Off-roading for Beginners

The purpose of this thread is for those with more experience help those with less experience to fully enjoy safe and successful off-roading with their new daily drivers. Not to quash the killer off-road rigs, but we won't be needing a high lift jack any time soon. That will come in time.

Without question, the first rule is always safety first! (Or as we used to say in the Guard, Saluti Primum, Auxilio Semper -Safety First, Service Always.)

Having said that, I invite you to offer up a piece of advice along with a brief explanation of the reasoning behind it, that we can 'put in our toolbox' as it were. In addition to the common sense stuff (bearing in mind that common sense isn't very common these days) I'm hoping this thread will include some technical things like when to push those buttons installed on our trucks, and why.

I'll start with my two basic rules and see where this goes.

Cheers,
Jules

 

The only thing worse than having a flat in the middle of nowhere is losing you key in the middle of anywhere. So...

Always bring a spare key on your person when off roading or travelling outside your normal circle. Leave the second key fob at home, just get a good quality carabiner with the old-school key attached. It will get you home.

This brings me to the second point of the story - having a flat in the middle of nowhere. Learn how to safely and effectively remove the spare (pre-checked for inflation and lubricated for use.) Also, learn how to jack up the truck while it's still in your driveway. That way, if/when you do get a flat, you'll be a one-man Nascar pit crew and save your own butt.

Who's next?

Cheers, Jules

 

If you are unsure of the terrain that is ahead of you. Get out and walk the trail/ or line you intend to take.

 

Avoid going alone or just with one vehicle, a 30 mile walk back with no cell service would suck.

 

Cb radio and a boefang handheld are good items to have along with cell phone .

 

Simple recovery gear is the most important gear you have on the truck.
If you want to learn how to drive off road, you have two choices: Trial and error or take a class. Trial and error is sometimes painful and expensive. Classes are not.

I grew up off road. I raced motocross when I was a kid. Most never get that chance. Take a half or full day off road class. My contribution.

 

in the event of a misadventure...stay calm & think things through...
carry too much water...
no need to take undue risks...it's ok to turn around (i do it all the time)...

 

Be prepared and expect the unexpected. Get an idea of what is around your vehicle at all times. Get out and look if you are not sure of surroundings on all 6 sides of vehicle.

Air down to a safe PSI.

Carry a first aid kit and snacks.

Know the limits of you and your vehicle.

 

A come-a-long is way cheaper than a winch and doesn't require an upgraded alternator to supply current.

Farm jacks aren't very good at doing anything anyway. A good bottle jack and base is way more stable.

 

Bring a buddy recovery gear air down air compressor so you can air up

 

Don't be afraid to use Low Range. It doesn't make you less of an off roader. It does help with driving control, cooling fan speed, torque multiplication,
trans fluid temps, and many others.

 

if you have no buddies who can join you, and must go alone to scratch that itch, let at least one other person know where you will be and when you plan on getting back home.

 

Never had to use it, but I always load up my backpacking pack with enough gear/food/water to make it to the nearest highway/town should I have to abandon the truck. Also required is knowledge/maps (+ compass) of where you are going.

 

Airing down fixes most issues that are not clearance related. Yes it's a pain to refill after you're done and want to go home, but it will make the ride and grip far superior and enjoyable.

Learn to slow down, breath, and use your eyes. Pay attention to everything going on. Nothing happens fast.

Always find the high points!

Walking a trail is the mark of an experience, not inexperience.

Your vehicle will go further than you think it can, but experience (not bravery) will get you further safely. I have gone already in my stock height/tire 17' Offroad where Jeeps with 35's get stuck. Big is not Better

 

hit the trail with a full tank of fuel. and/or carry rotopax for the extra long journeys.

 

Carry an axe or bow saw in case of downed trees or low branches. Carry a tow rope.

 

Keep your thumbs OUTSIDE of the inner portion of the steering wheel. Do not grab the wheel like normal driving. You should have a firm grip, but the wheel should be able to freely rotate complete revolutions without catching your thumbs or anything else.

Why? Your steering is assisted by a power steering system so that you can turn large heavy wheels easily while driving. But if you hit a rock just right and the wheel turns because of that - the force goes in the opposite direction - the steering wheel WILL turn and it could take your thumbs with it. Bruising, dislocating or worse could happen as the spokes of the wheel contact your thumbs. I've had the wheel spin very fast on me many times and there is NO way you can hold on.

 

Plan and map your route ahead of time. I carry a paper map (with topo if possible) as well as downloading an offline map for my phone and nav app.

 

Keep your limbs inside the vehicle, I remember seeing a video of a guy reaching out of his Taco and putting his arm against a tree and snapping it.

 

No matter what, keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle. Do not try to stop the truck from hitting a tree or rock, and do not try to stop a rollover by reaching out. Your reflexes will make you want to try, but it is always a bad idea.