Off-roading is the ultimate adventure for outdoor enthusiasts. The unparalleled freedom you get as you try to conquer nature with your vehicle is priceless. Since not everyone who wishes to go off-roading owns a 4WD vehicle, it’s only natural for them to ask whether they can take their 2WD off-road.
You can go off-road with your 2WD vehicle. However, 2WD vehicles need to be customized through the help of lift kits and larger wheels to provide sufficient traction off-road, and if you pack the appropriate recovery gear, off-roading with a 2WD can be incredible fun.
There’s a good reason why most people prefer taking a 4WD off-road instead of a stock 2WD.
However, this shouldn’t stop you from taking your 2WD off-road, as you only need a few upgrades and a proper gear kit to have an equally exciting adventure.
In this article, we’ll explain all you need to know about off-roading with a 2WD vehicle so that you can face these off-road challenges head-on.
What Are 2WD Vehicles?
Before we describe how you can take a 2WD vehicle off-road, covering all bases is essential. So what exactly are 2WD vehicles?
Well, in layman’s terms, a 2WD vehicle has an engine that only powers the front or rear wheels—but not both simultaneously. Some common examples of 2WD are Toyota Corollas and older models of Toyota Camry.
2WD vehicles are widespread and relatively inexpensive to manufacture. Compared to 4WDs, which transfer equal power to all wheels, these vehicles are more fuel-efficient as they don’t need to power all four wheels.
Front-wheel drives provide fantastic traction while traveling uphill as the engine’s weight is displaced on the front wheels. On the other hand, rear-wheel drives, found in numerous pick-ups and sports vehicles, improve your handling and allow optimized suspension.
What Are 4WD Vehicles?
As previously mentioned, 4WD vehicles distribute equal engine power to all four wheels of a car. 4WDs are built to handle rough terrain and have both high and low gear ranges for maximum climbing power. Many 4WD vehicles also have locked differentials for maximum traction.
In most 4WD vehicles, you can choose between front or rear-wheel drive, which is excellent for fuel conservation since simultaneously powering all four wheels draws excessive power from the engine.
The abovementioned properties make four-wheel drives suitable for off-roading excursions as they allow greater control over the car. 4WDs are now becoming increasingly popular in passenger vehicles such as SUVs. Some examples of 4WD vehicles include Nissan Patrol and the Jeep Wrangler JK.
Why 4WDs Are Better For Offroading?
One of the most significant advantages of driving a four-wheel vehicle off-road is that they provide better traction as they can power all four wheels simultaneously. 4WD vehicles are excellent at optimizing off-road performances, so whether you want to climb a steep hill or traverse snow-covered trails, a 4WD car will always be up to the task.
Even if your find your rear wheels stuck in the mud or a sandy ditch, you can rely on the front wheels to get you out. Their low-range gearing helps drivers navigate deep puddles and climb steep inclines, making these vehicles ideal for off-roading.
How To Off-Road With Your 2WD
Despite the clear advantages that 4WDs have over 2WD for off-roading, it’s not the case that you can’t take your 2WD off-road. Four-wheel drives can be prohibitively expensive, but you don’t have to make such a massive investment if you want to take your vehicle off-road.
Most 2WDs are now equipped with suspension systems capable of handling harsh off-road terrain. Many 2WD owners also customize their vehicles with lift kits (to increase ground clearance) and larger wheels for better off-road traction. However, there are still a few things you need to keep in mind before taking your 2WD off-road:
Invest In All-Terrain Tires
It almost goes without saying that your 2WD vehicle’s tires significantly affect its off-road performance. All-terrain tires can easily navigate snowy and muddy terrains. Their incredible design allows them to perform flawlessly off-road.
Compared to stock tires, all-terrain tires provide incredible comfort and traction in nearly all conditions due to their interlocking tread composition. Moreover, the deeper space between each tread block in an all-terrain tire prevents off-road debris from getting stuck and damaging the wheel.
Another advantage of all-terrain tires is their towing capability and sidewall strength. These tires are meant to endure heavy loads and won’t deform regardless of how often you drive them on uneven terrain. Their sidewall strength also prevents sharp edges and rocks from puncturing them.
Upgrade Your Suspension System
Without the proper suspension system installed in your 2WD, handling off-road terrains can be quite challenging. A 2WD’s suspension system supports its weight and comprises struts, shock absorbers, and springs.
In today’s world, most 2WD vehicles have well-designed suspension systems that allow them to handle off-road terrain effectively. However, it’s still a good idea to take your 2WD to a workshop so that a professional can examine it and suggest the necessary upgrades required in the suspension system for the ultimate off-road performance.
You can also improve your vehicle’s ground clearance with a lift kit, raising your vehicle’s suspension from the front, rear, and sides. There’s a vast range of lift kits available in different sizes and quality, so you must do your research before you purchase one.
Have Some Experience On Deck
If you’re not an experienced off-roader, get some mild off-road training before taking your 2WD on harsh terrains. It’s essential to start by carefully selecting your routes in hilly areas.
You can also join a local off-road club or become a member of an online off-roading community. You can also take someone with off-roading experience alongside you so that you can be at ease while navigating rough off-road tracks.
Important Off-Roading Recovery Equipment
Air Compressor and Deflator Kit
Keeping a tire deflator kit and an air compressor in your recovery gear is crucial if you want to drive a 2WD in sand or soft dirt. You can use the tire deflator kit to release some air from your tires. Doing this will improve your vehicle’s grip and keep the tires from spinning and digging deeper into the soft ground.
However, you need to be cautious of sharp rocks, as pressure loss can increase the risk of puncture. Once you’re back on the road, you can use the air compressor to refill the air in your tire to the recommended PSI value.
Winch
If your 2WD is stuck in deep snow, mud, or a ditch, you’ll need a winch to recover it. Simply put, winches are one of the most essential pieces of off-road recovery gear. Winches are often attached to your vehicle’s front or rear bumper, allowing you to tow the car if stuck.
Despite being simple, you should use a winch with utmost precaution so you don’t injure yourself or damage your vehicle. Ensure you don’t use fragile objects, such as a rotten tree, as an anchor.
Secondly, winching too fast can cause the cable to break. The WARN VR Evo winch has a high-performance motor and a straightforward mounting task.
Snatch Block
Snatch blocks are another essential recovery gear. These pulley-shaped devices have one side that can freely swing open and work in tandem with a winch. This helpful tool can increase the pulling capacity of a winch by changing the angle of a winch cable.
A good snatch block will have a high load capacity, a simple installation procedure, and is corrosion-resistant. The Rhino USA Snatch Block tick all these boxes with a 13.5. ton load capacity and black powder coating to prevent rusting.
Rigging Straps
Rigging straps are also known as tree-saver straps and should be a part of your recovery gear. They’re mainly constructed of nylon and can withstand heavy winch pulling. These straps allow you to attach your winch cables to trees.
Remember that you might need a D-shackle to connect the looped ends of the straps before you secure the winch hook. Some solid examples of a D-shackle are the Rhino USA Ring Shackles which are incredibly robust with a load capacity of up to 42,000 lbs.
Additional Tips For Off-Roading With A 2WD
Despite equipping your vehicle with the appropriate recovery equipment and upgrades, you still have to follow certain safety precautions while off-roading with a 2WD. Following these tips will reduce the risk of incurring fatal injuries and damaging the environment.
You should avoid taking your 2WD in mud as much as possible since these vehicles aren’t designed for off-roading purposes. Avoiding extremely rough terrain is essential if you want to eliminate the chances of you getting stuck.
Deciding A Track For Off-Roading With A 2WD
It would be best if you only took your 2WD on well-established off-roading trail with little sand objects to crawl.
Not only is that risky, but driving on unexposed terrains leads to environmental problems such as soil erosion and the destruction of vegetation. For more information on green off-roading, you’ll find this guide helpful.
It’s also important to note that if you’re driving on a beach, you must first determine if your 2WD can achieve the required amount of traction. You’ll commonly find two types of sands on beaches: fine sand and grainy sand.
Taking a 2WD on fine, powdery sand is dangerous as it can clog the car and keep it from moving. If the sand is difficult for you to walk on, it will also be difficult for the vehicle to move on. Therefore, we advise driving on compact, coarse sand that can provide sufficient traction.
Conclusion
Though 2WD vehicles aren’t built for extreme off-roading adventures, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the fun! Upgrading your car is the first step you need to take before you go off-roading with a 2WD vehicle. Plus, if you pack all the appropriate recovery gear and follow the essential safety tips, you’ll have an incredible off-roading experience.
