Off-roading is commonly described as the act of driving a car over a surface that is not smooth or paved. This can be anything as simple as riding your car through beaches, fields, forests, etc. This might sound dangerous to the average joe, but off-roading can be a fun and interesting experience if you are geared properly and informed on what you need to do and have before you go on your trip. If you are someone that is interested in off-roading but doesn’t know the basic safety tips and tools you need to have, look no further.
Off Roading Advice for Beginners
One of the first things you need to do before you head out on your trip is to make sure that you are prepared for what’s coming to you. Not that off-roading is incredibly dangerous, but it can be for those that are ignorant of the ins and outs. You should know that this is completely different from driving a normal car on a normal road. In fact, driving in a normal car isn’t recommended. You need something sturdy and big-bodied like a Jeep Wrangler or Jeep Rubicon. Some would even say that these cars are built specifically for these types of sporting activities. Generally, any car that isn’t a crossover and has a chassis frame is a good fit for you.
Gear You Need
A lot of people overlook this part of the off-roading trip because they believe that the basics are all you need. Here are just a couple of the things you need to have before you go on your trip.
Paper Map: When you’re so far away from home and the city, you should know that GPS signals and whatnot probably aren’t going to do you any favors. In some cases, they can come in handy. But you should always have a paper map available just in case. There’s nothing more frustrating than getting lost in the wilderness. Before you head out to check your route as many times as you see fit and discuss with someone experienced and knowledgeable in directions to be sure that you won’t fall into any traps. Paper maps are very cost-effective. Be sure to keep it in some type of case or wrapping as well so that it doesn’t get wet or ripped.
Light: You might run into a situation where you have to operate in the dark. Invest in a work light or a Taclight Headlamp that can be used without holding. This will be a perfect way to fix or repair things without having to hold a giant flashlight.
Gloves: You will be using your hands pretty often during this trip and they need to be protected from sharp edges, pointy things, and anything that might give your skin an allergic reaction. They also help with grip. Make sure that the gloves you choose are heavy-duty and hard to rip through.
Some other gears include spare tires, shovel, first aid kit, oil, fan belts, etc.
Safety Tips to Consider in an Offroad Trip
- Let someone know exactly where you will be going and for how long you will be gone. This way they can send someone to assist or rescue you if you ever get yourself into any danger.
- Make sure that you have all of the basic emergency tools with you. There probably won’t be any stores that you can just stop at for miles to get whatever you need.
- In case you do get into danger or stuck, make sure that you have what you need to call for help. Such tools would include signaling gear, a cell phone, etc.
- Take someone with you. Especially someone that is also informed about off-roading.
- Drive slowly, be wary of oncoming traffic and animals at night, and never attempt to do this in the rain or snow.
Is Your Vehicle Up to Par?
Your 4X4 should be something you know just about everything about. You need to know where things such as the spare tire and specific controls are located. You also need to know the dimensions so that you are aware of how big you are when you are entering small and tight spaces. Be sure to invest in a quality winch. A winch will help you get out of something you’re stuck in. When you are researching what tools and gear you need to be excellent at off-roading, make sure you look into finding the best off-road winch so that you won’t have a hard time getting out if you get stuck.