Tips for Offroad Driving

Before you head off road, use the following checklists to make sure that your vehicle is up for the trip, your on-board toolbox is properly stocked with the right tools.  Having the right parts on-board could make the difference between walking out and driving out. Make sure that you have extras on hand for each of the following parts to fit your 4WD vehicle.   A good rule of thumb is to take along anything that has already broken twice, because the odds are, it could happen again.  To determine whether your 4x4 vehicle is trail ready and capable of surviving a trip off-road, first do a visual inspection - inside and out. Then, take a few minutes to more closely inspect the inner workings of your ride.  Having the right parts on-board could make the difference between walking out and driving out. Make sure that you have extras on hand for each of the following parts to fit your 4WD vehicle.

In general, 4-wheel drive refers to a vehicle's drive train system that can send power to all four wheels, but the four wheels are not necessarily under power all at the same time.  Full-time 4WD doesn't provide as much mobility off-road as part-time 4WD does, because the system is designed such that it allows a set of wheels (front or rear) to spin if they don't have traction.  Vehicles with part-time 4WD systems should not be driven on dry, smooth road surfaces when in 4WD mode, or you will soon be spending a lot of money on repairs. Automatic 4WD vehicles are not recommended for serious off-road driving because all four wheels are powered at all times, which is not wise under certain off-road conditions.  The high range ratios in 4WD mode are the same as the gear ratios in 2WD. 4L is for creeping along at slow speeds. It reduces the strain on your vehicle, just remember to stay below 25mph in low range.  Don't change gears in the middle of a water crossing, going up or down hills, or in sand dunes.  Don't operate 4WD on hard dry surfaces. And when in doubt, use a lower gear!

I Use  Nerf Bars  for offroad tours and travelling to rough roads. Protects the sides of my vehicles and also keeps their tires from becoming entangled.