Off-roading is a great hobby, especially for Jeep owners. Hitting the trail in your vehicle lets you experience nature in a brand new way and test your vehicle and your driving skills. If you’re looking to get started, though, it can be pretty intimidating. Here are a few tips to help you get out on the trails in no time.
Your Vehicle
A lot of vehicles are built for off-roading, but Jeep models are some of the most popular and affordable. Before you start investing in modifications, Driving Line suggests you take your Jeep for a few spins. That will give you a good idea of what the limitations of your vehicle are and what you might want to change.
Down the road, you may want to try some of the following, according to CJ Pony Parts:
- Lift kit
- Off-Road tires
- Body armor
- Winch
- Bumpers
- Roll bar/cage
Whether you’ve made some mods or not, you’ll want to air down your tires a little before you hit the trails. That will help protect them against being punctured by sharp objects. Start by deflating by about 15 psi.
Safety Tips
Off-roading is such a fun way to spend a weekend, but even the most experienced drivers can run into situations where they need help. Here are some safety tips to make sure all your rides are fun.
Be prepared. This is the number one way to stay safe. Make sure you have the vehicle tools you might need—like a fire extinguisher, tow hooks, a tow strap, a jack and a basic tool set, and a spare tire. But don’t forget about an emergency kit for you and your passengers, too. You never know when a change of clothes, food and water, and blankets might come in handy. And never off-road alone!
Go slow. Keeping your speed low will give you a chance to enjoy the scenery AND will keep you from damaging your vehicle or the environment.
Know your four-wheel drive settings. According to CJ Pony Parts, you should know the differences between 4×4 High and 4×4 Low. The 4×4 High setting is good for loose terrain and slippery surfaces like snow, ice, or mud. Shift into 4×4 High while stopped or at speeds up to 55 mph. 4×4 Low is a better option for rock crawling or other tougher terrains at slower speeds. Remember that it doesn’t increase traction. Don’t go faster than 25 mph in 4×4 Low, and only shift into or out of it when traveling 2 to 3 mph.
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Finding Trails
Here are a few places you can look for great places to hit the trails:
- Off-roading forums
- Off-road parks
- National forests and parks
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM) properties
- Trail guides
Before you hit the trails, come see us at Doug Henry Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Our expert staff will get you in the perfect vehicle whether you’re commuting around town or taking it off-road.
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