Get a Head Start on Off-Roading Adventures

Off-roading is the practice of driving away from the man-made road, and it encompasses a wide array of different terrains. Depending on where you plan to drive, you could encounter sandy beaches, muddy trails, rocky canyons and everything in-between. At first, it can seem very intimidating to get started with off-roading, especially with all the confusing terminology surrounding the sport, but once you get down to the nitty-gritty and learn the basics, it’s not all that complicated, and you too can start heading off into the wild.

Why Off-Road?

Maybe you already have a four-wheel drive vehicle but don’t know what to do with it, or why to even bother off-roading. There are many different reasons people like to go off-roading, but a big part tends to be the thrill of being ‘off the beaten track’. Driving through the wilderness to untouched scenery with no-one around to stop you can provide an incredible feeling of freedom and harmony with nature. Not only that, but for photographers it’s an absolute goldmine. No more do you have to stick to taking the same boring photos of the same places as everyone else, you can venture into the wild and find unexplored locations. If any of this appeals to you, off-roading might be for you.

What Kind of Vehicle Do You Need to Have?

How do you know if you’ve got the right vehicle for off-roading? There are a few basic qualities that all off-roading cars have (or should have) that will make your journey much easier. The first is of course, four-wheel drive (4WD); this lets your engine provide power and torque to all four of the vehicle’s wheels, which can come in incredibly handy when driving off-road.

The next thing is tires. You’ll want tires that can garner the most traction as possible, and they will typically be wider than regular tires so that greater surface area can be obtained. Then you’ll also need a decent suspension. Having bad suspension while off-roading can make your road-trip a nightmare, because you’ll be able to intensely feel every boulder, hill, or pot-hole that you come across.

Lastly, you’ll probably want to be equipped with some sort of rear and front bumpers. This stops your car from becoming scratched and provides further protection from potential collisions. There are lots of perfectly suitable off-roading vehicles out there that can easily double as your day-to-day car, such as the Land Rover Defender. Have a look around and decide what’s best for you.

If you are dead serious about off-roading, and want a vehicle that is completely indestructible, you could even go for a military-grade vehicle such as the Deuce And A Half Offroad, affectionately nicknamed because it can haul two and a half tonswhile off-roading. Although these types of vehicles definitely aren’t necessary to start off-road adventures, it will give you a certain authority on the road.

Learn theBasics of Off-Roading

To get a firm grip on the mechanics of off-roading, it’s a good idea to look up or have someone teach you how to handle traction control, speed, locking differentials,and other essential pieces of knowledge. This is all fairly easy stuff to find online, but to be extra safe you might want to consult off-roading specialists.

Essentials of Off-Roading and What to Do When You Get Stuck

Getting stuck is an off-roaders worst nightmare, but there are a few essentials you can carry around in the back of your vehicle that can help to rescue you from a sticky situation. Tools such as winches and snatch straps will help to pull your vehicle out from where it is stuck, whist a snorkel attachment for the engine can prevent your engine becoming flooded (which is a huge no no). Last but not least, a first aid kit is always a wise essential to carry around while off-roading, just in case.

Once you get the hang of it, off-roading is exhilarating and fun, allowing you to explore and camp in new, undiscovered places all over the country. Hopefully you’re now at least a little more equipped to head into the world of off-roading.