[JKRunner]

So I am a total Noob when it comes to Off-Roading and was wondering if I could get a little help with some of the basic essential pieces of equipment I should be purchasing for some entry level trails.

I am located in So Cal and would like to do some local trails as well as do some day trips (after the summer) out to the desert with my family. Mostly looking for equipment that I could handle solo or with my wife or friend to get me our of a jam.

Any help with this would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[BCMUSA]

To Start:

Receiver Hitch D-Ring Shackle
Tow strap
Air Compressor
HAM radio
Basic tools

[finnfowler]

Tow straps (I like at least 20-30 feet long)
D-rings shackles and/or those soft shackles
Come-along if you don't have a winch
Small shovel
MaxTrax things looks as handy as a pocket on a shirt

[Whippersnapper02]

Find a friend to go with.

For gear:
Recovery straps (not walmart crap with hooks and no chains)
D rings
Recovery points
Compressor for airing back up

[Mudballz]

Satellite phone and mre compass plus a friend that’s helpful
Mike

[headpaneer]

Subscribing -
I also want to get out for some local fun on basic trails. With a daughter going into college in the fall, I've got to keep my hobby spending tendencies in check and focus on quality, essential gear.

[nevada]

a winch and a pullpal, since you mentioned desert. not likely much to winch from out there.


along with the required bumper/winch mount it wont be cheap. however, it will almost guarantee you will be able to get back home each day. barring a mechanical/vehicle issue of course.

[SpeedyKevin]

Originally Posted by JKRunner

So I am a total Noob when it comes to Off-Roading and was wondering if I could get a little help with some of the basic essential pieces of equipment I should be purchasing for some entry level trails.

I am located in So Cal and would like to do some local trails as well as do some day trips (after the summer) out to the desert with my family. Mostly looking for equipment that I could handle solo or with my wife or friend to get me our of a jam.

Any help with this would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Also located in Socal. If you'd like to head up to Hungry Valley to try some nice and easy trails hit me up. Just went out there yesterday with another member and they had a blast.

-Kevin

[calcrc]

The first thing you need is a 4Runner !

Then you can get anything you please

[JKRunner]

What are some good brands of equipment to look out for as well as some Brands to stay away from? I really don't want to have to buy equipment twice because i got some poor quality stuff and then need to replace it.

[Bergz]

This would be a great place to start - 4Runner Recovery Gear Setup, Off-Road Recovery Gear & Accessories

These guys field test and review everything before it goes on their site. Tons of great info here...

[mscot]

If you'll be in the desert most of the time...

Good AT tires - don't need E rated, just something with better traction than stock
MaxTrax - or a competitor - you'll want something to get you moving if you're by yourself and dig in to the sand
shovel
Sat Phone or HAM
compressor to air up and down
couple 2"x8"x8" blocks of wood incase you have to jack up the truck

Start there, then, on the off chance someone comes along that can pull you out, get:
receiver hitch d-ring shackle
snatch strap

[Overrunner]

I second the Trail4r website. Essential? I don't think much would be qualified as essential in my book. I'd bet most guys here have gone out with little to no gear when they were new. If you have a capable vehicle and a friend with some experience, you should be alright if you stick to the mellow trails. Rant over, if you want some cheap stuff to get you on trail, I would recommend at least:

A decent tire gauge, ARB or the like
A small tool set, Craftsman/etc. with wrenches and sockets
A shovel, I have this one https://www.amazon.com/Bond-LH015-Mi.../dp/B000X47NJY
A tow strap, bought a cheap one from 4WP 9 years ago and it hasn't failed me yet.
Also, I would agree with @mscot on the wood, great to throw under the factory bottle jack in a pinch.

Other than that, take it slow, keep your eyes open and have fun.

[CoolMax]

tire repair kit
https://www.amazon.com/ARB-10000010-.../dp/B004P91FCO

[maxp0wer]

Tire plug kit
breaker bar with 21mm deep socket
jumper cables
small shovel
small saw
flash light
electrical tape
recovery strap
tool box with assortment of tools (wrenches, sockets, hammer, screw driver)
traction boards if you are getting into deep mud
small compressor
thick board for under your jack