Kinetic Rope or Traction Boards?

Another thought occurred to me. I have a neighbor with a welder. Could I potentially just have him weld a couple of d-ring loops to the frame?

 

They'd probably just rip the frame, depending on what you attached it to. Recovery points like the ARB wrap around behind parts of the frame, and bolt to others to spread the load between multiple components. I've seen images of cheaper plate bumpers where they have recovery points welded on and they've torn straight off leaving holes in the steel surface. You don't want something like that happening to your truck's cross member.

 

Yeah that definitely wouldn’t be ideal.
I think I’m looking into ordering the All-Pro Baja bumper. It has recovery loops and has the styling I want, plus it isn’t too heavy. Definitely won’t have enough for a winch after that (for now) but at least I’ll have a reliable recovery point.

 

Here’s a couple thoughts , if you can’t afford a winch then for now get yourself a 4 to 5 ton come along. They are cheap and work well although are slow compared to an electric winch. In addition get two lengths of tow strap so you can hook on to more distant things. Next when you can afford it get some traction boards. Eventually get yourself a good winch. In addition carry a shovel and a high lift jack. If you can’t afford these basic essentials then don’t go off roading by yourself. If you go off road without these basics it’s kind of like heading across the Nevada desert with out a spare tire.

It’s always a good idea to go off roading with either a competent passenger or with someone with another vehicle. Keep in mind that the later in the year the fewer people you’ll find out there to help you if you need it. Especially during week days. I’ve been out in October during the week in the Tahoe and the Stanislaus national forest and sometimes see no one else all day. These are mild to moderate trails/roads. I know if I break down or get stuck with no one else around I’m screwed.

Finally when you go out by yourself tell some dependable person where you are going and when you’ll be back. If you don’t report back by that certain time , they are to call the county sheriff and report you over due and missing. Good luck out there, be safe.

 

Without all the accessories and lift points on the vehicle, I don't really see the need for a hi-lift. It could be used in place of the come along, I guess?

How do you see the OP using a hi-lift?

 

Thank you for the advice! All noted. I’ll look into getting a come-along for use with the bumper I just ordered.

I have a safe jack on order. The truck isn’t lifted too high and I didn’t really see the need for a high lift jack (for the time being, at least).

 

I really want a safe jack! always on my list of things to buy, but always a lower priority. I've made it this long without one, but they look really useful.

 

Yeah it was a pretty penny, but all I had right now was the bottle jack that came with the truck (amazingly retained by the chain of previous owners) and that thing barely gets the truck an inch off the ground. Figured I’d shell out for something that’ll be useful.

 

I do have a hi-lift, but have only ever used it at home. I picked up one on a local Buy-Nothing (free stuff on FB) group. It's actually an antique Handyman Harrah (Harrah is the dude that invented this type of jack, and it became the hi-lift). It's super easy for me to lift my truck from the ARB bumpers cutouts, and the cutouts on the rear of my truck, but those are on HD bumpers with specific spots for them. I don't have any of the stuff to lift safely from a rim, for example. I can see them being handy in certain cases, but they're heavy and can be dangerous.

 

Yeah that was a part of the decision for me too. I’m inexperienced and the dangers of a hi-lift were a little intimidating to me. I mean I work on my cars all the time, but with normal jackstands and floor jacks. Before I go out and buy a hi-lift I want to make sure I’m equipped with proper lift points and preferably having had someone to show me how it works. Which I assume I will now that I have a group to go out with.

 

Sorry missed that op is not lifted. Even so a high lift jack can help you get unstuck in lots of situations. While not essential it can definitely help in various situations.

 

Well I mean I *am* lifted, just not by a lot. It’s about 1.5” front and rear. And I do plan on getting one eventually, I just want to make sure I’m properly equipped (both physically and mentally) to use it

 

If your solo go trac boards but overall I think a kinetic rope would be better especially if you go out with people.

 

I spoke with the group I joined, they recommended just getting a normal tow strap for now since 3 or 4 of the others have a winch.
I also picked up a pair of X-bull traction boards for when I go out on my own.

 

Oh well if they have winches you should be good but they is a 5% off tw code for yankum ropes if you want one the code is YankumSafely

 

Oooh thanks for the heads up, I really have been looking at Yankums. I was gonna just go with a Rhino kinetic but I have heard their stuff doesn’t really hold up in actual recovery situations.

 

Oh well they have a chart on there site you have to get the correct size for your truck and you can't have it rubbing on a tree if your smart they will last a life time.

 

I see you have 4 runner seats care to explain the benefit.

 

No idea! The previous owner installed them, can’t say why. They’re pretty comfy though

 

ok then do you have a pic and do you know if they are easily compatible.