Before you and your Jeep travel down a rock-ridden trail, there are several things you need to do to prepare prior to off-roading. In this article, we will give you some tricks and tips for safe off-roading when driving your Jeep.
Always Check Your Vehicle Before Off-Roading
It is always a good idea to check different areas of the vehicle before going out on the trails. So, before leaving to go off-roading, make sure to check that your vehicle’s battery is fastened securely and all hoses are secured. In good condition, the gas tank is full, oil and fluids are topped off, and all four tires and spare have the proper air pressure.
Emergency and Recovery Gear for Your Jeep
If you want to make your own kit, make sure to include the following equipment:
- Winch Flag and Winch Line: Weighing down the winch line with a winch flag can guarantee that the winch line won’t strike and fling someone if the line snaps. Winch line is perfect for scenarios where the terrain is not as soft.
- Gloves: Heavy-duty gloves are important for managing any situation involving a winch line or rope.
- Soft Rope D Ring or Heavy Duty Steel: This tool is used to attach your winch line or recovery strap to your front or back bumper.
- Recovery Strap: The recovery strap is designed to stretch when pulled, creating momentum for a stuck vehicle to start moving again after being pulled. If you do not have a recovery strap, consider buying one. It’s much more efficient than a regular tow rope during a recovery scenario.
- Fire Extinguisher: Hoping you don’t need this tool, but if there is a fire in or near your jeep, it’s good to have a fire extinguisher on hand.
Understanding The Conditions
We made an excellent guide for off-roading, and it focuses on specific conditions and road types.
Hills
1. Do not drive at an angle. Always drive up or down.
2. If the hill seems steep and you are not sure if your Jeep can make it to the top, it would be safer to not go all the way.
3. If you get stuck on the way up, go back straight down the hill in a reverse direction.
However, if you reach the top, be sure to apply more power to the bottom. Raise the throttle when you are near the top, then use the lowest gear (on a manual transmission) when heading down.
The brakes should be used to “fine-tune” your speed because you must rely on the engine compression and gears to slow you down.
Rock Crawling
The perfect speed for rock crawling is usually 1 to 3 miles per hour, so it’s a great idea to ease off the accelerator and let your Jeep crawl. Use a low-range and low gear four-wheel drive, and consider lowering your tire pressure by about 3 to 5 pounds.
Always recognize and understand your ground clearance, and use that to decide whether you should drive over a big rock.
Sand
Decrease the pressure by 10-12 pounds. As much as possible, try high-speed four-wheel drive to help maintain forward momentum. If you can, try to turn as much as you can because sharp turns may cause you to get stuck.
Mud/Snow
This is when you truly utilize your Jeep’s four-wheel-drive abilities. Low gear and low-range four-wheel drive are the best for driving through wet, deep sludge. It helps you to consistently have the momentum.
If you feel that you are losing traction, turn the steering wheel back and forth. If you feel like you’ve totally lost traction, stop your vehicle. Wheel spinning never helps in these circumstances, and they usually only make things worse.
Off-Roading Maintenance
Inspect the brake hoses for cracks and cuts.
Check the tires for punctures and gouges.
Check the shock dampers for leakage.
Ensure that the radiator fins and air filter are not clogged with dirt or mud.
Always check your vehicle’s brakes: not filled with sand, mud, or stones.
Look or check for fluid leaks in the oil pan, differentials, and transmission.
Look for broken springs and bent control arms.
Trail Rules to Remember When Off-Roading
These are not actual “rules of trail driving” but more off-road etiquette. They’re practical, intelligent, and safe off-road driving tips to ensure everyone is out having fun and enjoying their experience.
Most trail guides, clubs, and private ranches will always recommend these simple off-road driving rules:
- When you park, make sure to use your parking brake. Don’t rely on your first gear or automatic transmission to keep your vehicle from rolling away.
- They have the right of way to give way to uphill traffic.
- Take a break if you wish to pull over to take photos. Or, for some reason, you need to stop, make sure you find a safe place to pull over and won’t cause safety concerns or obstruct traffic for other vehicles.
- Stay on the marked trails, don’t get lost, and open up new routes. OHV organizations and volunteers maintain many of these trails, and they often cross protected and preserved lands.
- Don’t drive in designated wilderness areas; these are protected habitats for a reason.
- If you see an approaching vehicle on a one-way road, try to find a safe place to let the opposite vehicle pass safely. Uphill traffic has the right of way.
- Observe closures and posted signs. These are actually not temptations to be driven around or ignored.
- Always stay away from wild animals. Give them space and respect their natural habitat.
- ·Ask permission from private landowners before entering private property.
Conclusion | Drive Your Jeep With Fun and Safety
Write down what works for you and what doesn’t.
Off-roading in your vehicle is an activity that should be embraced. Of course, it is relatively dangerous and can damage your vehicle. However, always remember: your Jeep and its four-wheel-drive were designed to handle this kind of stuff. As long as you focus on the tips above, you’ll be absolutely fine.
