Keystone State Thread

Im pretty sure the ARB one is 10ga

 

I'd prioritize self-recovery. At a bare minimum a winch, a bunch of straps and snatch blocks, and the knowledge of how to use them properly. There are other things that are nice to have, which could make recovery quicker such as traction ramps, but I don't think anything can beat a winch for pure versatility. On the same note, get a good winch, don't cheap out on it.

 

It is. Goes to a single plug though. Either way if it works I'm happy.

 

Not trying to be confrontational, what would you consider cheap?

Looking for opinions not a fight

 

Interested.The bad land ones from harbor frieght get great reviews.

 

Honestly? Go Superwinch or Warn. My brother had a smittybilt on his Jeep and it only lasted a few seasons before just the elements ruined it. Definitely don't use a harbor freight winch in any situation that you're going to need it.

If you're out on your own, you need gear you can trust. You need the stuff that everyone else has already beat to hell and back and it kept asking "Please sir, can I have some more?"

 

I can't say that some stuff at harbor freight doesn't get a good review. However, if I'm 200 miles from anywhere and am stuck, relying on something that has been built for the absolute cheapest price possible seems like a bad idea. When you tear these things apart you can really see the differences in build quality. You'll find plastic gears where there should be metal, poorly fitting components, sintered vs forged, under-rated electrical components, etc.

If you're in a group by all means don't worry about this sort of thing. If you're on your own you need gear you can trust.

 

I consider myself very good at vehicle recovery, both self and others. Been doing it a long time in the last 35 plus years. Actually professionally trained at it many years ago.

I’ve used Warn, Superwinch and others in my lifetime.

I have no issue with my 3 year old SmittyBilt 12k that I paid 1/3 the price of a comparable “expensive” brand. I’ve used it MANY times and trust it on solo trips. If you take care of it. It will take care of you.

I, of course, have other recovery gear to cover any failure. But that could happen with the “expensive” gear that you mention.

Other recovery contingencies here.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/subway4x3-shameless-copycat-build.459570/page-2

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/we-know-youre-good-at-jacking.508689/

 

The main thing you need to be an “overlander” is the eagerness and willingness to just get out there. As mentioned self recovery is at the top of priority but don’t let lack of gear or mods deter you from getting out. The basic gear will allow you to explore basic trails. Most overland mods are creature comforts, not needed just makes the experience more enjoyable. I’ve found myself both adding mods/gear I thought I would need and being out exploring realizing I need or want something. A lot of the things I guessed I thought I needed ended up not being used. A lot of my build has to do with function of situations I’ve been in. Example. My tailgate and swingout table get cluttered quick, I need another table so now I carry it. I’m not going to list any gear or mods you need for overlanding cuz honestly you can do it in a stock vehicle with minimal gear. Also my needs may be different than yours so my suggestions may not be as valuable to you. The main concerns you should have while exploring offroad is food, water, and shelter in any form. To note your list above.. No you don’t need a RTT. OBA is a great idea especially with a tire plug kit, don’t get caught up with hardwired OBA, a cheap portable kit should be a good start on a budget. Self recovery is also a good idea when out solo, get yourself a shovel and some traction trax if in the budget. Coms like a CB radio a great while grouped together, unless your referring to satellite coms for solo trips is a great idea if you get yourself in a predicament of needing a rescue like hurting yourself or vehicle breakdown.

 

I read that as “I’ve been getting stuck for 35 years”

















Just playin

 

I have an Engo 10s. Got a good deal on it from Steve at Southeast Overland. They are otherwise very reasonably priced. Going on 3 years now no dramas.

 

I said I was good at vehicle recovery. Not off-road driving.

I missed the off road driving class at San Diego County Search and Rescue Operations.

I think I went fishing that day. And won the tournament. LOL

 

“Not gonna toot my own horn but..”

 

Welcome Post a pic of your truck

 

Welcome

 

Get a bagster from lowes

 

Good looking truck need to tint those front windows.

 

Yup used them a couple times.

 

Welcome. Nope, there's a good amount of us around.