Jeep Driving Off Road Tips – Before you take your vehicle offroad, here’s what you need to know — and do — first!
Don’t miss our Jeep off-road tips.
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TRANSCRIPT:
Hi! I’m Jim Walczak — your About guide to four-wheel drive and offroading. As SUV and 4-wheel-drive ownership has increased, so has the level of interest for off-highway recreation.
If you’re thinking that your first off-road experience will be something like an off-road race or a rock-climbing incline… you’ve probably got the wrong idea. On your first time, you shouldn’t expect a lot of Yee Haw’s and adventure. Instead, you should search for a relatively easy course. A gravel or dirt road with some improvements will help you get used to how your vehicle handles — whether it’s traversing hills or breaking in loose road conditions.
Here’s what you need to know to go offroad for the first time…
You’ll notice I’m sitting at my desk. That’s because planning and preparation is essential to the offroad excursion. So you’ll want to do some research on your intended route to make sure that it is suitable for your vehicle AND for your experience level.
It’s important to know your ride. Open up that owner’s manual and find out where the jack is. Learn how your vehicle should be locked into 4WD. And become familiar with the ground clearance of your ride. Compile a checklist. We’ve got a great list — just go to 4wheeldrive.about.com and search for “checklist”.
Also, check weather conditions. When conditions change, so can conditions of the trail. No matter how tame the trail is supposed to be. If you’re not sure, ask someone who’s been on that trail recently. And don’t forget to tell someone WHEN and WHERE you’re going. No matter how short or long the trip, make sure someone is expecting you back at a certain time.
The experiences you’ll encounter when offroading are worth sharing. Plus, there’s safety in numbers. So never ride alone. Take a buddy along. Or better yet, join a club. Search for clubs on a four-wheel drive site, and I promise you’ll find clubs in your area and clubs for the same type of vehicle that you’ve got.
So now that you’ve planned, prepared, and phoned a friend… you’re asking me, “Where can I go?” Well there are a lot of trails listed on the four-wheel drive site. For some great first-time trails, you should consider an off road vehicle park (or ORV parks). ORV parks charge a small daily use fee that’s specifically designated for ATVs and four-wheel drive vehicles. Most have trails suitable for the first-time offroader.
If you’re close to any U.S. forest area, look for U.S. Forest Service maps. Most of their roads are well marked, and the map will indicate the level of difficulty — making most U.S. Forest Service roads ideal for first-time offroaders. Another added benefit… the U.S. Forest Service usually has a ranger station nearby. They can offer suggestions and have maps for a nominal fee.
A lot of these areas are free, or have a small daily use fee.
Once you’re on the trail, just remember… tread lightly, stay on the trail, and whatever you pack in… pack out. And most of all… have fun!
Thanks for watching!
