Beginners Guide to Off Roading

Texas Rovers Admin Your First Time: Driving off road is a fun and challenging experience.  It's about being able to travel to places where the average person can't go - enjoying the beauty and majesty of nature, far away from the concrete jungle.  Most off-roaders enjoy camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities and having an off road vehicle gives them the opportunity to go get away from the popular spots.

Off Roading Can Result in Damage to your Vehicle!  Avoiding damage comes with knowing your truck and it's capabilities, knowing your own capabilities as a driver, and not exceeding them.  We, as a club, take care to avoid situations that can lead to vehicle damage, but there is no guarantee.  At a very minimum, you can expect 'pinstriping,' which are the marks that trees and branches leave as you drive down a trail.

The information listed here is to help you be better prepared for off road challenges, avoid potential harm to you and your vehicle, and to have a more enjoyable experience when going off road.

Equipment Lists

• Basic List
• Advanced List
• Off Road
  
• Camping
  
• Expedition
  

Trail Etiquette

• Driving The Trails
  
• Courtesy on the Trail
• Spotting
• Environmental Impact
• Radio Use

Skills & Vehicle Capabilities

• Trail Ratings
  
• Stock Vehicle Performance
• Basic Off Road Driving Skills
• Some good terms to know
  
• Using the Brakes
• Navigation (Map & Compass, GPS)
• Recovery Gear: Winch (power, hand), recovery straps)
  

Bigger and Better: Building Experience

• Truck modifications
• Body Armor (Sliders, skidplates, etc.)
  
• Tires
  
• Differential Lock
• Knowing the Terrain
  
• Confidence

Resources

• Books
• Videos
• Parts
• Clubs
• Expedition Groups