Tips for Offroad Beginners

[Uhdinator]

My one piece of advice. It's your Jeep. And you're the driver. Don't let anyone talk you into doing something you're uncomfortable with. I love the ,"You can go through that obstacle easily, it's a Jeep." You make that decision for yourself.

Excellent point! Obstacles that now seem easy with lots of experience seemed intimidating when I first started off roading. I still get some riding with me that say "you're gonna go thru or over that ??? Usually they are freaked out. I know pretty well what the jeep can do and sometimes it surprises me still.

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[jeepdabest]

Careful in the water. But if you do it right, the Wrangler makes a great submarine. There are quite a few companies that make aftermarket periscopes.

 

[Reefed]

Understand that often gear reduction - NOT momentum - is your friend. There are times when you have to scramble or keep your speed up but beginners want to "just get through" everything instantaneously.

Also, keep your tires on the high points. Too many beginners think their tire won't go up that rock, root or embankment, but give no thought to where that same rock is under the vehicle if they steer the rubber around it.

Makes sense, definitely would need to force myself to think that way starting out and build that instinct

 

[Reefed]

Hi Nate, you can also get in touch cal association of four wheel drive clubs as most local clubs are members. They will have a lot of info of trails in your area

Absolutely will do that! Thank you!

 

[Reefed]

Exactly! And know your low points (axle differentials and drive shafts in the middle, and shock mounts just inside of your tires. You have the most clearance at the rocker panels or where your tires are and you can get home with a dent but not with a broken driveshaft or axle.

Some things I do that I did not see mentioned:
1. Just because I turn off the pavement onto a logging, or fire road, I don't engage 4WD until needed. No need for additional wear and tear, and reduced fuel economy until 2WD is no longer effective. If the terrain still allows going 15-20 mph use 4H and turn traction control off.
If you are in sand or go thru a wet spot you don't want traction control cutting engine power, you want to keep your tires churning. When terrain gets where its too rough and slowing down to a crawl is required to keep from pounding you and your jeep to death..... Stop and put it in low range.
2. When required to turn around or turn sharp. If traction is not an issue I switch back to 2WD and try it first. This reduces wear and tear or slight binding that is normal when turning sharp in 4WD. It may make your front axle u joints last a little longer. If 2WD won't work, then i go back to 4WD and turn a little at a time doing a multi-point turn back and forth a few times to avoid turning all the way to the stops in 4WD.
3. CRAWL with your tires over obstacles sticking up that could whack into your axle or shock mounts. Don't try to straddle them. If you slip a little to one side or the other or can't get traction. Back up and approach again and a slightly different angle. If traction is the problem,
4. Once you are sure you are not going to slide off the obstacle and wind up in a bad situation.....Engage rear locker. If needed engage front locker but try to have your front tires as straight as possible. Once you get over the obstacle stop and disengage both lockers or at least the front locker. Its hard to steer with the front axle locked and you will feel it only wanting to go straight without resistance.
5. Don't go blazing thru a big mud hole at high speed. Assess the situation by prodding the mud hole with a stick. In my neck or the woods there could be a large rock or stump that will stop you quick then your're stuck and broke and may be walking home.

I thought my jeep was invincible when I got my first Wrangler 31 yrs ago..........until it was setting on the frame in the mud and I was waiting a couple hours on a sunday night (after walking a while to a house where i could use a phone) to get a ride home and had to go back to recover it with the calvary the next day after work. Ended up getting pulled out by a logging Skidder after pulling the bumper off the truck that tried to pull 2 of us out. A crossing of a grassy meadow that seamed so easy turned into a story I won't forget.

Wow, thank you so much for the tips. I'm printing this and keeping it my Jeep when I get it! Much to learn but it's all very exciting. I definitely noticed the turning difference between 2WD and 4WD in a rental Sahara I had a few months ago. Awesome story too, exactly what I want to avoid!

 

[aldo98229]

Join a local club. That’s the best way to learn.

Also, Glenn E. Thomas Dodge Chrysler Jeep, in Long Beach, organizes quarterly outings to allow customers learn how to use their Jeeps on the trail. They are great fun and you get to meet lots of fellow Jeepers.

Talk to Adrian, the Service Manager. He will get you on his email list. It’s free to join and attend. Tell him Aldo sent you.

Good luck.

 

[aldo98229]

Here’s a link: https://getjeepn.com/

 

[DanNH]

Great thread

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