Offroading is great for all types of people, as long as you can drive! It’s an activity that can be taken up by couples, groups, families and single people. In fact, for any singles out there it’s a great way o get out there and meet likeminded people.

You can go offroading on all kinds of terrain in all types of weather and at any time of year, meaning that the opportunities for offroading are pretty much limitless.

Taking part in this exciting activity also gives you a great opportunity to experience a truly exciting holiday that is far removed from the usual sun, sea and sangria that most of us are used to.

You can embark on an offroading adventure in countries all over the world. What’s more, offroading can provide an amazing way to see some of the globe’s most spectacular sites, such as the Grand Canyon in the USA, the pyramids of Egypt or even the Himalaya mountain range of India.

In fact, the idea of exploring out there places in a 4×4 has become so popular that it has even spawned a TV show. BBC2’s ‘Worlds Most Dangerous Roads’ follows pairs of celebrities as they attempt to negotiate some of the globes most terrifying terrain in a 4×4.

Highlights have included comedian Sue Perkins and adventurer Charlie Boorman driving across America on some of the world’s most treacherous ice roads. Comedians Hugh Dennis and Greg Davies travelled to Mexico where they experienced rock falls, monsoons and took a death defying drive along narrow roads with sheer drops.

The popularity of the BBC2 show has encouraged even more people to take up offroading at home and abroad and the activity is becoming one of the fastest growing pastimes in the UK.

Whether you want an offroading holiday or an experience at home you will be able to find lots of exciting opportunities.

In the UK there are hundreds of places where you can experience the thrills and excitement of offroading . Not only will you get the adrenalin pumping but you’ll also develop your driving skills, your problem solving skills and your ability to perform under pressure.

In addition, driving an off road vehicle is a really exciting experience that will really get the adrenalin pumping.

Whether you want to try off roading in the UK or further afield there are hundreds and hundreds of exciting areas to explore and you will find that you can travel over hills, into valleys, over rivers and across sand in an off roading vehicle.

Many people begin their passion for off roading with a one off trip where they hire a vehicle and possible a guide or driver to go with it. This is a great option if you want to see what you think of this exciting activity.

Many people love the experience so much that they then want to go on to purchase their own off roading vehicle so they can enjoy the activity whenever they want.

In fact, off roading is a great activity for couples and families because it’s something that everyone can enjoy together.

Off roading vehicles were first designed to move people and equipment across difficult terrain. However, the potential for this to turn into a leisure activity was soon realised and off roading as a pass time was born.

Today there are places all over the world which offer off roading experiences including desert and mountain terrains and even some of the most famous sites in the world, such as the Grand Canyon, USA offer off roading experiences.

So many people love off roading because it is such great fun, yet it is still challenging. Any off roader will know that driving an off road vehicle requires all your brain power. It’s an activity that really tests your driving skills because you have to learn to have super fast reactions and be able to think one step ahead.

Off roading also helps drivers push themselves to do things that may be a little scary, which is a great skill to carry through into everyday life. People who go off roading know that what it teaches them can be transported into every part of their lives and give them a stronger character and a much more fearless attitude.

Off roading has come a long way in the past few decades and there is a plethora of technologically advanced equipment available, all designed to enhance your off roading experience.

So if you are considering a new hobby then look into off roading today.

For those in the know there are several pieces of equipment on the market that are perfect for getting you out of those tight spots. Read on to find out about one of the most up to date innovations in off roading gear.

LiftTrax are made from reinforced fabric and utilise the power of compressed air to get your vehicle through tough terrain like sand or mud.

These amazing inflatables can hold a weight of four tonnes when fully inflated, but are light and small enough to be rolled up and stored in a duffle bag when not in use.

These drive on devices are rugged and durable, providing the grip your 4×4 needs to get over those tough spots.

You can adapt the size and shape of your LiftTrax by adjusting the amount of air you use, meaning that you can overcome a myriad of obstacles with this clever piece of kit.

Most discerning off roaders now consider their impact on the environment when they embark on an off roading adventure. Sometimes getting around can mean shovelling rocks around or carving up the ground. LiftTrax can also help getting through those difficult nooks and crannies, meaning that you can travel easily whilst still having fun, but you will be having minimal impact on your surroundings.

LiftTrax works so well because the ingenious design means that this piece of kit moulds itself to the contours of the ground, making grip and movement easy. The material used for their manufacture is super strong and hard wearing, whilst still being light and easy to store.

LiftTrax are very simple to use too. Simply pump them up using pneumatic power. Remember they can be adapted to suit many different terrains and obstacles, dependent on the amount of air you fill them with.

Although overcoming obstacles and tough terrain is half the fun of off roading, it can be frustrating if you have to waste time getting over obstacles when you could be driving.

Investing in LiftTrax will mean that you will still enjoy getting around the terrain, but you’ll save time and have more time to enjoy driving. So for a quick, easy and convenient way to get over those tight spots, purchase your LiftTrax today.

If you’ve ever met anyone that enjoys this fabulous hobby then you’ll know that once you get them talking about it it’s difficult to get them to stop! That’s because it’s such an exciting and enjoyable pass time that people can do for years and years and still feel as enthused about it as they did their first time.

One of the reasons off roading is so popular is the element of controlled danger. There’s nothing better than feeling the thrill as you bound over rocky terrain, through rivers, up mountains and down valleys.

Once you are driving along with your hands on the wheel and the wind in your hair you’ll be kicking yourself that you didn’t try it sooner.

Off roading is a great hobby for all different types of people because as long as you can drive, you can give it a go. All you need is the courage to go for it and somewhere to do it.

There are thousands of places all over the world where you can try it out and hundreds just within the UK. You’ll find that you can book an off roading day near you quite easily and can experience off roading holidays in such far flung places and Egypt and the US.

If you are planning a trip to the US then off roading can be a great way to see the country. It offers something different from the usual theme parks and city sightseeing that are usually associated with American breaks and can take you to some of the most wondrous sights in the world such as the Grand Canyon.

Once you have had a few goes you may decide that you love off roading so much that you need your own 4×4. If that’s the case there are several dedicated companies who can supply you with everything you need to go off roading including lights, batteries, exhausts and more.

If you love the feel of adrenalin pumping through your veins and you’re always up for a challenge then off roading could be the perfect activity for you. It will truly test your mettle, as well as challenging you physically and mentally. It’s a great activity for both the body and mind and once you’ve tried it you will want to do it again and again.

Have a look at some of these frequently asked questions to discover if you are following the off roading rules.

Should I follow a winch maintenance schedule?

The quick answer to this question is yes. Many winches are designed to be maintenance free but there are still several things you can do to make the lifetime of your winch longer.

• Check the wire rope for kinks and flat spots after every use.
• Rinse your winch after every off roading session, but don’t use a jet wash as this can cause damage.
• Power the rope all the way out and then all the way in. Performing this action will dissipate any moisture that might have got into the winch and will also heat up the drum and the motor.
• Get your winch inspected once a year to ensure that it is still working correctly.
• You can use electric or hydraulic winches.
• The maximum load that a winch can take is rated by the first layer of drum performance.  Each subsequent layer reduces the capacity by 25%. The amount of force also depends on the angle of pull.
• Most winches undergo rigorous safety testing but you should check for this before you purchase.
• It is possible to fit a winch yourself however it is a far more sensible option to have it fitted by a professional.

What about Safari Snorkels?

• It’s recommended to have your snorkel fitted by a professional. This usually takes around two hours.
• Even in the strongest of tropical storms only a tiny amount of moisture can find its way down a safari snorkel.
• Fitting a Safari Snorkel will not obscure driver vision in any way.
• Safari Snorkel’s are made from a special type of plastic called UV stable cross linked polythene
• Fitting a Safari Snorkel will not change and may even improve your fuel consumption

What are the differences between batteries?

• Deep cycle batteries perform differently to normal batteries. Many batteries that are used for 4×4 vehicles are designed to produce maximum power for a short time.
• A deep cycle battery can be used for engine starting.
• Many batteries can be charged with a solar charger or trickle charger.

For more off roading tips visit www.arbil4×4.co.uk

If you already own your off-road vehicle, then here’s a guide to the essential equipment you’ll need to turn your off-roading dreams into a reality.

Liftrax:

What are they?

Liftrax are made from specially designed reinforced fabric and are strong enough to support a four tonne vehicle using the pneumatic power of trapped air. They’re lightweight and compact enough to roll up into a small bag.

This inflatable drive on device will get you out of a tight spot when stuck in mud, sand or other difficult to negotiate terrain.

Hi-Lift Jacks:

What are they?

This is a rugged and highly versatile Jack that puts you in command of any situation where you need lifting, pulling, winching or clamping. It’s lightweight and easy to manage, but still maintains incredible lifting power.

Post Popper:

What are they?

This tool is designed to quickly remove posts manually. It attaches to any type of post in seconds and pulls them straight from the ground without bending them.

WARN Lights:

What are they?

These rugged and powerful lights are great for night driving and will light your way back to the pavement after an exciting day off-roading. You can get flood lights, spot lights and driving lights.

Optima Batteries:

What are they?

Optima batteries come in red top and yellow top varieties. The red top have the power to start demanding vehicles quickly when they need it most. The yellow top provides power for special vehicles with winches, engine heaters, larger audio systems and other applications that demand ultimate energy.

Safari Snorkels:

What are they?

These innovative inventions fit neatly over your exhaust and enable you to drive in wild water, sandstorms and heavy snow and rain. They help your 4×4 to keep going in the toughest of environments. They’re durable, stable and deliver a continuous cooler supply of air fro maximum performance.

Tow Ropes and Tree Strops:

What are they?

Tow ropes and tree strops will help get you out of any sticky situation. If you’re driving with others then tow ropes can be used to pull you out of a tight spot, or if you’re relying on yourself then tree strops can be utilised to get you unstuck.

So why not start equipping yourself today with all the essentials and before you know it you could be flying along the tough terrains of the UK in your very own fully kitted out 4X4.

• Stay right to avoid oncoming traffic. If there is only room for one vehicle to pass then it’s generally the more experienced driver who should give way – but use your common sense
• When two vehicles meet on a hill and there is no safe place to pull over then the vehicle going up the hill has the right of way.
• When driving your goal should be to have as little impact on the environment as possible
• Keep the driver’s side of the vehicle close to any obstacles when driving through, but don’t forget to keep an eye on the rest of the car.
• Heavily used tracks can cause your undercarriage to get stuck. Try driving with one wheel on the middle hump if you find this is happening.
• When driving in mud, snow or deep sand, deflate your tyres slightly, this will give them a greater surface area and therefore more grip. Don’t forget to re inflate them when you are finished.
• Approach obstacles such as ditches at an angle. That way one wheel can tackle the obstacle while the other three remain on solid ground.
• If you encounter large rocks or boulders then consider whether you will need to build a ramp in order to cross them
• Think about the kind of safety equipment you might need to take such as a self recovery winch
• If you know you will be in an area where there will be few other people about you may need equipment like this.

Remember to always consider your safety and the safety of your passengers and other road users when off roading to ensure that you have fantastic fun but remain safe.

Since the 1980’s Safari Snorkels have been thoroughly researched and finely homed to make any 4×4 experience more enjoyable and more worry free.

Safari Snorkels are always manufactured to the highest standards and in cross linked, UV stable polyethylene material. They deliver a constant cool air supply to ensure maximum engine performance. Each Safari Snorkel comes with quality fixtures and fittings for superior sealing, presentation and durability.

Why Do I Need A Safari Snorkel?

If you love off roading adventure then you’ll know a high performance 4×4 can make or break your experience. You want your excursion to be as exciting and challenging as possible. A Safari Snorkel will allow you to travel over dusty and sandy terrain and through water without causing damage to your engine or harming your car’s power or performance.

If you use your 4×4 for work then you’ll know how important it is to maintain a healthy, happy car. With a snorkel you can rest assured that you can put your 4×4 through the mill and still come out smiling on the other side.

Safari Snorkels are a great choice when you are travelling in rainy conditions. All Safari Charge Air Rams feature a fantastic water separator system that is built to remove rain from the incoming air stream, meaning you can carry on driving through even the most torrential downpour.

The Safari Snorkel is even great in the snow. The clever design means that the snorkel can be rotated away from the prevailing wing in a snow storm so that your engine is protected from the choking effects of air build up in the air intake.

So choose a safari snorkel if you want to make the most of your 4×4 and offroad through every season, every type of weather and every type of terrain, safe in the knowledge that your engine is being protected.

A formula needs to be used when buying a snatch strap. This formula determines the correct minimum breaking strength of the strap. The correct strength should be between 2 and 3 times the gross vehicle mass of the lighter of the two vehicles being used in the recovery process. It is important that you only use industry standard equipment when recovering a vehicle and that the snatch strap is of the correct rating.

Never be under the misconception that you will never find yourself in dire straits stuck in mud. If you off road in your 4×4 then chances are you will get stuck. Having the snatch strap as part of your recovery gear will save the day and you will never leave home without one again.

Many 4×4 owners are misguided into thinking because they have a 4×4 they don’t require winter tyres. However, thinking like this exposes them to unnecessary risks when faced with a tricky situation.

Although these vehicles offer better traction, they are nevertheless heavy and more delicate to manoeuvre when braking or cornering. For 4×4 vehicles to fully reach their potential, their tyres need sufficient grip to hug the wet, snow-covered or icy winter roads.

For these given scenarios on the roads, all major tyre brands have developed special ranges of tires specifically for 4×4 vehicles, including tyres for winter.

These winter tyres have the following characteristics:

• Constructed from materials that are suited to low temperatures
• Have a directional, often asymmetrical tread pattern on them
• Have deep tread pattern with numerous edges
• Have wide longitudinal grooves.

Specialist 4×4 tyres can help you drive safely whatever the road conditions.