Am I just a wussy baby man, or was I smart (or at least cautious?)

[Florida Mojave]

You can never be too cautious, don't think of that as a weakness....

My opinion - get a set of A/T takeoffs and get rid of the street tires.
One thing you didn't mention was what you have for recovery gear, get the basic set up at least.
Watch your phone for available signal/connection...I've been so far out there's no cell service, not a great idea when alone.
Prepare for the worst.
You will get much better with seat time.

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[GWolgamott]

LP 76/7 outside Indian River Michigan

Pretty sure I've drove part of that with a Buick back in the day, had college friend that was from Indian River. That was 20 years ago though. So take that with a grain of salt.

Seriously though for these just take it and if it gets too sketchy then turn back. These trucks are incredibly capable and for some reason seem far too easy to turn around in tight spots.

Although I've gone down plenty of "easy" trails to find it was not. Not going to find out if don't try it either.

Also hey if in the general area of the northern lower there are plenty of people who'd ride along too if want to explore in a group.

 

[JAsh1967]

You can never be too cautious, don't think of that as a weakness....

My opinion - get a set of A/T takeoffs and get rid of the street tires.
One thing you didn't mention was what you have for recovery gear, get the basic set up at least.
Watch your phone for available signal/connection...I've been so far out there's no cell service, not a great idea when alone.
Prepare for the worst.
You will get much better with seat time.

You're right, I didn't (other than the winch) so here's what I've got so far:
1. Winch (mentioned)
2. Winch safety blanket (the thing you drape over the line to reduce whip-back if it breaks)
3. A couple shackles and a snatch block
4. Tree saver
5. Kinetic rope (But I think I might've bought one that is intended for side-by-sides)
6. Tow strap
7. Traction boards
8. Harbor Freight air compressor that connects to the battery
9. Combination bottle jack / jack stand with a big base (this thing: Powerbuilt 6000lb)

 

[BourbonRunner]

Having a good dose of caution when you're unexperienced is not being a wuss.

There's lots of good advice here, especially to not go out on the trails if you don't have the proper recovery gear and to take it slow. You might not be crawling up Fins n Things any time soon but you'll gain confidence in yours and your truck's ability over time.

 

[JAsh1967]

Pretty sure I've drove part of that with a Buick back in the day, had college friend that was from Indian River. That was 20 years ago though. So take that with a grain of salt.

Are you me? LoL
My grandparents had a place on the lake and grandpa would take us in the "back way" to get to the house, which was down a fire trail, in his Buick!

Honestly, if the trail he drove were still there, I'd cheerfully take the Jeep down it, I guess it's the "fear of the unknown" that's pushing my caution levels up for this...

 

[JAsh1967]

Two things for me to say, to everyone who's commented so far...
First, a HUGE thank you for all the suggestions and advice! It is appreciated.

Second, while I do like the idea of taking the Jeep further down the road of making it a more "serious" ORV, right now I have to watch her weight, as I tow our camper with the Jeep and between what I've done to it so far and the camping gear that rides in the Jeep (and, sometimes, the wife,) I'm having to watch my payload...
So skid plates, bigger / A/T tires, that sort of thing, well, that eats into my payload... :-(

Maybe if I can convince the wife we do want another car payment and get her to swap her Forester for a RAM 2500... LoL

 

[GWolgamott]

Are you me? LoL
My grandparents had a place on the lake and grandpa would take us in the "back way" to get to the house, which was down a fire trail, in his Buick!

Honestly, if the trail he drove were still there, I'd cheerfully take the Jeep down it, I guess it's the "fear of the unknown" that's pushing my caution levels up for this...

Ha close enough.... I grew up then moved back to the Manistee national forest area. So two tracking was in my blood, my dad used to take a ford tempo 15 miles down a sketchy two track because that's where the fish were. Hell, I learned to drive a stick on an old Korean war era MB Willy my uncle had on those trails. I do a lot of wheeling alone so I get your caution though, I don't use my truck to the full potential since most of my wheeling is like 6pm on a Wednesday because it rained and the two track off the highway on my way home is muddy. I ride with groups now and then but my weekends tend to get busy so rarely have time unfortunately.

 

[Flyboy2109]

Don't go solo until you know the limits of the truck and your skill if you think you will be stretching those limits. Just the same as hiking or mountain climbing: Don't go alone if you can help it and leave word where you are going. Boaters leave behind a sailing plan, otherwise, it is a big ocean to search.
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[PsyRN]

Lots of good advice about knowing your limits and being cautious. That said, you can only expand your limits by getting out there. You have all the recovery gear. You can air down and back up, traction boards, winch, etc. I'd say go as far down the road as comfortable. Turn around when you feel it might be too much. You'll be surprised I'm sure at what you can do.

 

[pharmfrank]

Going out solo is always a risk, you have no backup if you have a misadventure. My belief is that all
off-road machines should have a winch for self-rescue, that is an aid and not a solution. You didn't
mention coms, do you have a CB or GMRS and is there reception in that area ? I'm sure there are
more misadventure stories out there than there is room for in this forum. For instance back around
2009 my son went out alone with his Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, the hillside gave away and he
slid into some trees, also bent an axle. Hours later using the axe he had he managed to free his
Wrangler and make it home via a new route, he was lucky. An abundance of caution or good
judgement, know your own limits. Happy trails.

 

[wchevron]

Don't listen to anyone else. Just SEND IT!!!!

 

[Zachanadandy]

Not suggesting you start where we are, but I have a different perspective on the "never wheel alone" mindset. Our retirement property is 15+ miles out a dirt road and I might see 1 vehicle every 4 days we are out there. Am I afraid of going to my property? Getting stuck in 1 of the washes,? Having a medical emergency? Am I never going to go to my own property without a support vehicle? Absolutely not. A medical emergency can just as easily kill me on the freeway driving to work which I've done solo for 30 years. That being said, don't take stupid risks. Be prepared for both self recovery, 3+ days of sheltering in place, and hiking out should the need arise. The wife and I both keep emergency blankets, 1st aid kits, lifestraws, water, recovery gear, and tools in our Jeeps always. We go out wheeling solo all the time, but we've been wheeling for 50+ years combined. Safety is not absolute anywhere and I'd rather die wheeling or camping than sitting in freeway traffic going to work because I couldn't find anyone to wheel with that day. Gain some experience, prepare for of things go sideways, but don't be afraid to live life.

 

[Dave-in-RI]

A metaphor from sailing in questionable conditions… “it’s better to be in wishing you were out than out wishing you were in!"

 

[KDerekT83]

Even in stock form, that Gladiator will do ALOT MORE than you likely realize. Just be cautious and don't get mad if you have to use the winch. Its part of the game.

 

[TangoMac]

I would buy tires as soon as possible and you are set for adventure! You have a winch. IF you are healthy enough to walk GO FOR IT! Advice from someone who has walked before...

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