Are you in the market for an off-roading vehicle sooner rather than later? Perhaps you already have a daily driver and don’t want to part with it, or you might have a weekend car you drive for fun. But if you have the itch to go off-roading, you need a vehicle that’s up to the challenge.
The good news is there are tons of options on the market. Whether you need something that’s specifically built for off-roading or you want a vehicle that has some off-roading capabilities, you’ll want to think long and hard about what you need in a truck, SUV, or crossover.
When looking for the right off-roading vehicle, don’t forget to consider safety options since other motorists sometimes present greater risks than even the most challenging terrain. It takes only one error to warrant consulting with a personal injury lawyer.
With that said, here are eight things to think about when buying an off-roading vehicle.
1. Purpose and Terrain
Before buying any vehicle for off-roading, you must think about your use case. In other words, what type of off-roading do you intend to do? Do you want to tackle sand dunes, rock crawling, overlanding, or a combination of the above? When you know what you want to do in the great outdoors, you’ll better be able to get the right vehicle.
2. Ground Clearance
Another thing to consider when buying an off-roading vehicle is ground clearance. Some terrain will require more ground clearance than others. You want to get enough ground clearance to safeguard against damage to the undercarriage. Such damage can turn what was supposed to be a fun trip into a costly nightmare. So, don’t overlook ground clearance.
3. Drivetrain
You must consider the drivetrain. If you are serious about off-roading, you’ll want to scratch 2WD vehicles off the list. You need either AWD or 4WD. However, while a good AWD system is better than any 2WD vehicle for off-roading, a 4WD vehicle equipped with low-range gear is best for serious off-roading. Low-range gear is essential since it enhances available torque so the vehicle can better tackle challenging terrain.
4. Suspension System
When off-roading, you want a vehicle with a suspension system tuned for the task. You can buy a truck, SUV, or crossover with an off-roading package if you want a suspension system suited for rough terrain.
5. Angles
When considering angles for an off-roader, the focus isn’t the aesthetics or styling of the vehicle. It refers to the approach, departure, and breakover angle. Understanding these angles will help you select an off-roading vehicle that can handle obstacles. If your adventures will include steep inclines, logs, and other things, you need a vehicle up to the challenge.
6. Tires
Tires matter when selecting the right off-roading vehicle. You can bet they’ll cost you a pretty penny, but it’s worth investing in a good set if you want the best possible performance off the beaten path.
7. Locking Differentials
Another thing that matters when getting the right off-roading vehicle is locking differentials. When activated, locking differentials create a physical connection between both axle shafts for maximum traction.
8. Skid Plates
While focusing on ground clearance is essential, sometimes you must go a step further. That’s where skid plates come into the picture. They are essentially a protective armor that safeguards the undercarriage.
You don’t want your off-roading adventures ruined by damage to your transfer case, fuel tank, or anything else under your vehicle.
When looking for an off-roading vehicle, consider these eight things. Much will depend on the type of off-roading you want to do, your budget, and how serious you are about the hobby. However, it’s worth taking the time to know what you want so you get something suitable.