Very basic offroad kit

[BettysNephew]

I would like some suggestions as to what to put in a very basic offroad kit. I do not plan on replacing bumpers or adding a winch. Not tools but the stuff you carry for extraction if needed etc. My list so far from what I remember of my CJ5 days:

Recovery (snatch'em) strap - Ordered 3"x30' Keeper on Amazon
Several shackles to attach strap - Ordered on Amazon
Air pump for tires
Tire plug kit for punctures - Found my old kit need new plugs and glue
Insert for hitch receiver to allow strap attach - Found in the garage
Leather gloves - Already have
Entrenching tool - Purchased at local Mil. Surplus

Anything else? Again very basic as I don't intend to do any extreme offroad.

 

[fourwd1]

Be careful choosing a recovery strap. Most are actually tow sstraps, not meant for "snatching" . The ones Pro Comp sells are an example, they come with a little note saying there not meant for snatching, they're tow ropes.
one of the better brands is Keeper.

 

[BettysNephew]

Be careful choosing a recovery strap. Most are actually tow sstraps, not meant for "snatching" . The ones Pro Comp sells are an example, they come with a little note saying there not meant for snatching, they're tow ropes.
one of the better brands is Keeper.

Thanks. Can you recommend a width and length suitable for my application?

 

[CrazyNorwegian]

I carry an arb705 snach strap with me. It seems perfect for the weight of the 4runner. Also depending if you are ever wheeling alone, some self recovery gear would help like a shovel. They make the smaller folding ones. I also carry a few ratchet straps which can also come in very handy.

 

[Intruder]

Thanks. Can you recommend a width and length suitable for my application?

20 to 30 feet long is usually about the right length. The width will depend on the break strength of the strap. Somewhere in the neighbourhood of 17,000 lbs is what you'd want for a 4Runner.

 

[A.Wilson013]

Something I think would have made a couple of my past experiences a LOT easier would be a set of TREDs or MAXTrax/tracks whatever they're called.

Other than that I can only think of a hi-lift and the knowledge of how to use it as a comealong... Maybe that fancy attachment that allows to to lift from the wheel, since you don't plan to add bumpers and such.

I carry a tow strap as well... It's nice to have.

 

[GVL]

Do you have front D-Ring mounts? Add those to your list if not, I actually have a set that were on the front of mine before changing to the AOR bumper that has mounts..

 

[1engineer]

If I could only take THREE things:
Recovery strap
Jack
Come-Along

(spare tire is already there and rocks suitable for stacking are always alongside the trails)

 

[BettysNephew]

Thanks folks, this will give me a good list to begin building from. Great suggestions as I had forgotten about how handy entrenching tools and come alongs can be. I will start shopping today now that the crowds have thinned. Any further thoughts on basic extraction gear will be much appreciated as it has been many years since the Jeep days. FWIW, in my area tire sucking mud and snow are generally much bigger issues than rocks.
I looked last night and there is a set of D-rings on the front, so my first purchase will likely be a strap and shackles.

 

[KidVermicious]

Straps and shackles are good. I carry two straps, an ARB snatch strap for recoveries and a static strap for towing or winch extension use, and you can't ever have enough shackles.

I think a complete basic recovery kit includes a shovel, static strap, bow shackles, a Hi Lift, a set of winching chains to use with it, a Lift Mate and small jackstand. That's $150-$200 in gear, and with that you can get yourself out of almost anything. There's lots more you can add, depending on your needs and your budget and your space available to pack recovery gear you'll rarely use .

Max Trax are very cool. I don't have any yet, but I've seen 'em work and they're on my list. Exhaust jacks like the Bushranger are also very cool, especially if you're going to be in mud and snow where a Hi Lift or other mechanical jack might be dangerous. Depending on how far out you plan on going (and whether you'll be alone), consider basic repair items like steering components and CV shafts and accessory belts and such.

 

[BettysNephew]

FYI, my Keeper strap arrived today. The picture on Amazon showed the label as made in USA. The one I received is made in China but is a Keeper brand on the label. It does look well made and will likely do all I ever need of it. I'm not going to send it back, but thought others would like to know of the change in origin.

 

[Titanpat57]

In my kit that I take it has 4 shackles, 2-20' x 2" straps...1-30' x 2"...60" hi-lift....tire plug kit....medium compressor.... Starting fliud for reseating a bead on a tire.

There are some excellent resources on YouTube. I highly recommend you familiarize yourself with the equipment and usage.

Of course gloves and safety glasses are standard. Find some experienced guys to wheel with and join a club in your local area.

 

[Marcocopuffs]

Dumb question.... Why would you need more than one strap and more than two shackles? Someone please point me in the right direction...

 

[Intruder]

Dumb question.... Why would you need more than one strap and more than two shackles? Someone please point me in the right direction...

Redundancy is never a bad idea. Usually you're fine as long as everyone in your group has a strap and a couple of shackles, but it doesn't hurt to have backup. I also have a cheaper strap I use for mud or gross stagnant water. That way if it stinks or is muddy beyond belief afterwards I don't feel so bad about throwing it out.

 

[Marcocopuffs]

Redundancy is never a bad idea. Usually you're fine as long as everyone in your group has a strap and a couple of shackles, but it doesn't hurt to have backup. I also have a cheaper strap I use for mud or gross stagnant water. That way if it stinks or is muddy beyond belief afterwards I don't feel so bad about throwing it out.

Ok that makes a lot more sense! Thanks

 

[KidVermicious]

Dumb question.... Why would you need more than one strap and more than two shackles? Someone please point me in the right direction...

Rigging with a snatch block can take at least one extra shackle, sometimes more. I have two straps because one is a stretchy snatch strap and the other is a regular strap. Straps can be stacked to make a longer strap, or an extra strap can be used as a tree saver or to stabilize a tippy rig from the side during the recovery, there's lots of reasons to carry extra gear.