Tips for Off Roading in Your Jeep Wrangler

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So you’ve just climbed into the cabin of your brand new Jeep Wrangler and you’re ready to do some trailblazing and tear it up off road. That’s great, but it’s important to remember before heading into the wilds surrounding New Holland, Lancaster, and Reading, that driving off road is entirely different than driving on the highway.

When on the trails and off the roads, you’ll need to keep your wits about you and maintain absolute control over your vehicle at all times. Let’s check out some tips and tricks for Jeep Wrangler off-roading or trailblazing with just about any 4WD crossover SUV or truck.

Jeep Wrangler Off-Roading

People buy Jeeps largely because they are the best vehicles for trailblazing or running off road in their entire class. The Wrangler in particular traces its roots all the way back to the Willys Jeeps that took solders through the worst terrain in the battlefields of World War II and has continued on uninterrupted to this very day.

Driving them in the wilds is a different experience than on-road driving. It’s vital you take the right steps before getting behind the wheel and while you’re on the trails to keep safe and have the best adventure possible.

Before Tackling the Trails

Before off-roading, make sure you know your vehicle top to bottom, inside and out. Read your owner’s manual. Know the ground clearance. Know how to lock 4WD in place, know when to use four wheels and when you only need two. Try driving your vehicle on narrow roads and get a feel for its side clearance and how it handles. Go up and down steep hills. If there are dirt or gravel roads near you, tackle them to get a feel for how you can stop and speed up.

Do your research. Find approved off-road locations to find those that are best suited for your vehicle and to find areas where it’s actually legal to off-road. Look for U.S. Forest Service Roads and ORV parks. Check the weather forecast for the whole time you’ll be out and be prepared for inclement conditions. Pack a survival kit in case you end up stranded.

Compile a checklist to stay on top of everything you need to cover and modify it as you go on. Finally, never ride alone. Always have a friend, and always make sure people know where you’ll be.

Being Prepared

Make sure that your survival kit is full of all the things you might need if you end up stuck: extra food and water, a first-aid kit, flares, a flashlight, a thermal blanket, and anything else you can think of that might keep you alive in the wild. In addition, don’t forget things like your towing winch, tow straps, chains, extra batteries, snatch-blocks, D-rings, and shovels.

Get a couple pairs of solid work gloves, and rugged clothing. Don’t forget to keep your tire jack handy and an extra tire in case you have a blowout. Consider keeping a full tire and wheel handy, not a donut spare.

Driving Techniques

When you hit the trails for Jeep Wrangler off-roading, exercise best practices in your driving. In muddy conditions, keep your momentum going. If you end up spinning, back out; don’t try to force through. For rocky conditions, lock your hubs and take it slow. Air down your tires to give you a larger footprint and better traction.

Get a New Jeep at New Holland CDJR

If you’re in the Lancaster area between Reading, New Holland, and beyond, you can get a new Jeep Wrangler at New Holland Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Stop into our showroom and ask about test driving this class-leading off-roading vehicle today!