Rookie Mistakes When Offroading! 

I have seen a few rookie, and even experienced offroaders approach a unfamiliar obstacle. They stay in the vehicle, think f....it, punch the gas pedal and quickly learn they have screwed up. Several times over the years I've approached a obstacle. Got out, and walked the intended path. On foot your perception is vastly improved. Maybe that's why I've always made it home intact. Couple of minutes on foot could save you hours of misery, and expense damage.

1. As slow as possible, as fast as necessary. 2. When in doubt, send your buddy first.

I don't have any friends so I got recovery gear and a satellite communicator before anything else. lol.

Fire extinguishers!! Especially with some of the janky wiring I see coming from some peoples light bars and stuff!!! I have had to use my extinguishers on other rigs TWICE! They are well worth the $20 for a basic ABC 2.5lb and can save rigs and forests.

If you have manual hubs don't forget to lock them. I ran across 2 guys that were stxuk trying to dig them selves out for a long time because they didn't know to lock in their hubs. I just showed them how to lock them and they drove right out.

How about realizing you are in a natural environment,leave nothing behind and don't cut trails!!!we are constantly working to keep trails open!oh and it never hurts to pack out some other jerks trash!

If you’re new and going out with a group, still pair up with another buddy/rig in case you get separated. Went for a first-time snow run with a local group. Met at the designated spot and about 50 rigs were there. Started introducing myself and everyone headed out a short time later. Close to the trailhead, the large group splintered into several smaller groups as some aired down while others drove on. This continued up the trail and I got totally lost in the mix. Turns out there were multiple groups who all knew each other but were actually separate driving partners. Ended up solo with no way to turn back since the trail was essentially one-way (up in morning, down in the afternoon). Had to winch twice due to slippery packed snow and ice. Still had a great time but the experience would’ve been much better and safer with a partner.

Rule 1 - when in doubt stay the hell out. Rule 2 - see Rule 1 This simple principle kept me out of trouble many time were my friend not so much

I'm in Michigan where we don't have a lot of rocks. The most common mistake I see people making, even experienced off roaders, is using low lock in mud and snow where wheel speed is needed. By the time the trans shifts to a high enough gear to generate enough wheel speed to clean the tread out, they are already framed up.

My first time off-roading I wasn't nervous, scared or anxious even. I already know what to do thanks to videos like this that I watched beforehand that teaches you what to do on the trail. I drove an FJ cruiser that I just borrowed and wasn't even familiar with the rig. The best thing to do while off-roading is keep your cool, relax and enjoy the ride and apply what you learned and use plain and simple common sense.

I ended up taking an off road beginners class before actually wheeling my Jeep. I highly recommend that.

Learning how to brake with your left foot so you get maximum traction when going uphill/over an obstacle after stopping is a good one too.

I never had friends who had off-road vehicles or would off-road with they’re vehicles so it was me and my passenger trying not to get stuck but have fun

Keep your momentum,listen to your spotter and when in doubt throttle out.

I would say the only rookie mistake I made was not airing down. But I wasn't doing anything intense at the time. Airing down is a major way to gain more traction. You just need a compressor to air back up afterward which can be a pretty big expense.

Seeing how many driveshafts are busted on some of these older rigs, carrying a spare driveshaft and ujoints seems to be a good idea. especially if your rig is modified so you know you'll have the right part when you need it. I'm new to this offroad lifestyle myself. Looking to get a newer Ram, but prefer to drive my 84 Jeep J10. Overland Bound has a lot of newbie events for folks to learn how to offroad safely. I'm looking forward to participating in a few of those.

Reading some of the comments is sometimes the fun part of the videos, I have a 2016 hardrock Rubicon JKU, yes I have the light bars, limb risers, warn winch and high lift jack. But I never messed with the suspension as it is still stock height. Been off roading many years, even prior to this purchase never messed with the suspension. Center of gravity and all that stuff, and rarely have I been to the point of not getting where I want to go. Love 4x4ing at night, there for the lighting, and waking up the next morning to see the new discovery that awaits me. Night time is when you see the mountain lions and other elusive wild life on the trail

I agree with #5 the most. I see so many guys who haven’t ever wheeled that go out and outfit their new JK or JL with one tons and 40s or even buy a crawler and don’t know the basics of driving. It’s their money and their choice, but a $2,000 XJ would be a better option or even just a budget boost with 33s or even bone stock 4x4. Learn how to drive and learn what you really need to hit the trails you want to wheel. Great video!!!

All great points. I really like the last one, a good set of tires with proper offset wheels will take a factory proper offroad vehicle like a 4Runner TRD offroad/PRO, Jeep Rubicon, RAM Power Wagon, Rebel, Ford Raptor, ect ect pretty far. Rather buying thousands of dollars worth of suspension stuff and lighting, see what your OEM capabilities are and take a measured approach to improving your vehicle from there. I’ve taken my Power Wagon build pretty slow and found from weekend one it is very capable off the lot. After a year of wheeling it pretty regularly and through some challenging trails, I’m still rocking a completely OEM suspension, 37’s, proper offset wheels combined with some trimming to clear them, a OEM speedo recalibration for exact tire height, frame mounted rock sliders, and some after market beefier skid plates. I follow all kinds of tricked out beed locked light bar covered scratch free jeeps up trails and then proceed up the extra credit obstacles while they watch down below.

Don’t let your ego drive you. You’ll pay for it.

Great Review Need to go up on your volume The Vermonter

That Raptor with the Ford GT Livery is really cool!

Too many people right away lift their jeeps and put tires and lights but carry no gear not even a tire gauge or shovel or strap.

Search and rescue had to come get me! I slid off a trail,had no winch which would have saved me, tried to hilift my way out with my recovery straps but was a no go...since then I always bring all of my gear and leave a travel plan with someone if I don't return by a set time...

Among the most memorable 4x4 improvements: Beer lockers, and Lincoln lockers (where people welded their diffs locked)

So.... You knew me when I got my brand new 85 Jeep Laredo cj7. Did absolutely all those mistakes. Great hints. 36 years too late lol.

Nice that you finished with the LiteBrite Jeep at the end. The thing is a beast and Kevin and Brittany are very cool peoples.

#1. Beginners: Make friends with a serious off-roader, then ask them to come along on one of their adventures. You can learn a lot from them and the areas they off-road at and learning what different vehicles will do and not do. Like heavy vehicles don't do well in sand for example.

I go off road by myself all the time, because if I had to wait for others I would never get out. I'm not foolish about it though and I'm well prepared. My vehicle is very capable, I have decades of experience, and I'm fully equipped with all the self recovery gear required. Even if I don't have my camping gear (which would be unusual), I have everything needed to survive a few days in the bush. I always have water, MREs, emergency shelter and blankets, and the tools and material to start a fire.

I've been off roading a bit and this is my second jeep. This new jeep I'm not very use to yet. I would rather play dumb as far as being a newbie because it's better for me to save my jeep from damage then to be puffed up with owner pride and trash my jeep. I've pretty much always errored on the side of caution. Not made of money keeps me cautious (usually).

Lights before lockers!

Pick the right spotter a bad spotter can sometimes intentnaly try to get you to cause body damage.

Good points all. I've had my Jeep WK for 3 years now and only now I'm planning on putting OME lift on it and do a complete control arm overhaul. Might as well slap a winch on it too, since why not. It took me this long, since I wanted to become familiar with my WK and what it can do while overlanding and a bit more room between transfercase and bottom overall (might put some armor there too) seems to be what it's lacking for my use mostly. Winch just for added security, since some places can get a bit soft when driving around 😁 Not planning to go nuts on the lift, so OME is all I need. And yeah, not good idea to go alone, unless you absolutely know the place and your vehicle and you can call help relatively easy. Always have some sorta back up plan 👍

I have a 2020 Jeep gladiator and new. I'd suggest long wheel base and making turns + best way to "straddle" a line.

I love out-wheeling all those new "bolt on" rigs in my '81 CJ5!!! SO SATISFYING!

Thanks for the info as I fit right in with all the points u made. Just got my rig a month ago.

if your going wheeling and ARENT planning on getting stuck, you arent going wheeling...stuck is where the real fun starts

should do a mid level video. i used to have 4x4 trucks 12 years ago but am only getting back into it. almost have my rig built up then time to learn how to crawl instead of mud.

Rookie Mistake.. wearing your hat, pinning your ears down. Ball caps are designed to wear above your ears.

One semi-experienced mistake is to think that off-road experience on one type of terrain translates to another. Some experience does, other experience just lends to over confidence. My personal embarrassment was my first encounter with really seriously wet clay. I'd successfully negotiated similarly wet areas in a two-wheel drive pick up. What could go wrong? This time the base was at least six inches of really wet, really fine clay, like grease. Luckily it was just off an easily driveable stretch and a tow operator could just reach my rear bumper with the winch. He was also an off-roader and had lots of experience in really wet clay, and as he was getting me out gave me some really good pointers that I never have forgotten.

I'm a mountain biker and every time I get passed (or sometimes I pass!) one of these I think three things: 1. Man, that looks like a lot of fun 2. Man, that looks expensive 3. Man, I bet that takes a long time to master I can barely find enough time to bike but if I ever hit the lottery and find a lot of free time/money, I'll give this a try.

It’s actually a really good idea to upgrade the weak links first so you don’t break on a trail and mess up everyone’s vacation days helping you fix your unprepared Jeep because someone told you to wheel it stock first. I honestly don’t think that’s a great idea especially if you are getting into rock crawling.

Great information, looking forward to viewing more of your videos.

What I lack in power and traction, I make up for with speed and finesse! Skinny Pedal South!

great video. i wish they didn't end this channel. i understand on the business side but this part of their business has the highest growth potential in my opinion. just look at the views

Just did my 1st off road in moab! Hell's revenge

Best advice I can give is As slow as possible As fast as necessary

Lol, shows lite bright! Classic!

Love the feedback on this channel. Thank you for the personal response. I recommend everyone who watches to subscribe. Very helpful!

#6. Pay attention to what the the guys with years of experience are doing not spending your time trying to spot them and tell them what to do.

Good spotting goes a long way too!

Take those factory chrome cap lug nuts off and put true lugs on as soon as you buy your rig or have the dealer replace them as part as the purchase agreement. Buy a good 4 way. If you do enough off roading you are going to break a bead or puncture a tire 100% guaranteed, and there is nothing worse than stripping that last lugnut and taking an unexpected time out on the trail.

Recommend your guest to get practice in with an axial scx10 it will answer a lot of off-road questions

I've been offroading for a while. A friend just got his first one and he want to go in a run with me. I am comfortable with it but I wish there was a video on "teaching offroad to beginers" 😂

I've been wheeling for only about a year and a half. If I don't feel confident doing something I won't do it. If people don't know the trail or offchutes get out the rig and walk it to see if you are capable of doing it. In SoCal there's a popular trail called Cleghorn. Those who know it know about " The Chute" it appears very easy until you get part way down and there is no way of backing out once you get in it. Major body damage, rigs flipping on there sides and mechanical breakdowns have happened in the chute. Last thing just because a person's rig is capable doesn't mean their offroading skills are capable of getting them through things.

Generally don't go without atlest one other person, but I have gone alone once on trails that I had done before without the help of recovery gear... but had a 13k winch and a hand crank "winch" just incase.

Rule that rules over any other rule: listen to the experienced off-roaders. Prove me wrong.

I Was Eighteen, young and stupid. Got my first four-wheel drive pickup truck, a 2004 Ford F-150 I was so damn proud of it and treated it like it was a trophy truck beat the ever-loving shit out of it. All the towing and Hauling Way Beyond its towing and payload capacity and driving like an ass hat and going 10,000 miles without an oil change aside. What finally broke the truck was going off-road by my lonesome. Found a very muddy back road and was rippin' it for hours. Eventually got stuck and had no recovery gear and nobody within less than an hour with a vehicle capable of pulling me out. No true knowledge or experience off-roading and I ultimately blew my engine and transmission and broke one of my four-wheel drive shafts.

"It's better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it." This mantra has saved my butt AND allowed me to buy a LOT of neat little toys.

I can barely afford a car to get me to work. Why am I watching a video about people who buy expensive off-road vehicles and tear them up for fun?

Looks like a good portion of the wranglers in your video have Dana 60's

My truck is manual low gear is mandatory lol

Thought It was odd that your 5th point was not having the correct upgrades.........Funny you showed Lite Britt, who everyone knows how equipped his JL is. I understand your point , but still had to laugh.

Small wheels and tires with tall sidewalls = good Big wheels and tires with short sidewalls = bad

it's most always the long skinny pedal on the right

Josh, I like your videos but man oh man are you the "Most Improved Off Roader"! Ha. It's great that you're preaching humility and safety. Things can get hairy real quick and carrying a case of water, snacks, GPS nav, recovery gear aren't that expensive and can literally save your life depending on how remote you're going.

Never drink and drive, save adult beverages for after run. Never get egged on to the point where you try an obstacle you don't feel safe on. When you find buddies to run with, don't lose sight of other rigs. Get in between rigs. Get either cb radio or ham unit, don't trust cell phones in the hills, lose reception quickly. Cell phone is good for taking pictures, use it to see what is going on.

Dif breathers are a mush if you don't like soup.

Yup. Wheeling solo is cool. Just gotta be prepared with proper recovery gear. A plan that others know. Phone or emergency gps locater. Also skills too. Best not go off and wheel solo if a rookie.

I can say I wanna go with a group of people that have nice rigs to help if stuck bc for me it’s only me and a few friends and that’s enough but we go to private land that my buddy knows the owner of so it just us and we hit this one trail all the time and it’s just mud so just as fun but I wanna try some different ones

Good list, but… airing down should require more critical thinking than a blanket statement of airing down as soon as you hit dirt. Solo wheeling isn’t for beginners, but there’s ways to do it… however you have to accept risk when doing it. If you aren’t willing to accept risk when wheeling, you’re likely never going to improve as an off-roader.

Thank you 😄🤙🏾

nice info

Got a question you just said don’t spend thousands and thousands of dollars upgrading your rig if you got no experience. I just bought my first jeep I love it it’s basically stock. But I plan on doing quite a bit with it. I’m going to go off-road and rock crawling, I don’t like redoing things that I just did. So if you can why shouldn’t I build a Jeep how I want to finish product to be

I knew I saw this off-road footage before fuller from custom off sets was in the white chevy it was in an old video they had

First mistake is going 4x4ing with a 2x4 lol

So everyone needs to change their jeeps into Rubicon's, and it doesn't matter if you've been mudding in a square body for 40 years, your in your first JK so it makes you a green horn, and lastly I always go alone, maybe I might meet someone somewhere who wants to tag along

Always remember you have to drive the rig back home...

Here's a question, what are some scenarios where it would be appropriate to use 4- low or lockers?

Great video man

Great advice🤙🏽

How I know I'm no longer a rookie. I know all this stuff already. I'm still relatively new to off roading. I've only had my jeep for 2 years. That's not a lot compared to those guys who have been wheeling for decades but I feel that I know my jeep really well and I know I have a lot to learn but I've learned the beginner stuff.

What happened to the jeep xj build?

Wish my truck was 4x4 so I could offloading, and I wish there were trails near me😭

Hey....@LiteBrite!

Nice

Interesting video 👍🏻. But why I am watching this? I have only a city minivan. So wat the heck?

Airing down is overrated. Good in certain situations but you are more likely to rip out a sidewall. Tires aren’t cheap. I only air down if I absolutely have to. What’s hilarious is how telling this to other off roaders is akin to praising satan during church service. Rookie mistake #6. Blindly doing what everybody tells you to do and not figuring out what works for you.

That Jeep needs more lights IMO

Nice video 👍💪

Pretty sure white GMC is Fuller's truck from custom offset

When airing down, aren't bead locks required?

A winch will take you farther than suspension lift will

I would hope a beater would win, after all they don’t usually make it off the trail in the end 😂

My #1 fear is flipping my 3rd Gen hahaha. How does one not flip.... like everrr !! hahahaha

LOL. How about knowing what 4 Lo is before you buy one.

Question? What is a barrody? I may have spelled that wrong. If you know then you are old! haha like me Could be we made it up here in Southern Ca in the 70's

I like to try and get my car as close as I can to tipping over.

When you say, "Rookie," you REALLY mean it!

I dont have any friends to go with so ill just save up for all that extra shit