Monday, February 26, 2018

J.T. Brooks Tire Deflators Pro Review

Mastering the Art of Airing Down


As an avid off-roader, tire deflators were one of the first and most crucial accessories I invested in. My journey with  J.T. Brooks Automatic Tire Deflators has been nothing short of transformative for my off-road adventures.

Jeep Momma airing up her tires at Rausch Creek Off-Road Park
Airing Up after wheeling at RC. 



When I started off-roading, I opted for the original set of J.T. Brooks deflators. While effective, they required pre-setting at home to calibrate. This procedure doesn't make it easy to switch your air pressure on the trail. However, the game changed when J.T. Brooks introduced their Pro series.

Pro Series: A Game-Changer

The Pro series deflators are a significant upgrade, offering:
  • Adjustable PSI range from 3-32
  • Laser-engraved PSI scale for precision
  • Nickel-plated brass construction for durability

Close up picture of the J.T. Brooks Tire Deflators Pro.
J.T. Brooks Tire Deflators Pro


My Personal Experience

These deflators have become an indispensable part of my off-road gear. I use them religiously on every trip and often lend them to fellow off-roaders on the trail.


Airing down my Jeep tires using the J.T. Brooks Tire Deflators.
Using the JT Brooks deflators to air down. 

Ease of Use

Setting the Pro series is remarkably straightforward:
  • Loosen the lock ring to reveal the PSI scale
  • Adjust the body to align your desired PSI
  • Tighten the lock ring carefully

Pro Tip: When using the J.T. Brooks Tire Deflators always test your settings before hitting the trails. Practice to make sure you are dialing them to the right PSI line. I learned this the hard way when I initially set mine incorrectly to zero PSI!

J.T. Brooks Tire Deflator Lock Ring
J.T. Brooks Tire Deflators lock ring. 

J.T. Brooks Tire Deflators
Setting the Tire Deflators is Easy!

Why Invest in Quality Deflators?

While the Pro series comes at a premium (about $30 more than the original), the investment is well worth it. The precision and ease of use save valuable time and ensure consistent tire pressure for optimal off-road performance.

Key Benefits:
  • Quick and effortless airing down of all four tires simultaneously
  • Automatic shut-off at preset PSI
  • Corrosion and rust-resistant materials

The J.T. Brooks Pro Series Automatic Tire Deflators are a must-have accessory for any off-roader. They've significantly streamlined my pre-trail routine and enhanced my overall off-road experience. At around $99 for a set of four, they provide excellent value considering the performance and convenience they deliver.

Remember, proper tire pressure is crucial for off-road traction and vehicle handling. With these deflators, you'll be ready to tackle any terrain with confidence and ease.

For more about lower tire pressure on the trails check out my post on Airing Down 101.




Check out my other off-road gear product reviews on my Jeep Momma Product Reviews Page. 

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Sunday, February 25, 2018

JK Pockets

 A Must-Have Jeep Accessory

JK Pockets have revolutionized storage options for Jeep Wrangler owners, offering a significant improvement over the factory cargo net pockets. These durable, rigid pockets provide a sleek and functional alternative to the sagging, stretched-out netting that often plagues older Jeeps.



JK pockets for he Jeep Wrangler.
JK Pockets


The OEM cargo net pockets were really bothering the OCD part of me. Granted you can stuff a lot into the netted pockets, but that only stretched out the netting. You were also limited on what you could put in those OEM pockets. Small things would fall out. Plus, every time I would get out of my Jeep my boot lace hooks would grab the cargo pockets. 



Jeep's factory cargo net pockets.
Factory Cargo Net Pockets


Key Features:

  • Made from aircraft-grade plastic for durability
  • Available for front doors, rear doors, and center console
  • Designed to fit seamlessly into existing door panels
  • Offers secure storage for small items

JK Pocket front door Jeep Wrangler.
JK Pockets front driver's side door.



Installation and Fit


Installing JK Pockets is a straightforward process that doesn't require removing door panels. Simply cut out the OEM net and snap the new pockets into place. 

Easy installation of the JK Pocket for the Jeep Wrangler.
Installing the JK Pocket.


Long-Term Use and Recommendations


After years of use, JK Pockets have proven to be a durable and practical solution for many Jeep owners. However, sometimes I my pockets would come loose when I would hit them with my legs getting in and out of the Jeep. To address this, I user a small amount of adhesive to secure the pockets more firmly in place.

For more Jeep Momma product reviews check out my Reviews page. 


I won my set a social media contest I entered. A big shout out and thanks to Slickrockgear.comand CPO from O3DJeeps for putting on this contest! 


Jeep Momma wins the JK Pockets. 


 

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Overcoming Fears and Embracing the Jeep Life

Conquering the Trails & Embracing the Unknown

On a crisp February morning, I found myself gearing up my Jeep for an exhilarating day at Anthracite Off Road Adventure Area (AOAA). Nestled about 30 minutes north of Rausch Creek Off Road Park in Pennsylvania, AOAA promised a day filled with adventure, camaraderie, and the thrill of the unknown. This was my first big Jeep convoy, and the excitement was palpable.

Jeeps lined up on the trail

The Convoy Begins: Meeting Fellow Jeep Enthusiasts

As the sun peeked over the horizon, I joined a convoy of Jeep enthusiasts, ready to tackle the trails. This was only my second visit to AOAA, and I was eager to explore new trails and reconnect with Jeep friends I'd met online. Among the group was a fellow YouTuber and Jeeper, CPO from 03dJeeps. We'd been trying to sync our schedules for a couple of years, and finally, the stars had aligned for a day of wheeling.

Chris from O3D Jeeps and myself


Trusting the Guide: Navigating Blue Trails

Our guide for the day was none other than Nate, AKA SWBCrawler. Nate's extensive knowledge of the park and his role as a trail guide for Off Road Consulting and Driving Instruction made him the perfect leader. Plus, he's an awesome spotter, ensuring everyone had a safe and thrilling experience.

Nate, SWB Crawler & myself

Our plan was to tackle as many blue trails as possible. Blue trails had always intimidated me, but today felt different. With Nate's expert spotting and my trusty Rubicon, I was ready to conquer my fears and embrace the challenge.

Facing the Black Trail: A Moment of Decision

As we navigated the blue trails, we stumbled upon Trail "W," a notorious black trail. My heart raced with indecision. Should I attempt it? I knew my Jeep was capable, but self-doubt lingered. Stepping out of my Jeep, I walked the trail, assessing the obstacles and envisioning the path ahead.

My Jeep ready for the rocky trails

Embracing the Challenge: Trail "W"

With a deep breath and a surge of determination, I decided to go for it. Trail "W" was a test of my skills and my confidence. As I maneuvered over the rocks and through the rough terrain, a few choice expletives slipped out, but I made it to the end unscathed. The sense of accomplishment was indescribable.

Nate spotting me through the trails

A Day to Remember: Building Confidence and Camaraderie

The day was nothing short of amazing. The trails, the friends, and the challenges all contributed to an unforgettable experience. I gained a newfound confidence in my driving abilities and a better understanding of my Jeep's capabilities. While the fear of tipping over and heights may never completely vanish, they add to the adrenaline and excitement that make off-roading so thrilling.

My Jeep wheeled with ease. 

This adventure was a testament to the power of facing fears head-on, trusting in the skills I've honed over the years, and embracing the support of the Jeep community. Here's to many more trail-blazing adventures and the endless pursuit of off-road thrills.





Thursday, February 8, 2018

Top Modifications for Off-Road Readiness

Preparing your Jeep Wrangler for off-road adventures requires strategic upgrades.

Check out my YouTube video Top 5 Jeep Mods for Off-Road Readiness

Here are five essential modifications to enhance your Jeep's off-road capabilities:


Front Bumper and Tow Points

Replace the stock plastic bumper with a sturdy steel aftermarket option. This upgrade provides:

  • Improved protection for your Jeep's front end
  • Strong, reliable tow points for recovery situations
  • Enhanced off-road aesthetics

A metal bumper significantly increases your Jeep's ability to handle rough terrain and provides crucial recovery points when the going gets tough.


Rock Sliders

Install aftermarket rock sliders to replace the factory side steps. Benefits include:

  • Superior protection for your Jeep's rocker panels
  • Improved clearance over obstacles
  • Sturdy step for easier entry and exit

Rock sliders are essential for preventing damage to your Jeep's body when navigating rocky trails. This was a pretty simple install - Barricade Rock Slider Install.


Installing my new aftermarket rock sliders.
Installing my rock sliders 


Aftermarket Differential Covers

Upgrade your stock differential covers with heavy-duty aftermarket options. Key advantages:

  • Increased protection for vital drivetrain components
  • Improved design to prevent snagging on obstacles
  • Often feature increased fluid capacity for better cooling

High-quality diff covers are a simple yet effective way to safeguard your Jeep's axles during off-road excursions.

This is a simple DIY install. Check out my Step by Step Guide to swapping diff covers


close up picture of my new purple diff cover.
My purple diff cover 


Skid Plates

Enhance your Jeep's underbody protection with additional skid plates. Focus on:

  • Oil pan and transmission skid plates
  • Rear control arm and shock mount protection
  • Any other vulnerable areas specific to your off-roading style

Comprehensive skid plate coverage allows you to tackle more challenging terrain with confidence.


Air Dam Removal

Consider removing the front air dam for improved off-road performance:

  • Increases approach angle
  • Reduces the risk of damage from obstacles
  • May slightly impact aerodynamics and fuel efficiency on-road

While the air dam serves a purpose for on-road driving, its removal can be beneficial for serious off-roading. Check out the pros and cons of the air dam removal

By implementing these modifications, you'll significantly enhance your Jeep Wrangler's off-road readiness. Remember to prioritize quality components and proper installation for the best results and safety on the trails.

Check out all my modifications I made to My Jeep Build


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