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OAUSA Net - Septemeber 29, 2016 - Vehicle Essentials

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DaveK
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OAUSA Net - Septemeber 29, 2016 - Vehicle Essentials

Post by DaveK » Tue Sep 27, 2016 10:50 pm

NOTICE: There was so much to discuss during the first Vehicle Essentials net net on September 29, 2016, that we didn't have time to cover it all. So, we decided to do a part two for October 13, 2016. We will continue to refer to the material below during this second session


For a lot of good reasons, you should be equipping your every day vehicle with the essentials that you will need for disasters, emergencies and the everyday problems that we all face. Not surprisingly, the well equipped vehicle will be similar, if not identical, to the preparations we make for any of our back country travels.

The scope of the discussion will be, "what you should carry in your vehicle every day". We know that there are many angles from which this subject can be viewed, and we would like to hear yours. Let us know what you carry in your vehicle on a daily basis and why. Post your list of your essentials!!!!

Here are a few items that we think you should carry with you at all times:

1. Ultimate Overland Recovery Shovel by Extreme Outback Products (http://www.extremeoutback.com/product/9 ... 8-787.html)

From the Extreme Outback website:
Extreme Outback Products introduces the Ultimate Shovel: Aussie-proven performance for military, off-roaders, outdoors men and field service people!

Military folding shovels are compact and well-suited for garden-variety camping duty. Full-sized landscaping shovels are more functional but are a pain to pack. Extreme Outback Products offers the best of both worlds for people who do serious digging but need stowable convenience: The Ultimate Shovel. Engineered in Australia and tested in the Outback, this three-piece shovel features a multi-core, steel-reinforced fiberglass shaft. Unlike imitation models that aren't reinforced, the Ultimate Shovel won't snap while digging out vehicles buried in deep sand (or creating prize-winning castles at the beach). When the job requires only a spade, the D-handle's steel threads screw directly into the 7.5-inch-wide heat-treated blade piece. The Ultimate Shovel is ideal for everything from over landing to field service to "soft-roading." All three pieces stow in an included bag.
Sectional shovel.jpg
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2. Special Forces Shovel by Cold Steel (http://www.coldsteel.com/special-forces-shovel.html)

From the Cold Steel website:
Cold Steel’s Special Forces Shovel is modeled after an original Soviet “Spetsnaz” military entrenching tool. This durable and effective shovel has a stout hardwood handle, a broad flat steel blade and 3 sharp edges. A popular tool with military and special operations units worldwide, we’ve heard tell of it being used to dig foxholes and bunkers, to chop branches, build shelters, act as an improvised paddle, and even as a last-resort weapon of defense! Our Special Forces Shovel is also immensely popular with the throwing community, as its head-heavy balance and multiple sharp edges make it an excellent alternative to a Tomahawk for sport and recreational throwing!
Cold Steel Shovel.jpg
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3. Max MultiPurpose Tool by Forrest Tool Company (http://forresttoolco.com/the_max.html)

From The Forrest Tool website:
Anything can happen out in the field. That’s why The MAX ™ Multipurpose Tool should be standard equipment on vehicles assigned to demanding environments. The MAX ™ is also a perfect camping and recreational accessory that stores compactly alongside other accessories in 4WD, off-road and sport utility vehicles. An ax, shovel, pick, rake, hoe and more all in one, it accommodates seven tools onto a single polyglass handle.

Made in the U.S.A.
Finest tempered tool steel
34” composite polyglass handle
3.5-pound Hudson Bay-style ax head
Leather ax sheath
Weighs 12.5 lbs
Compact storage in a low-profile Cordura ™ carrying case
Replacement parts available
Forrest Tool.jpg
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4. 3-Lb. Drilling Hammer by Estwing (http://www.estwing.com/s_drilling_hammer.php)

From the Estwing website:
The Drilling Hammer has a bonded and molded Shock Reduction Grip® which offers the utmost in both comfort and durability, while reducing vibrations caused by impact. The head and handle are forged in one piece and have an attractive blue UV coating, both faces are fully polished. For use with chisels, punches, star drills and hardened nails. Permits heavy blows with limited swing.
Estwing  Drilling Hammer (sledge).jpg
Estwing Drilling Hammer (sledge).jpg (121.52 KiB) Viewed 1082 times
DaveK
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Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice.
Moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue.

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Re: OAUSA Net - Septemeber 29, 2016 - Vehicle Essentials

Post by DaveK » Thu Sep 29, 2016 6:41 am

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Heavy duty seems to be standard procedure around here, especially when it comes to products that we use for our vehicles. The trail serves up quite a beating for our gear, so buying quality heavy duty stuff really gives an extra measure of reliability and longevity. When you are a hundred miles from civilization, that can become a very important benefit!

This week the spotlight is on a business that makes high quality, heavy duty Ham Radio mounts. I discovered Breedlove Mounts some time ago while equipping the Ham radios in my vehicle, (https://www.breedlovemounts.com/home.html). If you are looking for heavy duty, solid, and well made mounts and related gear, you should consider Breedlove. If you don't find exactly what you want, he can make something to suit your needs.

I run a Scorpion HF antenna (6M-80M) when on the trail, and as the picture below demonstrates, the antenna is quite large. Given the brush and tree choked trails that we usually encounter, there is no way that I would be willing to run the antenna in the "up" position while traveling. The solution was to make or find a fold over mount that would allow me to run the antenna in the "down" position while traveling and make deployment easy, once we reached camp. Breedlove had the answer with their "fold-over" mount, made of solid 6061 aluminum, and it is about as heavy duty and solid as you can get. For the gadget minded traveler, Breed love makes an electric (12V) fold-over mount. They also make a great selection of NMO's, ball mounts and quick disconnects, all of which are made from solid brass.

Scorpion 6-80 in the "down" position
KIMG0311.jpg
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Scorpion 6-80 antenna in the "up" position
KIMG0312 (Large).jpg
KIMG0312 (Large).jpg (111.2 KiB) Viewed 1093 times
Once I saw this NMO mount, I knew that I needed to replace my existing mount.
Attachments
Breedlove NMO Mount.png
Breedlove NMO Mount.png (104.58 KiB) Viewed 1093 times
DaveK
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Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice.
Moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue.

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lrsrngr
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Re: OAUSA Net - Septemeber 29, 2016 - Vehicle Essentials

Post by lrsrngr » Thu Sep 29, 2016 7:46 am

KK6CTT for the on-line check-in please.

Carried under normal everyday operation:
1. Serpentine belt. Once I replace the old with a new one the old one goes around my spare...full sized spare.
2. 400 watt inverter with necessary cables and things needed for the various electronic devices I might carry.
3. OBDII reader for piece of mind.
4. A few replacement bulbs and fuses.
5. Flashlight.
6. Make it home bag: Binos, water in stainless steel bottles, gloves, emergency blanket, multi-tool, fire starter, sterno canister, and camera.
7. CERT Bag with minimal items (not my full on bag): Vest, helmet, gloves.
8. Trailer connection tester.
9. Tool bag, socket set, jumper cables, collapsible star wrench...
10. Ammo can sized first aid kit with clotting agent.
11. UHF/VHF Communications
12. GPS

Needed for the future:
1. Dedicated water purifier that will work with the water bottles I have on hand.
2. Tourniquet added to 1st aid kit.
3. Road flares.
4. A tire cover that allows me to use the space inside the wheel and attach items with PALS pouches to the outside. This will provide the solution needed for my USGI e-tool.
Last edited by lrsrngr on Thu Sep 29, 2016 8:36 pm, edited 2 times in total.
H-U-A or "Hooah!" = Heard Understood & Acknowledged. In context: "Roger that sir, HUA!"

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Re: OAUSA Net - Septemeber 29, 2016 - Vehicle Essentials

Post by toms » Thu Sep 29, 2016 9:14 am

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT #2
Gator-Jaw® Synthetic Shackle
http://www.bubbarope.com/gator-jaw-soft-shackle

A Gator-Jaw is a soft shackle that is a good addition to your winch kit. They are much lighter than a ¾” pin bow shackle and pack easily. You can carry more of them to connect complex rigging elements and they give you more flexibility of connections. By this I mean they can replace 2 Bow shackles at each junction when the eyes of the two elements will support only the pin on of a D ring. You still need to carry the steel D rings for areas that are abrasive and when you need more than a 2 to 1 safety margin.

New!
Stronger Than Steel!
Breaking Strength: 32,000 lbs!
Gator-Jaw® synthetic shackles are made from Plasma® rope which is the highest strength synthetic rope available. These superior tow rope connectors are stronger than comparable steel shackles. Gator-Jaw® shackles won’t rust and are so light they float. Towing applications include: 4x4 off-road, agriculture & mining equipment and various marine uses.

Advantages Over Steel Shackles:
• Stronger than steel - 32,000 lb. breaking strength!
• It floats - no more losing shackles in the water or muck!
• Flexible - easily wraps around the most difficult pulling points!
• One piece construction - no pins to fasten!

Uses:
• Off-Road Recovery
• Marine
• Farming
• Industrial
• Mining

How To Use:
1. Open Gator-Jaw® shackle by loosening and slipping off loop over knot
2. Thread through eye of Bubba Rope or strap and through tow point
a. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for proper attachment points
b. Do Not attach to bumper, trailer hitch ball or sharp edged tow point
3. Loop Gator-Jaw® eye back over knot and pull to tighten
4. Pull as normal. Gator-Jaw® shackles are designed to take the load without stretching

CARE & MAINTENANCE
The Gator-Jaw® shackle by Bubba Rope can be washed off with water and air dried. While Gator-Jaw® fibers are stronger than steel they are susceptible to wear and cutting. Always inspect shackle before use for excess wear, cutting, or worn and frayed areas.
Rope diameter: 7/16"
Price: $42.99
Attachments
Large_Gator-Jaw.jpg
Large_Gator-Jaw.jpg (49.99 KiB) Viewed 1078 times
See you on the Trail!
TomS
KI6FHA / WPZW486

Badlands Off-Road
tom@4x4training.com
http://www.4x4training.com

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Voodoo Blue 57
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Re: OAUSA Net - Septemeber 29, 2016 - Vehicle Essentials

Post by Voodoo Blue 57 » Thu Sep 29, 2016 10:26 am

Please give me an on-line checkin.

Thanks
Phil

“We must reject the idea that every time a law’s broken, society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker. It is time to restore the American precept that each individual is accountable for his actions.” ―Ronald Reagan

“Government’s first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives.” ―Ronald Reagan

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Re: OAUSA Net - Septemeber 29, 2016 - Vehicle Essentials

Post by N7AJJ » Thu Sep 29, 2016 10:27 am

Dale, N7AJJ, for online checkin please. Thanks much!
Dale - N7AJJ
73's

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lrsrngr
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Re: OAUSA Net - Septemeber 29, 2016 - Vehicle Essentials

Post by lrsrngr » Thu Sep 29, 2016 1:30 pm

Topos associated with NAT GEO (free): http://ngmaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Embe ... heme=light
o Featured product with explanation in previous net (go to post #2 for the write up): viewtopic.php?f=70&t=3982

Flight Information Handbook: http://worldaerodata.com/fih.pdf
o A PDF that could come in handy when needing an interface between ground and potential rescue aircraft. Section A is the Emergency Procedures section.
Last edited by lrsrngr on Thu Sep 29, 2016 10:18 pm, edited 5 times in total.
H-U-A or "Hooah!" = Heard Understood & Acknowledged. In context: "Roger that sir, HUA!"

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WD6USA - Jeff - Please Check Me In for 9/29/16

Post by Jeff-OAUSA » Thu Sep 29, 2016 1:52 pm

WD6USA - Jeff - Please Check Me In for 9/29/16
I'll be listening on the Keller Peak Repeater.
WD6USA

The middle of nowhere is somewhere I'd prefer to be.

"If future generations are to remember us with gratitude rather than contempt, we must leave them something more than the miracles of technology. We must leave them a glimpse of the world as it was in the beginning, not just after we got through with it."- Lyndon B. Johnson, President of the United States

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Re: OAUSA Net - Septemeber 29, 2016 - Vehicle Essentials

Post by k9atk » Thu Sep 29, 2016 6:21 pm

Early check in please for
K9atk Brian
Kofog Trish
Kd0exi Cheyenne
Kd0gpe Austin
Thanks from Aurora Colorado

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DaveK
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Re: OAUSA Net - Septemeber 29, 2016 - Vehicle Essentials

Post by DaveK » Thu Sep 29, 2016 6:53 pm

Tom and I have created several categories of vehicle essentials that we believe should be carried in your vehicle at all times. This list is the product of years of travel, a lot of experiences, endless research, and a whole bunch of help from fellow travelers. We didn't intend for this list to be complete, but instead, offer it as a discussion starter. Let us know what you carry, either by joining the on-air discussion or posting here on the website.

Note:
  • 1. not all of these items will work for everyone, and some items carry certain risks of which you MUST be aware (viz., firearms)
    2. To some small extent, you may need to make some adjustments to your everyday carry items, based on the size of your vehicle, but every effort should be made to be as inclusive as possible.

1. Navigation
-GPS - at least two with sufficient batteries - Lithium
-compass - several
-maps of your general area (AAA maps, topo)

2. Communications
-ham radios VHF/UHF/HF
-spare antennas and parts
-cell phone
-Elk Antenna
-HT

3. Alternate Power
-solar panel, Goal Zero
-batteries - AA, AAA, D, 9V, rechargeables with charger
-inverter (mod sine wave and/or true sine wave)
-AC extension cords
-Anti-gravity battery charger
-second vehicle battery

4. Personal Protection
-firearms (Note: your States laws re storage of firearms in vehicles)
-knives
-pepper spray

5. Other Tools
-flashlights
-fuses
-leather gloves
-jumper cables
-trouble lights
-misc bolts, nuts, washers
-multi-meter
-paper towels, shop rags
-tarp
-pry bars
-reading glasses
-wood saw
-shears/tin snips
-small sledge hammer
-water purifier
-WD-40
-misc wire (electrical and non electrical)
-solder gun and solder
-wood splitter
-bungie cords, ratchet straps
-electrical tape
-mechanics gloves, nitrile gloves
-hose clamps
-misc rope
-mirrors
-hack saw
-scissors
-zip ties
-hand soap
-headlights
-OBD reader
-gas siphon/jigglers
-paper pads and pens
-binoculars
-multi-purpose folding saw

6. Clothing
-boots
-extra set of clothes
-jackets
-disposable overalls
-rain gear (poncho, rain suits)
-hats
-gloves
-extra socks

7. Survival
-fuel with pouring spouts
-Ax, shovel
-bolt cutters
-blankets
-money
-come along
-duct tape
-fire extinguishers
-fire starting materials
-flares
-whistle
DaveK
K6DTK


Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice.
Moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue.

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