Top items for new Jeep owners...
04-24-2007, 12:24 PM
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JK Freak
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Jeeping 101 or Top items for new Jeep owners...
OK, I'm sure there must be a whole lot of experiences and knowledge for those of us semi newbies (rented before so not completely a virgin but this is my first in the garage) to try to avoid some of those common sense gotchas like we are having the privilege of experiencing!
What I'm getting at is putting together a list - make it sticky or whatever - that places a listing - top ten / twenty or 100 - that we really need to know...
...and even letting sales folk know to steer their clientèle here post sale!
For status info - see this link / thread https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/jk-talk-26/check-status-your-jeep-jk-wrangler-order-status-codes-161/
For rail car info - make certain you have a number in the format TTGX 123456 and go to http://c01.my.uprr.com/pet/motorVehicleTrace.jsp
Things like ...
1) The wave - the returns from other JKs is abysmal - the thread about the JK killing the wave doesn't have to happen - the new owners just don't know about it yet...
2) When the top is off (or in the sunrider position) - one should not park under trees for shade - the leaves and twigs weren't the issue - but the bird droppings were! Fortunately all came off the seats!
3) Just because it is a Jeep doesn't mean it can go anywhere - ok maybe almost everywhere but some of those submarine Jeep and toppling Jeep videos definitely should be seen BEFORE those of us with less common sense decide why not try anyway!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3jcTVb4iSU (Although probably not a jeep)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwmNmQP-KL4 (my wife made me promise not to intentionally do this)
4) Never wheel alone (just saw that on another thread)
etc etc...
I'm sure there are lots of things that you Jeep vets can come up with in reference as to the best ways to handle sand / snow / rocks - when to use the lockers - and which ones - and when to most appropriately use the swaybar disconnect.
Sure the manual has basic stuff but clearly those of us reading the manual were still doing the sunrider folds incorrectly until photos were placed.
I'd rather learn form those with the experiences and hear some great stories in the mean time.
Great site and I hope a list can be started...
MIGHT HAVE TO START A NEW THREAD BUT HERE GOES...Jeeping 101 in progress
The List (or what I am compiling from your entries - scan for details but I'll also try to update):
CRITICAL (some should be on a placard on the jeep kind of things...)
1) NEVER wheel alone - seems to be a recurring theme and makes a bunch of sense
2) KITS (depend on trip, length, etc):
A) Safety / First Aid / Survival kits - water, shelter/tent, sleeping bags, food, poncho, blankets, lighter/matches, signal mirror (may not want to rip off the rearview), whistle, toilet paper
B) Toolkit - Shovel, axe, torx, sockets, screwdrivers, duct tape, multipurpose knifes (Swiss Army / Leatherman/Woodmans / Hunting - containing bottle opener and corkscrew), bungee cords, gloves
C) Communications - Cell phone (and charger), CB radio, Ham radio
4) Tow Strap - Winch or come along
5) Fire extinguisher - more than just in a safety kit - there is a thread on installations!
6) Lotions - but beware of sand dunes - Wear Sunblock regardless, insect repellent, carmex
7) Sunglasses
8) Flashlight - LED recommended with photolith batteries
9) Map and compass and let people know where you're going (leave a note / flight plan!)
10) Watch the videos above!
10a) New addition - compressor!!! At minimum one of those boost start / compressors for emergencies and when you want to go in the sand if you haven't already bought that big daddy Warn winch.
COMMON SENSE ITEMS (For some - for the rest of us new info!)
11) Don't wheel alone
12) Don't park under trees with the top off
13) Thieves will cut the soft top to get at what they can see
14) Don't drive around in 4-lo because you feel cool LOL
15) Don't drive into anything you don't scout out first or know.(ie common sense)
16) Don't go 40 into a mud hole (personal experience LOL)
17) Don't diss another mans/womans jeep. (unless it has"dubs" :] )
18) Don't wear lip gloss at the sand dunes
19) It is a Jeep - while it might not seem like it - it can and will get stuck
see the thread https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...?t=6005&page=2 specifically #17
Also see thread https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/jk-show-tell-33/jk-flop-7210/
And the video...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrwTPlogv3Q
20) Join a 4X4 club
DON'T FORGET (mostly for men...):
21) Don't wheel alone
22) Blonde, Redhead, or companion in passenger seat (over 18 please)
23) Jeep women are sophisticated so don't always assume beer (or PBR) hence the corkscrew above
24) Libations / adult beverages are for the destination
25) Avoid anything oral while in motion - thanks MJS Jeep 888
26) The plastic windows WILL and DO scratch. Clean before storage. Use LOTS of water to get the majority of the dust off before using a microfiber towel with cleaners.
27) Several cleaners have been highly recommended but the 303 line seems to have the biggest thumbs up.
28) When the horn gets wet - it will sound like a duck - or worse (thanks JKGirl!)
29) CARRY A CAMERA to show off your trip!
DRIVING IN SAND
From Jeep School and others:
1. Some suggest 4Hi to keep you from hitting the throttle, over-torquing and breaking the threshold of traction and burying yourself in the sand. Some suggest 2wd until you start sinking.
2. Minimize turns and braking--steady movement is best to get you through the soft stuff. Turning creates resistance to the forward power being applied by your rear tires.
3. Handling appears to be improved by turning OFF the ESP
4. If DEEP SAND - lower tire pressure to 15 psi or lower (some suggested as low as 3 and 6 but I found some issues with loss of bead around 6). In any event - 15 worked great for us in deep sand going up hill!!!
HILLS and ROCK CLIMBING
Easiest to just follow this link! https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...1&postcount=57
Thanks again to Jeep School!
MUD
See the following https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...5&postcount=61
Necessary Budget Modifications:
Mirror Drill see https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/jk-write-ups-39/drilled-side-view-mirrors-1291/
Other honorable mentions:
Keep the wave alive!
The sunrider folds will all go behind the back seat - 2 Ws! click here
Join JA https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/jk-talk-26/should-we-start-chapter-ja-6539/
For survival (thanks Rubimon) http://youtube.com/watch?v=tCtcltJ9yxQ
What I'm getting at is putting together a list - make it sticky or whatever - that places a listing - top ten / twenty or 100 - that we really need to know...
...and even letting sales folk know to steer their clientèle here post sale!
For status info - see this link / thread https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/jk-talk-26/check-status-your-jeep-jk-wrangler-order-status-codes-161/
For rail car info - make certain you have a number in the format TTGX 123456 and go to http://c01.my.uprr.com/pet/motorVehicleTrace.jsp
Things like ...
1) The wave - the returns from other JKs is abysmal - the thread about the JK killing the wave doesn't have to happen - the new owners just don't know about it yet...
2) When the top is off (or in the sunrider position) - one should not park under trees for shade - the leaves and twigs weren't the issue - but the bird droppings were! Fortunately all came off the seats!
3) Just because it is a Jeep doesn't mean it can go anywhere - ok maybe almost everywhere but some of those submarine Jeep and toppling Jeep videos definitely should be seen BEFORE those of us with less common sense decide why not try anyway!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3jcTVb4iSU (Although probably not a jeep)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwmNmQP-KL4 (my wife made me promise not to intentionally do this)
4) Never wheel alone (just saw that on another thread)
etc etc...
I'm sure there are lots of things that you Jeep vets can come up with in reference as to the best ways to handle sand / snow / rocks - when to use the lockers - and which ones - and when to most appropriately use the swaybar disconnect.
Sure the manual has basic stuff but clearly those of us reading the manual were still doing the sunrider folds incorrectly until photos were placed.
I'd rather learn form those with the experiences and hear some great stories in the mean time.
Great site and I hope a list can be started...
MIGHT HAVE TO START A NEW THREAD BUT HERE GOES...Jeeping 101 in progress
The List (or what I am compiling from your entries - scan for details but I'll also try to update):
CRITICAL (some should be on a placard on the jeep kind of things...)
1) NEVER wheel alone - seems to be a recurring theme and makes a bunch of sense
2) KITS (depend on trip, length, etc):
A) Safety / First Aid / Survival kits - water, shelter/tent, sleeping bags, food, poncho, blankets, lighter/matches, signal mirror (may not want to rip off the rearview), whistle, toilet paper
B) Toolkit - Shovel, axe, torx, sockets, screwdrivers, duct tape, multipurpose knifes (Swiss Army / Leatherman/Woodmans / Hunting - containing bottle opener and corkscrew), bungee cords, gloves
C) Communications - Cell phone (and charger), CB radio, Ham radio
4) Tow Strap - Winch or come along
5) Fire extinguisher - more than just in a safety kit - there is a thread on installations!
6) Lotions - but beware of sand dunes - Wear Sunblock regardless, insect repellent, carmex
7) Sunglasses
8) Flashlight - LED recommended with photolith batteries
9) Map and compass and let people know where you're going (leave a note / flight plan!)
10) Watch the videos above!
10a) New addition - compressor!!! At minimum one of those boost start / compressors for emergencies and when you want to go in the sand if you haven't already bought that big daddy Warn winch.
COMMON SENSE ITEMS (For some - for the rest of us new info!)
11) Don't wheel alone
12) Don't park under trees with the top off
13) Thieves will cut the soft top to get at what they can see
14) Don't drive around in 4-lo because you feel cool LOL
15) Don't drive into anything you don't scout out first or know.(ie common sense)
16) Don't go 40 into a mud hole (personal experience LOL)
17) Don't diss another mans/womans jeep. (unless it has"dubs" :] )
18) Don't wear lip gloss at the sand dunes
19) It is a Jeep - while it might not seem like it - it can and will get stuck
see the thread https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...?t=6005&page=2 specifically #17
Also see thread https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/jk-show-tell-33/jk-flop-7210/
And the video...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrwTPlogv3Q
20) Join a 4X4 club
DON'T FORGET (mostly for men...):
21) Don't wheel alone
22) Blonde, Redhead, or companion in passenger seat (over 18 please)
23) Jeep women are sophisticated so don't always assume beer (or PBR) hence the corkscrew above
24) Libations / adult beverages are for the destination
25) Avoid anything oral while in motion - thanks MJS Jeep 888
26) The plastic windows WILL and DO scratch. Clean before storage. Use LOTS of water to get the majority of the dust off before using a microfiber towel with cleaners.
27) Several cleaners have been highly recommended but the 303 line seems to have the biggest thumbs up.
28) When the horn gets wet - it will sound like a duck - or worse (thanks JKGirl!)
29) CARRY A CAMERA to show off your trip!
DRIVING IN SAND
From Jeep School and others:
1. Some suggest 4Hi to keep you from hitting the throttle, over-torquing and breaking the threshold of traction and burying yourself in the sand. Some suggest 2wd until you start sinking.
2. Minimize turns and braking--steady movement is best to get you through the soft stuff. Turning creates resistance to the forward power being applied by your rear tires.
3. Handling appears to be improved by turning OFF the ESP
4. If DEEP SAND - lower tire pressure to 15 psi or lower (some suggested as low as 3 and 6 but I found some issues with loss of bead around 6). In any event - 15 worked great for us in deep sand going up hill!!!
HILLS and ROCK CLIMBING
Easiest to just follow this link! https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...1&postcount=57
Thanks again to Jeep School!
MUD
See the following https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...5&postcount=61
Necessary Budget Modifications:
Mirror Drill see https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/jk-write-ups-39/drilled-side-view-mirrors-1291/
Other honorable mentions:
Keep the wave alive!
The sunrider folds will all go behind the back seat - 2 Ws! click here
Join JA https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/jk-talk-26/should-we-start-chapter-ja-6539/
For survival (thanks Rubimon) http://youtube.com/watch?v=tCtcltJ9yxQ
Last edited by AZToad; 06-04-2007 at 09:55 PM. Reason: Updates
04-24-2007, 02:10 PM
#3
JK Freak
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Wheeling basics - the toolkit - and what it should contain. I saw something about that in a post a while back and one person had an entire toolbox out of sears - may itself have exceeded the gross weight for the vehicle!
Shovel and axe sound pretty reasonable.
A friend also reminded me that I already started filling the storage area with a socket set, screwdrivers, a torx set, and a tow strap.
I'm sure others can add some more...
Shovel and axe sound pretty reasonable.
A friend also reminded me that I already started filling the storage area with a socket set, screwdrivers, a torx set, and a tow strap.
I'm sure others can add some more...
04-24-2007, 05:56 PM
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first aid kit and fire extinguisher. Drinking water, blanket or sleeping bag. CB, lighter or matches. Signal mirror and whistle. and my favorite FOOD! I think you have a good idea going here AZToad.
04-24-2007, 07:10 PM
#7
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I have owned a 95, 99, 04, and now finally an 07 unlimited and let me tell you it is not all new owners fault. I have waved to everyone and have not gotten very many waves returned. It seems that there is a snob factor at work and the older model owners think their jeeps are better and so they don't have to wave. That is what is killing my jeep wave.
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04-24-2007, 08:03 PM
#9
JK Freak
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Fortunately - me too! ...and I'm not counting the Samoyed or white Husky!
However, she has requested that since I refuse to put the top back up (she is a freeze baby so thanks to the mega heater she can stay defrosted) that I always keep extra caps / hats both for sun protection and keeping her hair out of everyone's face!
I already threw the sunblock in after the first week - found that out the hard way too. Had so much fun driving around that I didn't really notice how red my arms, face, neck and legs had gotten!
Think that there is another thread about the 303 protectant - man that stuff works wonders. I just hope that no one finds out that it will destroy too much because it really seems to work very well.
I'll try to figure out a way to edit the first entry with the suggestions - hopefully with a link to the actual comment from each of you!
thanks and please keep them coming!
However, she has requested that since I refuse to put the top back up (she is a freeze baby so thanks to the mega heater she can stay defrosted) that I always keep extra caps / hats both for sun protection and keeping her hair out of everyone's face!
I already threw the sunblock in after the first week - found that out the hard way too. Had so much fun driving around that I didn't really notice how red my arms, face, neck and legs had gotten!
Think that there is another thread about the 303 protectant - man that stuff works wonders. I just hope that no one finds out that it will destroy too much because it really seems to work very well.
I'll try to figure out a way to edit the first entry with the suggestions - hopefully with a link to the actual comment from each of you!
thanks and please keep them coming!
04-25-2007, 03:41 AM
#10
the biggest one is don't wheel alone. hit the trails with someone with a lot of experience, and they can walk you through a lot of your wheeling questions, and kit items that may be specific to your area and / or the type of wheeling / length of the trip.