Helpful Hints for the Question-Filled Novice
From NNYOffroad
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Helpful Hints for the Question-Filled Novice (and others!)
I decided that we need some information here for people that stumble upon the site that aren't necessarily 'experienced' at off-road travel.. And so the "Helpful Hints" section is born!
Low Clearance Vehicles
There are many things to be said about off-roading in a vehicle with low ground clearance. Most of the time these things that are said involve "don't do it." Some of us here (well maybe just Derrick??) believe in the "wheel what you've got" theory.. and end up driving things not properly lifted onto the trails..
In this situation you need to be aware of many things, but there are some general big ones.
Repairs due to poor choices - If you choose to wheel a vehicle like this, make sure you've got the materials and tools to repair things like busted exhaust, ripped/sliced wires running along your undercarriage, sliced tires (seriously.. road treads don't hold up.. ask derrick about "the stump."); and furthermore, get creative, because you will run into some nasty situations in a vehicle not necessarily suited.
The limits of your vehicle - This would include physical size, actual ground clearance, traction limiting factors like snow, mud, etc
Pick a Good Line - Make sure you can figure out how to "pick a good line" .. In other words, if your oil pan hangs down in the front, don't try to straddle a huge rock or stump that's going to bash into it. Get the picture?
When in Doubt, RAGE IT - If you think you might get hung up or stuck on something, get up to high RPM and as much speed as you can stand to beat your car at.. it'll generally allow you to make it through things you never would have imagined. This also works for Low Traction (2WD, etc) Vehicles
Low Traction Vehicles (2WD, etc)
2wd... Most 2wd vehicles can make it most places a 4wd can... First thing if you can, is try to have the most agressive tires
possible, any extra bite can help you out in the end, and if you're bent on keeping 2wheel, a locker may be in order... There are some basic rules of boggin in 2-wheel as opposed to 4-wheel, Most important, always give yourself option when
driving, such as, do not go somewhere that it will be impossible to back up in 2-wheel, or make it up, even getting in the middle
of soft sand or muck, without hard pack place to go too... Another rule of thumb is, the faster you hit the mud/sand/snow,
the more likely you are to make it, more or less the bomb and pray idea... Remember, one thing you don't want to do in a 2wd
is loose momentum, it will result in you getting stuck, or having to back down, to try again... Benefits of the 2wd... The nice thing about a rear-wheel pickup or the equivalent it, your vehicle is lighter making it an easy
tow when you get stuck... Also, you have less critical components in your front end, which may allow you to make it over some stuff
even a 4wd will have issues with... And, don't forget the fact that you have less to hurt if you jump, or throttle it into junk
when you're in the woods... If you're a level headed driver, for the most part, 4wd isn't needed, and just remember to bring a friend, tow straps, well..
just Be Trail Ready... Because one of these times, you will get stuck...
"Built" Vehicles
- Depending on weight, get a winch or a buddy with a recovery vehicle. Large trucks work well in a lot of situations, but nothing beats a 10000lb winch and a Jeep wedged against a large immobile tree, rock, etc.
