Going off roading for the first time. Advice?
#22
JK Freak
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
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Back on original topic, I would say don't go alone but I do go solo once in a while. Best bet in that case is to give someone (preferably with a 4WD) you know a set return time and give a cellphone call. No answer means "come and pull me out".
Cheers.
Cheers.
#23
JK Enthusiast
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Washington DC
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Mac's Master Tips
Im still an Off Road Newb, but here are my favorite tips. This is more of an ammendment to what has already been said, plus some tips that I live by.
#1 - Dont go out alone. Have two rigs, at the very, very least, an able bodied passenger. You want someone to keep you stable, and to share the stories with.
#2 - Know your limitations. Spot yourself, and remember to keep the rig as level as possible. This is paramount for me. I look for the most level line. I know flexn' looks and feels cool, and it is, but unneccesary flex can tip you like nobodies buisness.
#3 - Have a couple of snach/tow straps rated at close to or over 6000 pounds if no one in the crew has a wench. Getting high centered can really suck if you have to push the rig off a rock.
#4 - This one is just a preference of mine. Rant coming.....
I hate mud. It gets everywhere, clogs the radiator, overheats the car, clogs the diffs, and if you drive a stick, can clog the clutch. 90% of the problems that I have seen on my buddies Jeeps have been cused by Mud and poor choices. I almost ruined a 91 XJ in a mud bog that sunk up to the air dam.
So if you must mud, and many do....be prepared for hell. Get the 2X4's, have a buddy that can pull you out. If you dont have a front or rear tow hook, get one, now! There almost free on this site.
That was a long one.....
#5 - have water, water, everywhere. I carry a case in the liftgate.
#6 - Camera. And a friend that will snap away so you can relive your glory anytime. We like stories here at the JK forum, but we like PIcs much better.
#7 - Handheld GPS. Waymark your entrance/exit. This has saved my ass before.
#8 - Remember the pucker factor - "There's a difference between being daring and being a Dumbass." - But then again, "Your only a dumbass if something breaks."
#9 - Always, always, always spot the trail first. I almost fell off a cliff once.
#10 - Tread lightly, take up Geocaching, and have fun out there. Your going to see and smell things that will bring you closer to God.
Remember.....If Jesus has a trail rig, its a Jeep.
#1 - Dont go out alone. Have two rigs, at the very, very least, an able bodied passenger. You want someone to keep you stable, and to share the stories with.
#2 - Know your limitations. Spot yourself, and remember to keep the rig as level as possible. This is paramount for me. I look for the most level line. I know flexn' looks and feels cool, and it is, but unneccesary flex can tip you like nobodies buisness.
#3 - Have a couple of snach/tow straps rated at close to or over 6000 pounds if no one in the crew has a wench. Getting high centered can really suck if you have to push the rig off a rock.
#4 - This one is just a preference of mine. Rant coming.....
I hate mud. It gets everywhere, clogs the radiator, overheats the car, clogs the diffs, and if you drive a stick, can clog the clutch. 90% of the problems that I have seen on my buddies Jeeps have been cused by Mud and poor choices. I almost ruined a 91 XJ in a mud bog that sunk up to the air dam.
So if you must mud, and many do....be prepared for hell. Get the 2X4's, have a buddy that can pull you out. If you dont have a front or rear tow hook, get one, now! There almost free on this site.
That was a long one.....
#5 - have water, water, everywhere. I carry a case in the liftgate.
#6 - Camera. And a friend that will snap away so you can relive your glory anytime. We like stories here at the JK forum, but we like PIcs much better.
#7 - Handheld GPS. Waymark your entrance/exit. This has saved my ass before.
#8 - Remember the pucker factor - "There's a difference between being daring and being a Dumbass." - But then again, "Your only a dumbass if something breaks."
#9 - Always, always, always spot the trail first. I almost fell off a cliff once.
#10 - Tread lightly, take up Geocaching, and have fun out there. Your going to see and smell things that will bring you closer to God.
Remember.....If Jesus has a trail rig, its a Jeep.
#25
JK Enthusiast
- if you're having trouble moving, go 4hi, if problems still presist go 4lo
- NEVER go alone, atleast have another 4x4 with you incase you get stuck
- in sandy areas like deserts, it comes in handy to have a lower air pressure in the tires. this gives your tire wider treads and improves movement on the soft sands
- have an ample supply of drinking water with you, if you get stuck for a long time, you will get dehydrated.
- if you're in sandy areas, don't slow down, you'll get stuck in no time. momentum is key when you're in the sand.
- it's handy to have a shovel with you
- don't go for bigger rims, go for bigger tires
- have fun