A lot of off-road vehicles are trail capable right off of the showroom floor. Still, it's good to prepare before venturing out into the forest, desert or mountains. Here's our checklist for preparing your vehicle to go off-road.
Off-Road Preparation Checklist
Know What Your Vehicle Can Do. Know your vehicle’s limits. Take a few test runs in controlled conditions before you hit the truly rugged territory. Work your way up and be sure that your Jeep can handle what you’re going to put it through. Consider taking an off-road course so that you'll know what to expect.
Check Your Ground Clearance. A low-riding vehicle can get caught on obstacles like rocks and brush. This can lead to unwanted damage in tough driving conditions.
Add Protection. If you’re planning to hit rocky terrain or other extreme off-road destinations, you should consider getting skid plates for the underside to protect the fuel tank and transfer case.
Get the Right Tires. Tires designed for paved roads aren’t necessarily what you need for mud, gravel, sand, and loose soil. Off-road tires will be larger and designed to keep you moving in rough conditions.
Lower Your Tire Pressure. When you’re planning on going off the beaten path, slightly deflating your tires can be a big help. Why? Because it allows more of the tires’ rubber to connect with the ground, which improves traction.
Carry Emergency Supplies. Don’t get caught off guard if something breaks when you’re far from the road! Be sure you’ve got supplies like extra fuel, water, basic tools, a first aid kit, a jack, recovery gear like a tow strap and a winch (or a friend with recovery gear) and an air compressor.
Modifications. Not always necessary, but a handful of good modifications can make your off-road vehicle even more capable. Sway bar quick disconnects, off-road tires and lift kits are a great place to start.
Communication. Smartphones don't always have coverage where the trails are the best so it's a great idea to have a CB radio or even a satellite phone. This doesn't have to be a huge expense. Even an inexpensive hand-held CB will allow you to communicate with the rest of your crew. And speaking of the rest of the crew...
Never wheel alone. While not a "preparation" exactly, it's important that you have another vehicle with you on the trail. You never know when you might get 2 flat tires, stuck in a place where you can't attach a winch, or injured and in need of a ride. Even the most experienced drivers know that it's better to bring along a friend in another vehicle.
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