First trip to Moab Jack Question

That's going to be a great trip!

Are you going with another vehicle in case of trouble/can you change a tire with another jack (factory, or other if you went up in tire size)? Level of trails/how far out are you planning on going?

As you already know equipment that makes your life easier is always great to have, but I get the 2-door space/weight savings. I've only been to Moab a few times but never had tire issues.

Laura

That's going to be a great trip!

Are you going with another vehicle in case of trouble/can you change a tire with another jack (factory, or other if you went up in tire size)? Level of trails/how far out are you planning on going?

As you already know equipment that makes your life easier is always great to have, but I get the 2-door space/weight savings. I've only been to Moab a few times but never had tire issues.

Hi Laura,

First day will be mostly Non-issue with a buddy and his 4 runner at Onion Creek (easy)...but thought about doing a 2nd day hells revenge (likely bypass the crazy stuff this go around). Buddy would likely leave 4runner behind for that day and ride with me for the lockers. I know, solo is not recommended, but figure I've seen a lot options for low risk trails/bypasses out there.

Maybe I'm trying to secretly rationalize swapping my Sasquatch Wranglers for a stronger tire...and using the jack as a conduit. Lol.

Golfsky

Hi Laura,

First day will be mostly Non-issue with a buddy and his 4 runner at Onion Creek (easy)...but thought about doing a 2nd day hells revenge (likely bypass the crazy stuff this go around). Buddy would likely leave 4runner behind for that day and ride with me for the lockers. I know, solo is not recommended, but figure I've seen a lot options for low risk trails/bypasses out there.

Maybe I'm trying to secretly rationalize swapping my Sasquatch Wranglers for a stronger tire...and using the jack as a conduit. Lol.

Totally fair lol ... get the new tires. 😈 I couldn't remember what you had on yours.
It's not like you'll be airing down that much for Hells Revenge, so I would feel pretty good about not losing a bead and needing to swap to the spare, and both of those don't have crazy sharp rocks ....
If you have room, take it, but my "highly uneducated just going on positive experiences so far" opinion is you'll be all right.

If you're a newbie, you may be unfamiliar with airing down. It's necessary--I speak from painful experience. The OEM Goodyears, especially if under 7500 miles, not only throw rocks, they can capture them, and they work their way deep into the cleats, then the ply, and puncture. That happened to me 3x in Utah--on well maintained BLM unpaved roads at regular pavement psi. So air down!

I found the OEM scissor jack sufficient for backcountry tire changing. But carry a 12x12x3/4-inch plywood square for footing.

Which means you need a compressor or a tank. I use and recommend the Thorslightning compressor and accessories. It has the only permanent install for Bronco. Or you can just get a Harbor Freight box and lug it. I have and love the install, but you'll need a few hours and/or a pro installer. It's one of the NAPA 2-cyllinder high-speed variants, similar to Morflate, Tricky Dick (also a great guy) and others. Give them a call immediately--they're in Colorado. Or Tricky Dick in PWN. If airing down & up is new to you, you need to practice it a few times.

https://thorslightningairsystems.com/

If you're planning on more than just a spare to see you through, also consider a good tire-repair kit (for punctures) and maybe Gluetread sidewall tire repair, which will give you enough repair to get you back to services. (Available on Amazon.) Don't forget to bring a decent shovel.

Now, something important: examine and test all your recovery gear. Examine your winch (find a steep slope to test), your kinetic rope, your shackles, and your pneumatic equipment. Back roads are no place to learn what is and what isn't working.

Lastly, get this:

There's been discussion on this and the other forum about trail closings in Moab, and elsewhere. So you'll want to connect with the BLM office about where you can and can't go. And wheel responsibly--don't give the enviro-whackos more reason to shut down more backcountry!

Happy wheeling!

I would at least take a good bottle jack that has enough lift to change a tire. these are small enough to pack well. but there is a fine line between being over prepared and under prepared. I did see a guy with one of those Badland jacks at the local off road parks working on his jeep but he was at the staging area and not on the trail.

BostonBadlands

If you're a newbie, you may be unfamiliar with airing down. It's necessary--I speak from painful experience. The OEM Goodyears, especially if under 7500 miles, not only throw rocks, they can capture them, and they work their way deep into the cleats, then the ply, and puncture. That happened to me 3x in Utah--on well maintained BLM unpaved roads at regular pavement psi. So air down!

I found the OEM scissor jack sufficient for backcountry tire changing. But carry a 12x12x3/4-inch plywood square for footing.

Which means you need a compressor or a tank. I use and recommend the Thorslightning compressor and accessories. It has the only permanent install for Bronco. Or you can just get a Harbor Freight box and lug it. I have and love the install, but you'll need a few hours and/or a pro installer. It's one of the NAPA 2-cyllinder high-speed variants, similar to Morflate, Tricky Dick (also a great guy) and others. Give them a call immediately--they're in Colorado. Or Tricky Dick in PWN. If airing down & up is new to you, you need to practice it a few times.

https://thorslightningairsystems.com/

If you're planning on more than just a spare to see you through, also consider a good tire-repair kit (for punctures) and maybe Gluetread sidewall tire repair, which will give you enough repair to get you back to services. (Available on Amazon.) Don't forget to bring a decent shovel.

Now, something important: examine and test all your recovery gear. Examine your winch (find a steep slope to test), your kinetic rope, your shackles, and your pneumatic equipment. Back roads are no place to learn what is and what isn't working.

Lastly, get this:

There's been discussion on this and the other forum about trail closings in Moab, and elsewhere. So you'll want to connect with the BLM office about where you can and can't go. And wheel responsibly--don't give the enviro-whackos more reason to shut down more backcountry!

Happy wheeling!

Fantastic advice! Thank you. I wouldn't call myself a rookie, but certainly still less bravery than Bronco has capabilities. As for gear, the plywood is a great piece of advice as I was just looking for a scissor jack base. I have been out to (and up) bronco knoll and a few Anza/Ocotillo trips here in California. For those, have Maxtrax, compressor and Morrflate 4 tire (inflate/deflate). The patch kit aligns with what I was going to buy as well.
Tires have almost 20k and yes, rocks were a pain until I got rail/sliders plus quick release Rokblokz flaps...not a chip since. To summarize, I'm a "go-bag and garmin inReach carrier even to my city job" kinda guy. But the advice is appreciated.
As for trail updates, thank you. OnX does a great job of reminding me to tread lightly, I am watching for trail closures. My "play it as it lies" mentality covers my respect for the rules on the trail. Golfers should get that reference.

So tire/sidewall repair aside, I also have a shovel (real one not just my Maxtrax). Winch test is a good idea too. I'll work on finding a spot for that before departure.

Jakob1972

I would at least take a good bottle jack that has enough lift to change a tire. these are small enough to pack well. but there is a fine line between being over prepared and under prepared. I did see a guy with one of those Badland jacks at the local off road parks working on his jeep but he was at the staging area and not on the trail.

It's a beast just to move around garage, but plan was to ratchet it down if I take it. Again, 2 door is laughable offense to my wife for space.

Moab is great. You will have a blast. Regarding an off-road jack, the rolling off-road jacks are handy, but like you said, they are heavy and bulky. My company is working on building a carrier for them in the storage area. That being said, I carry the much smaller, safer, and easier to use, all-in-one jack. The flat bottom works great on dirt and sand. https://motleyind.com/products/3-ton-all-in-one-jackstand-bottle-jack

EriktheCabonizedGray

Moab is great. You will have a blast. Regarding an off-road jack, the rolling off-road jacks are handy, but like you said, they are heavy and bulky. My company is working on building a carrier for them in the storage area. That being said, I carry the much smaller, safer, and easier to use, all-in-one jack. The flat bottom works great on dirt and sand. https://motleyind.com/products/3-ton-all-in-one-jackstand-bottle-jack

Outstanding jack to have! I bought the 3ton version, just because! Bought one for my sister, for her F150 Raptor, and I will probably buy another for my F450 Super Duty.

These are great, come in a small bag that fits under the seat. Great off road jacks. I have the larger plate for the base. I also have a jack stand which I don't bring for space but I think I may start. Another small bag under the seat. It will fit if I make room. Very sturdy strong and made for hard changes.

https://safejacks.com/

Just finished a week in Moab.
As for trails like Fins and Things or hell's revenge, take them down to 20 and nothing to worry about. The surface is like a parking lot, except big drop offs, angles and ledge's, But chances of a tire problem are slim.
I would think @TorgSurv or @RKYMTN would be the best to advise you because they live there.
I just didn't see anything in Moab that had me worried about my tires (stock Sasquatch)
I wouldn't worry about it there.

Lots O Fords

Just finished a week in Moab.
As for trails like Fins and Things or hell's revenge, take them down to 20 and nothing to worry about. The surface is like a parking lot, except big drop offs, angles and ledge's, But chances of a tire problem are slim.
I would think @TorgSurv or @RKYMTN would be the best to advise you because they live there.
I just didn't see anything in Moab that had me worried about my tires (stock Sasquatch)
I wouldn't worry about it there.

I concur

Anybody can destroy parts. The Goodyears hold up ok in Moab. correct tire pressure and taking care of equipment goeas a long way. As far as throwing rocks they are bad don't follow to closely. Wear them down and then enjoy the look at all options out there.

RKYMTN

Anybody can destroy parts. The Goodyears hold up ok in Moab. correct tire pressure and taking care of equipment goeas a long way. As far as throwing rocks they are bad don't follow to closely. Wear them down and then enjoy the look at all options out there.

From a man who has definitely had rocks thrown up in his face after a long day on the trails!🤣

Let's bear in mind, this isn't so much a MOAB jack question, but an off-road and backcountry jack issue. So answers will vary depending upon posters' past experience, anticipated travels, budget, skill set, etc. For some people, the ultra-very-best is the only way to go, but that prices me out.
As I stated above, I found the OEM scissor jack quite adequate for gravel-dirt road changing. I did replace it with one which uses a ratchet handle, as the extension rods work, but annoy me. But it's basically the same as the OEM. Maybe if I had to jack up to change a tierod...hmmmm...

I live in Moab and do not even carry a spare on my 2 door. Lower your tire pressure, I run 13 often, I do have Method Bead Grip wheels, but have run 12 on a non bead grip wheel without a problem. A tire at lower pressure can withstand punctures much more than an fully inflated one. Think of a balloon, fully inflated a pin will go right in and pop it, at lightly inflated one will deflect and not pop. Also I carry two tire patch kits. A plug one and a sidewall one, and of course have a ARB twin compressor on board to inflate the tire back up. Today I accidently ran over a very sharp rock with my 37" BFG KO2s at low speed and had no problems. Enjoy Moab.

Roughstock11

These are great, come in a small bag that fits under the seat. Great off road jacks. I have the larger plate for the base. I also have a jack stand which I don't bring for space but I think I may start. Another small bag under the seat. It will fit if I make room. Very sturdy strong and made for hard changes.

https://safejacks.com/

That's the jack I have as well, works like a champ and doesn't take up a lot of space.

We were there a couple of weeks ago as well and it was a blast,I'm sure you will too! As a quick aside, you don't have to do OnionCreek as an up and back. When we did it we even saw dinosour tracks!

jzweedyk

I live in Moab and do not even carry a spare on my 2 door. Lower your tire pressure, I run 13 often, I do have Method Bead Grip wheels, but have run 12 on a non bead grip wheel without a problem. A tire at lower pressure can withstand punctures much more than an fully inflated one. Think of a balloon, fully inflated a pin will go right in and pop it, at lightly inflated one will deflect and not pop. Also I carry two tire patch kits. A plug one and a sidewall one, and of course have a ARB twin compressor on board to inflate the tire back up. Today I accidently ran over a very sharp rock with my 37" BFG KO2s at low speed and had no problems. Enjoy Moab.

Most off road flats or on the sidewall. I don't agree with the balloon analogy. If you believe it I have no problem with that. Off Road Racers find it better to run at higher pressures than lower pressures because of flats. Read some of their forums. Some find once they are above 28 PSI they get less flats. I also have personal experience with some very experienced Baja racers and this is their experience as well. Tire pressure is for traction and comfort. I guess it is in how you roll. I would not go out without a spare tire. To each his own. Like you said I also carry a plug kit and a side wall kit and emergency valves. I had a flat from a broken cattle guard a few years ago and nothing but a spare would have fixed it. The side wall was ruined.