TEXT AND IMAGES BY JERRY TSAI
When a vehicle’s battery dies, it’s typically a surprise. At times, it happens in your driveway. Other times, it’s someplace else, like the parking lot at work or at the supermarket. Finding out that your battery decided to quit on you in those places can be a pain, but it’s not unmanageable. Calling the auto club or asking a neighborly passerby for a jump can usually remedy the situation.
Now imagine you’ve traveled fifteen miles deep into a mountain trail. You pull over to take a break and have lunch, but when you resume your trek—bam! The truck’s ignition won’t turn over. The best you can do is wait for someone to roll by or call for help, which will probably take a fair share of time considering your location.