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suggestions

• a spare set of car keys to be kept in a place easy to reach (for instance fix them with silicone to the back of the plate)
• two spare inner tubes
• a second spare tire
• pressure gauge to measure tire pressure
• a pump (small pumps are available that run off the car cigarette lighter)
• air filter
• fuel filter
• fuses and bulbs
• engine oil
• towing rope and battery leads
• cross-headed spanner for tires and a wooden or aluminum plank measuring 40 x 40 cm to place under the jack
• sand shovel (very useful, you will appreciate its performance!)
• camping equipment for sleeping: tent and sleeping bag
• spare petrol tank (in metal)
• plastic drinking water container (minimum 10 liters)
• attach everything possible inside the passenger compartment: it will cause fewer problems inside the jeep.

...to do:

• Fit suitable tires: this is not essential but very useful
• Check the vehicle thoroughly:
  • engine oil
  • filters (air, fuel, oil)
  • brakes
  • brake tubes
  • shock absorbers
  • exhaust pipe: if possible remove the catalytic exhaust and replace it with a straight pipe. It is very difficult to find unleaded petrol and you run the risk of damaging your exhaust. The lambda probe can be replaced by a small resistance which your dealer will provide
  • injectors
  • belt timing (fans, alternator etc)
  • cooling fluid
  • headlight adjustment and possibly 2 additional lights.

...to get:

• funnel
• tool set: screwdrivers, spanners, pliers, insulating tape, iron wire, nuts and bolts, epoxy glue to repair cracks and breakages, cotton mechanic's gloves (even if you are not a technician and you don't know where to start, you must have a few tools just in case someone else is going to help you)
• straps for fixing the jack
• one flashing and one normal pocket torch with spare batteries
• mirror for making signals
• matches and a lighter, preferably windproof
• paper, pens and feltips for large writing for messages
• large and small rubbish bags
• binoculars
• compass
• safety flares (the type used on boats)
• GPS, including a palm top, preferably with an external aerial
• personal drugs normally used in hot countries (an anti-diarrhea preparation, an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory drug, disinfecting eye-drops, a first-aid kit with bandages, alcohol, cotton wool, etc.)
• cocoa butter for lips
• protective sun cream
• "water-less" wipes
• toilet paper
• if you're meticolous - a strong and easy-to-use luggage rack might be very useful
• a spare front and back shock absorber, well attached to the car
• a pair of extra headlights
• a protective plate under the engine, unless the original is still there: ready to assemble versions are available on the market for many models
• "IGLOO" type camping tent
• a 12V fridge box

...to remember:

• It is necessary to make a detailed list (3 copies) of all the material carried in your car
• It is prohibited to import any kind of radio transmitters into Egypt
• Check the validity of your anti-tetanus vaccination
• You are advised to pack clothes, cameras, video cameras and anything that can get spoilt inside sealed plastic bags (e.g. those used on boats) to avoid sand getting into them. Alternatively, pack your luggage in large rubbish bags
• If you intend to "decorate" (sponsor) your car, remember that after the technical scrutineerings, some stickers will be placed on the front doors with the RAID numbers, and the organizers might ask you for other small areas on the body, as for race vehicles.

A LAST THING: Before entering the Raid, look over the Raid Regulation, which establish the rules that everybody must observe during this wonderful adventure: the entry will automatically imply the acceptance of the same Regulation.