Use of Off Road Vehicles
Off-road vehicles are capable machines, and for the most part are multi-terrain vehicles that can be driven on paved roads, as well as in multiple off-road situations. Families may purchase a four-wheel-drive for occasional off highway use, but others may build a custom rig for extreme weekend wheeling.
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Vehicle Types
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Though off-road vehicles come in different types and sizes, all of them have a higher-than-normal ride height and come with unique drive systems to help with off-road traction. There are full-size and compact trucks and SUV's that usually come in two- or four-wheel drive. There are sport model cars, wagons and compact SUV's that have limited off-road capability with their all-wheel-drive systems. Then there are specialty vehicles such as all terrain vehicles, dirt bikes and sand rails, that are more accustomed to off-roading than they are to daily driving.
Uneven Terrain
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Off-road vehicles are used for negotiating uneven terrain. Their higher ride height and suspension travel help them through washes, streams, river crossings and gullies, as well as over hills and mountains. For those wanting to cross steep ditches, canyon walls or large boulders, custom suspension articulation is a must. This helps the suspension keep most of the tires in contact with the ground, while the vehicle twists to match different height articulations.
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Sand Running
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The key to running in sand is steady acceleration and low tire pressure from about 20 lbs. or less. You want to flatten the bottom of the tire tread in order to have better contact with the sand. This will allow you to float over the top of the sand. Running with a wider, larger tire with higher tire pressure will have the same affect. To avoid dragging your undercarriage through the sand, a lift kit and larger tires should be added. Those looking for the extreme can Sand Drag, where you climb sand dunes with paddle-tire-equipped sand rails.
Mud Bogging
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You may find your way into a mud pit after a storm, or enter your vehicle in a professionally sanctioned mud-bogging event. Either way, you will need to decide whether you want to stay on top of the mud or dig your way through it. Large tires and a lift kit are a must, if you intend to see the opposite end of the pit. Generally with a full-size four-wheel-drive vehicle, you will want to either use a high-flotation tire to stay on the top layers of mud, or use a skinny self-cleaning mud tire that will help you churn your way through it. A light two-wheel truck or a sand rail using flotation or paddle tires may help you skim across the top of the mud. Whatever set-up you use, it's best to have a high-horsepower engine that will help keep you from sinking into the mud or getting bogged down in the sticky stuff.
Rock Crawling
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For rock crawling--driving over large rocks to get to your destination--you don't always need a lifted truck. Many times, all you need is a stock Jeep-type vehicle or a slightly lifted truck or SUV. Speed or height will not win the day, but steady throttle control will. Too much speed and you will only spin your tire on the slick rocks. Lower tire pressure of 15 lbs. or less will give you a wider footprint, allowing better grip over the rocks as you go over them. Too much height on an incline and you may tip over.
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