Are you planning to go for off-road driving adventure? Then this post will be helpful in getting answers for some obvious questions coming to your mind. Our guest writer Rebecca Siggers will be clearing your doubts regarding vehicle, terrain, safety measures, best time to go off-roading. Must read six most common FAQs about off-road driving.
Off-Road Driving FAQs
Sometimes the best therapy is driving and some music. And what could be more healing than a 4*4, a bunch of twisted trails and a whole lot of adrenaline rush? Welcome to the savvy-cool world of Off-Roading.
“If mud ain’t flying, you ain’t trying”
Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations. So there’s driving and there’s off-roading. If you are someone who loves living life on the fast lane, the latter is your gig. Off-road driving has gained a lot of popularity during recent years, with automobile industries manufacturing a separate segment of cars, purely for the likes of the off-roader. So if you are in love with your beast and want to go exploring, here are the most common off-road driving FAQs you should know beforehand.
1. What kind of vehicles are most suitable for Off-Road driving?
It mostly depends on the terrain and the technique. Keep in mind that Off-Roading is a very broad concept and includes various techniques, suiting to the traveler. Most vehicles are not built for off-road driving as they come with a weak rear axle and a standard IFS. Good tires are a must, especially with muddy terrains. For self-recovery always have a winch and a shovel at hand. Alright let’s count the basics before you buy your first off-roading beast – tires, locking diffs, clearance, axles: a solid 4*4!
Forget comfy convertibles and luxe limos, think Mad Max!
Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison, Jeep Gladiator, Ford Raptor, Ram Rebel TRX
and of course, the mighty Land Rover Discovery SVX are some of the best in business.
2. What kind of terrain is best suited for Off-Road driving?
Basically, you could start anywhere that is off limits (and safe!!!), however, for an authentic off-road adventure, there are a lot many places that could get your blood pumping. The most important thing to remember is that comfort comes first. Just because something looks cool on television, doesn’t mean it is meant for you in real life. Are you into deserts or mud bogs? Hollister from the Salinas Valley offers you a man-made obstacle course that is quite newbie friendly. Do not be fooled by the word ‘man-made’, when wet, many of its roads could get quite dangerous and impassable. If you are in love with the canyons, Moab in Southeastern Utah is a great option. Thanks to its sandy landscape and treacherous trails, this place is named one the best iconic off-roading destination. If you want some dirt and mud on your sleeves, the Redneck Yacht Club Mud Park in Punta Gorda in Florida is an excellent choice. It is always wise to do a little bit of research regarding the terrain before rushing into off-roading.
3. What should I do to take care of my safety?
Know your trail. This isn’t Temple Run and you are definitely not on multiple lives. If you can’t navigate through the mud, sand or dirt, chances are your vehicle cant either. Tell a friend or family about your location and carry a small bag of supplies just in case you get stuck. A well equipped First-Aid kit is a MUST. Off-roaders often reduce their tire pressure to effortlessly maneuver through difficult terrains.
Water bodies could be deceiving. What looks shallow could get you stuck. Be sure to check the depth before diving in your vehicle. ⇓⇓
⇒ Check out Traxplorers personal off-road driving experience in context of the above said 👇
Most importantly, know your vehicle skin and bones. Being well versed with the angles and clearance could get you through any kind of terrain safely.
4. Are there any Off-Roading gear I should carry in specific?
Both you and your vehicle should be well equipped before you decide to hit the road. Many of these can save your life, just in case you get stuck in the middle of a dessert or in the woods. For starters, a pair of riding gloves could save your hands while you are fixing your SUV. Having a hands-free headlamps, a flashlight and universal roof racks are equally valuable. If you are going for an uncharted trail, be sure to have a GOOD recovery kit and a jump starter by your side. Deflators, tools kits, folding spade, and jack are some of the absolute essentials.
5. Do I need a 101 on Off-Road Driving vocabulary?
Yes, a brief lesson in 4*4 vocabulary could be a lot helpful. Knowing the difference between a 4*4 high and 4*4 low, locking differentials, approach angle, wheelbase/travel and rock massage are just the basics. Its fun to learn, sounds cool and trust us, could be life-saving.
6. What is the best time of the year to go Off-Roading?
There is no particular time of the year, that favors off-road driving. If you are well prepared and your vehicle is equipped you are good to go. Weather shouldn’t be a major concern, if you are prepared, however, it would be unwise to march into the eye of the storm. Above all, safety should be your first concern.
With all being said and done, fun and adventure remain the very essence of off-road driving. There is no better way to get out of your comfort zone and conquer your fears. So are you in for the hustle? Step on it, tame the terrain.
⇒ Watch video of experiencing off-road driving adventure by Traxplorers 👇😎
Suggested Read: Shojha- An Adventurous Off-Road Driving Experience
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Wow. I am amazed after reading this post. You have nearly cleared all the doubts about off- road driving. I always had doubt about whether we should carry any off road grear with us or not and you answered it so specifically. Thank you sfor sharing such an amazing post.
Glad you find this post helpful. Thanks for your words.❤️
Off-roading looks like a fun hobby to have 🙂 Wish I was tougher hehe. Great tips!
Yeah, it is great and daring fun to have. 😊 Glad you liked it.
I have done many off-road experiences after coming to UAE. And love all the experiences as they are very thrilling. But 4 X 4 drive really requires lot of expertise and all safety considerations. I too agree on carrying proper tools, safety kit and first-aid box while going for off road trips.
Great to know you had experienced off road driving. Glad you agree with this post. Thanks for your words.❤️
I don’t even drive regular cars, so I’d most likely be a passenger. Probably a scared one if we were to attack roads on the edge of cliffs. Off-road driving seems a bit extreme sometimes, it depends a lot on the route whether I’ll enjoy it or just wait for it all to pass.
Yeah, I can understand your fear. Off road driving requires a lot of expertise and awareness about the terrain as well as safety measures. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.❤️
I’d love to go off roading but with my driving skills I’d probably end up upside down or stuck in a ditch! Will defo take on board some of these tips if I get the opportunity in the future though!
I understand this. Off road driving need some expertise and yeah knowledge of terrain as well as safety measures. Thanks for sharing your views.
I’ve only been off-road driving in the desert, as a passenger I might add but I’d love to try driving. This is a great blog with lots of helpful tips on what you need to go off-roading, we had all the safety gear with us including a trained driver. It must be lots of fun doing it in the snow!
Yeah absolutely! Off roading with trained driver with all safety gears is a must do. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I love the idea of off-roading, but have a vision that I’d be the one stuck at the bottom of a muddy hole. Less so after reading your guide though! We live pretty near where they make Land Rovers, so there’s often a chance to see them on an off=roading track. Maybe I’ll leave it to the experts – or get them to take me round.
Great article, so informative and full of details. I usually rent 4-wheel drive whenever I drive to the snow areas in the mountains. It is definitely needed in rough conditions.
Thank you for sharing! Good and needed info!
Anna
There are some great tips there. We have a Land Rover Discovery and my hubby is eyeing up a Raptor. We got a half day driving experience when we bought our LR and did some off road driving and it was great fun but scary too. Highly recommend it.
Great to know that you had experienced off road driving. Thanks for sharing your experience. ❤️
This is not for weakhearted people. Good informative article.
Thanks for the words.
My partner loves off-roading, but I have a neck injury so can’t do it. I will show him your article for tips!
Glad you find this article helpful. Thanks ❤️
Lots of tips here for how to go off-road. I think I need the basics though, like how to actually drive off-road. Never quite sure what to do with that other gear stick.
Thanks for sharing your views.
I’ve never done any off-road driving but this was really interesting! I’d have love to try it in Iceland though to get to more remote and quiet place.
Great idea. Have a memorable drive Pauline. I hope you would surely enjoy. 👍😊
These are great tips! especially to those who are really onto road trip. I saw one of those cars like jeep when we visited a national park. They are prepared.
Yeah true. It needs a preparation. You need to have proper equipments and should be mentally prepare also.
My husband would love this but it would make me too nervous!!! I would need to really know a road or be with someone who does to feel safe!
I absolutely understand your worry Lissa. My husband also love this and we have done it quite sometimes.
I don’t know if I will ever have a vehicle suitable for off-roading, but I always thought it looked like a fun hobby. Over the years, I have been able to tag along with friends a few times and always enjoyed it. Probably my most memorable off-roading experience was years ago on an off-road tour in Dubai.
Great to know that you had off roading experience few times with your friends. I am sure you enjoyed it.
This is a great guide for people who are thinking of an off road adventure. I am not really a fan of off road driving. I prefer proper roads 🙂
Thanks for your words Joanna😊