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Is my Jeep ready for Colorado or Moab?

8K views 35 replies 26 participants last post by  JK LOL 
#1 ·
Hi all, I have a 2014 Rubicon that I've been toying with. I think it's about "done" and now I'm pondering a road trip to do some offroading in Colorado and/or Moab... light stuff, probably. I'm thinking more mountain passes & dirt/gravel roads more than low mph crawling. Probably no jumps. :) I want to make sure there's nothing much else I really should do before I take it offroad. I just don't want to risk any damage (other than being offroad in the first place).

I'll do one of those build threads sometime, but in the meantime, here's what's done so far:

• Teraflex 2.5 budget boost
• Rancho geometry correction bracket
• Northridge Grade 8 bolt kit
• Extended axle vent hoses
• Rancho RS9000 shocks
• Teraflex heavy duty hinge
• Duratrac 315/70-17 (& Flashcal)
• EVO c-gussets

And the lesser important stuff:
• Grabars
• ACE rock rails
• Body Armor trail doors
• Spiderwebshade
• MORE dead pedal

I guess I should have a winch? Or at least tow straps and my phone, eh? But once I get the vehicle ready, then I'll figure out that I need.

I realize the vehicle is probably capable enough as-is, but I just want to be sure I didn't forget anything since I'm this deep into it.
 
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#6 ·
+1

The Jeep was ready the day you drove off the lot, especially with the Rubicon. You would have had to pass on a few obstacles you might be able to try now, but you'll still probably pass on a few obstacles now.

Are you ready? Do you know how to drive the Jeep, how to operate the lockers and disconnects? Feel comfortable with the Jeep? Have tools, recovery gear, emergency supplies?
 
#5 ·
X2 , even on the mildest trails in Colorado you will encounter rocks, rocks and more rocks.

I would at least install an engine/ transmission skid. A baseball size rock spit off of one of your tires could ruin your day.
 
#8 ·
.....oh and unless your line of sight of a cell tower, you may have to hike over a ridge or further to get service.
I've been taking a SPOT locator along for the last several years ever since a friend got hurt there on a dirt bike ride I was on.
 
#16 ·
I did some light duty trails in Colorado and Moab with a stock Moab edition. No lockers/sway bars, stock tires and lift height. You will be fine.

Do some excursions as mentioned to get used to the Jeep. My recommendation is to air down and bring a portable unit to air up again.
 
#19 ·
After reading about the canister underneath the body, and seeing some pictures of the carnage, I'm considering relocating mine up above the rear axle.

As a new off road driver we don't always pick the best lines.
Where an experienced driver can run Moab trails in a Crown Vic, a beginner can get stuck in the same place. So a bit more "protection" for the Jeep can be a good thing when starting out.
Years ago I had a '73 Blazer. Got looking at this uphill trail, and figured, no way could I make it. Then this crazy dude goes blasting by me in a beat up Pinto, all the way to the top, like it was a freeway... and boy did I feel sheepish.
Heading out with some experienced folks is a great way to get started.
Happy trails to you! :thumb:
 
#20 ·
I just got back from my first trip to Moab a few weeks ago. Stayed 5 days in the valley on the west side of Hurrah Pass at the Base Camp Lodge. Did Hurrah Pass 6 times, Chicken Corner 2 times, and Jackson Hole 2 times. It was a get away from it all vacation and some jeep wheeling as well. Lot of trails I didn't do, but gives me a reason to go back again

I was like you - is my jeep ready. Do I need this, do I need that. Actually it ended up being was I ready. Jeeps capable, driver not yet.

Here's some things I learned in no particular order.
- Disconnects - get them. Makes the trails so much easier to navigate. Had them, forgot to disconnect the first day.
- I had skids installed - got some war wounds on them from some 'not so bright line placement'. But I learned.
- Shovel and toilet paper. Don't ask how I know that one.
- Water. Water. Water.
- Something to wipe all the dust off that will get everywhere.

There's more, but most of the other stuff has already been covered above.
 
#21 ·
Here is my word of advise having just got back from both.
Only do one place at a time.
Colorado is perfect right now. Moab is to damn HOT.
Water, Water, Water on the trail.
Have a way to dispose of human waste. I bought a luggable lou from Wal-Mart.
I also recommend Skids, At least engine, trans and Evap Canister.
 
#22 ·
Sounds like I have some reading to do! Yeah, this road trip wouldn't be 'till this fall or next spring anyway... but like I say, I'm trying to get the Jeep mechanically "done" so I can move on with these other planning and prep stages. Thank you ALL (so far) for your input! It's very valuable - cost me thousands!
 
#24 ·
#25 ·
Colorado has mild to wild. This is in the middle. A good spotter will get you in and out of places you never would have thought you could run. PM me if you come to CO, we'll get you in & out if some cool trails. :thumb:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgEuY2ysFns - Video Tube for YouTube - iPhone/iPad


I would NOT do either without SKIDS or Rock Rails!
 
#26 ·
Fire extinguisher
CB radio
Winch (especially if you go alone, which is not recommended)
Get the funtreks guide books for colorado and moab.
Think about spare parts like front axle u - joint.
Make sure you have a jack that is capable of lifting you rig to change a tire as your stock one probably won't cut it anymore. Hi-lift is a great one.
Get front and rear heavy diff covers. These are one of the first things you will hit on a rock. I would get these over any other under carriage skids.
For tools make sure you have wrenches and sockets to unbolt you tie rod and drag link in case you need to straighten them to get off the trail. Also tools to change the front u - joint.

This is all I can think of for now
 
#28 ·
I have been 4 wheeling in Colorado and Moab for almost 40 years. First in a CJ, then a Bronco II, big Bronco, Liberty and now a Wrangler Sport. I have never had a lift, rock rails or winch, stock all the way. I have run Red Cone, Schofield, Imogene, Cinnamon, Engineer, Mosquito, and many others. It is more how you drive then the equipment you have. A stock Wrangler is fine unless you are into extreme 4 wheeling. I may have been lucky, but only wish I had a winch one time. It was to pull a buddy out when he got high centered on a tree trunk in a Toyota. The only damage I ever had was losing a bug screen on Schofield in 1976 and scratches on the CJ in heavy brush on Hancock Pass the same year.

Mods are nice and I have a bunch, but lifts, power and wide tires are not necessary in most situations. I used to love pulling V8 CJ's with wide tires out of bogs with my 232 straight 6cyl CJ with 6.45-14 (skinny) tires!

I do recommend a good tow strap and CB radio in case you have a problem.
 
#32 ·
Going to one of the Jeep Jamborees is a fantastic place to see, hear, and learn a great deal of knowledge in a very short period of time. Especially if you talk to the folks , and ask lots of questions. It is not only reasonably priced but you would have a blast learning lots of great tips and tricks. They will tell you what to bring and once you are there, you can build your own list of personal essentials. You already have enough Jeep.

Jeep Jamboree requires that you have a CB. That is the only thing I see missing on your list that they require.

If you have time before you make your big run, I would say it will be time very well spent.
 
#33 ·
The Jeep is one of many components of a successful trip. It's the most expensive part most of the time, but still a part.

I would add a radio a CB($) radio, or a HAM($$+time) radio, or an emergency locator beacon($$), or if you are rich bring a sat phone($$$$$$). Your cell phone/internet won't work on the trails.

Have you done more local easy trails? Do you plan to camp? Have you camped locally to make sure your gear is up to what you want?
 
#34 ·
I am heading to Moab and Colorado next week with a similarly equipped rig. I used to wheel a lot about 10+ years ago! but a little out of practice now. To echo much of what has been said your jeep seems very well equipped for what it seems you are wanting to do. Also, take time to learn your jeep and get comfortable.. I've been going out over the past couple weekends and feel much more at ease venturing into Moab than I did a few weeks ago, nothing else to add to what others have suggested but I'll post again if I think of anything while on my trip.
 
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