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.