Must have mods prior to offroading

2018 OR -

Looking to get my feet wet offroading. I signed up for an offroading 101 course at my local offroad park. The course says stock vehicles are welcome, and damage to the vehicle is unlikely, but I am wondering if there are any must-have mods that I need to get done prior to doing any offroading. Maybe skidplates?

 

Put service department phone number into your phone

 

I learned the hard way that sliders are important. Got too cocky once and ended up with a nice scratch on one of my rear doors.

 

For a 101 class...Tow strap, gloves, spare fuses, basic tools, jumper cables and a fire extinguisher would make for a good start.

As far as truck mods go, rock sliders are a great first step.

 

I would have said AAA.

 

Full tank of gas.

 

Rear diff breather if you'll be going through water

Sliders and skids are good to have.
New bigger tires (265 70 17 or 265 75 16 are the biggest you can fit without rubbing issue)
Not mods but other stuff I'd say you should have
Recovery strap (proper kinetic strap not a tow strap)
Receiver shackle for the hitch
Tire repair kit
Tire deflator and compressor to inflate after.

Airing down is an important part off road.
And know how to put your truck into 4lo etc

 

Forget the expensive stuff for the class, just take a tow strap, shovel, thick board platform for your bottle jack, and a first aid kit. You will probably get a good chance to discuss recommended equipment at the class, and maybe score some discount codes.

 

Don’t have cell reception, what do?

 

$35 Boulder Tools Heavy Duty Tire Repair Kit - Flat Tire Puncture Repair Kit - Professional Tools for Quick and Easy Repair - Suitable Tire Plug Kit for Car, Truck, RV, Motorcycle, Tractor, and Trailer

Tire repair kit

$54 ARB ARB505 Deflator Kit 10-60 PSI Tire Pressure Gauge Rapid Air Down Offroad Kit With Recovery Gear Pouch (PSI)

EZ Deflator

Tire Inflator, Portable 12 Volt Air Pump, Air Compressor by MasterFlow for Inflating Full Size 4 x4, Truck, SUV and RV Tires

Portable air compressor
Tow strap

$38 Fiskars D-Handle Digging Shovel - Heavy Duty Gardening Tool with 46" Straight D-Handle - Lawn and Yard Tools - Black/Orange

The last shovel you'll ever need

To me, the essentials in the beginning are more things you should take, not mods to your vehicle. As you grow in experience, you'll be ready to tackle tougher terrain and trails, and then I would agree with the guys saying that sliders, skids, and tires with a stouter sidewall are a good first investment.

 

I wouldn't buy a thing before the class unless they tell you to. The whole purpose is to teach people with stock trucks the basics, so you'll be fine. Then go from there to start buying gear.

 

A map of the mall?

 

If you have predator steps or whatever the hell they're called, take em off. Chances are you'll catch em on something and they'll break at the weld.. of course then you can do my sweet ass sawzaw mod!

 

OP you have gotten the most important thing already and that is help. Having a pro teach you correctly is a great thing. You need zero mods. If you want to be amazed let the instructor show you what your truck can do completely stock lol.

 

No mods just go and learn. I have more miles in stock vehicles off-road than modded. Especially a stock Jeep, no lockers, manual transmission. You will learn much about choosing lines and tire placement, recovery and safety before you need any mods.

 

These trucks are very capable off-roaders right out of the showroom. Just go and learn and then add stuff you find yourself needing or wanting later on.

 

CB radio or Ham radio

First aid kit

Fire extinguisher

Tow straps

Hi lift jack

 

just use crawl control....

 

Only mod I’ve done for off-roading is letting air out of my tires.

 

^ This. Last summer I helped a guy take his tube steps off on the trail. They already had some damage, but not much. The real pain for him was strapping them down in his canopy so they would bounce around and take out a window.