Next upgrades

[Rich Faller]

Hey all, just bought new tires and wheels, as well as a HiLift jack and VHF radio and used rubi rails. Debating what my next big purchase should be, function wise. I’m thinking bumpers, front or rear, or underbody protection, but open to other ideas. I don’t wheel often, as I’m a broke college kid but I get out when I can to go camping around southwest Colorado near Silverton and Moab, Utah. I drive a 2 door jeep JK sport. Thanks in advance!View attachment 71205

 

[Jedi]

Start with the basics. Do you have the ability to get someplace safely, camp safely, eat, and return home safely? With a hilift jack I'd say that you have one piece of a recovery kit, but you are going to need a lot more if you happen to get yourself stuck in some mud. Beyond that, the answer will depend on what has presented a challenge for you when you go out camping. Do you hear your differential pinging rocks as you travel down the path? If so, look at an upgraded differential cover or larger tires + a lift. Is there a deep stream between you and the best camping spot? Invest in a snorkel and relocating the breather tubes.

My point is, let the mission dictate the gear... on a college student's budget, it is important to prioritize your build by what you need to accomplish your goals.

 

[Rich Faller]

I have other recovery gear besides the HiLift, like straps, shackles, shovel, etc. I opted for the hi lid because of its versatility as both a jack, winch, and other things. There’s little to no deep water crossing in Colorado, and I have camping and food gear running out my ears from years being a Boy Scout.
Most of the trails here are forest service/fire roads and alpine passes, with the occasional trip to moab.

 

[James Deaton]

The ability to air down, then back up is a huge comfort issue, in addition to saving on vehicle wear and tear. Smittybilt makes a decent starter compressor, and there are plenty of air down tools that help automate the process...

Also MaxTrax or XBull traction aids are awesome and have saved me a couple times, as well as a shovel, ax, folding saw...

RoadShowers are also a huge help after long days on the trail.

I also have a Sawyer Mini I loke to have/use.

James

 

[Rich Faller]

I love my sawyer mini. It’s way lighter than any other reasonably priced filter on the market, and they’re super tough and compact, with little to no moving parts. I’ve been looking into the xbull boards, was wondering if they hold up well enough to make it worth getting them. I don’t want to break them right away and have to buy Maxtrax soon after, and a shovel, axe and saw are no brainers. Certain national forests require them in order to drive on national forest land during fire season

 

[James Deaton]

I use on my very heavy Ford expedition, they do not break.

James

 

[Cpol]

Fridge and hopefully if Santa is kind I will get the adapt lights from rigid.

 

[MazeVX]

The fridge is my number one upgrade, having fresh food is a huge difference.
But I would listen to myself if I where you.

What have I missed when out camping???

If you're missing nothing, upgrade your shocks, that's something that can make a huge difference to the ride.

 

[Cpol]

Raise it up

 

[Lindenwood]

I like the above recommendation of a decent air compressor! I have slowly become a real believer; even if I am not going super low, the ability to go from 40 PSI daily pressures to 30 for a day of mild trails really softens up the ride.

Secondly, Id say tires, or some kind of locking rear diff (a tie to me).

Otherwise, as long as you have a winching kit for the hi-lift, I'd go with belly armor.