When you see experienced drivers making their way through challenging terrain, it's easy to think that you will be able to do the same! There are many pointers and practical forms of advice to follow, and all of us here at Toytec lifts will provide some of the basics here for you on the blog to get your feet wet before the full-on journey!
The Top Off-Roading Tips for Beginners
Prepare and Plan
Whether it's an extra-long session with the trail map, going over your supplies one more time, or thoroughly checking tire pressure and fluid levels again, preparing and planning is key to a safe journey.
Take it Easy At First
When you get a view on TV or the web of a professional blasting rapidly through various off-road challenges, it naturally can make you want to do the same. To have a successful time on any challenging trail, a smooth and steady operation will yield much better results than being aggressive. Various hurdles could harm you and your vehicle, even being equipped with skid plates.
Leave Room
If there are multiple vehicles in your party or anyone in front of you, it's wisest to leave even more room than you would on a dry highway. It's not just to prevent a dangerous collision, but can also be the most sensible approach to avoid making it more difficult for winch recovery if one of you is suddenly stuck.
Use the Side Windows
When the grade of the terrain you are navigating suddenly becomes steep, staring directly out the front may not provide the view you need. Using the side windows can give you an expanded view of your entire sphere that affects your rig, and can alert you to timber clearance during narrow drives.
Communicate
Two-way radios are an ideal way to reach the rest of your party in the wild, even during the age of such intense cellphone development. One reason for this is that many 4 wheel drive roads will have poor cell tower signal. One of the best things to do is to keep in constant contact with those in your group, especially as a beginner. When obstacles and tough-to-navigate spots are coming up your party can help warn and navigate those less experienced drivers behind them.
Off-Roading Lingo
4X4 High Vs. Low: 4WD High is what you'd use in most off-road situations, utilizing low traction and fairly high speed. 4WD Low is best for off-roading or places like deep sand where a greater amount of torque would come in useful.
Locking Differential: This is a very handy addition for those who plan to do serious off-roading that will lock the axles together when torque is applied. Some elaborate examples will unlock during tight turns, and re-lock when constantly changing conditions require it.
Traction Control: Traction Control helps when you encounter road surfaces that don't have a lot of friction. When a tire begins to lose grip and starts spinning, ABS sensors work to cut engine output to allow the wheel to slow down and regain a bit of traction.
Equipment Modifications
Here are some of the most important assets to keep in mind that can properly prepare you for what you will face during the fun.
- New Tires
- Aftermarket intake and filter
- Performance exhaust
- Suspension lift kit
- Max energy power computer programmer
- Caliper and rotor upgrade for brakes
- Aftermarket lighting
- Limited-slip differential
- Skid and rocker plates
Beginner Terrain Tips
Dry Ground: Even though it may seem like a stressful situation is not looming on dry ground, always keep your senses alert and have done the research on your route. If you are driving the truck you use for daily errands, it's a good idea to avoid drastically steep climbs or water crossing of any kind.
Mud: Hitting the gas while charging through some fresh mud can be a lot of fun but it is best to keep a consistent speed you can maintain. When you are sloshing through freshly rain-drenched or otherwise soggy wet areas, reducing the tire pressure to 20 psi will immediately allow for more traction.
Sand: The shift to 4X4 low is the best way to handle the shift to sandy terrain, but if you happen to get stuck, the quick revert to 4X4 high will bump up the horsepower to allow you to be free. During a typical drive it's alright to use your right foot to brake, but during a sandy run, using your left foot can save you valuable seconds that could see you escaping the misfortune of large ruts.
Snow: Narrow tires with high contact pressure are what is needed to properly cut through the snow to the underlying pavement. One of the best techniques to abide by is making sure that you don't accelerate during turns, which could cause an unfortunate roll, and allow ample time to slow down just as you would on ice.
You can buy anything that the off-road journey requires at Toytec lifts. We specialize in everything needed to get your truck ready to conquer any terrain. Check out our store for all your off-roading needs to help prepare for your next hill climb or hardtop-ready destination.
