Fascination for off-roading: how to get started

Few sports are more multifaceted than off-road sports. Why? From adventurous trips in an upgraded off-road vehicle and visits to off-roading parks to tackling tough tracks like the Rubicon Trail and real rallies, those who feel at home off the beaten track are spoilt for choice. But what does it take to get into the off-roading sport?  Being in nature, going to places with your off-road vehicle where normal cars have long since given up exploring: Nico Vogel advises that anyone who can imagine getting into off-roading should not jump into the adventure unprepared. "Before you blindly invest in your vehicle or equipment, you should try it out yourself first. Of course, you should first test drive the off-road vehicle you are considering, ideally for a few days." Nico should know. The German with Spanish roots is not only an enthusiastic off-roader. With his Spanish-based company 4x4proyect, Nico freshens up off-road vehicles for off-road use.

The tyres and chassis are the be-all and end-all

Nico says, "It is essential that the tyres are suitable for off-road use, both in terms of their size and tread. Low-profile, 20-inch tyres are not very suitable for off-roading. Nowadays, many good tyres are also approved for use in winter, so you can use them all year round." Off the beaten track, tyre pressure is extremely important. Here, the tyre must adapt to the stones. If the air pressure is too high, there is a risk of unnecessary tyre damage. "The air pressure of the tyres must match the vehicle and the weight", Nico knows. "There are no defined values in this context, you have to find them out for yourself through experience".  Those who venture off-road not only need off-road tyres, but also a chassis that is designed for tougher conditions. Off-roaders should definitely talk to a specialist to decide which chassis solution best suits the intended use. "The entry level starts at around 1,000 euros. For that, you get a suspension with a higher ride height, which is much more fun both on and off the road and is also better for safety." In particular, off-roaders who want to upgrade their vehicle to a 4x4 that is suitable for touring should look for a fitting chassis. "Weights of 500 kg or more happen quite quickly. The chassis must have the right geometry and be adjusted to the weight of the vehicle. That is why one of the things we need here is a firmer spring rate so the car does not bottom out." 

An underride guard in the engine area is also a good insurance policy. "The underside of the vehicle can always graze the ground. If a stone is placed in an awkward position, it can hit the oil sump."   

Every kilogram counts

On the contrary, Nico is not much of a fan of optical tuning, which is traditionally very popular. "Sure, the car should look nice, but 100-kilogram bullbars on the front of the vehicle are often not only unnecessary, but also a disaster for the driving dynamics. Just like a 40-kilogram toolbox placed on the roof", says Nico. Off-roaders should therefore do without unnecessary equipment. And, as a general rule, heavy equipment such as water tanks should be positioned centrally and as low as possible. 

Another tip concerns the lighting: "It is worth taking a look at the situation with the lights when longer journeys or off-road routes are being planned in the dark, or even before this point. Older vehicles in particular can benefit greatly from targeted optimisation. Experts can help with selecting the right components such as retrofit lights or auxiliary headlamps and their light pattern." 

"These are the basics that will get you well prepared to start", Nico sums up. "With this type of set-up, off-roaders can gain initial experience and then take the next step to improve performance and the vehicle's appearance."