Offroad Adventure Travel Basics

Below you will find short articles on Off-road Adventure Travel basics. These are tips and techniques that can bring you back safely without destroying your vehicle in the meantime. Off-road Adventure Travel is not about going out and seeing how many times you can roll your 4x4. There is a place for that, such as extreme rock crawling, but that isn’t what we are about.

Master the Chicken Rule:

I don’t claim to be a coward, but if I’m out 4 wheeling and hit a stretch that I don’t think I can make without serious damage, I find another way. There is nothing wrong with that. You should keep in mind that you need to be able to drive home. Don’t make the mistake so many people do and wheel till they are stuck or broke, and spend the rest of the day doing trail repairs. I’m not sure about you guys, but that doesn’t sound like fun to me.

Also keep in mind your own personal experience and abilities. Being able to know when you’re above your abilities can be hard sometimes. Pushing those abilities is how you grow and become better. But deep down in your gut, you’ll know when you’re pushing too much.

Avoid Water Crossings:

Yea, I know-it looks so fun and cool. You should avoid water crossings whenever possible. Seeing that we aren’t supposed to be in water is the reason it’s so fun I guess. So if you are going to cross, make sure your vehicle is prepared. A general rule is that you should walk the crossing before you drive the crossing. A snorkel is the first thing that comes to mind for most. While that is a good start, most forget the vent tubes on the axles. The axles breathe too, and when they hit the water they cool quickly, compressing all the oil and air inside. If your breather tubes are too low, as on most 4x4s, this will cause water to be SUCKED into the axle housing. If you change the axle oil soon after, you should be ok, but if you don’t-count on buying new axles or rebuild kits.

Sandy Travel:

Traveling in sand can be tricky at times. You want to float on it, so airing down is a big plus. This will help keep you from digging in. Traveling in large sandy areas, there is often no vegetation. This means that no shadows are cast, and make it very difficult to see holes and changes in the terrain. Often people get comfortable and start driving faster than the conditions should allow. Several people have gone down deep holes or off small cliffs because of this. When traveling along the beach, keep above high tide.

Mud Running:

As messy as it can be, let’s just face it, mud slinging is a blast. Clean up isn’t much fun though. I have learned from my own experience that the amount of fun when mudding is directly proportional to the amount of damage sustained. When running in the mud you often find ruts from previous wheelers. Don’t fight them, use them. This usually keeps you on the road and prevents you from sliding off the track too far. Mud terrain tires and diff lockers are a huge advantage here, although no substitute for good driving.

Recovering Yourself:

Despite what we all hope for, you will eventually get stuck! It’s up to you to have what it takes to get yourself out without injury or breakage. Basic recovery gear should be a requirement anytime you head out. Basic gear should consist of a long handled shovel, tow strap, high lift jack, D-shackles, and a winch (either hand winch or electric/hydraulic). Make sure to learn how to use them as well. Does no good to have them and not know how to use them. That would just cause injury.

Rocky Roads:

Unlike sand and mud, rock has very little to no give. This means added stress to you 4x4. Often, with IFS, the CV (constant velocity) joint becomes the number one target or victim. CVs work great going forward or backward, but loose a lot of strength when put at extreme angles, such as sharp turns or wheel articulation. This problem doubles once the locker is engaged. Avoid making extremely sharp turns with the lockers engaged. I would also like to add that power steering is a huge plus. Sand or mud, power steering is not a big deal, but trying to man handle a rig over the rocks without it can be quite the workout!

Slowing down:

Damage free off roading requires slow speeds, so can accurately judge the terrain. If you’re ever in doubt, stop and get out. Trust me; it’s a lot easier on you than your 4x4. By slowing down your suspension has time to articulate and you end up getting the most out of your 4x4s suspension. When the going gets real hairy, have your partner get out and guide you thru. Correct tire placement is crucial when the terrain gets that tough.

Heavy O.A.T.:

A normal rule, when taking a long 4wd tour, you’re taking too much stuff! While I would never recommend skimping on safety and communication equipment, there is plenty of things that don’t need to be taken. The main problem with carrying all the extra stuff is the strain it puts on the vehicle. Tires wear faster and are more susceptible to punctures. Added strain on the axles as well as the suspension. There are aftermarket goodies to beef up most of these components, but you need to really ask yourself if you need all that. You would be surprised how fast weight adds up. Just make sure you ask yourself, “Do I really need this?”

Get OUT!

Enough reading about it! Get out there and do it! Nothing will teach you faster than first hand experience! Besides the fact that it’s a total blast, you’ll get better every time you go out!