4x4 - 101: A Beginner’s Guide to off-road adventures
Ready to go Overlanding in Colorado's incredible backcountry? At Titus Adventures, we provide the vehicles and the expertise to make your off-road dreams a reality. This 4x4 101 guide will cover essential driving techniques, vehicle preparation, and safety tips to help you plan for and navigate backcountry trails with confidence so that you can get to those hard to reach campsites or trailheads.
Titus Adventure Land Cruiser ascends a rocky trail to access panoramic views.
Vehicle Preparation
Must-haves:
Big views await on some of the alpine 4×4 passes
AT Tires: All-terrain tires provide better grip and traction on loose surfaces compared to standard tires.
4Lo (Low-Range): Essential for tackling steep inclines and descents.
Full-size Spare Tire: A crucial safety measure, especially on remote trails.
Nice-to-haves:
Lift: Increases ground clearance, reducing the risk of damage to the undercarriage.
Body Armor: Protects your vehicle from rocks and debris.
Essential Gear
Food and Water: Bring what you think you need plus some extra!
Air Compressor: For re-inflating tires when done with the trail.
Tire Deflator: Makes airing down tires quickly and easily.
Walkie-Talkies: For communication with your spotter or other drivers.
Extra Fuel: Always carry more fuel than you anticipate needing.
Battery Jumper/Cables: A must-have for unexpected emergencies.
Tool Kit: Include a multi-tool and any necessary wrenches/screwdrivers.
Shovel: For digging yourself out of trouble.
Saw: To clear obstacles from the trail.
Recovery gear to consider depending on difficulty and experience:
Winch: Highly recommended for serious off-roading.
Hi-Lift Jack: Versatile for various recovery situations.
Kinetic Tow Rope: Strong enough for your vehicle's weight.
Soft Shackles: Safer and easier to use than traditional shackles.
Traction Boards: To help you get unstuck from mud or sand.
A good example of a shelf road on Ohir Pass in the San Juan Mountains
Safety Equipment:
Closed-toe Shoes: Protects your feet from rocks and debris.
Warm Clothing: Layered clothing to adapt to changing weather conditions.
Rain Gear: Be prepared for unexpected showers.
SOS Device: Like texting devices like an InReach, Zoleo, or Bivy Stick
Headlamp: For navigating in low-light conditions and generally good to have incase you stay out later than expected.
First Aid Kit: Be prepared for minor injuries.
Route Preparation
Research: Use resources like Trails Offroad to learn about trail difficulty and conditions.
Know your limits: A lot of 4x4 trails are narrow and have steep drops with no guardrails. Some people really do no like these “shelf” roads which is good to know before you get onto them!
Plan Your Route: Download offline maps using apps like Gaia GPS.
Trailhead Prep
Deflating tires before the trail gets too rowdy affords some time to stretch and chat.
Tire Delfation
Why: Lowering tire pressure makes the ride a lot smoother on those rocks. It also increases the tire's contact patch with the ground, improving traction on loose surfaces. Finally, you are less likely to pop a tire that is at a lower pressure.
How Much: A general guideline is to start with around 18-20 PSI and adjust as needed.
Risks: Under-deflating can damage your tires and rims. You can also de-bead the tire from the rim and then you have a big problem.
Driving Position: Raise your seat up and forward for better visibility. Sit upright with your hands at 9 and 3 on the steering wheel. This provides better control and visibility.
Trail Etiquette:
Blind Corners: Slow down and sound your horn.
Right of Way: Uphill traffic typically has the right of way.
Hand Signals: Use hand signals to communicate with other drivers.
Know Your Limits: Don't attempt trails that are beyond your skill level.
Stay on the Trail: Avoid creating new trails and minimize environmental impact.
Don't Splash: Avoid unnecessarily splashing mud and water on other vehicles.
Parking Brake:
Why: Essential for safety, especially on inclines and descents.
Shifting:
4Hi/4Lo:
4Hi: For moderate off-road conditions and higher speeds.
4Lo: For challenging terrain, slow speeds, and increased torque.
Downshifting: Use engine braking to control your speed on descents so that you are not riding the brakes.
Driving Techniques
Not all 4WD vehicles have the same button/knob configurations so be sure to familirize yourself with your vehicle’s specifics prior to an outing.
When to Use 4H & 4L:
4Lo: Use 4Lo for steep ascents/descents, challenging obstacles, and slow speeds. If you are going 10mph or under, you should be in 4Lo as it will be easier for the vehicle (think shifting on a bike)
4Hi: Suitable for moderate off-road conditions and higher speeds.
Gearing:
Brake Up, Shift Down: Use the brakes to slow down, then downshift to maintain control.
Crossing water can be fun but take the time to scout it out before driving through.
Crawl Control:
When to Use: On very steep or slippery inclines/descents. Not available in all vehicles
How it Works: The system automatically controls engine speed and braking by using the ABS brake system. It can feel and sound a bit unpleasant but it can be amazing when you really need it.
Tires on Rocks:
Proper Placement: Place your tires to roll on top of very large rocks. Don’t try to straddle these rocks as they can damage the underside of the vehicle.
Spotter: A spotter can help guide you and identify potential hazards.
Parking Brake:
Essential: Always engage the parking brake properly when stopped on an incline.
Imagine getting out of the vehicle on an incline or decline to scout a section of trail ahead. Before exiting the vehicle, we want to set the parking brake so that the vehicle doesn’t have a chance of rolling away. You want to parking brake to hold the vehicle and not the parking pawl (thin piece of metal that engages when the vehicle is put into PARK)
Keep foot on brake and first step is to put the vehicle into NEUTRAL.
Set the parking brake really hard and start to slowly let off the brake.
If the vehicle moves more than a few inches, the parking brake is not set enough
Once the vehicle has come to a complete stop, put the vehicle into PARK and then you can get out.
When ready to drive again, reverse the process
It’s good practice to bring your rig home nice and dirty after a good trip.
Mud and Water:
Risks: Getting stuck & Hydrolocking the engine (water entering the air intake).
Avoid: Deep water crossings. Driving through standing water if unsure of the depth.
If you’re determined to cross a section of trail that requires you to get into the water, consider these best practices:
Check the depth before entering the water with the vehicle. If the water is up to or below the center of the hub cap, you’re likely good to go.
It’s a good idea to have your gearing in 4-lo, and go about 3mph through the water obstacle with consistent pace, being careful to not stop in the water.
Scouting and Spotting:
In particularly tough sections, both the driver and the spotter can walk the sections to scout them. Put your arms out to the sides to simulate the rough tire-span of the vehicle. Walk the trail with the intention of seeing which obstacles your hands would go over as if they were the wheels on the vehicle.
Having a spotter is essential for challenging sections. The spotter should guide you through obstacles less with hand signals and more verbally so that the driver’s eyes can stay on the road. A good spotter is:
Says things loudly and clearly
Overly communicative. As a driver who can’t see obstacles, you don’t want to hear silence. The spotter is saying things like “keep coming straight”, “6 more inches to the rock”
Giving steering directions by saying things like “Turn a little towards driver” or “now turn passenger”
Try not to have multiple spotters at the same time giving the driver conflicting information.
After the Trail
Inflate Tires: Inflate your tires back to their on-road pressure using a portable air compressor. We like the ARB twin compressors as they fill the tires quickly.
Let’s Hit The Trail
Remember this is just a starting point. With just some basic trail-driving knowledge, you can unlock access to serene, less-traveled spots that are perfect for authentic overlanding experiences. Don't let the term "off-road" intimidate you - most trails are manageable and can be safely navigated with proper guidance and practice.
Prioritize Safety: Always drive responsibly and within your skill level.
Respect the Environment: Leave no trace and minimize your impact on the natural world.
Learn More: Consider taking an off-road driving course to enhance your skills. We recommend On-Trail Training with Matt in the Denver area
Need a 4x4 rental or want to go overlanding with a guide? Our overland fleet comes fully equipped with essential features like all-terrain tires, low-range gearing, and valuable additions like lift kits and body armor for enhanced capability. Safety is our top priority - all vehicles are stocked with emergency communication devices, first aid supplies, and necessary gear for changing weather conditions. For those new to overlanding or seeking local expertise, our overland guided trips offer the perfect way to build confidence while exploring Colorado's most spectacular remote destinations under the guidance of experienced leaders who prioritize both adventure and safety.
See all of this information out on the trail and check out this video!
