I am bumping this thread for an opinion....
Yesterday my brother and I were discussing some of the modifications we have planned out in the future and one thing I mentioned was dialing in on weight distribution. I know it sounds silly but I think it helps a lot off road. The rear end has a lot of added weight compared to the front so the goal is to make the rear lighter and the front will become a bit heavier with a winch. As time has gone by I have become much more conscious about weight (compared to 3-4 years ago when I first started) and how adding lots of it can do us a disservice on the trail, yet going light will hurt you too in case you run into trouble.
He thinks one of the things that helps him is the little amount of added weight he has. Other then bumpers and a winch, he has ZERO added weight and I mean absolutely zero. He has no trail tools, no trail spares, no compressor, no fluids, no hi lift, no tow strap the only thing he has is the ability to change a tire and thats with factory jack that comes in all vehicles. He does carry food and water when on the trail in a cooler which adds about 5 pounds :huh:
While I think that isnt the answer, I am on the opposite extreme, have I gone to far and added too much?
I carry trail tools which includes specialty tools for common fixes, a sledge, 2 tie rods, one halfshaft, clothes for cold weather, boots, 2 blankets, a hi lift, a tow strap, water and non perishable foods that stay in the truck at all times, 2 mini foldable shovels, 3 u joints for driveshafts, a lower ball joint, pry bar, a compressor, a battery jumper (so I can jump myself with no one else around,) jumper cables, zip ties, arb tire repair kit, trail food and drinks, a fire extinguisher, Power steering fluid, coolant, brake fluid. Thats all I can think of right now but I am sure I have some more....
So I am sure the typical wheeler carries more then my brother but are trail spares "a hummer thing" due to a weaker front end? Just not sure if I have gone too far. Seeing I carry all this stuff too, my brother has no desire to get his own **** but I am sure one day he will break something and will be stuck then he will learn the hard way...