Many people think their transfer case or locking differential will overcome tire slip when driving across sand, rocks, or mud. These are great additions to any off-road vehicle, but the exact gearing ratio has a huge impact on your ability to navigate challenging terrains.
Other gears you should consider are traction pads to help pull your vehicle from a ditch, recovery straps, and a high-lift jack to keep your vehicle level off the ground.
1. Winch
When it comes to outfitting your off-road vehicle, a winch is a must. A winch allows you to self-recover from a stuck situation and also assists others in need of help.
A winch works by using a motor to rotate a drum that spools out or reels in the wire rope. It’s important to choose a quality winch that has the capacity to handle your intended use and consider accessories like cable dampers, which protect against overheating when under tension. It’s also essential to consider the type of wire rope or cable. Steel cables offer strength and durability but can be heavy and pose safety risks if they snap under strain. Synthetic ropes are lighter, safer, and easier to handle.
It’s also a good idea to invest in a recovery bag or box to keep your winch and other tools neatly organized in the back of your truck. This will ensure your recovery gear is always ready to go and prevents it from being lost or damaged in the back of your vehicle.
2. Recovery Straps
Embarking on off-road adventures can be exhilarating, but it also comes with the risk of getting stuck. That’s why it’s important to have the proper recovery gear, like straps, in case you get stuck in mud, snow or another obstacle and need to be pulled out by a winch or a second vehicle.
Recovery straps are specialized straps that are designed to have some elasticity, which reduces the risk of damage to the stricken vehicle during the recovery process. They have a specific hook on each end that connects to recovery or frame points found on truck bumpers and other parts of the vehicle.
3. Tool Kits
The right tools can make all the difference when your vehicle gets stuck on a tough trail. Whether you’re rock crawling, dune riding, or mud bogging, having a tool kit is a must for tackling the most difficult off-road obstacles. Ensure you’re fully equipped for any off-road challenge by complementing your toolkit with whip flags from a trusted source.
Typically, off-roaders carry a tool kit stuffed full of a variety of sockets and wrenches. However, this kind of toolkit can be heavy and bulky. A more practical option is a tool roll that features individual pouches to hold Allen wrenches, drivers and other small tools. Some of these kits also include combination wrenches that display their metric sizes, making it easier to select the correct size.
It’s a good idea to include a basic multi-tool and pliers in your tool kit, as well as duct tape, PB Blaster or WD40, a knife, bungee cords, a light bulb, batteries, electrical wire and glue. Also consider a portable air compressor, which is essential for keeping tire pressure up and providing the power necessary to use some of your other tools. If you plan to travel long distances on your off-road adventures, a satellite GPS is another must-have. This tool can help you find campsites, download topographic maps, and even serve as a locator beacon in case of an emergency.
4. MSA Transmission
Having the right gear can make or break your off-roading experience. The gears that you use determine how much power is applied to the wheels, how well you control your vehicle and how difficult it is to maneuver over obstacles. While many off-roaders prefer manual transmissions, automatic ones can also be a great choice.
If you’re looking to upgrade your transmission, consider getting an MSA. This type of transmission combines the best elements of an automatic and manual transmission. It is durable, versatile, and a must-have for off-road enthusiasts.
It is recommended to beef up the floating shaft that comes with a MSA so it doesn’t break as easily. Ancient Mariners makes a nice kit, but it requires cutting a new output shaft to replace the current 10 spline one. Another option is to use a spud shaft that terminates in 25 spline female and mates to an input gear customized by you to 32 splines. This gives a much better and stronger connection than the factory 10 spline interface. It also doesn’t require an internal spline cutter.
5. Dual-Range Transfer Case
A transfer case is an important part of the drivetrain for four-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles. It carries engine power from the transmission to both the front and rear axles of your vehicle, and it can also contain one or more sets of low range gears for off-road use.
Many off-road enthusiasts opt to upgrade their transfer cases with dual-range gearboxes to better conquer challenging terrain. These devices can mechanically lock the front and rear driveshafts when shifted into low range mode. This can help you climb steep grades and traverse difficult terrain with greater ease.
One example of a dual-range transfer case is the New Process Gear, commonly found on Ford F-Series trucks and Ford Broncos manufactured from 1969 to 1993. This chain-drive, part-time transfer case is known for its strength and can handle upwards of 1,600 lb.-ft.
The Advance Adapters Atlas gear-driven transfer case is another great choice for off-road enthusiasts. It is the only transfer case on the market with three separate low range ratios built into a single unit. This can help you tackle a variety of terrain, including mud, sand, and rock crawling.
6. Hi-Lift Jack
A hi-lift jack is one of the most important recovery tools any serious off-roader can own. It’s not a replacement for other equipment, but it can be used in conjunction with a winch and recovery straps to recover your rig out of a bad situation on the trail.
Beam jacks are easy to use, but they can be dangerous if not operated correctly. Keep in mind that the handle of a Hi-Lift travels in an arc from parallel to perpendicular with the steel bar; this arc is the danger zone, and you should never put any part of your body inside it.
There is a whole aftermarket industry dedicated to making your beam jack safer and more useful on the trail. For example, companies offer attachments for the foot of the jack that fit cleanly under box-tube rock sliders and aftermarket bumpers. They also make neoprene covers that help protect the jack’s moving components from weather and debris. There are also mounts designed to attach a Hi-Lift to flat surfaces like racks and bumpers.
7. Air Compressor
An air compressor is an essential piece of equipment that every off-road enthusiast needs to have on hand. It not only inflates flat tires but can also power various air tools. It gives you a whole new level of flexibility for trail-side repairs and emergencies. In addition, an air compressor helps you maintain optimal tire pressure based on the terrains you are traversing, making it a must-have for anyone who loves exploring new trails and enjoying unparalleled freedom while doing so.
When looking for an air compressor, you need to consider efficiency, durability, and budget. A compressor with a high duty cycle allows it to run longer and recover faster, diminishing the amount of time you spend inflating your tires. It should also be portable enough to easily store in your UTV and can withstand the roughest terrains. It also features an internal thermal protection to ensure it won’t overheat in harsh environments.
8. Recovery Bag
A recovery bag is a great way to keep your off-road gear organized and accessible. This way you won’t be left scrambling to find what you need in a hurry. Whether you go with a duffle or backpack, you’ll want to choose one that has plenty of pockets and compartments.
While the majority of off-roaders will never need their recovery tools, it’s important to be prepared. Having the right equipment can make all the difference in your ability to recover from a stuck vehicle or if you get lost on a trail.
In addition to a winch, a traction board, and a Hi-Lift Jack, you should also include a pair of rugged gloves and a fire extinguisher in your recovery kit. The gloves can help protect your hands from rope burn and improve your grip when using the recovery tools. The fire extinguisher can be used to fight common vehicle fires caused by fuel leaks and electrical issues. A tire plugging kit is also a must-have. It can be used to plug a flat tire or even add air if necessary.
