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Many people think that off roading is straightforward. The more gas you give the better – right? Well, no.
Steering inputs, throttle control, and most importantly your line all play a role when it comes to tackling the hard stuff.
Jeep off roading is the best type of off roading, as vehicles such as the Jeep Wrangler have been made for this stuff.
To ensure you make the most out of your Jeep, in today’s article we will be going over some tips that will help you conquer every obstacle!
Table of Contents
- Jeep Off Roading Tip – Know Your Vehicle
- Choose the Correct Line
- Jeep Off Roading Tip – Use Your Steering for Grip
- Keep Your Jeep in Top Condition
- Jeep Off Roading – Final Thoughts
Jeep Off Roading Tip – Know Your Vehicle
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Depending on which jeep you have you will need to drive differently off road. For example, a Jeep Wrangler will be able to deal with climbing up big rocks or deep ruts as its suspension offers the travel needed to keep all wheels on the ground.
On the other hand, this may not be possible in a Jeep Cherokee as the independent suspension leads to wheel lifts. To a certain point, wheel lifts are fine; however, you need to be careful as they can lead to a rollover.
Ground clearance is also something you need to consider. The Wrangler will have a low-hanging diff pumpkin whereas the Cherokee will have much more clearance in the middle due to the design of the suspension.
Going through the owner’s manual to get a good idea of wading depths and knowing exactly where your air intake is located is also a great way to ensure your engine remains safe through water crossings.
Once you are aware of the basics mentioned above it is time to go out and get some experience.
As you get better you will have a good idea of what your Jeep can or cannot do. This is generally when the modifications begin.
Jeep Off Roading Tip – Choose the Correct Line
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When Jeep off roading, choosing the correct line can be the difference between making it up an obstacle or not.
Line choice is highly dependent on the capabilities of your rig and yourself. If you are in an unlocked Jeep with relatively stock suspension, then you need to choose a line that won’t get you cross axled.
On the other hand, for an off roading Jeep with big tires, lockers, and good suspension travel, the line mentioned above may be too easy. You can spice things up by taking the tougher way up which may sound pointless. However, sometimes that’s why we are out off roading, to test our rig and skills.
Line choice also plays a role when driving through mud or deep water. You can choose to drive through a section that looks less boggy, or, in the case of deep water through a shallower area.
You can also put the side of the vehicle where the air intake is located on a bank to avoid water from being sucked by the intake.
Jeep Off Roading Tip – Use Your Steering for Grip
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This may sound weird; however, by turning your wheel left to right you force the tire’s side lugs into the ground or ruts which provides more grip.
For example, you may be cross axled in a rut not being able to drive out. If this happens, try to turn your wheel towards the direction where the sides of the spinning tire will have more contact on the edge of the rut. You will be surprised at how much of a difference it can make.
This can also work when powering up muddy hills. You’ve seen it before, Jeeps at full revs near the top of the hill just spinning tires and not going anywhere. Suddenly, the driver starts rocking the wheel left to right, and up it goes.
This technique does work and it is easy to implement when off roading.
Jeep Off Roading Tip – Keep Your Jeep in Top Condition
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Off roading is hard on vehicles, parts wear out quicker and sometimes may even break. To avoid this, ensure that your Jeep is always in great condition.
Breakages when off roading can ruin a great day both for you and your mates.
Items that most commonly wear out when off roading are parts such as ball joints, steering components, and suspension components.
I crawl under my vehicle the day before heading out on the trails and have a good look at the areas mentioned above. This gives me the time to replace parts that look like they are on their way out.
Jeep Off Roading – Final Thoughts
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Jeep off roading is popular for good reason. These vehicles are some of the most capable in the market and are certainly a lot of fun on the trail.
The tips mentioned above will help you go a bit further off road. As your experience level increases, you will be able to improve them, and learn new ones.
If you have any further questions regarding Jeep off roading or for anything else off road or overland-related, head over to the forum section of our page.