Preparing Your Jeep or RAM for Hunting Season: Storage, Tires, & Off-Road Essentials

Depending on what kind you do, hunting season might already be in full swing for you, and if not it’s just around the corner. While much of your focus ahead of hunting season might be on your weapons, clothing, and gear, it’s important to remember you’re going to need a vehicle not just to get you out to your tree stand but all your equipment as well. Depending on where you hunt, you’re also not going to want to get caught stranded miles off-grid stuck in the mud or with a flat tire.

 

From storage to tires and other off-road essentials, preparing your Jeep or RAM for Hunting Season is straightforward but important. We’re here to help with any and all of your automotive needs this hunting season at Jim Glover CDJRF, and we’re going to start by giving you the rundown on these various essentials for your trip.

Guns, bows, optics, and field-dressing equipment are investment pieces that need protection from both unpredictable weather and theft. Plus your hunting gear might only be part of the gear you bring along, depending on if it’s a multi-day trip. Organization and security are paramount for a successful hunting season.

• Lockable In-Cab Storage – Protect firearms and valuable gear with heavy-duty lockboxes. Mopar® produces custom console and under-seat lockboxes designed specifically for RAM 1500 and Jeep Gladiator models.
• Weatherproof Bed Covers – For RAM owners, a heavy-duty tri-fold or retractable tonneau cover keeps gear dry, organized, and concealed. Pair it with a drop-in or spray-in bedliner to shield your truck bed from blood, mud, and heavy coolers.
• Overland Racks and Roof Baskets – Jeeps and RAM trucks benefit tremendously from modular bed racks or roof platforms. Mounting recovery boards, high-lift jacks, and extra fuel cans externally frees up cabin space for passengers and game processing supplies.

While features like these are incredibly beneficial to your hunting trip, they’re not exclusive to the season. You can use these various upgrades for any reason, from a camping weekend to a long-term family road trip.

A lot of hunting locations are pretty far out there, and your tires are the only point of contact between your rig and the unforgiving backcountry. Oklahoma trails can transition from slick clay to flint rocks in minutes, making stock street tires a serious liability even if you aren’t planning any traditional off-road activities.

• All-Terrain vs. Mud-Terrain – For most hunters, a set of high-quality All-Terrain (A/T) tires will be plenty, offering optimal balance, low road noise, and reliable traction. For those going deeper into timber trails, wet bottomlands, or heavy mud, upgrading to Mud-Terrain (M/T) tires will be ideal.
• Tire Pressure Management – If you’re not an off-road enthusiast you might not be aware of the “airing down” concept. Slightly lowering your tire pressure increases its footprint, which provides enhanced traction when driving over loose debris or soft mud. A portable air compressor would be an excellent piece of equipment to pick up.
• Matching Full-Size Spare – While most vehicles and drivers can get by with a traditional donut if the need arises, it’s unwise to venture into the woods without a matching full-sized spare tire. Ensure it is inflated to the proper PSI and mounted securely.

If you’re not building a true off-road rig but just want the essentials for your annual hunting trips, then you don’t need a ton of fancy upgrades. The following are the must-have essentials that you should seriously consider before hitting the trail this season.

• Winch & Steel Bumpers – A heavy-duty winch integrated into a steel front bumper is your best insurance policy against the conditions you can expect. We recommend Warn brand winches.
• LED Trail Lighting – The good news is extra lighting is not only useful in a multitude of situations, but it generally makes your vehicle look 10-times cooler to boot. LED light bars, A-pillar pod lights, and rear bed lights can help you navigate and illuminate your campsite.
• Skid Plates and Lift Kits – Undercarriage protection is crucial for any foray off traditional roads, as your oil pan, transfer case, and fuel tank are otherwise at risk. A few skid plates and a simple 2” lift kit can ensure your vehicle’s protection and make it easier to navigate the trails.

If you have any questions about how you should prepare your Jeep or RAM vehicles for hunting season this year, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us right here at Jim Glover CDJRF. Or head over to Glover Customs to learn more about customizing your rig.