There are few vehicles as synonymous with off-road travel as the Jeep. From their early beginnings during the Overland-Willys days as military reconnaissance vehicles, to their current form as America's most spirited exploration vehicle, the Jeep was born and bred for efficiency far beyond the blacktop.
Today, Jeep owners take pride in their vehicles for the immense range of versatility that they provide. Whether cruising through the urban jungle on the way to a Monday morning meeting or forging a path through brambles and knee-deep mud, Jeeps can accommodate the every need of their owners. For those well-accustomed to Jeep ownership, this comes with the territory.
However, for those looking to purchase a new Jeep from their nearest Dodge Jeep Ram dealer or planning to pick up a pre-owned Jeep at their local used car lot, the question of how to get started off-roading is one often asked. By placing yourself behind the steering wheel of a Jeep, you have already taken the first step to maximizing your enjoyment along the trail.
The truth is that it matters little which model of Jeep you have purchased. Though Jeep Wranglers, Jeep Cherokees, and Jeep Grand Cherokees are all renowned for their 4-wheel drive capabilities and four-wheeling prowess, other models such as the AWD Jeep Compass and Renegade also find themselves at home on the trail.
After selecting the model of Jeep that is best suited to your specific needs, the only item of business left to address is that of venturing off road. The following is a comprehensive guide of what you should know before doing so.
What Kind of Wheeling?
Stating that you wish to take your Jeep wheeling, or off-roading, is a little like saying you want to play a game of cards. There are many different types of off-roading activities to take part in, and no two types are exactly the same. Each individual type of off-roading comes with its own unique challenges for which one must prepare.
Many avid off-roaders participate in more than one type of excursion on an annual basis and must prepare themselves, as well as their Jeeps, for the trials ahead. The following are some of the most common forms of off-road adventure to take on behind the wheel of your Jeep.
Rock Crawling
Rock crawling is an adventure of extremes, which is truly a machine-versus-nature sort of affair. This form of off-roading sees participants navigate gorges, rocky passes, and boulder-addled trailheads in a bid to emerge a victor on the other side. This is one of the most taxing of all forms of off-road adventure, and mechanical failures are not uncommon along the way.
It is also not uncommon to encounter treacherous and harrowing situations en route when rock crawling. Those attempting this form of off-roading should strongly consider the ride height of their Jeep, as stock clearances are often inadequate for clean passage, thereby necessitating the installation of a lift kit. It is also highly advisable to have a winch at the ready, as misadventure comes with the territory when rock crawling.
Trail Riding
Trail riding is one of the most common forms of off-road excursion today. That which is encountered along the trail is highly variable and largely reflective of how well a particular trail has been maintained. Trails can be as mundane as a well-prepared gravel route that winds through scenic landscapes or as inhospitable as a dirt/mud path that traverses rugged terrain while varying in elevation.
When trail riding, it is best to take stock of the trail that you intend to navigate. Doing so allows you to prepare for what lies ahead. While a 10-mile trail on a well-maintained route might require little in the way of preparation, a 30-mile path through the Moab backcountry can be another thing entirely.
Overlanding
If you enjoy camping but also love to explore the path less traveled, then Overlanding is likely to become your off-road excursion of choice. Overlanding is equal parts trail exploration and camping, both in or out of your Jeep. This form of off-roading can range from being no more involved than a camping trip at your local lake to extremely taxing when striking out for points unknown.
One must be adequately prepared when setting out for overland exploration. It is wise to have a well thought-out supply list at the ready, as inadequate preparation can force a hasty retreat back to civilization. In the most extreme circumstances, a lack of supplies, for both personal sustenance and vehicle maintenance, can turn into an emergency along the trail.
Mudding
As its name would suggest, mudding involves piloting your Jeep through copious amounts of mud in often inhospitable terrain. The degree of mud that is to be navigated through can range from inconsequential to nearly impassable. Furthermore, successful navigation when mudding tends to be a skill set that is developed with time, as experience teaches drivers how to successfully complete a tricky pass.
An adventure of this nature will require your Jeep’s four-wheel-drive system, as well as all driveline components, to be in top operating condition. Additionally, most Jeeps that are used for mudding are fitted with aftermarket, purpose-specific tires, which often feature aggressive tread patterns. Many such Jeeps are also fitted with winches and lift kits.
Desert Racing
Desert or sand racing is an off-road adventure like none other. Usually conducted far from the confines of the nearest populous area, desert racing can be equally as taxing on a Jeep as it is to its driver. Summer temperatures in the desert can soar to points north of 100-degrees during the heat of the day and fall below freezing after sundown.
When racing or trail riding in the desert, it is essential to be prepared for the events of the day. A breakdown or accident in this setting can border on the edge of an emergency in a matter of minutes. The desert is unforgiving, and those venturing out into it must be ready to wage war against a barrage of challenges.
Hill Climbing
The sport of hill climbing is situated on the outer fringe of Jeeping’s most harrowing off-road adventures. This sport sees participants and their Jeeps surge up hills that few can conquer to stake claim to victory upon reaching a seemingly insurmountable peak. To say the least, hill climbing is not for the faint of heart.
The majority of hill-climbing Jeeps are outfitted with an array of specialty equipment. Most feature aftermarket suspension systems that are specifically built for the task at hand. These Jeeps are also typically fitted with full roll cages to keep drivers safe from inevitable tumbles. Be forewarned that your Jeep is not likely to carry much trade-in value at the local new car dealership when its hill climbing career comes to an end.
Making Sure Your Jeep Is Up To Par
Once you have selected a particular style of off-road pursuit, the next line of business will be that of ensuring that your Jeep is up to all that it will be put up against. Off-roading, no matter the form, is quick to expose the weak points in any type of truck or SUV, and a Jeep is no exception. Days spent on the trail are often unpredictable, and rough terrain never cuts any slack to the vehicles which set out to conquer it.
While it goes without saying that a simple trail ride will typically be far less taxing on your Jeep than rock crawling, there are several key mechanical considerations that one must keep in mind. The following are several items to check before striking out for the trail.
Cooling System
A trail Jeep is a hard-working vehicle and as such can become prone to overheating if special attention is not paid to the integrity of its cooling system. Be sure to check for any coolant leaks, such as those commonly associated with aging radiator hoses and high-mileage water pumps. A quick pressure test of the engine's cooling system will reveal the vast majority of hard-to-locate leaks. Additionally, check for any signs of a failing head gasket, such as white-colored exhaust smoke or the mixing of oil and coolant in your Jeep’s overflow reservoir.
Drivetrain
Perhaps the most abused of all components when off-roading are those associated with a Jeep’s drivetrain. If any of these components present reason for concern, make all necessary repairs before hitting the trail. Be sure to check the fluid level of your Jeep’s front and rear differentials, as well as that of its transfer case. Inspect all U-joints for any signs of play. You should also place your Jeep into both 4WD high and low to ensure that engagement is smooth and no grinding or otherwise alarming noises become apparent.
Engine
Is your Jeep in desperate need of a tune-up? If so, this is probably a task which you should tend to before heading out for an off-road excursion. Make every effort to ensure that your Jeep is running and idling smoothly and is free of any substantial oil or coolant leaks. If your Jeep is displaying a check engine light, read any stored codes to prevent unwanted surprises from occurring when you find yourself miles from civilization.
Steering and Suspension
Unless you enjoy being beat nearly to death by the violent shaking that is characteristic of Jeep death wobble, a thorough once-over of your Jeep’s critical steering and suspension components should be high on your priority list. Check for any loose or damaged fasteners, as well as areas of excess play in linkages. Tie rod ends, ball joints, control arms, wheel bearings, and track bars are all common points of concern for Jeep owners and should be treated accordingly. It can also pay dividends to inspect the integrity of any bushings associated with these components.
If any deficiencies are found during your inspection, make all necessary repairs and test-drive your Jeep before heading off-road.
Outfitting Your Jeep Accordingly
Prior to four-wheeling your Jeep across rugged landscapes, it is worth considering whether or not you wish to upgrade your trusty steed with any aftermarket accessories. This is a worthwhile consideration, as these modifications not only make your Jeep look the part, but can prove to be of immense benefit along the trail as well.
The following are some of the most commonly employed aftermarket upgrades for Jeeps that are slated to spend much time on the trail.
Winches
A winch is the avid off-roader’s life preserver. If you find yourself in a desperate predicament, the use of a quality winch will often prove to be your only viable means of rectifying the situation at hand. A correctly-sized recovery winch can be used to pull you from a washout or remove your Jeep from the depths of a mud bog that was quite a bit more substantial than previously thought. If you intend to spend much time on the trail, a winch is an absolute necessity.
Lift Kits
When tackling anything more treacherous than a well-maintained trail, ground clearance, or a lack thereof, can quickly become an issue. However, with the installation of an aftermarket lift kit, much of this difficulty can be circumvented. Luckily, lift kits of every size and configuration are available for any Jeep, no matter the model or body style. The height of one’s lift is only limited to their level of ambition and depth of their wallet.
Protective Equipment
For Jeep owners, aftermarket bumpers, push bars, and skid plates can be found in relative abundance. These items not only make your Jeep resemble a stylish tank of sorts, but can protect you and your vehicle from unforeseen hazards that are regularly encountered along the trail. Nothing brings an off-road excursion to a sour conclusion quite like a busted radiator or punctured oil pan. Many of these trip-ending dilemmas can be eliminated through the use of aftermarket protective equipment.
Light Bars
At the end of a long trail ride, one often finds themselves racing against sundown when attempting to find their way back to the nearest trailhead. When far from the nearest pavement, this can make for a less-than-ideal set of circumstances, as an ill-advised maneuver under the cover of darkness can quickly lead to a punctured tire or bent steering linkage. However, the use of a light bar or other auxiliary light source can guide the way and shine a light on what lies ahead. Many such utility lights are available for purchase and come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and lumen ratings.
Preparing For The Road Less Traveled
Once you have set your sights on a particular type of off-road excursion, ensured that your Jeep is mechanically sound, and outfitted your ride with any applicable equipment, it will be time to prepare for your first outing. Before setting sail in search of adventure, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind.
Arm Yourself For Breakdowns
Despite giving your Jeep a thorough checkup before hitting the trail, mishaps and mechanical failure still can and do occur from time to time. You will want to arm yourself against these breakdowns by having several items on hand. It is always an excellent idea to keep a spare set of hand tools stowed away for the inevitable, as well as additional fluids, such as oil, coolant, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid.
Some avid off-roaders even keep a few small parts on hand, in case trouble arises. The majority of these parts are those that can be easily stowed away, but are common points of failure. Some such components include crankshaft position sensors for early Dodge/Chrysler-era Cherokees and Wranglers, which can cause stalling upon failure as well as TPS sensors for Wrangler JK Unlimited Sport/Sahara models, which produce poor MPG fuel economy and hesitation when failing.
Know The Road Ahead
Before heading out on any excursion, it is vital to know the trail that you intend to travel. This can be done in several ways. Maps are often available for many heavily-traveled routes, which will provide you with an idea of what to expect during your outing. Alternatively, programs such as Google Earth can be used to scope out any prospective trails which you wish to blaze.
In the event that no such maps or aerial views exist for a trail that you intend to traverse, it can often be helpful to plan your travels in the accompaniment of a fellow off-roader who knows the area. This will give you a leg up on any potential hazards that lay in wait.
Know Safe Practices, and Stick To Them
The reality of off-roading is that you can easily put yourself or your fellow occupants in grave danger if you do not follow safety practices to the best of your ability. There is no shame in turning around if the path ahead becomes too treacherous. This simply means that you will live to explore another day.
The following are some key points of safety that every off-roader should abide by to the best of his or her ability.
- Never cross water of an unknown depth. If you cannot see the bottom of a water crossing or are unsure of your Jeep’s ability to traverse such depths, do not cross.
- Ride with fellow off-roaders whenever possible. Wheeling can be dangerous, and there is no one to come to your aid if you were to become incapacitated while alone.
- Know your vehicle’s limitations and respect them. If you encounter terrain that leaves you in doubt, turn around or find an alternative route.
- Wear a seatbelt. In the event of a rollover, it is the only thing keeping you from being ejected from the vehicle.
- Take your time and be mindful of your speed. Traveling too fast for a particular trail is one of the quickest ways to be killed or injured.
- Pack ample supplies and safety equipment. You never know what will be encountered along the trail, and trips do take a difficult turn on occasion. Make sure that you are outfitted with suitable clothing, are carrying ample food and water, and have a first aid kit in your possession.