#40 Basic Tool Set
Most ATVs come stocked with a small tool set. If room allows, it's always a good idea to carry a few extra necessities. Don't forget to pack wrenches, Allen wrenches, screwdrivers and whatever else you may need when confronted with a problem out on the trail.
#41 Extra Spark Plugs
You never know when you'll foul or douse your spark plug, leaving you sitting on the side of the trail helpless. Pack an extra spark plug, it just might save you from sitting around all day.
#42 Extra Drive Belt
Hopefully before you head out, your drive belt will be inspected, adjusted and ready to roll. But you never know for sure when it will go. Keep an extra drive belt around in case you experience the unexpected.
#43 Extra Gloves
Dry sets of gloves are always welcome when the ones you're wearing are wet and filled with dirt and grime. The dirt and grime can eat away at your hands and abrade your skin. So throw an extra set in the storage area to be safe.
#44 Jumper Cables
Even though jumper cables can take up a large amount of room on your quad, it could help you get it started when your battery runs out of juice.
#45 Fuses
Running through water and mud holes, you're likely to pop a fuse at some point. Carry a couple of extra fuses with you.
#46 Flashlight
You never know when you'll get stranded and find yourself in the dark of night. It doesn't hurt to have a flashlight nearby.
#47 Mosquito dope
For those of us who do a lot of riding in wet conditions, you'll want to keep with you something that will keep the mosquitoes away.
#48 Ratchet Strap
There's more than one reason to have a ratchet strap handy at all times. A ratchet strap can help you pop on a dismounted bead or tie something down that needs to be carried back to camp.
#49 Tire Sealant Or Plugs
Somewhat self-explanatory, be sure to carry a tire sealant and/or some tire plugs. If you get a flat, this will help you limp back to camp.
#50 Zip-Ties
There are probably a thousand and one ways you can use zip-ties. Whether you use them for tightening up loose plastic because of a lost bolt or securing your extra tools, be sure to carry a handful of these.
2008 High Lifter Mud Nationals
What You Should Expect
If you've sat out the past few years and heard all of the great stories about the High Lifter Mud Nationals, this is your year to experience the adventure. It's not too late, don't sit at home wondering if the trip to deep east Texas is worth the drive, because we can tell you that it's worth every mile. And for those few who've never heard of it, Mud Nationals is to utility ATVers what Sturgis is to Harley riders. If you're into huge quads and deep bottomland where you can ride any type of terrain (muddy or dry) you wish, then this event is for you! The very first High Lifter Mud Nationals was held in 2003 in response to members' requests from the www.highlifter.com forums. That event drew in 1500 quad enthusiasts and has since grown to almost 13,000 riders in 2007. People come from all over the country and Canada to witness this event.
If we've talked you into making the trek or you planned on it anyway, here's what you need to know:
The 2008 Mud Nationals will be held at Mud Creek Off-Road Park near Jacksonville, Texas, about 90 miles southwest of High Lifter's home in Shreveport, Louisiana. The park is comprised of some of the most beautiful woods, creek bottoms, rolling hills and pastures for great riding, camping and family-style fun. And if that isn't enough to spawn some outdoor action for you and your family, this is the time of year when dogwoods, honeysuckles and crape myrtles are in full bloom and the greenery takes over.