If you can't stand the heat...

Another thing to have plenty of, is gasoline. 

In aviation, pilots are responsible for knowing how much fuel their aircraft burn and for planning fuel stops accordingly.  Likewise, those going on off- road trips should know how far their fuel tanks will carry them.  I am very conservative in my fuel estimates.  Since I rarely drive more than 10-20 miles off road on my trips, I find that filling my six-cylinder Jeep Cherokee's fuel tank right before hitting the trail head gives me an ample fuel reserve.  That's my vehicle.  The reader will forgive the cliche, but "your mileage may vary."

Calico Mountains: August 9, 2013

Turquoise deposit.

Calico Mountains: August 9, 2013.

Iron deposit.

If You Can't Stand The Heat.....

Carrying two gallons of extra anti-freeze is a good idea, too.  I prefer the pre-mixed water/coolant combination.  One never knows when a coolant leak will develop on the trail.

If you can't stand the heat....

Carry plenty of water!  For one-day trips, I carry two 1-gallon jugs of drinkable water.  On two to three day trips (the longest ones I ever take), I carry the aforementioned jugs plus a six-gallon military surplus water container (filled, of course). 

More from the July 20, 2013 Mule Canyon excursion....

Mule Canyon.  Photo by Scott Schwartz.

                                       Mule Canyon.  Photo by Scott Schwartz.

If you can't stand the heat.....

Frequent inspections-I'd say weekly and before each trip-of items like hoses and belts-should be conducted.  These components are the weakest links in automotive mechanical systems.  If the reader does not know what to look for, I suggest that he or she read up on the subject.