Five Ways to Maximise Your 4x4 Off-Roading Experience'
Jeremy Webb
If you’ve got a 4x4 that you’re just itching to take off-road, you might be looking at ways you can enhance the experience. Here are some ways you can do exactly that.
Lift kits
If there’s one thing you want from an off-roading experience, it’s the ease to tackle hills and terrains that you wouldn’t normally be able to drive across. Lift kits are a great way of giving your 4x4 more ground clearance and angling when it comes to attempting a steep hill. They also help prevent any of the undercarriage of your truck being scraped on the floor. Lift kits can also add an aesthetic that true off-roaders dream of. It’s important to get the right balance between lift and stability. Too much lift could compromise how stable your truck is, which could be a danger to you.
Tyres
The tyres and wheels you choose for your 4x4 will matter. Having the right set will prevent you from being stuck in the mud and help you climb those tricky terrains. Your first step should be to choose durable off-road tires that are designed to help propel you out of a muddy patch or give you that extra grip when tackling a steep incline. Then choose larger wheels to help give you even more ground clearance and add a bad-ass aesthetic to your truck. It’s a good idea to have a tyre gauge and pump on hand to keep the right tyre pressure you need in the trunk.
Heavy duty bumpers and body armour
If you’re looking for a true off-road experience, then you’ll need to be daring and drive your 4x4 through tight squeezes. You should also fully expect to bump your truck from time to time. That’s why heavy duty bumpers and body armour should be taken into consideration. Adding larger bumpers to the front and back of your truck helps protect internal components if you do bump into something or suddenly have to come to a halt. If you have a Jeep, you can buy body armour designed to help protect the body from bangs, dings, and even debris that may fly up and damage the paintwork.
Skid plates
There’s one fatal flaw of off-roading vehicles; the undercarriage is exposed and there are vulnerable components that could get damaged by rocks and other debris. That’s where skid plates come in. It's a good idea to opt for steel or aluminium skid plates for maximum protection. While there are cheaper plastic skid plates available, they are much more flimsy and could break during your drive, leaving those vital components exposed and at risk. Plus, they add further aesthetics to your 4x4.
Knowledge and experience
Finally, it’s important to remember that your 4x4 will only ever excel if the person driving it has the right knowledge and experience. If you have no experience in driving off-road, consider taking some lessons from someone who knows the ropes. Understanding your vehicle and the way it works is also a good idea to look into. Happy trailing!