Recovery kit recommendations?

[ParadigmDawg]

The most important thing is to have another Jeep with you, don't go alone. You can start out just making certain one of you have 2 soft shackles, and an snatch strap.

I put a winch and onboard air on the TRX, Rubicon X and the 392 as soon as I purchased them.

I pretty much carry everything available when we wheel.

Sponsored

 

[GATORB8]

A lot of good recommendations here.

One thing to remember is what you will be preparing for, worst case. In the case of no winch for self recovery, I'd concentrate on using a vehicle. While your jeep has recovery points front and rear, the majority of other vehicles do not. It's very likely that you'll be using your gear to help someone else out.

I'd start with a snatch strap with looped ends rated for at least 2x GVWR and with enough reach so the recovery vehicle is not in the same situation. 30 ft is probably a good starting point. All your stock points are hooks, so you won't necessarily need a way to attach there, but a couple nice soft shackles and a secondary tree style strap can open up your options to recover a vehicle without a hitch. Wouldn't be a bad idea to have a hitch shackle, not necessarily for you, but if you are recovering a vehicle where the hitch is the only solid recovery point.

If you're going to skimp on price, up your factor of safety on your rating. And all of this is useless if you don't know how to use it, so watch some videos, or give it a try in a controlled situation.

It only takes one recovery to make all the cost worth it. This includes a winch setup, the first time you use it will make it all worth it.

 

[Ratbert]

Does OP really need traction boards, compressor and a winch?

We don't know if he has a winch. The answers vary greatly depending on if he has one or not.

As far as a compressor goes, that's the first thing I bought. Without one it's a pain to air back up, which means you're probably not airing down.

If you don't air down then your spouse will likely not enjoy doing those more challenging trails as much. That's a really, really bad start.

 

[Ilir]

Thank you for the info so far ! I got nothing so far everything is at stock ! I ll get winch down the road but i want to do that when i do the front bumper in the same time and for that i am looking at the Venator from Rugged Ridge , it a little expensive but thats the one i like so i ll wait a bit longer and get the one i like and as i said i ll get the winch and install it the same time !

 

[rcadden]

Good thoughts here already.

If you're starting out new, you should never wheel alone. Assuming you have someone else with you, then you really just need a basic kit - your Jeep already has recovery points on the front (two hooks) and rear (single hook).

I bought this kit: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GK3F4GX a few years ago and have used it a few times. Has the basics of what you need and it's in a nice kit that's easy to toss in the back of the Jeep, etc.

Aside from that, you'll want an air compressor - I have the VIAIR 400P and it's been great for airing up 33's quickly/efficiently.

Also, not mentioned by anyone else, but make sure you have a first aid kit *and you know how to use it*. I've used my first aid kit much more than I have my winch or recovery kit.

LIKEWISE - I can't emphasize enough that there's a big difference in *having* the right gear and *knowing how to use* that gear. Make sure that you know how, when, and why to use all of the things in your Jeep.

 

[Jeepeto]

I know I'm going to get flamed for this but...

Does OP really need traction boards, compressor and a winch? He said he really doesn't do off roading just some easy trails. I agree it's best to be over prepared but there's also a limit on that. I see so many vehicles with traction boards on them that look brand new like they've never been taken off their mounts. Easy trails and dirt roads typically don't require airing down, so why jump to the expense of a compressor so soon? A winch can be useful for things besides getting a vehicle unstuck but it's still a significant expense that may not be needed yet.

For what OP said he intends to do, I would start with straps, first aid kit, comms, basic tools, shovel, saw, cold wx gear if out in winter, sunscreen and protective clothing if out in summer, water and snacks. As his skills and confidence increase and he gets into more difficult off roading he can increase his recovery/survival gear as well. Don't forget to let someone know where you are going and when intend to return.

? I've never once wished I had traction boards

I will say that airing down isn't necessary for a lot of stuff but I still do it for comfort. Embedded rock fire roads will beat you up if you're on them long enough and it's nice just to air down and smooth things out.

My rule is if you're alone, you'd better have a way of self recovery. A winch is a pricy piece of equipment, but, it's cheaper than calling for a recovery. If you're in a group, a simple strap and some shackles is a solid option.

 

[dragoneggs]

Another thing to think about when you get stuck... safety! Take your time and think things through (don't be in a hurry unless it's quicksand). Often there are multiple ways to solve a problem. Learn safe practices.

I have seen people rush to unstuck themselves and have a jack fall over or slide further into trouble, etc. If you are with others (and you should always try to be)... talk it over and go slow.

Sponsored