What Feels “Overbuilt”… Until You Actually Need It?

[electruck4x4]

Some gear feels excessive at first.

Until the moment it isn’t.

We’ve heard this from owners about things like:

• Proper lifting tools

Used rarely, but critical when needed.

• Recovery or repair gear

You don’t think about it until you’re stuck.

• Protective add-ons

Seem optional, until you see the wear.

It’s interesting how perspective changes after one real situation.

What’s something you thought was overkill… but now makes sense?

— Team Electruck

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[ChrisKnowsIT]

Perhaps a non-traditional answer, but I’d say “cash”. Having lived in Florida my entire life, and experiencing my fair share of hurricanes, I’ve seen the need for it. This is further compounded by the fact that I don’t regularly carry much cash on me, unless I know I may need it (ex - tipping on vacation). In my vehicles, I make sure to carry enough for an emergency, with plenty of smaller bills. While it might be more applicable when I previously drove my Rams, I like knowing I have some cash available if needed…never know when you might run across a team carwash, infamous Girl Scout cookies, or someone just down on their luck. Anyway, I just figured I would share my somewhat random answer.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

80+ lbs full size spare?

 

[ChrisKnowsIT]

80+ lbs full size spare?

I’m about to take my R1T on a long road trip (FL to IA) in a few months.
I know I’ll likely choose to pickup a full size spare before then…just feel better prepared should we need it.

Any insight/recommendations on a portable jack (ex - Big Red bottle jack)?

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

I’m about to take my R1T on a long road trip (FL to IA) in a few months.
I know I’ll likely choose to pickup a full size spare before then…just feel better prepared should we need it.

Any insight/recommendations on a portable jack (ex - Big Red bottle jack)?

Bottle jack + jack pad and/or saddle extension. Chances are the bottle jack itself isn't enough to get you all the lift height you need and the rear suspension needs more lift than the front. Jack pad will give you both additional height and stability on soft ground. safejacks.com has extensions as well as everything else. Even if their stuff is too expensive for you, it'll at least give you ideas on what to look for.

 

[VSG]

Yeah just search these forums for bottle jack and you will find a lot of advice.

 

[RoBoRaT R1S]

Some gear feels excessive at first.

Until the moment it isn’t.

We’ve heard this from owners about things like:

• Recovery or repair gear

You don’t think about it until you’re stuck.

This exactly!
Did not bring traction boards since “hey it’s spring in SoCal” ‍
Now I bring them just in case.

February 2026

April 2026

 

[usulio]

Not everyone agrees with me but I would say the subwoofer

 

[superfluid]

Rock sliders. I thought my Megawatts were overbuilt until I landed on a rock hard coming down a descent that would have done significant damage to my door.

 

[Dasoss]

I’m about to take my R1T on a long road trip (FL to IA) in a few months.
I know I’ll likely choose to pickup a full size spare before then…just feel better prepared should we need it.

Any insight/recommendations on a portable jack (ex - Big Red bottle jack)?

About the lack, might be better to sign up for a roadside assistance sevice plan like AAA. Don't forget a jack plug set.

 

[ChrisKnowsIT]

About the lack, might be better to sign up for a roadside assistance sevice plan like AAA. Don't forget a jack plug set.

Thanks for the feedback. I already have AAA, but would much rather have have a “backup” as we will be driving in middle-of-nowhere Iowa for some of the trip. I already carry a full set of jack pucks in my gear tunnel toolbox.

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