Shopping for 4×4 accessories can be overwhelming, especially for a newcomer. There are many different components available designed by an equally large number of manufacturers. Choosing where to start can be a difficult decision. By visiting this site, you can get the help you need.
Instead of choosing which items you want, start by deciding what type of off-roading you’re going to be doing. Figuring out the most frequent activity and terrain your vehicle will see is a more suitable starting point.
We’ve got several key dynamics we’ve compiled into a list for the off-roading or overlanding beginner. This is a comprehensive guide to finding the best 4×4 accessories.
Where Will Your Vehicle Take You?
Deciding the most frequent location or area you’ll be off-roading is key to finding the proper 4×4 accessories. Use this list as a guideline for possible off-roading activities for you and your 4×4.
Overlanding
Overlanding is the equivalent of backcountry camping, only in your vehicle. Most overlanding adventures are long treks through isolated areas for days on end.
Decide where exactly your overlanding destination is to begin your preparations. Are you going on a week-long vacation or a country-wide excursion?
Rock Crawling
Rock crawling involves climbing over steep, rugged, and elevated rock structures or mountain faces. There are large gaps in height and distance between rocks, so speeds can be slow at times.
Larger 4×4 tires are more suitable for rock crawling adventures. Trails can get dangerous, so it’s important to have the proper equipment.
Adjustments in suspension may need to be made as well. Vehicles need to compensate for the height of the tires they’ll be navigating.
Mudding
Choosing the proper 4×4 accessories is crucial when you’re planning for mudding. Efficient 4×4 tires will be required for trips like this.
Off-road mudding trails are rated by colour based on difficulty. Green is the easiest type of trail, while blue and black are the most difficult.
Depending on which colour course you plan on hitting, you’ll need to choose tires and equipment accordingly. The last thing you want is to get stuck in the mud while you’re off-roading!
Sand Racing
Trucks and other 4×4 vehicles flock to the beach for sand racing year-round. These high-speed excursions may offer a more forgiving terrain, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to be prepared.
Wet sand can be tricky to navigate and can lead to sliding when your vehicle loses traction. When the sand is deep enough, an unprepared truck might get stuck.
This type of 4×4 off-roading will garner some of the highest speeds. Despite this, it’s still necessary to get quality 4×4 rated tires.
Equipment Options
Now that there’s a clearer picture of potential uses, we can get into the options for 4×4 accessories. You may need one or many of these upgraded features, depending on where your destination takes you.
Tires
Tires are one of the most important 4×4 accessories you can purchase. It’s important to get 4×4 quality tires that can also be used on paved roads.
You’ll have the option of choosing between tubed and tubeless tires. Tubeless tires are easier to change in case of a puncture.
Don’t jump on the cheapest tires you see. Spending a little extra on tires will ensure you get a lot of life out of these 4×4 accessories.
Compressor
This component goes with the tires. If you get a flat, you’ll need a compressor to air your tire once it’s patched. The spare may also need air if you can’t repair the original tire.
There are multiple advantages of having an air compressor. Mud and dust can also be blown from the engine compartment or other crucial areas of the vehicle.
Roof Rack
Roof racks are important if you’re planning on overlanding. If you’re carrying extra cargo, you’ll want an upgraded third-party roof rack as well.
Always be sure to choose a roof rack that supports the weight you’re carrying. If you’re traveling with a rooftop tent and two people, you’ll want a rack that’s rated for at least 400 pounds.
Snorkels
These giant breathers aren’t just for cosmetic purposes. Hood snorkels provide efficient air intake for your engine when you’re going through mud or water.
If your trip is going to take you towards the ocean, near rivers, or deep mudding trails, you’ll need a snorkel. Engines can easily stall without proper air intake when water is involved.
Bull Bar
These 4×4 accessories are important for two reasons. If you’re in a collision or need to pull something heavy, a quality bull bar is a lifesaver.
Bull bars are installed on the front of your 4×4 vehicle. These steel components shield the lights, radiator, and engine compartment of the vehicle during a collision.
If you’re off-roading with a partner and another vehicle, you may need to pull your partners vehicle at some point. It’s not uncommon to get stuck in treacherous terrain and end up needing a pull.
If you’re going to be traveling through wooded terrain or doing rock climbing, you’ll need a bull bar. One foul slip without a bull bar means a busted light or worse, a punctured radiator.
Side Steps
When your vehicle has been elevated or has a lifted suspension, you’ll need these 4×4 accessories. Side-steps make it easier to climb in and out of the vehicle.
Without side-steps, you’ll tire easily from taking a huge leap just to enter and exit your 4×4. Side-steps are available in different sizes and designs based on your vehicle’s height.
If you don’t plan on exiting the vehicle frequently or are afraid the side-steps could bottom out, they can be easily removed. Some even fold up, giving them extra elevation.
Choosing proper 4×4 accessories takes some careful planning. Decide what terrain you’ll be navigating and pick your accessories accordingly. The last thing you want is to be stuck off-roading without the proper equipment.
