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