4x4 / OFFROAD driving tips
The goal is this page is to provide some basic instruction and tips on driving beginner and intermediate-rated 4x4 / offroad driving trails.
In this article, I cover topics like tire pressure, 4H, 4L, sway bars, lockers, crawl control, and more. Please email me if you have any feedback or ideas for improvement on this page.
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BASIC INSTRUCTIONS / TIPS
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Here are some basic instructions and tips to get you started with 4x4 / offroad driving:
✮ Reduce your tire pressure based on the terrain you will be driving on/through (20 psi is a good starting point)
✮ Understand the concepts of ground clearance, approach angles, and departure angles, and what your vehicle is rated for each
✮ Understand the differences between 4H and 4L driving modes
✮ Understand the power of locking differentials (e.g. rear differentials) and disconnecting sway bars
✮ Scope out obstacles before trying to drive them (or bring a friend to act as a spotter). This includes rock features, puddles, creeks, and more.
✮ Maintain adequate space on obstacles between vehicles, especially on steep inclines
✮ Bring a detailed map or use an offroad driving app (and download the maps beforehand while you still have cell service)
✮ Wear your seatbelt and keep your arms in the vehicle at all times. This is non-negotiable while offroading due to rollover risk.
✮ Don't go alone. Find a partner to join you (either in your vehicle or in a second vehicle)
✮ Great offroading tires are generally branded as 'all terrain' or 'mud' and are in the 33-37 inch tall range
✮ Go as slow as possible but as fast as necessary. Moderate and high speeds can break things.
✮ Learn offroading skills by enrolling in a 4x4 training program and/or joining a local 4x4 driving club. YouTube is also helpful.
✮ Bring recovery tools and know how to use them (air compressor, flat tire repair kit, recovery straps, plywood to put under a jack, etc.)
✮ Watch YouTube videos to find trails and see what your specific vehicle is capable of (but beware of comparing your vehicle to a modified one)
And always, always, always stay on the trail. Look for tracks/marks of where vehicles have gone before you. Offroading trails are always at risk of closure.
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It is important to adjust your tire pressure based on the type of terrain you'll be driving. Generally speaking, the more challenging the terrain, the lower the tire pressure you'll need. And in general, the deeper or softer the snow, mud, or sand, the lower the tire pressure needs to be as well.
✮ Gravel/dirt roads = 18-25 psi
✮ Rock crawling = 12-18 psi
✮ Sand = 10-15 psi (the deeper the sand, the lower the psi needs to be)
✮ Mud = 15-20 psi
✮ Snow = 10-20 psi
For general offroading (e.g. a mix of terrain that isn't overly technical or too deep), 20 psi is recommended.
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Here are some tips for driving in 4WD high mode:
✮ 4H is best for driving on dirt/gravel roads or if driving in sand or snow when it isn't very deep and you are able to maintain good speed
✮ It is OK to change from 2WD > 4H while driving (up to 25mph for Jeeps)
✮ For most vehicles, you don’t have to be in neutral to go from 2WD > 4H
✮ Do not use 4H or 4L on dry pavement
✮ Many resources suggest that the maximum speed to drive in 4H is 35mph for Jeeps and 55-60mph for Broncos and 4Runners
✮ If your vehicle has these options, you generally want to be in 4H “Part Time” mode instead of 4H “Auto” mode while you are off-roading
✮ It is generally impossible (nor recommended) to “lock” your differentials (aka “lockers”) while in 4H |
Here are some tips for driving in 4WD low mode:
✮ 4L is best for driving on rocky or slickrock terrain, steep climbs/descents, and on technical trails (trails with obstacles)
✮ 4L adds power/torque above-and-beyond that of 4H
✮ If you are driving on a technical 4x4 trail, you will likely be in 4L for the entire time (from the trailhead to the exit).
✮ You must be in neutral gear (N) and should either be fully stopped or rolling at 1-2mph in order change from 4H to 4L (or vice versa)
✮ The maximum 4L driving speed is 15-25mph for most vehicles. Staying under 15mph is recommended. Damage is possible above 20mph.
✮ In most 4L driving situations, you’ll likely be driving 0-10mph.
✮ You can drive in 4L for an extended period of time (as opposed to engaging it for a single trail obstacle).
✮ If your vehicle offers it, you can “lock” your front and/or rear differentials (aka “lockers” or “axles”) while in 4L.
✮ On uneven ground, it is common to disconnect your sway bar the entire time while in 4L in order to level your vehicle.
✮ Vehicles with a “crawl control” mode typically only work while in 4L mode. This mode usually does NOT work with 2WD or 4H. Crawl control can be very helpful for both steep inclines and declines.
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✮ Sway bars can be disconnected to allow you to better level your vehicle over uneven ground/rocky terrain
✮ Sway bars reduce the chances of a slow-speed, off-camber rollover while off-roading
✮ Newer vehicles often allow sway bars to be disconnected electronically. Some may require you to manually disconnect them under the vehicle.
✮ When a sway bar is disconnected, tires will raise higher or extend lower than before. This allow tires to maintain better ground contact.
✮ Disconnecting a sway bar typically leads to increased traction. It “maximizes your suspension travel” by allowing for more body roll.
✮ Some vehicles may occasionally struggle to disconnect the sway bars. If this occurs, drive slowly either a little forward or in reverse and/or shift your bodyweight in the car from side-to-side.
✮ It is easiest to disconnect (or reconnect) a sway bar when you are on flat/level ground.
✮ Sway bars can typically be disconnected (or reconnected) in either 4H or 4L, but typically you’ll likely already be driving in 4L mode.
✮ Your speed should always be very slow while the sway bar is disconnected. Staying under 20-30mph is recommended.
✮ Unlike locking differentials, it is OK to drive offroad for an extended time with the sway bar disconnected. However, do NOT drive on paved roads or drive fast with a disconnected sway bar as there is an elevated risk of vehicle rollover.
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FRONT AND REAR DIFFERENTIALS (AKA “LOCKERS” or "DIFS")
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✮ Locking your differentials increases traction!
✮ You want to lock your front and/or rear differentials whenever you expect to lose traction due to mud, loose rocks, sand, and/or snow.
✮ Avoid locking your differentials if your traction is expected to be OK/fine. Only lock the differentials if you expect to lose transaction.
✮ When you lock your differentials, it means that your tires will spin with the same amount of power and speed. This is what allows all tires that still have contact with the ground to continue to receive power. Prior to locking differentials, tires stuck in mud, sand, etc. may no longer be spinning.
✮ Many 4WD vehicles offer rear locking differentials, but some (especially the higher-end models) offer both rear and front locking differentials. For most offroad challenges, rear lockers are sufficient.
✮ For the most extreme moves and technical challenges, locking both front and rear differentials can be helpful.
✮ You should always try to lock the differentials just before you actually need them (as opposed to getting stuck in deep mud or sand and then locking them). However, you can lock them if you do get stuck, and often it will allow you to escape.
✮ You should lock your differentials immediately before an obstacle and unlock them immediately after. The amount of ground covered with locked differentials should be limited as much as possible. Turn off your lockers as soon as possible before you attempt to turn after an obstacle. Ideally you will leave some driving room before turning. WARNING! Do not continue to drive with locked differentials. Unlock them!
✮ Your speed should always be very slow when you are trying to lock your differentials and/or while using locked differentials.
✮ When you lock your differentials, it will limit your vehicle’s maneuverability (ability to turn). You generally only lock your differentials when you are driving straight or making only slight turns.WARNING! Do not attempt to take a sharp turn if you have both the front and rear differentials locked.
✮ You will want to lock both front and rear differentials when going straight through deep mud or sand.
✮ Locking differentials is far more important when going up than down. Gravity naturally helps you on the way down.
✮ If you are climbing an obstacle and need to immediately turn after, only lock the rear. Locking the front makes turning difficult if not impossible.
✮ Avoid using front lockers when descending. You will have poor steering and control. You can use rear lockers when going downhill if needed.
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CRAWL CONTROL (used in 4L driving mode only) |
✮ Crawl control allows for slow, steady, and controlled movement without having to use brakes.
✮ Crawl control can be very helpful for both steep ascents and descents.
✮ Many vehicles allow you to set crawl control speeds by adjusting the manual mode (“M”) mode on your shifter. For example, depending on the vechicele, M1 might be = 0.6mph (use this for steep descents) and M8 might be = 5.0mph.
✮ Crawl control typically only works in 4L mode. It does NOT usually work in 4H mode.
✮ In Jeeps, the crawl control button is typically found to the right of the hazard button.
✮ Climb/descend hills straight/up or down. Do NOT turn the wheels on a hill due to rollover risk.
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✮ Always use a spotter for challenging obstacles
✮ Bring walkie talkies or CB radios if you have multiple vehicles. Children's walkie talkies can work well, but there are better options.
✮ Always turn traction control off when off-roading (it is usually on by default)
✮ Place your wheel on the tallest part of the obstacle
✮ Bring “traction boards” if there is going to be significant mud, snow, and/or sand
✮ With short sections of deep sand or mud, a good amount of speed is recommended. You may be able to make it through with 4H with speed.
✮ Many 4WD vehicles have infotainment system “apps” that show off-roading data (e.g. roll, mode, tire PSI, etc.)
✮ Bring 1-2 days’ worth of water and food in case you get stuck in a remote location. Maybe even bring camping equipment just in case as well.
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OFFROADING APPS / RESOURCES |
The following apps are great for finding and driving 4x4 routes. Try to download areas/maps before you lose internet service.
✮ onX Offroad
✮ Trails Offroad
✮ Gaia GPS
✮ AllTrails
✮ iOverlander
In addition to apps, some areas are covered by excellent guidebooks (e.g. Moab, Utah has an amazing book by FunTreks).
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OFFROAD DRIVING AREAS IN THE U.S.
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Some of the best offroad driving in the country can be found in these areas:
✮ Big Bend Ranch State Park (TX)
✮ Blackwater Draw OHV Area, (TX)
✮ Canyonlands National Park (UT) - e.g. White Rim Trail (100 miles loop), Devils Lane, Elephant Hill Road, driving in the Maze District
✮ Capital Reef National Park (UT)
✮ Death Valley National Park (CA)
✮ Grand Canyon National Park (AZ) - e.g. Toroweap
✮ Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (UT)
✮ Lake Tahoe (CA) - e.g. Rubicon Trail
✮ Moab (UT) - e.g. Hell's Revenge, White Rim Trail, Fins & Things, Seven Mile Rim Trail, etc.
✮ Ouray (CO) - e.g. Imogene Pass
✮ Sand Hollow State Park (UT)
✮ Sedona (AZ) - e.g. Soldier Pass, Broken Arrow, etc.
✮ Telluride (CO) - e.g. Black Bear Pass
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In addition to the information found on my website, I personally recommend purchasing these 4x4 guidebooks. Click on any link to read reviews and/or purchase these books on Amazon.com (affiliate).
Moab, UT Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails
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As an Amazon Associates affiliate, this website contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase any products after clicking any Amazon.com link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. I only endorse products that I have personally used or those that come highly recommended by trusted peers.
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