thats the quick basic list. a major question i have is are seat belts needed for such an adventure? i was NEVER going to install them. but now i have a little squirt and think that she needs them to rid in it some day. but to get through moab are seatbelts good to have, or will i be ok if i do not get it done between now and then. we have a lot going on between now and may and i just want to make sure i know what the bare minimum needed is so i can get it done so i can "survive".
other thoughts about what i need to make sure is tip top shape between now and then?
As Pivnic mentioned, the "official" rally trail run will be a very moderate route that anyone can handle. That said, there may be cliff hangers, creek crossings, etc. Seat belts are a personal choice, but they were the first thing I did to my wagon. I know I wouldn't want to come face-to-glass with a Willys windshield... If it were me, I wouldn't run the trails in the Moab area without them (or anywhere for that matter).
As for other things to consider- Cooling systems and fuel systems seem to be the weak link on past trail rides. When the group stops for one rig, sometimes a chain reaction happens while others wait, and the overheating begins to take others out too. It can be hot in Moab, we've done trail rides when the temps are over 100 degrees and others when the temps are in the low 70's. Vapor locking can be an issue in the heat for some rigs. Electric fuel pumps can help push through the vapor locking when needed. My wagon ends up vapor locking every time I take it to Moab to one degree or another. In the six years I have owned it, it has never vapor locked anywhere else...
Common sense stuff, like fully functioning brake system including e-brake (it can get steep on these trails and you may need to rely on the brakes in ways you hadn't thought about), steering components up to the task of a rough trail, decent tires with a spare, tow strap, etc. Extra stuff that you think you may need like coolant, oil, tools, etc, just in case. On the rough trails, I've had things come apart that needed attention on the trail. And we won't mention that time Randy's gas tank fell out and was dragged up the trail by the hose until we could flag him down...
I hope you can make the trip, this year is going to be great!
Pete