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BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO OFF ROADING: RECOVERY

Off-roading is an exciting hobby, but it does come with risks. Even the most prepared drivers can run into trouble on the trail. Don’t let that scare you away, though. With the right preparation and mindset, most issues are easy to handle. Preventative preparation is key, so before heading out, make sure your vehicle is in good shape, you’re not traveling alone, and your essentials are packed. If you’re completely new to off-roading, you might want to check out our first guide, where we covered the basics of getting started.

That said, things can take an unexpected turn while off-roading. If something does happen, we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we’ll be sharing tips to help you handle these situations confidently. Just a quick disclaimer—we’re not saying these scenarios will happen, but when it comes to the trails, you can never be too careful or too prepared.

In our previous blog, we covered the essential gear and steps you need to take to stay prepared for your trip. Your vehicle should be in good shape, and you should have tires and wheels that are suitable for the terrain. Fittipaldi Off Road’s Beadlock (FB/FBF) and Terra (FT) Series have wheels that will fit your rig and also get you through the toughest trails.

Also, items like water, a first aid kit, and maps/GPS navigation are must-haves, but when it comes to recovery situations, you’ll need a few extra tools and supplies:

It may feel like a lot of gear, but in the wrong situation, they can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major emergency. We’ve put together a downloadable checklist of essential items to help make your packing process even simpler.

Now that you know what to bring, let’s talk about what happens if things don’t go as planned. One of the most important things you can do in any recovery situation? Stay calm. Panicking won’t help, and it can often make things worse. Take a breath, assess the situation, and approach it step by step.

 

Common Recovery Situations:

1.) Overheating Engine

A common problem people run into when off-roading, particularly with older vehicles, is an overheating engine. This can be caused by several factors, including an inadequate cooling system, excessive idling or driving in extreme temperatures. If this happens, pull over to a safe area and turn off your AC. Then, turn up the heater. It sounds counterintuitive, but this will draw the heat away from your engine. Let your engine rest until it cools completely, and once it’s good, restart it. The best way to prevent this from happening is to make sure that your vehicle’s cooling system is functioning properly, so be sure to do those double checks before heading out.

2.) Electrical Issues

Blown fuses can take out important systems in your vehicle like its lights, starter circuit, or even fuel and ignition. This may occur if too much power is being drawn or if a short circuit happens after a rough section of a trail. Loose or corroded battery terminals can also cause power loss or make your vehicle hard to start, so remember to check that they’re clean and tight before heading out. Having a few spare fuses would also be a good thing to carry in case you need to replace any. If you run into an issue with a dead battery, this can be resolved with a jumpstart. There are a few ways you can do this; If you’re with a friend, their vehicle can be used to jumpstart yours. However, if there are no other vehicles nearby, having a portable jump starter is key to getting your battery up and running.

With Another Vehicle – Jumper Cable Method

With a Portable Jump Starter

3.) Damaged or Flat Tire

Trails are full of sharp rocks, sticks, and other hazards. Driving on this rough and uneven terrain can lead to tire damage. If it’s just a small puncture, a tire plug kit can be used to temporarily seal the hole. These kits usually come with everything you need such as plug strips, a reamer, an insertion tool etc. Because there are several different types of plug kits, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use. Remember, plugs are generally a temporary fix; don’t rely on it for long-term use.

If your tire has any sidewall damage, tears, or a large puncture, it is much safer to do a full tire swap than a quick repair. Changing a tire on the trail isn’t too different from doing it anywhere else, but you should move your vehicle to an area that is safe and stable.

One of the most crucial components of our off road recovery kits is the Pro Eagle Kratos 3 Ton Off Road Jack . This off road jack is made specifically for these situations with features like skid plates, big off road tires and extensions that make off road tire changes much easier and safer.

4.) Getting Stuck

Getting stuck is part of the off-road experience. You might be on challenging terrain that has some loose or slippery spots, or you might’ve taken a wrong turn that causes your vehicle to get stuck at an awkward angle. Regardless of how it happened, it is key to know how to get out safely.

If you’re not already in 4 wheel drive, put your rig in 4WD mode. This should let you drive out of most simple situations. Resist hitting the gas pedal aggressively, as spinning your tires excessively can cause you to dig yourself deeper into whatever terrain you’re stuck in.

If you’re sunken into softer terrain, such as mud or sand and 4WD isn’t enough to drive out, traction boards are an option that can help you regain grip. Clear any debris around your tires, and if necessary, use a shovel to help get rid of as much of it as possible. Then, wedge the traction boards underneath the tires. Lightly accelerate while steering in the direction you intend to go. Do this slowly to avoid spinning out and ejecting the traction boards from underneath your vehicle.

If you’re stuck in a more difficult position, you may need a pull. recovery gear such as tow straps and shackles will be helpful. Attach a tow strap to your vehicle’s recovery points, connect to a second vehicle using shackles, and keep the strap taut while pulling slowly. Take your time and do this carefully to avoid damaging either rig. These situations are why it’s important to go off-roading with a friend, especially when you’re just starting out.

5.) Getting Lost  

Losing your way can happen, especially in remote areas with no cell service. This is where your preparation pays off. Having your digital maps downloaded, or even having a physical printed map, and familiarizing yourself with the route before can make a significant difference. Make sure you have everything ready to go before you head out. Try to reorient yourself by looking for distinct landmarks or trail markers and matching them to your map. If needed, you can backtrack to the last spot you’re sure of before moving forward. Many modern vehicles are Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capable which makes GPS navigation a breeze when used in conjunction with an off road navigation app. If your vehicle wasn’t factory equipped with these features, or if you want to upgrade for better features, you can easily add aftermarket solutions like this one from Alpine. Companies like Trail Grid Pro have vehicle-specific plug and play packages to make installation even easier.

Communication between multiple vehicles and/or distances is also very important. If you ever get separated from your group, need to warn others about approaching hazards or traffic or need to relay any sort of information, radios or walkie-talkies come in handy. Having a way to quickly communicate across short distances can help you regroup without having to rely on often non-existent cell service. For more serious situations where you can’t find your way and need additional help, a satellite communicator can send messages and share your location. Some smartphones are even equipped with the ability to send and receive satellite messages, but we recommend testing it before heading out. And like we mentioned in our previous guide, always send your route and plans to someone who won’t be joining you on this adventure, so they know where you’re headed in case of an emergency.

Off-roading comes with its own challenges, but with preparation and a calm approach, you can handle whatever the trails throw at you. For more beginner tips, check out our first guide to see how to get started in the off-road space. Also, don’t forget to download and print out our gear checklist before your next trip. If you’re running Fittipaldi Off Road wheels on your vehicle, don’t forget to tag us @fittipaldioffroad and use #FittipaldiSummerSetup. We want to see your off-road adventures!