Where do I start?

[J ALLEN]

Hey guys, back in August I got a new Jeep Wrangler. Totally stock except some 17 inch wheels and AT tires (17000) miles on it. In the next month or so I'm going to have my first 5 grand or so to put into goodies. I'm planning on using the jeep as a base camp for backpacking trips. Some offroading, but nothing that approaches jeep capabilities.

Any advice on where to start modifying that will prevent a new guy from damaging his rig making new guy mistakes?

If not fortifying the rig, where would you start making camping more comfortable?

I'm totally open to people rejecting the premise of the question. The smart answer may be, "leave it exactly as it is and take a week long course somewhere to get experience."

Thanks for any guidance,
J

 

[CDN Offroader]

Honestly, the jeep will likely take you almost anywhere you want to go as is, and with a good set of tires, even farther. Take it out a few times with someone who knows what they are doing and see if you need anything to do what you want. Meet up with other jeep guys/clubs and see what they have, and why.

It's better to wait then to have to spend the money 2 or 3 times to get what you want.

I'm sure one of the jeep forums would have a list of the"first $1000/$2500/$5000" recommended mods. We have one on the FJ cruiser forum.

 

[Veggie Man]

Honestly, the jeep will likely take you almost anywhere you want to go as is, and with a good set of tires, even farther. Take it out a few times with someone who knows what they are doing and see if you need anything to do what you want. Meet up with other jeep guys/clubs and see what they have, and why.

It's better to wait then to have to spend the money 2 or 3 times to get what you want.

I'm sure one of the jeep forums would have a list of the"first $1000/$2500/$5000" recommended mods. We have one on the FJ cruiser forum.

^^^This is the best advice. As a first time Jeep owner (not my first 4X4) I wheel mine and add on as I learn her limitations. For me, I added a 2.5" lift, cb, one light bar, rock sliders, and a winch with recovery gear. I only added them as the need for them came up. Think of it like this: why buy tools you'll never use? My Jeep is a tool for me to go places and explore. All of the accessories are functional.


"He who has a why to live can bear almost any how."
-Nietzsche

 

[Anchor Mtn]

If you dont feel you need a lift to go the places you want to, I would suggest a nice set of AT tires and a VERY nice set of shocks. Nothing will change the ride and handling of a vehicle like a set of good shocks.

Beyond that, just run it till you fond something that you really want/need.

 

[GTJeeper]

Just like the others have said keep it as is and try it out. My Wrangler was on stock spec Suspension for 2 years and I didn't upgrade from A/T tires, like you have, until they wore out. A good place to start would be a deflator and small compressor. I picked up both these on amazon for less than $100 total and being a little aired down makes the ride a lot smoother, and gives the tires a bit more grip if you are trying some more difficult obstacles. These are worth it just for the off pavement ride quality alone and this goes for overland rigs in general, not just jeeps.

 

[NotGumby]

Compressor, tire repair kit, first aid kit, tent, chairs, table, food and go exploring. Don't fall into the Kit or Mods trap. Read, read, read about other people's set up and adventure. The more you go out and explore the more you will see what you really need, and what suits your travel goals. My garage is filled with kit I either don't need or have replaced with upgrades. I'm 3 years into my current vehicle and just now adding rock rails and snorkel. She's not lifted yet. And that "may" come next year. It's all about routes and lines when I'm on tour. Your wallet will thank you in the end.

 

[AG Sheep]

Do you have a JKU or 2 door? That would help narrow out some of the suggestions, at least in my opinion.

First thing I would look at is the type of wheeling you would want to do and then go from there. A good starting point would be a good set of tires, a good set of headlights, a CB, compressor, tire gauge/deflater/repair kit, a space or bag for fluids, and basic recovery gear. Then everything else will be dependent on you.

EDIT: Best mod I have done is a Vector JKE Dock Found it used and I love it.

 

[Rivalicon]

Depending on where you live and where do you plan to go trailing will determine what to get first. What I mean is, if the trails you plan to go on have some minor obstacles you might want to get yourself a lift kit. I have a 2.5 and there hasn't been many place I couldn't tackle. They are not hard to install yourself to save on money. As far as tires, you have 17" rims you could up grade to 285 and still use the same rims. Quick disconnects are very useful and they run about $60. Just in case you have to release your sway bars. Recovery gear is important. You don't need to get the most expensive. Get what works for you. Everything else is just preference. I like having all my camping gear fit in my jeep. I have friends that prefer to use off road trailers. There is no wrong way. Try to go out on a few trips first and see what stuff you need verse what stuff you would like to have. I have a garage full of stuff I thought was necessary. I hope this helps



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[Graeman]

You live in SC, so I would rather purchase mud tires instead of all terrain tires. Tires are the best 1st option as they will get you further off road than your stock setup. Although, if you are planning on a lift kit then wait to buy the tires at that time.

 

[GSDforLife]

I think if you are planning on running lights, winch and other accessories, an SPOD will help keeping the rats nest of wires down and provide for easier hookups.

 

[OLDgrey85]

Cb, tires, Armor, recovery gear, tent, and lots of beer. Want to be able to call for help if your by yourself (dont do that) and drive anywhere. Recovery gear is to pull out other Jeeps and yourself. Sorry i am a toyota guy myself , had to take a cheap shot. And when you get to your location you need rest and relax. Everything else you will figure as you go. What works for me wont work for you. There is no correct answer.

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[Jeff D]

A good pair of sunglasses and a bag of sunflower seeds is about it for me. I would only add that's there is a lot to do while out exploring that you may become interested in. Other than just challenging your jeep. So build the jeepy for what ever becomes your gig.