What's the best off-road device to keep in my 4runner

[Carl_G]

I don't off-road a lot but did have to be towed out of the snow once.

I noticed there are various devices like portable winches, "come alongs", straps, etc.

I just want to buy one device so can someone tell me what the best one is to get? I am leaning towards a hand operated come along. It's small and doesn't cost a lot.

I guess my subject line is wrong, I should have asked "what's the best "recovery device" to keep in my 4runner.

Thanks.

 

[jsmarine]

Why are you stuck on carrying only one thing? That doesnt really make sense to me. Do you not have the room in your truck? Or do you not want to spend the money.

But if you are only going to carry one thing when you go offroad, I guess it should be a cell phone.

 

[Pure 98]

I have a hand operated come along but have never used it on the trail. I would just get a shovel and a hi lift, These tools will get you out of almost anything.

 

[Mr. Leary]

Probably the most critical single item if you have no other items (which is dumb, BTW) is a shovel.

Bottom line is... there is no single peice of equipment that will do the job. Don't kid yourself. Go get the basics or stay on the pavement.

 

[brian2sun]

I agree, just getting one thing is not equipping yourself properly for off roading. You should always carry at least: Basic tools, fire ext., tow strap (w/ d-rings to hook up to), recovery points on the front and rear of your truck (i.e. tow hooks), jack that's capable of lifting your truck more than a few inches, spare tire, winch or come-along with 50-100' of rope.

 

[Carl_G]

Thanks

Thanks for the responses; although some were sarcastic. They were helpful overall. When it snows I will be keeping a shovel in the back.

 

[J-money$$$]

I would go buy a high lift jack, and a few tow straps. plus carry the shovel. if you are trying to save room buy a wooden handle shovel and cut it to the length of the high lift. That way if you get stuck in the snow you can "worst case" burry your spare and use it as an anchor point for the hight lift to extract yourself.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

A good recovery strap and d-rings to attach it is a good idea. I use a hi lift on my Jeep Wrangler but it would be useless on my 4runner. There is no solid bumpers other than the hitch to use it and the running boards on the side will not allow you to lift the side unless you put on sliders. Not recovery but I carry a co2 tank and tire repair kit.

 

[Mr. Leary]

Thanks for the responses; although some were sarcastic. They were helpful overall. When it snows I will be keeping a shovel in the back.

Not being sarcastic. I have done countless recoveries including plenty of folks who were woefully unprepared. The best approach is to take with you a small assortment of recovery tools. Tow strap, choke chain, hi-lift jack, shovel, d rings, and a good set of gloves. This basic recovery gear can get you out of most common situations. At the very least, bringa cell phone, a tow strap, and a shovel.

 

[Carl_G]

Thanks! I will go buy those items. Appreciate the advice.

 

[racedirt1]

I don't think a highlift is needed for a stock 4th gen., where are you gonna jack from w/ stock bumpers and no sliders? Unless trying to us it as a come-a-long?

 

[JB.]

I don't think a highlift is needed for a stock 4th gen., where are you gonna jack from w/ stock bumpers and no sliders? Unless trying to us it as a come-a-long?

Yeah, with no sliders the hi-lift wheel attachment is a must. But even with sliders, the attachment is really handy. It makes it much easier to get a wheel off the ground not having to overcome the suspension travel.

 

[FLEXincRunner]

if im not mistaken, some companies like procomp sell a basic recovery kit. strap, snatch blocks, D-rings, gloves, etc....

 

[Dous]

if im not mistaken, some companies like procomp sell a basic recovery kit. strap, snatch blocks, D-rings, gloves, etc....

Yea my 4wheelParts carrys a kit like that made by Warn. Didnt seem that expensive either

 

[ChoochCharlie]

A good recovery strap and d-rings to attach it is a good idea.

Ditto. I have pulled or helped pull many people out a ditch or snow bank. Not always do I arrive in my own vehicle. A strap and D rings are priceless and will beat a shovel any day.
Then, when you are alone, the shovel is priceless. And gloves. And a headlamp.

 

[fourwd1]

Best thing to have would be winch, next best a cell phone to call for help.
A hi-lift jack looks neat mounted on your truck, but can be extremely dangerous in the hands of the inexperienced.
Chains, no way.
A good snatch strap from ARB or Keeper (not that Pro-Comp crap).
If you wheel in mud or sand a shovel is handy.

Do I sound sarcastic, yes. Do I know what I'm talking about, absolutely.

 

[Pikeman]

I have had my Pro-Comp strap for several years and has worked flawlessly for dozens of recoveries. That being said I would probably get the ARB kit that has a Tree-saver, Snatch Strap, and a Recovery strap. The Handle-all kit(by Hi-Lift?) it has a shovel head, mallet head and maybe ax or pick with one interchangeable handle.

 

[Carl_G]

Cell phone?

Cell phone? No reception on the forest service roads here!

Best thing to have would be winch, next best a cell phone to call for help.
A hi-lift jack looks neat mounted on your truck, but can be extremely dangerous in the hands of the inexperienced.
Chains, no way.
A good snatch strap from ARB or Keeper (not that Pro-Comp crap).
If you wheel in mud or sand a shovel is handy.

Do I sound sarcastic, yes. Do I know what I'm talking about, absolutely.

 

[Mr. Leary]

A hi-lift jack looks neat mounted on your truck, but can be extremely dangerous in the hands of the inexperienced.

Very true. If you are going to bring a tool, better know how to use it...

 

[jsmarine]

Cell phone? No reception on the forest service roads here!

Id still bring one, you can always walk out or find higher ground to get reception.