So You Wanna Go Off Road? What You Need to Know For Your First Time!

Matt from CJ Off Road hits the the AOAA Trails to help you prepare for and tackle your first off-road adventure.
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[@wesbarcus3761]

Start 4wheeling before mods. Logging roads are great beginners tracks. Get an air compressor, air up when you are done. Buy a shovel, you will need one. Don't go alone. Tow straps and d rings. SLOW DOWN! know how to use transfer case. Join a 4x4 club with family runs, trails can be easier. Take lots of pictures, see what 4x4 is doing. Don't let someone talk you into doing something you don't feel good about , not without good spotter. Much in this video is good advice, but you don't need a modified vehicle to get started. Have fun and be safe.

[@ChrisHolman]

^this^

[@xlbbman]

Thanks

[@TJ-qk3yg]

yup most this stuff shown could be done in a Subaru or a CX5. Smart driving, good tires and a well equipped safety oriented group will get pretty far.

[@stripcslashes]

I'm a noobie. What air compressor would you recommend?

[@wesbarcus3761]

@@stripcslashes how tall are your tires? Do you plan to upgrade soon? Do you have wheeling friends to talk to? Smitty built makes a portable that can air up tires up to 33 inches if your budget is limited. ( Around 90 dollars). I usually recommend not only a compressor but an air tank as well. Look up someone like 4 Wheel Parts or Quadratech and search air compressors and accessories. Do some shopping and get back to me with any questions you might have. The only bad questions are the ones you don't ask.

[@DDDSSDDDSSDDDSS]

I'm an introvert so I go on offloading hunting trips alone. I bring my gun, ammo, food for 10 days, a shovel, winch, a few m80s, 5 gallons of gas and water, a small chainsaw or an axe, a compressor, flat repair kit, a few wrenches and my hunting knife. I've been in trouble many times but I'm still alive.

[@R3LF13]

I liked the video, but telling people they need a lift to off-road sounds like an attempt to sell parts and could be discouraging. Get out there in your stock rig, learn what it's capable of, and then decide what mods you need for the wheeling you want to do.

[@78moleyman]

I can dig that, trust me we all start somewhere, but a lift kit and tires will help you on the trail!

[@R3LF13]

Matt CJPP hey, thanks for replying. I totally agree, I just don't want people to think they can't go because their rig is stock. Mine came stock with mud terrains and that has been a huge advantage, so I agree even more with regard to tires, but a stock suspension will do surprisingly well and it's also great experience to learn how to navigate with less clearance. I will be installing a lift soon as well, so I'm not saying they are bad or a waste. Again, I just want people to give off roading a shot regardless of their state of mods.

[@xbpbat21x]

Wheel it until it breaks...then replace it with something better!

[@Lynnie8764]

Exactly, it's a Wrangler it can do anything

[@vincearmstrong5654]

My WJ was super capable stock. I am installing a conservative lift soon. I'm thinkin training riding stock will give me more appreciation for my lift after I run with that.lol

[@CalebErosa]

@1:18 if you’re gonna air down, make sure you have at a minimum a 12v portable air compressor, or a friend/gas station near the end of the trail that can get you back Aired up.

[@BIG_DOGG]

Don't forget.. Read ur owners manual on your vehicle! Before any trails. When & how to shift. Learn what are the recommended mph/ speeds & terrain to travel at when in 4Hi, 4Lo, 4 Auto, etc. Once you get to know your vehicle & what its capable of- Off roading becomes much more fun.

[@frankmccue6337]

You forgot one of the mosy important things to have when wheeling. TOILET PAPER. Never leave home with out it

[@CJBroncoF150]

Yeah your certainly don't want to accidentally use poison ivy!

[@catrashoo]

If so you can always use your underwear , socks , t-shirt sleeve ECT 😁

[@donewhiskey]

It's mid COVID-19. You better hope you have a bottle bidet! 😂

[@phantomwalker8251]

@@CJBroncoF150 required tools off roading,,2 lb hammer,sockets,screw drivers,belts,hoses.clamps,300 psi air compressor.slime,plugs,valves,spare pants jumper/shirt.gps,locator beacon,most important,,remote search,recovery helicoptor.if your in a blazer,,2 r/h cv,s..

[@aubreyjames8795]

@@catrashoo yesss hahaha

[@catrashoo]

I'm going off road this weekend for the first time , thanks for sharing.

[@CJBroncoF150]

Glad we could help!

[@pilotguy1141]

One big thing never go alone.

[@78moleyman]

It's more fun in a group anyways! Thanks for watching!

[@dennyg.4444]

Dont forget you can still have a ton of fun and do some pretty amazing things in a bone stock jeep.

[@CJBroncoF150]

Yup!

[@CJ-vs5mj]

It’d be pretty sweet to see a video like that.

[@sven4923]

Agreed. I'm not saying that the stock jeep can take on the black or red trails; but I saw nothing in this video that an all stock jeep couldn't handle. I hope beginners don't feel like they need to spend thousands on aftermarket add ons just to have fun with their jeep on a trail, I think that's an all too often misconception. @ 4:52. I drove on some crazy trails with the stock Goodyear Wranglers; but like you said it's always encouraged to go with someone just in case ;)

[@Doctoberfest]

Me and a buddy took his brand new Jeep Patriot to Manistee national Forest in Michigan and I have to say I was pretty impressed with what that bone stock "not a real Jeep" could do.

[@cocorkiller2322]

3" lift. Winch.. Hi-lift. Bout all i run.

[@kleners]

How about wear your seatbelt. rollovers are very common in offroading. why temp getting crushed.

[@PervertedThang]

John Martin He has the lap portion on, but the shoulder belt behind him. Not nearly as effective in a rollover or sudden deceleration.

[@namelessdata4608]

Hey jeepers, there are 54" tires for sale. If you re-gear to spin them fast you might even be able to paddle across water with them. The hard part is making them fit. And don't forget the prayers you'll need for the axels and drive shaft holding it together

[@squirmythedawg11]

Airing down affects the length of the tire. Though it does make the tire slighly wider at the sidewall, its the length thats affected

[@jeffy2.054]

I’m 11 and just bought me a truggy so ima go hit the trails after this 😎

[@Chuygonzales86270]

bought 02 dakota 4x4 never had a 4wd car before. super excited to take it off road with my friends

[@rickymillerii]

Funny thing, there was nothing in the obstacles that you showed that a jeep right off the showroom floor with standard AT tires would have gone through just fine. I run much rougher trails with just a stock JK, jeeps are amazing. I have hit the trail with many people who spend big money on lift kits and tires and so far I have gone everywhere they went. I have never buried my stock JK, they are amazing right off the showroom floor and if you are cautious you can hang out with the people who spend the big bucks on lift kits and oversized tires. I guess unless you are rock climbing a stock Jeep is all you need, especially in the trails you showed with your video.

[@chuckdynamo3474]

Ya know what, this actually helped. I didn't know what to expect with off roading. I thought it was all sketchy stuff but it looks like there's some good options for a jeep that's not dedicated to offroading

[@CJBroncoF150]

We're very glad this video helped and yes there are options for your daily driver jeep too that you dont want to destroy!

[@78moleyman]

Thanks for that, and honestly you can have a lot of fun on the trail and not damage your rig!

[@jamesbonanno3359]

Good all-around video for the beginner. You can always pick up something by watching them closely.

[@CJBroncoF150]

Appreciate the feedback!

[@78moleyman]

Thanks for that, trying to get more people out on the trail and be able to enjoy their rigs!

[@olliehopnoodle4628]

Good video and great information. The advice for going into 4wd, preferably low, when you hit the trail is spot on. Don't wait till you are stuck! If you are a newbie, follow someone more experienced to learn the lines. BTW. You used the term 'tow point' where the D-Ring would go on the back bumper, it's a recovery point. I know what you meant but just adding clarity.

[@chicojuanito2]

Can I do this with a Nissan Frontier 4x4 or similar trucks from Chevy/Toyota?

[@frankbrubicon5299]

Aw I take my fixed up JLU to the mall all the time!

[@ddrod1]

Wheels are way too big on the yellow jeep, u barely have any sidewall once aired down

[@olliehopnoodle4628]

I would go with less wheel and more sidewall but to each his own. I run 37's on 17" wheels but my rig is more of a weekend driver. Those big tires, after getting chomped on by the rocks, are hard to balance. If it was a daily driver I might go with a bigger wheel to make the on road manners a bit better. Keep Jeeping!

[@78moleyman]

But the stance is perfect for the mall !

[@junwang4314]

It has an angry bird grille, what more you expect?

[@maulitdipshooter]

That single fact will keep me from watching anything more than this one video. That single fact is the hardest thing for people to understand; what you put on your vehicle, could actually hinder your ability. Not everything you buy will help, a lot will hurt, those rims included

[@1969darr]

I have seen litteraly hundreds of failures becouse of this.

[@nelsonh.568]

What’s up everyone, I am new to the Jeep lifestyle. I bought a brand new Jeep Willy’s edition in 2020 and thus far I have a rough country 3.5 inch lift I removed the rock slides and added some nfab rails, II added a ZRoadz 50 inch light bar and I am ordering a stubby to add this week. I need advice and all suggestions are welcome because although I’m not trying to be a rock climber yet, LOL, I do want to take my jeep to the trails as I am an avid outdoorsman, thank you everyone love the CJ pony videos very informative.

[@semperfitdeliis]

I just bought a jeep gladiator Willy's. I have tru lock rear axle with no sway option. What are my limitations on off-roading. ?

[@scenedogs3267]

I just bought a Jeep some months ago and want to go cruising on a trail with doors and top off. I have some form of off-road tires or could be all terrain tires but they aren't the stock jeep wrangler tires. I don't plan to get into major trail riding or off roading because of my 3 jobs and time. I just want do light trails with mud here and there..like taking back roads. Would a stock jeep with spacers be alright since it's mostly dirt and mud ill be riding through? I don't have friends with jeeps (car meet type) so im alone but I do have "Snow Claws" that got me out of mud and some Nylon rope to pull stuck people out of the snow on snow days.

[@bquade70]

Thanks guys

[@vincearmstrong5654]

If you're a new offroadr, you won't have maps 'cause you don't know how to get them. You also will have issues FINDING trails to drive, and people to drive with.

[@shaneh7519]

Not sure if you still are answering questions on this old video but I just bought a 2021 rubicon 4xe. Can I run it stock on the easier trails or is a lift needed?

[@automaster209]

Awesome video. That's the only thing California has that is nice and that is the Rubicon and Fordyce trails. Those are a lot of fun.

[@78moleyman]

Been hoping to make it out to the Rubicon some day, thanks for watching!

[@wesbarcus3761]

I live in california, fordyce and rubicon are not for beginners. Lots of trails in southern and central cal for beginners. Don't get them in over their head before they learn how to swim.

[@TDHobbies]

The white Jeep is my favorite! I met you guys at Bantam and need those fender flare like the Yellow Jeep has installed.

[@CJBroncoF150]

It was great meeting you! Heres a link the the Yellow JKs flares www.cjponyparts.com/fender-flares-flat-style-jeep-wrangler-jk-2007-2018/p/580305/

[@78moleyman]

Thanks, the white jeep is my favorite too!! HA

[@TDHobbies]

Matt CJPP we talked on Sunday. You told me all about the mods you did. Very hard to remember everyone I’m sure.

[@Infantry4Life.WarFighters]

I’m new to jeeps. What type of lift and tires are you running

[@MUCKFOOT399]

can tell instantly this guy doesn't go off road much by those getto rims

[@Pleb_098]

Luckily I grew up offroading i know how to spot what to bring and how to pick a line. Also was this a raush??

[@saltytostitos]

My stock JL suspension with spacers articulates just as well as a JK with 4” and antirocks. Anything more is extreme and for the beginners this is geared to, not necessarily needed. Only issue is that sway bar.

[@camaroboi13]

Sean LeCheminant yep, sway bar prevents articulations more than Springs or spacers. I have a 2.5” spacer lift on my wife’s JLU and never ran into a problem with it.

[@thomasknight7734]

Can I do this with my civic?

[@baronvonjo1929]

How it go? I saw Carwow get a bunch of old hatchbacks and off road in them. That was interesting.

[@sreagle9430]

No XJ's Hmmm 89 Grand Cherokee what lift would you put on it ? and what size tires and wheels? Thank you in advance

[@78moleyman]

Depends on what size tires you're looking to run, if you want 35's you'll probably need about a 6 inch lift, and a long arm in the front to make it perform better.

[@sreagle9430]

ZJ my bad

[@sreagle9430]

well was thinking about a 3" to 4-1/2"

[@desertadventures4221]

Nice video... really helpful info

[@JayPromotions]

I've got through that stuff with Highway tires 😂😂😂

[@rickjames5998]

step 1. buy a 2 door. step 2. dont put low profile tires and huge wheels. step 3. go slow and dont listen to woman spotters

[@78moleyman]

I've accomplished step 1, and 2, and part of 3...

[@bencredible8179]

Rick James unless the spotter is Brittany from Lite Brite.

[@narssasisticasshole3255]

Unless its she owned stepchild jeep

[@manuelmarrujo8197]

Good info

[@spacecowboy2614]

Does it matter what gear in 4low?

[@TheBeardedJeeper]

Great video for beginners. Really great editing I like the cinematic style it’s what I go for in my videos

[@78moleyman]

Thanks for watching!

[@danialphaomega]

I guess I am a pro I've lived in the south Sonora desert a mix of wet and dry mountains from snowy to hot loose shell rock and cliffs at every bend. Heck I've seen people drive small 4dr cars lol.

[@hoopt]

Who makes the grab handles with side mirror attached?

[@user-gj6yb2qc7e]

Love the jeeps but that was basically just some gravel and small puddles. 2hi and highway tires go through that. Just sayin

[@78moleyman]

Busted....

[@aesirapex251]

Highway tires can’t crawl up rocks... What do you mean?

[@user-gj6yb2qc7e]

They can. Especially in that video. They just can’t do the large stuff. I understand it’s just a beginner video but u don’t need all that stuff n money spent just to have a little fun like in the video. Only if u plan on getting more serious.

[@Chinese_Chicken]

lol, spotter...

[@Carlos-qz3uq]

AesirApex man ax

[@davidlatorre4258]

"You can seized up your engine bay"

[@JensEser]

What wheels the ones on the black / dark grey JL with the US flag front and also the one on the white one?

[@michaelsaxonson251]

"Good old pennsylvania swamp mud" *Laughs in south Georgia*

[@tagorian]

“Laughs in South Georgia “ Laughs in Florida

[@kevindutton3676]

Does it have to be a jeep?

[@simonramirez497]

Do guys have a video of basic upgrades you need to go off roading?. I have plane stock sport wrangler jk. See alot videos. I like to get alot of info.

[@camaroboi13]

Simon Ramirez you’re ready to go already. No upgrades necessary.

[@bushcraftandfriends1471]

If you want to get into more intense wheeling, best first 3 upgrades are most expensive but will let you wheel just aswell as a fully built rig. #1 lockers and or lsd (limited slip) that will turn your so called 4wd into an actual 4 wheel driven vehicle. # gears to accommodate for the size of tires that you want to run. # 3 a winch so that when you get stuck you don’t have to always expect someone else to help you out because they bought the tools for themselves and not for someone else to ruin them. Lastly 32” tires with no lift will perform very well on most vehicles depending on what vehicle

[@THEKING-ho5yh]

Great vid man. Love your jeep. Dont have one... yet, but I've been definitely looking to get one. I want to try the offroad and just getting the jeep all dirty! Lol. What kind of jeep would you recomand and what first mod or mods would be best for a newbie?

[@jasmarx5]

sweet low profile tires!

[@frostcold81]

What park in PA was thats?

[@eddaeges9309]

Great video for a newbie like myself. Thank you.

[@kevinwpatterson]

Off-road 101. Put your seatbelt on to keep you inside in case of a roll.

[@gplock1626]

are you guys still doing this ? I’m in Jersey can I come ?

[@scotterh354]

Did bee line at aoaa in my 3in lifted cherokee on 33s without any damage....never should have done it though. Took me and my group 4 and a half hours and costed a tj a broken frame.

[@larsculler5288]

What mirrors are those?

[@831Adventures]

Are there off road club for beginners?

[@toxive2028]

Oh that’s funny he’s PA too

[@sreagle9430]

I Have an ZJ 98 Grand Cherokee 5.9L Magnum Thinking about lifting it 3" to 4-1/2" what size tires would you recomend

[@baronvonjo1929]

Your still waiting 2 years later for a reply. So hi. :D

[@roberttomines]

What size wheels and tires are on the yellow jeep (where you show it aired down)? Are they 37's on 20"? What are your thoughts on wheeling on 20's vs 17s?

[@roberttomines]

disregard i found my answer in one of your other vids

[@78moleyman]

They are 35 x 12.5 x 20 Inch nitto trail grapplers

[@bushcraftandfriends1471]

17 are definitely better off-road as you get more surface area (larger print ) on the trail when you air down recommended tire pressure to air down is 8psi does not matter the size of the tire from stock to 40’s! If you’re running headlocks you can air down even lower. 15 psi is way to much air on the trail. If you’re running 15 psi and not having difficulties that means you’re over landing and not offroading

[@sumdumguy7197]

Amazing how much you need to crawl, but my Jeep goes everywhere I wanna go when I go fishing or hunting

[@DDDSSDDDSSDDDSS]

This is the top comment!!!!!!!!

[@abllester]

Can I person do some wheeling in a stock jlu rubicon any close the Fairmont Wv

[@bushcraftandfriends1471]

Yes for sure a stick rubicon will take you on a lot of trails across the globe just remember to use 4low air down and be aware of your surroundings.. also always be safe and don’t do anything you don’t think you can do. But also you may attemp if being smart about it

[@Flyby-1000]

Soft shackles... HIGHLY RECOMMENDED in a recovery kit... Is it true that in Penn it is illegal to ride doorless in a jeep, even though it not a mod and is part of the OEM type design?!?!

[@randomthoughts1001]

Jeeps. A proper Mans machine. Arg Arg 😎

[@CJBroncoF150]

Haha thanks for watching!

[@camaroboi13]

Yeah my wife loves hers... 🙄

[@PhillyAvGeek]

I'm sorry! But I really have to ask where are the obstacles? Most of video you were driving on are unpaved roads, so basically it's a normal pennsylvania road and even better, some roads in philadelphia are much worse than those trails you're driving on, and people drive through it with golfs and corollas

[@cod4masterize]

What gear ratio are you running?

[@78moleyman]

JL: 3:73 Yellow JK: 3:21 My JK: 4:56

[@macdaddy1617]

What park is that and where is it?

[@78moleyman]

This was at AOAA, it is in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. Stay tuned as we will be having a park overview video released here shortly!

[@jlopes68]

Some very sound advice. Good tips.

[@BobNob1]

I HAVE PLENTY OF FLEX WITH MY 2 INCH SPACE LIFT

[@michaelbinkley5957]

good video

[@chevy-anda-jeep]

Where is this place at?

[@goblin3810]

No one talks about sway link disconnecting?

[@GmoP97]

This video was just a bunch of ads and over exaggerated

[@williambeasley2582]

First buy jeep second bring the kids/grandkids/great grandchildren

[@sm6wet]

Nice video. Cheers from Sweden

[@CJBroncoF150]

Thanks!

[@super1vega]

don't forget to 22 inch rims.

[@Kylejeepadventures]

where in PA are you Guys located at? i’m in Erie. with the Erie jeep people club .

[@CJBroncoF150]

Harrisburg

[@cristiancerda6808]

Guys I need help I have 4 cylinder YJ but idk if it’s capable of off-roading

[@mcopeland05]

Pennsylvania swamp mud?

[@CJBroncoF150]

Yup!

[@mcopeland05]

didn't know Pennsylvania had swamps.

[@Courtyardx]

Yee Yee

[@78moleyman]

Hell yeah brother!

[@Rex0915]

Which trail is this?

[@CJBroncoF150]

This is AOAA Trails! www.aoaatrails.com/

[@Rex0915]

awesome thanks! i'll be making a trip up from Baltimore

[@avc8130]

No seat belt?

[@CJBroncoF150]

We try to tell him 😑

[@allanwagner4570]

Yeah I know all that I was just reflecting on what exactly he said The footprint will not get wider it will however get longer and make for a better ride I have never HAD to air down myself I do think drivers put too much stock in the air down thing Good sensible driving will get you a long way Low range and throttle control works for me I have never been in a situation that I felt airing down would fix That said it’s your Jeep do what ya want with it

[@olliehopnoodle4628]

It works for me. The ride is much smoother on the rocky shelf roads. And you will get more grip crawling up things. If you don't need to air down then great! Like you said, do what ya want with it! My rig is a bit older (35 years) and runs leaf springs all around. For me the experience is better when aired down to about 12 to 15. You might try it once and see if you like it better!

[@R3LF13]

I like to split the difference between extremes. I run about 23 psi on the trail and it provides a good chunk of the benefits without downsides. Softens up the ride, improves traction and I don't have to worry about the bead or lose any ground clearance.

[@tylergtattooeastcoast-tatt8562]

One reason he didn't mention for airing down is that it assists with the tire being more puncture resistant because it can mold itself around other obstacles and things that would normally pop a hole in a fully inflated tire. Airing down is pretty key, makes for a comfortable ride and better grip on slick rock mud etc.

[@Paiadakine]

Allan. Airing down is a requirement for certain trails. You won’t get far if you don’t air down in sand. Take superstition ohv or glamos or pismo. You also won’t get far if you don’t airdown on the rocks like bronco peak, any of the jv runs, iron cross, and some of the Moab runs.

[@allanwagner4570]

Pay Way Well like I said I’ve never felt the need to air down Driving skills make a huge difference in my humble opinion However it’s your Jeep do what you want with it👍 And by the way I live in Arizona and rock crawl play in sand and mud when it rains and even snow up in Flags So I know a bit about Jeeps and Wheelin been doin it 40 years Again it’s your Jeep do what you want with it Peace🤙

[@jdreaper2176]

I'll take a car up that ! Thats onroad driving.

[@JohnBtons]

"Run you stick bastards!"

[@CJBroncoF150]

Hahaha

[@scottiemanners]

Lol the same sound effect on Minority Mindset channel intro.

[@ReduxGarage]

The wheels on that yellow Jeep are too big (diameter).

[@mikpiotto]

My honda civic could make it through that first green trail

[@Hotrod_haji]

#1 rule when offroading. Wear your seatbelt. Which the guy who made this video failed to do.

[@rthurmond1995]

Any body on New Orleans wanna go. I have no jeep friends lol. Jeeps here are only for show

[@jeremiahbachmann3901]

3:20 Nothing says "classy" like having a funny sticker portraying the murder of children.

[@solooverland3666]

Thanks for pointing that out! Gotta get that decal

[@modelmode8]

I off-road in a Saturn on jeep trails where most jeeps in my city never touch. It's always fun to park next to those pavement princesses covered in mud.

[@M4Nathan007]

A miata coulda done that trail.

[@CJBroncoF150]

Take it to AOAA and see if it can!

[@callan69]

First step for me is to stay away from big fancy wheels most normal 4wd's should have at least 15-18inch wheels anything bigger is just dumb due to next to no tyre profile low profile tyres offroad is just dumb

[@2cents422]

Step one, get REAL bead locks! Not ones like on the yellow Jeep @1:25 How the hell are you gonna make a 4x4 video and have simulators on? Must be a Jeepers thing.

[@camaroboi13]

2 Cents step two, know your local laws. Bead locks are not legal for highway use in the state of California. Several wheel companies sell wheels that have that look, because people like them for one, and they also have protective properties. I’d rather tear up a plastic replaceable ring than a shiny metal wheel.

[@tdkeyes1]

Where's the CJ? 2.5 mins in and he hadn't stopped talking.

[@FhargaZ]

Why removing the spare part tyre?

[@CJBroncoF150]

That was just the look we were going for.

[@jamessteele8818]

Not wearing a seat belt in most of the video, that's a big no no.

[@davideuliano]

💪