I pick up my new 2019 X3 Max tomorrow. Having OEM hard roof and windshield installed at dealer. First time owner/driver. Will ultimately be using on steep, rocky trails (Colorado west of Denver, after I get some experience with it). What are my “must have” accessories, and what’s your best advice for a new guy? Thanks!
Meflyjets
First thing is get a wheel bearing greaser and grease your bearings #2 set your ride height, suspension preload it is low from the factory good guideline is the fox racing settings , you get a pretty good ride with it for a stock set up, if you plan on any night rides get some Baja design lights a couple on the a pillars and the shock mount 10” is plenty of lite , also good to get a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, tow strap, and some tools just in case also get a spare belt to carry with you just incase
Forgot to say welcome to the forum enjoy the new ride , just cruz around the forum you'll get all kinds of ideas of things you didn't know that you need ,
Welcome to the madness. Keep that wallet handy, you've just begun spending $$$
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+1 on wheel bearing grease tool and grease bearings as well as all chassis grease points.
Set Ride height, I would go 1" above Fox settings at loaded weight to start with. It will settle over time and you'll need to readjust.
Break in machine and belt, I swapped on my spare belt at 400 miles and broke that in, now I have a broke in belt to install if I smoke this one.
Go over as many fasteners as you can and check torque. Sway Bar End Links are super common loose items, Control arm bolts can have serious consequences if run loose.
I found my rear shock resivior clamps loose and missing some hardware.
I added as many factory storage items as I could... Upper and lower door bags, center console, overhead, tablet holder, Not alot of storage spots on the 2 door.
Depending upon your riding style and area you'll want a windshield or helmet(s). If it's hot and dusty like here in the high desert, no windshield and helmet works best. Windshield gets covered with dust and glare and makes the cabin way too hot.
No windshield allows fresh air to keep you cool and the dust blows straight through. I use motocross helmet and googles, If I ever replace it I'll probably try a modular full face helmet with a flip up chin guard and visor.
In the colder months a windshield really helps keep warmer but still gets covered quickly. Glass windshield with wiper and sprayer would be ideal.
Other things I appreciate that I've added are Sizemik mirrors, rockblox mudflaps and rock deflectors, Ryfab XL Storage box, Tilting tire rack and spare tire, S&B particle seperator, lithium jump box, small air compressor or CO2 tank, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, shovel/hatchet/entrenching tool, tool kit, chainsaw, tree saver, tow strap, winch remote, VHF comm and intercom, Tablet with gps and avenza maps....
On the bench for install is front gusset and shock brace, limit straps and front swaybar delete, and more lights.
On the future list is EVO stage 3 or 4 tune, shock revalving, rear swaybar disconnect...
Set Ride height, I would go 1" above Fox settings at loaded weight to start with. It will settle over time and you'll need to readjust.
Break in machine and belt, I swapped on my spare belt at 400 miles and broke that in, now I have a broke in belt to install if I smoke this one.
Go over as many fasteners as you can and check torque. Sway Bar End Links are super common loose items, Control arm bolts can have serious consequences if run loose.
I found my rear shock resivior clamps loose and missing some hardware.
I added as many factory storage items as I could... Upper and lower door bags, center console, overhead, tablet holder, Not alot of storage spots on the 2 door.
Depending upon your riding style and area you'll want a windshield or helmet(s). If it's hot and dusty like here in the high desert, no windshield and helmet works best. Windshield gets covered with dust and glare and makes the cabin way too hot.
No windshield allows fresh air to keep you cool and the dust blows straight through. I use motocross helmet and googles, If I ever replace it I'll probably try a modular full face helmet with a flip up chin guard and visor.
In the colder months a windshield really helps keep warmer but still gets covered quickly. Glass windshield with wiper and sprayer would be ideal.
Other things I appreciate that I've added are Sizemik mirrors, rockblox mudflaps and rock deflectors, Ryfab XL Storage box, Tilting tire rack and spare tire, S&B particle seperator, lithium jump box, small air compressor or CO2 tank, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, shovel/hatchet/entrenching tool, tool kit, chainsaw, tree saver, tow strap, winch remote, VHF comm and intercom, Tablet with gps and avenza maps....
On the bench for install is front gusset and shock brace, limit straps and front swaybar delete, and more lights.
On the future list is EVO stage 3 or 4 tune, shock revalving, rear swaybar disconnect...
Welcome to the forum. Enjoy your x3.
I’m gonna be in vail and Breckinridge at the end of August. Taking my x3. If you know of any great trails let me know.
Lot of good recommendations in this thread. I personally love my intercom kit couple with my Magellan trx.
It allows my wife and I to talk and have actual conversations without having to yell. It’s a great safety tool also because we can communicate. Someone’s on blind left curves the passenger can see obstacle (idiots ripping down trail on blind curves) sooner than the driver can see them. Also the Magellan BT pairs to it so you can get turn by turn directions even off road. The headsets also cut down the engine noise. I personally think utv’s are a little loud inside the can.
Pm me if you have trail ideas.
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I’m gonna be in vail and Breckinridge at the end of August. Taking my x3. If you know of any great trails let me know.
Lot of good recommendations in this thread. I personally love my intercom kit couple with my Magellan trx.
It allows my wife and I to talk and have actual conversations without having to yell. It’s a great safety tool also because we can communicate. Someone’s on blind left curves the passenger can see obstacle (idiots ripping down trail on blind curves) sooner than the driver can see them. Also the Magellan BT pairs to it so you can get turn by turn directions even off road. The headsets also cut down the engine noise. I personally think utv’s are a little loud inside the can.
Pm me if you have trail ideas.
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Not sure yet how to PM, but I’m new to off roading so don’t know any trails there. We’re at St Mary’s; that’s a community about 10 miles NW of Idaho Springs at 10k’ elevation.
Get yourself a GPS device (I use one of my Samsung 10.1 tablets). Several excellent off road GPS software's to choose from.
Can't hurt to get a book or 2. I have noth of these books for Arizona offroad adventures. Great to help pre plan a ride.
I'd also suggest to always ride with another vehicle or group. Can't be hard to find in Colorado;
Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails, 4th Edition https://www.amazon.com/dp/1934838268/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_XOqlDb4RSDFRX
Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails, 3rd Edition https://www.amazon.com/dp/1934838047/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_6SqlDbZ3SD8QE
Have a blast. Enjoy the ride, rubberside down...
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Can't hurt to get a book or 2. I have noth of these books for Arizona offroad adventures. Great to help pre plan a ride.
I'd also suggest to always ride with another vehicle or group. Can't be hard to find in Colorado;
Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails, 4th Edition https://www.amazon.com/dp/1934838268/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_XOqlDb4RSDFRX
Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails, 3rd Edition https://www.amazon.com/dp/1934838047/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_6SqlDbZ3SD8QE
Have a blast. Enjoy the ride, rubberside down...
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Desertdog hit the nail on the head... grease, grease, grease, grease... set your suspension to fox specs, tighten and inspect EVERYTHING, break in belt and learn your ride for when stuff gets hairy.
If you are riding in woods I would recommend tire plugs and I got this compressor for $30 at harbor freight, fits in my tool bag in case of flats and runs off the plug in the dash.
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If you are riding in woods I would recommend tire plugs and I got this compressor for $30 at harbor freight, fits in my tool bag in case of flats and runs off the plug in the dash.
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