Newbie offroader...Read this.

[stagger_lee]

Its a trail ethics and off road common law write up. Even though its from an crapterra guy, there is a lot of good info any newbie should read. :beerchug:

http://xterra101.com/trailethics.htm

[BST1YET]

definately worth reading whether you are new to wheelin or just need a refresher about proper conduct

[Spuds]

Always be aware of your conduct out in the wilderness.

When I used to have my CJ we were new to the area and joined a 4 Wheel Drive Club to meet some people. On one outing we traveled over over some dubious trails that looked like they were probably private property. But when the trip leader took a pair of bolt cutters to a lock on a gate I decided it was definately time to turn around.
:eek:

[Agriv8r]

great info, thanks...

[stagger_lee]

The most annoying thing I run into was #11 in etiquette. Definately a good refresher course I thought even for the experienced.

11. Uphill has the right of way.
If the trail is too narrow to pass then you have to back up the hill to a point where you can turn off so the person coming up can pass. However if you're coming up the hill and you see a place to pull off before you get to the downhill vehicle pull off and wave them down.

[BlueTJCO]

ATTN: All H3 owners....

this would also be a GREAT read for anyone new to offroading, and very important to anyone attempting to wheel a stock H3....

http://www.trucktrend.com/features/consumer/163_0312_off_roading/index.html

Consumer Feature: Getting Unstuck

Truth, Tips, and Life-Saving Advice
By Mike McNessor
Photography by the author

:beerchug:

[stagger_lee]

Thats some good stuff too. I wish I had all this info written out for ne when I first started hitting the trails. Would have saved me a lot of headache/trial and error. Thanks Moonie! :beerchug:

[marin8703]

ATTN: All H3 owners....

this would also be a GREAT read for anyone new to offroading, and very important to anyone attempting to wheel a stock H3....

http://www.trucktrend.com/features/consumer/163_0312_off_roading/index.html

Consumer Feature: Getting Unstuck

Truth, Tips, and Life-Saving Advice
By Mike McNessor
Photography by the author

:beerchug:

well the pics seemed to show mostly jeeps, as if the article was written for them.

[3Hummer]

The most annoying thing I run into was #11 in etiquette. Definately a good refresher course I thought even for the experienced.

11. Uphill has the right of way.
If the trail is too narrow to pass then you have to back up the hill to a point where you can turn off so the person coming up can pass. However if you're coming up the hill and you see a place to pull off before you get to the downhill vehicle pull off and wave them down.


Aight' i was reading another artical about offroad etiquette, and they said the oppisite, which i bieleve sounds more reasonable, i mean its easier to back down a hill that you havent gotten all the way down yet, then to back up a hill that you already got over the peak.

[BigBill]

This is some excellent reading even if it comes from an Xterra wheeler! Just place "Hummer" in place of "Xterra" and read on! :)

[stagger_lee]

Aight' i was reading another artical about offroad etiquette, and they said the oppisite, which i bieleve sounds more reasonable, i mean its easier to back down a hill that you havent gotten all the way down yet, then to back up a hill that you already got over the peak.

I have never heard it the opposite, but I might have to agree that it does sound a bit more reasonable at first. The only reasoning I can give you is that it is safer to back up a hill under power than to reverse down a hill applying your brakes. Just like snow or ice you lose steering capabilities if you start to slide. :beerchug:

[BigBill]

I am in the process of compiling what I need for my upcoming trip, and being that I am relatively new to this, what tools are suggested for the Hummer? I have some basic extraction gear (lift, tow straps, shackles), but what specific tools like sockets, wrenches, etc. are there to the H3? I remember with my old F250 that 10mm seemed to appear everywhere.

Bill

[stagger_lee]

Depends on how crazy you are going to get. Basic recovery gear is definately a necessity. You can use a high lift jack as a come-along, but wont do much good as a jack unless you have good solid jack point ie: winch bumper, rock sliders. You can also get that tire strap attachment to use with the high lift, but I have seen them used and its kind of sketchy. This thing looks cool for helping you get unstuck:
http://www.jeephorizons.com/news/arb_xjack_111205.html

Here is a good check list from that same xterra guy. He is very thorough.
http://xterra101.com/trailgear.htm

Unless you are a mechanic, a little more than the basic tools would be sufficient. Think about what could break, if you are carrying spare parts, and what tools are needed to make the fix. Ratchet tie straps are great for all kinds rigged fixes. I have a breaker bar for lugnuts (i dont like the stock tools) We have done the 2x4 as a splint on a cracked frame with a ratchet strap around it to get us off the trail. Then again we probably wont be cracking frames on the H3, afterall its not an FJ. :giggling: :beerchug:

[BigBill]

Thanks!

So the jack can't be used on the bumper or on the rocker panel rails? I was told that the jack could be used as a come-along if need be.

[stagger_lee]

Thanks!

So the jack can't be used on the bumper or on the rocker panel rails? I was told that the jack could be used as a come-along if need be.

You figure you are lifting the weight of the vehicle on just your rocker panel? Not a good idea. Not really a solid point on stock bumpers either. I would look for metal to metal contact on a point to is directly bolted to the frame for a good jack point only, just to be safe. I have jacked the rear of the vehicle up from the hitch mount before. That worked fine, but kind of sketchy. :beerchug:

[SR1355]

I use the tow hooks as lift points for hi-lift jack. Works pretty good but make sure you get the 60" hi-lift. I have the 48" and it runs out of room pretty fast...

[stagger_lee]

Do you use the highlift straps with the hooks or just jack to hook? Good idea. Did it feel pretty safe?

[BigBill]

You figure you are lifting the weight of the vehicle on just your rocker panel? Not a good idea. Not really a solid point on stock bumpers either. I would look for metal to metal contact on a point to is directly bolted to the frame for a good jack point only, just to be safe. I have jacked the rear of the vehicle up from the hitch mount before. That worked fine, but kind of sketchy. :beerchug:

Excellent point! I guess I wouldn't want to lift it up by the rails, but either the bumper or even the hitch receiver would work.

[stagger_lee]

No not the bumper, unless you have aftermarket steel winch bumpers or something gnarly. You might damage the stock bumpers. As SR1355 stated tow hooks are a better option. Like I said metal to metal jack points attached to frame only. Be careful. High jacks can be dangerous. Keep in mind when you are jacking something up from the front or rear it moves up on an arc thus pulling the top of the jack away from you ever so slightly, but sometimes enough to tip the jack. Be sure to always chalk tires and set brakes. Seriously, in 10 years of offroading I have used my high lift maybe 6 times, and that was in the desert when I was stuck by myself and couldnt get a tug out. Had to jack up the car and wedge stuff under the tires. Some people use it more then others, I try not too. Although the day you forget to pack it, you'll need it. :beerchug:

[BigBill]

No not the bumper, unless you have aftermarket steel winch bumpers or something gnarly. You might damage the stock bumpers. As SR1355 stated tow hooks are a better option. Like I said metal to metal jack points attached to frame only. Be careful. High jacks can be dangerous. Keep in mind when you are jacking something up from the front or rear it moves up on an arc thus pulling the top of the jack away from you ever so slightly, but sometimes enough to tip the jack. Be sure to always chalk tires and set brakes. Seriously, in 10 years of offroading I have used my high lift maybe 6 times, and that was in the desert when I was stuck by myself and couldnt get a tug out. Had to jack up the car and wedge stuff under the tires. Some people use it more then others, I try not too. Although the day you forget to pack it, you'll need it. :beerchug:
Thanks for the information. I spoke with the lead off-road instructor at Lynch Hummer and he too is not a huge proponent of the hi-lift jack and went so far as to say that it should be used as a last ditch effort.

I ended up leaving the jack at home as I didn't have a safe way of attaching it to my vehicle and it never was an issue of not having it. Several of the guys on my trip (which was awesome) had them anyway.

I agree that if you forget something, generally you will be in a situation someday when you really need the item you forgot! Hopefully at that point I will have a way to safely secure the jack to my vehicle.

Bill

[BlueTJCO]

Thanks for the information. I spoke with the lead off-road instructor at Lynch Hummer and he too is not a huge proponent of the hi-lift jack and went so far as to say that it should be used as a last ditch effort.

I ended up leaving the jack at home as I didn't have a safe way of attaching it to my vehicle and it never was an issue of not having it. Several of the guys on my trip (which was awesome) had them anyway.

I agree that if you forget something, generally you will be in a situation someday when you really need the item you forgot! Hopefully at that point I will have a way to safely secure the jack to my vehicle.

Bill


I've seen a hi-lift jack save countless asses while out on the trail. Take it with you. You will need it someday.....

[fourfourto]

Does anyone know if those inflatable jack bags work,do they go up high enough when needed offroad.
It seams it would be easy wedging them in a tight spot.http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/images/icons/icon5.gif

[Desert Dan]

The Hi-Lift Jack is a great tool but it can be dangerous.

[H2Finally]

Make sure you lube/WD-40 the Hi-Lift jack before every use/trip. One time mine seized up on me in the "up" position. I called Hi-Lift for help and they told me to take a hammer to "tap" it.. which swung the handle up with enough force to break my jaw if my face was 2 inch closer.. which is the reason why it can be dangerous, and why you should ALWAYS stick a big rock (or at least the spare) under the truck BEFORE going under it -- if you're using the Hi-Lift to suspend the truck.

Still, I would never consider off-roading without it. At Rubicon, I blew a bead while my truck is downhill & sideways, wedged between big rocks, in pitch darkness, and freezing temperature, with both of my kids sleeping in the back seat. Without the Hi-Lift (and H2Rocks :D), I don't think any other recovery device could get me out as quickly, safely and without any damage to my rig.

[fourfourto]

I found this video on the air lift.
http://www.air-jack.com/disco3_demovid.html

[SR1355]

Do you use the highlift straps with the hooks or just jack to hook? Good idea. Did it feel pretty safe?

It felt pretty solid for the most part. I just use hooks and jack, no strap. I wish H3 had all four tow hooks instead of three. I've also used rocky road rails but they sure flex and I get an uncomfortable feeling in my stomach...

Cris B winch mount also works for getting both front tires of the ground, need to match sure you have it balanced correctly. With all of these lifts I would never get under truck without some form of blocking, whether jack stands, rocks, or logs....

BeBs has H20 bumpers on her rig which I'm sure she can use to jack truck up from.

[stagger_lee]

SR1355 Yeah I figured bebes bumpers would work, they look bulletproof. Im not surprised about the rocky road rails. I wonder if the GM rails are any better? With 4 points of contact to the frame I imagine they would be a bit stronger.

H2Finally Same thing happened to me a while back. I used to have a 85 4runner had both rear wheels up in the air jacking from the center of the bumper, would not come down. Tapped with a hammer and almost took my head off. I lost respect, or gained respect rather for the high lift at that point. I read your story about the Rubicon. Pretty impressive. Big suck sluice huh? :giggling:

fourfourto SOLD!! Excellent video representation. Thanks! :beerchug:

[Sewie]

SR1355 Yeah I figured bebes bumpers would work, they look bulletproof.

They're solid enough to support the vehicle, but you'll still need the hook/strap attachment for the hi-lift. There aren't any flat areas on those bumpers except the area around the rear hitch.