How do you balance being prepared vs being a tool?

[IronScott]

I’m going on my first organized trail ride this weekend. I got my JL in late Jan. but have been reading this forum and other sources for almost a year trying to learn. I think I have all the tools and recovery gear covered (I have an absurd amount of tools and gear). I also just ordered some handheld CB gear with external antenna support (not quite ready to install a full CB). What other tips and tricks would you experts give for a noob? I have a Sahara with 2.5” lift + 315/70/17 tires.

I don’t want to show up looking like an ass but I don’t want to be unprepared, either.

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[Shenanigans]

Be as prepared as you can possibly be and don’t give a shit what people think about it. Those who’s opinions actually matter will respect you for your preparations.

On a side note, ran into some hummer h1 guys at loon lake about 15 years ago. They had their tent camps setup with microwaves, tv’s, and every other person was using a satellite phone. Def douche status.

 

[MartyParty]

I got my 4 dr Sport last July...it’s stock and can do some pretty impressive stuff. With a lift and tires you should be just fine...unless somebody wants to climb large rocks lol.
Some advice I found helpful is to always watch the road and plan where you want to put your tires. I also like 4lo quite a bit...just make sure you are moving at 1 or 2 mph and in neutral (to shift into 4lo).
Lastly don’t be afraid to kick the sh*t out of these vehicles...they can handle quite a lot!

 

[Roky]

You should have your basic recovery gear, go through your tools and eliminate anything you don’t really need, especially if you’re going out with a group, and when you get there ask questions, if they’re real wheelers they’ll respect the fact you’re new and offer suggestions, It’s a good ice breaker with a new group, talking about their set ups. Don’t worry about it to much though, you’re gonna have a good time, it’s a lot of fun.....

 

[wibornz]

Just go have fun. Stop worrying.

 

[Slowpoke]

Never fails. One of those that thinks you packed too much will need something that you brought.

 

[noloc45]

I dont know. Ive never been offroading and ive never had a jeep.

But i got a winch, recover strap, tree saver, snatch block, traction boards and a shovel lolol

My first ride will be in a couple of weeks

 

[brazos]

Don’t carry stuff you don’t know how to use.
Know how to use everything you carry.
Be physically fit enough to walk out from wherever you drive.
Carry enough water.

 

[misanthrope]

I don’t want to show up looking like an ass but I don’t want to be unprepared, either.

If you don't want to be an ass, bring a few garbage bags.
Happy Earth Day.

 

[Chocolate Thunder]

Don’t carry stuff you don’t know how to use.
Know how to use everything you carry.
Be physically fit enough to walk out from wherever you drive.
Carry enough water.

So how are you ever supposed to learn how to use anything new that you’ve never used before? Is it likely that EVERYONE in his group will all break down or get stuck at once, or will nobody give him a ride out if he’s disabled?

 

[misanthrope]

So how are you ever supposed to learn how to use anything new that you’ve never used before?

Plus, I've carried things for one reason and then used them for purposes never intended. Can't learn that at home in the garage.

 

[Shenanigans]

When I had my last jeep I carried every tool I needed to build it (minus the welder) including pneumatic tools, tons of spare parts, drive shafts, steering, u joints, axle shafts, relays, fuses, soldering equipment, jb weld, rebar wire, zip ties, hand cleaner, shop rags, towels to lay on, magnetic trays, sawzall, drill, impact, taps/dies, rivets, you name it. I still carry most of that stuff.

 

[sundevil827]

If it's an organized trail ride, did you check to see what kind of communication gear the group does run?

I assume that you did, which is why you went with a CB, but I mention it because there are more and more groups that are running other forms of communication, be it HAM or GMRS, and you really want to have what the people you are running with are using.

Otherwise, its a trail ride, go and have some fun, ask a lot of questions, and talk to the folks who are there, and see how they generally set-up. Guaranteed you'll have folks who love to show you their rig, their gear, and talk about it!

 

[Gadsden11]

Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. But as was said earlier, know how to use what you have.

 

[chacomaya]

If the

When I had my last jeep I carried every tool I needed to build it (minus the welder) including pneumatic tools, tons of spare parts, drive shafts, steering, u joints, axle shafts, relays, fuses, soldering equipment, jb weld, rebar wire, zip ties, hand cleaner, shop rags, towels to lay on, magnetic trays, sawzall, drill, impact, taps/dies, rivets, you name it. I still carry most of that stuff.

If the zombie apocalypse comes, can I hang with you? ;-) I'll bring the tequila.

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