Dang, you guys are killing me! To answer the questions,
First, they are recovery straps. I got that message loud and clear somewhere along the line here. Overkill? I think someone mentioned straps as in plural, so I have straps plural, two.
Second, I too have concerns about the farm jack, but I decided one was necessary based upon advice on this forum (1, that it was the first thing I should have gotten, and 2, a farm jack could get me out of a stuck situation in the absence of a winch, which I plan to get but not just yet).
I have practised a little with the farm jack, but right off the bat, I can see one requirement I am not crazy about - a certain amount of weight must be pending on the jack (110 pounds) in order for the jack nose to incrementally drop, instead of abruptly drop. That requires a lot of trust in the push pin mechanism controlling the drop. I can just picture trying to move the Reversing Latch to the position to lower the load. I have already been thinking up ways to distance myself from that "up close and personal" situation. It does seem to be a risky piece of equipment. Moreover, the base is amazingly small. I notice that it has some holes there - I was thinking of bolting the amazingly small base to a larger base, but that would probably void the "one year limited warranty" (although it could save my life). I would have to bolt it to something as strong as the metal from which the jack is made.
Third, I postponed my trip to buy the farm jack (and for other reasons) although I am sure that, were I to become stuck somewhere in a Maryland state park, I would be rescued, so my trip is planned for this coming Saturday. Regardless of the weather (which has been very nice here recently.) I have assembled a "kit" with everything I may need for my first trail ride, including MREs (Meals Ready to Eat). I feel as though I have been planning this trip forever.
I will take some pictures before and during, and hopefully my wonderful Jeep will have some mud or something to show for my efforts. No matter what, I am psyched.

Wrangirl,

The Hi-Lift company that makes the most well-known farm jack, makes and sells a bigger base that can be bolted to the bottom plate. A couple of other aftermarket companies make the same thing. Check with Quadratec or Four Wheel Drive hardware. That extra bottom plate is kind of heavy, and it makes storing the Hi-Lift more difficult, so I carry mine in the took box and only attach it to the jack if I'm getting ready to use it.

Also, it wouldn't hurt to carry a piece of 1-inch thick plywood to further increase the footing area - use a piece at least a foot square. That will help a lot if the ground surface is a little muddy.

Have fun on the ride! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Here is a link to Northern Tool for a hi-lift base.

Have fun, and be safe....can't wait to see the pics! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

From the picture on the web site, that base plate from Northern looks like it might be made of some polymer. If so, it's advaantage would be lighter weight than my metal one made by Hi-Lift.

It looks ike the disadvantage is that the jack is just set into the base plate, and not bolted to it like the Hi-Lift one. Might make a difference as far as the "tippy" factor goes.

Here's a link to a site where a guy made his own base plate:

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/minutemods/hilift_base/

Here's a link to a good article on how to use the Hi-Lift jack in different circumstances:

http://www.oly4x4.com/usinghilift.htm

I found out that my large base plate was not made by the Hi-Lift company, but is an aftermarker one. I think it may have been made by Tomken Machine. Here's a link to a similar steel, bolt-on base plate:

http://www.sor.com/sor/partpict.tam...6%20Hi%2DLift%20Jack%20%26%20Accessories

Have fun.

I really appreciate all the info on the add-on base for the farm jack - thanks! I did not buy a Hi Lift (brand) because the Tractor Supply store was out. They had one left, a Larin. I will try to figure out a base for it because I think it is necessary, but that is a future project for now, beyond this weekend.
I loved the link to the website featuring Hi Lift use in the New Jersey Pine Barrens - serendipitous even. Those great fire roads I used to drive in the makeshift baja bug? The northernmost tip of the Pine Barrens (that's right, Cuervo, I'm originally a New Jersey girl). Really good fun. New Jersey may have its faults, certainly, as does any state, but it also has some excellent outdoor areas once you leave the cities close to New York.

You must still use caution when jacking even using a base plate. The plate is strictly used to keep the jack from sinking into softer ground. It does not make the jack less "tippy".