Hello everyone, just bought a 2013 TT FJ. First time Toyota owner, and first time owning a 4X4 vehicle. That being said, upon doing some extensive research I am trying to come up with a list of essential things I need to have prior to going off road. I'm not going to try anything crazy (mainly just fire breaks and old logging roads for now), but I would like to be prepared if something goes wrong. So far I have gotten a 7,000lb 30ft tow strap, a 48" hi-lift jack, and the hi-lift winch kit. Is there anything else that's essential that ya'll would suggest I get before going off-road, and which "jack clamps" do ya'll recommend. I've found some made by demello, fourtreks, and a few other companies...just not sure which one is the best. Thanks
essential off-road gear?
- Thread starter Robear
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re: Jack clamps, depends on where you plan to use them , as the size tube might determine which is better. I can't say that one is better than the other, I use 4treks on top of my ARB front bumper. Maybe for now just stow it inside a 48" will fit.
As for gear, many schools of thought here. IF, your going alone, self recovery is a good start. You will want to air down your tires some, better traction, comfortable ride , so a way to air back up is a big plus. A Hi lift is great, get to know it first or it can bite you in the butt or your truck for that matter. And if your basically stock, what jack points will you use with plastic bumpers?
As for gear, many schools of thought here. IF, your going alone, self recovery is a good start. You will want to air down your tires some, better traction, comfortable ride , so a way to air back up is a big plus. A Hi lift is great, get to know it first or it can bite you in the butt or your truck for that matter. And if your basically stock, what jack points will you use with plastic bumpers?
- Thread starter
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hey Birdman, thanks for the response. I was planning on attaching the hi-lift to the OEM roof rack (sorry, forgot to mention that). As far as jack points go I figured that the rock sliders would work though not having used one not exactly sure.
You'll have a difficult time using the Hi Lift on stock sliders without the proper attachments. They just don't stick out far enough. The HiLift WinchMate or the WabFab adapter foot might help with that. If you don't want to spring for an electric winch, then I'd recommend driving with another truck in your adventures. Trying to extract a vehicle by using the HiLift as a winching device is painfully slow and has the potential to be extremely dangerous.
Someone else tugging your truck with a tow strap is much easier and safer when done right.
Go look up some of Bill Burke's videos for lessons on all of the above.
Someone else tugging your truck with a tow strap is much easier and safer when done right.
Go look up some of Bill Burke's videos for lessons on all of the above.
not sure if this will help... but here are two lists that you may get some ideas from
ten things for off road adventure
Stuff to bring on Arctic Circle road trip
And probably time for me to take stock and make sure i'm still following my lists.
ten things for off road adventure
Stuff to bring on Arctic Circle road trip
And probably time for me to take stock and make sure i'm still following my lists.
Something to think about when your building this kit is what your ability is and what your co pilots or other people your are with can handle. All the tools in the world won't help if you don't know how to use them.
I have a box that rarely leaves my car that has the following.
Big hammer
Big flat head screwdriver(2 feet long) can slip the jack handle over it to pry things
assorted flat and philips head screw drivers
Assorted adjustable wrenches
Vice Grips
Grease
Oil
Brake fluide
Bungees
Zip ties
Duct tape
Electrical tape
Tie downs
2 tow ropes
Gloves
Winter hat
Jacket
Knife (just in case you hit a dear and need to save the meat.)
I also carry a 200 piece tool kit with wrenches and sockets, a fire extinguisher, pump jack and high lift. All that stuff fits in a Tupperware box that lives in the back. I use bags to separate things so they are easy to find and using bags creates a lot noise on the trail.
Anything that i can't fix with these means I am pretty f***ed and better start walking. Try to do as much hands on building when you start upgrading your FJ so you know how things work and get a service manual to keep in the car.
I have a box that rarely leaves my car that has the following.
Big hammer
Big flat head screwdriver(2 feet long) can slip the jack handle over it to pry things
assorted flat and philips head screw drivers
Assorted adjustable wrenches
Vice Grips
Grease
Oil
Brake fluide
Bungees
Zip ties
Duct tape
Electrical tape
Tie downs
2 tow ropes
Gloves
Winter hat
Jacket
Knife (just in case you hit a dear and need to save the meat.)
I also carry a 200 piece tool kit with wrenches and sockets, a fire extinguisher, pump jack and high lift. All that stuff fits in a Tupperware box that lives in the back. I use bags to separate things so they are easy to find and using bags creates a lot noise on the trail.
Anything that i can't fix with these means I am pretty f***ed and better start walking. Try to do as much hands on building when you start upgrading your FJ so you know how things work and get a service manual to keep in the car.
other guys pretty much covered the basic stuff I always have with me. I'd nclude a shovel and ax as well.
The hi lift, shovel, ax, and had tools are probably the most used. Not really for offroading either. I just always like being prepaired and there are constitently times where somethings going on and and I think oh I have a shovel, or a ratchet and socket, gloves... I've probably used my hi lift for just random projects where I needed a tall "stand"than I have to change tires or recover.
as far as mounts I vote fourtreks.
The hi lift, shovel, ax, and had tools are probably the most used. Not really for offroading either. I just always like being prepaired and there are constitently times where somethings going on and and I think oh I have a shovel, or a ratchet and socket, gloves... I've probably used my hi lift for just random projects where I needed a tall "stand"than I have to change tires or recover.
as far as mounts I vote fourtreks.