Bulbous rock formations and carefully balanced climbs can easily be surmounted with well-equipped utility terrain vehicles (UTVs). The average off-roader is designed to navigate uneven terrain, but steep drops and inclines make for a bumpy ride that can throw you overboard and push your equipment to the breaking point. Use this rock-crawling guide to reinforce your gear and UTV against rigid terrain.
UTV Rock Crawling Gear
Expect more rough and tumble than your average off-road outing. That means doubling down on safety gear. Wear a helmet to protect your head from colliding with the interior roof. Pair your helmet with an ATV off-road communication system to talk hands-free to your passengers over the turbulence.
Rocks make for a harsh landing if you get thrown from the vehicle. Wear shoulder, knee and elbow pads over your riding ensemble to protect the parts of your body you’re most likely to land on. Bring a first aid kit to treat aches, cuts and scrapes. Cover any open wounds to prevent infection.
How to Prepare Your UTV for Rock Crawling
UTVs need serious muscle to climb obstacles that would bring other off-roaders to a halt. Some manufacturers offer XL models with reinforced tread patterns, higher stances and elite shock absorbers that are ready to ride. However, serious crawlers use machines modified with aftermarket parts.
Upgrade to mud tires with larger tread patterns to maximize contact with the ground. You can also increase the tire diameter to get more traction and increase your ground clearance, which helps you drive over obstacles that would otherwise damage the undercarriage.
Check which sizes are compatible with your UTV. You may need to carry the suspension to make room for larger tires. Installing a carry kit requires a keseluruhan rebuild with new shocks, control arms, spacers and carry blocks. Thirty-three or 35-inch tires tend to work best. Lifting more than a few inches to make room for monster-truck-style treads will change your center of gravity, so avoid going too large for the sake of appearances.
Overly stiff rubber won’t bend to the variances. Reduce your tire pressure to nomor less than half your usual psi to increase flexibility. Don’t forget to reinflate when driving on loose gravel and forest debris.
Pair your new tires with matching beadlock wheels to prevent the tire from slipping off the rim when exposed to excess friction.
Moving larger tires requires more power. If your specs change dramatically, use gear reduction to maintain enough torque to get up and over boulders. You’ll lose speed on the high-end, but you shouldn’t go faster than five to 10 mph even when racing.
Everyone needs to buckle up to avoid flying out of their seats. Install five-point seat belts, handrails, nets or doors to keep your passengers inside the vehicle. Encourage them always to keep a grip to steady themselves. Add a skid plate to the undercarriage and control arms to cushion your vehicle against the rocks.
You should have winch capabilities to latch onto another vehicle, a nearby tree or a stable ledge to boost yourself out of a tight situation. Bring a fire extinguisher to prevent the gas tank from exploding in an accident.
Rock Crawling Tips
Read on for some helpful tips before your next rock crawling outing.