Noob Question…Off-Roading Essentials

JKRunner

JKRunner

New member
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.
 
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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
 
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
 
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.
 
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.
 
JKRunner said:
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.
Click to expand...

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
 
Equipment Brands

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.
 
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
 
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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-Mini-Handle-Shovel/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 [MENTION=154018]mscot[/MENTION] 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.
 
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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
 
if you do not already have get a fire extinguisher and a basic first aid kit,
THe other posts have covered other essential requirements.
I never recommend going on trails by yourself. You never know what can happen even with a newer vehicle.
A CB is only good for group travel and not a long distant means of communications. A ham radio is a good emergency means of communications if your cell phone has not signal.
 
Shackles and Straps are not as useful without a winch or a hi lift jack, even with trees. Specifically not useful in the desert.

- Check out MaxTrax or Tred Pro's for getting yourself out of mud/sand (can be used as shovels as well)

- Ham Radio and GPS are both highly recommended if you are in a pinch.

- Self starting jumper battery pack

- Always take extra food and water in case you get stranded

- First aid kit for sure
[MENTION=55815]Okki[/MENTION] has helped me quite a bit with recovery, maybe he can share his list with you :)

Anza Borrego is off roading paradise and there's all kinds of terrain and levels you can tackle.

I'm about 15 minutes from you and would be down to plan a trip out there. probably in late July/Early August. Also check out the Socal section on the forum.

IDK how old your kids are but I would not go out where with a kid younger than 3 or 4 ... Lot's of bouncing around

Good luck man!
 
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