Jeeps are classic vehicles that have been around for decades. In fact, Jeep’s rich history is the stuff of legend. If you’ve never owned one of these awesome vehicles, you’re really missing out.
Driving a Jeep is really the ultimate off-road experience. They are nearly indestructible and can go places that human beings weren’t necessarily intended to go. That makes driving one of these bad boys fun and exciting.
For many people, taking a Jeep off-road is what life is all about. From climbing over rocks, slinging mud, and blazing new trails, it’s hard to beat a weekend in the wilderness behind the wheel of a 4X4.
In this article, we take a look at few Do’s and Don’ts every new Jeep owner should keep in mind before heading off the highway. Keep reading to learn tips for proper Jeep off-roading.
Bring a Buddy
It’s never a wise idea to venture off-road alone. There are a million things that can go wrong.
We recommend that you hope for the best and plan for the worst. You never expect to have problems, but problems have a way of finding you in the wilderness when there isn’t help around.
Traveling with a friend is just smart. After all, fun times are even more fun when shared with a partner.
Take it Easy
Remember, there’s no reason to get in a rush. Hitting the trail in a Jeep is a total blast, and you’re going to be excited to jump right into the mud and hit it hard, but that’s kind of asking for trouble.
Out in the wilderness, it’s best to ease in. Get your bearings, check out your surroundings, and make smart decisions every step along the way. Being too eager can result in mechanical difficulties and injury, and both of those are bummers when you’re deep in the bush and a long way from doctors or a mechanic.
Pack it In, Pack it Out
This one should be obvious, but you might be shocked by little respect some people have for nature.
Just because you’re having a great time in the wilderness doesn’t mean you can treat it like your own backyard. Showing respect for nature isn’t complicated. It’s a simple matter of remembering to pack out whatever you packed in with you.
That means all your garbage and waste. And when you make a campsite, clean it up the next morning before you leave so that it looks better than how you found it.
Bring Tools
Keep in mind that if something can go wrong, it will. And there’s nothing worse than dealing with mechanical issues and not having the right tools to get your Jeep up and running again.
It’s always a good idea to keep a tool kit handy. Even when just motoring around town. But it’s especially important when going off-road.
Your tool kit should contain a variety of wrenches, spare parts, and various other gadgets needed to keep your ride in perfect running condition.
Have a Plan and Stick to it
In other words, don’t attempt to wing it. You might be tempted to just throw a bag of clothes onto the backseat, grab some groceries for the weekend, and take off for the woods on short notice, but we suggest taking at least a day or two to plan your adventure.
You’ll want maps, plenty of water, make sure your spare tire has air, and for adventurers your off road tires have air as well, and to notify friends or family that you’re going to be off the grid for a few days. That way if you don’t return to civilization as scheduled, they can start looking for you.
Just remember that things can go sideways in a hurry in the wilderness, and when they do, a bad situation and get worse in the blink of an eye. A day or two of planning can make the difference between a great weekend or a total disaster.
Be Cautious Driving Through Standing Water
Your Jeep can certainly handle a lot of terrain with no problem, but you’d be wise to not plunge carelessly into standing water without first finding out how deep it is and check out driving tips here.
Mud holes and water holes can are perfect places for getting stuck. Puddles are often extremely deceiving at first glance and can be much deeper than you might imagine.
Also, there might be silt at the bottom of a puddle, which is actually stickier than mud. So you’d be wise to use some common sense and not drive your Jeep through the puddle without first make certain that it’s passable.
Travel In Groups When Possible
The buddy system is great for off-road adventures, but it’s always smart to travel in groups whenever possible. This provides backup in the case of mechanical failure or medial emergencies.
Not only is it safer to take a group adventure, but it’s also a lot more fun!
When you want to take your tunes off-road on your next adventure, be sure to invest in a quality marine amplifier.
Respect the Environment
Again, treat the wilderness with respect. It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, so leave nature the way you found it and resist the impulse to abuse the terrain or the wildlife.
Avoid Taking Big Risks
Finally, always exercise caution and use common sense. It’s easy to get hurt, and it doesn’t take much to get your Jeep into a situation which might be tricky to get out of. Avoid taking big risks so that you don’t spend the majority of your adventure waiting to be rescued.