• Outings Etiquette
• Convoy Protocol
• What is a "Peace of Mind Kit"

• Arrive fully prepared with "Peace of Mind Kit", fuel, water, food and spare suitable clothes.
• Sign the register.
• Listen to the instructions at the drivers' meeting, if in doubt, ask.
• No alcohol to be consumed by the drivers, see below.
• Do not stray off the track, it causes confusion for those following.
• Observe strict convoy procedures.  Do not loose sight of the vehicle behind you, especially at a junction.  Wait until they have seen you change direction before moving off.
• When approaching an obstacle, allow enough space for the vehicle in front to reverse and attempt it again if necessary.
• Before attempting an obstacle, check that the route is clear.  If there is any doubt, get out and look.
• Passengers must not sit or stand on the outside of a vehicle that is in motion.
• Do not leave children and/or dogs unattended.
• No unnecessary driving in or around the lunch and camping areas.
• Do not leave any litter.  This also applies to cigarette stompies.

There are also two by-laws that apply to all members and visitors while on a Club Run

The first:
No person shall, while in control of a vehicle on a Four Wheel Drive Club outing, consume any alcohol before the lunch break, or until such outing is completed.  This at the discretion of the outing organiser and/or Committee member present.

The second:
Only licensed all wheel drive vehicles with minimum of four (4) wheels are to be permitted to be driven by members, family, friends, guests, etc. on, during and/or in the vicinity of Club outings.

Our runs and week-end outings are becoming more and more popular with up to 20 vehicles and more taking part at these events.  This can lead to all sorts of problems when travelling in convoy on twisting roads with junctions and high sand dunes.  It is easy to get lost or get left behind.  Below is a reminder for those of you who do not know or those of you who have forgotten what to do when you are following in a group:

• Every driver must make sure that they can see the vehicle behind them.
• As soon as you loose sight of the person behind you - please stop and wait until the vehicle is in sight again.
• The person in front of you will soon loose sight of you so he or she too will stop - this will cause a chain reaction all the way to the leader of the group.
• Ensure that you know who is travelling in front of you and who is travelling behind you.
• Remain in the order in which you set out - do not overtake or cut in front of the vehicles in front of you.

Please remember when turning off the main route that you wait at the junction so that the vehicle behind you can see exactly where you are turning - this will avoid the rest of the convoy getting lost!

Another important item to bear in mind, especially when approaching obstacles, is to leave the vehicle in front of you sufficient room in which to maneuver.  Often the obstacles cannot be tackled on the first attempt so the front vehicle may need to reverse a distance and attempt it again.  This is impossible if you are sitting on his bumper and the vehicle behind you on yours!  Sticking to these very simple rules will make our trips a whole lot more controlled and more pleasant for all the drivers.

When travelling in convoy on a public road the following must also be adhered to:

• The convoy leader will set the pace.
• A member with a radio must be the last vehicle of the convoy.
• A distance of at least 200m must be between the convoy vehicles, this to allow faster vehicles to pass the convoy.
• Stops will be planned for the route, these to be adhered to.
• In the event of a problem, radio the convoy leader.
• Stay in your convoy positions, no passing.
   

The first and most surprising fact is that there is no definitive list.  The kit will vary for every member and depend upon what is planned.  I have often said that the way I choose my kit, is to play the “What if....?” Game.  Secondly there is no right answer nor is there a wrong answer.   What you can say is: If you needed something and it was not in your piece of mind kit, then it should have been there.  Just to add further confusion, the kit can vary for outing to outing dependent on many factors, such as road conditions, time of year and weather.

Firstly a few basics

Looking after yourself and your family.  At this time of the year we can experience hot days and within a few hours, freezing cold wet conditions. So start your list with:
A change of clothes or at least  something warm to wear.  Maybe something to use to keep dry.  It does not have to be a rain coat, it could be a couple of plastic bags and a few space blankets.
If anyone needs specialized medication, take a day or two supplies along,  you could breakdown and have to spend an extra night / day more than planned.   Closely linked is some sort of Medical Aid kit. These can vary from very basic through to extremely comprehensive and it is logical to say the contents should directly relate to your skill / knowledge of First Aid.  Do not overlook the obvious, you are out in the open,  be able to treat Sunburn, headaches, minor cuts, burns, upset tummies etc.

After several hours, everyone gets thirsty and or hungry.  No that is NOT an excuse for an extra case of beer,  but for some an extra six pack is OK !  So  some extra water and some snacks go on the list.

Now the Vehicle

Obviously you must have a jack, wheel spanner and spare.  But if things go badly you should have a puncture repair kit and a means to re-inflate a tyre.  In certain cases a second spare and additional fuel.  For when you do get stuck, a spade, a load spreading base to stop your jack sinking into the ground and not lifting your vehicle. A snatch rope or tow rope – no they are not the same thing, and essentially, very strong attachment points, both in front and at the rear.  Next address what if something breaks. Answer, if you cannot fix it, carry a spare, so a spare fan belt is good.  Instead of spare hoses, maybe a selection of tapes, duct, insulation and amalgamating tape, a few bolts nuts and washers and self tapping screws together with some basic tools.  Some not so obvious items are spare batteries for your remote locker and as keys can get lost, a spare vehicle key.  A selection of spare electrical fuses is better than tin foil or a piece of thin wire.
 

Choose for the trip

If your trip is going to be hot and dry what you take should be slightly different to what you need for a cold, wet and muddy, a fire fighting device for the former and something for shade.
Boots, spare socks, a means to make and light a fire for the latter.
 

Dont forget essentials

Chairs to sit on, a table to prepare food.  On various outings, we have seen forgotten, Kettles, pots, salt & pepper, coffee, milk, eggs, tent poles, bedding , cutlery and very embarrassed  people wanting to borrow one or more of these items.  So perhaps this is the best example of a “piece of mind” item !
 

OK – Thats a start.  Now ask yourself "If xxx happens what do I need?"  You will quickly build up your Piece of mind kit  Remember its YOUR kit not mine.