Freek Technique: Trail Safety

By Mark Filonowich
Contributing Writer

Lift kit or bigger tires? Everybody wants a Jeep that looks good and is super capable off road. How should I spend my first aftermarket dollars? That question gets asked a lot at our classes. I often hear that people want to run 5+ trails...run with the big dogs...yet still have a comfortable daily driver. That's a tall order. So many compromises end up getting made. The bigger tires and taller lift require re-gearing (or re-axleing). Brake upgrades should be made (especially if it’s a daily driver and driven at highway speeds). Fuel economy becomes an oxymoron, and it seems like money keeps going into the project in a never ending cycle.

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Somewhere in there people seldom get around to safety. If you really want to run with the big dogs, spend your first dollars on a frame mounted roll cage. Make sure that the seats and harnesses are capable of protecting you when (not if) you lay it down or over. Buy quality skid plates for the steering box and other “vital” daily driver components. And finally, “wheel it smart.” An occasional bypass or timely towstrap is a lot cheaper than making a bad decision worse.

 

Since we’re on the topic of safe Jeeping, let me share a few of the ground rules we talk about in the parking lot before we hit the trail. Let me stress that this is just a portion of the list, and that common sense has to play a key role in any off-highway adventure.

• Make sure the load is balanced and secure. You cannot become distracted by things bouncing around inside the vehicle while you’re supposed to be paying attention to a tricky section of the trail.
• Air down your tires at the trailhead and shift into 4Lo before you need it, and air back up upon exit…soft, mushy tires are great for trail traction but cannot safely travel at highway speeds.
• Buckle up, and don’t drink and drive. Just because you’re not on a road doesn’t mean the law doesn’t apply.
• Take pictures or give advice from a safe distance. I’ve seen photographers and spotters get run over. No one will stand around my coffin saying, “I thought he knew better…”
• No rock surfing. I’m sure you’ve seen a couple of burly guys hanging on the bumper or rollbar to help a vehicle over an obstacle. The obvious problem can occur when the vehicle lurches unexpectedly, and the surfers experience the inevitable wipeout. Hang onto a towstrap, or try a different line.
• Hands, feet and head should stay INSIDE the vehicle at all times. I don’t care how strong you think you are, you cannot stiffarm your Jeep off a tree. If it’s going to make contact, at least make sure no part of you is in the way.
• Follow all winching rules to the letter, EVERY time. A winch is a powerful tool that requires respect when you use it. Make sure one person is clearly in charge, and responsible to make sure spectators are out of the way in case a mishap occurs.

 

Safe Jeeping should be a habit that you consciously develop and encourage in others. If you build a foundation of good skills, you will enjoy a lifetime of adventure on the trail!

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