So, you’re planning on investing in a 4WD vehicle, buying all the gear you’ll need, and can’t wait for your first off-road 4WD adventure? Not so fast. Simply jumping into your car and going wherever you want will leave you woefully unprepared – you need to do some careful planning first.

What do you do if something breaks? What terrain should you tackle? What should you pack? And what do you do if your car breaks down or gets stuck?

Read on to find out the answers to these common questions and more.

What Vehicle Do You Need?

The simple answer is: it depends.

But, you don’t need a top-of-the-range 4X4 to embark on a camping trip along a dirt road. If you’re not planning on driving up steep inclines, in deep mud, or over large rocks, a Jeep Renegade or used Land Rover Defender can handle bumpy dirt roads just fine (as long as they have all-terrain tires). Speak to a reputable dealership like pinedale dealerships to find out more about which 4X4 vehicle will suit your off-road needs.

If you already have a vehicle for your 4WD adventure, you’ll need to evaluate your experience and your vehicle’s capability, then adjust and plan your trips around that. You should only attempt to drive on the terrain you’re confident the vehicle can handle, or you can make some practical modifications.

When purchasing a car you plan to modify, start by creating a budget that includes the cost of the vehicle and the modifications. Bear in mind, though, buying a cheaper vehicle and modifying it usually makes more financial sense than spending a lot of money on the vehicle itself.

Is Off-Road Driving Really Off-Road?

The most common misconception about driving off-road is that you can go wherever you please, which is misguided and wrong. You’ll have to stick to specially-designated trails and terrain parks, dirt roads, and Off-Highway Vehicle areas.

Staying in designated areas and trails will ensure you don’t damage the environment – and besides, no vehicle would stand a chance against the pits, logs, mud, ditches, and boulders surrounding the designated trails. Another reason not to drive willy-nilly in any area is that your 4X4 is designed to cover a lot of ground – which means that you’ll be a long way from help if you run into a problem.

Developing Your Skills

Sitting in traffic on your daily commute will never hone your skills or prepare you for driving off-road.

You’ll need to have complete control over your vehicle in many dangerous situations. You’ll also need to have the tools and knowledge to recover your vehicle if it gets rolled, stuck, or immobilized.

The only way to develop the skills needed for driving off-road is to practice. You can start small by purchasing an older, cheaper 4X4 and practice tackling different terrain under the supervision of more experienced off-road drivers in controlled circumstances. Taking your new 4X4 out on a trail with no prior experience will not just be costly; it will be frustrating too.

Sign up for training classes at the annual overland rally or expo in your area, and look for 4X4 clubs and forums to join – spending time with like-minded 4X4 enthusiasts is the best way to learn.

What to Take With

Because every vehicle needs different tools and every individual has different needs, what people pack for their off-road trips varies.

However, there are a few must-haves you’ll need for any 4X4 adventure – no matter who you are or what vehicle you’re driving.

Tools for Repairs and Maintenance

Because you’re traveling with your vehicle, you’ll need to repair and maintain it while you’re on the road. The tools you’ll need to carry with you will depend on what vehicle you’re driving and which areas are prone to wear and tear or breakages.

Tire Repair and Spares

Undoubtedly, a vehicle’s weakest links are its tires. Tires are frequently damaged, and they are also the most crucial component when driving off-road. Start with a high-end set of tires that will survive punctures while maintaining good traction.

At a minimum, you’ll need to bring an air compressor, a puncture repair kit, and an off-road jack. As for spares, you only really need two – but ensure they are full-size.

Human Necessities

Besides the tools for your tires and car tool kit, you’ll also need human necessities like water. The general rule is to provide one gallon of water per person per day. You’ll also need food, shelter, a fire extinguisher, and a complete first-aid kit.

The great thing about 4X4 camping is that you can take so much with you while you travel – so take everything you need for comfort, as well as everything you need to cook hot meals.

Fuel

Another thing to consider is fuel. When driving off-road, expect your fuel consumption to double. To get around this, you can carry extra jerry cans of fuel or plan all your trips around gas stations. Remember that it’s better to bring too much fuel than too little, so carry more than you need to in case you run into an emergency.