Driving Line VOLUME V ISSUE 2 | SPRING 2019 | Page 28

If you’re new to off-roading, you might have some preconceived
notions on how it should be done. Maybe you’ve gone with a few friends
before having your own vehicle, watched some videos online or perhaps
you want to dive right in and experience it for yourself. However you became
introduced to this awesome hobby, you’ll likely make a few mistakes along
the way, which is never a bad thing. But off-roading, as with many forms of
recreation, carries a strong community that adheres to certain guidelines
to keep things safe, fun and legal while out on the trail. We’ve made a list of
some of the important things to keep in mind when you’re out there enjoying
your new dirt-capable vehicle.
Story by Matt Moghaddam
Photos by Driving Line Staff
LOCKERS BEFORE LIGHTS BE SELF-CONTAINED This tip can be taken literally or figuratively. The idea is Off-roading, like many things, only works when you A TIRE OFF THE GROUND
ISN’T FLEXING
to make sure your rig has the necessary components have the right tools for the job. Having the necessary This goes for the guys who just got their new 4x4 all crossed
and modifications to take on whatever terrain you’re equipment to handle most situations that may arise up on an obstacle and one of their tires is hanging high off the
setting out on before worrying about the many gadgets when out on the trail is key. There’s nothing worse than ground. Of course, the reaction is to hop out and snap a few
and novelties you’d find on fully built vehicles. In the needing something to make a trail repair or get yourself pics of your rig showing off all its capability by taking on an
literal sense, having auxiliary LED lighting is great for unstuck and not having it with you. We suggest always obstacle so difficult, but the reality is that having a tire off the
nighttime wheeling, but it does you little good if you’ve carrying these essentials when off-roading anywhere: ground is actually quite dangerous and is often a recipe for a
found yourself stuck somewhere, spinning one tire recovery straps, shackles, jack, air compressor, spare rollover waiting to happen. The goal should be to have all four
because you have open differentials that provide no tire, spare gasoline, fire extinguisher, spare fluids and tires planted firmly on the surface wherever you are, allowing
power to the wheels that have traction. Whether it’s a a portable toolkit with major tools needed to make you to stably navigate the obstacle. This can be achieved by
suspension system, appropriate tires, traction aids or repairs. Having to always borrow equipment from others increasing the amount your vehicle’s axles articulate (move up
steel body-armor panels to take rock hits, make these is cumbersome and makes you look unprepared, so and down in their path of motion). The more articulation—or
parts a priority when putting your rig together. having these items on hand will greatly help in the event flex—you can achieve, the more stable your rig will be over uneven
of something going wrong. terrain. Keep that in mind next time you feel one corner of your
rig get light, and you feel the urge to hop out and take a picture.
AIR DOWN APPROPRIATELY
One of the easiest mistakes to make when off-roading is not running the correct tire
pressure for the conditions. Not only can running the correct pressure help you get the
traction you need, it’s usually makes for a much more comfortable ride. When deciding
what pressure to run in your tires, it’s always best to evaluate what you’ll need from your
tires before letting some air out. Typically, off-road driving is done with a lower tire pressure
than needed on the highway, making your contact patch on the tire much larger and
allowing the tire to form to the terrain it’s driving over. In places that are sandy, muddy,
silty, snow-covered or rocky, a low tire pressure can help keep you moving. But, remember,
don’t go too low or you can pop a bead on one of your wheels, and that’s not an easy
trail fix without the proper tools to reseat the tire on the bead. Many off-road race vehicles
have beadlock wheels, which keep the bead mounted to the tire with a metal ring that’s
bolted to the wheel, and are designed to keep the tire seated correctly even at very low
tire pressures. Experiment with different tire pressures until you find a sweet spot, as each
tire and vehicle will vary based on factors like weight, tire size and the terrain you’ll be on.
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