While Jeeps are well-equipped to handle the trails, the most important thing you can do is expect the unexpected. As a general rule of thumb, remember that it's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. First and foremost, your Jeep should be ready to be pulled out of a tight spot. This means being equipped with D-ring tow hooks and tow straps. For the tow straps, it's strongly recommended to get ones that have loops instead of metal hooks. If you intend on tackling tough terrain often, you should consider investing in a winch. You should also make sure your Jeep has the necessary underbody skid plate protection, a spare tire, and a jack. Tires are essential to a vehicle's off-road capability. Therefore, you should ensure that your Jeep is equipped with tires that are appropriate for rugged terrain. Most experienced off-roaders choose either all-terrain or mud-terrain tires. 

Preparation is key to a successful off-roading adventure. There are many things that you should pack for an off-roading trip, which goes along with the aforementioned it’s better to have it and not need it phrase. Packing for an off-roading journey is a lot like packing for a hike, except you’ll need a few additional items for the car. For you, you should pack extra layers of clothing, foods that do not need refrigeration, water, a first aid kit, a pocket knife, trail maps, a navigation system, a cell phone and charger, a flashlight, and extra batteries. For your vehicle, you should pack a tool kit that includes a socket wrench, a set of sockets, pliers, nuts, bolts, a screwdriver, and your choice of specialty tools. You should also bring along extra gas, extra motor oil, coolant, power steering fluid, tank sealant putty, WD-40, a jump-starting pack and cables, tire deflators, an air compressor, and more.

A safe day on the trails is a good day on the trails, and there are a few ways to ensure your safety while off-roading. Of course, it’s important to pack water, food, and a first aid kit. You should also tell somebody where you’re going and when you plan on being back. That way, if you run into trouble, this person will know when to contact the authorities and where to look. Also, the buddy system is strongly recommended for off-roaders of all experience levels. Many experienced off-roaders will tell you that traveling with another vehicle is critical. This way, if you get stuck, someone is always close by to give you a hand, well, a tow. Joining a Jeep club is a great way to get an off-roading buddy. Also, take it slow and steady. Driving slow will help keep you in constant control of your vehicle. In fact, the average speed on the Rubicon Trail is just three miles per hour. Also, many off-roading trails lead to water or mud crossings. If you come across one of these, it’s recommended to park your Jeep and try to walk through it first. If you think it may be deeper than it looks, grab a stick to see just how far down it goes. If you don’t think your tires can make it through, it’s best to find an alternate route. 

Ohio offers a wide range of options for off-roading trails. One of our personal favorites is the Phoenix Off-Road Park, which offers over seventy miles of trails varying from beginner to expert levels of difficulty. The park has an on-site store for spare parts, tools, trail maps, and helpful staff. Southington Off-Road Park is another fan favorite. Offering more than 1,500 acres of trails of varying levels of difficulty, Southington offers something for everyone. Plus, the park also has a large campground, a bathhouse, a playground, a large pavilion, an on-site store, and more. This makes it a fun place for the whole family. Monday Creek Trail System is one of the many off-roading trails found in the Wayne National Forest. Spanning 75 miles, the Monday Creek Trail System has a wide variety of trails for off-roaders to choose from. Camping is also available on the Monday Creek trails. Open season for Monday Creek is from April 15th through December 15th.