Budget recovery tools

[buckshot500]

I always keep a hi-lift jack, a 4 ton cable come-a-long, small shovel, tow straps, 2 shackles and several water bottles in my jeeps at all times.

The jack has saved my butt many times and is worth the investment. It may damage the stock bumpers, but that is preferable in my opinion to being stuck.

The cable puller is something that works well once you learn how to use it properly. I won't say what brand i have, because of all the negative replies i got the last time, but the Maasdam unit posted earlier in this thread is probably better. Mine was only $30.00 at Pep boys though and works just fine for me.

 

[A3M0N]

The jack has saved my butt many times and is worth the investment. It may damage the stock bumpers, but that is preferable in my opinion to being stuck.

I'm keeping the Hi-Lift high on my priorities list. I would have to get the lift mate attachment for it so I can jack from my wheel itself.

 

[LR Max]

Also go to lowes and get a piece of foam pipe insulation. When jacking, sometimes the hilift moves around. If it contacts your body, it'll prevent damage (unless you are really into it, but it'll protect it from a little tap, bump, or scratch).

Also I've heard of guys wrapping a strap around the tire. However I'd prefer the lift mate.

One last thing, practice using the hi-lift in your drive way before venturing out. One thing I learned is to take my big crescent wrench with me to help actuate the lever. I'd put the hole of the wrench over the lever to change the direction you are jacking. Easier than standing there screwing around with it.

Recently I had to use a hilift to get mud out of the bead of a tire. Fortunately I had just knocked a bunch of tires off their rims in my garage so I was well versed in what I needed to do. This made a huge difference as the repair took no time at all instead of standing there, trying to figure out what to do.

 

[craig333]

If you get a hi lift spend five bucks (or less) and carry a can of spray lube. WD-40 is fine. You'll need it.

 

[Goingbush]

yes, Recovery and Budget can be used in the same sentence

Im suprised it has not been mentioned yet.
I always carry a dozen or so hessian bags , AKA sandbags, they are cheap or even free .

way more useful than recovery ladders / planks / maxtraks or whatever you call them.

get bogged in sand 1/2 fill some with sand & lay them under the wheels , drive out no dramas.

get bogged in mud , same thing (but messy )

might even work in snow ?? .... Ive never tried that

come across a big hole / or rock ledge - fill them with dirt or whatever is about, place in hole or against rock ledge & you are up and away,

heck you can even use them as sacks to carry your gear, or as a pillow. they take up very little space & can be stowed into otherwise useless nooks & crannies and they weigh nothing.

I never leave home without em.

 

[gsanders]

All of the comments so far are very handy, but I have a question for you. Is your intention to actually go on trails, or are you interested in getting out to some remote places with your son and/or wife? If it is the latter, I would say there is no need for a 4wd conversion or any serious off-roading equipment besides a shovel, some emergency supplies, and some common sense. Most open and marked US Forest Service roads are drivable in cars, much less Jeeps. If only I had photos of the places I went with my Dad growing up in our Honda Accord station wagon! Or the places I have taken my wifes Ford Focus wagon. It was always funny to show up to some spot to go fishing in the Honda Wagon and come upon a group of serious four wheelers. We never got stuck, broke anything, or were stranded. However, we were prepared for an extended stay if we had to. Go slow, be cautious, and use common sense and you can get far off the beaten path and not see many other people.

Now, that being said it is good to be prepared. I agree with alot of the other posts, start with some basic tools like a shovel, some spare fluids and basic parts and tools for your vehicle (I carry an extra oil drain plug in both vehicles in case I shear one off on high rock on the trail, possibly extra serpentine belt), and then don't push it. If you get to a spot that makes you nervous, turn around. Then, after you test the waters and get out and explore you will determine what you might need, as it depends on the geographic area. Where I live in Oregon, I don't really ever deal with mud or sand, so traction is not much of an issue. However, I do see snow, tree limbs, and long and remote drives, so I prepare for tree removal, cold temperatures, and extended range without fuel. In Florida, it will be different, as it will be in your next deployment location. I say get out now while you can with your family, use common sense, and then grow your skill set and your tool set.

Most importantly, have fun!

 

[A3M0N]

Is your intention to actually go on trails, or are you interested in getting out to some remote places with your son and/or wife?

At this moment, no. I want to get outside with my son for the most part, and I would like to stay outside of normal campgrounds. Not that I dislike them, I just like primitive type camping more. If my wife and daughter want to join us it would most likely be at a campground with a bathhouse.

I'm not interested in making my Grand Cherokee into a super flexy rock crawler, but I would like to make it somewhat capable to handle some remote travel for multi day trips when my son gets older. And some fun trails too.