Are you and your vehicle prepared for the challenge?

Warmer weather is settling over the McHenry area while the soil is retaining enough moisture to promise ample splattered evidence that brings a sparkle to the eye of the dyed-in-the-wool offroader who considers dirt on the fenders a badge of honor. Yes, it’s time to hit the road, and then leave the road, with your off-road monster of choice.

Of course, this is not the territory for the bashful or the unattended amateur. You need to know what you’re doing. You need to understand ground clearance. You need to think before you leap into that approaching ‘puddle.’ You also want to make sure that your Jeep, Land Rover, Ram, 4Runner or, uhm, Prius, is ready for the occasion.

In the case of the Prius, the best way to prepare for offroading is to stay on the road. But those other mountain masters are made for the ‘dusty trails.’ It’s in their DNA. Still, maintenance and thorough inspections are critical before you head out.

Knowing your vehicle’s limitations is important. With that in mind, would you head offroad with your Wrangler and not a clue if everything is in condition to handle the off-road challenge you’re throwing its way? Of course not.

Maintenance is critical. You need to get your off-roader up on hoist. You need to check out the shocks and struts, the u-joints, tie-rods, ball joints, steering arms and knuckles, axle bearings, leaf springs, bushings, brake lines, etcetera, etcetera. You need to check the tires, the lights, the transmission and change the engine oil. 

You want to make sure the cooling system and coolant are up to par and all the fluids are topped off. You want to be off-road ready. And you want to know it.

This doesn’t mean that something won’t break; going offroad can cause brand-spanking new parts to snap under pressure. But going offroad with confidence that your vehicle is in the best possible condition is the best place to start. After all, if there’s a weak link in your Road Ranger, off-road trails will find it.

Once you’ve got your ride prepared for the adventure, there are, of course, some other measures you want to take to ensure that you come home from the ride safely. These include bringing:

• A map and a reliable GPS
• Drinking water and some energy snacks
• A jacket so you’re prepared if the temperature drops
• Basic tools
• Reliable communications, possibly including a CB or Ham radio

Before you head out from your McHenry home, let someone know where you’re going and follow smart off-roader procedures. And have fun.