If you have a powerful truck built for tackling rough terrain, getting into off-roading is a no-brainer. Traversing uneven ground and getting out into nature while driving a vehicle is a unique experience that you just can’t replicate any other way. Even with the best modifications, though, you should read up on off-roading hazards to be aware of before you head out. This way, you’ll be prepared and won’t end up crashing or getting stuck.
Bodies of Water
There are countless images of off-roading vehicles crossing streams and other bodies of water, so you may want to feel the temptation to go straight in when you come across them yourself after making the needed upgrades. The problem is that it’s often hard to judge the depth and see hidden obstructions by just looking at the water. You should instead get out and walk along the path you intend to go, placing markers in spots where there are potholes and objects that could cause your truck to become caught. After this, you’ll need to drive slowly forward and try to keep pace with the wave your truck creates ahead of it to avoid flooding your engine and splashing excessively.
Dark and Low-Visibility Conditions
Most of the time, you’ll probably off-road during bright daylight hours, but there may be times when visibility is lower. When the sky is overcast or you find yourself on the trail at night, you won’t be able to see as well as usual. The best way to plan ahead for this and ensure that you have the clearest view is to keep your windows and mirrors clean and add LED lights to your truck. You can choose from a few different types of LED off-road lights for various needs. For instance, fog lights penetrate fog and dust and face towards the ground, while overhead spotlights widen illumination to the left and right of your truck.
Sharp Ground Gradients
Sharp gradients can offset the balance of your vehicle, so they’re another off-roading hazard to be aware of. If you don’t approach them carefully, you may slide or even flip over while attempting to drive over them. You should stop and inspect them on foot as you would a body of water first. For upward slopes, you’ll need to increase engine power. Conversely, you should switch to first gear and move slowly without braking too much when going down, as this could lead to sliding. Trucks also have approach and departure angles based on the positioning of their bumpers and wheels that you should be familiar with. On an incline that has a greater angle than these, you’ll scrape your truck and potentially get stuck.
