Newbie off road tips and tricks?

[sleepnclass]

Please share your experiences, youtube videos and anything else you would want a newbie off-roader to know. Thanks!

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[dirt2danasty]

I am still new myself but after offroading as much as I can since I picked up my JL I would recommend:

1) Know what you are getting into - Before just taking on a trail do some research. See how difficult it is an what obstacles you may encounter. Be prepared with your vehicle by bringing any recovery gear as needed.

2) Have a good spotter - It never hurts to have someone tell you that you can clear a Boulder vs. hitting an Axel assuming you can clear it.

3) Check your clearance - The lowest point on your Wrangler is the Diff box or "pumpkin." Also note that the Gas Tank Skid is on the passenger side as those are likely the two most common areas you may see impacts.

4) Inspect an obstacle - Never hurts to get out and "strategize" on the line you are picking.

5) Air Down and Drop to 4 Lo - Some may argue they stick in 4H but you can get a comfortable ride with aired down tires and the right gear selected to conquer the trail.

Above all else have fun out there! You will get scratches, rock rash, occasional dents and chips but thats all the fun in owning a Wrangler

Sincerely,

1st time Wrangler owner
2018 JLU Black

 

[sacourtney07]

The best part is going down a hill that is a bit too difficult to get back up, but you can’t really go forward either, so you need to strategize a plan. Filling holes with rocks, building rock bridges, trying different routes, and going off the path in order to get out of the woods. That’s the best part. You can get out of most sticky situations with patience.

 

[Waiting]

3) Check your clearance - The lowest point on your Wrangler is the Diff box or "pumpkin." Also note that the Gas Tank Skid is on the passenger side as those are likely the two most common areas you may see impacts.

I'm a newbie also. And, when casually looking at mine, the lowest points are the rear shock mounts

 

[NFRs2000NYC]

The key to offroading, especially if you are alone, is to have the balls and the brains to tell yourself that if you are unsure, don't do it. Dumb things happen when people "try" something. I've been to Moab 3 times now, and each time, something happens where I don't reach the end of Top of the World, but had the smarts to call it quits and turn around. Last time, I was less than .4 miles away from the iconic photo.

 

[smuddy]

I'd say don't wheel alone. And by alone I mean you are the only vehicle out there. You can have bodies in every seat in your Jeep but if you're stuck in a mud pit, you may be there a while waiting for another vehicle to pull you out. Also, one of the vehicles would need a snatch strap and a tow strap to get one of you unstuck or towed out if you break something and can't drive it!

 

[Biscuit]

1. Don't drive like the stunt drivers do in TV commercials unless you're vying for the Darwin Award.
2. Sooner or later, you will learn first-hand the meaning of this proverb: Four-wheel drive in and walk out.

 

[smuddy]

Another one. Find a Jeep club in your area. There are plenty and many would be willing to bring a novice.

 

[NFRs2000NYC]

I'd say don't wheel alone. And by alone I mean you are the only vehicle out there. You can have bodies in every seat in your Jeep but if you're stuck in a mud pit, you may be there a while waiting for another vehicle to pull you out. Also, one of the vehicles would need a snatch strap and a tow strap to get one of you unstuck or towed out if you break something and can't drive it!

Which is why you must follow rule #1, if you are unsure that you can make it through the mud pit, don't go into said mud pit. Wheeling alone isn't ideal, but sometimes it's the only option. When I go to Moab with my wife, it's a trip for us, so we're alone. Now sometimes, there are other rigs on the trail, but many times, there aren't, and your brain has to make the right call. The fact that I AM alone often times guides me on what I do and where I wheel. I am very aware of all the consequences, so my risky behavior is FAR lower. I am also very well prepared and equipped, for exactly this reason (satellite phone, first aid, food, medication, tools, etc etc etc.)

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