Summer is officially upon us and it’s time to dust off our off-road accessories and vehicles and hit the trails! Whether it’s your first or 87th off-road adventure, these tips will help you stay safe and enjoy your truck, SUV, or Jeep. This article provides tips for handling summer terrains like sand and mud, and essential St. George off-road parts for your adventures.
Before You Leave
Having a solid plan is essential before you leave for your off-roading trip. Understanding the terrain, weather, and your off-road vehicle’s capabilities is just the beginning of successful off-roading adventures. Some things you’ll want to “check off” before you head out include:
- Research the trail or trail area that you plan on exploring. Online trail sites usually will provide difficulty rating and what to expect on the trail. Additionally, past trailblazers will often leave comments and photos of the trail and when the best time to explore it is. Knowing what your up against before you get there is vital to your safety.
- Get a multipoint inspection before you go. A multi-point inspection by a dealer or mechanic checks key areas of your vehicle to determine if a tune-up is needed. Most mechanics will check the basics like tires, shocks and struts, belts and hoses and fluids. Expect to spend around $100 or more, depending on your vehicle’s make and model, and your geographic location.
- Let someone know where you’re going and when they should expect you back. One of the rules of trails is never going somewhere without telling another person where you’re going. Even with today’s technology, there’s no reason to chance getting lost in the middle of nowhere. Additionally, don’t travel alone.
Recovery Gear
Eventually, everyone gets stuck on the trails, so it’s crucial to have the right St. George off-road accessories and parts. Apart from lift kits, off-road tires and lighting some indispensable off-road accessories for recovery situations include:
- Jump Starter and Power Bank – If your off-road ride dies out on the trail and needs a jump, you want to have a backup plan. Truck Gear’s Jump Starter and Power Bank powers your jacked-up vehicle and provides power for your GPS and cellphone.
- Tire Repair Kit – On many trails, jagged rocks reign supreme and even the best off-road tires have been known to get punctured. Keep a tire repair kit in your vehicle at all times along with a spare tire just in case.
- Traction Ramp – If you happen to get stuck on the trail and no vehicles are around to save you, a traction ramp is a priceless off-road in accessory to have on hand.
- Winch – Another indispensable recovery gear accessory for off-roading in St. George is the winch. A winch can be mounted to either the front or rear bumpers and is used to pull a vehicle out of a “sticky” situation by tying a cable or chain to a tree or rock. Furthermore, a winch can be used to pull out another off-roader if they get stuck.
How To Handle Various Off-Road Terrain
How you drive your off-road vehicle and what kind of vehicle you have will play a role in how well your vehicle handles the trail. You’ll need basic knowledge for handling desert gravel roads, boulders, sand, mud, and even driving through water. Here are some basic off-roading tips to ensure your safety on trails, beaches, or anywhere you venture with your off-road vehicle.
- Trails with packed dirt and gravel – General tips for driving on these types of trails include, keeping your thumbs outside of the steering wheel and making minor steering corrections. Essentially, pay attention to the trail and don’t overcorrect.
- Beach Trails or Sand Dunes – Before driving on a beach, ensure legality. Signs or permits may be necessary. Lower tire pressure to around 15 psi. Maintain momentum in sand at speeds under 25 mph. Research tides; high tides complicate beach driving. If tires sink, maneuver steering wheel for traction cautiously.
- Muddy Trails – Driving through muddy areas and in water is similar to driving on the sand. Make sure to drive at a constant, slower speed and if you get stuck gently steer from left to right. For a trail known to be muddy, ensure you have mud tires or all-terrain tires as essential off-road accessories.
For more information on essential off-road accessories in St. George contact Red Desert Off-Road today. We will help make sure you have the right gear and accessories to keep you safe out on the trails.