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MUST do mods before the trail?

9K views 72 replies 40 participants last post by  twyrick 
#1 ·
So, I wanted to start a thread where we can make a list of the mods that you either HAVE to do, or should do before hitting the trails in your new (or new to you) JK.

This isn't meant for mods like 35" tires or lift kits or bumpers. It's meant for things that will give you piece of mind on the trail and maximize your stock capability. Skids, relocations, winches, etc. So you name them, I'll edit this original post and put them in a list, then we will prioritize them, that way if someone asks this same question, we can link them here and done.

GO!
 
#2 ·
So, I wanted to start a thread where we can make a list of the mods that you either HAVE to do, or should do before hitting the trails in your new (or new to you) JK. This isn't meant for mods like 35" tires or lift kits or bumpers. It's meant for things that will give you piece of mind on the trail and maximize your stock capability. Skids, relocations, winches, etc. So you name them, I'll edit this original post and put them in a list, then we will prioritize them, that way if someone asks this same question, we can link them here and done. GO!
Don't go alone and always have a CB
 
#3 ·
Snatch strap
Extra fuel
Drinking water
Non perishable food

Many other things but I'll let others chime in
 
#7 ·
Okay for some reason I can't edit my first post. So far we have:

-CB
-A Friend
-Reliable firearm (and the common sense to know how to use it)
-plenty of ammunition
-Spare Tire
-Water (Once you pack more than you think you'll ever need...pack more)
-fuel (generally 6-10 gallons is enough, but some is better than none)
-appropriate Jack. (hi lifts are not always necessary in all applications.)
-basic tool set
-air compressor
-snatch strap
-D rings
-non-perishable food
-a REAL first aid/emergency kit. (Not the dumb things with bandaids and tape.)
-Winch



Keep going.
 
#8 ·
LOL, I've been four wheeling with another vehicle exactly twice in 12 years of doing this. The rest of the time was solo. Much of that has been in southern Utah and western Colorado in rental Grand Cherokees, Explorers, Trailblazers -- whatever I could beg the rental counter for that has a transfer case. Recovery equipment consisted of a walmart shovel bought in St. George or Salt Lake on the way and thrown away afterwards.

I hate to think of all the trips I'd have missed, all the sights I'd not have seen, all the amazing, reverence-inducing desolate and lonely landscape I'd have missed if I lived by the "Don't DARE ever ever ever venture out of sight of a strip center without another Jeep with you!!!" mantra.

C'mon guys, you bought a Jeep because you're not a wuss, right? I've gotten stuck four times out there, always in snow. Took 5 hours to dig out once, 90 minutes once, 30 minutes once, and once we spent the night in a JKU, then hiked out to cell phone range the next morning and spent almost 400 bucks getting pulled three feet to freedom.

But not once -- not ONCE, I tell you -- did we die. And we were ready to hike 40 miles (two days) without complaint if we needed to.
 
#12 ·
LOL, I've been four wheeling with another vehicle exactly twice in 12 years of doing this. The rest of the time was solo. Much of that has been in southern Utah and western Colorado in rental Grand Cherokees, Explorers, Trailblazers -- whatever I could beg the rental counter for that has a transfer case. Recovery equipment consisted of a walmart shovel bought in St. George or Salt Lake on the way and thrown away afterwards.

I hate to think of all the trips I'd have missed, all the sights I'd not have seen, all the amazing, reverence-inducing desolate and lonely landscape I'd have missed if I lived by the "Don't DARE ever ever ever venture out of sight of a strip center without another Jeep with you!!!" mantra.

C'mon guys, you bought a Jeep because you're not a wuss, right? I've gotten stuck four times out there, always in snow. Took 5 hours to dig out once, 90 minutes once, 30 minutes once, and once we spent the night in a JKU, then hiked out to cell phone range the next morning and spent almost 400 bucks getting pulled three feet to freedom.

But not once -- not ONCE, I tell you -- did we die. And we were ready to hike 40 miles (two days) without complaint if we needed to.
Some people can handle themselves in bad situations and get out fine. Personally i dont care too much about the "buddy system" other than its usually more fun with friends. OTHER people however would give up digging for example and wander off in search of help and never be seen again.

To add to the list i always carry an e-tool (folding shovel)
 
#9 ·
My trail list

Listed below is my basic list. Hope this helps. Please add and make suggestions.
- Jack to fit your jeep.
- Full gas tank.
- Spare gas if trip warrants.
-Hi-lift jack with appropriate accessories. (base, bumper attachment, etc.)
- Tools for basic repairs.
- 12 ga or better wire for temporary trail repairs.
- Replacement breakers.
- Jumper cables.
- Water.
- Extra clothes for weather situation.
- Quality air compressor with enough hose to reach all tires.Prefer battery run compressor.
- Maps for area traveling.
- Food/snacks/drinks.
- Use common sense in all trail situations and clearly evaluate your and your vehicles capabilities.
- First aid kit.
- Flashlight with working and spare batteries.
- Lighter for starting fires.
- Tire plug kit or fix a flat.
- Tow strap.
- Proper attachment points on jeep for tow strap.
- Spare rags.
- Winch is a nice accessory plus proper accessories.
 
#17 ·
Listen, no one is going to die if they don't have all this. It is just stuff that's nice to have. We are going to prioritize this list eventually, so some of this will end up near the bottom.

Do u NEED a gun? A first aid kit? A spare tire even? Skids? I mean let's get real here.

Do you need a prophylactic when you go on that date? Nope. But you may regret it later. The clap is not fun.
 
#20 ·
I honestly believe each area will have different requirements. If you're out wheeling on a beech you'll need to carry different gear than if you're out wheeling in a mud pit, or a snowy area. So along with common sense, research the area and prepare yourself the best way you can. If you're out in Alaska you might NEED a gun for bears.
 
#31 ·
You said new or new to you JK - if no previous experience off roading:

* a pal in another Jeep who has some experience
* Full tank of gas
* A 20' or 30' strap

Was blown away at my stock Sahara did on my first Jamboree. Before we headed out, the trail guide lined us up against our Jeeps and said "I know what your Jeeps can do, I just don't know what you can do." He spent the first four hours feeling us out. By the last day he knew our abilities better than we did. My point, if new to it, go out with somebody experienced a few times and learn what you can do before you push your Jeep into what it can really do.
 
#32 ·
Better to have it and not need it...well, you know the rest. Prepare as much as possible by knowing what you are getting into and have a plan to get out. That said, sometimes you don't know what you need until you run into something on the trail. You'll make yourself crazy trying to predict every scenario, but there are lots of things that have a decent probability that you should be ready for.
 
#34 ·
I agree swimming rules should apply where possible. People swim alone all the time. They are careful. In other countries, like Australia, they "wheel" everywhere because remote roads suck. When you have to air down to get to you neighbor, that's living.

Likewise, farmers "wheel" everyday and call it work. I would STRONGLY suggest wheeling alone is treated like hiking. Let someone know your leaving and where your going and when you'll get back. It might suck waiting for the time to elapse, but it is way better than nothing.

Also, sat phone as they are becoming royally cheap. Serious, check them out.
 
#35 ·
BEER a trailer for your balls and these key words in your vocabulary "watch this"
...lol

People will bring what you need if they know you will give them a show...
If by yourself then maybe a light beer, yell "watch this" a little quieter so you don't look crazy for talking to yourself and you can leave one ball in your wife's purse so you only need a cargo RAC, for the other...





All that aside: GPS , phone, charger, spare tire, gas can, water food, thermal blanket etc....I keep all this stuff in my rig anywase and first aid kit...got kids and we wheel a lot of nasty rock piles so I keel it light but best bang for the buck for what we do...
 
#37 ·
...I wanted to ... make a list of the mods that you either HAVE to do, or should do before hitting the trails ... .
I would highly recommend zero mods before 'hitting the trails' for the first time. I suppose maybe a silly new sticker, if that is what tickles one's fancy (and who doesn't like to have their fancy tickled).

Depending on what is meant by 'trails', I would greatly recommend that one goes out in one's own Jeep in its stock form with someone else in their Jeep who has more than a modicum of experience and proficiency both in their current Jeep and on the type of trail one plans on tackling. It should go without saying that such a person would also have the fundamental and essential recovery gear with them as well. There is of course a learning curve for an enthusiastic novice but it can go quite quickly and safely in a stock Jeep that one has spent their hard earned cash on; even quicker still with a conscientious mentor and prudent guide.

I would almost go as far as to say that I feel it is crucial that one's first outings are done with one's stock Jeep. Once what it can do straight out of the box is mastered, any eventual modifications or improvements will become obvious.

Such an approach, were one to take it, can all but eliminate the risk of excessive expenditures in buying things that are unnecessary and sometimes later unwanted, losing a sense of balance and modifying the Jeep just for the trail or even for the sake of appearance and collaterally forgetting the other X% of the time it will be driven, and even omitting the easily and often excluded research needed before deciding on which of the innumerable offerings available for each mod to acquire. (spend wisely)

I in no way feel unaccompanied in promoting this proposal; we are all aware the Wrangler is quite capable as is - it is the driver's skills that are lacking early on. Once the basic skills are possessed, the imperative purchases become clear. But they are not obligatory. Nor are they the same for everyone. (Understandably the things listed so far can greatly improve and facilitate 'hitting the trails', but the OP's original query contained the phrase, "hitting the trails for the first time" so I attempted to answer that.

:hide:

Buying a helicopter will not make one a pilot.
 
#38 ·
Well I probably should have titled this thread "must have gear before hitting the trails for the first time."

Because i completely agree that you really don't need any mods. But I was really just thinking along the lines of preparedness, not performance enhancement.
 
#39 ·
Well I probably should have titled this thread "must have gear before hitting the trails for the first time." ... I was really just thinking along the lines of preparedness, not performance enhancement.
I did sense that, but I answered according to what you had written mostly for the benefit of the novice or newcomer. (I neither want to play nor prey upon their jejune concepts of what a true Jeep or a true Jeeper must have or be; rather, I want to just encourage them to get out there and enjoy what they have.)

As to what specific gear to pack, I guess that would depend on where one was planning to wheel and for how long.

Folk such as Cascade Wanderer, BRUT4CE, Bonecollector, and Highlandman (merely as examples) would quite likely choose different items as different terrain, weather, and intent would require.

But there are some basic categories worth consideration:

Communication
Cell or satellite phone, CB, flares, etc.

Recovery
Tow hooks/shackles, Winch/come-along/hi-lift, straps, tree-saver, gloves, jumper cables, tire repair kit, tools, duct and electrical tape, WD-40, shop towels, knife, shovel, axe, flashlight, oil, coolant, reserve fuel,etc.

Survival
Food, water, rain gear, blanket, first aid kit, fire-starters, compass, firearm (if, and only if, absolutely and unquestionably necessary please), etc.

Enjoyment/Comfort
Camera, change of clothes, mosquito repellent, batteries, hat, sunglasses, toilet paper, enthusiastic and compliant member of the opposite sex, etc.

And, of course, all of the bags in which to separately stow this gear.

The specific items vary from trip to trip, but I always travel with the relevant items from these basic categories. (Hell, I even have a duffel with winter bib-overalls, heavy parka, insulated boots, serious mittens, thick wool socks, full face wool, and sunglasses in the back just in case I break down on the one hour drive through the barren and frozen countryside on my winter way to work and back.)

But I still couldn't say that much of this could be counted as must haves before 'hitting the trails for the first time'.
 
#40 ·
Add: spare fuses!!!!I have seen more than one Jeep die on trail and the problem was a blown fuse. The one time we got strapped back to pavement the solution costed like 75 cents at WallyWorld. Seeing a totally stock Rubicon and an Oscar Mike on like 33s I believe towing the monster FrankenHeep on 37s with a big lift and a Hemi - priceless.

The most commonly used items I have seen are gloves, hilift and regular jack, wood blocks, zip ties, bungees, ratchet straps, knives, mallet (to pound stuff back in place), a buncha tools (I have seen an entire front end literally rebuilt on a trail), occasionally a winch. The far most often used item: recovery straps.
 
#41 ·
Add: spare fuses!!!!
Great addition!

I have yet to have the same misfortune as you did and it had never even crossed my mind. I will be adding a full complement of the various sizes to my secret overhead storage stash the next time I am in town. (the secret storage stash is a DIY setup; 14" x 10" of black heavyweight rip-stop nylon with a dangly bit of velcro sewn into both short sides. They wrap around the roll bar in a few (4 currently) places to hold the smallest of necessities. My dear wife's handiwork.)

I would imagine after your somewhat embarrassing experience that you never leave home without fuses again.
 
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