Covered_Wagon

Im headed out to MOAB UTAH! I will be taking 3 days to drive the White Rim Trail, and maybe Fins & Things. Anyway, Im doing some light modification on the jeep to make it a little more capable, or rather more prepared. Im trying to keep the budget reasonable and am not making any modifications to the drivetrain or suspension. Please take a look at the list below and let me know what you think!

Do I need a HiLift?

Do I need a Shovel and an Ax?

Do I need a steering stabilizer flip?

CB Radio-Cobra C75 WV ST, 3' FireFly Antennae w/ Cooltech mount on the license plate

Sway Bar Quick Disconnects- JKS or TeraFlex

Skid Plates-M.O.R.E., or Rock Hard, or River Raider, or Synergy

rj'sjeep

yes to a highlift and anything else you need for self recovery, winch tools shovels etc plus extras like water food first aid . ax way down on the list but yes. The way it has always been for me no winch = stuck ( wished I had a winch) with winch = never stuck. just coincidence i guess.. bottom line you need to be able to get yourself out of pretty much any stuck situation.. try Expedition portal dot com for some overlanding ideas

Covered_Wagon

THANKS for the advice... Im planning on bringing basic tools, and already have a tow strap and shackles.

I do not have a winch and probably wont for the trip... just not enough funds.

I will be bringing plenty of water, I have already purchased 2 3 gallon tanks and may be purchasing more.

Mark Doiron

You're unlikely to use it for White Rim Trail, and Fins and Things. Just make sure to have a good spare and the ability to get your Jeep in the air to swap it out. A Hi-Lift is not ideal for that, but can be pressed into service, even if precariously so.

It's always a good idea to have a shovel, though you probably won't use it either. There aren't many trees out there to tackle with an ax. Actually, in either place the local rangers would get pretty upset if you did so.

The SS is very vulnerable where it's at. I'd relocate it.

Sounds good. Who are you going to talk to? Someone you'll be with, I expect. Either trail is well-traveled enough this time of year that if you get into trouble someone will be along within an hour or two. Not so during the heat of summer. Fins and Things you can walk back to town without too much trouble. White Rim Trail, a CB probably won't get you out of trouble--maybe, though, if you're lucky enough to have someone up on the mesa listening. Range of them is not very far at all--think a few miles in the very best conditions. Cell phone is very iffy, at best, out on WRT.

Either. JKS is nice because it's adjustable. TF is nice because it has the storage pins. You'll definitely want to disconnect on Fins and Things because there are a few places to really articulate. On WRT you'll want to disconnect just for ride comfort.

I have done a lot with not that much in the way of skids. Definitely protect the oil pan. I like the Rancho Rock Hard for simplicity. I also have the front lower control arm skids and rear shock mount skids from EVO, and they've gotten banged up some. Also replaced the diffy covers. Wouldn't worry about too much more than that for your chosen routes (now, if you were headed up Blanca Peak, but that's another state, LOL). People tend to underrate the OEM skid plates. I wouldn't spend a dime upgrading them at this point.

Covered_Wagon

Thanks for the reply Mark.

So the hilift isnt likely to be used.

Any thoughts on a brand for the SS relocate? Ive seen that most go with a Fox stabilizer.

As for the CB, I wont be going out with anyone else, so its just there to communicate in case of emergency. Any thoughts for a better way to do this. I wasn't sure if there would be many or any other people on WRT, but hoped it would be better than nothing.

Battlefrog21

I know you've already planned this trip, but rule of thumb is, never wheel alone. Being you have no real recovery capabilities + wheeling alone = high risk...

A fox stabilizer relocate or stabilizer itself? Don't break the bank on an expensive SS. Even the stock one is more than adequate. Most people you see running $100+ SS do it because someone else has it or they just have the funds to do so.

I would spend the money on extra parts in case of a break on the trail...

Battlefrog21

As Mark stated above (he seems to have a good grasp on your trail/route) JKS discos are nice and the OEM skids are pretty durable.

My list for being out in the wilderness (Army in me kicks in)

- plenty of water
- first aid kit (preferably a survival kit)
- compass
- zip ties
- good knife
- water purifying tablets
- good back pack
- rope (100')
- sun block
- trekking pole
- something to mark your trail (orange would be best)
- detailed map of your route left with friends
- handheld GPS
- pepper spray
- whistle

Battlefrog21

* high calorie food bars

Battlefrog21

Damn phone

* way to start a fire

Covered_Wagon

Advice Noted BattleFrog.