Off-roading in a truck is one of the great adventures of our time and something all truck owners should try at least once, if not every weekend. However, not every truck is equally suited to this activity, and you may need to make sure that you choose a truck that’s capable of off-roading. In this article, we’ll have a look at some of the factors you should take into account to get the most out of this activity.
What You Need for Off-Roading
You’ll first need to make sure that you’ve got the strength and traction to do some serious off-roading. There’s a small but significant difference between all-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) capabilities. For AWD, the power is distributed throughout the system and will adjust the distribution of torque depending on whether it can detect any slippage.
However, for serious off-roading capability, you’ll want 4WD. This will allow you to distribute equal torque between the wheels, which is much more effective when you’re working on rough ground. If you’re going to go on the trails, many 4WD systems also offer low gears, which allows it to move slowly with greater power.
Remember that you can customize some trucks to improve their off-roading capabilities, so you’re not stuck with what you start with. You can add lighting, tires, suspension, and different engine upgrades such as new exhaust systems or turbo air-systems. That said, you’ll want to start with a great model that’s already capable of off-roading, and we’ve selected several trucks that are worth considering if heading off the beaten track is your thing. The following trucks are capable of off-roading and will certainly satisfy most appetites:
The 2022 Ram 1500 Rebel
The Ram 1500 is what you might consider the entry-level truck for off-roading. The current generation made its debut in 2019 and offers you three powertrain options, all of which come with an eight-speed transmission: the 260-horsepower diesel 3-liter V-6, the 305-horsepower gasoline 3.6-liter V-6, and the 395 horsepower 5.7-liter V-8. With seven different trims, the 1500 comes in an array of shapes and sizes, many of which are perfectly suited for off-roading. Of the general 1500 trims, you should consider the Rebel with a crew cab and 4WD for a combination of comfort, power, and style.
Ford Ranger Tremor
Usually, midsized pickup trucks aren’t considered strong enough for off-roading, but this isn’t true of recent offerings. The Tremor XLT offers taller suspension, Fox dampers, and 32-inch tires with a wider stance. This gives you 10 inches of ground clearance, which is a good height for off-roading.
However, one drawback of this truck is that it seems to want to do all things at once. For example, it tries to be a good option for rough trails while not losing any of the speed for the beach or prairie. If you’re after something that can more easily bite into specific terrain, you’d be better off considering some of the other options on this list.
The 2022 Jeep Gladiator: Rubicon and Mojave
Jeep has long been the front-runner in off-roaders, and this is partly because it has a stretched Wrangler chassis combined with solid-axle suspension at each end. This makes each Jeep vehicle flexible across all kinds of terrain. Rather than considering each trim separately, we’ve put them together here because between them, and with other trims in this range, you’ve got practically the complete gamut of off-roading options.
There are different Gladiators available depending on what you want to do with the truck. The Rubicon is better for low-speed trails, whereas the Mojave is better for higher-speed desert trails. The Rubicon is particularly effective in the off-roading world owing to its auto-disconnecting front anti-roll bar.
You can choose from three different engine options: the four-cylinder turbo, diesel engine, or V-6. You can also choose between either a manual or automatic transmission. Overall, the Jeep Gladiator gives you the best range of possibilities for off-roading out of the trucks reviewed here and is the most flexible option that you can shape to fit the environment.
The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado
Ultimately, no list of off-roading trucks would be complete without a Chevrolet, and the Colorado gives you style, capability, and versatility. Although you can choose from a range of different trims, you should consider the ZR2, which gives you a little extra height for off-roading. Front and rear locking differentials make this an excellent truck for low-speed trails, and the choice of a 3.6-liter V-6 gasoline engine or a comparable diesel-powered machine offers you the flexibility to choose whichever would best suit your needs. One drawback with this model is that a few problems have been reported that are worth being aware of, but otherwise, it’s a popular truck and worth considering.
The 2022 Ram Power Wagon
We end here with the Ram 2500, the most famous of all the off-roading pickups. The Power Wagon has a heritage stretching back to the 1940s and WWII, making it well suited to the demands of off-roading today. The 2500 remains the first choice in off-roading and comes with an array of options, including three different engines, from the standard 6.4-liter V-8 gasoline to the 6.7-liter Cummins diesel in-line six.
One benefit of the 2500 is that some excellent upgrades are available, such as the unique suspension system and disconnecting anti-roll bar, 360-degree camera system, and exceptionally strong 6.4-liter V-8 gas engine. This is more suitable for low-speed trails than desert trips at speed, but it offers a good balance between all the available options.
Off-Roading Trucks at CDJR of Walla Walla
Remember, these are just some ideas to get you thinking, and whatever truck you choose, you can make it your own. However, if you want to explore more of the kind of thing that’s available in the Walla Walla area of Washington State, either new or second-hand, feel free to contact us at CDJR of Walla Walla and we’ll be only too happy to lend you a hand.
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