Off-road road trips are the adventure you never knew you wanted! More than a drive through rough terrain, you will be challenged, excited and intrigued all at once. It can be hard to get to some places, but it's often worth extra effort to see the most stunning sights most people miss!
Photo by Karsten Winegeart
Take a Vehicle that Makes Sense!
Okay, so you like the idea of going off-road for your next driving adventure. But can the hatchback you use for work really handle it? No, of course, it can't! What you need is something more versatile, rugged and reliable. A RAM car, Land Rover or Range Rover is more suitable for the task at hand. These can be rented or purchased and will make your life much easier when on the open terrain! An investment, yes. But it comes with years of fun-filled adventuring!
Book a Tune-Up Before Leaving
So you've got the right vehicle, and you can't wait to set off. But before you do, make some time to get your car checked. The last thing you want is to have to come back because of something minor. Or worse, being stuck in the middle of nowhere like you're on a brown river without a means of propulsion! All it takes is a bit of time out of your day and a minor inconvenience for a mechanic to check your car. But when all is done, you can get all clear to set off!
Tyres and Off-Road Road Trips
If you are new to off-roading, then you will be learning as you go along. It is very different from a standard road trip, and one of the key concerns is the different tyre pressures for terrain:
Rocky terrain requires pressure between 22 and 26 lbs.
You will navigate loose desert sand best with 22 to 26 lbs of pressure.
Deep mud is best crossed with a tyre pressure between 22 and 24 lbs.
You can cross deep snow like a pro with pressure between 26 and 28 lbs.
Depending on the terrain you want to travel there are varying pressure recommendations. Not meeting these could cause your tyres to deflate, burst or lose traction while out adventuring.
Master Your Nav System
GPS has come a long way since the early days. No longer will it send you through non-existent roads, towards lakes or off cliffs! Modern GPS has more data than ever with many backroads and off-road destinations packed in. onX Offroad is considered the most reliable off road app available with over 550,000 miles of trails built in, and it even comes with interactive maps. Get to know theGPS you use so you arrive easier and don't get lost while you're out and about!
Install Vital Extra Equipment
There are many things that can go wrong when you are off-road. The strain and pressure on your vehicle, as well as good old gravity can cause issues. Getting stuck in the mud, caught between rocks and even holes are pretty common. However, there are some essential tools that can get you out of a situation. Make sure your car has a winch for pulling it out. Even a simple tow bar and rope will do most of the time. Yet hydraulic lifts can also help dodge obstacles.
Summary
Taking a car that can handle it will ensure you have better off-road road trips. Maintaining tyre pressure will also help. And tools like winch and tow rope helps you get out of a situation.
Photo by Karsten Winegeart
This post is a contribution to HandZaround.comο»Ώ
Cover Photo by Karsten Winegeart
