So, you’ve bought your first four-wheel-drive Jeep or truck and want to explore the wilderness, going off-road for the first time — but you’re not sure where to start. With that in mind, here are some tips and tricks to help you go off-roading as a beginner.
1. Scout out Local Trails
Before you head off-roading for the first time, you need to make sure you have somewhere to do it — legally. There are plenty of trails, but not all of them are suitable for off-roading, and there may be areas where off-roading isn’t legal, so take some time to scout out your local trails. Here is where Facebook groups or forums might come in handy. You won’t find off-roading trails advertised in your community, but people love to chat about their favorite trails and locales.
2. Upgrade Your Suspension before going Off-roading
If your daily driver came equipped with four-wheel drive, you’re already ahead of the pack, but you will need to upgrade your suspension to take the additional strain that comes with driving over rocks and through the mud. Here’s another reason you should research what trails are available in your area. You’ll need different tires and a modified suspension for mudding or driving wooded trails than you will for climbing rocks and making your way up and down cliff faces. Don’t try to start exploring with stock suspension or tires — they’re designed for towing and driving on paved streets. They might work for a while, but you will likely end up stranded.
3. Take It Easy
Now that you’ve got a trail to explore and the suspension to support it, the best thing you can do is to get out and start exploring.
Make sure not to bite off more than you can chew the first time you head out. Don’t head to the steepest mountain or the muddiest pit on your first excursion. Choose an easy trail and get a feel for your vehicle, how it moves and how to reacts to various obstacles. Also, make sure you know what to do if you break down.
4. Don’t Fight Your Truck while Off-roading
Off-roading can be exhausting, especially if you spend all your time fighting your steering wheel. While you will need to pull the wheel to control your vehicle, you also need to learn when to let your vehicle do the work for you. Your front wheels will react to rocks, bumps and other obstacles in your path, and if you’ve got a death grip on your steering wheel, you’re going to exhaust yourself. Instead, take time to learn how your vehicle moves as it deals with these obstacles.
Here is another reason we suggest starting with an easy trail. If you’ve never gone off-road, the chances are high you’ll end up totally exhausted by the end of your trip. Work up to the harder trails.
5. Don’t Tailgate — Ever
If you’re the only one on the trail, this won’t be an issue. However, if you’re visiting a popular trail, you need to remember this golden rule — don’t tailgate out there, EVER. You never know when the person in front of you is going to need to stop suddenly. They could come across an obstacle they can’t climb without help, something could break or the person in front of them could stop dead. Give yourself plenty of space to stop, especially if you’re dealing with muddy or gravelly surfaces that make it harder to grip the trail.
Enjoy Yourself
Off-roading can be a fantastic way to explore the outdoors without having to get out of your vehicle. Make sure your truck or Jeep has the correct tires and suspension, and find an easy trail to start out. The best way to learn most of the skills you’ll need to successfully off-road is to get out and experience it, so take the time to enjoy yourself.
