5 Tips to Prepare for A Family Off-Road Adventure
If this isn’t your first off-road adventure, you already know it’s pretty much unlike your regular day trip. If it is your first, you’re off to a great start! Because, when it comes to family off-road adventures, preparation is half of the fun. Moreover, planning properly for the trip will ultimately reduce the chances of things going wrong, and everyone gets to enjoy it more since it’s smoother. So, here’s a family off-road adventure preparation checklist.
1. Choose your destination
Of course, you need to know your destination before heading off, so this one seems obvious. But then, what spot are you choosing? It’s great to go somewhere you already know and have been to, but there’s juice in novelty.
It could be a terrain you saw online or one your friend mentioned. Features like waterfalls and canyons near the trails can get your heart pacing excitedly. The point is, pick an adventurous destination that promises to give you and your family the trill.
2. Pack up for the trip
How long you intend to stay will determine how serious you have to be about packing. If it’s a day trip into the mountains, you might do pretty well with only a cooler of ice and bug spray.
But if you’re camping for a week, it’s best to have camping gear and perhaps a mini freezer with enough food for the family. If you have little kids, ensure to go with things like toys, snacks, hand sanitizer, and first aid. Having card games to play with the family is also a great idea. So, it’s time to go shopping!
You also want to be prepared for any maintenance needs your vehicle may develop.
3. Ensure your vehicle is in excellent condition
Of course, for an off-road trip, you need an off-road vehicle. But it doesn’t have to be an ATV; a truck or SUV with large tires will do.
Before embarking on a family off-road adventure, it’s crucial to ensure that your SUV or truck is in top condition to handle the rugged terrain, and WildTop offers essential accessories like truck caps to enhance your vehicle’s functionality and protection. Equipping your vehicle with accessories such as truck caps from WildTop not only adds extra storage space for camping gear and supplies but also provides shelter and security for your belongings during outdoor excursions. By outfitting your SUV or truck with quality accessories from WildTop, you can enjoy a safe and enjoyable off-road experience with your family.
However, you may need to pimp it up to suit the off-road conditions depending on the vehicle’s current condition. Think bull bars, tires with deep threads for rough terrains, or more flexible suspension.
Again, if you have an ATV, you need not worry. If not, it’s best to go shopping. Companies having car and truck accessories for sale will usually have those items, so consider adding that to your shopping list before your adventure.
4. Map your route
Did your friend tell you about that dramatic terrain? Great! But word-of-mouth directions just don’t cut it. You’ll need a map and familiarize yourself with the route. You don’t want you and your family getting lost in the middle of nowhere. Thanks to Google Maps, planning your route is a breeze.
Locate gas stations, camp spots, or any other place of interest. If you ever get lost or into a bad situation, you’ll know what direction to go to get to the highway quickly. Even though you don’t get into any bad situations, you’re going off the road, so you want to know how to get back to it without hiccups.
5. Calculate your fuel consumption
Expect your fuel consumption to double when off-roading. That’s because you’d be on the throttle a lot of times as you move through sand and elevations, which uses more fuel than when you’re just cruising on a level highway.
So, if you already know your vehicle’s average fuel economy, a rule of thumb is to expect it to drop by about 50%. But, of course, this will depend on how rough the terrain is.
If there are fuel stations near the area, awesome! If not, as you’ll see on the map, it’s worth filling your tank and packing some extra before hitting the dirt.
Conclusion
Off-roading is fun when the family doesn’t get stranded or hungry and your vehicle doesn’t get faulty. Your preparation should be mostly about preventing all of that to improve your odds of having a smooth and exhilarating family off-road adventure!
