15 Off-Road Tips You’ll Actually Use
Being off-road in the backcountry can be an amazing experience, but there are some unwritten rules that should be followed and so we stepped out of our Jeep Wranglers on the side of the trail to share a little knowledge with you to help make sure you are off-roading and overlanding like a pro.
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0:00 Introduction
1:21 Vehicle Behind You
2:09 Vehicles Approach on a Hill
3:00 Vehicle on the Trail
3:46 Communications
4:34 Large Convoys
5:20 Breakdown
6:13 Bathroom Etiquette
7:05 Obstacles
7:48 Motorcycles
8:12 Hand Signals
8:54 Gates
9:31 Vehicle Distance
10:32 Stopping
11:07 Hikers and Campsites
11:49 Pack it in, Pack it Out
Great video Brad. I would add that when you encounter a hiker or hikers, I always ask them if they need any water and may I take any of your trash for you. I've turned a lot of hikers into being ok with motorsports in the mountains.
What a great idea about carrying obvious trash out (except for waste I hope). : )
what a great idea!
We ride dirt bikes and I always ask the group to go slow and be courteous when passing hikers. We get a bad rap anyway so dusting people out or hitting them with roost doesn't help. The hiker will almost never think you look cool if you fly by like an ass.
that's a great idea!!
Wow, that’s such a great idea! I usually pick up trash I see on a trail but that’s next level! I’ll be sure to keep that tidbit in mind next time I go wheeling. Hopefully people aren’t weirded out about me asking them for trash 😅 regardless, LEAVE NO TRACE!
Great information. Somehow, I came up with sixteen rules 😊 Off-Road Trail Etiquette: 1. Always keep the vehicle trailing you in sight 2. Stop at intersections so trailing vehicle sees where you turned 3. When two vehicles are approaching each other on an incline the vehicle going uphill has the right of way 4. Stay on the trail! 5. Practice good radio communication. No foul language. Don’t “clog” the channel on trivial stuff. Communicate difficult obstacles, broken down vehicle, etc. 6. Give way to larger groups 7. Stop to assist. Don’t leave anyone behind. 8. Bathroom break. Boys to the left and girls to the right. 9. Two attempts and then it’s time to move on 10. Yield to motorcyclists 11. Communicate with hand signals how many people are in your convoy to oncoming traffic 12. Look for a sign at gates. If no sign then leave it how you found it. 13. Maintain safe distance between vehicles. On steep inclines let the vehicle in front of you crest the hill. On steep declines let the vehicle in front of you get to the bottom before you start down. 14. Don’t stop in the middle of the trail. 15. Slow down when you encounter hikers, campgrounds and horses. 16. Leave it better than you found it.
Your #2 is actually part of our #1. Keeping the rig following you in your sights means making sure they know when you're turning. Rule #1 is about making sure your group stays together. 👍 Regena wrote a blog that makes it more clear. trailrecon.com/15-Tips-for-Good-Manners-Off-Road_b_45.html
Technically it’s impossible to leave it better than you found it. Driving a vehicle anywhere will do trail wear. Leave it Cleaner than you found it is more appropriate - ie pick up rubbish you see. Mind you, if pigs didn’t litter, we’d not need to be cleaning up after the swine. Everyone needs to be responsible for and take their own, rubbish out. There is no excuse to leave trash.
I love that you're including Regina more often. Being with my partner while off-roading is so much fun and I can't imagine her not being there.
We are so thankful to be able to hit the trails and share some information with everyone, thank you!
I love it too. My wife Kristin rides with me all the time. The trick is figuring who gets to drive. Kristin got a chance to chat with you at EJS 2022. Love you guys look forward to seeing you again soon
I agree, Ass McBlast
Those of you who have a wife/husband/partner who enjoy going along are so fortunate. My wife wants no part of any off-roading adventure which is a real bummer.
I like to ask hikers and bikers if they want cold water out my fridge and if they have trash I can take for them.
Great video! Only thing I would add is SLOW DOWN for water crossings. Especially in the mountains. I can't tell you how many Jeeps and sxs I saw blasting through water crossings. Doing this seriously erodes the banks and damages the environment.
Great point! And they are water sources for wildlife.
Great advice. Also a higher probability of sucking water into the intake. Slow and steady gets you home safe.
Good point! You also run the risk of damaging your radiator fan or dislodging plastic components in the front of your vehicle, like fender liners
Went off-road for the first time and “stop to assist” is genuinely so important and was glad I came across the people I did I wasn’t stuck but I was with someone who was and being my first time well I couldn’t really help but a few others stopped and helped
Brad I cannot thank you enough for taking the time at the Expo yesterday morning to let me record your message to my friend Jeff. Words cannot say how much that meant to Jeff and his wife !!! Thank you so much Chief Neal
Great meeting you and I hope your friend is well soon.
You guys are great. I knew most of these except the Boys to the left - Girls to the right. Never heard that one before.
Thank you! The boys to the left and girls to the right has been a part of the San Diego Jeep Clubs drivers brief for years and just helps to give folks their privacy.
This is great. I’m a big river rafter and we go by “skirts up pants down” meaning girls go up river and boys go down river.
I hadn't heard that before... love it!
@@jpsopris5320 That's great 👍
Good list ! Most of those things were learned when in the scouts as a kid but it seems like scouting has gone away for the most part these days so learning these things only come from community now . When I'm out alone or with my kids we always take out more than we brought , typically we clean camp when we arrive and again when we are about to pull out plus we don't leave trash out at anytime during the camp , very important . I have a pop up privacy tent and a porta-potti so anything that needs TP is only about a minute away . The only other thing I would add to your list is keep the noise level low , no blasting music .
Yes! Leave no trace!
I can't tell you how many times I've indicated there are 2 more vehicles behind me and get the Peace ✌️ sign back lol.
😂✌
The world needs more people like Brad and Regina.
You are too kind!
Great tips. I learned these years ago but this was a good refresher. I am glad you mentioned cleaning up trash. As a former park ranger, it really bothers me when people leave trash in nature. Enjoy the place where you are but don't trash it. Respect nature and preserve it for others to enjoy.
Great tips! Thanks for putting this out there. Nice seeing you and your wife together more often on the channel. Keep the videos coming!
This should be mandatory to watch at least once a year for every off-road driver.
@Mr. Nishimoto lol. True, but common sense isn't very common anymore. Therefore, why it is important for some folks to see this video. 😉👍🏼
Good tips, the one about 2 tries makes sense in a large group, non optional stuff. But if its optional obstacle or a small group I'm going till I either make it, break it, or give up haha. Also Id like to add one. If you stack rocks to get up something, remove them when done.
I used to wave like a dummy until I realized what it really means haha Great vid! Everyone needs to know these things!
Watch 8:12 again , you missed how to differentiate the "wave" and the " number of fingers ( plural fingers )"
@@k5kdd ok I should have been more clear. I used to "chuck the duces" "peace" or "2 behind me" Like a dummy. I have since learned that actually means something on the trail. Education has occurred!
Watching your videos, I see you running on many roads that you call "trails." to those of us working they are roads. Loads downhill have the right of way. No matter what. Most roads have a CB channel listed, you can "lurk" and listen to us call out mileposts or landmarks. Get out of the way. I weight 105,500 pounds. I'm traveling 10-15 mph. I don't need a bunch of vehicles charging up the hill at me expecting for me to yield. There are turnouts every 1/4 mile or so, wait for us. the most important rule of the road on forest roads is "Yield to anything larger than yourself." You may be in the right, but you will be dead. Many of us are out there on the weekends doing the same thing you are doing, we want to have fun also. But, it is no fun and the paperwork is horrendous when you hit a jeep head on and squash it. We really don't like doing that. But, at least once a year it happens. We don't mind you being on active roads, but the rules are a bit different.
Great video... I'd add one thing about motorcycles. Yes faster and more nimble, but also more vulnerable. Keep up the great videos!
Nothing, and I do mean NOTHING upsets me more than people who throw trash on the trail. People who are too lazy to even put the trash into a bag making it someone else's issue to fix....(This post was made without swearing).
Excellent tips, I watched this awhile back. My wife has recently got into Trailrecon videos and I came in and she was watching this one and taking notes. We have a Jeep trip coming up and are new to leading large groups and your video will help us communicate good off-roading procedures.
I'm glad your wife is getting involved! We need more women on the trails. 😊
Bring a fire extinguisher. One of my good off-road buddies took a ride in my truck the other day and asked why I had a fire extinguisher. I was shook. I thought it was common sense for everyone to have a fire extinguisher
I totally agree this should be added as a 'mandatory' tip!!!
You two are 100% legit. It is nice to see two Navy Corpsmen doing this video.
Great list! Hey though, not just "hikers, campgrounds and horses" for the slowdown: also mountain bikes, particularly if they are climbing and breathing hard. It is inappropriate for us to give them dust to huff. Just takes a moment or two to appreciate someone who's working harder than we are, and you can always say hi.
Awesome video Brad and Regena. This should be mandatory viewing for every person driving an off road vehicle before they hit the trail. Even within our small group of off roaders, we have weekenders that we have to remind before each ride of these trail etiquette rules. Always look forward to your vids. Entertaining, informative and always a bit of humor. Hope to see you out on the trails.
Great video as always! Let’s keep our trails safe and clean for everyone! Thank you for making this.
Thanks, Brad and Regina… great tips. I really love having Regina in these videos and learning from her perspective.
Great tips! Not only a good refresher for some used to being on trails, as well as the newbies.
Great topic and awesome for you to share. Your channel is a go-to for many new off-roaders. Well done! 👏
Thanks for remembering the motorcycles. You don't have to pull over very far to let one by. And thanks for the tip about not parking in the middle of the road. Way too many people seem to think they're the only one out there. And concerning your last tip, I think I'll start hauling an extra garbage bag in my Bronco to clean up some of the stuff that others leave out there.
Great tips! Horse safety is very important! Thank you for sharing!
Excellent tips! Thank you both for sharing your knowledge and experience.
Great video Brad and really nice to see Regina more. Awesome advice to all.
Most dad vibes ever. Love it! Thanks for taking the time to make this useful video. See you out there!
This is an excellent video!! I have only had a jeep for a year and only been on the trail twice. This was all perfect info for me. I will watch this video 15 time!! :) trailrecon always coming through for me with great info.
Love this channel one of my favorites, thanks for the tips and great human being you and your wife and don't leave behind and give help to others that are in need love that cheers from Mérida Venezuela always taking note of the info you share and admiring the views and sites you go.
Good common sense tips to all that drive the trails need to know. Thank you both.
You two make a great team well done.
Thanks for sharing this!!!! Videos like this are why I really enjoy your channel!!!
Thank you guys for sharing these tips! Most seem common sense but having a reminder is always good. Treading Lightly and pack in pack out seem to be broken left and right. Never ceases to amaze me with how much trash we come home from a quick drive in the woods.
Great video! Very informative. Lots of people need to see this video.
Maybe the best basic off road tips info. Probably every off road forum should link to this perfect video. Great job guys!
I just got my first 4WD this past week! Love this video! Hope to see y’all out on a trail soon!
GREAT and necessary stuff! Thank you as always for the wonderful information!
All good stuff. Thanks for the reminders! Great manner of presenting.
Great list of tips! I've grown up on the trails and that is the first I've ever heard "boys to the left, girls to the right". You betcha I'll remember it next time!! Most I knew of, some were definitely new!
Good advice. I'll be shareing this video with all my new wheelers and seasoned veterans.
The tip on yielding to uphill traffic makes soo much sense, but so often overlooked. I can’t say how many times someone going down hill never even slows down. They certainly have the momentum in the wrong direction.
I frequently run into folks that don't know about the right of way rule on hills, so hopefully this helps spread the word a bit.
As a jeeper who drives a manual transmission, my uphill momentum is everything. I think the uphill right of way has gotten lost in drivers ed now that most vehicles are automatics but it's still true even on city streets.
Another reason is that if you need to back up to let the other pass, it’s easier and safer (due to visibility) to back up hill.
I love that you and your wife are now a Team on a some of the videos! You two are great together!
It's amazing how those rules mirror that of ATVING there all the same, I'm also a jeeper ,love your videos thank you very much
Great advice. Love your videos.
Thank you for the reminder to all!
Thank you two for posting this. As simple and sensical as these tips may seem there is so many new adventurers and some of us old ones that can use these helpful reminders, education, and information of these simple respectful tips on trail etiquette.
Lol
Thank you! Well thought out, AWESOME video! 👍🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Hi Brad and Regina, very nice video. Thank you so much for sharing!
Great video and really helpful for us newbies
love you guys. thanks for making the world a better place
Awesome video, I learnt so much from this and reminded me of things I had forgotten
Great content as always.Thanks for sharing
A great list of trail etiquettes. Thank you.
Good list. As a guy waiting his Bronco to start off-roading and enjoying the great outdoors, I try to soak in as much as I can about this stuff so will get maximum enjoyment form the trails when I finally get on them. BTW, I like that you got a shot of Dirt Lifestyle with his son out on the trails!
Great knowledgeable video, should be mandatory for all trail adventurers, thanks.
Excellent tips video!
Thanks for the convoy brief, Brad! Awesome tips!
Happy to help!
This was needed. Thanks.
Outstanding video!!! Thanks!!!
Great reminders here! And Brad, thanks for taking time outta some shade catching to say hi and get a pic with ya at the Expo. Hope I gave ya enough space. Dig yer vids man👍🏼
Thank you and glad we got to meet!
Great info, thanks for putting this together!
Thank you and you're very welcome!
Good reminder! Thanks so much.
Great tips! Recently I picked up 7 (yes seven) empty shoe boxes that had been left beside a trail in the Badlands.
Excellent information 👌. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you!
I love the 2dr Wrangler.
What an excellent video, thank you for making this.
Amen on #2. Almost had someone take me out in TN this way, around a switchback. It was suuuuper sketch, but we made it through. All of these are super helpful. Thanks for the tips!
Great concise video. I just had to add it to my playlist “Awesome Learning Videos”
Great info guys .
Very similar to hiking etiquette! Good to know, sad how many people don't know hiking etiquette when it comes to uphill/downhill especially
As Regina stated your trail tips are really just common sense. They should apply to all drivers driving narrow mountain roads, logging roads and other back country thoroughfares. So good to see and hear this information on a video. That was surprising information regarding the men to the left and women to the right...good to know. My pet peeve is LNT or Leave No Trace and to many "weekend warriors" irresponsibly leaving beautiful campsites trashed. I've picked up two 55 gallon bags full of disgusting garbage at a couple sites before I even set up my camp. Thank you for sharing this video.
Thank you for the great video
Great tips , thank you
Great video Brad and Regina. Very instructive. Love the hand signals for number of Jeeps in the convoy. I always learn something new when watching your videos. Hope you can make it to the New England area this year.
You both are awesome, great video!
Good tips 👍. Safe travels Perry
thank you for all that info. Great stuff
Excellent tips!
Glad you like them!
Such good advice.
Thanks for the tips 👍
Great video for us new folks!
Great stuff. Thanks
Great video! Thanks 😊
Holy moly, I just want to get off the beaten path. Some of the things you’re crawling over!
Great video guys!....
I’m so excited to start off roading now!
Awesome! This is a great way to spend your time and being outside is good for you. Safe travels and tread lightly!
Terrific job. Thanks. I've been waiting for this one. Some things are intuitive if you've got a courteous bone in your body, but some are not, like "boys to the left, girls to the right."
Thank you - a great video and reminders....
I ride dirt bikes usually solo and I always try to be courteous to anyone else on the trail. My biggest gripe is when other off roaders don’t use hand signals. The last thing I want is to have a head on collision because someone didn’t tell me there were more people in their convoy. And sometimes I have to take a line that might get closer to a larger vehicle than I want to but it’s usually the safer route for myself. I would much rather get a little closer than to crash. I do my best to keep it safe and have a good time in the process. This was one of my favorite videos that you have put out recently Brad! :)
Maybe keeping speed in check could prevent this issue?
@@Dave-Cruz that is sometimes an option but certain terrain demands different riding techniques. If you’re on more of a smooth hard-pack trail, slowing down isn’t an issue. If you’re on sand you must keep a pretty high speed to stay on top of the sand. Going downhill is easier to go slow that going uphill. Most bikes require clutch modulation and/or momentum going up steep inclines. A lot of the southwest desert states have a lot of sandy washes and trails like out here in Arizona where I live.
Great Video, thanks Brad and Mrs. Brad.
Best trail video ever! I would add ATV’s to the list to move over for. They are much faster and it’s not fun to eat dust from Jeeps and trucks.
Great advice!
Great advice. Have been watching and enjoying your videos. I have a Bronco on order, but if I don’t get it soon, I will be looking for a Jeep. Thanks.
Right on! Hope you order comes through soon.
Great video!
Great video truly a great community