| Recovery Equipment |
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| The Multipurpose Hi-Lift Jack This jack is definitely one of the essential tools to have on the trail. The Hi-Lift can be used not only for changing tires, but as a come-a-long to winch yourself out of a jam. There is also an aftermarket tool attachment that can do many other things. I chose the 48" cast steel model since it will last longer than the cheaper stamped metal model. I chose to mount the jack over the rear cargo area for several reasons. First, it's not on the bumpers because if you crash into a tree, there goes the jack along w/your bumper. Also, the jack can get hung up on the trail if you mount it on the bumpers, not to mention it can get dipped in the mud. T-Nutz mounted his jack here simply by extending the jack until the base and the end of the handle are wedged between the corners. Of course, a few bungees were needed to keep the jack from rattling. So when I went to mount my jack the same way, I noticed that the hook on the jack clamped right on the edge of my sub box. I clicked in with just the right amount of pressure, not so much that it would bend my edge of my tub, and not too little so the jack rattles. However, I still had to bungee the handle of the jack to the roll bar to keep that part from rattling. I also used a couple of pieces of duct tape to keep the handle from rattling where it connects to the jack since my sub would make it vibrate. The only thing that sucks about the way I mounted the jack is that it won't work w/the hard top on. That's ok for now, but I've got a plan to build a sort of "rack" for the jack in the works for this winter. Email me if you have any good jack mounting ideas. |
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| Essentials You really don't want to go out on the trail without some essential gear....at least make sure that one of your buddy's has it. I won't list everything, just some of the key shit that's saved my ass more times than I can count. - Beer, and lots of it. You never know how long you're going to be on the trail, NO CODE RED's!!! - Beer Kozy. Keeps the beer cold in the summer and keeps your hands from freezing in the winter. - Maglite and Headlamp. Trying to fix broken shit in the dark sucks. - Tow Straps, Shackles and especially a Snatch Block. Your drunk ass friends will love you for it. - Shovel. Good to move the pile of shit your friend's dog left where you were about to pitch your tent. - Tarp. Works pretty crappy as a blanket, but it's better than nothing at all. - First Aid Kit. Some drunk ass is bound to fuck themselves up. |
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| Jack Mounting: Take 2 After installing my rear corner guards, I found a new way to mount the Hi-Lift. On the driver's side, I drilled two holes in the top of my bumper and one hole in my corner guard, right above the tail light. I attached the base of the Hi-Lift to the bumper, and used one of the rubber bumpers that keep the spare tire off the tailgate as a spacer between the rear corner. This rubber piece keeps the vibrations away, only the handle still vibrates a little. The jack kind of covers the tail light, but the holes in the jack shaft help keep it visible enough. I've been pulled over for speeding with the jack monted and I didn't get nailed for it, although I wouldn't guarantee that you won't get busted if the cop is a prick or didn't get a BJ in the morning. One slight problem is when I have gotten a little off camber going around trees, the top of the jack can catch on the tree. Fortunately, the jack has just enough give to keep from bending permanently. The one problem I still haven't solved is that when the hard top is on, I can't open the glass because the jack shaft and handle are in the way. Not a big deal to me know cause I don't do a whole lot of winter wheelin........too busy snowboarding..... |
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| pic coming soon....... |
| IMPROVED!!! see below......... |
| IMPROVED!!! |