Considering taking your truck off-road? To help you get started, we have made this list of 7 useful off-road tips to remember whenever you take your truck off-road. But first, let's discuss the types of Off-Roading you may encounter.
Pickup trucks are great vehicles for many things: towing, hauling, people moving, and, not least of all, offroading. Because almost every pickup is built on a sturdy frame and features plenty of room for large off-road tires, many owners love to take them off the pavement.
Taking your pickup offroad can be great fun, but knowing what you are doing is important.
But you can quickly find yourself in trouble if you aren't prepared for what lies ahead.
Green Laning/Cross Country
Green laning, or cross-country off-roading, involves traversing mild, unpaved roads and forest trails. It’s often seen as one of the most beginner-friendly forms of off-roading, as it doesn't require highly modified vehicles or specialized driving skills.
Most stock SUVs and pickup trucks can handle these trails, making it an accessible adventure for many. This type of off-roading is particularly appealing because it allows drivers to focus more on the journey and the beautiful landscapes rather than the technical aspects of maneuvering through challenging terrain.
Even seasoned off-roaders enjoy green laning for its relaxed pace and opportunity to fully immerse themselves in nature without the constant worry of damaging their vehicle on tougher obstacles.
Rock Crawling
Rock crawling is one of the most intense and technical forms of off-roading, involving driving over large, uneven rocks and boulders. This activity demands a vehicle equipped with excellent approach and departure angles, allowing it to navigate steep inclines and descents without scraping the body.
Suspension flexibility is also key, enabling the vehicle to maintain traction over irregular surfaces. Rock crawling is not for the faint of heart—there’s a high risk of damaging your vehicle if you’re not careful.
Having a spotter, someone outside the vehicle to guide you, can make a big difference in avoiding hazards. Experience is crucial, as improper technique can easily lead to costly damage or getting stuck. Patience and precision are key in this off-roading discipline.
Sand Dunes
Driving over sand dunes offers a thrilling and adrenaline-pumping experience for off-roaders. However, navigating these soft, shifting terrains requires a specialized approach. Vehicles need plenty of horsepower to maintain momentum, as getting bogged down in the sand is a common risk.
In addition to power, traction is critical, and off-roaders often lower their tire pressure to increase surface area and prevent sinking into the dunes.
Four-wheel drive is highly recommended, as it ensures that all wheels are working to keep the vehicle moving.
Dune driving also requires skill in managing throttle control and maintaining momentum on steep climbs and descents.
While the rush of flying over the dunes is unmatched, caution is essential to avoid rollovers or getting stuck in soft spots.
Mudding
Mudding, or driving through thick, wet terrain, is another challenging yet exhilarating form of off-roading. Much like sand, mud can easily trap a vehicle, so having powerful engines and tires with deep treads is essential to maintain traction and avoid getting stuck.
Off-road tires with aggressive tread patterns are ideal, as they help channel mud away from the tires, preventing slippage. One thing to keep in mind is that mudding is messy—very messy. Unlike sand, which can be shaken off, mud will coat every inch of your truck, including the undercarriage, making cleanup a daunting task.
Additionally, if you get stuck, be prepared to get muddy yourself while trying to recover your vehicle. Despite the mess, the thrill of powering through thick mud makes it a favorite among off-road enthusiasts.
Overlanding
Overlanding is a unique off-roading experience that combines off-road driving with camping, often involving long-distance journeys through remote areas. While it can incorporate elements like green laning, rock crawling, or dune bashing, the key difference is that overlanding always includes camping gear and equipment.
This could range from packing a tent and basic supplies in the back of your vehicle to using a fully equipped, custom-built overlanding rig with rooftop tents, cooking setups, and solar panels.
Overlanding vehicles are usually modified not just for off-road capability but also for self-sufficiency, with mods like water storage, extended fuel capacity, and additional power sources. The appeal of overlanding lies in the adventure of exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations while having the ability to camp comfortably wherever you stop for the night.
What Trucks Are Suitable for Off-Roading
First off, any truck can go offroad. Some are simply more capable than others. For one thing, a 4WD pickup is immediately more capable than a 2WD version. A host of other factors improve their off-road performance, including larger tires, diff lockers, and lifts. Some models, such as the F150 Raptor, the Tacoma TRD Pro, and the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, are particularly suited for rough terrain.
Here are some of today's most capable trucks if you want the truck that will get you the farthest offroad. While there are plenty of others to consider, these offer tons of features to enhance your off-the-beaten-path.
F150 Raptor: Perhaps the most offroad-ready truck today, the Ford Raptor offers larger tires, skid plates, a custom suspension setup featuring more ground clearance, and tons of power.
Tacoma TRD Pro: The Tacoma TRD Pro gives you plenty of offroad pedigree for those looking for a smaller truck. Skid plates, Fox shocks, locking rear differential, and even a new snorkel air intake all complete the package.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon: If anyone knows about offroading, it's Jeep. So it should come as no surprise that the new Gladiator pickup is one of the best offroaders on the market.
Locking front and rear differentials, disconnecting sway bars, 33-inch tires, and even offroad cameras all make this a top contender.
Ram Power Wagon: Finally, we have the most offroad-worthy heavy-duty pickup: the Power Wagon.
The perfect offroad truck for anyone who needs to do serious towing or hauling, the Power Wagon features Bilstein shocks, locking differentials at the front and rear, low-range crawl mode, and a 410-horsepower Hemi V8 engine.
Finally, let's share our tips with you.
Tip #1. Inspect Your Truck
Before embarking on any off-road adventure, it’s crucial to thoroughly inspect your truck to ensure it's ready for the rigors ahead. Check fluid levels and top up as necessary; Inspect your tires, as well.
Start by checking under the hood. Ensure all fluid levels are topped off and look for any signs of leaks. Then, inspect your suspension, brakes, and steering components for wear or damage.
Check that your tires are properly inflated and have sufficient tread for off-road conditions. Also, remember to test all lights, including headlights, brake lights, and turn signals, as visibility is key in remote areas.
A quick walkaround can help identify any issues before you leave the safety of paved roads, reducing the risk of a breakdown in the middle of nowhere.
Tip #2. Go Slow
While the temptation to power through obstacles may be strong, taking it slow is often the best approach when off-roading. Rapidly accelerating over rough terrain can cause serious damage to your truck’s suspension or undercarriage, not to mention increase the risk of losing control. Fast-spinning tires can dig into soft surfaces like mud or sand, making it more likely that you’ll get stuck. A steady pace is key.
Easing your way over obstacles at a steady pace, allowing your vehicle's suspension and traction systems to do their job. If you're on loose or slippery surfaces, gently rocking the tires back and forth helps maintain momentum and traction without digging yourself into a hole.
Slower, controlled driving not only protects your vehicle but also helps you navigate difficult terrain more effectively.
Tip #3. Check Out the Trail
Before setting out on your off-road adventure, take some time to research the trail online. Many off-road trails are rated based on difficulty, and understanding the trail’s rating can give you a good idea of what to expect. This will help you determine if both you and your truck are capable of tackling the terrain.
Knowing whether the trail is suited for beginners or requires advanced off-road experience can save you from potential headaches—or worse, a situation you can’t handle.
Once you're on the trail, don’t hesitate to get out of your vehicle to inspect any major obstacles like large rocks, steep ledges, or deep water crossings. From the driver’s seat, it can be tough to gauge just how tricky these obstacles are.
Walking the trail ahead will allow you to assess the best approach and ensure you’re prepared for whatever lies ahead. Don’t let the terrain catch you off guard—take a moment to step out and inspect before diving in.
Tip #4. Get Some Recovery Gear
Offroading is hard on your pickup, so bring at least some basic recovery gear along. For starters, a winch like this Warn 96810 (Amazon affiliate link) can bail you out of some sticky situations. But even if you don't have a fancy winch, a snatch strap (Amazon affiliate link) can be a lifesaver. Likewise, a sturdy spare tire and an offroad jack (Amazon affiliate link) can get you out of a tricky situation.
And, if you do end up stranded, extra water, food, and blankets can be literal lifesavers on remote trails. And don't forget your trusty first aid kit (Amazon affiliate link)!
Tip #5. Consider Upgrading Your Truck
And if you decide to venture into the really rough stuff, make sure your truck is up for it. Arguably, the best upgrade you can make is offroad tires. Going with larger tires gives your truck more ground clearance, and off-road-oriented tires like these Cooper STTs (Amazon affiliate link) provide tons of traction that stock tires can't match!
Of course, a lift kit (Amazon affiliate link) also helps give your truck more clearance to get over large obstacles. From there, you have all kinds of options, including bumpers, rock sliders, and offroad lights (Amazon affiliate links).
Tip #6. Air Down
This one applies to most, but not all, types of offroading. By lowering your tire pressure, you increase your traction. Your contact patch gets larger as the tire goes flatter, and the tire is more able to mold around obstacles. This helps out in everything from sand to snow to rock-crawling. Of course, going too low can also cause problems. Too little air can cause the tire to come off the rim, lower ground clearance, and sidewall damage.
There are some helpful accessories to look into when airing down. For starters, a tire deflator helps you accurately and quickly get down to your optimal tire pressure.
And an air compressor like this VIAIR 300P can be a huge help when it comes time to air back up for the pavement (Amazon affiliate links).
Tip #7. Bring a Friend
Heading into the wilderness alone is never a great idea, and this becomes even more important when off-roading. Having a copilot with you is not just for the company—though that's a great bonus—but also for safety and assistance.
A friend can help you navigate tricky terrain, either by providing guidance from the passenger seat or by stepping out to act as a spotter, giving you a better view of obstacles from the outside. They can help direct you around hazards, spot potential dangers, and even assist with recovery if your vehicle gets stuck.
Plus, in case of an emergency, having someone with you ensures you’re not stranded alone. Off-roading is more enjoyable and safer with a partner, so always bring a friend along for the ride.
Remember What Pickup Trucks Can't Do
While pickup trucks can be highly capable off-road vehicles, certain characteristics can limit their performance in stock form. One major factor is their longer wheelbase, which, while great for towing, reduces their breakover angle, increasing the risk of getting high-centered on obstacles.
Additionally, the large size of many trucks makes them less agile on narrow, tight trails. Weight is another limitation—heavier trucks struggle more in soft terrains like mud and sand.
Finally, the stiff suspension designed for towing reduces wheel articulation, which is crucial for handling uneven terrain. Thus, trucks are less flexible than off-road-focused SUVs like the Jeep Wrangler.
Last of All, Have Fun!
Now that you’re equipped with some essential off-roading basics, it’s time to hit the trails, enjoy the experience, and embrace the adventure! Off-roading can quickly become a lifelong passion, offering a unique sense of freedom and thrill every time you conquer rugged terrain or navigate through challenging obstacles. Whether you're exploring new landscapes or testing your skills, the excitement is unmatched.
However, always remember that preparation is key to maximizing your enjoyment. By following these tips and ensuring your truck is ready for the demands of off-road driving, you can focus on the fun without unnecessary setbacks. Safety and planning will help you keep the adventure going for years to come!