3 Tips To Prepare You For A Dirt-Road Road Trip

Dirt-road road trips may sound like a blast until you learn that you’re not as prepared for unpaved roads as you thought. Some truck drivers have driven up and down dirt and gravel roads before during work hours or when headed home.

But a dirt-road road trip is a whole other beast.

Between dealing with dust to managing unexpected skids, dirt-road driving can take a toll not only on your vehicle but also on your nerves.

That said, here are a few tips to keep in mind so you can navigate your dirt-road road trip while still having fun with the family.

OUTLINE YOUR TRIP FROM BEGINNING TO END

There’s no harm in outlining a trip from start to finish, even if you want to keep plans open for detours. If you don’t plan ahead, you can end up driving your truck into a dead end or out onto areas your vehicle might not be able to handle. The last thing you want to do is to drive down a dirt road for several hours only to have to turn around in the end.

INVESTIGATE THE ROADS

Once you have your destination in mind, investigate the roads that will lead you there. It’s better to be prepared for the terrain than to be taken by surprise. One of the best ways to investigate the roads is by checking it out on Google Maps or Google Earth. Zoom in as close as you can to get a rough idea about the roads and trails.

MAKE SURE YOUR CARGO IS SECURE

Pickup truck tie downs are essential for every truck to have, especially when you’re driving out on dirt roads. One unexpected bump can send your cargo flying.

DRIVE CAREFULLY EVEN WHEN YOU’RE EXPERIENCED

The average passenger vehicle driving on the open road is 11.6 years. So it’s worth being careful when driving on dirt roads for the sake of your truck. It’s also a good idea to use pickup truck tie downs and truck bed anchors to keep your cargo secure when going over rocky areas.