Mad City Jeep Abusers Group, Inc. Off-Road safety specs 01/05

 

Disclaimer:

 

The following specifications outline the minimum safety specifications for the off-road participant and their vehicle. Off-road use of a 4WD vehicle can be hazardous and these specifications do not guarantee your safety or the safety of your vehicle on a trail ride, but help increase the safety margin and enjoyment for yourself, other club members and your vehicle.

 

Trail practices:

 

• Remember that we trail ride to have a good time. Behavior which reflects poorly on the club and which is considered in poor taste or illegal to the general public is prohibited.
• If you bring pets or children with you, remember that it is your responsibility to watch them and to ensure their safety.
• The use of intoxicants before or during a trail ride is prohibited.
• Bring extra water with you. Even in the winter, it is surprising how fast you loose moisture. Bring a snack incase the trail ride becomes longer than you anticipated.
• Wear clothing applicable to the environment.
• Each vehicle should have at least a hand held FRS radio. These radios are cheap and easy to use. The radio channel will be agreed to before the trail run starts.
• Every trail ride will have lead and tail vehicles equipped with 2way radios. It is the lead vehicles responsibility to make sure that the group stays together. The tail vehicles responsibility is to report trouble to the lead vehicle.
• Every vehicle on a trail ride is responsible for keeping the vehicle behind them in sight. If you loose sight of the vehicle behind you, signal the trail leader to slow or stop until the vehicle is located.
• Leave no one behind. If it is necessary to leave a stranded vehicle behind on the trail, make sure there is a plan to recover the vehicle as soon as practical.

 

 

Minimum vehicle specs:

 

• Vehicles must be licensed and insured with a minimum of liability insurance.
• All safety belts for driver and passengers must be in good repair and used while on the trail. Aftermarket multi-point harnesses are acceptable if the mounting points are installed in accordance with good construction practices.
• Seats and seat mounts must be in a good state of repair. Aftermarket seats and mounting brackets are acceptable if installed in accordance with good construction practices.
• The vehicle should be in a good state of repair. Applicable lights, brakes, steering and drivetrain need to be functional. The battery must be secured properly to the vehicle. The use of electric line-locks as a parking brake is prohibited.
• Vehicle must have a functional exhaust system. A muffler is mandatory.
• Bumpers need to be attached to the vehicle by at least 4 points and homemade or aftermarket bumpers shall meet WI DOT basic requirements. Bumpers used as tow points and winch mounts will be inspected before the trail ride for proper mounting.
• Open top vehicles must have a roll bar. Factory bars are acceptable.
• Each vehicle must be equipped with a minimum of one front and one rear tow point. This tow point can be a factory tie down, hook or frame hitch with removable receiver. After market tow points must be attached in accordance with good construction practices. Attachment to the tow point must be in the form of clevis, pin or loop. Towing from a trailer ball is not to be allowed as they can break off.

 

Strongly recommended additions:

 

• First Aid kit. Local camping suppliers have inexpensive kits with antiseptics, antihistamines, bandages, etc.
• 2lb or larger ABC fire extinguisher. Must be within reach of the driver. Either dry chemical or Halon.
• 15,000lb or more capacity tow strap without hooks.
• Tree saver strap.
• ¾” Screw type clevis. ¾” pin clevises are acceptable for light duty.
• Gloves, good quality utility gloves.
• 30” Hi-Lift/ Farm Jack
• Shovel, saw and axe.
• CB radio. Many clubs still use these, and are mandated by many clubs.
• Winch. A good rule of thumb for size is 2 times the dead weight of the vehicle or greater.