Off-roading is one of the trucks’ capabilities, and that is why their popularity is growing. Off-roading entails driving on some of the roughest and toughest terrains to tackle.  When going off-road, be ready to face challenges such as puncture, getting stuck and mechanical brake-downs. A perfect off-roading experience is marked with adventure and thrill. It has not to be risky and unsafe. 

Having the right off-roading accessories will prepare you to deal with any unexpected situation that might come along your way. Here are some of the off-roading accessories you must have for your pickup. 

Traction Mats

Traction mats are usually overlooked but essential off-roading accessories. The mat will take your pickup truck from mud, deep sand, and snowbank. Traction mats are very durable since they are made of fiber-reinforced nylon. When stuck, put the mat under your front tires and gently press the gas pedal, and eventually, your pickup truck will come out.

First Aid Kit

Adventure lovers must have a medical kit in their truck before going off-roading. In case of any injury, the kit will save your life before rushing to the hospital. The first aid kit should have surgical gloves, pain-killer, and drugs that help stop bleeding.

Automatic Tire Deflators

Setting the correct tire pressure will give your truck more traction. You can increase off-road traction by reducing your tire pressure. To attain 250% traction, reduce tire pressure by 25-30%, and your truck will float on sand, snow, rocks, and mud.

Deflating tires can be cumbersome and time-consuming. To do it efficiently, consider having an automatic tire deflator with a pre-set 18 psi. 

Recovery Kit

A recovery kit is an essential accessory you must always have in your pickup truck, especially when off-roading. It has all the necessary tools to save in case of eventuality. Basic tools that should always be included in the kit are a winch kit, shovel, bow shackles, and recovery strap.  You can strap such tools on another pickup and pull them out of the sand, mud, or snow. 

Unijack

Unijacks are another essential tool during off-roading. They come in handy when changing or repairing tires. The unijack has a jack stand and bottle jack that can lift your pickup truck to let you work under it until you are through. 

Jump Starter

A multipurpose jump starter will let you jump-start your truck without the help of another truck. Apart from jump-starting your truck, you can also use it to charge your smartphone or camera and as a flashlight. 

Mechanics Tool Set

When driving off-road, it is necessary to have the socket set. Sometimes the desert might be tougher than your pickup truck, and mechanical issues might be inevitable. In such a situation, having a mechanics tool set will give ample time to reach home or drive to the nearest auto repair shop. 

Conclusion

Off-roading involves driving in hostile terrains that can harm you and your truck. Before off-roading, ensure your truck is well-serviced and has the above essentials. Apart from these essentials, ensure you are in good health because sometimes the jungle might be stressful.

What are pickup truck problems to know? Pickup trucks serve various purposes in our daily life, and you will need them to move to work, transport farm in/outputs, and also for delivery purposes. Despite your truck’s role, it is prone to tear and wear. Sticking to a preventive maintenance schedule will give it a longer life and avoid some pickup truck problems.

As a pickup truck owner, having the best tools to help you solve various problems is essential. The basic knowledge about truck repairs will be an added advantage, saving you from visiting auto repair shops more often. Here are some common pickup truck problems and how to fix them.

Overheating Engine

An overheating engine can cause severe damage, such as blown gaskets, cracked cylinder heads, or something related to the fuel system. When left for long, it can lead to a complete engine failure. It is essential to work with a professional who can identify the overheating engine’s signs and address them as early as possible. 

When you realize that your engine is overheating, do the following.

• If your AC is on, turn it off to reduce the stress on the engine and pull away the heat from the engine by turning the dial to maximum heat. 
• Find a safe place, stop, and shut off your pickup.
• Check the level of coolant and top it up.
• Restart the engine and drive to the nearest auto repair shop.

Starter Failure

Starter issues are yet another of the pickup truck problems to know. You should regularly check your starter more often during the cold weather. The starter failure is usually common during winter. You can quickly note when your starter becomes faulty, and the ignition becomes problematic as it gets colder.

Overloads are the common cause of electrical problems in starters. The ground and winding circuits in the field and armature will let you realize this. When you realize your starter is faulty, consider taking your pickup to an auto shop specializing in the truck’s electrical parts to determine and fix the problem. 

U-Joint Failure

U-joint is common in rear and 4wd trucks when the transmission and the axle are at differing heights. It is the responsibility of the U-joint to transmit power to the driveshaft. It has to be properly lubricated to prevent it from wear and tear. You will notice clicking sounds when the U-joint is becoming faulty as well s vibrations when your pickup is at higher speeds.

It is difficult to troubleshoot U-joint since other components display similar symptoms when faulty. You can put your truck on the dynamo and observe the undercarriage as the wheels are rotating will let you determine the condition of the U-joint. If your U-joint is faulty, consider checking other parts, such as axles, the motor, and other parts that can cause the problem.

Brake Problems

The braking system failure is another common truck problem. Checking the brake fluid level is essential. Always bleed the entire system after checking the brake pads. 

Conclusion

The pickup truck has various components that are prone to failure. The signs and symptoms that these parts display when faulty are similar. It is, therefore, essential to take your truck to a professional to check and determine the defective part as well as other pickup truck problems. Adhering to the basic maintenance schedule will save you from unnecessary brake-downs.