The Beginners Guide to 4 Wheeling

So you just bought yourself a 4 wheel drive vehicle, off road capable, and you think you can go anywhere. Not so fast, let me tell you that through my personal experiences that there are some things you should learn. First things first, you need to recognize the gear you have under your vehicle, and its capabilities. Though running gear is important, you also need to pack the right supplies.

Ok, first off, just because your truck says "4x4" on the side of it doesnt mean it can go handle the rubicon. If your running anything under 30 inch tires without any lift on your vehicle, i would recomend you heavily scout the area you're about to romp over and make sure there aren't any mud holes or soft spots that will jump out and get you. If, however, you've put a lift and some bigger tires on your rig, you can venture out to the deeper areas. Now, I'm not saying because you've got a souped up dodge with a six inch pro comp lift and running 35 inch mickey thompson baja claws you can go anywhere, I'm just saying you can push through those bigger mud holes or soft spots, but once again, only after you get out of your truck and scout the area you're about to tear through.

After you feel your ride is capable and you want to go make a day out of the mud pits, you need to do a few key things to prepare. The list of supplies can grow massive depending on where your going, and how long you plan on being there, but if you just plan on a day trip and being home that night you shouldnt need a refrigerator full of food and the whole tool box. As far as food concerns go, you should be sure to bring a cooler full of water (save the beer for after you get home safely). With that water, and ideal thing to pack is a sandwich, some mixed nuts for some protein, and a candy bar, for the sugar you're body may need to keep going. Just because you plan on only being out on the trails for a day doesnt mean you will only be there for a day. Sometimes you get stuck and you can be there for more than 8 hours, believe me, its no fun.

On the trails, you're going to need some tools, no questions about it. Let's face it, you go offroad, you break something, it happens everytime; once again, i know from experience, i have an 88 bronco sitting in my driveway that has no power steering thanks to a brutal trail. But all anecdotes aside, every vehicle that goes offroad should bring a toolkit containing atleast the following items: screwdrivers (phillips and flathead), a set of wrenches, (at the very least, an adjustable wrench), a pair of plyers, and a hammer. Now once again, these tools vary depending on your destination. if you plan on going on an uninhabited trail with overgrowth, many profesionals also suggest a chainsaw to clear possible limbs that would stop you. Lastly, you need to bring extra gallons of water for a possible engine overheating, so bring a couple gallon jugs incase your radiator starts to leak.

So now, you're ready to face the world of offroading. With this list of things to bring and what to watch for, you can safely be ready for a good solid day of good wheeling and good times. Many people are afraid of what could happen offroad, but with the right supplies and knowing what to do first will get you out of harms way and into good times. Good luck!