Considering I'm a newbie to this world, what would you all recommend bringing on a trail as a spare in case something breaks or goes out? I know the basic stuff, although that would be a good checklist too... but what have you run into that you didn't expect that left you high and dry so you don't end up in a really bad situation?

 

Don't go alone. Cell phone and/or CB if alone.

Basic JK specific tool set.

Duct tape, zip ties, and some kind of rope/cord

I am also going to start carrying a u joint for my driveshafts and axles. What a pain in the ass to be way out there and not have an easy fix on hand.

A good pull strap and a winch or at least a come along.

Axe.

Shovel.

Water and a little food, as well as some warm gear just in case you'll be spending the night out there.

The ability to start a fire.

Don't go alone.

 

Basic items you should have for a trail repair that at least will get yourself out of the trail to safety.

CB or long range hand held radio
Spare U joints.
Spare Radiator hose.
Extra Fluids: Water, Tranny, Diff, Engine, brake.
Bar-Soap: Leak Stop. In case you have a gas tank puncher.
Pliers/Vice: various pliers/Vice and a good snap ring pliers.
Hammer.
Hose clamps(all sizes).
RTV
JB-Weld
wheel lugs. Valve stems. tire puncher repair kit.
On board Air source.
Hi-Lift & a bottle Jack.
Recovery Straps.
Pry bars
Hand tools.
Duck tape.
Shovel.
Gas
Ropes
Flashlight.

& etc...

 

And if you do go alone(one vehicle), depends on location and the various conditions of the area you will be in. Then more advance items will be needed. And will have a lot to list

Good understanding of your vehicle, with decent mechanical skills and know how to use your tools, recover gear, survival skills and how to track.
Welder & safety items.
Winch.
Ground Anchors. Such as Pull-pal.
Emergency Flares
Extra Change of clothing in dry pack.
MRE
2nd battery set up(dry cell)
Ham Radio
GPS, Old fashion map, Compass.
GPS locater such as (SPOT)
Sleeping bag.
Waterproof Tarps
and many more.

 

Mastercard! Don't leave home without it.

 

that's some funny $h!t

 

 

I would add:

Fire extinguisher
A good first aid kit - Trail fix for the driver or passenger

Not a fix it list
This is my Camping Overnight List that might also help you out:
• Phone # for relatives: time leaving , arrival, return times, location- address near ?
• Money
• Medicines – his / hers
• GPS
• Feminine items
• Water
• Camera
• Tent
• Hammer w stakes
• Gloves
• Sleeping bags
• Cot
• Cooler
• Lightweight clothing
• Raingear
• Hats
• Walking shoes
• Water shoes
• Towels
• Travel games
• Flashlight - batteries
• First-aid kit
• Snakebite kit
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Snacks
• Pocket knife / multi-tool
• Toothbrush
• Toilet paper
• Cooking grill
• Matches
• Firewood or charcoal
• Soap
• Bug repellant
• Antiperspirant
• Rope
• Trash bags
• Bucket
• Paper plates
• Can opener
• Silverware
• Paper towels
• Bread
• Sandwich meats….
• Ziploc bags

 

I guess ya'll R running 4dr rigs. I can't fit all that stuff in my 2dr rig.

 

I don´t know how difficult trails you are going to do but here are some i carry with me on my long one to two week expeditions to russian side.
Welder is lightweight 24v carry-on....uses two 12V car batt connected together.

If you do easy trails most of these are not nesessary and only add weight and take up valuable space.