Goal of this guide: Even the best Jeep build can’t make up for poor driving habits. Mastering fundamental driving techniques gives you more control, protects your rig, and builds confidence on the trail.
Feather, Don’t Stab: Smooth inputs = traction. Jerky stabs = wheelspin, holes, and broken parts. Controlled power lets the tires bite and climb.
Brake Modulation: Just like throttle, brakes should be applied smoothly. Jerky stops can unsettle the Jeep on steep grades.
Left-Foot Braking (Advanced Beginner Skill): In technical climbs, light brake pressure with your left foot while feeding throttle with your right can prevent rollback and keep the Jeep steady.
Crawling: The bread and butter of rock obstacles. Use 4-Low, steady throttle, and let gears and lockers do the work. Crawling minimizes breakage and maximizes control.
Momentum: In mud, sand, or snow, a controlled amount of speed carries you through. The key is to commit — half-hearted attempts usually result in getting stuck.
Balance: Learn when to crawl and when to bump it. Crawling protects parts, but sometimes a little momentum is the only way to clear an obstacle. Knowing the difference is a skill that separates new drivers from seasoned wheelers.
Your Jeep’s sway bars control body roll on the street but also restrict suspension flex on the trail. Disconnecting them allows the axles to articulate, keeping all four tires planted for maximum traction.
Manual Disconnects: Simple pin-style or link removal. Cheap and effective.
Electronic Disconnects (Rubicon Models): Push-button convenience, but only engage under certain conditions (low speed, 4-Low).
Aftermarket Options: Heavy-duty quick-disconnects are stronger and easier to use than stock links. Systems like Currie Antirock balance street manners with trail flex for serious wheelers.
Pro Tip: Always reconnect sway bars before hitting pavement. Running without them on-road makes your Jeep unstable in corners and emergency maneuvers.
4-High (4H): Best for faster trail driving, snow, loose gravel, and sand where wheel speed is important. Good for up to 30–40 mph off-road.
4-Low (4L): Engage when tackling rocks, steep climbs, or descents. The lower gearing multiplies torque, allowing precise throttle control at walking speed.
Shifting Tips: Always stop or shift into neutral before switching ranges. For automatics, let the transmission settle before applying throttle again.
2-High (2H): Don’t forget — sometimes the best option is to shift back into 2WD. On tight turns or hard-packed surfaces, this prevents drivetrain binding and reduces stress on U-joints and the transfer case.
Selectable lockers are one of the best tools for off-road traction, but knowing when to use them is critical.
Engage Lockers: Use when climbing ledges, crossing loose obstacles, or in situations where one or more tires may lift off the ground.
Disengage Lockers: On hardpack, during tight corners, or when traction is consistent. Staying locked here causes driveline binding, makes steering difficult, and can snap shafts.
Wheel Hop Warning: Wheel hop (rapid tire bouncing under throttle) is especially dangerous with lockers engaged. It puts shock loads through the drivetrain that can snap shafts or shatter gears instantly. If you feel hop starting, back off the throttle immediately and reset your approach.
Factory & Aftermarket Options: Whether you’re running a factory Rubicon setup, or aftermarket units like ARB Air Lockers, Eaton E-Lockers, Yukon Zip Lockers, or OX Lockers, the principle is the same — lock only when needed.
Pro Tip: Lockers don’t make your Jeep invincible. They’re a scalpel, not a hammer. Line choice and technique still matter.
Look Ahead: Don’t just watch your bumper — look several yards down the trail.
Tire Placement: Position tires on top of obstacles rather than dragging your differential across them.
Avoid the Belly Hang: Think about approach, breakover, and departure angles when lining up. A good line can keep you moving where horsepower won’t.
Climbs: Stay steady on the throttle. If you lose momentum, back down safely and reset — don’t spin tires wildly.
Descents: Use engine braking in 4-Low. Avoid riding the brakes, which can cause sliding.
Sidehills: Keep slow and steady. Understand your Jeep’s limits — sometimes it’s safer to turn downhill and reset.
Keep Spacing: Leave room for the Jeep in front in case they roll back or need recovery.
Spotter Use: For obstacles, trust your Spotter. Don’t take multiple commands from different people.
Call Outs: Use radios to notify the group of hazards, stops, or oncoming traffic.
Stay Together: The lead rig should stop after turns or major obstacles until the rig behind is in sight. This prevents the group from getting separated.
Start Simple: Begin with easy trails to build confidence before tackling rated obstacles.
Learn Recovery by Doing: Practice using your winch, shackles, and recovery boards in a safe setting before you need them in a real situation.
Know Your Jeep: Each Jeep drives differently based on tire size, gearing, and suspension setup. Spend time learning how yours feels.
Even the most capable rig can break if driven poorly. Skill behind the wheel is what keeps you moving — and that skill only comes with seat time. Upgrades extend the limit, but they don’t replace technique.
Air down for traction, but always air back up before hitting pavement.
Keep thumbs out of the steering wheel spokes — kickback from rocks can break fingers.
The first upgrade isn’t always suspension or axles — sometimes it’s seat time. Get out and drive.
Driving skill is the cheapest upgrade you’ll ever invest in. Master throttle control, know when to crawl vs. bump it, disconnect your sway bars when appropriate, understand when to use 2-High vs. 4WD, and learn how and when to lock or unlock your differentials. Pair that with smart line choice and communication, and you’ll gain more capability than most bolt-on parts could ever give you. At ARW Offroad, we can build the Jeep — but it’s up to you to build the driver.
The information in Offroad 101 is provided as a general guide for educational purposes. Off-road driving involves inherent risks to vehicles, passengers, and the environment. Even if your Jeep is mechanically capable of handling a trail, your personal experience and driving skill play a critical role in safety and success.
ARW Offroad is not responsible for vehicle damage, injury, or other consequences resulting from the use of this information. We encourage drivers to know their limits, wheel responsibly, and seek hands-on training when tackling advanced terrain.