Off-Roading 101
Off-Roading 101
Safety Checklist
With a few guidelines and some good old-fashioned common sense, almost anyone can drive off-road in a Jeep® 4x4 vehicle.
Simply click on an item in the table of contents for a few of the basics. And be sure to get those thumbs up!
Be Prepared
Always check your vehicle before going off-road. Make sure your battery is fastened, all hoses are in good condition and oil and fluids are topped off, including fuel. Also be sure that all four tires are in good condition and have the proper tire pressure. Avoid travelling alone, especially into unfamiliar territory.
Be On The Lookout
Once off-road, put your vehicle in 4WD whenever you anticipate a situation that will demand the additional traction. It's difficult to engage 4WD after you get stuck. You'll also want to get into the habit of looking over your hood, scanning left to right so you can clearly see what you're approaching on the trail. If you're just watching the left tire, there's a good chance you'll get the right tire in trouble. Avoid putting your head outside the vehicle to see what's coming (that's what Wrangler's folding windshield is for).
Take It Easy
Speed and power are not required in rough off-road driving. In low-range 4WD, the low gearing and low speed of Jeep® 4x4 vehicles at idle will generally pull you over obstacles. In many cases, with manual transmissions, letting the clutch out slowly and allowing the vehicle to crawl over obstacles in the lowest gear is the best scenario. As a matter of fact, on the Rubicon Trail, the average speed is a mere 1-5 miles per hour.
Tread Lightly
Leave it better than you found it. Observe posted signs and stay on trails and recreation areas approved for off-roading. Use your good judgment in protecting the beauty and solitude of the area. Don't leave anything behind and, better yet, pick up and remove any trash that others have discarded. And if the terrain looks especially fragile, take an alternate route.