6 Tips for Off-Road Towing | GRID Off-Road
Off-road towing is a great way to bring all your gear with you on exciting trips, but you’ll need to come prepared. Overlanding with a trailer successfully requires a bit more awareness and prep than off-roading with only your tow vehicle.So, if you’re getting ready for your first off-road towing experience, these tips can help you hit the trails prepared.
1. Bring an Off-Roading Buddy
The No. 1 tip for anyone going overlanding with a trailer is to bring a buddy. You’ll be far safer if you’ve got someone else along for the ride, whether it’s just a friend in the passenger seat or a big group in a couple of vehicles. There are a number of reasons for this.
For example, a spotter is crucial when you’re doing off-road towing. If you bring a friend along, one of you can get out and spot the trail to make sure your trailer and tow vehicle aren’t headed for any dangerous obstacles. They can keep an eye out for large rocks, potholes, and potential tricky spots ahead like gullies or slick hills. Plus, if you do run into trouble, a second person will be a great help with vehicle maintenance or any first aid situations. There are all kinds of awesome places to go off-roading in the U.S., so make a whole adventure out of it with your trail buddies!
2. Use the Right Kind of Trailer
Before you even begin packing for your overlanding trip, make sure you’re getting the right kind of trailer. Not all trailers are built to handle rough off-road terrain. Some trailers are built specifically for this, though. An off-road-specific trailer will be ideally equipped to face rock gardens and rough trails with minimal chance of maintenance issues. If money is a concern, there’s a number of ways you can save on your off-road rig without compromising quality gear. For example, you may be able to trade in an old trailer to put some money toward a new off-road trailer. Vehicle salespeople may also be willing to negotiate with you to get a price you can afford.
3. Bring the Right Gear
Remember the basics here. Off-roading comes with some inherent risks, including the possibility that your rig could break down or get stuck. You could go a whole trip without running into issues, but your best bet is to be prepared. Always bring some emergency gear as well as gear for helping your rig out of tight spots and performing repairs. Before leaving, make sure you study up on trailer maintenance needs, since trailers can have some special maintenance points that your tow vehicle doesn’t. One of these needs is managing dust on the trail. Dust and dirt can be a serious issue for trailers. Make sure to seal up or protect things like vents and water tanks. It’s also important to check up on the underside of both your trailer and your tow vehicle when you stop along the trail.
4. Pay Attention to Trail Signs
Trail etiquette is important to keep in mind when you’re doing off-road towing. With a big trailer behind you, it can be a real hassle if you get stuck somewhere you shouldn’t have tried to go to begin with. So, pay attention to trail signs along the way. Off-road trailers are sturdy, but every vehicle has its limits. Remember, some trails might have narrow points, slopes, boulders, and other obstacles ahead that you can’t see. Trail maintenance personnel post signage for a reason. So, make sure you understand what trail signs mean and you’ll keep yourself, your rig, and others safer.
5. Match Rims and Tires
Many off-road enthusiasts know it’s a good idea to lower your tire pressure before hitting the trail. When you add a trailer to your rig, make sure you also match your specific tires and rims to your tow vehicle. This way, you only have to understand one set of tires and rims.Plus, you’ll only need to carry one spare with you. Just make sure you’ve got the right kind of tires for off-roading. And don’t forget those GRID Off-Road wheels! With so many styles to choose from, you’re bound to see something you like on our wheels collection page.
6. Practice Driving at Home First
Lastly, it’s a good idea to practice driving your whole rig with the trailer before leaving for the trail. If possible, consider taking an off-road towing class in your area. If a course isn’t available near you, try to practice some key off-road driving techniques in a safe area. This will help you get used to how your rig handles with the trailer hooked up.
Off-Road Towing Like a Pro
Off-road towing can be a lot of fun when you come prepared. Keep these tips in mind and you’ll be able to navigate off-road expeditions with a trailer in tow, looking great on some GRIDs, too! With the right gear and preparation, you can take your trailer overlanding without rookie mistakes wrecking the trip.
Author Bio: Oscar Collins is the founder and editor-in-chief at Modded, where he writes about cars, luxury topics and more. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for frequent updates!
