In my judgement the #1 mistake commonly made is carrying too much gear on long distance excursions. Keeping your rig as light as possible makes the trip more fun by allowing the vehicle to perform better û handling, braking, acceleration and fuel economy. Each time I go out I take less equipment or at the very least, different equipment.

I recommend you carefully assess your vehicle and determine where itÆs most vulnerable in accordance with intended use and equip accordingly. I donÆt carry a #60 spare wheel and tire but I do have nearly new 8 ply tires, plugs, puncture seal, 12v air pump and do not go rough off-road. My tool box contains but 10, 12, 14, 17, 19 spanners and sockets to keep it light, by way of example, but my motor is fresh and transmission is in very good operating order. So, carrying the ôright equipmentö is different for everyone according to their vehicle application and condition.

Try to carry only what you realistically will need and cannot do without. This is a strong case where less is more.