Comprehensive Off-Road Guide: Terrains, Vehicles & More

Off-roading tops the list of thrilling outdoor activities, especially when you are living in the UAE. The landscape of the Emirates offers a wide range of terrains which is an add-on for off-roaders. However, before hitting the road, you need some basic knowledge of what you need, where to go offroading and how to off-road properly. This guide will highlight core aspects of off-roading that will help you in avoiding any unlikely situation during the trip.

We have created a comprehensive off-road guide that encloses all information related to off-roading, terrains and vehicles that should be used. Let’s take a closer look at these instructions and guidelines.

Essentials for an Off-Roading Vehicle

The most important part for appropriate off-roading is a suitable vehicle. It is suggested to opt for an SUV or a crossover, as the majority of these vehicles are pre-equipped with off-roading features. Regardless of the vehicle you chose, make sure that it has the features mentioned below.

Differential

The differential is an important part of the drivetrain system which enables wheels to turn at different speeds. It divides the engine torque among the wheels on the same axle, as per the need. This difference in torque avoids vehicle slipping or causing understeer and oversteer while turning.

It is necessary for an off-roading vehicle, as driving without it is nearly impossible on rough terrains. The difference in torque helps vehicles maintain traction and aid in crossing uneven surfaces. The differential is best suited with a 4WD or an AWD drivetrain system.

Traction Control System

A traction control system is an off-roading feature found in modern vehicles. The system is automatically controlled by a car computer to maintain the traction of a vehicle. The traction system can be simply button operated or includes complex functions.

Regardless of its operations, its working remains the same, and it is the most essential feature for an off-roading vehicle.

Drivetrain System

The drivetrain system is responsible for transferring engine torque to the wheels and rotating it. Generally, a 4WD drivetrain system is preferred for off-roading, as it provides torque to all the wheels.

Moreover, this drivetrain system is paired with low-end gears that increase the torque at a lower speed and limit the maximum speed. This feature helps in climbing over uneven surfaces and rocks.

Tyres

Without an appropriate set of tyres, off-roading is impossible. The tyre selection varies from terrain to terrain, but it is recommended to opt for all-terrain tyres. These tyres can be categorised by their sidewall lugs, sipes and balanced tread pattern. Along with this, you will also be required to set your tyre pressure for off-roading to avoid any inconvenience.

Lights

Off-roading is a day and night trip and for better visibility additional headlights are necessary. These aftermarket headlights can be installed at the front or at the centre on the roof racks. You can choose from fog lights, light bars and spotlights that can ideally illuminate an area of 10 metres at least. These lights are best suited with off-road bumpers that are an additional safety while off-roading.

Winch

Winches are used to pull heavy weight with the help of a cable. This battery-operated equipment can be mounted on the front bumpers. It is essential in case of recovering a vehicle from a swamp of uneven terrain.

If your vehicle is lacking any of the above-mentioned features, install them before off-roading. You can browse through these used 4×4 auto accessories for sale in the UAE and find appropriate off-roading essentials.

Popular Off-Roading Vehicles in the UAE

Off-roading is a popular outdoor activity in the UAE and the Emirate offers a wide range of terrains that provide adventurous off-roading opportunities. Due to which, the majority of popular used SUVs in the UAE are equipped with basic off-roading essentials. On the basis of aforementioned features, we have shortlisted some of the most capable vehicles that will aid in off-roading in the Emirates.

Equipment Checklist

Other than features, here is the list of some additional elements that you must carry.

Spare water for radiators
Shovel
High-lift jack
Spare tyre and tyre changing equipment
Extra fuel
Air compressor
First aid kit

Basic Off-Roading Rules

Before starting your off-roading adventure, you must be aware of some basic rules and regulations of off-roading. These are not drafted or imposed by the government; rather these are general sets of rules that every driver must follow.

Off-Roading Alone: Whether you are skilled or beginner, it is never suggested to go off-road alone. This can increase life threats and also make the recovery of vehicles difficult. Therefore, it is suggested to go off-road with at least one professional driver who is aware of trails.
Enough Resources: Off-roading is a continuous adventure, and the planned trip can extend or reduce due to multiple factors. Hence, drivers are recommended to carry some extra fuel and food in case of an extended stay.
Navigate the Trail: Learn about your trail prior to the journey. Navigate it through satellite images and ensure that your driving skills and vehicle are capable of catering to the demands of the trail.
Mark your Trails: Take pictures of your surroundings while driving through the terrain. This will help you track your way back.

Safety Checks for Off-Roading

Standing on vehicle — It is strictly prohibited to stand on an off-roading vehicle while driving

Off-roading is different from what is depicted in movies and pop culture. Most of the journey is covered at lower gear and at minimal speed. Also, there is no concept of a comfortable ride while off-roading. Therefore, passengers and drivers must take extra precautions for safety.

Throughout the journey, all the occupants must wear seatbelts to ensure their safety in case of an accident. However, it is recommended not to wear a seatbelt when crossing water so that you can quickly escape if the vehicle sinks.
Extract some information regarding flora and fauna of the trail and prepare for the wildlife you may encounter at the trail. Also, ensure that you follow all the environmental regulations imposed by the government.
Strictly prohibits any individual from standing or put legs/arms outside the vehicle while driving.
Avoid placing your thumb inside the steering while turning the vehicle. The uneven surface can quickly return the steering wheel to its centre and can cause severe injury to the driver.
Be aware of recovery equipment and avoid standing near or in the way of cables.
If you are a smoker, properly dispose of cigarette butts. The most convenient way is to submerge the cigarette butt in water for 3 seconds prior to disposing of. If not, butts have the potential to start forest fires. Also, avoid littering during the trip.

Know your Terrain

Different terrains — Driving on rough terrain is possible if you are aware of some basic tips and tactics

There are seven different types of trails that off-roaders may encounter while driving. Specifically speaking about UAE, light trails, desert dunes, mud trails and rock crawling are commonly encountered. Every trail varies in terms of difficulty depending on the driver’s experience. Moreover, the weather conditions can also increase or decrease the terrain difficulty. Therefore, it is suggested to identify the rating of your trail before selecting it. We have enlisted trail ratings and their description below, which will help you better understand your terrain.

1-2 Easy Trail: These are the basic types of trails that can be easily crossed and navigated. It often includes dirt, mud and rocky terrain.
3-5 Moderately Demanding: these rails are recommended for professional off-roaders as it may include mud holes, streams and boulders. Also, to cross this trail, a full-time 4WD vehicle is required.
6-7 Demanding: In this type of trail, you may encounter steep hills, large boulders and deep mud. Therefore, low-gear 4WD is necessary for these trails.
8-9 Highly Demanding: Trail rated highly demanding is limited to professional drivers only. Mud holes on such trails are quite deep and rock climbing may also get challenging.
10 Experts Only: These are considered the toughest terrains and are generally prohibited to beginners. A full-time 4WD and low-gear transmission are necessary for these trails.

You can also read our guide on how to drive through different terrains for some useful off-road driving tips.

Recovery Techniques

There is a chance that your vehicle will get stuck while off-roading. In this situation, the first priority should be the self-recovery of the vehicle. For this purpose, you may require some expertise and equipment. Here are the two commonly used self-recovery techniques that off-roaders must be aware of.

Strap and Rope Recovery

The Strap and Rope recovery technique is one of the oldest and simplest recovery techniques used by off-roaders. This technique is known for the immediate recovery of a vehicle in an emergency situation. The key equipment required for this recovery technique are kinetic recovery rope and recovery straps.

Line up the recovery and bog in a straight line as much as possible. At least 3 feet of slack must be present in the rope.
Use a D-ring to attach a kinetic rope to the recovery points of each vehicle. For safety, you can use a dampener over the rope, or maintain a safe distance from the rope.
Use low-gear to pull the vehicle. In case of failure, repeat the process with more slack and slightly increase the speed of the mobile vehicle.

Winching

Winching is a relatively newer method of recovering a vehicle during off-roading. It is more suitable and convenient for recovering large vehicles. You will need a complete winching kit for using the winch technique of recovery.

The first step of winching is to find a large object such as a rock, tree or another vehicle.
Find the closest winch anchor that allows 4 to 5 wraps of the cable around the car’s drum.
Drag the cable and attach it with the strap using a bow shackle.
Slowly rotate the cable to receiver the vehicle. Do not rush the process, as the cable may break, leaving the vehicle stranded.

We will conclude our off-road guide here. Now that you are aware of all the tips and tactics, you are prepared to visit off-roading trails in the UAE. However, prior to visiting these places make sure that you have an appropriate off-roading vehicle. If not then, browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE and purchase a perfect off-roading car. Moreover, offroading fans can also check out the XQuarry Adventure Park in Sharjah.

Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more off-road guides.

A Complete Guide to Off-Roading