Many pickup trucks are capable of off-road driving when properly outfitted. However, it’s important to be ready for the worst when exploring new terrain.

To help prepare your truck for extreme terrain, install larger tires with a lift kit and bumpers that can handle a winch. Barricade Tire Deflators make it easier to air down your tires to the correct pressure before going off-road.

Tires

When deciding which modifications to make for your off-road vehicle, the first upgrade should be a good set of all-terrain tires. These are designed to withstand both everyday driving and rough terrain and conditions, and they help you maintain traction even on soft surfaces. They also have features like sidewall lugs for added grip and puncture resistance.

When choosing an off-road tire, make sure the tread pattern is suited for the kind of terrain you’ll be traversing. Tread patterns that have large voids for self-cleaning and optimal traction in mud and loose terrain are ideal. Other features to look for include puncture resistance and a sturdy sidewall construction that can withstand rock gouging.

If you’re considering a larger-than-stock tire, be aware that it will change the original vehicle’s axle gear ratio and negatively affect acceleration and fuel efficiency. To minimize these effects, you’ll want to be sure the tire fits properly and is inflated to the manufacturer recommended level.

It’s also important to remember that while extreme levels of articulation are helpful when it comes to tackling uneven obstacles, this feature isn’t required for most off-road adventures. The ability to travel over a wide range of terrains and surfaces in a perpendicular line is more important for overall performance and safety.

Because of their increased wear, off-road tires require a higher degree of maintenance than standard street tires. In addition to checking and replacing air filters, regularly rotating tires will improve their lifespan. You’ll also want to periodically inspect your tires for physical damage, which can occur from rubbing against rocks, dirt or other objects on the trail. Having a tire pressure gauge is a necessity for any off-road enthusiast. This digital gauge offers quick, accurate readings up to 100 PSI and illuminates in the dark for easy use.

Hitch

When going offroad, you need to prepare for the worst. A recovery hitch is an essential part of any off-road adventure, allowing you to connect with another vehicle for assistance when you get stuck. Look for a strong hitch that is designed for off-road use, such as the DO35 by Husky. This model features a patented “Checklock” cap that doubles as both dust protection and a safety check. In addition, it offers unlimited articulation to handle rough terrain and a hand-free coupling system for ease of use.

Another important off-road accessory is traction boards, which help you gain traction on slippery surfaces. These are typically made of plastic or rubber with large-but-spiky knobs that dig into the ground and support your weight to provide additional grip. Some also have mounting holes and grab handles for easy use.

If you plan on going offroad in challenging environments, it is recommended to bring along a first aid kit and emergency blankets to ensure your safety. You should also consider investing in a fire extinguisher, which can be very useful in the event of a vehicle fire.

Your off-road vehicle should have a lot of ground clearance, a rugged set of tires, and underbody protection to avoid damage from rocks, logs, or other debris. You can further protect your vehicle by installing bumpers and skid plates, which help shield the undercarriage and other vital components from impact damage.

Lastly, if you are new to offroading, it is recommended that you take a course or spend some time learning the skills of driving in difficult conditions. This will allow you to safely navigate obstacles and enjoy your offroad trip, but even taking all of this into account, you should probably still care for cosmetics, a good place to start would be snagging a flag from a place like handyflag.com.

Skid Plates

Whether you’re a fan of river crossings, desert driving or cactus-dotted trails, the guts of your off-roading vehicle need to stay protected. A good set of skid plates will shield your truck or Jeep’s undercarriage from rocks, stumps and other debris that can damage vital components.

Skid plates aren’t just a fancy add-on, they’re an essential safety measure that will save you from expensive repairs. It only takes one rock to wreak havoc on the underside of your car, but a skid plate can protect critical areas like your oil pan, transfer case and gas tank from potential damage.

You can find a variety of styles and materials of skid plates, so choose the right one for your specific needs and terrain preferences. Steel offers maximum protection but can add significant weight to your vehicle, while aluminum is a lighter option that still provides adequate resistance to impacts. You can also buy full skid plate sets that provide coverage for your entire undercarriage, or belly pans that offer protection in a more limited area.

Front skid plates are a must for off-roaders, because they safeguard against front-end damage from impacting rocks and other debris. A good front skid plate will protect your engine oil pan and steering rack, which can be expensive to repair if they’re damaged.

You can find great deals on skid plates and other tough upgrades at 4 Wheel Parts, so you can keep your off-road vehicle ready for whatever adventures come your way. In addition to skid plates, you should consider a lift kit for increased ground clearance and other upgrades like a bull bar to protect your front end from branches and other hazards.

Bull Bar

Bull bars protect the front of your vehicle in case you encounter wildlife or need to ram through brush. These burly alloy hoops mount to your vehicle’s bumper and frame rails, ensuring that the front of your car is shielded from impacts and scrapes. They’re a must for anyone who plans to spend time exploring off-road terrain.

A well-made bull bar is made from strong materials such as steel and high-tensile or structural grade aluminium. The design should be free of sections bolted or welded together, allowing the bull bar to absorb impact forces and reduce damage. If you’re worried about the weight of a bull bar, there are lighter alternatives available that are still strong enough for off-road use.

In addition to protecting your 4WD from animal impacts and minor collisions, a good bull bar can also act as a mounting platform for recovery gear and winches, improve off-road capabilities, and enhance the aesthetic of your vehicle. While they’re not mandatory for all off-road drivers, they are a popular choice among many four-wheel drive enthusiasts.

Bull bars are available in a range of designs, from simple single-tube designs to dual- or triple-tube options that offer more protection and rigidity. They can also be equipped with LED lights, enabling you to tackle challenging terrain at night. It’s a good idea to get a bull bar that’s compatible with your vehicle, so that it’s easy to install and fits securely. While DIY culture is prevalent in New Zealand, it’s recommended to have a professional install your bull bar to ensure that it’s fitted correctly and safely. For added peace of mind, consider adding a skid plate to your bull bar to protect the undercarriage of your vehicle from rocks and debris.

Winch

If you’re planning to take your off-road vehicle into the wild, there are many different things you can do to enhance its performance. Some of the most common modifications are tires, suspension, and recovery gear. You’ll also want to add protection, such as rock sliders and bumpers, that protect your truck from damage from rocks and other obstacles. Other important components include a winch and recovery equipment, like a come-along strap, shackles, and a snatch strap, to help you get unstuck from the ground without having to hike out to look for assistance.

Tires are a critical component of off-road vehicles, as they’re what provide traction between the terrain and the vehicle. Choosing the right type of tires for each environment will improve your off-roading experience. For example, mud tires are different than sand or rock tires, and you’ll need to consider the size of your vehicle when selecting tires.

In addition to the right type of tires, you’ll need a proper suspension for off-road driving. The more weight you carry on your off-road vehicle, the harder it is for your suspension to absorb the shock of hitting obstacles. To increase your vehicle’s off-road capabilities, you can install a suspension lift kit to increase the height of your vehicle.

Regardless of how much you prepare your off-road vehicle, there are always potential issues that can arise on the trail. It’s important to be prepared for these situations by bringing emergency gear, such as first aid kits and flares, and by letting someone know where you are going so they can notify authorities or search teams if necessary. Additionally, it’s a good idea to bring a GPS system and/or maps, as cell service can be spotty in remote areas.