There’s no better time to take your lifted Jeep on an off-road adventure to explore the trails than during the summer. Warm temperatures, sunny skies and no more snow on the ground are just a few of the reasons we love summer trail adventures. It’s important, however, to prepare your vehicle before navigating the rocky terrains and muddy paths that lie in wait for you. So today, we’re going to give you the rundown on how to prep your lifted Jeep before tackling the trails this summer!
Inspect Suspension & Lift Kit
Your suspension system and lift kit are two of the most integral parts to the off-road activities that you want to take your lifted Jeep on, so it’s a great place to start. Before setting out on your off-road trip, be sure to check the various components that make them up, including your shocks, control arms, track bars and bushings. Make sure any and all bolts are tight, check for obvious damage or if anything is leaking, and make sure that your lift kit is properly tuned for the terrain you’re planning to tackle.
Check Tires
Obviously your tires are just as if not even more important than those last two, as they deliver the traction and grip you need to tackle those various off-road activities. Make sure your air pressure is properly calibrated to be within safe limits, even if you are releasing some of the pressure to enhance your grip on rugged terrain. You’ll also want to inspect your tires for anything else that could be wrong with them, such as uneven wear, embedded debris, sufficient tread depth and cracking. Don’t risk off-roading if you determine you need new tires!
Test Brakes
Brakes are obviously another crucial aspect of your off-road vehicle, especially if the trails you’re planning to tackle involve steep climbs and sharp descents. You’ll want to be sure your brakes are in tip-top shape before hitting the proverbial road, so check everything for signs of extreme wear or any leaking. Brake pads, brake rotors, brake lines and any other brake components should be inspected and cleaned, especially if you recently tackled muddy or sandy terrain.
Secure Undercarriage
Naturally, your undercarriage is more exposed to danger whenever you go off-roading, which is why protection like skid plates and other types of armor are often recommended for your custom off-road builds. If you already have undercarriage protection, inspect everything to make sure it’s secure, working properly and protecting all of your vital components, such as the oil pan, transmission and fuel tank. If you don’t, consider adding some reinforcements before taking your trip, as it could save you money by preventing costly repairs later.
Pack Recovery Gear & Essentials
No matter how experienced you are or kitted out your vehicle is, anyone can find themselves stuck in deep mud, loose sand or similar situations while off-roading. It’s incredibly important to bring essential recovery tools like tow straps, a winch, traction boards and even a high-lift jack, especially if you don’t have recovery gear already integrated into your lifted Jeep.
An ordinary toolkit should be packed as well, as unexpected mechanical issues could always happen in the while as well. And you should always have contingencies when hitting the trails as off-roading can be incredibly unpredictable, so bring other essentials as well. Here’s a full list of things we recommend packing in your vehicle in addition to recovery gear:
- Socket and wrench set
- Screwdrivers and pliers
- Spare bolts and fuses
- Tire repair kit
- Duct tape and zip ties
- Extra food and water
- First-aid supplies
- Emergency blankets
- Hydration packs and electrolytes
If you follow these suggestions for preparation, you should have plenty of great fun on your trail adventures this summer! Feel free to give us a call with any questions.
