Off-Roading 101: Your Beginner’s Guide
- Michele Delcoure
- Jan 5
- 19 min read
“May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view.” - Edward Abbey
What is Off-Roading?
According to Wikipedia, Off-roading is the act of driving or riding in a vehicle on unpaved surfaces such as sand, dirt, gravel, riverbeds, mud, snow, rocks, or other natural terrain.
As someone who off-roads, we find that it can be different things to different people. Really, off-roading is a broad term that can be broken down even further to rock crawling and overlanding, but for today we are going to stay broad.
My husband, Chris, and I bought our first Jeep in 2023 to start our adventure off-roading. You see, we have had ATVs and side-by-sides but wanted something more universal for ourselves. Hence, we purchased our Jeep Gladiator Rubicon.
We are not people who enjoy being in the city. Well, I should be clear. Chris will avoid cities at all costs. I enjoy visiting, but I have had enough after a day or so in a big city.
Chris and I both work full-time, demanding jobs. Off-roading, for us, is a break from reality. It’s a time to regroup, connect with nature, find my art inspiration, and connect with one another without the distractions of phones, people, or responsibilities.
One day on the trail can rejuvenate us for the responsibilities ahead at work.
Who is This Guide For?
This guide is for the newbie. If you are new to off-roading or have off-roaded other equipment and are graduating to an off-road vehicle such as a Jeep, Bronco, or Toyota, this guide is for you.
If you’ve been off-roading for a while, this guide may be too simple.
New Off-Roading Concerns
Although Chris has been tearing up the trails a lot longer than I have, we fully understand the anxiety and concerns you can have when first starting.
Even if you have experience with an ATV or Side-by-side, a full-size offroad vehicle is a whole different beast and can have different concerns.
When we started, our main concern was getting ourselves somewhere we couldn’t get ourselves out of. That can be a costly mistake if you do not have the right gear to get unstuck.
Another concern was breaking down in the middle of the woods.
A more superficial concern was scratching the hell out of a brand-new Jeep.
I’m sure these are some of your concerns, too. We will address how to mitigate many of these concerns a little later.
Essential Gear for Beginners
I admit, Chris is the type of guy who won’t head out on an adventure unless he can make it through the apocalypse. So we probably have more gear than most newbies. Of course, I don’t tell him, but that makes me feel better about the risks we may take on the trail. But do you need as much gear as we have to get started? Probably not.
You should have some essential gear before heading out on a trail that is more complicated than a fire road.
Must-have items:
Recovery Gear
Being able to get yourself out of a sticky situation is imperative. So, there are a few basics that are non-negotiable if riding alone.
Winch
A winch with enough power to recover the weight of your vehicle. We suggest one that has a synthetic rope - these are safer than other types. We have the Warn VR EVO 10s winch on our Jeep Gladiator. It is more than enough power for our rig since it is good for a truck up to 1/2 ton.
Tow Straps
A must-have on the trail. You can use tow straps for many purposes, including pulling out a stuck vehicle, a winch extension, pulling yourself or others over obstacles, creating traction, or using it to create a snatch block. But with any gear, be sure to follow safety precautions and do not exceed the recommended weight load or your tow strap.
Soft Shackles or D-Rings
A soft shackle is best, but a D-ring will also work to connect your tow strap to a recovery vehicle. JK Gear and Gadgets has a pretty good video on Soft Shackles and how to use them.
Basic Tool Set
Pack a roll pack of essential tools that fit your rig, such as wrenches, pliers, vice grips, socket set, duct tape, tire repair kit, screwdrivers, zip ties, and mechanic gloves.
Air Compressor and Deflators
When off-roading, you must air down your tires to give your rig enough traction on rough terrain. Therefore, you need a way to deflate your tires and air them back up before getting them back on the pavement.
We installed an ARB system on our Jeep Gladiator, but you don't need a fancy air system to air up or down. A set of Fully Adjustable Automatic Tire Deflators and a Portable Compressor Kit. It will take longer than a dedicated system, but will get the job done.
Basic Safety Equipment
Your rig should always include a first-aid kit and fire extinguishers. Just like all recovery gear, this is something you hope you never have to use but should never hit the trail without.
Comfortable Clothing and Footwear
Trust me, I like looking good in public, too, but comfort is waaaay more important when on the trail. And ladies, I promise, there are still comfy clothes that you can look cute in if you look hard enough 😉
2-Way Radios
A radio can come in handy when you need a spotter or when you need to call for help. A GPS Sattelite Messanger like the Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator is even better.
Navigation App
Apps like OnX or Gaia are perfect for planning trips and navigating on the trails.
Finding Beginner-Friendly Trails
There are some great resources out there for information on beginner trails that range from free to paid subscriptions. Each of these apps has pros and cons. Trying each on your own will help you understand which works best for you.
The most important things to understand on any of these apps would be:
Trail Difficulty Rating
These will range from easy, moderate, difficult, and extreme. A numbering system more granularly defines them.
Rating 1-3: Easy Trails
Suitable for beginners and stock vehicles. These trails are usually maintained and do not have a lot of obstacles to speak of. As a newbie, we suggest starting here. If you are on OnX, they are usually indicated by Green.
Rating 4-6: Moderate Trails
As it indicates, these trails may have moderate challenges. You will usually want to be sure your rig has improved off-road capabilities, such as recovery gear and a high clearance. These trails typically have uneven terrain, hills, and obstacles to overcome.
7-9: Difficult Trails
You will definitely want advanced skills and a modified rig for these trails. You will find rocky obstacles, steep inclines, and challenges that may require recovery gear to overcome. These trails are best to go with other rigs instead of solo.
10: Extreme Trails
These trails are reserved for the best of the best ... aka, the insane. If your rig is not highly modified, you will break something. Even if your rig is highly modified, you might still break something. Until you master the other three levels, you will want to avoid any extreme trails, which include near-vertical climbs and extreme technical challenges. As crazy as Chris can be, we don’t venture down these trails —that's why I must give credit to this photo from Xtreme 4X4 Tours.
Type of Land—Private or Public
Public land can even be closed at times. Before going on any trip, you should check that the land is accessible. Do not go on closed public or private land. It is a privilege to do what we do, and following posted signs and rules ensures we can keep using these trails for years to come.
Type of Road
Be sure to check the map legend to understand better which roads are what. Each app labels roads a little differently.
Mastering the Basics
The easiest way to master the basics is to take an off-roading 101 course. Many of the private off-road parks offer one.
We took our course at Kansas Rocks. It was invaluable in teaching us the basics. Although we already knew a lot since we were used to ATVs and SXS vehicles, it also taught us things that we didn’t know, such as full-size vehicle recovery.
Until you can get into a 101 class, let’s discuss a few items you should be aware of.
Vehicle Control
The first step to understanding vehicle control is understanding the safety equipment on your rig. Your vehicle manual will have sections outlining your specific vehicle, so start there.
You should also know things that your manual will never tell you. Here are a few things to remember, but by no means is this an extensive list.
Airing Down Your Tires
Tire pressure makes a huge difference in traction and ride quality on the trail. Here’s a breakdown of how tire size plays into PSI, but keep in mind there are other vital factors, too.
Why Air Down?
Increased Contact: Lower pressure lets the tire conform to uneven terrain, putting more rubber on the ground for better grip.
Softer Ride: it also absorbs bumps and vibrations, improving comfort and reducing stress on your vehicle.
Reduced Risk of Punctures: A more flexible tire is less likely to be punctured by sharp rocks.
How Tire Size Affects PSI
Generally, the larger your tires (both diameter and width), the loweryou can safely go with PSI. This is because larger tires have more sidewall to flex. So, in Chris terms, that means the 40s on 17” beadlocks are essential ... essential might be a little extreme, but so are the 40s. Lord, help me...
Important Considerations Beyond Tire Size
Vehicle Weight: Heavier vehicles require higher pressures to support the load.
Beadlocks: Chris’ favorite. Beadlocks clamp the tire to the wheel, allowing for extremely low pressures without the risk of the tire coming off the rim. Since we are riding on 40s, beadlocks are the safest route to ensure the tire doesn’t slip off the rim.
How to Determine the Right PSI
Checking your tire sidewall: This will not help. The sidewall will have a maximum PSI listed, but this is NOT what you should use off-road. Riding off-road at maximum PSI can risk puncturing a tire or losing traction.
Use the “chalk test”: A relatively free way to determine PSI is to draw a line across your tire tread with chalk. Drive a short distance on a flat surface.
If the chalk is worn off evenly, your pressure is good.
If it’s worn off in the center, you’re overinflated.
If it’s worn off on the edges, you’re underinflated.
Invest in a good tire pressure gauge: This is the best way. The chalk test will not tell you if all four tires are an even PSI. Having an accurate reading is critical for safe riding.
Here’s a VERY general guideline on how low you can go with your PSI, but always prioritize your tire manufacturer’s recommendations:
30-33” Tires: Often safe to air down to 18-20 PSI for general off-roading.
35-37” Tires: Can usually go down to 15-18 PSI.
38 “+ Tires: Sometimes as low as 10-15 PSI, but requires careful monitoring or beaded wheels.
Road Surfaces
Understanding the road surface will prevent accidents. I might say Chris can be a little crazy, but that is only when modifying the Jeep and buying gear. Chris is always a safety-first kind of guy and doesn’t ever get crazy when it comes to our safety.
So, we will stress that to you as well. Know your road surface and the ramifications and safety concerns for each, but let’s first talk about traction.
Your tires have less grip on loose surfaces than on pavement. This affects acceleration, braking, and steering. It’s important to understand because it can affect your weight transfer and the momentum of your rig.
When you accelerate, weight shifts to the rear; when you brake, it shifts forward. This is exaggerated on loose surfaces, affecting traction at each end of the vehicle.
It’s harder to change your vehicle’s momentum on slippery surfaces. Sudden inputs can easily lead to skids, but we will discuss that more later.
Now that we have covered that, we can talk surfaces.
Driving on Sand
We live in the Ozarks. We don’t have much sand here, and I’m not really a beach type of gal, so I will show you what I have learned (thanks, Google), but we have never put this into practice. So, take our sand advice with a grain of salt.
Maintain Momentum: Avoid stopping if possible. Consistent speed helps prevent sinking.
Lower Tire Pressure: Slightly deflating tires increases the contact with the sand and improves traction (but remember to reinflate afterward!).
Smooth Steering: Avoid sharp turns, which can cause the tires to dig in.
Gentle Acceleration: Avoid spinning the tires, which will only dig you deeper.
To learn more about sand driving check out this blog by Petersen Hunting's blog post Sand Driving 101.
Driving on Mud
Mmmmmm. Mud. That is what we are more used to here in the Ozarks. As I have said before, we are on 40s. These 40s are mud-terrain tires because, in the Ozarks, it’s not if we will encounter mud; it is when. Here are our tips for riding in mud:
Choose the Right Gear: Use a lower gear to maintain momentum and prevent wheel spin. You might even lock your differential.
Steer Straight: If possible, follow existing tracks to avoid getting stuck.
Clean Tires: If your tires get packed with mud, stop and clear them to regain traction.
Avoid Deep Mud: If the mud is too deep, you risk getting stuck. It is hard to tell how much you will sink. If in doubt, go around or do the stick test. Find a long stick and see how deep the stick can penetrate the mud. Especially when driving solo, you should always be cautious.
Driving on Gravel
There’s something about a gravel road that brings back memories for me. We lived in the Bootheel of Missouri when I was learning to drive. There were more than our share of gravel roads, and it was my favorite place to escape the world. Windows down, wind in my hair, and not a care in sight. Of course, now that I’m a mom, I look back and think ... man, that was stupid to do alone ... but I digress. Here are our suggestions for driving on gravel:
Reduce Speed: Gravel offers less traction than pavement, especially when turning. It is easy to lose control of even the most outfitted rig.
Increase Following Distance: It takes longer to brake on gravel.
Be Aware of Loose Stones: They can cause damage to your vehicle or others.
Controlling Skids
Once you get off the beaten path, you will likely have at least one time you will skid. So, what do you do when that happens?
Rule Number 1 - Don’t PANIC! Stay calm, and don’t overreact.
Next, let’s understand what is happening when you skid.
When in a front-wheel skid, the front tires lose grip, and the vehicle doesn’t turn as much as you steer.
In a rear-wheel skid, the rear tires lose grip, and the car’s rear slides out, one direction or the other.
When you understand what is happening in the skid, it is easier for you to react correctly.
When in that front-wheel skid, you will want to ease off the accelerator and gently reduce the amount of steering you are steering. Avoid braking suddenly.
In the rear-wheel skid, steer toward the skid (counter-steer) and gently ease off the accelerator and brakes. So if your car’s tail is kicking out to the left, steer to the left and ease off the accelerator; if possible, don’t brake until it straightens out. If the car is kicking right, steer right.
Proper Braking and Acceleration
Be Smooth: Avoid sudden acceleration or braking, which can easily cause wheel spin or lockup.
Early Braking: Start braking earlier than you would on the pavement.
Threshold Braking: Apply firm, consistent pressure to the brakes without locking the wheels. If they lock, ease off slightly.
Gentle Acceleration: Gradually increase throttle to maintain traction.
Things to Remember
Remember, every situation is different, and you must adapt your driving to the specific conditions. When in doubt, it’s always best to err on the side of caution.
Always reinflate your tires to the proper pressure for highway driving after off-roading. Driving on underinflated tires at high speeds can cause overheating and tire failure.
Carry a portable air compressor.
These are just general guidelines. Without knowing your vehicle, its tires and wheels, and where you are riding, we can not give you advice on the exact PSI you should use.
Building Your Knowledge
When offroading, 4WD is the way to go, but if you plan on staying on easy trails (1-2), you may still be able to offroad with 2WD. Let’s look deeper into the difference and why it is important.
2WD vs. 4WD Explained
2WD (Two-Wheel Drive): Power is sent to only two wheels, either the front (FWD) or the rear (RWD), and it has limited off-road capability.
4WD (Four-Wheel Drive): Power is sent to all four wheels, improving traction significantly in off-road conditions. This allows for a better grip on loose surfaces, inclines, and slippery conditions.
Different Types of 4x4 Systems
Part-Time 4WD: This system is designed specifically for off-road use and lacks a center differential, meaning the front and rear axles are locked together when engaged.
When to Use It: Use part-time 4WD on loose, low-traction surfaces like dirt, gravel, sand, mud, or snow.
Important: Never use part-time 4WD on dry pavement. On hard, high-traction surfaces, the locked axles cannot account for differences in wheel rotation during turns, leading to driveline binding. This can damage the transfer case, axles, and tires.
Shifting: Typically engaged via a lever or electronic switch. Many systems require stopping or slowing down before shifting into 4WD.
Full-Time 4WD: This system can be used on all surfaces, including dry pavement. It uses a center differential to rotate the front and rear axles at different speeds.
When to use it: It can be used at any time. It is particularly useful in varying weather conditions and on slippery surfaces.
Subtypes:
AWD (All-Wheel Drive) is often used in cars and SUVs. It focuses on on-road traction and stability in varying conditions. It often uses viscous couplings or electronically controlled clutches to distribute power.
A 4x4 with a Center Differential can be found in some trucks and SUVs. It often has a locking center differential for more serious off-roading.
Shifting: Usually, no driver input is required.
4WD Low (4L or Low Range): A lower gear ratio in the transfer case provides increased torque and slower speeds, which is essential for challenging off-road situations.
When to use it: Steep inclines, rock crawling, deep mud or sand, or any situation requiring maximum torque at low speeds.
Important: Use 4L only when necessary and at very low speeds.
Shifting: This usually requires stopping and shifting the transfer case into neutral before engaging 4L.
When to Engage 4WD and How to Use It Properly
Engage 4WD before you need it. Don’t wait until you’re stuck to engage 4WD.
If we are on a fire road or Easy Trial (1-3), we will engage the 4WD to prevent us from slipping on the loose gravel.
If we are on a trail rated four or more, we will usually drop to 4L which gives us more control on more challenging terrain. We also have a sway bar disconnect that allows the suspension to articulate more. 4L also allows us to lock and unlock the differential when needed. Our gladiator has a button that locks the differential, so the wheels on the same axles move together instead of independently.
Before heading out, be sure to know your system, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and practice putting your rig in 4WD and 4L.
Lastly, it goes without saying that you should air your tires back to street PSI and avoid using part-time 4WD on dry pavement.
By understanding these principles, you can use your 4x4 system effectively and safely, maximizing its capabilities in various driving conditions.
Basic Vehicle Modifications (for beginners)
Modifications are expensive—period. We have a good number of modifications on our rig, but that’s because Chris is crazy. Do you need to modify your rig? Not necessarily. It really depends on what you are planning to do.
If you are content on easy roads, then you may not need to modify your rig at all. You might consider a good set of all-terrain tires and recovery points if your rig didn’t come standard with them.
Even some moderate trails can be run with a factory rig; just be sure to have your recovery gear in case you get in a hairy situation.
If you desire to venture further off-trail, you may want to consider a suspension lift and skid plates, at the very least.
I would not try anything above a 4 without a lift, off-road wheels and mud tires, rock sliders, skid plates, and upgraded shocks.
Once you move onto extreme trails, you will want a long-arm suspension, locking differential, heavy-duty bumpers, high clearance fenders, and possibly a roll cage.
Pros and Cons of Modifications
Let’s break down the pros and cons of common off-road modifications and their impact on performance and safety.
Mud-Terrain (MT) Tires
Our Jeep Kyuzo has Micky-Thompson Baja Boss Mud-Terrian tires. We prefer mud terrains and feel the benefits when off-roading outweigh the negatives for us.
Pros: Excellent traction in mud, dirt, and rocks; aggressive tread pattern for self-cleaning.
Cons: Noisier on the road, shorter tread life, reduced fuel economy, and less stability on wet pavement.
Impact on Performance: It significantly improves off-road traction, can slightly reduce on-road fuel economy, and increases noise.
Impact on Safety: MT tires improve traction in off-road conditions, but if not driven carefully, they can reduce wet pavement performance.
Larger Tires
When we bought our Jeep Gladiator, it came with 35s, but before even picking it up, we had them changed out for 37s. We have since upgraded to 40s, which are the Micky-Thompson’s I mentioned a moment ago. We made that choice so we could go to a more challenging terrain.
Pros
Increased Ground Clearance: This is the most obvious benefit. Larger tires raise the vehicle’s axles and undercarriage, allowing you to clear obstacles that would otherwise cause damage.
Better Flotation: In soft terrain like sand or mud, larger tires distribute the vehicle’s weight over a wider area, preventing it from sinking as easily.
Improved Approach, Departure, and Breakover Angles:These angles determine how steep an obstacle your vehicle can climb over without hitting the front bumper, rear bumper, or undercarriage. Larger tires improve these angles.
Cons:
Reduced Fuel Economy: Larger tires have more rolling resistance, which requires more energy to move. This leads to decreased fuel efficiency.
Increased Stress on Components: Larger tires stress the vehicle’s suspension, axles, brakes, and steering components. If you don’t upgrade your suspension and regear the rig, this can lead to premature wear and tear.
Calibration Issues: Changing tire size affects the speedometer and odometer readings. You may need to recalibrate these systems to ensure accuracy.
Clearance Issues: Larger tires may rub against the fenders or other parts of the vehicle, requiring modifications like lift kits or trimming.
Impact on Performance
Improved Off-Road Performance: Larger tires excel in off-road situations, providing better traction, ground clearance, and obstacle clearance.
Reduced On-Road Performance: Acceleration, braking, and handling can be negatively affected on paved roads.
Power Loss: Larger tires effectively change the gear ratio, which can result in a perceived loss of power, especially with smaller engines. Re-gearing the axles can help to compensate for this.
Impact on Safety
Improved Off-Road Safety: The increased traction and ground clearance provided by larger tires can significantly improve safety in off-road conditions.
Reduced On-Road Handling: Larger tires can make the vehicle feel less stable, especially in emergency maneuvers.
Braking: Larger tires can reduce braking effectiveness, especially if the brake system is not upgraded.
Rollover Risk: Raising the vehicle’s center of gravity with larger tires (especially when combined with a lift kit) increases the risk of rollover.
Suspension Lift Kits
Our Jeep came with a standard 2” lift. We later upgraded to a Metalcloak 4-1/2’ Lift Kit to make room for the 40” Micky-Thompsons. Of course, I thought it was overkill until we went back to a trail. We struggled to get over the obstacles, and after the lift, Chris and Kyuzo (the Jeep) made it look easy…But let's not tell him he was right. He will never let me live it down.
Pros: It increases ground clearance under axles, improves off-road capability, and allows for larger tires.
Cons: They are more expensive than body lifts, can affect handling and ride quality if not done correctly, and can require other modifications (e.g., longer brake lines and driveshaft adjustments).
Impact on Performance: It increases ground clearance and approach/departure angles, improves off-road capability, and can alter on-road handling.
Impact on Safety: If not installed correctly, it can negatively impact stability and handling, especially at higher speeds. It can also affect airbag deployment in some vehicles.
Locking Differentials
Kyuzo came with the electronic locking differential standard from the factory. We love it.
Pros: Dramatically improves traction in challenging off-road situations.
Cons: It can be expensive and affect on-road handling if engaged at the wrong time.
Winches
A winch was one of the first mods we did to the Jeep. Chris said we would not go off-road without one, and I agree. The only way it would be fine would be if you were riding with someone else who has a winch. It's one of those items you will wish you had if you got stuck or needed to move an obstacle.
Pros: Essential for self-recovery when stuck.
Cons: It can be expensive and requires a strong mounting point (e.g., aftermarket bumper).
Aftermarket Bumpers
Since we added the winch, we needed to change out the bumper. The Jeep bumpers are not adequate enough to handle the load a winch will put on them. We went with a Fab Fours Front Stubby Bumper with Pre-runner Guards because it still had excellent clearance, and we loved the look.
Pros: Improved protection, better approach/departure angles, mounting points for winches and lights.
Cons: It can be expensive and affect airbag deployment if not properly designed.
Communicating on the Trail
Communication is absolutely vital for safe and enjoyable off-roading, especially when traveling in groups.
Hand Signals for Trail Communication
Hand signals are essential for quick and clear communication, especially when noise or distance makes verbal communication difficult.
Here are some common ones:
Stop: Raise your left arm straight up with a closed fist.
Slow down: Extend your left arm horizontally, palm down, and move your hand up and down.
Speed up: Extend your Left arm horizontally, palm up, and move your hand up and down.
Turn Left/Right: Extend your Left arm straight out to the left or right.
Obstacle Ahead: Point with your finger toward the obstacle.
Oncoming Vehicle/Rider: Raise your arm overhead, palm facing forward, and fingers extended (the number of fingers indicates the number of oncoming vehicles/riders).
Come Forward: With your arm extended, palm facing you, wave in a beckoning motion.
Back-Up: With your arm extended, palm facing away from you, use a pushing motion.
Roll Forward: Extend your arm forward at about shoulder height while Making a circular motion with your hand or fist, rotating it forward (as if mimicking the motion of a wheel turning).
OK/All Clear: Give a thumbs-up.
Need Assistance: With your arm raised overhead, wave back and forth.
Stop Immediately (Emergency): Cross both arms in an “X” above your head. This emphasizes urgency over the standard “Stop” signal.
Winching/Recovery Signals:
Start Winching: Rotate your fist in a circular motion (similar to a “roll forward” signal).
Stop Winching: Closed fist raised above your head.
Slack the Line: Mimic pulling a rope with your hands.
Go Around (Obstacle Bypass): Point to an alternative path or route while motion in that direction.
Tight Spot/Use Caution: Pat the top of your head with an open palm to signal a narrow path or caution ahead. (Chris calls that the “where’s my hat” motion.)
Radio Check: Tap the side of your head with your index finger to indicate radio communication status.
Finding an Off-Road Community
Life is always better with friends! You can ride your vehicle alone, but some trails make more sense to have a group riding for safety purposes. Not to mention, it‘s more fun.
If you don’t have friends as cool as you, it’s time to find new friends. Try:
Joining local clubs and groups.
Online forums and social media groups.
We enjoy going to Overland Addict, a local off-road gear supplier, on the first Saturday morning of each month. We gather to enjoy coffee and community and then head off for a ride on one of the local trails. This way, we have met some great people.
Another place we have met new friends is at off-roading events like Moore Expo or Adventures Of America.
Welcome to the Club
We are excited to have you join the off-roading community. We hope these tips help you get started. Be sure to follow YouTubers who give tips and tricks on gear and mods. And, of course, follow us on YouTube at Adventures of Kyuzo.
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