Sooner or later it's going to happen to you. hopefully you will be prepared for it. Much like taxes and oil changes, becoming demobilized on the trail is just a part of life no one likes, but we all have to deal with it. Even with all the trail prep in the world, there are those situations you can't plan for. From mud-soaked motors to rusted-out rod ends, it's safe to say that when you're wheeling a seasoned 4x there's always a chance for a little trail trouble. Compiled here are a handful of tools we've had and tricks we've learned over the years that have kept us wheeling, gotten us back to camp, and helped limp our rigs back to civilization. When these trail disasters and hiccups happen to you, don't forget to snap a picture of it and send it into Whoops!, so you can share your trail tales of misfortune with the whole world! 1. Keeping a floor jack in your rig might not sound like the most appealing thing to do, but when you need to get the axle off the ground, it will make life easier. Sometimes bigger tires and clearance may mean that the jack isn't tall enough to provide lift. Try carrying a block of wood to increase the jack's reach, or, if you are in a pinch, find a large rock or something sturdy to help raise the jack.1. Keeping a floor jack in your rig might not sound like the most appealing thing to do, b 2. A good winch is worth its weight in gold. Be sure to match up your winch size to your vehicle's weight. A good rule of thumb is to purchase a winch that is double the weight of the rig. So if you have a 4,000-pound wheeler, then an 8,000-pound winch is probably right for you.2. A good winch is worth its weight in gold. Be sure to match up your winch size to your v 3. Always carry caps for your steering box if you are running hydraulic assist. If the ram breaks or a line rips, simply cap off the box and keep on wheeling.3. Always carry caps for your steering box if you are running hydraulic assist. If the ram 4. If the battery terminals on your rig happen to fall apart, grab an empty water bottle and a pair of Vise-Grips. Use the Vise-Grips to secure the cable to the post, then cover the handles with the bottle to prevent them from sparking against your hood or other metal components.4. If the battery terminals on your rig happen to fall apart, grab an empty water bottle a 5. Wheeling with your hood open might sound crazy, but it's better than pushing your overheating rig back to the trailhead. Oftentimes just popping the hood latch helps, but don't be afraid to run with it open. Just be sure you have an extra spotter to keep you on track.5. Wheeling with your hood open might sound crazy, but it's better than pushing your overh 6. If you have a spare main leaf, take it with you! Many times we've been on a trail ride when someone breaks his leaf pack then says he was going to put them in the rig but didn't want the weight. Trust us, an extra main leaf isn't going to keep you from conquering the trail, but wheeling without one may just leave you there.6. If you have a spare main leaf, take it with you! Many times we've been on a trail ride 7. Fuses are about the cheapest and lightest extra parts you can carry. And with more and more electronically controlled 4x components, the difference between a long walk to the pavement and a functioning four-wheel drive just might be a 20-cent 30-amp fuse.7. Fuses are about the cheapest and lightest extra parts you can carry. And with more and 8. Vises are few and far between when you are out on a trail ride, so instead of letting slip away whatever you are trying to beat or pry on, take a piece of wood and set what you are working on atop it. Once you have it in place, get your friend to slowly drive over it. Use the weight of the vehicle to keep it in place.8. Vises are few and far between when you are out on a trail ride, so instead of letting s 9. A tarp to lie on, a tool bag filled with an assortment of sockets, wrenches, and screwdrivers, and an ice-cold Arnold Palmer to drink can make a tough day on the trail go a lot easier. Be sure to keep any special sockets or custom wrenches you need with you. It's also a good idea to paint them some obnoxiously bright color so they don't get lost or left behind. Use your head and try to have good trail etiquette. If you can drag your broken rig to the side safely, do so. Don't rely on your buddy to carry that spare thing-a-ma-bob. Carry your own spare parts and known weak links.9. A tarp to lie on, a tool bag filled with an assortment of sockets, wrenches, and screwd 10. Pulling off a starter from a mud-soaked engine is just part of it when you spend a lot of time in the mud. Usually a can of brake cleaner helps break up the gunk, but be prepared to pull it apart for a thorough cleaning if it feels like the grit is packed in tight.10. Pulling off a starter from a mud-soaked engine is just part of it when you spend a lot 11. Jumper boxes are surprisingly cheap and unbelievably helpful when your battery goes south or in our case you need to test out a starter. These can be picked up at most auto parts stores, and one is great to have especially when you're stuck on those tight one-lane trails where jumper cables are not an option.11. Jumper boxes are surprisingly cheap and unbelievably helpful when your battery goes so 12. Trail spares are just that: tires to get you off the trail. That tiny pizza cutter hanging off the back of your rig may look a little funny, but you'll have the last laugh when it helps you get off the trail.12. Trail spares are just that: tires to get you off the trail. That tiny pizza cutter han By Ali Mansour Enjoyed this Post? 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