So you've been off-roading a bunch of times – maybe with
friends, or maybe you rented a vehicle – and now you're thinking about
investing in a truck of your own so that you can indulge in your favorite
outdoor activity more often. That's great! However, before you walk into our
dealership and grab the first truck you see, you may want to do a little
research on the subject. Thankfully, we've compiled some information here to
help you decide what will suit you best. Maybe one of our exclusive Rocky Ridge
lifted trucks? Here are some tips on things to look for in a good off-roading
vehicle:
Ground Clearance
It may seem obvious, but a low-to-the-ground vehicle is not
exactly ideal for off-roading. After all, half of the point is to take on thin
trails and rocky obstacles that your average car wouldn't even dream of. You
need a certain amount of space between the bottom of your truck and the ground
for the endeavor to be safe or even plausible. Otherwise, you'll do serious
damage to your vehicle and end up stranded on the side of the road within ten
minutes of starting out.
Wheel Articulation
When off-roading, it's incredibly important to keep all
wheels on the ground as much as possible to maintain traction, which is what
the term "wheel articulation" refers to. However, there are two major
methods for achieving this: a solid axle or independent suspension.
A solid axle connects the two wheels (front or back) with a
single bar and keeps them level. Independent suspension joins them by a
differential that allows for the independent movement of each wheel. Because a
solid axle raises the entire front or back of the truck up when encountering an
obstacle, the underside is less likely to be damaged, making this the preferred
suspension for many off-roaders. However, for higher speeds on flatter terrains
with fewer large rocks (such as one might encounter in desert racing),
independent suspension offers the smoothest ride.
Skid Plates
When dealing with jutting obstacles like rocks and tree
trunks, sometimes having the right suspension and ground clearance simply isn't
enough. If you happen to scrape the belly of your vehicle anyway, you might
rupture your gas tank and end your trip very quickly. That's where skid plates
come in. Skid plates are essentially armor for the underside of your truck. By
using them, you can ensure the best protection for yourselves and your vehicle
and ensure a good time out instead of a long wait for a tow.
At Gentilini Motors, we offer a wide selection of trucks, and are
the only Rocky Ridge Trucks dealers in the South Jersey area. Come into our dealership to see these unique offerings today!
Labels: off-roading, Rocky Ridge Trucks Dealers