bed of the truck and head out. I drive with my fingers crossed 😂

[prestond]

The guys at Top Shop are great. They’ve worked on my 100 series a few times.

[LYLEWOLD]

easy way to check your lights by yourself - find an office, grocery store, ...some place with large windows. use the large surface reflection to check your lights / indicators in the reflection, turn your vehicle around, use your rearview mirror (and the reflection of the plate glass windows) to check your rears.
obvious, i know, but figured i'd throw it out there for anyone who could use that.

[cayman]

Pretty normal stuff for any car. A good list is spare fluids and parts to carry.
Brake fluid, coolant, engine oil, trans fluid, power steer, window wash. spare oil filter and fuel filter and air filter. Spare wiper. Few extra lug nuts. Wire ties and rope and good duct tape. Some random bolts and nuts and washers..

[lvwrx]

PMCS!! Our military vehicles DO NOT MOVE until a by-the-book PMCS is done THEN QA/QC'd by a supervisor, redundancy saves lives 👍

[WoodcockFamilyOverland]

It must be so awesome to have a trusted mechanic like that! I have to try and do all my own work 😂

[swissyodelbear]

Good stuff thank you, my wifey checks all that stuff, I just check that the beers are loaded and the fridge is

[donewhiskey]

Great video! Awesome to finally meet Frank - the man, the myth, the legend! Michael, that 80 is the perfect rig. Man, 6:03 is just the best shot.

[ian]

Awesome video, love you bringing your mechanic into the fold!

[lunatic]

low brake fluid could be an indication of pad wear as well.

[el-drachoontour]

Very good! You can't point out often enough the basics that should be checked before starting a trip or on a regular basis. Of course, we are all not immune to defects when we use our rigs, especially in tough conditions, but many things can be detected early if you check everything regularly. Many thanks for the video!

[stardave]

So, that was your rig I saw on 24 when I was going to Oakland.

[daigenTube]

Awesome video. I was looking for a basic checklist and this was it! Thank you! OB# 12236

[veedubya]

A very good reminder to look at your rig or have some look at before a road trip or trail run. I always take my FJ to the dealer before a major road trip (And some times back to the dealer after a trip if I broke something). OB#18617

[ChristianS]

at around 20°C ambient static voltage should be around 12.6V. anything below that means not 100% charged. temperature heavily affects voltage and capacity. at 5°C 12.3V - 12.4V is still ok.

now, charging voltage, again at 20°C ambient: 14.4V means bulk charge, or absorption (which most alternators don't do as they aren't "smart"). 13.8V is float charge. BUT again: higher temps, lower voltages, and vice versa.

9V means a DEAD battery, at least 1 cell shortage. I don't get why he said everything above 9V would be ok ..

[jehadhannoush]

Hi Michael, you forgot to cover as pre trip check up the communications, so what antenna are you using on the front bull bar for GRMS option

[Dutchx]

I have an 88 Bronco, so there is 47 things on my check

[soulsurfer]

I run 45-50PSI on my KM3 for both my Taco and my 1st Gen 4rnr. When I run less my trucks have a “stuck” to the roD feel. Am I running too high?

[simplemanduke]

Did you hear that Honda Ridgeline guys check your trans fluid with the vehicle OFF.