Going Off Road for a Newbie

[One_Angry_Panda]

Hello All! (I hope this is in the right place)

New to going offroad, other than the Beach in OBX in my '14 Cherokee Limited.

Waiting on my '18 Sting Grey Rubi and was wondering if the forum can help me out (and other Noobs).

What do you do to prepare the truck for offroading? I know deflating the tires, but what else do you do?
When do you disconnect the sway?
When do you use the Lockers?

Any and all information is appreciated in advance!

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[NOVAJL]

Hello All! (I hope this is in the right place)

New to going offroad, other than the Beach in OBX in my '14 Cherokee Limited.

Waiting on my '18 Sting Grey Rubi and was wondering if the forum can help me out (and other Noobs).

What do you do to prepare the truck for offroading? I know deflating the tires, but what else do you do?
When do you disconnect the sway?
When do you use the Lockers?

Any and all information is appreciated in advance!

I would encourage you to look into Off-Road Consulting. They offer a 101 course that teaches everything you are asking and more. They are based out of Rausch Creek off road park just north of Harrisburg, PA. It’s about 3 hours from you.

Is is a great course. Both my wife and I have done it in a Wrangler and a Grand Cherokee. Kyle will teach you all about basic off roading and what your JL is capable of.

 

[ChrispyJL]

I agree with NOVA...please take an off road course.
But a few things to know as a noobie.
1) Lockers can only be engaged in 4 lo, unless you have a tazer
2) disconnect sway bar once off road where you will be driving slow, reconnect when you get back to pavement, or on trails where your going 40 mph+, you don't want to be disconnected going fast and turning.
3) take it easy until your confident in your driving, pay attention, take the easy line.
4) Don't go wheeling with idiots
5) don't mash the gas pedal...off roading is a lot of throttle control, which you will learn after some experience.


I see your in NY, look up NORA, Northeast Off-Road Adventures, they do a great beginner class in Hunter Mountian, I Highly suggest new off road enthusiasts take it. they also have Trail ride days, it isn't cheap, but it is very organized, trail guides, and a fun time.

 

[Sheepjeep]

First and for most do not go out alone, find a local group or club that can show you the ropes


Things to bring with you:

• Recovery straps 25'=> (no chains or straps with metal hooks
• A good set of tools, don't need to go crazy just you want to be able to fix most issues
• tire pressure gauge
• air pump (else near by gas stations with air)

As for tips when on the trail:

• air down at the trail head, get down to ~15-20 psi
• Disconnect the swaybar at the trail head
• when learning to wheel try using the lockers as little as possible as i find it helps promote pick of bad lines with new people, use them when you have trouble after a few attempts
• take it easy on the trail and listen to the spotters

After the run:

• turn off the lockers
• reconnect swaybars
• air up tires
• check the underside for any debris that may have gotten stuck in bad places

Other this I would suggest is do not upgrade or modify the jeep until you have gone out a few time, learn how to wheel first, learn how the jeep handles, see what others have done that work and are useful, then go out and apply the useful mods. So many people go out and slap on lifts, shitty tires big tires on undersized axles, cheap bumpers and cheap winches, and 50 light bars thinking that they will be the off road kings. But as soon as they touch dirt they are causing more problems and putting others in danger because they have no clue what they are doing and do not understand how their jeep really works.

 

[One_Angry_Panda]

Definitely appreciate all of the feedback! @Sheepjeep, that is what I am trying to avoid by posting this, for sure. I'm in the Catskills and the Adirondacks 5-7 times a year, so I'm looking forward to getting up there in the JLUR.

 

[PaPasJP]

First and for most do not go out alone, find a local group or club that can show you the ropes

THIS... It is a long walk back.

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