New to off-roading, need advice

[FireAnt21]

I’m new to off roading and I’m wishing to take Betty off road. I’m not interested in rock crawling but mud and muck and sandy trails sure. Do I need to air down for that and is so is there a equation for tire size and non beadlock tires I should be looking at. Also should I have sway bar disconnects. Don’t know if I need mega articulation for that. Any other tips for first timer. Also my first 4wd vehicle

Sponsored

 

[Grayhound]

If you Can connect with a local club you’ll learn a lot. Outside of that start by finding forest roads or dnr website for local trails. I typically air down for sand and more a aggressive off roading. 18ish for most air down, 8-10psi for sand, stock wheels and tires.

 

[EpochTraveler]

Hi FireAnt, check this link out:

https://jeepjamboreeusa.com/drivingtips/index.html

And to echo previous comments, get with a local group, club or buddy. Don't go alone while your getting started if you can help it.

 

[C.Sco]

I’m new to off roading and I’m wishing to take Betty off road. I’m not interested in rock crawling but mud and muck and sandy trails sure. Do I need to air down for that and is so is there a equation for tire size and non beadlock tires I should be looking at. Also should I have sway bar disconnects. Don’t know if I need mega articulation for that. Any other tips for first timer. Also my first 4wd vehicle

You don't need to air down, but it will make the experience a lot better if you do. It not only improves traction in virtually all conditions, but it also softens the ride quite a bit so you don't feel every little pebble you drive over.

As far as pressure goes, there's not really any equation, it just comes from trial and error and experience. 18psi is generally a pretty safe pressure to run with minimal risk of popping a bead. You can probably even take it all the way down to 15. I personally wouldn't run below 15 without beadlock wheels, except maybe on sand dunes and such where it's probably fine. If you're just starting out, I'd probably begin with 18psi and see how that works for you.

Sway bar disconnects really aren't necessary for light offroading. I'd only look into that if you find that you've only got 3 tires on the ground a lot on the trails you do.

Final tip: Just take it slow, and enjoy the ride! It's not a race, there's no prize for finishing the trail fast. If you're having trouble with an obstacle, don't just immediately back up and hit it with more speed. Take a moment to analyze your line, drop it into 4-Low, and crawl your way up nice and slow. Sometimes more momentum is the best answer, but it shouldn't always be the first thing you try. Also don't be scared to use the winch, it's there for a reason.

 

[Sparty]

Judging by your profile pic, you have larger things to tackle before you worry about going offroad.

Sponsored