My wife is one of those that rolls her eyes each time a package comes to the door after a TrailRecon episode and says, "what Jeep stuff did you buy now!!? It's your vids and experiences that, in my opinion, have me prepared for most everything that could go wrong. Thanks for the reminder to get a couple of things I don't have, yet. 😉✌

@TrailRecon

Жыл бұрын

Hopefully you don't get in too much trouble! Glad the information is helpful, safe travels!

@edwinnaphtaly1516

Жыл бұрын

Same here bud yeer that's how it goes

@uritaub5441

Жыл бұрын

I am taking my first steps in overlanding. I guess our wives know each other, because mine says the exact thing, every time I come with a package, or amazon sends something for my 2006 Touareg! but she hates it even more when I go to the mechanic.

@oztex1876

7 ай бұрын

A spare pair of socks up front comes in handy in those situations. Trust me, multi purpose. Your ears will thank you ;}

Safety, recovery.. completely agree. I also keep a small plastic box with toilet paper. 😂

Jump start battery for sure. Also if you’re in a heavily wooded state a chainsaw is a good idea. Nothing like having to double back for miles when you run across downed trees. I carry an electric one that works well. Love the video!

@JeremyLucier

Жыл бұрын

Agreed...jump pack

@thomass8118

Жыл бұрын

Fully agree. There are some very interesting (small) options out there.

I went with the local Jeep club to hit some trails for the first time. A power steering line from another Jeep popped off and the engine bay quickly caught on fire. I felt self conscious about not having some essentials with me, like recovery gear, BUT I was the only one with a fire extinguisher.

Along with the great ideas, don’t forget a spare key in case you drop/lose the primary key.

Since Texas is HUGE.... for our "normal" daily drivers: Battery jump pack, water, some long term food (granola bars type things, etc.) tow strap, small battery bank for cell phones, jumper cables, quart or two of engine oil, rags, zip ties, duck tape, wipes, reusable shopping bags (lol), and a little bit of cash and change.

@drexotic

Жыл бұрын

Good stuff!

I always carry a jump starter. Never used it myself, but I’ve helped friends who’s batteries died due to cold weather

@Random_._Shots

Жыл бұрын

And make sure to keep the jump starter charged, as well :)

@mandycandy85

Жыл бұрын

@@Random_._Shots lneed! That reminds me I need to charge it for this weekend’s road trip!

@Random_._Shots

Жыл бұрын

@@mandycandy85 lol awesome 🙂 be safe

My wife and I are both Navy vets. We were watching this video today and I remarked... "look, Brad's giving a GMT on things to have in your vehicle". We both laughed long and hard. Seriously, though... well done, Brad.

Always check the winch controls. Make sure you have the remote and make sure it works

Motor oil, gear oil, premixed coolant, spare driveline parts, cans of food, can opener, spare heater and radiator hoses, vacuum lines.

Black 12 inch zip ties , assortment of hose clamps and strong bayling wire is with my repair kit . I've also added some all, thread in 3/8 and miscellaneous washers and lock washers . The ever growing assortment of bolts and nuts changes all the time .

A few things to add to your list. - Drinking water (with good storage) - Radio. - map or gps

@TrailRecon

Жыл бұрын

All good essentials

Hey Brad, in addition to what you recommend, 3 things in my recovery kit: Roll of toilet paper (only funny until you need it, I live in the desert so leaves are not a an option :P), a small torch, and a good tire deflator/pressure checker.

@williamolliges2622

Жыл бұрын

You only cut yourself out of and use your underwear once . . .

I've added a book of matches in my glove boxes. I've never used them, but there always there.

Rain fly covers for when you’re cruising topless and don’t have time to find cover for quick pop up showers!

Im not the only "crazy" person to carry around a bag full of hardware and spare sensors! Great video Brad!

Its pretty cool to have a medic with you. So you guys have a medic and a great cook, all you need is a jeep mechanic.

Great list! I like to carry a military style collapsible shove. They can be really helpful if you get stuck in the snow

@TrailRecon

Жыл бұрын

Oh ya, shovel is a must!

@MoabYoda

Жыл бұрын

Keep a roll of TP next to in and you got your potty kit all ready to go.

liquid stiches is something that should be in every first aid kit

A solid flashlight/headlamp and gloves

Never get tired of your videos with you and your family. Always look forward to the next

A quick note on cutting a seat belt. To avoid binding cut the belt on a 45 degree angle. It'll cut like butter whether you're using trauma sheers or an actual cutter. Great Video!!!

My winch saved me from myself yesterday and netted me a bottle of bourbon plus $50 the week before. I am thinking those traction boards are next but the hot heads is looking good. I just ordered my seat belt cutter. So small, why not have it.

If you have the mopar stock locking lug (fancy design on your lug nut) MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE KEY. Definitely got a fun story out of it on Otay Truck Trail.

One thing I regret not having after getting stuck up in the mountains hunting elk is a winch. While I have planned getting a winch for my WJ, I still haven’t pulled the trigger on it and I’ve regretted that a few times. Including sliding off a road in ID chasing elk and self recovering with a come along and a few straps. A winch would’ve made it faster and safer. I was able to shovel myself out and safely get home, but it was sure exhausting! I never go anywhere without a shovel.

@jefftaylor6390

Жыл бұрын

If you can't afford a winch right away, get a Come-Along (Cable Winch Puller, Hand Puller, few names for similar things), usually a ratchet driven wire puller that can winch you small distances to free your vehicle.

The safety stuff and spares should be in every car, not just Jeeps. Great video. If you have these basics you're set for mild wheeling with friends until you can figure out how you want to build your Jeep. A Jeep on stock suspension is surprisingly capable.

The nuts, bolts, and screws for field repairs are a great idea.

My wife cut the ends of bandaids then made them into strips to use as butterfly stitches. Stupid me was showing my boys why you never stay on the same side of the down tree your limping and slipped and stuck the ax in my shin. Her quick thinking saved me a lot of grief!!!

9:04 - halo bolt ultimate jump starter with air compressor. those things are the best. we have one in all four of our vehicles and one in our squaredrop.

It's time this subject was brought up, a real Unity 6" Cop Spotlight, not a bolt-on temporary light. A real-deal movable Unity Spotlight is very handy, it's legal, and can light up wherever you need it. Yes you need to drill a hole, tuff! It's worth it. The Unity LED has boo-koo candlepower and very handy on a Jeep. Please do a future feature on these wonderful lights. Really, they're not that scary !!

After cleaning my jeep, my wife wanted to go for a ride. As I was crossing a creek that was higher than normal, I realized my recovery bag was in the garage. There I was in the center of a swollen creek without winch controls. We made it. Now my recovery gear have a new location in the jeep. I never leave without it.

The other SERIOUS issue we faced on that rollover was stopping the fuel leak. The gas cap either popped off, or there wasn’t one to begin with. Initially, we searched for it on the ground near the Jeep then someone pulled one from a JK in the group. But the JK’s wasn’t compatible. So, in a pinch a redwood or rubber cylinder to wedge into the fuel filler would suffice.

I think a tire repair kit is worth its weight in platinum! That and some extra hardware saved my butt out in Big Bend when I lost a brake caliper bolt and punctured my wheel! Ended up having to zip tie a socket into the bolt hole to hold the brakes in place until I could get to the nearest auto parts 80 miles away in Alpine.

Brad thank you for sharing your experience. Still not an off roader, but I sure am learning a lot from your channel.

Good one Brad! I'd add water. Break down or get stranded it's one thing you can't live without. And, in today's world, it's hard not to recommend a satellite communication device (Garmin inReach, Spot, etc.). I found folks stranded in the Borrego on a hot late spring day (at the Jet Engine . . . now gone) years back. They would have been in big trouble if we had not shown up. Thanks for another great video! Cheers, Jeff

@TrailRecon

Жыл бұрын

Agree! I didn't mention it, but we always carry plenty of water, especially since we're often in the desert. Thanks for watching!

I got a flat driving over a dried up lake bed. My Hi Lift Jack failed and I did not have a socket to break the lugs on after market wheels. Needless to say I was lucky that some quads were running out on the trail and they came to the rescue. They had the bottle Jack and breaker bar to get me back on the trail and back home. Never again!! Repaired my hi lift and check it often. Got a bottle Jack at Harbor Freight as well as the Jeep tire chock for extra space off the ground. I carry all that EVERY TIME I hit the trail now. Flat tires will not have sidelined ever again.

Maybe not the most a critical item out west, but a good bow saw for clearing trail of down trees can be invaluable. They can fold down small and light and gets used more twice as much as any other tool in my kit.

Never thought about the seat belt cutter. Great info as always and I’ll be adding a couple of these to my rig.

Less than a quarter mile on the first trail with my Gladiator still on stock all weather tires and had a stick puncture the side wall. Fortunately I had a tire repair kit that ended up saving the day. Upgraded to 33” ATs shortly thereafter

I always keep a small fire blanket in my jeep, any camp fires started when cooking (with oil/grease) need smothering to be extinguished fully. it's come in handy twice now and there are plenty of ways to fasten them to the ceiling or roll cage.

Thank you Brad for a great video on a topic that can be overlooked. The weekend warriors will drive out into the bush not thinking any thing will go wrong.......but it does! being prepared needs to be in the mind set and the examples you gave are great!

Wow, All those little things you just dont think about sometimes. Thank you

Very informative Brad. Thanks for sharing your Off-road knowledge and experience.

What we learn is what we know ? This video was very helpful. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks. The bag of nuts and bolts is a great idea. Heading to the garage to make mine now……

Awesome video, as always, Master Chief!

A true locking differential should be one of those at top of the list!

One of your best videos for both the new guy and the old-hat.

Brad, you mentioned a tow strap. Instead of a tow strap, or in addition to one, you should have a kinetic recovery rope / strap. It is the easiest way to transfer momentum from a recovery vehicle to a stuck one! Because it it somewhat elastic it reduces the chances of damage to both vehicle's recovery points. Good video, as always. Thanks.

@mattlewandowski73

Жыл бұрын

Unfortunately, a LOT of people use the terms interchangeably (worse, a LOT of people use the equipment interchangeably.) It is absolutely vital that folks know the difference.

@brentking4538

Жыл бұрын

I have a JK and I pulled a big, full size, RV out of some sand with mine!! Love them!!

Great info Brad Thanks so much!!

One of the best videos I’ve seen. To the point , basic , straight-forward . Some I have , but will definitely be adding . Applicable to any vehicular travel. Thank you .

Another great must watch video. I have every one of those accessories… and for the same reason, I made a trip and needed it and didn’t have it with me- never again

Great video, always good to have all those things, it may take some time to get for your vehicle but I think pretty much everything on that list is a must have for serious overlanding or day trips.

What a great Dad! Your boys are lucky to have you! Really great content as always😎

Excellent list. I agree with content and priority. You reminded me that I haven’t yet put a first aid kit or an extinguisher in my wife’s JLU 4xe.

I gotta say, I love my adverture outdoor tailgate table &brawlee tailgate light. I find myself behind my jeep all the time when camping and it's the most obviously used accessory that I don't regret.

That dang winch... I'd ordered my steel bumper and was waiting for it to come in, but had gone to Lake City, CO and was exploring some easy trails. Drove around a corner and sank into what was an incredibly unexpectedly soft road section and my passenger side sunk. Even with lockers and all the offroad tech in my 4runner it was hopelessly stuck and I spent $750 for a tow out.

I never go out on the trails without a chain saw.. I learned that the hard way!

Good video, thanks for posting!

1:41 I have a first aid kit that I bought at a drugstore that I fortify with my own items that hangs from my headrest so it is always easy to access. Any time I use something I replace it. 13:25 The one that has got me in trouble more than once is the short "I am not going to get stuck" run that ends up biting me in the butt. There are a few trails close to home that I like to go for a "short" trail ride on and more than once I have not loaded all the recovery gear and the simple solution to self rescue is sitting on the garage floor.

I really enjoy and learn from your videos. Thank you for the effort 👍

Great video! The first things I got after my very first green trail ride was a winch and recovery gear. I just knew that in time with building up the jeep they would be necessary. 2 years later my winch and kinetic rope have gotten more use than I'd ever care to admit to 🤣

If you go out where cellphone reception is poor or nonexistent, PLEASE carry an Emergency Locator Transmitter/Beacon! They are not too expensive compared to other off-road items and can be real life savers!

A little surprised that you omitted jumper cables and/or jump pack...pretty handy when battery starts to fail or another's fails. Great episode to get people thinking.

snatch block to add options to recoveries and added pulling power

I know this may sound strange, but one of my best purchases was a padded center console cover. Bartact makes a good one, I'm sure there are others out there. For taller folks, it's a lifesaver on longer drives - gives me a much more comfortable driving position. Total game changer for $50-$60. Thanks for all your great work!

@TrailRecon

Жыл бұрын

Great suggestion, I may have to take a closure look at one of those.

@rle737ng

Жыл бұрын

Dogs love them too. They make great platforms for the dog's front paws. They can see out!

Great Video Brad, thank you very much!!! I have everything you mentioned down to the element extinguisher, we even have them on the overland trailer and Beverly's bronco. However the seatbelt cutter is one I have never thought of because I carry a knife with me all the time. I always tell everyone " ITS BETTER TO HAVE AND NOT NEED IT OR NEED IT AND NOT HAVE IT " Thank you for doing this video.... Hope you and Regina and the family are doing well.

Great video! very useful, some things I had never thought about but can be life saving, like the seatbelt cutter, and the jack stand base is one of those things one just doesn't think about until you can't change your tire because it is too tall for the jack...

Thanks for the video Brad one thing I could think of caring especially in off-road vehicle has bear spray and bug spray you never know when you need either one . Thanks Don

A noco jump starter is something I have in every vehicle now. Jumper cables are great but your vehicle isn’t always positioned in a way that makes them easy to use, and if my wife is ever in a situation where her vehicle needs a jump I don’t have to worry about her flagging down some stranger to give her a hand.

Great information, well presented.

ABSOLUTELY fantastic video, Brad!

@TrailRecon

Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Binoculars, signal mirror, fire starter, extra flashlights.

Brad, would you consider doing a video on what to pack, at a minimum, in a first aid kit? I’m never sure what is essential and what is not.

@TrailRecon

Жыл бұрын

I did a video a very long time ago on first aid kits…. You might have to dig deep to find it.

@offroad-adventure

Жыл бұрын

Will do! Thank you.

@bryanrensel

Жыл бұрын

What about a new angle on your first aid video. Film helping your sons build their vehicle first aid kits, while explaining the importance and use of the key items you recommend to them. A great learning experience for them and all your viewers.

Great video! I regretted having a low quality winch out in the backcountry. A solo easy day trip ended up involving some simple winching, and my cost cutter winch failed. Needless to say, that unit was discarded, and a Warn winch was installed.

Brad, great video bro! Jim from Temecula! I’m actually just returning from a camping trip in Anza Borrego. One thing that I’ve learned to pack but I’ve actually never needed myself was a jumpstart pack. There’s always somebody in the group who leaves on an accessory and wakes up the next morning with a dead battery lol. The other thing I bring is a self priming fuel siphon in case of emergencies people can go rig to rig if need be. Hope all is well bro!

One of my personal favorites and I've used probably the most is my shovel. I have a MurderSpork and now I have a full length one. The full length is super worth the storage hassle for those of us with bad backs needing a little easier leverage.

In regards to fire extinguishers. I would highly recommend not running just an element extinguisher. At a minimum carry a 2.5lb abc extinguisher alongside the element one. Or a 5lb extinguisher if you can. There’s a video of a couple fire fighters running tests on all different types of extinguishers including the element one. If I can find it I’ll send it to you Brad

@Heavydoody12

Жыл бұрын

Harry Situations made a video not long ago and tested the performance of the element a long with different sized fire extinguishers. The element did not perform well at all.

@stevensoutdoors

Жыл бұрын

@@Heavydoody12 Here's that video. They work with a fire department to set up an under-hood test fire, and try a bunch of extinguishers on it. Here it is at the "element" timestamp: kzread.info/dash/bejne/ia6KkpmihaiflbQ.html

Great video Brad! really enjoyed it.

in WV here a chain saw is a must. Wind blows trees over here all the time. You can go down a trail and in a hour come back the same way and there will be multiple trees down. Chain saw would be a big one here and I would imagine on the west coast as well. I was in Oregon and had to navigate around some fallen trees as I was in a rental vehicle..lol. Electric saws are awesome and a great alternative.

I have a good quality Gerber knife that has a hook blade (small fold out on the opposite side) and a glass breaker, besides the main good quality Gerber blade; the blade has a cut point that is the same width as a standard flathead screwdriver. I was worried I'd miss the point on my knife, but I will tell you with a lot of enthusiasm, I have used that small flat end more than I would ever need a knife point. It is not only a pry tool to open containers like paint and chemical can tops, but a tool to turn screws when going to grab a screwdriver isn't necessary. I carry it everywhere and all day. Plus as an added bonus, the glass breaker is on the butt end, and adds a very painful striking end to the knife if the blade end isn't conveniently aligned when in a fight.

We carry a good size Mymedic kit. But our last trip Moab we found we were missing a full size splint. We came across a couple on dirt bikes and she had crashed and possibly broke her elbow. So we used bandage and sticks and gave them a ride down. Mymedic makes a bigger sprain and fracture mod that we have since added.

Love all your videos Brad. Only missing 2 items of the 15 from your list, but watching it reminds me to buy the other items. Thanks again for all your videos

@TrailRecon

Жыл бұрын

Awesome! Thank you!

Love your videos Brad. G'day from Australia.

As funny as it sounds I carry a liter of different oils (engine, trans, diff). The wheeling in BC can be hard on equipment and anyone with a pentastar knows that unscheduled oil leaks happen(oil cooler). So being hours from civilization a little bit of extra oil on hand makes the difference between waiting hours for help or limping it out.

Great video. I've been watching for a few years now. I must've paid some attention because I have everything you listed except the bag of bolts (I'll fix that). What I've added to my Jeep, since we live in the Pacific Northwest, is two heavy wool blankets. They serve double duty. I've used them on overnights when the heavy sleeping bag wasn't heavy enough. They're black, so I also use them to cover up my gear in the back when we are in town. Between the tinted windows and the black blankets, it's hard for anyone to tell I've got anything at all in back. Keep up the great work!

Impact would be a must for me. I saw you struggling to get the lugs off on a previous video .

Jump pack or jumper cables. With OEM fenders a handful of the fender clips. Wire and butt connectors.

Master Chief, great video!! Excellent information! I really love your videos and, fun fact #12, it was your video on various overland setups that got me hooked on Trail Recon as well as over-landing in general. I spent many years at 29 and seeing you and your family trekking through the SoCal parks and wilds is phenomenal! Thank you, Chief! Love your channel and hope to see you on the trail some day!

I’ve always had a first aid kit within reach since I had my first vehicle. I do need a better jack, air compressor and fire extinguisher. Will get the lift then worry about skid plates and rock rails. Thanks for another very information video.

I have a power wagon and took it to my local off road park. I have tube step bars but they bent coming over a hill. I really need a pair of good rock sliders for my power wagon. Probably a suspension lift as well. Thanks for your videos

what a comprehensive list of absolute minimum sot carry with you on the trail Brad. And thanks for the Portland Gerber plug ;-) I have a window hammer/cutter installed in easy reach in middle console as well as a cutter on the seat belt (courtesy CRKT another Portland knife company) . Used the extinguisher assisting a tent fire, definitely needed 24/7. ATGATT (all the gear all the time). A rear cargo drawer system to keep the gear contained yet easily accessible seems to be a future upgrade I need.

Great content Brad! Thanks!

I love your channel. I get lots of inspiration from it. Just wish I could afford it all and get it at one time!

@TrailRecon

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much, please remember you don't need much to get out and have some adventures, start small!

Excellent video. Wonder if you have a list of some sort for the "bag of bolts" - typical sizes ? this is a great idea ! other suggestions other than the traditional duck tape and bailing wire for "emergency repair" must have items?

I was once snow wheeling with some other folks and while I had a winch installed on my Gladiator I didn’t have the proper things to pull people out and I had to try and pull a heavy duty truck sideways because it was about to go down a cliff. I good snatch block would have been invaluable at that time as it would have given me more pulling strength. I eventually recovered this HD truck but it was a bit sketchy and took 10x longer then it should have if I just had the things to go along with my winch. Never again

All great stuff and I have just about everything you mentioned but instead of the factory Jack and a bottle Jack I have a high lift which also acts like a winch. Slow but usually all you need is a little pull or a ratchet strap around the suspension and then Jack up from a bumper or side rail to change a tire.

Great list! I have most things on it. I don't have the headliners or seatbelt cutting. Will need to think about that. I'd add on the list a rear bumper (or something else) to mount a Jerry Can. I think having extra gas on hand is a safety item especially on remote trails. I also carry an axe in case I need to chop a downed tree in an emergency. I have a Silky Saw as well that has been invaluable. The other thing, that I know you have but didn't mention, is a satellite communicator for emergencies. The more we think about these things, there is always something else to buy😂

One thing I have found invaluable is a good pair of binoculars if you go bush. It is amazing how often you want to see something a bit further away.

Great Video! I have everything you listed in this video in my FJ all the time. However, I carry a few more items which I think are vital for Off-Road Travel. The serpentine belt (fan belt) is a must, it can be the old one you replaced, but the proper size belt for the vehicle is crucial for the vehicle to run. Another item would be Duct Tape and Bailing Wire. Those can be stored anywhere and the bailing wire can fix many broken parts under the rig or near the exhaust. Keep up the great videos and I am glade you have settled on the current stable of vehicles! Thanks, Mike H.