Trail-Ready Checklist — What to Prep Before Your First Overland Trip

Trail-Ready Checklist — What to Prep Before Your First Overland Trip

30 June, 2025
Trail-Ready Checklist — What to Prep Before Your First Overland Trip

So your Grenadier is geared up and you’re ready to hit the trail — or are you? Whether you're heading out for a long weekend or your first overland expedition, prep is everything. This checklist covers the critical items you’ll want squared away before you put miles under those tires.

1. Torque & Fastener Check

Before anything else, go over your entire rig with a torque wrench. Hit every major component: wheels, bumpers, sliders, roof rack mounts, and suspension hardware.

Things settle. Bolts back out. A 10-minute torque check can save a trail-side disaster.

2. Lighting & Electrical

Test all your lighting — headlights, ditch lights, scene lights, brake lights. Make sure switch panels and relays are working correctly, especially if you’ve installed aftermarket accessories.

Pro tip: pack a few spare fuses and test all connections before you leave home.

3. Recovery Gear

It’s not “if” — it’s when. Your recovery kit should include a tow strap, soft shackles or D-rings, gloves, a shovel, and traction boards. And if you’ve got a winch, double-check function and line condition.

If you’re not sure how to use your recovery gear… now’s the time to learn — not on the trail.

4. Fluids & Tools

Top off your coolant, brake fluid, oil, and power steering. Bring a small tool roll with sockets, screwdrivers, and pliers — just enough to handle basic trail fixes.

Don’t forget a tire plug kit, inflator, and pressure gauge. Airing down is fun — airing back up is critical.

5. Loadout & Weight Check

Pack smart. Know what your rack and roof can handle — and don’t overload your sliders or storage boxes. Keep heavier items low and balanced.

Loose gear becomes a projectile when the terrain turns ugly. Secure everything.

A well-prepped rig isn’t just safer — it’s more fun to drive. Follow this checklist, and your Grenadier will be ready to handle whatever the trail throws at it.

Katie Smith

Engineering leader at a pre-IPO startup