| Preparing for your first 4-Wheeling trip off road is | | | | phone number, the local sheriff's phone number. |
| the first thing to do before driving that truck. | | | | Your vehicle's condition is a huge consideration. Be |
| Here are some things to do. | | | | sure it's ready for the off-road experience. |
| First and foremost, it is necessary that you | | | | Before going for a trip, do a complete inspection |
| recognize the capabilities and limits of your vehicle. | | | | of your vehicle. Make sure that your tires plus the |
| It other words, know your vehicle well. | | | | spare are in good condition and inflated properly. |
| Need to know are the works of your 4x4 | | | | Try looking under your vehicle for any leaks or |
| system, the use of its controls, location of the | | | | mechanical problems. Also ensure all fluids are |
| spare tire and jack and how to use them. Other | | | | topped off and that the condition of your steering |
| than that, the height, width, length, approach | | | | and brakes are okay. Other than those, add |
| angle, departure angle and ramp angle are also a | | | | cleanliness to your considerations. Make sure no |
| "must know" so that you can pass through tight | | | | dirt is making your Jeep carpet attractive. All |
| areas without damage. The lowest point of | | | | repairs should be carried out before road tripping. |
| clearance must also be known. | | | | Be meticulous on the load of your vehicle. If |
| Familiarize all those things and get used to driving | | | | possible, loads should be evenly distributed within |
| your 4x4 and feel its driving characteristics. | | | | the vehicle. Loads behind the rear axle will sink the |
| Included in the familiarization process is the | | | | rear of the vehicle. As a result, this limits your |
| practice use of the low ratio gearbox. Also try its | | | | departure angle and clearance. Be aware of |
| manual locking hubs, if it has. To know the | | | | weights and how they are distributed if you have |
| maximum depth of water that you could cross, | | | | a roof rack fitted. Excessive loads will alter the |
| know where your engine's air intake and engine | | | | center-of-gravity, thereby making the vehicle less |
| computer are located. Always make assure the | | | | stable. Also, take into consideration the additional |
| maintenance of the filters, belts and hoses and | | | | height of your vehicle due to the rack. |
| keep all fluids topped up. | | | | Be aware where you are, where you're going, |
| Make sure to pack all of the appropriate | | | | and which route or direction you intend to take. |
| emergency supplies for you will never know when | | | | The general rule here is "allow enough time for |
| you'll find yourself stuck or broken down, without | | | | safe travel". |
| someone to help. It's also necessary to be aware | | | | Indeed, going on a travel requires a lot of |
| of changing weather conditions. | | | | preparation. But it's all worth it for your safety is |
| Don't lie. Let someone know where you're going | | | | assured if you and your vehicle are prepared for |
| so that they'd know where to find you if in case | | | | the trip. |
| an emergency happen. Also bring with you their | | | | |