Introduction to Offroading

Basic Introduction to off-roading :drive: :drive:

A Brief Lesson in Off Road Vocabulary

4×4 High: All-purpose four wheel drive mode used in most cases. As opposed to 2 wheel drive, all four wheels are engaged and powered by the powertrain. “High” refers to the gear ratio, meaning that the gear ratio is unchanged from the ratio used in 2 wheel drive.

4×4 Low: Four wheel drive mode where a lower gear ratio is engaged, thus delivering higher torque to the wheels and lowering maximum speed. Useful in slower off road situations, rock crawling, and for getting unstuck when things go south.

Locking Differential: Also known as “diff lock,” this refers to the speed at which the wheels turn. In most standard 4×4 modes, the wheels spin at different speeds to compensate for loose or uneven terrain. When the differential is locked, wheels all move at the same speed. A tool used in advanced off-roading and for getting unstuck.

Approach Angle: The maximum incline angle that a vehicle can climb or descend without any part of the body or suspension making contact with the driving surface.

Wheelbase: Distance from the center of a truck’s front wheel to the center of the rear wheel on the same side of the vehicle.

Wheel Travel: The maximum distance a wheel can move up and down. The greater the travel, the more capable the suspension system and the better on and off road traction.

Essentials for Any Off Road Adventure

Full gas tank
Two way radios for communication between you and the group
Tow rope and shackles (be sure it is rated heavy enough for your vehicle)
Spare tire and everything needed to make a change in the field
Portable air compressor
Navigational aids
First aid kit
Lots of “drinking” water

Recommended Extras
High lift jack
Vehicle mounted winch
Shovel
Spare tanks of water (for radiator) or extra coolant and fuel
Fire extinguishers
Fan Belts

Tips and Tricks

On The Dunes

Terrain Type: Sand

Equipment Needed: 4 Wheel Drive vehicle, Air compressor and tire gauge

Before you set out on the dunes, make sure what you are about to do is legal. Most of the open deserts in this region are accesible and avoid entering private/ fenced areas in the deserts.. Since traction is not easily acquired on sand, most drivers will need to deflate the air pressure in their tires down to between 10 and 15psi, allowing the tire tread to spread more and grip more surface (remember to immediately air back up to recommended levels before driving on pavement). Momentum is key when traveling on loose terrain such as sand, so be sure that if you are driving through soft sand you do not slow down unless absolutely necessary. If you feel the vehicle digging in or getting stuck while moving, turn the wheel left and right repetitively to allow the tires to grip fresh terrain and gain better traction. Never ever fight with gravity as it always wins

In the Mud

Terrain Type: Mud, Shallow Water (6 inches or less)

The tendency with driving in the mud is to floor it, spin the tires, maybe slide the vehicle around a bit. While this is certainly fun, it is also risky business. Once your vehicle starts sliding, it won’t stop until it wants to, and you have forfeited all control. Sure, it will impress your buddies to see you pull off that 360 degree spin you’ve been dreaming about, but they’ll forget how impressed they are when your finishing move involves pop-outs or rolling over . It is much better to be the guy who maintains control of his vehicle, maybe even the guy who is towing all the showboats out of the mud, than to be the showboat yourself.

Many of the same principles apply to mud driving as sand driving. Maintain momentum if possible. If you feel you are getting stuck, quickly and repetitively turn the wheel left and right. Most importantly, if you do get stuck, the last thing you want to do is dig yourself in deeper, so avoid the tendency to floor it and spin the tires. First, get out and look at what you have gotten yourself into. Depending on how bad it is, you may be able to drive it out, you may not. Try rocking the vehicle back and forth by shifting from reverse to drive, at very low RPMs if you think it is escapable. If not, you may be hitting your buddies up for a tow.

On the Trail

Terrain Type: Gravel, Dry Dirt, Sabkas

Trail driving is the simplest and safest of your off-roading options and is a good choice for the beginner just looking to get their bearings in the off-roading world. Don’t attempt any steep climbs or descents or water crossings of any type, particularly if your off road machine also serves as your daily driver.

Important All Purpose Tips

In off road driving as well as life in general, nothing beats knowledge. Prepare for every circumstance, and know what you are getting yourself into. Familiarize yourself not only with the environment you are entering, but with the vehicle itself. Sure, you know how to switch on the air conditioning, but do you know the location of your air intake or on board computer in case you get into some deeper water and risk submerging them? Familiarize yourself with your vehicle’s manual and you will be best equipped for the unexpected.

most importantly, NEVER OFFROAD ALONE. Safety should be the number one priority when OFFROADING. Without anyone else, if something happens, it will not have a good outcome. Two or more vehicles mean more tools, more horsepower, and more brains.

😕 Source- Various online forums and offroading sites