Harry Wagner
Contributor
Photographers:
Courtesy the Manufacturers
No matter what you celebrate, be it Hanukah, Christmas, Kwanza, Ramadan, or just the fourth Friday in December, the one thing we all have in common is a love for shifting our transfer cases in 4-Lo. While we would all love a new 4x4 or a supercharged V-8 engine, unless you’re Donald Trump’s nephew that probably isn’t going to happen. So we have gathered up some of our favorite parts and accessories that can make your next adventure more fun without breaking the bank.
Summit Jump Start Pack
Summit Racing Equipment’s Professional Jump Start & Power Supply Pack has 300 cranking amps—powerful enough to jump-start gasoline and diesel engines up to 4.8L. You can also use it to charge cellphones, tablets, speakers, and other portable USB devices. The 12-volt lithium-ion battery offers up to 1,000 full charging cycles. The pack also has an LED flashlight, a strobe light, and a three-in-one USB adapter, plus Apple 30-pin and Lightning charging ends. A wall charger, a 12-volt DC charger, jumper cables, and a storage case are also included.
Information:
Summit Racing Equipment
800.230.3030
summitracing.com
Husky WeatherBeater Floor Liners
Put nature firmly in its place. The rugged and sporty WeatherBeater Floor Liners perfectly conform to the contours of your ride and offer unbeatable carpet protection for whatever nature hurls at you. The design process perfectly forms each liner to the contours of your vehicle. Stay-Put cleats keep the liner from shifting under foot.
Information:
Husky Liners
800.344.8759
huskyliners.com
Superchips Jeep Flashpaq F5
Superchips Flashpaq F5 features a new, full-color, high-definition, 2.8-inch screen; a redesigned graphic interface; increased memory with a faster processor for improved tuning and updating speed; a slim, sleek case that fits in the palm of your hand; and more. The device also features performance levels designed for your Jeep whether you are off-road crawling, towing down the highway, or anything in between.
Information:
Superchips
888.227.2447
superchips.com
Axial SCX10 Deadbolt
The SCX10 platform is the proven chassis of choice for scale enthusiasts around the globe. Now Axial has taken the popular Deadbolt body from the AX10 chassis and placed it on the SCX10, which gives it a cool scale appearance and a new factory body choice. The Deadbolt comes ready to run with a realistic driver figure, officially licensed Maxxis Trepador tires, and officially licensed Walker Evans Racing wheels.
Information:
Axial
877.642.9425
axialracing.com
Genuine Hotrod Hardware Zombie-Opoly Game
What better game to play when you’re camping in the middle of nowhere than Genuine Hotrod Hardware’s Zombie-Opoly? Choose your token, roll your bones, and shuffle around the board purchasing favorite zombies like Officer Stump, Cheerless, and Goodbye Kitty. Play the traditional version or step up the pace and play the one-hour version—perfect for the modern, fast-moving undead. Ages 8 and up.
Information:
Genuine Hotrod Hardware
800.575.1932
genuinehotrod.com
Painless Performance Trail Rocker
Your only weatherproof option for controlling up to eight accessories on your JK Wrangler! This kit mounts five switches in the dash for a factory-installed look. The power center includes a bolt-on bracket to mount under the hood with 200 amps of fused protection. Easily installed with Painless’ detailed instructions and plug-n-play design.
Information:
Painless Performance
800.423.9696
painlessperformance.com
Eastwood Underhood LED Light
Eastwood’s Underhood Professional Folding LED Light boasts a 1,400-lumen output and can be operated on the high setting for about 1 1/2 hours or the low setting for about 3 hours on a full charge. This light extends from 48 to 68 inches so it can span most vehicle hoods without a problem. The center sections of this light rotate independently a full 180 degrees so you have the ability to aim the light where ever you need it.
Information:
Eastwood
800.343.9353
eastwood.com
Central Pneumatic Earthquake Air Impact Wrench
This professional-class pneumatic impact wrench delivers more power with better weight distribution, lighter materials, and a more compact housing. Premium components with close tolerances give this tool a longer lifespan than conventional air wrenches. And with less vibration, you can work longer with this durable impact wrench.
Information:
Harbor Freight Tools
800.423.2567
harborfreight.com
Daystar Jack Handle Isolator
Why didn't somebody think of this years ago? This is a must-have for any Hi-Lift owner. Daystar’s 1-inch-thick polyurethane blocks simply slip over the jack handle and the jack's I-beam to keep them parallel and secured together. No more out-of-control handles and that constant clanging on the trail. Fits all Hi-Lift brand jacks.
Information:
Daystar
800.595.7659
daystarweb.com
Gorilla Clear Repair
The toughest, clearest repair tape on the market, Gorilla’s Clear Repair is the ideal solution for almost any repair, from a cracked smartphone screen to broken headlights or torn plastic, such as soft-top windows. With an extra-thick adhesive layer and tough, ultraclear backing, Gorilla Clear Repair is a translucent, durable bond to repair almost any surface.
Information:
Gorilla Tape
800.966.3458
gorillatough.com
Rust-Oleum Truck Bed Liner
The Rust-Oleum Truck Bed Liner Kit is a two-component, epoxy- and rubber-based product designed for maximum protection and easy do-it-yourself application. This easy-to-apply coating can be used to recoat and restore worn, unfinished, or previously finished metal truck beds. The extremely durable coating prevents truck bed damage caused by scratches, rust, and weather while enhancing the appearance of the vehicle.
Information:
Rust-Oleum
877.385.8155
rustoleum.com
Tuffy JK Cubby Storage Security Cover
The engineers at Jeep finally built some unique, out-of-the-way storage for the back of the Jeep Wrangler—trouble is there’s no way to securely lock up what you’ve put in there. Tuffy Security Products solved this dilemma with the new JK Cubby Storage Security Cover. This unique lockable cover bolts to the tub, replacing the original flimsy cover with a powdercoated 16-gauge and 11-gauge steel assembly. The weight-bearing steel assembly also provides a sturdier surface to place heavier items on top of.
Information:
Tuffy Security Products
800.348.8339
tuffyproducts.com
Trail Sport Wheel Spacers
Increase overall axle width and increase tire clearance with Trail Sport’s billet aluminum wheel spacer kits. These premium-quality wheel spacers are made from forged 6061 billet aluminum and are available in a wide variety of bolt patterns to fit most common applications. The included Grade 8 hardware ensures years of strength and durability. Installation is quick and easy.
Information:
Trail Sport
909.370.0144
trailsport4x4.com
JKS J-Cal Programmer
JKS has the perfect addition for JK owners looking to dial in the electronics on their Jeeps. The J-Cal programmer corrects speedo for different tires size and gear ratios; gives additional locker options on Rubicons; gives you engine idle, ESP, TPMS, radio, DRL, headlight, turn signal, and horn chirp customization; and lets you read and clear diagnostic codes.
Information:
JKS Mfg.
517.278.1226
jksmfg.com
LMC LED Headlight
These 7-inch, sealed-beam, LED headlights deliver a DOT-approved bright white light that offers superior performance for off-road and nighttime driving. Improve visibility with a whiter light output (5,000 degrees K) that is closer to the color temperature of daylight than conventional lights. The bulb-free design has a longer life and uses less energy than standard and halogen headlights.
Information:
LMC Truck
800.562.8782
lmctruck.com
Smittybilt Multitool
The new Smittybilt Multi-Function Pliers are a great addition to your toolbox or glovebox. Smittybilt's Adaptable Compact Tool is a 10-in-1, spring-loaded tool that has everything you need. From screwdrivers to pliers to a knife or a ruler, this tool has everything in a compact package for off-roading and camping.
Information:
Smittybilt,
888.717.5797
smittybilt.com
Tonka Ripsaw
Looking for something for the little off-roaders in your life? Children ages 3 and up will experience the excitement of driving a Jeep Wrangler on an abandoned mine in the rocky hills of Ripsaw Summit. Completely new for 2015. Be the first to hit this rugged terrain. Along with the Jeep Wrangler, the package comes with three 90-degree trail pieces and seven straight tracks. Available at Toys-R-Us this holiday season.
Information:
Tonka
800.882.3808
tonka.com
Quadratec Ultimate Floor Liners
Quadratec Ultimate Floor Liners were engineered for the most precise fit in your Jeep. Ultimate Floor Liners feature a rugged off-road tread design and a sturdy carpet attachment system and are constructed of the finest TPE material for extreme durability. A deep tread depth and the sidewall design allow these to hold all the muck. These floor liners are engineered and made in the USA for the best fit possible.
Information:
Quadratec
800.745.2348
quadratec.com
Optima Digital 400 Battery Charger
The Optima Digital 400 automatically maximizes battery life and performance with Optima’s built-in battery health mode, which can recover discharged batteries that others cannot. LED indicators prompt the user for quick and easy selection of charge and maintain profiles by battery type, including AGM and standard flooded batteries.
Information:
Optima Battery
888.867.8462
optimabatteries.com
Warn Epic Tree Trunk Protector
The Warn Epic Tree Trunk Protector is designed to protect a live tree from damage during winching and self-recovery. The strap is constructed of premium-quality nylon with an encased red warning marker to indicate damaged webbing. Plus, end loops are reinforced with durable forged steel ring connectors and E-coated for premium protection against wear and abrasion.
Information:
Warn
800.543.9276
warn.com
Offroad Design Heavy-Duty Shackles
The front shackles on any leaf-sprung straight axle truck will be a weak point at some time. If you’re lucky, they wear and just handle terrible. If you’re not lucky, they break. Offroad Design upgrades every piece of the shackle system to keep this from happening. ORD has versions for any stock or lifted GM straight axle truck from 1969 to 1991.
Information:
Offroad Design
970.945.7777
offroaddesign.com
M.O.R.E. Hide-A-Step
M.O.R.E.’s innovative and unique Hide-A-Step has made it easier than ever to get into 4x4s that have large tires. Affordable and easy to install, the retractable step lowers your step-up by a full 11 inches. It is available in both silver and black, features a convenient quick-disconnect feature, and is zinc plated to protect against harsh winter conditions and road hazards.
Information:
Mountain Off Road Enterprises
877.533.7229
mountainoffroad.com
BDS Stainless Steel Brake Lines
BDS offers upgraded brake lines for most applications on the market. These lines come in extended lengths for lifted applications and are a direct replacement to the OE rubber lines. They use a Kevlar-lined, stainless steel braided design with one-piece crimped ends for more strength and stiff pedal feel.
Information:
BDS Suspension
517.279.2135
bds-suspension.com
Pro Comp Accupro
Are you installing larger tires and wheels on your vehicle? If so, ProComp has the solution to your speedometer calibration issues with the Accupro. This plug-n-play device can recalibrate your speedometer and odometer, adjust transmission shifts, and clear DTCs. The Accupro is easy to use and plugs right into your rig’s OBD-II port.
Information:
Pro Comp
800.776.0767
procompusa.com
Ididit Steering Wheel Adaptors
These adapters from ididit allow you to use just about any aftermarket steering wheel out there on your Jeep or whatever 4x4 you drive. They are offered in a three-bolt pattern as well as five- six-, and nine-bolt patterns. These billet aluminum adaptors are available in a brushed or polished finish, semigloss black powdercoat, and chrome.
Information:
ididit
517.424.0577
ididit.com
Synergy Manufacturing Grab Handles
Synergy Manufacturing Grab Handles are the perfect addition to any Jeep. Made from high-quality 1-inch-diameter tubing, they provide a convenient and solid grab point for getting in or out of the vehicle. They also keep your hands safe and free from the rollcage or door openings in the event of a rollover.
Information:
Synergy Mfg.
805.242.0397
synergymfg.com
Lokar Anchor-Tight Flexible Dipstick
Lokar’s patented Anchor-Tight Locking Flexible Dipsticks have many advantages over conventional dipsticks, such as no leaking even with the transmission upside-down. Additional features include a locking mechanism that eliminates expulsion of the dipstick handle under trans pressure, a bolted-in sealed pan fitting, large filler tube that accepts standard transmission funnels, a Teflon-lined stainless braided outer housing, and a flexible inner dipstick-measuring cable for accurate fluid measuring.
Information:
Lokar
877.469-.440
lokar.com
AEV BigBoy Saw
The AEV BigBoy is a folding saw that would be right at home under the seat of your Jeep, but it’s also small enough to be packed on a motorcycle or snowmobile. With the low-angle curve and hard chrome-plated blade, this is the ideal multipurpose folding saw for cutting big jobs down to size.
Information:
American Expedition Vehicles
248.926.0256
aev-conversions.com
Poly Performance Aluminum Fairlead
Let everyone know how you feel about winching with Poly Performance’s anodized aluminum fairlead. Light and stylish, this piece works best with synthetic winch line and will help you get out of any jam. Available in three colors. Offers an increased approach angle compared to roller fairleads.
Information:
Poly Performance
805.783.2060
polyperformance.com
Powertank Tire Inflator
Powertank’s TIG-8500 is the newest addition to the company’s tire inflator lineup. The pressure range is zero to 60 psi so it covers low off-road tire pressures up to most truck tire pressures. The digital display makes night viewing easy and offers accuracy that can’t be beat by any analog gauge.
Information:
Powertank
209.366.2163
powertank.com
Zone Colorado Lift Kits
Zone Offroad has several kits for the new GM Colorado/Canyon to fit under your tree this year, including 1 1/4-inch leveling kits, 1 1/2-inch body lifts, 2 3/4-inch combo kits, and 5 1/2-inch IFS lift kits. The 2 3/4-inch combo kits combines the 1 1/4-inch leveling kit with the 1 1/2-inch body lift, allowing you to fit up to 33-inch tires with a smooth factory lift ride.
Information:
Zone Offroad
888.998.9663
zoneoffroad.com
Rancho RockGear Rear Door Cover Plate
The Rancho RockGear Rear Door Cover Plate increases the versatility and capability of the popular Jeep Wrangler JK. The cover plate is constructed from thick steel and was designed to cover the vent when removing the spare tire carrier. The cover plate reuses factory bolts and hole locations and was designed to cover the rear decompression vent. A CB antenna mount is included.
Information:
Rancho
734.384.7804
gorancho.com
ARB E-Z Deflator
Airing down at the trailhead is a time-honored tradition. The unique, patented design of ARB’s E-Z deflator allows for removal of the valve core for rapid tire deflation, while also providing an accurate pressure reading via the simple movement of a sliding valve. Includes a protective canvas pouch and instruction sheet.
Information:
ARB USA
866.293.9078
arbusa.com
Rubicon Express Steering Stabilizer
Make sure your steering system can handle those big tires. Rubicon Express’ steering stabilizer features a 1 5/8-inch piston for maximum control and an 11/16-inch chrome shaft for maximum strength. The oversized shock body allows more fluid capacity, and double-welded rings add durability for a great-performing stabilizer both on- and off-road.
Information:
Rubicon Express
877.367.7824
rubiconexpress.com
Brownells Essentials Stranded Kit
Brownells ESG Essentials Stranded Kit will help sustain you if you’re stranded in your car or otherwise cut off from normal supplies due to bad weather or another emergency. It can also help you self-rescue. The kit includes a 24-pack of AA batteries, a Fire Lite Kit, a pocket stove with fuel, a Stansport saw, a multitool shovel, a Stansport compass, a mess kit, water filtration, a first aid kit, insect repellent wipes, and a weather alert radio. It’s all packed into a handy organizer bag with a hook-and-loop ESG patch for instant identification.
Information:
Brownells
800.741.0015
brownells.com
Factor 55 FlatLink E
The FlatLink E (Expert) is a variation of Factor 55’s popular foldable standard FlatLink winch shackle mount. The FlatLink E provides a means to replace the conventional winch hook with a safer and more secure screw pin shackle, resulting in a closed-system winching operation. The large pear-shaped shackle mounting hole allows for attachment to either the pin or bow end of common screw pin shackles, as well as common OEM recovery points.
Information:
Factor 55
208.639.1674
factor55.com
MasterCraft Safety Pocket Rollup
Constructed from rugged 100 percent cotton duck canvas, these MasterCraft Safety organizers fit open-end/box wrenches and close with a hook-and-loop strap. Available in two sizes and in either black or red, they are an excellent way to keep your tools clean, organized, and rattle-free on the trail.
Information:
MasterCraft Safety
800.565.4042
mastercraftsafety.com
Harbor Freight Winch Cradle
This Harbor Freight Tools winch mount makes it easy to install a winch with your existing receiver tube. The durable carbon steel construction allows your truck to handle winches with capacities up to 9,000 pounds. Features include roll bars to protect your winch motor as it works, making this a quality winch mount to handle and protect your winch as your truck lifts its haul.
Information:
Harbor Freight Tools
800.423.2567
harborfreight.com
Leatherman Crunch
Locking pliers that fold away make the Leatherman Crunch unlike any multitool available today. The Crunch clamps up to a 1-inch-diameter tube, and if you remove the adjusting screw you will find a hex-bit adapter built right in. With 15 tools, including locking blades that release with the push of a button, the Crunch will take a bite out of any job.
Information:
Leatherman
800.847.8665
leatherman.com
Eastwood 4.5 Angle Grinder
The Eastwood 4.5-Inch Angle Grinder has 6.4 amps of power for long-lasting grinding, cutting, and polishing. The 5/8x11 spindle accepts the most popular accessories, and the metal gear case dissipates heat for longer life. Other features include a spindle lock for quick wheel/blade changes and a three-position side handle for comfort in any situation.
Information:
Eastwood
800.343.9353
eastwood.com
Lifetime LED Magnetic Utility Light
This 15-watt magnetic LED work light is corded and fits into your cigarette lighter. Now when you really need to see on those dark roads or unlit locations you can just plug the Lifetime LED Utility Light right into your car and get your job done. This light is small enough to stay out of your way when not in use but powerful enough to give you the LED lights you need.
Information:
Lifetime LED Lights
lifetimeledlights.com
Premier Power Welder’s Learn to Weld DVD
Knowledge is a gift that lasts forever. If you want to know how to be prepared to weld on the trail, pick up Premier Power Welder’s Learn to Weld DVD. Experienced welding instructor Michael Vanvakaris explains to Rick Russell exactly how to weld on the trail, beginning with the basics on the safety equipment needed. Then it’s on to preparation, electrode types (rods), striking an ARC, and welding patterns.
Information:
Premier Power Welder
800.541.1817
premierpowerwelder.com
Tread Lightly Membership
The biggest tires and strongest axles won’t do you any good if you have no place to use them. That is why a membership to a land advocacy organization such as Tread Lightly is a good idea. For $25 you get a one-year membership that includes a subscription to the Trails newsletter and discounts from Falken, Discount Tire, and Goal Zero that far exceed the membership price.
Information:
Tread Lightly
800.966.9900
treadlightly.org
