Different Types of Offroading – Defined

Have you ever wanted to begin a new hobby but aren’t sure where to start? Perhaps you have been reading about the hobby but still don’t quite understand because the terms are unfamiliar. 

Offroading is no different. If you are going to offroad, you need to understand the terminology. Since offroading is often an activity for friends to join together, you want to speak the same vocabulary and understand the terms, especially when it comes to safety. 

Let’s take a look at some of the different types of offroading and the gear you’ll need to get out there.

Terms For Types Of Offroading

We will begin by discussing what kind of offroading you’d like to participate in to start your journey. Not every experience is the same, and it can make all the difference in your safety and vehicle preparations. Once you have fundamental terms, you can move on to an entire glossary of terms for more in-depth preparation. 

Light Trails Defined

Light trails are trails that could be paved or heavily traveled. These trails are suitable for most offroad vehicles, are usually the best trails for beginners, and they are the most available trails. Examples of terrain are gravel roads that are not perfectly maintained, often with some puddles, and/or ditches. As long as your vehicle is four-wheel-drive, these should be fine to travel. 

Overland and Camping Defined

Overland and camping are offroading activities for extended periods in more remote and isolated areas. This form of offroading is becoming more and more popular. It is not a surprise this is becoming more popular as this trend includes other trends like van living and more. The actual offroading activity may involve light offroading but linked to a community having fun together and enjoying the great outdoors. 

Since this type of offroading involves being on the road for an extended period, it requires more preparation for an extended journey. In addition, in order to offroad for an extended period in isolated areas, it is critical to understand your vehicle and maintain it.

Mudding Defined

Mudding is precisely what it sounds like, riding through the mud. Of course, every kid grows up loving playing in the mud. However, mudding in an offroad vehicle is just as much fun for an adult. 

There are off-road parks with mudding trails. In these parks, the trails are marked with colors to announce the difficulty level for that trail. For serious mudding, you will need a four-wheel-drive vehicle and excellent tires. The trails are green, blue, and black, with green being the easiest. 

It can take experience for the mudding trails. Depending upon the difficulty, you need to assess the speed necessary not to get stuck in the mud. Alternatively, too much speed can cause you to flip your vehicle and lose control. 

Mud bogging is a type of mudding that involves in racing to get through the mud the fastest. These vehicles usually have massive tires to manage the terrain and speed. 

Rock Crawling Defined

Rock crawling drives your vehicle up and over uneven rocky terrain requiring vehicles to go at low speeds. Your vehicle would need the ability to articulate, defined as the ability to tilt left and right. Specialized gear is necessary for this activity, such as a lift kit, clearance bumpers, skid plates, lockers, bead lock wheels, and a winch. 

Sand And Desert Racing

If you are lucky enough to be located on a coast or in the desert, you have many unique opportunities for offroading. However, unique challenges exist with sand since it can be easy to get stuck and more challenging to get out of than mud. There are many coastal trails in the Western United States.

Desert offroading is different in that it usually involves traveling at high speed across the desert. The terrain can be unpredictable with uneven surfaces, dunes, descending hills, and jumps. Your vehicle equipment should include good shocks and suspension appropriate for this activity. Be sure to bring emergency supplies with you. People know your location, preferably do not participate alone. 

Offroading Vehicle Needs

To offroad, there are basic things your vehicle needs for you to participate. These needs can include entirely modifying your vehicle. Factory setups are possible, but modifications will make your vehicle exactly what you want it to be. 

• Offroading Tires
• Lift Kits
• Winch
• Snorkel
• Offroad Lighting
• Body Armor
• Skid Plates

Once you have your equipment, take some time to prepare and learn how to use your modified vehicle. For example, you installed a winch kit but have you tested it out, and do you know how to use it? 

Additional items you should have on hand when offroading that is not vehicle-related include water, sunscreen, fire extinguisher, tools, spare parts, etc.

Are You Ready To Get Started?

Whether you’re new to off-roading or an experienced mudder, Mach1 Motorsports has the knowledge to supply you with aftermarket parts and the latest diagnostics equipment. We are focused on providing high-quality service and customer satisfaction, meeting and exceeding your expectations.

Customer service is job number one for us. We promise to be honest and not push you to purchase something you don’t need. We want you to tell your friends about us and come back whenever you need parts, service, or diagnostics. 

We will keep your off-road vehicle running like new and ensure that it is repaired correctly so you never get stuck out on the trail. Contact us today to learn what we can do to help you get out on the trails, enjoying the fresh air and challenge of mudding, climbing, or just taking a trail ride.