Do's and Dont's of off-roading

[jkchubbes]

Im new to owning a jeep and my buddy and I want to take it off-roading :drivin: but I have never done this before and I was wondering what the Do's and Dont's of off-roading is. I have a 1984 Grand Wagoneer. Any advice would be much appreciated, thank you.

[FSJ Guy]

Read up on Tread Lightly. Go with a group of friends who are experienced. Follow their lead. (let's hope they're setting a good example!)

Short version: T.R.E.A.D. Lightly, don't do anything that would cast a negative light on the sport, (even if you think no one is around! <g>). Be courteous to others you meet on the trail (on foot, hoof, or other vehicle). Use common sense and don't do anything that would annoy you if you saw someone doing it.

[2nd Day]

Your going to get a lot of info on this thread I think (and hope)...a few that I didnt know about when I started:

-People coming down the trail have right of way
-ATV's will get around you one way or another....its usally best to let them
-Pack it in, pack it out
-Safety first
-Get a tree saver strap
-Tow straps with hooks are not ok, get looped ones.
-Tow ball is not a suitable tow point
-Dont use chains to get people unstuck
-If you use a winch cable throw a blanket on it before pulling (it can snap and cut you in half-the blanket absorbs the tension)
-If your not sure if its legal wheeling land-just stay off of it.

Thats all that comes to mind right now....

[incommando]

Know what is ahead of you, even if it means (gasp) getting out and pre-walking an area.

[RicoBlaster]

- Don't wheel alone
- Only wheel in legal areas
- Tow points, tow points, tow points
- Only use straps with looped ends...no hooks!
- Basic tools are nice to carry
- CBs are great for communicating between rigs
- Take some food and water...you don't know how long you'll be out there!
- Try a variety of terrain, but don't try to go from "newbie" to "hardcore" in one trail ride

[rustywagoneers_com]

think it through.
what might happen if...

that doesn't mean don't try...
just think further ahead than your next move...
whether wheeling, recovering, or repairing...

enjoy!
FSJ's are an outstanding platform to start wheeling from

peace
Dave

[jaybird]

Join a local club, the dues will more than be repaid in wheelin' lessons and legal areas to ride. We can accomplish more as a group than alone.

[will e]

When going up a hill go straight (unless there is a trail with switch backs). If you can't make it up BACK DOWN slowly. Do not try to turn around. If you pick up too much speed try to avoid locking the tires.

If you have a 'spotter' make sure they know what they are doing. An inexperienced spotter can actually make things worse.

Don't be afraid to pile rocks to get over something. Remove the rocks when you are done.

Invest in a Hi-lift jack. You will thank me later.

Probably the most dangerous part is when you are trying to pull out a STUCK rig. As was mentioned above, make sure you understand what not to do/use. Also, if you take little ones with you make sure they stay away from the area while you are getting unstuck. Getting stuck is part of the fun so don't get over excited or in a hurry.

For the baby jeeps... when going up steep hills, if you are about to or are in the process of flipping it over (Front end going over) do NOT hit the brakes, hitting the brakes makes the rear tires act as a fulcrum point. It is not likely you will have this problem on a Waggy since it has a much longer wheel base.


ALWAYS take tortilla's, cheese and salsa on the trail so you can make cheese crisps. But keep the coolers, tool boxes, and anything that you don't want to have hit you on the head tied down or, better yet, on the outside of the truck.

Here's me in my stock 81 waggy with street tires. You can see the pile of rocks. No shame in that...

http://www.fullsizejeeps.com/jeeps/files/AZ_FSJers/P5040033.jpg

[derf]

Here's me in my stock 81 waggy with street tires. You can see the pile of rocks. No shame in that...

You did put the rocks back so other rigs could enjoy the challenge, right? The only time I don't like rock stackers is when they leave their ramps on an obstacle so there's no challenge for me. I'll help stack the rocks for less capable rigs but I insist the rocks go back where you found them when you're done.

As far as advice for newbies:

1. Go with someone more experienced. They can show you what to do.
2. Stay on the trail.
3. Go with someone more experienced. They can show you what not to do.
4. Pack out what you pack in.
5. Never go wheeling alone. Always have 2 or more vehicles.
6. NEVER use straps with hooks. Always use straps with loops. This is why you don't use hooks (http://www.southernhighrollers.com/tips/articles/a_near_miss_from.htm).
7. Go with someone more experienced. Listen to them and do what they say. Don't learn the hard way.

[orangecherokee]

Do brings drugs and alcohol. I don't know how many times I've had to swallow a handle full of pills and chug a tall boy to help sooth my nerves and get me clear headed. definitely take both. :drivin:

[chr1s]

Do brings drugs and alcohol. I don't know how many times I've had to swallow a handle full of pills and chug a tall boy to help sooth my nerves and get me clear headed. definitely take both. :drivin:

:lol:

[BRUTUS]

Do brings drugs and alcohol. I don't know how many times I've had to swallow a handle full of pills and chug a tall boy to help sooth my nerves and get me clear headed. definitely take both. :drivin:

I second that... bring plenty so you don't run out! Running out could be catastrophic! :lol:

[Don S]

Your going to get a lot of info on this thread I think (and hope)...a few that I didnt know about when I started:

-People coming down the trail have right of way
....
..
2nd Day;

Where do you do your wheeling?

... In Colorado there is a state law that vehicles traveling up hill
have the right of way over vehicles going down hill.

There is a stafey reason for having the law. Can you guess why?

Have a good one and http://sc.groups.msn.com/tn/BC/C2/JEEPTECH101/1/b.jpg (http://javascript<b></b>:tn_click_pic(11, 108, 160)) “Jeep Jeep!” CUL.. Don S..

[will e]

..
2nd Day;

Where do you do your wheeling?

... In Colorado there is a state law that vehicles traveling up hill
have the right of way over vehicles going down hill.

There is a stafey reason for having the law. Can you guess why?

Have a good one and http://sc.groups.msn.com/tn/BC/C2/JEEPTECH101/1/b.jpg (http://javascript<b></b>:tn_click_pic(11, 108, 160)) “Jeep Jeep!” CUL.. Don S..


What's a stafey?

It's because the truck going uphill has the momentem. Stopping means it would loose this and might have to 'back down'.???????????

[Lindel]

Take it slow and easy, no need to rush, unless you entered the Tuff Truck Challenge.

Learn what your rig is and isn't capable of before you jump on the +4 or +5 trails, it will last longer and you'll have more fun.

Remember, 4 wheel drive means you can now get to a worse place to be stuck at...... ;)

[uglyjeepling]

- Tow points, tow points, tow points
- Only use straps with looped ends...no hooks!


Where can I get some good hooks that will fit nicely on the FSJ frame? Do they make something that will fit into the stage 3 tow receiver? Like a big hook?

[jkchubbes]

Thanks guys, does anyone here know of any places in Kern County in California or near by to go offroading at?

[Ralph Rogers]

A lot of what you hear are opinions.
So things I do/don't and my opinions:
Being good at wheelin' comes with time and going wheelin'.
You have to try some things to get good at them.
Following only teaches you to follow and make the same mistakes the guy in front of you does. You can watch others, you don't have to follow them.
Use you head.
Get your feet wet.
Start off slow.
I go wheelin' by myself quite often. I am prepared for it.
I, personally, will NEVER use a tow strap to get some one unstuck, they are for towing. I use a chain, or maybe the correct kind of strap.
I give right of way if I have a place to pull over and they don't. I may even back up if there is a spot close by. I assume they are idiots.
I let quads go by as I HATE most of them and don't want them around me.
Trailer balls make good, short tow, tow points, not "get unstuck" points.
Stay on the trail.
There are a lot of buttheads off road, just ignore them, and watch out for them.
Help people when they need help. You will get payed back either way.
Share.
Eat a lot of Will e's cheese crisps. They help.

Ralph

[Gambler68]

..
2nd Day;

Where do you do your wheeling?

... In Colorado there is a state law that vehicles traveling up hill
have the right of way over vehicles going down hill.

There is a stafey reason for having the law. Can you guess why?

Have a good one and http://sc.groups.msn.com/tn/BC/C2/JEEPTECH101/1/b.jpg (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:tn_click_pic%2811,%20108,%20160%29) “Jeep Jeep!” CUL.. Don S..


yeah, because on some hills, the right lane has no where to pull over into, unless the truck has wings or a parachute :D

..or the guys coming downhill have already run out of pills and hard liquor and they need to make it town before the stores close. :rolleyes:

[Slick Willie]

Tow straps are used for yanking. Chains are not. Tow straps with hooks should be avoided like the plague.
Pills and alcohol makes wheeling much more fun. Especially if you're going uphill and someone else is coming downhill and you can't remember who is supposed to pull over. Which reminds me, have strong bumpers that are securely connected to the frame.
Don't take $hit from little jeeps...you're bigger than them...show them who's boss.
You own a FSJ, you're going to break parts or leak lots of fluids...be prepared.
You can't see your front tires, more than likely, so just use a lot of right foot. You'll eventually make it over it or break something.

[wagger]

Jacob I live in Tehachapi and know of a few places to wheel I have experience and would never say I am an expert. Send me a pm if I can help. My wag is down for 2 more weeks but that won't stop me.
John

[Don S]

What's a stafey?

It's because the truck going uphill has the momentem.
Stopping means it would loose this and might have to 'back down'.???????????
..
will e;

... lol!!:D My left fore finger got ahead of the right fore finger.
I guess I need to install a safety on the left finger. :eek:

... The reason for having the safety law is:
Most Vehicles with drum type brakes do not have the stopping power in
reverse that they have in forward. And even with good modern brakes
you are more likely to lose control backing down hill while looking for a
wide spot to get passed by another vehicle.

http://www.fullsizejeeps.com/jeeps/files/1963-1983-Wagoneers/fsj11.jpg
Reno Divide near Crested Butte Co

Have a good one and ;) “Jeep Jeep!” CUL.. Don S..

[will e]

..
will e;

... lol!!:D My left fore finger got ahead of the right fore finger.
I guess I need to install a safety on the left finger. :eek:

... The reason for having the safety law is:
Most Vehicles with drum type brakes do not have the stopping power in
reverse that they have in forward. And even with good modern brakes
you are more likely to lose control backing down hill while looking for a
wide spot to get passed by another vehicle.

http://www.fullsizejeeps.com/jeeps/files/1963-1983-Wagoneers/fsj11.jpg
Reno Divide near Crested Butte Co

Have a good one and ;) “Jeep Jeep!” CUL.. Don S..

That does not look like a good place for pills and beer. ;)

[Ralph Rogers]

If there ever was a picture you'd holy sh#$ on. That would be one!
Ralph

[Slick Willie]

Looks like it's a tad bit cropped. :rolleyes: Although there are a few trails in Moab that's kinda like that, not near as bad, but I can't remember the name...I think it's cliff hanger.

That does not look like a good place for pills and beer. ;)

I would want to be on a lot of pills and alcohol to try that trail! ;)

[uglyjeepling]

Holy Sh##! That shale doesnt look too sturdy! I think I may pass on that one. But thanks for the technical reasoning on the laws. ;)

[BRUTUS]

http://www.fullsizejeeps.com/jeeps/files/1963-1983-Wagoneers/fsj11.jpg


Don... thats a doctored image! shame on you!

Look at the shadow the FSJ casts on the ground... where is that light coming from? And the resolution of the FSJ doesn't match the resolution of the background! Pretty good but not good enough! :D

[utvolsfan]

So, how do you connect to D rings if you're not supposed to use straps or cables with hooks?

[Don S]

Don... thats a doctored image! shame on you!

Look at the shadow the FSJ casts on the ground... where is that light coming from? And the resolution of the FSJ doesn't match the resolution of the background! Pretty good but not good enough! :D
..
BRUTUS;

... Well, Yes and No.. :D
The Waggie was really up there on Reno Divide in 1987. But the day we were there we only took VHS videos that I still have. In the picture the Waggie was added to a photo I scanned (and erased a Disco and reversed) from a magazine.

… Once a truck starts rolling sideways or end over end down a 45 degree drop off for a 1000 feet it will spoil your day about as bad as the 500 foot vertical drop on Engineer Pass Road.:omfg:

… Jeepstress took the Waggie photo I used when we were up on Yankee Boy in 2004.
Have a good one and http://sc.groups.msn.com/tn/BC/C2/JEEPTECH101/1/b.jpg (http://javascript%3cb%3e%3c/b%3E:tn_click_pic%2811,%20108,%20160%29) “Jeep Jeep!” CUL.. Don S..

[goldhammer]

Warn and others make a solid reciever hitch shackle mount tow point. The "D" rings are actually large shackles that the pin screws out of, slip the loop of the snatch strap over it and reassemble. 2 to 3 inch wide strap is usually sufficient to unstick a rig, and they are normally 20 feet for the 2" and 30 feet for the 3". If you eventuallu go to a winch, mount points are usually on the mount for hooks. Take a look at the frame on your rig and then scrounge the boneyard for some mid 90's GM hooks from a truck or suburban. Anchor them with some decent grade 8 bolts that fit the holes snugly, and washers on the back side of the rails, as big as you can fit. Ditto on joing a club, check out Calif. 4 wheel drive assoc, southern district for some in your area. Most all the folks will welcome you with open arms and they have a wealth of knowledge for you.

Welcome to the madness, but leave the beverage in the cooler till it is campfire and chair time. The guys were just funnin' about that one:D , that will make you most unwelcome with most responsible clubs in a big hurry.

[Don S]

..
Well Gang we left out a few important items from the off roading list.

... Know what type of emergeny service is avalible, how to get it, how long it will take them to locate you and to get to you. It may be better (quicker) to take an injury to a hospital than to wait. This happened at Ouray!

... When trailing in a group always keep the person behind you in sight even if you have to stop. If all in the group do this no one will get lost or fall off a cliff without every one knowing about it.

The Hospital for the Silverton-Telluride-Ouray area is in Montrose.
Been there, Done that.
maps below:

http://www.fullsizejeeps.com/jeeps/files/1963-1983-Wagoneers/MontHosp1.jpg (http://www.fullsizejeeps.com/jeeps/files/1963-1983-Wagoneers/MontHosp1.jpg)
http://www.fullsizejeeps.com/jeeps/files/1963-1983-Wagoneers/MontHosp2.jpg (http://www.fullsizejeeps.com/jeeps/files/1963-1983-Wagoneers/MontHosp2.jpg)
Have a good one and http://sc.groups.msn.com/tn/BC/C2/JEEPTECH101/1/b.jpg (http://javascript%3cb%3e%3c/b%3E:tn_click_pic%2811,%20108,%20160%29) “Jeep Jeep!” CUL.. Don S..