Hitting the trails in the winter is a lot of fun, but can pose some risks if you are not prepared. There are plenty of ORV winter trails in Minnesota and reasons to not pack your off road rig away for the winter.
We want to share a few things you can do to make your rig winter trail ready and have a more successful day out with friends. Winter driving in general, not to mention going off road, presents a unique set of challenges you need to be prepared for. Cold, possible recovery, protection, preparation, etc.
Here are our recommendations:
Rule #1 is always Never Wheel Alone. Winter more than ever. And by alone, we mean with more than one vehicle. Not just a passenger. It is easy to get stuck. Conditions can change quickly. And the Buddy System is always better if you need help. So grab a friend and hit the trails. Bonus tip - let someone not wheeling with you, know your whereabouts and when you plan to return.
Warm Up With a Hard Top. Seems like common sense and many Jeep Wranglers come with.a hard top. Adding a hard top and even taking it a step farther with a headliner insulation kit can really help with heat retention and sound. Make sure your weather stripping is in good condition. This helps with wind noise, heat loss, and preventing water leaks.
Have Good Tires. Bald tires, or the wrong tires on a deep snowy trail can make snowbashing or deep snow trails a challenge. A deep treaded tire with some grip, or dedicated snow tires are a good option to consider. They can help with driving, and stopping. Also, airing down tires if you are hitting a trail can also help with traction in the snow.
Protect your Grille. A "hoop" or grill guard on your bumper can add a layer of protection for your front end if you get into a slippery situation. Usually this is part of an aftermarket bumper upgrade. Well worth the money for a functional, yet stylish addition. If you life where it is extremely cold, consider a grill cover to help block wind and protect your engine, and engine fluids from extreme cold. Also an engine block heater. This lets you plug your Jeep in, and it keeps your engine and fluids warm. It's easier to start and protects your engine.
Give your 4WD a check up! If you don't engage your 4WD often on your vehicle, it's good to test it before heading off road. Including your 4 Low ranges. When left unused for long periods of time, they can lock up. If you have not had your fluids changed in your diffs, this is also a good maintenance project to tackle before the snow flies. Getting stuck on a trail with 4WD that isn't working is preventable with a little time and effort.
Recovery Gear. Do not hit the trails without proper recovery gear. Don't trust that someone else will have it. This is an inexpensive kit to keep in your rig at all times. Ultimately, a proper winch and recovery gear is best. But at a minimum, have a tow strap, snatch block, tree saver, soft shackles, traction boards, jumper cables, a radio and cell phone for help if needed. If you live where chains are allowed, those are also helpful.
If you haven't tried a winter trail ride, we encourage you to do it! Follow your favorite club or group on Social Media and join a group ride, or suggest one yourself.