Trail readiness

[Abendage]

Depending on which phone you have, the satellite communicators are kind of going obsolete. The newer iPhones both have crash detection and text message capabilities while off network and a view of the sky.

Unfortunately we’ve seen them work first hand recently. I had a buddy in a motorcycle crash 2.5 weeks ago and the iPhone crash detection alerted authorities of the crash before the people following him could get ahold of 911. After the phone detects a crash it gives you 20 seconds to respond then sends an SOS alert.

They also have satellite text messaging available all the time. I’ve tested this out quite a bit with my wife while up in the hills and never found a spot it didn’t work.

Granted, if the live, real time tracking capabilities of the inreach is what you are after, the phone won’t do that, but for emergencies and text messages, my experience has been stellar.

 

[bbaldwin237]

Depending on which phone you have, the satellite communicators are kind of going obsolete. The newer iPhones both have crash detection and text message capabilities while off network and a view of the sky.

Unfortunately we’ve seen them work first hand recently. I had a buddy in a motorcycle crash 2.5 weeks ago and the iPhone crash detection alerted authorities of the crash before the people following him could get ahold of 911. After the phone detects a crash it gives you 20 seconds to respond then sends an SOS alert.

They also have satellite text messaging available all the time. I’ve tested this out quite a bit with my wife while up in the hills and never found a spot it didn’t work.

Granted, if the live, real time tracking capabilities of the inreach is what you are after, the phone won’t do that, but for emergencies and text messages, my experience has been stellar.

The next text by satellite feature is great, I tested it out recently on my Pixel 9 Pro. Was pretty neat being able to text my wife from places I've never had service. I work way off grid at times, where even my radio won't work, and it's nice knowing that I could get out some emergency communication if I needed.

 

[Rickstar321]

Looks like you're starting off right. Getting out there and ego not to big too ask questions! Great suggestions already so I'll talk about the most important mod for your Jeep... The driver Mod.

Seat time will teach you that your rig is way more capable than you are, which is a good thing to learn and also is an amazing thing!

Find you a good group of Jeepers that are willing to be helpful (Most are! but not all) and get as much seat time as you can. Don't be afraid to challenge yourself to try that next level obstacle. Even if you find yourself being winched over it, because when you finally do conquer it... there's no better feeling! (We are all adrenaline junkies!)

LBL has a lot of mid and extreme level trails as well.

Don't start modding your Jeep until you've been doing it for a while, you'll know by then exactly what you need for what you want to do with it. You might find you're happy with the way your LJ is (very capable). You may decide you want to push your Jeep and yourself to the extreme limits... or some where in the middle... but for now just enjoy learning and again... seat time, seat time, seat time!

Good lookin' out!

 

[tnjeepguy]

Stock front bumper with a winch plate would be the cheapest and lightest option to run a winch.

Yep, cannot go wrong with a nice "preowned" Warn winch, 8k, 9.5 is plenty, can find on FB for near 400 bucks if patient.
A stock TJ/LJ can go places you would not believe. Keep at it for a while before any real mods. D

 

[NskLJ]

Depending on which phone you have, the satellite communicators are kind of going obsolete. The newer iPhones both have crash detection and text message capabilities while off network and a view of the sky.

Unfortunately we’ve seen them work first hand recently. I had a buddy in a motorcycle crash 2.5 weeks ago and the iPhone crash detection alerted authorities of the crash before the people following him could get ahold of 911. After the phone detects a crash it gives you 20 seconds to respond then sends an SOS alert.

They also have satellite text messaging available all the time. I’ve tested this out quite a bit with my wife while up in the hills and never found a spot it didn’t work.

Granted, if the live, real time tracking capabilities of the inreach is what you are after, the phone won’t do that, but for emergencies and text messages, my experience has been stellar.

That good to know about the iPhone. I will have to try it out. I was contemplating buying a Inreach this week.

 

[Abendage]

That good to know about the iPhone. I will have to try it out. I was contemplating buying a Inreach this week.

I think it’s only on 14 or newer, but it works well.

 

[JMT]

Depending on which phone you have, the satellite communicators are kind of going obsolete. The newer iPhones both have crash detection and text message capabilities while off network and a view of the sky.

Unfortunately we’ve seen them work first hand recently. I had a buddy in a motorcycle crash 2.5 weeks ago and the iPhone crash detection alerted authorities of the crash before the people following him could get ahold of 911. After the phone detects a crash it gives you 20 seconds to respond then sends an SOS alert.

They also have satellite text messaging available all the time. I’ve tested this out quite a bit with my wife while up in the hills and never found a spot it didn’t work.

Granted, if the live, real time tracking capabilities of the inreach is what you are after, the phone won’t do that, but for emergencies and text messages, my experience has been stellar.

@Zorba will love these new phone capabilities!

 

[DavidBT]

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One suggestion I would make to your list is a jump box. You can buy small ones now by companies like Noco or others, because if you don't have another vehicle, jumper cables become useless.

Great advice. I have one in truck, and this reminds me I've been wanting to put one in my jeep.

 

[NskLJ]

I think it’s only on 14 or newer, but it works well.

I have a 14 expensive pos

 

[speeding_infraction]

One suggestion I would make to your list is a jump box. You can buy small ones now by companies like Noco or others, because if you don't have another vehicle, jumper cables become useless.

Good idea. I mainly have it for jumping off other vehicles, but you have a good point. I also never wheel alone.

 

[JMT]

One suggestion I would make to your list is a jump box. You can buy small ones now by companies like Noco or others, because if you don't have another vehicle, jumper cables become useless.

I’ve had a NOCO in the distant past. Lasted about 2 years till it wouldn’t hold a sufficient charge. Are they able to last longer now?

 

[inkedrose]

Tons of good info already posted. Couple things I learned along the way, "the Jeep will tell you what it needs". There are a ton of mods you can do but go wheel. See what is and isn't working for you before you start dumping $1000's. "More mods doesn't necessarily equate to a better time", stock Jeep is super capable. Depending on what you're doing you may not NEED any upgrades..... WANT is a whole different party

 

[TJosh02]

You might also look up local Jeep/4x4 clubs. Ours does many "newbie" runs every year. In fact, since most folks these days are buying newer, expensive Jeeps, the newbie runs became hugely popular for those even who really aren't new anymore. Experienced guides take them out and help them gain confidence.

 

[bbaldwin237]

I’ve had a NOCO in the distant past. Lasted about 2 years till it wouldn’t hold a sufficient charge. Are they able to last longer now?

I have one I was given for work. Seems to hold a charge just fine. My only issue is that it says up to a 6.0 gas but it never seems to have quite enough for my personal truck with the 5.7. They make larger ones that may do it, but it's worked on everything else I've tried it on.

 

[Camdenst]

I usually bring a gallon of distilled water.

Good for the radiator, cleaning wounds and drinking.

 

[YonderNorthwest]

This is my list for big day trips:
View attachment 640668
Maybe a little overkill but I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. I would also welcome suggestions if you guys see anything missing.

What program did you make this list in?

 

[speeding_infraction]

What program did you make this list in?

I use keep notes, on my phone. I have android.

 

[YonderNorthwest]

I use keep notes, on my phone. I have android.

Cool. I'm working on a little side project currently developing a program that does something similar. Feel free to shoot me a DM if you would like a code to get access and check it out. Still in development but you should be able to get the gist of it.

 

[Jeepster09]

I’ve had a NOCO in the distant past. Lasted about 2 years till it wouldn’t hold a sufficient charge. Are they able to last longer now?

I have also heard of them catching on fire....maybe they are better now.

 

[JMT]

P.s. Off-roading is a risk-reward hobby. You simply cannot prepare for every eventuality. I have been in prepper groups and seen what happens after someone spent well over $100,000 on supplies and they still didn’t have what they needed. For off-reading I take a minimalist-maximalist strategy. Be smart and really think it through because the more you carry the more it causes detriment to your vehicles performance.