Stupid Additions that you will never use effectively and/or also are dangerous.

[Wolf Island Diver]

Anything that adds 100s of lbs of balist over height of cab.-- Tents. -- Thule carriers etc. Makes perfect sense.... get that center of gravity as high as possible to improve stability. /s

You mean this? Personally, I’d buy this guy a beer especially if he let me use one of his jetskis

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[Jteakus]

I’m kinda looking forward to doing some wheeling with the tent. I mean, anyone can do it unloaded right?

 

[shawnebell]

I cringe whenever I see anyone post about high lift jacks. It’s patently obvious that there are those out there who know nothing about use or storage of the tool.

I have my high lift jack across the hood of my JT. And my JL. And my JK. And - until it sold - my CJs. They’ve never been hung “on an aluminum hood.” HiLift and others make a mount for these tools that either hook into or replaces the hood hinge - none of which are made of aluminum.

I have often used the jack “in the field” - whatever THAT means. It is stable. It is safe. It isn’t “sketchy” at all.

A “solid platform to support the foot” is … well, that kinda depends on how you’re using it, doesn’t it? I don’t necessarily need a “solid platform” when using the tool for winching, clamping, or spreading. I might not want a “solid platform” ... I might need a chain or a strap - or both. I don’t need a “solid platform” for a horizontal clamp.

A HiLift isn’t in any way, shape, or form a “stupid addition.”

Overhead consoles are another thing that isn’t necessarily a “stupid addition.” When I flopped my CJ it didn’t move. I didn’t need a “crash helmet.”

I’ve got a phone mount, a Garmin mount for my InReach Mini, a GoPro mount, and an iPad mount on the dashboard of my JT so I can navigate or see the front/rear cameras, and I’ve lost virtually no “field of view” out of the front of the truck. Then again, I’ve got pretty good situational awareness. The ability to see what’s in front of the front or back bumpers is an excellent addition and is most certainly an improvement on the “field of view.”

It always makes me giggle when I see all the admonitions about “shrapnel” or “explosive” airbags. Airbags don’t explode. They don’t contain “shrapnel,” nor do they cause “shrapnel.”

Here’s the thing: if you hit something hard enough to set off the airbags you’ve got far more in the way of problems besides a properly mounted overhead console or high lift jack.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that having the proper tools for recovery, navigation, or extraction isn’t “so much crap.”

As for getting “25cents on the dollar” when I sell the vehicle … well, that’s just patently untrue.

Factory stock vehicles won’t get you the “most money” when you sell them; you compete with every other “factory stock” vehicle out there - and you’ll get the minimum amount you'll settle for, and even that depends on your need to sell or your ability to negotiate well.

Depending on your modifications, you’ll almost certainly get more than “factory stock.” I say that as a buyer, a seller, and a trade-in appraiser.

At the end of the day, the person who owns the Jeep makes the judgment call on what to add or not add. One man’s “stupid” addition because they lack the knowledge to operate or install the modification may be the “stupid” addition that saves someone else’s life or saves them from a 20-mile walk out of the desert … and that’s worth far more than “25cents on the dollar.”

 

[talljeeper]

I cringe whenever I see anyone post about high lift jacks. It’s patently obvious that there are those out there who know nothing about use or storage of the tool.

I have my high lift jack across the hood of my JT. And my JL. And my JK. And - until it sold - my CJs. They’ve never been hung “on an aluminum hood.” HiLift and others make a mount for these tools that either hook into or replaces the hood hinge - none of which are made of aluminum.

I have often used the jack “in the field” - whatever THAT means. It is stable. It is safe. It isn’t “sketchy” at all.

A “solid platform to support the foot” is … well, that kinda depends on how you’re using it, doesn’t it? I don’t necessarily need a “solid platform” when using the tool for winching, clamping, or spreading. I might not want a “solid platform” ... I might need a chain or a strap - or both. I don’t need a “solid platform” for a horizontal clamp.

A HiLift isn’t in any way, shape, or form a “stupid addition.”

Overhead consoles are another thing that isn’t necessarily a “stupid addition.” When I flopped my CJ it didn’t move. I didn’t need a “crash helmet.”

I’ve got a phone mount, a Garmin mount for my InReach Mini, a GoPro mount, and an iPad mount on the dashboard of my JT so I can navigate or see the front/rear cameras, and I’ve lost virtually no “field of view” out of the front of the truck. Then again, I’ve got pretty good situational awareness. The ability to see what’s in front of the front or back bumpers is an excellent addition and is most certainly an improvement on the “field of view.”

It always makes me giggle when I see all the admonitions about “shrapnel” or “explosive” airbags. Airbags don’t explode. They don’t contain “shrapnel,” nor do they cause “shrapnel.”

Here’s the thing: if you hit something hard enough to set off the airbags you’ve got far more in the way of problems besides a properly mounted overhead console or high lift jack.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that having the proper tools for recovery, navigation, or extraction isn’t “so much crap.”

As for getting “25cents on the dollar” when I sell the vehicle … well, that’s just patently untrue.

Factory stock vehicles won’t get you the “most money” when you sell them; you compete with every other “factory stock” vehicle out there - and you’ll get the minimum amount you'll settle for, and even that depends on your need to sell or your ability to negotiate well.

Depending on your modifications, you’ll almost certainly get more than “factory stock.” I say that as a buyer, a seller, and a trade-in appraiser.

At the end of the day, the person who owns the Jeep makes the judgment call on what to add or not add. One man’s “stupid” addition because they lack the knowledge to operate or install the modification may be the “stupid” addition that saves someone else’s life or saves them from a 20-mile walk out of the desert … and that’s worth far more than “25cents on the dollar.”

(AL hood, except 392/Mojave) I am aware of its mounting points

What could possible go wrong here in a crush zone, side impact or separation?

Passenger side fun

You must be right, doesn't look "explosive" or injurious

What could possibly go wrong with this setup?
This is a great tutorial for Hi Lift jacks.

 

[Wolf Island Diver]

It always makes me giggle when I see all the admonitions about “shrapnel” or “explosive” airbags. Airbags don’t explode. They don’t contain “shrapnel,” nor do they cause “shrapnel.”

Unless they’re Takata airbags. Those do include free shrapnel. Airbags do deploy with explosive force and they do cause minor injuries when this happens. Friction burns and scrapes mostly. This is preferable to hitting the steering column or dash. The concern with dash mounted stuff is the potential for it to be in between the driver or passenger and the airbag when it deploys. I’ve got dash mounted stuff. Most of it is far away from the airbags. But I do agree that people should minimize the amount of stuff up there and keep it away from the airbag. I’ve actually moved some stuff away from the passenger airbag for this reason.

This also goes for loose gear kept in the back seat or back storage area of a SUV which many of us are guilty of when overlanding.

 

[shawnebell]

Unless they’re Takata airbags. Those do include free shrapnel. Airbags do deploy with explosive force and they do cause minor injuries when this happens. Friction burns and scrapes mostly. This is preferable to hitting the steering column or dash. The concern with dash mounted stuff is the potential for it to be in between the driver or passenger and the airbag when it deploys. I’ve got dash mounted stuff. Most of it is far away from the airbags. But I do agree that people should minimize the amount of stuff up there and keep it away from the airbag. I’ve actually moved some stuff away from the passenger airbag for this reason.

This also goes for loose gear kept in the back seat or back storage area of a SUV which many of us are guilty of when overlanding.

That is true, the Takata airbags were a danger once they became unstable.

I'm not sure how many have been replaced (for free), but virtually all manufacturers have stopped putting the warning about the airbags at the beginning of all of their training videos, and supposedly nobody is using sodium azide or ammonium nitrate (the stuff that became unstable in Takata airbags) in the new airbags.

 

[Elff]

Hi-Lift jacks do not do well if left out in the rain on a regular basis.
That's what causes them to get rusty and have the pins catch.

It's best to leave them in the garage until you actually go 4wheeling.

I've switched over to the ARB Jack, keep it in its storage bag and store it under my tonneau when 4 wheeling. I also have the jack base to increase its stability.
IMHO, it's a gigantic improvement over the Hi-Lift, but you pay for it. It is not cheap. Thankfully I have connections and got mine at cost.

 

[montechie]

I've used my hi-lift a lot, but yeah I can't think of a device in modern 4x4 equipment with more ways to injure yourself with, except the vehicle itself. I see so much dumb & dangerous stuff with recovering rigs or people driving habits that jacks are a distant 10th place. Most mounts that are jack specific are pretty solid, the ones I see using Gator grips are concerning though. Hi-lifts used to be great swiss army knives if you know how to use and maintain them. I've used it to winch, lift tires to stuff rocks in ruts/snow/mud/etc, shift the vehicle over, keep the butt over while winching forward off that drop, break beads, off load suspension for repairs, lift the heavy ass spare onto my LJ, pulling posts out of the ground and yes tensioning barbed wire for fencing. That being said, recovery/trail gear in general used to be waaay more dangerous, if you didn't know what you're doing, lots of potential flying steely bits, the hi-lift wasn't any worse than the rest of the fun & games. Now there's better options and much safer recovery gear (all soft bits), bottle jacks that are tall enough + bases for them (I've seen just as many bottle jacks tip off-road), off road floor jacks, traction boards up the wazoo, airbag jacks, dynamic ropes, etc.

I mostly don't carry my hi-lift anymore with all the options now. My old hi-lift base works well with my Safe Jack, and as much as I thought they were for show, traction boards have taken care of many of my actual hi-lift usage.

 

[talljeeper]

I've used my hi-lift a lot, but yeah I can't think of a device in modern 4x4 equipment with more ways to injure yourself with, except the vehicle itself. I see so much dumb & dangerous stuff with recovering rigs or people driving habits that jacks are a distant 10th place. Most mounts that are jack specific are pretty solid, the ones I see using Gator grips are concerning though. Hi-lifts used to be great swiss army knives if you know how to use and maintain them. I've used it to winch, lift tires to stuff rocks in ruts/snow/mud/etc, shift the vehicle over, keep the butt over while winching forward off that drop, break beads, off load suspension for repairs, lift the heavy ass spare onto my LJ, pulling posts out of the ground and yes tensioning barbed wire for fencing. That being said, recovery/trail gear in general used to be waaay more dangerous, if you didn't know what you're doing, lots of potential flying steely bits, the hi-lift wasn't any worse than the rest of the fun & games. Now there's better options and much safer recovery gear (all soft bits), bottle jacks that are tall enough + bases for them (I've seen just as many bottle jacks tip off-road), off road floor jacks, traction boards up the wazoo, airbag jacks, dynamic ropes, etc.

I mostly don't carry my hi-lift anymore with all the options now. My old hi-lift base works well with my Safe Jack, and as much as I thought they were for show, traction boards have taken care of many of my actual hi-lift usage.

Well articulated. Back in the day I used the heck out of the ones I have had over years. I particularly appreciated a previous post about weather exposure without adequate maintenance. I agree with you, there is many more modernized, safer and more effective recovery gear on the market today.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

That is true, the Takata airbags were a danger once they became unstable.

I'm not sure how many have been replaced (for free), but virtually all manufacturers have stopped putting the warning about the airbags at the beginning of all of their training videos, and supposedly nobody is using sodium azide or ammonium nitrate (the stuff that became unstable in Takata airbags) in the new airbags.

Well............ there's another law suit against a US company that makes air bag charges - and guess what......... shrapnel, other dangers. San Francisco sued ARC stating they used ammonium nitrate among other problems. ARC says the ammonium nitrate has been stabilized and isn't a risk. So it's still being used according to the suit.
Nissan is also warning people about putting cutsie and fun stuff on the dash as "airbags deploy with explosive force, ~200 mph", and can force objects between it and a person into their face.

 

[montechie]

Well............ there's another law suit against a US company that makes air bag charges - and guess what......... shrapnel, other dangers. San Francisco sued ARC stating they used ammonium nitrate among other problems. ARC says the ammonium nitrate has been stabilized and isn't a risk. So it's still being used according to the suit.
Nissan is also warning people about putting cutsie and fun stuff on the dash as "airbags deploy with explosive force, ~200 mph", and can force objects between it and a person into their face.

Sheesh, do airbag manufacturers need to start including this warning?

 

[talljeeper]

Well............ there's another law suit against a US company that makes air bag charges - and guess what......... shrapnel, other dangers. San Francisco sued ARC stating they used ammonium nitrate among other problems. ARC says the ammonium nitrate has been stabilized and isn't a risk. So it's still being used according to the suit.
Nissan is also warning people about putting cutsie and fun stuff on the dash as "airbags deploy with explosive force, ~200 mph", and can force objects between it and a person into their face.

Remember when I was kid in drivers ed. we would get scolded for not using the 10 and 2 positioning on the steering wheel (pre-airbag days). Check this out...good to know.

Experts at the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) now recommend 9 and 3 — on opposite sides of the wheel halfway up — as the ideal steering wheel hand placement. The 9 and 3 steering wheel hand position maintains good control over the wheel while reducing the risk of injury from the airbag.

 

[HooliganActual]

Most mounts that are jack specific are pretty solid, the ones I see using Gator grips are concerning though. Hi-lifts used to be great swiss army knives if you know how to use and maintain them.

Well articulated. Back in the day I used the heck out of the ones I have had over years. I particularly appreciated a previous post about weather exposure without adequate maintenance. I agree with you, there is many more modernized, safer and more effective recovery gear on the market today.

Now I don't carry a Hi-Lift in my Gladiator but I do on my "crawler" (my Wrangler) and I won't dispute the sketchy nature of their function and uses.

I think one can reasonably hedge their bet when using a Hi-Lift if they use something like the JeepNeeds SAM:
https://jeepsneeds.com/collections/gear/products/sam-3

This guy actually locks into a shackle mounting point and to the jaw of the jack. Can the base still slip out? Yes. But the whole thing isn't getting shot out like shrapnel if the base does slip.

 

[talljeeper]

Now I don't carry a Hi-Lift in my Gladiator but I do on my "crawler" (my Wrangler) and I won't dispute the sketchy nature of their function and uses.

I think one can reasonably hedge their bet when using a Hi-Lift if they use something like the JeepNeeds SAM:
https://jeepsneeds.com/collections/gear/products/sam-3

This guy actually locks into a shackle mounting point and to the jaw of the jack. Can the base still slip out? Yes. But the whole thing isn't getting shot out like shrapnel if the base does slip.

Very cool!

 

[HooliganActual]

Very cool!

Honestly, I use this in conjunction with Hi-Lift’s base and have never felt precarious with the set-up. The only downside is that you need bumpers with shackle mount points, which aren’t stock on Jeep bumpers.

That said, the d@mn Jack is absolutely temperamental and wants/needs to be slathered in lubricant to be used with a minimal amount of cursing…lol.

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