With summer about to begin, it is time to visit your Ford F-150 dealer to find all the gear and assistance you need to get your truck ready to hit the trail. Prepping your truck will give you the peace of mind that you can enjoy yourself safely, knowing your truck will be ready to handle whatever nature may throw your way. Off-roading can be a lot of fun, but there is always an element of risk in mind. Keep in mind that you are pushing your truck to the limits. That’s why proper preparation is so important.
No matter how nice the sky looks when you set out, weather conditions can change on the turn of a dime, with a beautiful sunny day giving way to a massive thunderstorm in a matter of minutes. Properly preparing involves taking a series of steps that will allow you to handle any physical or meteorological challenge you may face out there on the trail. Here are some helpful steps so you won’t get caught in a bad situation.
Now Is the Time to Get Your Truck Inspected
When most folks hear the phrase inspection, they immediately think of the annual emissions tests that most states require for motor vehicles. While this is important, it will not have an impact on your off-roading. Instead, it is time for an inspection to make sure your truck is in proper working order.
The first thing to check is your truck’s 4×4 system. If your F-150 is a rear-wheel drive model, then you are going to have to get a four-wheel drive truck. It’s okay, I’ll wait. You’re back? Great! Now check your 4×4 system to make sure it is working properly. Next, check the suspension, which entails looking at the shocks, springs, CV boots, and tie rods for any damage. Are the shocks leaking any fluid? Is a tie rod loose? Now is the time to get any of these items repaired.
You also should use this time to get an oil change, tire rotation, and other routine maintenance. Make sure all the various fluid levels in your truck are topped up, the electrical system is functioning properly, and all the belts and hoses aren’t frayed or showing too much wear and tear. The last thing you want is for something to go wrong with your truck when you’re in the middle of nowhere.
Is It Time to Get a New Set of Tires?
Many F-150 models that have a 4×4 system come with a set of all-terrain tires. These have a deep tread that can help in off-road conditions. If your truck did not come with all-terrains, then now is the time to spring for a set. If your truck does have all-terrain tires, but the treads are getting worn, then you should consider replacing them. You are going to need all the traction you can get when out on the trail. Tires are the key to getting the proper amount of grip, especially when you encounter mud and sand.
Some trucks are purpose-built for off-roading and feature beadlock-capable wheels. These allow you to under-inflate your tires without the risk of damage since you can lock the tire’s bead to the wheel. If you have a set of these, then you should be prepared to reduce the pressure when you get to the trail. However, since underinflated tires don’t perform particularly well on the road, you should buy an air compressor and inflator, along with an accurate tire gauge. This will let you re-inflate your tires after a fun day of off-roading.
Getting the Proper Off-Road Setup
Some truck models today are made for off-roading. For example, the Ford F-150 Tremor and Raptor models come with specialized off-road suspension systems, skid plates, and a factory lift for added ground clearance. If you have a truck with these features, then you should be ready to go. However, not all trucks are created equal, so you might want to check out your owner’s manual.
In general, you will want to have features like skid plates and rock rails on your truck before you go off-roading. These shield vital parts of your truck, including the oil pan, from damage caused by rocks and other debris. Similarly, ground clearance is a key factor. This is how much space you have between the bottom of your truck and whatever may be lying on the ground. The ground clearance will also affect your truck’s approach, breakover, and departure angles. If you don’t think your F-150 has enough clearance, then you may consider getting a suspension lift.
Finally, things in your way can hurt you. This is why many off-road truckers add a bull bar to the front. This will protect your truck’s grille, headlights, and front bumper from damage from rocks, logs, and other items you may run into on the trail.
Tools of the Trade for Off-Roading
No one really knows what they are going to encounter on a trail until they get out there. Just like the Boy Scouts have always said, be prepared. You could end up getting your truck stuck in a gully or a mud patch. If you aren’t prepared, you could be stuck for quite a while. If you don’t like that prospect, then you are going to need to load up your truck with some items.
For example, a winch can be very handy. This will allow you to literally tow your truck out of a tough spot. A winch can also come in handy if you come across another trucker who has gotten stuck while out on the trail. However, you need a place to hook the winch up to, which is another reason to upgrade to a heavy-duty bumper. You may also want to get a set of recovery boards. These can be placed in front of or behind your truck’s wheels to provide the traction you lack when you are stuck in the mud. These take up very little room in your truck’s bed and can save you an afternoon of grief.
Tire punctures are an unfortunate side product of driving a motor vehicle. This is certainly the case when off-roading. You never know when your truck is going to ride over a sharp object and cause a puncture. This is why you should always make sure to check the condition of your spare tire and may want to consider a bed-mounted tire carrier and hi-lift jack. In addition, you should take along a well-equipped tool kit, a set of work gloves, and a jumper battery with charging cables. These are necessities, even if you decide you aren’t going out off-roading that day.
Key Items for Yourself and Your Passengers
Time flies when you are having fun. This is definitely true when you are off-roading on an amazing trail during the height of summer. You are out there, passing some beautiful scenery in the desert or the forest with some of your favorite friends. The sun is beating down as you push your truck over rocks and logs, through a riverbed, and onto a boulder.
All the fun is going to make you hungry, so don’t forget to always pack a nutritious lunch and some delicious snacks. In addition, it is crucial to stay properly hydrated. The summer heat can sneak up on you and cause you to get heat stroke if you aren’t drinking enough water or sports drinks with electrolytes. Remember to bring along plenty of food and beverages. But, leave the alcohol at home. Off-roading and drunk driving can be a lethal combination.
You should also bring along some sweatshirts or blankets since many off-road areas can get quite cold when the sun sets. This can happen incredibly quickly, and unforeseen events may keep you out longer than you planned. Also, always keep a first aid kit and a flashlight with an extra set of batteries. Just like a tool kit, this can come in handy even when you aren’t off-roading.
Stay Safe and Have Fun!
As with all the best things in life, proper preparation will ensure that you get the most out of your off-road adventures. The F-150 is an incredibly capable off-road machine, especially if you opt for a model like the Tremor or Raptor, but that doesn’t mean you can skip the preparation. Following these simple steps will help you prepare your truck in the best way possible so you and your friends can get the most out of your summer off-road adventure.
