I just found this thread, and I have to say it is very interesting!
OK, so for my thoughts about repairs on the trail and experience:
This is a very interesting discussion. I've seen some of it before. Basically, the question I hear in various forms is whether people with little or no mechanical ability should be allowed to off-road. If you think that increasing the popularity of the sport is a good thing, then the answer, I would think, has to be yes.
I completely agree that rules of etiquette should be followed. This means getting off the trail when you're broken down, if at all possible, and if it's not, fixing what's wrong as quickly as possible. Those who don't have much mechanical skill should try to travel with those who do. However, let's not make the trails a hostile environment for those who are trying to enjoy our sport, but simply don't have the know-how that years of experience can bring.
David, I agree. We all (or at least most) start at the bottom and learn from those that already have knowledge (either passed to them from somebody else or learned by their own experiences). Whenever possible, you should travel with people that do have some mechanical skills (I, for example, do not know any other offroaders here in Miami, but would not go on a trail if I do not go as part of a larger group). But if I do get into a situation, I would try my best to learn from it, so that I can get myself out of a similar situation the next time something happens.
Generally, these things are resolved amicably. People listen, participate and cooperate to resolve any trail problems.
Bad feelings can be created during situations on the trail. But if cool heads prevail and listen to logic, situations can be resolved quickly and easily without blocking others. One stubborn person can sometimes be compelled to listen to a larger group without necessarily causing bad feelings, but it does take two people to tango!
I could not agree more! Ussually there are others in the trail that will have more experience than you. Especially us rookies need to listen!
I think we all agree on this but what cewtwo was saying that this vehicle owner had the knowledge to fix it but refused to move over making those behind him wait while they fixed it. And that is just plain rude.
Now if they couldn't move that is a different situation here...there are some places on the Rubicon trail if you break...your holding a lot of people up because there is no where to move to.
Again, I agree... If you can move and let people through, then you should. Unless, that is, if you are part of a group, and you are all doing an over-nighter (or longer trip). Especially when you go offroading in places other than off road parks and well known trails (when you are heading into areas where very few other people will go by other than your group), if a vehicle brakes down, it should be repaired as quick as possible by everyone in the group to keep the group moving together and avoid possible dangerous situations caused by being left alone on the trail.
Now to those who don't know how to work on their jeep and you offer to help...well there more than likely to pay you for the trail repair, for getting them out of a hard situation. And yes they will learn from this experience and carry that part or the required things to get themselves out of that situation in the future.
And yet again.... I agree. I dont know about the rest of you, but I only started doing mechanical work when I started working on my offroad rig. I am not a great mechanic by any means (maybe not even a decent one), but I do try to do as much work as I can on my rig so that when I do need to do the job on the trail (where it is much more difficult to work), at least I will have a vague idea as to what I am doing! It's all about trying to learn as much as you can, at least for me!
Its not a question if your going to break down...but when. Be prepared and if you don't have the parts with you and a passer by does, be gracious and offer to pay for the parts, heck it cost that person the same amount of money he most likely will charge you to buy that part in the first place.
But sometimes, lack of experience will prevent a newbe (like myself) from carrying the correct parts. So, in order to avoid having you guys help a fellow Jeeper get unstuck, what would you recommed to take along? I mean, other than what Redrooster mentioned before:
fire extinguisher
first aid kit
hi lift jack
tool kit (inclusive of special items such as hub nut socket, snap ring pliers for the hubs, pick set, etc)
tow strap
tree saver
ratchet straps
Fluids (oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid)
spare brake line
spare u-joint
spare hub
spare ignition coil
radiator hose mender union,
few feet of fuel line hose
funnel
all kinds of brake line fittings, c-clips, valve stems, electrical connectors, wire, bolts, heim hoints and some other random things that would suck to have break.
I am thinking water, food, warm clothing, maybe some spark plugs and wires, epoxy (glue will also get you out of many situations!), and, of course, a full sized spare!
From then on, I haven't gone anywhere without a fire extinguisher. And never will.
By the way, how big of a fire extinguisher is enough? I have a small one in my rig (1 lb) strapped to the roll cage (very handy!), but I think it is too small for any practical purpuse, and now I am thinking of getting a larger 2.5lb on to supplement it...
Quit talking about all these awesome Moab trails. You're making me jealous.
Redrooster, I live in MIAMI! Here it is flat, moist and hot! The only trails anywhere near (that I know of, anyway!) are only mud pits (which are OK for a little fun, but cannot compete with the trails in the West or North Carolina!), so believe me when I say I GET EVEN MORE JEALOUS!!!