Jeep Technical Tips

The Leader in Off Road Performance

The original Willys MB, the 2010 Wrangler, the Wrangler Unilited, the Jeep Liberty?the list goes on of Jeep models produced over a long and storied history of off road capable vehicles. In fact 4x4 and Jeep are almost one in the same. Jeep brand has been the leader in 4x4 innovation and off-road capability for over 66 years. They even have their own exclusive Trail Rated standard. The Trail Rated badge means that the Jeep 4x4 model has been designed to perform in five categories of off-road conditions: traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation, and water fording. While many owners of 4x4s never leave the paved road, it is never too late to start. We offer the following tips for the beginner Jeep off roader.

Knowing Your Jeep

A Factory Service Manual, although priced at around $100, will provide you with all the tech support you'll need. It will give you the ability to fix your Jeep while avoiding the mechanics high labor fee. It is important to have a basic understanding of the inner working and special off road. Even with rocks, snow, or mud, four wheeling just isn't the same if you are on flat land.  Mountains, dry waterfalls, and sheer cliffs add to the terrain.  Not all hills are created equal though.  Some are looser or steeper than others and may pose a problem for the unprepared. 

Tips for Steep Terrain

Take Your Time - The biggest mistake you can make is to mash the gas when attempting steep obstacles. Instead of stabbing the throttle, back down and analyze the obstacle.  Try a slightly different line or a little more speed.  Spinning tires don't provide nearly as much traction as tires that are stuck to the ground.

Know what's Ahead - If you cannot see the other side of the hill or obstacle you are about to attempt, it is wise to get out and check ahead to make certain that it is safe.  Once you are belted in and behind the wheel it is too late to worry about what is on the other side or if there is traffic coming the other way down the trail.  Another reason to check ahead is to survey the terrain.  Once you start up the climb, it is likely that all you will see is hood and sky. 

Use Your Gears - The key to making it up (or down) excessively steep terrain is to pick the right gear.  Too high of a gear and you risk stalling; too low of a gear and you might not have the speed to keep your vehicle moving.  You want to have enough momentum to make it to the end of the climb without having to shift in the middle of the obstacle. This is generally easier in vehicles with more gearing options, such as dual transfer cases, or with automatics, since the torque converter provides a safe margin for error. 

Winch for Safety - If you think that there is a chance you might roll backwards off a steep ascent, or forwards off of a descent, hook up the winch to be safe.  It is better to have the winch attached and not need it than to have to fumble to find the controller and unspool the cable in a precarious situation.  Just remember not to run the cable over as you make forward progress.
Wrangler or Wrangler Unlimited? - A Jeep Wrangler and a Wrangler Unlimited (4 door) on the same climb will produce drastically different results.  The extra three feet of wheelbase on the Unlimited means that on many obstacles, the front tires are already up before the rear tires reach the ledge.  Similarly, on descents there is less chance the rear of the vehicle will try to pass the front.  The tradeoff is maneuverability.  The two-door Wrangler will be superior in tight trails and angled objects that require a good breakover angle. 

Avoid a Stall - While it is nearly impossible to kill the engine in a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission, rigs fitted with manuals are much easier to stall.  When the engine shuts off, power brakes and power steering essentially become manual.  This can greatly reduce your ability to stop and turn just when you need it the most.  Attempt to keep the vehicle running at all times if possible.  If the engine does stall, attempt to restart it with the transmission in gear and the clutch out.  A hand throttle is another helpful modification to keep the engine running while your feet work the clutch and the brake pedals. 

It's Time to Leave the Road

Most four wheel drive vehicles never use the feature, and even fewer ever take their vehicle off road. An estimated 80% of all four wheel drive owners NEVER engage low four wheel drive!  What is great about a Jeep is that it is perfect for both a busy family and the hardcore off road enthusiast. There is no other vehicle that has such a diverse user base. While many Jeep owners may be interested in off roading, it can be hard to know where to begin. The main reason most people don't go off road is that they don't know how to, or they simply don't want to risk damaging their vehicle. If you are just starting out then its best to find a 'beginner trail' - one that will not have as step terrain and technical areas.  Once you have the feel of handling your Jeep off road, through mud and across non-paved terrain you can move to steeper inclines and tighter trails. Just remember to always drive safe and to 'Tread Lightly', leaving the area as clean as it was when you arrive. There are many off road Jeep clubs that hold events, as well as offering a way to learn more person to person. Check out local Jeep Clubs on our Florida Jeep Club page.

What is 'Trail Rated'

Trail Rated traction helps you stay in control on untamed terrain, slippery (wet, mud, snow) conditions, and on steep grades. Trail Rated Jeep 4x4s have the footwork to navigate narrow gaps, dodge emergency situations and avoid cosmetic damage to underbody sills thanks to precision steering and optimized wheelbases.  A Trail Rated suspension is designed to be limber as flexibility is the key to good articulation. The more a wheel can travel, or flex, the better it can maintain contact with terra firma and provide the traction needed to cross an array of obstacles. Trail Rated Jeep models feature additional electrical and body sealing, along with a high air intake location for optimum water fording capability. It is important to note that it is not safe to attempt water fording unless depth is known to be less than 19 inches.