These simple off road driving tips may save your skin or make the difference between a miserable day at the trails and having a blast.
Buddy System
Drive with a buddy if you can. If you get stuck, you have some help, and if there is an emergency, you’re not out there all alone. By driving with a buddy, I don’t just mean a friend sitting in the car with you – that’s your co-pilot. I mean, drive with an entourage – it’s safer especially in mountain or desert excursions that you have multiple vehicles. A buddy with a winch, tow strap or hi-jack is a great buddy to have, and if you have this equipment, you will be a great buddy to others.
Drive in your comfort zone
Don’t do something you’re not comfortable with. Your jeep, truck or off road vehicle no matter how new, fancy or decked out it is, is only as good as the person driving it. Get some experience under your belt and don’t expect your vehicle to be a magic trail machine. A buddy who has done the trails or can help you “spot” your line is invaluable in staying in your comfort zone.
Have a co-pilot
Your co-pilot is your spotter, navigator, DJ, drink getter and all-around general superstar helper. This person is there to help you stay focused on the trail/road. They’re the ones who will get out in tough spots and help you drive up and line up – find your line to have the safest, best route. They’re also better at being the DJ, checking the map and taking photos letting you focus on the road and safety of everyone in the vehicle and everyone around you.
Find your line
Your line is an imaginary line that covers your wheels – where you want them to go and where they need to go and where your vehicle clearance needs to be. Your co-pilot is excellent at getting out and helping you see what can’t be seen. Simple hand signals and clear communications are great in staying on this line. Just remember, we’re all human, and you’re driving thousands of pounds on unmaintained roads (or volunteer maintained trails), and shit will happen. Stop, take a breath, re-assess, communicate and try again. Don’t stick to a line at all costs; it’s better to back up, try something new and re-assess as needed.
Be Flexible
This one sort of wraps up everything from above. Be flexible. Know that things will break, the weather will change, routes may be closed, trails may be closed, and things may not go as planned – but be flexible to change your plans. The worst thing that can happen is you push yourself to do something you shouldn’t do. If you’re in a rental Jeep driving the alpine loop, and you have to be back to turn the vehicle in or face a late fee – call in and let them know you will be late but you’re making your way back – Don’t end up rushing yourself and putting yourself or your party at risk.
If you find yourself getting stuck on the trail, having a hard time or just trying to brute force yourself across the trail, it may be time to re-think your plans and re-asses just how safe or smart it is to continue. Take some time out, find a safe place to park and get yourself together. If you followed our advice of having a buddy and a co-pilot talk to them and get a consensus on moving forward, trying an alternate route or turning around. It’s better to be safe and flexible than and to stay within your comfort zone than to start making mistake after mistake and ruining your experience and your day – or much worse. In the end, you may just have to do that upgrade you always wanted before you can conquer that trail. That isn’t a bad thing to learn and its best to learn and know this before you make expensive mistakes that may prevent you from upgrading as you want and having to spend money to fix what you don’t want to fix.