Tips for First Time Off-Roaders

Lessons Learned on Rocky Gravel Roads

When I first ventured onto those rugged gravel roads, I had no understanding of off-roading. To be honest, I didn’t even grasp the intensity of the experience or what it truly entailed. I simply assumed it was just driving on gravel with a bit of mud sprinkled in for good measure.

Looking back, there are several key techniques I wish I had known during those early trail adventures. These insights could have made my initial experiences not only smoother but also more enjoyable

You can also check out these Off-Road Basics on my YouTube Channel. 

My Jeep climbing a rock obstacle

One of them was simultaneous brake/throttle operation otherwise known as “Two Footed Driving”. There are several off-road conditions that require this type of driving. When climbing rocks or stepped objects using light brake pressure with light throttle will keep the vehicle from jerking or lurching.

This technique should also be used when you need to stop and restart a vehicle on a steep incline. 

Climbing an obstacle with a spotters help

Another important key for a successful off-road trip is controlling your vehicle. Each different terrain has a different effect on the steering which means you always need to keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and maintain a good driving posture. 

Even when your Jeep goes off camber you need to keep your back parallel to the seat. You need to resist the urge to stay “upright” and go “off camber” in your seat with the Jeep. This will help you become familiar with what it feels like and give you a better feel for off-camber situations to help you control your Jeep better. 

Off camber at Rausch Creek

Airing down your tires is a must to give you a bigger footprint while you are out on the trails or in the sand or mud or snow.  When you do air down you need to be aware of your air pressure while you are off-road. Reduced tire pressures could cause tire unseating and total loss of air pressure. To reduce the risk of tire unseasting while at a reduced tire pressure, reduce your speed and avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers. 

Read more about Off-Road Basics: Airing Down

Airing up my tires

Slowing down in general is a good idea anyway. Take your time to traverse those obstacles and trails to prevent any damage or injury. Taking your time also allows you to enjoy nature and gives you a break from the busy everyday stresses of life.

Additional Tips

• Never go off-road alone on the trails. 

• Use a spotter if you don't feel confident going over obstacles.

• Have a recovery kit and plan. 

• Use the words passenger and driver instead of left and right when spotting. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the most important skill for off-roading?

The most important skill is knowing how to pick the right line while driving over obstacles. Understanding vehicle clearance, traction control, and proper throttle application is also key.

2. What’s the best tire pressure for off-roading?

Lowering your tire pressure to 12-18 PSI helps improve traction by increasing the tire’s surface area. The exact PSI depends on terrain—rocks and sand require lower PSI, while mud may need slightly higher PSI to prevent sidewall damage.

3. What gear should I use for off-roading?

Use 4WD Low (4L) for steep climbs, descents, or rock crawling. Use 4WD High (4H) for mud, sand, or snow where you need momentum. 

4. How do I recover a stuck Jeep safely?

First, assess the situation—never rush. Use recovery boards, a winch, or a tow strap if necessary. Always attach recovery gear to proper recovery points (not the bumper or axle) and avoid jerky movements when pulling a stuck vehicle.

5. Do I need a lift kit for off-roading?

A lift kit helps with ground clearance, but it’s not required for light off-roading. Stock Wranglers handle most trails, but a 2-3” lift and 33-35” tires improve capability for tougher terrain.

Live Your Best Life

Instead of wondering when your next vacation is, maybe you should set up a life you don’t need to escape from. ~Seth Godin

What does it mean?

Living your best life means pursuing happiness and fulfillment aligned with your values and passions. It involves making intentional choices that prioritize your well-being.

Intentional Choices

This concept encourages nurturing relationships and engaging in meaningful work. It also includes embracing hobbies that bring you joy.

Personal Growth

Living your best life focuses on personal growth and self-care. It’s about celebrating achievements and cultivating a positive mindset.

Openness to New Experiences

Ultimately, it’s a journey of self-discovery. You define what success means to you and strive to create a life that reflects your true self.

Jeep Momma driving topless

Steps to Start Living Your Best Life

Declutter your Stuff 

Be purposeful about this. Go drawer by drawer, closet by closet. Then do it all again in a couple of months. Emotionally holding on to stuff bogs down your life. 

Stop using those excuses, "one day I will use it" or "I spent a lot of money on that I can't". That is living in the past or living in the future. Live in the here and now. 

Check out my guide on How to Simplify Your Life 

Declutter Your Past Emotions

This was the hardest one for me to do. When I moved to Colorado in 2020 I knew I was on the road to my best life, but something was holding me back. I was blinded by my own emotions. I was grieving a loss, so many losses, my home, my old life, my old friends, my marriage. 

I placed a lot of unnecessary guilt on myself. I carried around so much anger from wrongs done to me. I needed to forgive myself and let go of those wrongs before I could truly move on. 

Even years later I was still blinded by my own emotions and those emotions grew heavier with more losses. Finding my faith again put me back on the right path.

For some of us it takes years to sort through the past. It's necessary to truly move on. 

Declutter Your Time

Reduce your commitments like volunteering or events you attend. Re-evaluate your job. I started slowly with my volunteer commitments. I taught myself to say no. My Maryland job loss was not on purpose but being let go was a blessing in disguise.

For more on how to declutter your life check out my book on Amazon - How to Declutter Your Life a Step by Step Guide. 

Declutter Your Electronic Life 

Reduce your time on social media, reduce the amount of social media you have, reduce your information overload, and most importantly disconnect from the world once in a while. Information overload can be debilitating. 

Declutter Your Relationships

Cut out the negative people in your life. This is a hard one to do, but very necessary. Negative people are very draining emotionally. 

Ways to Craft a Life You Don't Need to Escape From 

• Make Relationships a Priority.
• Remove Unneeded Possessions from Your Home and Life.
• Make Your Work Your Job.
• Or, See Your Job as Part of Your Work.
• Guard Your Time.
• Take Care of Yourself.
• Appreciate Your Season in Life.
• Understand the Reality of Trials in Life.
• Find Happiness in Your Every Day.

It's all about discovering and recognizing happiness. If we get rid of the clutter we can see the happiness. It can be appreciated in the simple things in life. 

Changing our mindset and knowing where to focus the energy is required. It won't happen overnight as it takes a long time to really start feeling true happiness in the simple.