Off-roading seems to be all the rage, these days, but there are still a large number of people who have never participated in this activity and have only a dim idea of what it’s all about. If you’re one of these people, it’s likely that the term “off-roading” summons only some vague images of vehicles trundling through rugged terrain. Off-roading encompasses much more than this, of course, and, in fact, it is more diverse—and fun—than you may have suspected. Here we’ll take a closer look at the wide range of activities that make up this increasingly popular recreational activity. But first, let’s get down to basics:
What is off-roading?
In essence, off-roading refers to maneuvering a vehicle along any non-standard driving surface. This can mean gravel, mud, grasslands, open fields, sand, snow, riverbeds, dirt, and just about any other kind of terrain that isn’t a conventional paved road. For some, the appeal is all about testing and refining one’s driving abilities in difficult environments. Others just prefer to enjoy the great outdoors.
Types of Off-Roading Activities
Off-roading can be divided into a number of subsections. What follows isn’t a comprehensive list of off-roading activities, but these are the most popular ones.
You may have seen TV commercials where a sharp-looking 4x4 ambles expertly over a rocky terrain. If so, you probably know the basic idea behind rock crawling, easily among the most challenging of all off-roading ventures. This is not for beginners, to put it mildly. Rock crawlers take to rocky areas like mountainsides to test their driving mettle. For a variety of reasons, this activity is even more difficult than it may sound. Drivers can easily puncture a tire on the sharp edge of a rock. The uneven driving surface means that a crawler might pass over a protruding rock and damage vital components along the bottom of the vehicle. A driver could even tip the vehicle over. As a result, caution is essential—it’s called rock crawling precisely because it’s too dangerous to drive quickly over this type of terrain. If you embark on an expedition of this sort, it’s best to map out your path beforehand so you won’t run into any nasty surprises.
Green laning is the most broadly defined off-roading activity, as it basically refers to driving along any non-paved surface. It’s also the most leisurely of these endeavors: Most aficionados find that no special vehicular modifications are required, and no great level of skill is demanded of participants. However, drivers do need to be aware of rocks, holes, and other hazards that seldom appear on normal paved roads. Most commonly, green laning takes participants along grass, old dirt roads, disused paths, and similar off-the-beaten-track areas. It’s popular among off-roaders who just enjoy getting out and seeing nature. If you’re new to off-roading, you may wish to embark on a green laning expedition before you delve into other, more challenging activities.
Ever wondered what it’s like to drive across a sand dune? That’s what dune bashing is all about, the art of maneuvering a vehicle through sand. Some off-roaders travel as far as the Middle East to enjoy a dune bashing expedition in that region’s expansive sands. But it’s much more difficult than it looks: An insufficiently skilled driver will likely get stuck in the sand, or, even more dangerously, overturn the vehicle. To counteract this hazard, many dune bashers advise using broad tires, which provide a larger surface area for maximal traction on the sand; you can also deflate the tires of the vehicle to achieve more or less the same result.
Probably the most popular of all off-roading activities, mudding simply involves maneuvering your vehicle through mud. As you might expect, this isn’t a particular easy trick, as an unskilled driver could easily become stuck in mud while they helplessly spin their tires. The challenge of mudding is to keep this from happening. Casual participants simply enjoy plowing through mud and performing simple stunts, like 360-degree turns. More serious off-roaders time themselves as they race through an expanse of mud, or measure the distance they can travel before coming to a halt. In fact, mud racing is a serious business for some: There are several organizations dedicated to the sport, including the Mud Racers Association (www.mudracersassociation.com) and the American Mud Racing Association (www.iracemud.com). But if you go mudding, be prepared—getting stuck is extremely common, and you should have a backup vehicle with you that can supply a tow if needed. You may also wish to get some mud terrain tires.
Qualities to Look For in an Off-Roading Vehicle
While some types of activities can be safely performed by nearly any car or truck, most aficionados agree that serious off-roaders need the right kind of vehicle. So which features are most beneficial? You need a 4x4 vehicle with high ground clearance, which will help you get over rocks and other obstacles in your path. Also, torque and horsepower are important—they will help you muscle your way out of pits and holes. Keep in mind, though, that bigger trucks aren’t always best for off-roading, as they’re too bulky to maneuver around certain areas. In addition, some authorities recommend skid plates to help protect the underside of your vehicle. Another useful feature is a rollover sensing system; in a lot of off-road environments, it’s all too easy to overturn your vehicle.
Specific Vehicle Recommendations
Jeep is a name that many off-roaders swear by, and its appeal is easy to see. In particular, the Wrangler features solid axles that can accommodate bigger tires, which, in turn, increases the vehicle’s all-important ground clearance. Another attractive option is provided by the new 2015 Jeep Renegade (pictured above). Featuring the Jeep® Active Drive Low 4x4 system with a 20:1 crawl ratio, the 2015 Renegade Trailhawk® includes the five-setting Selec-Terrain traction control system. It also features skid plates, red tow hooks, hill descent control, and off-road suspension.
Places to Go in New Jersey
New Jersey sports a number of locales for the off-roading enthusiast. One of these is the Mount Pleasant State Off-Road Vehicle Park, located in Woodbine, Cape May County. Open on Saturdays and Sundays (weather permitting), this park gives owners of dirt bikes, all-terrain vehicles, and snowmobiles a suitable environment to enjoy the use of their vehicles. All participants are required to show proof of insurance and bring protective safety gear. Wharton State Forest—the largest state forest in New Jersey—is another hotspot, but be advised that only licensed and insured vehicles are allowed inside.
