TravelerTheJLU
Well-Known Member
- First Name
- Hunter
- Joined
- Dec 8, 2024
- Threads
- 7
- Messages
- 143
- Reaction score
- 112
- Location
- North Carolina
- Vehicle(s)
- 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon 20th Annv
- Thread starter
- #1
This weekend I helped guide someone who had only wheeled once before. Throughout the day he asked me a number of things and that got me wondering if there was a good place to discuss beginner tips, and I couldn't find a great place online. So I decided to create a list of a few of the top pieces of advice and things to know.
1. Spotting-The majority of us are willing to spot people through obstacles. It is far better to hold up a group briefly for a spot then it is to take body damage, flip, or break something. Just because you do/want to attempt an obstacle without a spotter doesn't mean you should. The other aspect is watching others go through lines, this can not only show you the line of the obstacle but can also teach you stuff about rigs similar to yours like vehicle limits and strategies. Moral of the story, if your worried, don't be scared to ask for help.
2. Acknowledge the vehicle you have and your limits-Everyone's rig is unique, some are more built then others, some are more capable then others, some drivers have better skills then their rigs. These limits are extremely important for beginners especially. When the terrain's difficulty goes past the limit is when people get hurt, things break, and stuff goes wrong. Asking for help or a spot can increase the limit however, caution needs to be taken at all times. Before going wheeling, everyone should know how to shift into 4Hi, 4Lo, apply lockers, sway bar disconnects, etc. I would also suggest learning how 4Lo feels on flat ground rather then in the middle of an obstacle. These are all important skills that can help prevent getting stuck or getting someone unstuck.
3. Going prepared- This looks different for everyone dependent on where your going. My general rule of thumb is bring enough food and water for about 12-24 hours longer then I am going for. If I go with a group that may be less then if I go by myself(which is not smart). If I am going somewhere more remote then I am bringing more food and water. Additional parts should also be considered, things like diff/brake/trans fluids, oil, and coolant are some of the biggest things that should be considered. Depending on mechanical knowledge, trail difficulty, and installed mods can indicate what parts to bring, as those increase the more parts you should bring.
4. Tools- Tools are something everyone should bring, at a minimum stuff to change a tire(jack, breaker bar, Socket), basic mechanic set with sockets, pliers, and screw drivers, should be able to cover the majority of fixes on trail. As mechanical knowledge, trail difficulty, and installed mods increase the more tools you should bring. Additionally everyone should learn how to do basic maintenance on things that could go wrong. Things like air compressors, tire patch kits, impact guns, open ended wrenches, the list goes on are ideal. Vehicle specific tools should be considered, for instants the D44 axle shaft nut is a 36mm nut where as a Tundra is something like a 39mm socket. These are sizes that should be included down the line as it is a niche tool.
5. Safety- Although this is a broad category its the number one most important thing when it comes to wheeling. Being sure to wear the seatbelt, avoid excessive speed, and learning to minimize risk are all crucial and can make a good day bad at any moment. I understand having fun however, taking needless risks is a recipe to cause problems. A basic first aid kit and fire extinguisher should be in every vehicle, and learning how to use them is important. Telling someone close to you where you are going is very important, provide coordinates to the area, and a rough schedule of when you will be done, and getting back to cell service is important.
6. Recovery- Getting stuck is not inherently a bad thing, what is bad is when you get stuck and do not have a method to get out. Every vehicle should have a method of self recovery and a assisted recovery. A winch and recovery bag should be looked into for anyone planning on wheeling in a small group, remote area, or by themselves. At a minimum I suggest a winch, tree saver, soft shackle, foldable shovel, and line extender(flat toe rope or winch line). Ideally having other things like traction boards, multiple soft shackles, D rings, and kinetic ropes are always helpful. If you do get stuck, taking a extra minute to settle down and making sure the method of recovery is as safe as possible, thinking about the worse case scenario and making sure you are minimizing risk if possible.
7. Trash/Fires/Staying on the trail-These three things are crucial for keeping trails open. In the current world we live in trails are getting shut down left and right and one of the biggest reasons is people going off trail in areas they are not supposed to and leaving trash scattered around. Fires are also a big issue where I live, people leave campfires still smoldering which can easily become a forest fire. The general goal should be leave the trail better then when you got there. Programs like Tread Lightly! and Leave No Trace are great.
TLDR: For new off-roaders, safety and preparation are paramount. Always use a spotter on difficult obstacles to prevent vehicle damage and learn by watching others. You must know your vehicle's limits (4Hi, 4Lo, lockers) and your own skill level. Be well prepared by bringing extra food/water, essential fluids, basic tools like a mechanic set, and jack. Prioritize safety by wearing your seatbelt, avoiding excessive speed, having a basic first aid kit/fire extinguisher, and giving someone your coordinates and a rough schedule. For recovery, have a self and assisted recovery method—at minimum a winch, tree saver, and soft shackle—and always take a minute to safely plan a recovery when stuck. Finally, protect the trails by practicing Tread Lightly! and Leave No Trace: stay on marked trails, pack out all trash, and ensure all campfires are fully extinguished to keep trails open for everyone.
1. Spotting-The majority of us are willing to spot people through obstacles. It is far better to hold up a group briefly for a spot then it is to take body damage, flip, or break something. Just because you do/want to attempt an obstacle without a spotter doesn't mean you should. The other aspect is watching others go through lines, this can not only show you the line of the obstacle but can also teach you stuff about rigs similar to yours like vehicle limits and strategies. Moral of the story, if your worried, don't be scared to ask for help.
2. Acknowledge the vehicle you have and your limits-Everyone's rig is unique, some are more built then others, some are more capable then others, some drivers have better skills then their rigs. These limits are extremely important for beginners especially. When the terrain's difficulty goes past the limit is when people get hurt, things break, and stuff goes wrong. Asking for help or a spot can increase the limit however, caution needs to be taken at all times. Before going wheeling, everyone should know how to shift into 4Hi, 4Lo, apply lockers, sway bar disconnects, etc. I would also suggest learning how 4Lo feels on flat ground rather then in the middle of an obstacle. These are all important skills that can help prevent getting stuck or getting someone unstuck.
3. Going prepared- This looks different for everyone dependent on where your going. My general rule of thumb is bring enough food and water for about 12-24 hours longer then I am going for. If I go with a group that may be less then if I go by myself(which is not smart). If I am going somewhere more remote then I am bringing more food and water. Additional parts should also be considered, things like diff/brake/trans fluids, oil, and coolant are some of the biggest things that should be considered. Depending on mechanical knowledge, trail difficulty, and installed mods can indicate what parts to bring, as those increase the more parts you should bring.
4. Tools- Tools are something everyone should bring, at a minimum stuff to change a tire(jack, breaker bar, Socket), basic mechanic set with sockets, pliers, and screw drivers, should be able to cover the majority of fixes on trail. As mechanical knowledge, trail difficulty, and installed mods increase the more tools you should bring. Additionally everyone should learn how to do basic maintenance on things that could go wrong. Things like air compressors, tire patch kits, impact guns, open ended wrenches, the list goes on are ideal. Vehicle specific tools should be considered, for instants the D44 axle shaft nut is a 36mm nut where as a Tundra is something like a 39mm socket. These are sizes that should be included down the line as it is a niche tool.
5. Safety- Although this is a broad category its the number one most important thing when it comes to wheeling. Being sure to wear the seatbelt, avoid excessive speed, and learning to minimize risk are all crucial and can make a good day bad at any moment. I understand having fun however, taking needless risks is a recipe to cause problems. A basic first aid kit and fire extinguisher should be in every vehicle, and learning how to use them is important. Telling someone close to you where you are going is very important, provide coordinates to the area, and a rough schedule of when you will be done, and getting back to cell service is important.
6. Recovery- Getting stuck is not inherently a bad thing, what is bad is when you get stuck and do not have a method to get out. Every vehicle should have a method of self recovery and a assisted recovery. A winch and recovery bag should be looked into for anyone planning on wheeling in a small group, remote area, or by themselves. At a minimum I suggest a winch, tree saver, soft shackle, foldable shovel, and line extender(flat toe rope or winch line). Ideally having other things like traction boards, multiple soft shackles, D rings, and kinetic ropes are always helpful. If you do get stuck, taking a extra minute to settle down and making sure the method of recovery is as safe as possible, thinking about the worse case scenario and making sure you are minimizing risk if possible.
7. Trash/Fires/Staying on the trail-These three things are crucial for keeping trails open. In the current world we live in trails are getting shut down left and right and one of the biggest reasons is people going off trail in areas they are not supposed to and leaving trash scattered around. Fires are also a big issue where I live, people leave campfires still smoldering which can easily become a forest fire. The general goal should be leave the trail better then when you got there. Programs like Tread Lightly! and Leave No Trace are great.
TLDR: For new off-roaders, safety and preparation are paramount. Always use a spotter on difficult obstacles to prevent vehicle damage and learn by watching others. You must know your vehicle's limits (4Hi, 4Lo, lockers) and your own skill level. Be well prepared by bringing extra food/water, essential fluids, basic tools like a mechanic set, and jack. Prioritize safety by wearing your seatbelt, avoiding excessive speed, having a basic first aid kit/fire extinguisher, and giving someone your coordinates and a rough schedule. For recovery, have a self and assisted recovery method—at minimum a winch, tree saver, and soft shackle—and always take a minute to safely plan a recovery when stuck. Finally, protect the trails by practicing Tread Lightly! and Leave No Trace: stay on marked trails, pack out all trash, and ensure all campfires are fully extinguished to keep trails open for everyone.
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