Tire and offroading advice

i tried the Destination MTs once... great tire for the money...

personally i would want the reassurance of good tires over saving money anyday as the money you save may not help much when your truck gets stuck somewhere isolated and you have to pay $1,500 for a tow truck to pull you out or worse, sliding off a muddy trail and over the side...

that being said, maybe look into one of the bigger chain tire stores that offers financing...

or if it exists, an online retailer that does the paypal Bill Me Later program...

 

BJMoose: Two sets of chains? I was under the impression you couldn't fit chains on the front?

Come a long...

You'll need a strap for a tree or other anchor point. Put the come a long on the anchor side and attach to your truck via another strap or the come a long cable.

But the come a longs you're likely looking at aren't really suitable for off road recovery. I suppose you could make one work but...

You're better off with a hi-lift and winch kit and a lift mate.

This will go a long way to self recovery

Through Amazon:
Hi-lift 75$ shipped
lift mate 30$ shipped
Winch kit 57$ shipped, included winch kit, tree strap, shackle, gloves, and a storage bag

Find a used hi-lift if you can. Use the lift mate to lift up your tries and shove branches, rocks, etc.. under. Pave a path to freedom as I've heard it so rightly put.

There are dozens of video tutorials of hi-lift winching on youtube.

 

He's got the 245/75R16 tires that aren't so close to the UCAs. Owners manual probably still says not to use them in the front though. As always, the first rule of chains is to test fit in your driveway on a nice sunny day. Then you know.

Good point about the high-lift. You can use a high lift as a come along, but you can't use a come along as a high-lift.

I tend not to think of using the high lift until you've got sliders or a bumper to use as a jack point. But as long as you're using it for "stuck" not for tire change, lift-mate works.

 

It's also worth pointing out - nothing helps to prevent "stuck" like a modicum of caution. When you're unsure - it's always better and easier to stop, get out, size up the situation, and survey the trail on foot first.

 

I will be going out to my study sites with a buddy this week to try and get stuck (don't worry, he has all gear necessary to get unstuck). I just want to see what my truck can handle as of right now before I go out and buy a bunch of stuff that I can't really afford right now.

I still might buy the hi jack and equipment though.

 

x1000
best Offroad tire for winter by far

 

Look for some cooper discoverer st

 

this is the best and most inexpensive idea. go out and find where your limits are with your truck. I have gone plenty of muddy messy places with bald stock tires ust because i knew what my truck was capable of. If you do go out and get stuck while your friend is there try to get yourself out first with the basic common sense tricks( rocking the truck , placing rocks under the tires, turning the wheels back and forth) once you realize this doesn't work have him pull you out. The main trick to muddy trails/ roads is keep rolling and if you feel like you're loosing momentum step on the gas and get the wheels spinning. If you stop don't keep trying cause you will just sink up more.