One of the best parts about owning a Jeep or 4X4 is taking it out in the great outdoors with all your gear. Offroading and overlanding are fun ways to enjoy nature with your friends and family, but you should know a few things before heading out for summer 4×4 adventures.

Gearing Up for the Adventure

Take a look at your 4X4 or Jeep – you may already have what you need to get started.

Engine: Overlanding trips can be demanding on your 4×4, so opt for a durable engine that offers higher horsepower to get you through hilly terrain without tipping.
Larger tires: The larger the tire, the better the grip to handle any offroad situation your vehicle encounters. Look for deeper treads that can spin out mud easily, too.
Rock sliders: These protect your 4×4 from damage and will help you “slide” off of terrain that you generally may get stuck on.
Snorkels: These aren’t just for wet conditions. Snorkels help your 4×4 get cold, fresh air from higher levels as you trek through muddy paths.
Winches: If you’re an avid offroader, you’ll already have a winch on your 4×4 — this is an invaluable tool for getting your vehicle out of a bind.
Suspension: The higher your 4×4, the more clearance it has to avoid tricky spots and heavy damage during rock climbing.

Other considerations include fuel economy and the reliability of your axles. You won’t have repair shops or gas stations when you’re 0verlanding offroading. Plan your trips accordingly to optimize fuel use and have a qualified 4×4 mechanic check your suspension before going off-grid.

What Else Do I Need?

You’ll need to stock up on supplies based on where you’re going and how long you’re staying out.

While you may think about sleeping in your vehicle during the warm summer nights, that’s prime real estate for hauling cargo. Opt for a high-quality bed or roof-mounted tent that’s easy to set up and break down.
With a refrigerator that runs off the vehicle’s power and a camp stove, along with storage for the food you need, you’ll eat well for days and keep things cool in the heat.
There’s a good chance that things will break out there, and it’s vital to have the tools you need to fix just about anything.
Even if your 4×4 has enough power to handle the mods, there could be a time when you need a little extra help out in the middle of nowhere.

Other gear you should have on hand includes a first aid kit, sleeping bags, water containers, and GPS devices. While this is by no means a comprehensive list, it’s a great starting point. Remember to adjust accordingly based on where you’re headed and how long you plan to be out camping.

Ready to hit the wilderness with your Jeep or 4X4 and find some adventure this summer? Not all mechanics are experts in the upgrades it takes to get your vehicle ready. At Axleboy, we want every client to get the best customizations for their vehicle. We’re not your average shop. Instead of selling you anything and everything, we’ll ensure you only get upgrades that are truly important to you. Get in touch with our team today!