15 Things You’ll REGRET Not Having on Your Jeep Wrangler

[@KellyBarnes]

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

[@andysolorzano4126]

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]

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

[@edwinnaphtaly1516]

Same here bud yeer that's how it goes

[@uritaub5441]

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]

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

[@VNDLZR]

It's about minimizing risk....

[@ET_Videos]

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]

Good stuff!

[@Expatken2015]

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

[@jeffk464]

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.

[@jameswilson8169]

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.

[@aaronlclubb]

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]

Agreed...jump pack

[@thomass8118]

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

[@staceymiller4765]

Just bought my first jeep and I’m learning a lot French y’all. Thank you! As a veteran I understand the need for preparedness and safety. Great ideas

[@mandycandy85]

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]

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

[@mandycandy85]

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

[@Random_._Shots]

@@mandycandy85 lol awesome 🙂 be safe

[@tylerbarrick749]

A shovel. Having a survival/utility shovel to free a stuck Jeep from sand or snow. And if you’re waiting to be rescued you will need to dig a fire pit. Also, a gas can or extra fuel. I’ve come across more than one vehicle on the trail that ran out of gas.

[@galaxyearth60]

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

[@drewgregory2370]

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 .

[@adjake1]

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

[@dwaynewilson6406]

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.

[@mariodelrosario9578]

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

[@timjchick]

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

[@patricktrumbly3128]

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.

[@jonthompson2416]

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!!!

[@drexotic]

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]

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

[@dillonsdell]

A solid flashlight/headlamp and gloves

[@JonnyBgooD007]

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.

[@Jack-yy4ku]

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

[@9rows]

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.

[@utahyork3338]

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

[@Verb130]

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

[@rafterwhomestead]

Trauma Sheers in first aid are a good second option to seatbelt extraction.

[@intrepid4x4]

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

[@TrailRecon]

Oh ya, shovel is a must!

[@MoabYoda]

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

[@diggsride]

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.

[@LoneStarSwirl]

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.

[@georgederocher8202]

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 .

[@bigtime6837]

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!!!

[@carbohydration]

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.

[@HlDensity]

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.

[@UngulateGuardian797]

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]

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.

[@mjohns57]

Communication required HAM, APRS, and satellite could be game changer when things really get bad.

[@brbadventurer]

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.

[@phxamigo]

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

[@albertotron74]

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

[@bajalife4ever]

I'm still happy with my Jeep jk 3.8 Dodge Caravan edition, and the most important thing I carry on the trail is paper toilet.

[@cs0654]

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]

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

[@rogermetzger7335]

I REALLY appreciate you putting the whole list of items in the description. Another thing I appreciate is that the volume was high enough for me to hear the audio. I’m taking medication to try to improve my hearing. Thanks. Of the things for which you listed sources, can you tell us which are made in the U.S.A? In over forty years of marriage, my wife and I have only purchased three new 4WD vehicles and drove them a total of 21 years BUT we lived in Utah and all three vehicles had 4-cylinder engines so we were able to go on more than 200 camping and picnic trips to more than 100 different places FAR from the nearest paved roads. (Takeaway: Don’t spend so much on the vehicle that you can’t afford fuel to explore primitive (unimproved) roads.) One of those three vehicles didn’t have recovery hooks on it so we asked the dealer to install them before we took delivery. That same vehicle had 215/75R15 tires. Without consulting me, my wife took it to a tire store the day after we took delivery of the vehicle and she traded the 215 tires for 235/75R 15s. When driving off pavement: We always carried at least a gallon of water per person per day. We always carried a fire extinguisher and first aid kit. We always carried a tow strap. We always carried a full-size spare with at least half the tread left on it. We never thought we could afford a refrigerator so we put ice in the bottom of coolers and made do with that. My wife decided how much food to take along but it seemed that she always packed twice as much as we needed. I don’t know exactly when we bought grab handles to attach to the roll bars over the front side windows but they were a worthwhile investment. It didn’t take us long to decide we needed a roof rack for camping gear. The one we installed was by Smittybilt. After nine years, it was beginning to show some rust but the quality seemed worth the price. I think maybe the next thing I did was to create a part that allowed me to disconnect the rear sway bar and reattach it more quickly than was possible without that part. It still required crawling under the vehicle so, sometimes, if we were not too far from Moab when we got back to pavement, we left it disconnected to drive back to town but we never drove over the posted speed with it disconnected. That same vehicle was the first one in which we lowered the tire pressure when off pavement to 10 pounds. We never got anything more sophisticated than a 12-volt tire pump but we could see the advantage of something like a CO2 Power Tank. Our son gave us a set of polyurethane bushings to replace the stock rubber bushings. It didn’t take me long to decide I needed to have them professionally installed. One of the last upgrades we made was also the most expensive. I had read about “adjustable” shock absorbers and several people had written about the advantage of being able to use a firmer setting off pavement. That made no sense to me. I couldn’t imagine why anyone would want a “soft” setting on pavement and a “firm” setting off pavement. So when I read about Edelbrock IAS shocks that were not only automatic but did the opposite of that, I was sure they would be the best choice. We had a set of four Edelbrock IAS shock absorbers installed and WOW what a difference! Without airing the tires down from the factory recommendation for on-highway use the Edlebrocks improved the ride as much as airing down had done! For quite a while after that, I was under the impression that Edelbrock IAS shocks were out of production. Today, however, there are several websites showing them. Does anyone know which (if any) of those sites - or prices - are current? People on a strict budget may take a while to save up for them but, if they are currently available, they may be the best investment anyone ever made for serious off-pavement use.

[@bwofficial1776]

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.

[@davidhayes1881]

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

[@jameskocsis8537]

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

[@GATORADDAM]

Great video - great advice. I don't mean to sound arrogant, but I'm a checklist, OCD, review my gear 5 times nut case before I head out. And quite honestly I've rarely regretted not having something. Oh, I've forgotten stuff here and there, but I've also been extremely lucky and never had a bad experience because of it. This video to me is an excellent reminder that I should never take my good fortune for granted and become complacent!

[@kassenklein]

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.

[@darthtater4844]

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

[@Johndozer]

Your videos inspired me to add a Fire Extinguisher as my first addition to my Jeep.

[@samvigil9835]

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.

[@krisolof7998]

6:00 I take it you haven’t seen the recent driving line video Harry Situations put out? Probably shouldn’t fawn over the element until you’ve seen how little they do

[@chrisblanchard4849]

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]

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]

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

[@Richard.Cabeza]

I bring a drone for scouting the trails and roads ahead to see if the road is blocked or any other reason. I also usually pack my mountain bike. Mostly for exploring, exercise, scouting etc, but also because walking 15 miles to a road sucks. 😂. And CCW, out there are 99% good people, but.

[@SpearmanJeepAdventures]

oh the winch... I had just bought my 18 JKU Rubicon Recon, and was on a trail in the Ozarks, by myself (idiot I know) on a trail I didn't know. I drove a bypass to get around a mudhole, that was also a deep mudhold, I just didn't know it. sunk to the frame. no winch, my lockers and 4lo 1st gear weren't enough. I thought I was going to have to hike a couple miles out, over to Highway 7. I was distraught and trying to figure out how to explain to my wife what I had done. by the grace of god, in comes some folks running the trail, and they were able to yank me out with no problem. bought the winch plate and winch that night. I think the winch and a recovery kit are the most important investment before you mod anything else.

[@christopherbrowne977]

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]

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

[@rle737ng]

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

[@chriscooper5395]

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.

[@2kviper877]

Rubber floor mats especially the oem ones that came on my 392 are life savers. Seems unimportant but they have saved my last 2 wranglers interiors. Another great, informative video!

[@MrBoomStick]

Armorlite.

[@jackmurphy2085]

Devil Doc, another great video man. Something worth adding to your kit if you have a K9 is a working dog trauma kit. Good ones usually have some items specific to dogs that will go beyond a normal IFAK. Also, in addition to belt cutter is knowing what to do in a vehicle rollover, they happen quick and rehearsals are key to make sure you don’t lose an arm or worse.

[@TrailRecon]

Oohrah! Thanks Devil Dog!

[@mikeh6481]

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.

[@OceanDriveSpeeder]

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 !!

[@JShep-yu3ki]

snatch block to add options to recoveries and added pulling power

[@scottguess1519]

Thanks Brad, you are a great story teller. With these newer vehicles if you ever plan to turn your motor off in the back and beyond, off grid…be sure to have a battery jump box, not just jumper cables. You never know when something in all of those electronics will cause a total battery draw leaving you, literally powerless

[@brentking4538]

Jump packs take up a lot less room and wigh less too!

[@StanSheram]

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

[@tedz74]

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

[@TrailRecon]

All good essentials

[@SFDearing1]

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.

[@ferrasrotator]

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

[@nickedshears]

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.

[@someguyonline377]

Best mod would be modding the Toyo into a Gladiator 😁nice vid Brad

[@hughwolfe1176]

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

[@timcope6685]

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!

[@philipwhatley6742]

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 🤣

[@quadc1922]

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.

[@willreep2]

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]

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

[@bryandemerath6812]

I would add the bottle on your bench shelf at 9:25 - the blinker fluid! 😂

[@TrailRecon]

LOL!

[@abqcrutch]

I've owned and used a high-lift jack for decades. Of course you can use it to change a tire, but you can also use it to pull yourself or others out of a sticky situation. Sometimes just a few feet is all you need. I also carry 2 plastic 5-gal jerry cans with water.

[@agesadventures]

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😂

[@RubiTacoX]

A portable jump box is a life saver especially in colder times. Noco GB70 is an amazing jump box for power output to size ratio.

[@GT_KREW]

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.

[@hockeymon1]

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]

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]

@@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: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jau5YWqfiqpsm7M

[@explore_off_road]

Great video. I do like the bottle jack idea. I'm all about using them, or even a floor jack, as opposed to the Hi-Lifts that every newbie thinks they need.

[@billyfoster6449]

And look into a bottle jack buddy or some other kind of axle saddle

[@AustinH7]

Yeah most people with a hi lift just bolt them to the Jeep to look cool. With no intentions of ever using them. Nor should they 😂

[@stephenlewis8143]

Portable 4K amp jump starter (I use Gooloo); Kinetic Recovery rope, tree straps & soft shackles (that fit into whatever holes or connections on your vehicle (metal bumpers) & on other units. Water carriers (2.5 gal) & gas carriers if needed, I have 4 gal rotopack that connect behind the tire of X vehicle, and 12 gal container that sits behind another vehicle. Thanks for the update and report. Info re Element Fire Extinguisher was new to me.

[@maxmoore4315]

I get the question from time to time why do you have all that stuff. If I have it I won't need it. Great Video!

[@Earlywinters09]

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!

[@donnapablos8752]

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

[@IronWolfOverland]

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.

[@batts2001]

ABSOLUTELY fantastic video, Brad!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@TYZR4ME]

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.

[@JeremyGreek-sz2sw]

Water is a must, but Toilet paper, flashlight, tire deflator and gauge, garbage bag, and potable battery pack/jumper are all items I never regretted having. Slumberjack tarp is also nice when you need shade in the desert.

[@scotturich]

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

[@Verb130]

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.

[@claydrew5457]

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.

[@antster7]

Jeep came out with an integrated Mopar tire inflator for the 20th anniversary edition Rubicon.

[@robertsamuelsen2292]

Many years ago, we were pulling a trailer with snowmobiles up into the mountains when the truck engine caught on fire. We started throwing snow on the fire but to no avail. Then, just exactly at the right time, a Jeep came around the bend, saw our plight, pulled out a fire extinguisher, and put the fire out. I think it was a miracle because there were no tracks of other vehicles in the snow and we hadn't seen anybody else for an hour. From that day forward, I carry a fire extinguisher in my Jeep. I hope I never have to use it but if I do, I'll proudly be paying it forward!

[@joshuatall8134]

Awesome video, as always, Master Chief!

[@rrnelsonjr]

I keep a jump pack and extra rubber valve stems just in case.

[@overlandingsmith]

Really interesting video. Thanks for that. So I have everything of them except the cutter and the bag of screws. But coming soon. So here in Germany you aren't allowed to drive without a first aid kit on board. One more important thing is a jumper cable I think.

[@TrailRecon]

That’s interesting to know about first aid kits in Germany. It’s a good requirement!

[@undergroundexplorersoverland]

We've been off-roading for about 30 years. we've had vehicles with winches and vehicles without winches. In all those year (while doing many recoveries) we only needed a winch twice. Both times were recent and both would have been impossible recoveries without the winch (although the second time only required a winch if we were alone, which we weren't). We weren't currently running a winch but we are now. As for as the recovery kit, a must have piece of equipment is a snatch block (or two). This is a critical piece of equipment and if you have some and know how to use them they open up many possibilities and also enable what would be otherwise "impossible" recoveries. As for the rubber floor mats, you don't need floor mats if you don't have carpet... You don't need to buy a fancy jack stand. A block of wood (4x6) works just as good. Bottle jacks can often be a problem. We've had many instances helping other people who had bottle jacks and they just did not work. Without a extension or block underneath they were not tall enough to get the tire off the ground or with an extension or block underneath they were too tall to fit. The stock jack is fine for most cases. Another option is to use a mechanical bottle jack. We have one from a F-250 and it's great. It retracts low enough to fit but has enough internal extensions that it easily goes high enough to get the tire off the ground. More expensive multi-stage hydraulic bottle jacks work as well. Just avoid the cheap single or double stage bottle jacks you find on Amazon or at Harbor Freight. Spare nuts and bolts is a HUGE yes. We had a caliper bolt fall out on a trip and got lucky when we were able to find one that fit in the collection they had at a nearby almost ghost town. If we hadn't been able to find that it would have seriously screwed up our trip plans. One thing to add is a good Lithium-Ion jump starter pack. This is a must have, especially if you're out on the trail alone.

[@cherdan41]

We enjoy and have watched all your videos.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@byers704]

I didn’t read all the comments but wire, zip ties, and fuses are often left out. I liked your bag of bolts, that has been a regret more than once. Years ago I order extra bolts and nuts for all the suspension and steering components after an incident. Their is nothing better than a back up vehicle in a pinch.

[@williamkennedy8464]

Hey Brad, love your site... always great useful info. I have a 2008 JKU Rubicon that's not garaged... in the sun 365. It didn't take long to notice the necessity for something to insulate the hardtop's crazy heat transfer! You can get burned by placing your hand on the underside of the bare top. I purchased a set of 1/2 inch thick foam upholstered headliners. I achieved a 5 to 7 degree drop in interior air temperature. I checked the temp in July at 2:00 pm after the window-closed Jeep sat in the sun all day. Of course, the contact-burn issue was no longer, but the temp drop was insufficient. I painted the top white (a la the FJ) using vinyl patio furniture paint. I achieved an additional 12 to 15 degree drop. Now at 2 pm upon opening the closed-up Jeep door I am greeted by air that is cooler than the outside air! Paint it, you won't regret it!

[@billbraski2452]

The standard fire extinguisher will destroy the electronics in your engine since it's corrosive. The Element is far superior in this regard.