Thumper Fab Supplies Polaris and Other Off-Road Vehicle Parts
Off-roading is a fun sport requiring special vehicles. Off-roading is just what the name implies—driving off improved roads. Though this sport is fun, it is also tough on vehicles that traverse rough, undeveloped terrain or rocks and mud. The basic off-road vehicle must be refitted to make it meet the unique needs of its owner and the existing conditions. It is important to have the right distributor to obtain specialized off-road vehicle parts.
Who Makes Off-Road Vehicles?
Because so many people enjoy off-roading, there is a good market for the vehicles and equipment that makes the sport possible. Manufacturers of off-road vehicles include Can-Am, Polaris, Honda, Kawasaki, Tracker Off Road, and Yamaha. Each company offers different price points and models. Once a person chooses the brand and model they want and purchases it, the fun can begin.
Purchasing Off-Roading Equipment and Accessories
As a person goes on off-roading adventures with friends, they will decide they need additional equipment and accessories to enhance their basic off-road vehicle. Finding a good supplier for Polaris rzr parts and other off-roading vehicle parts is important. Some of the equipment off-roaders might look for include:
- Audio equipment for off-road vehicles
- Special bumpers
- Cages for off-roading protection
- Special doors
- Lighting for better night vision while off-roading
- Racks of different kinds and sizes
- Roofs
- Suspension kits for greater comfort
- Winches for getting out of tough places
What is Off-Roading
Off-roading is driving a vehicle on surfaces that are unpaved, like natural terrain, river beds, or areas with mud, gravel, sand, rocks, snow, and ice. This gives people a chance to explore areas they could not see if they stayed on paved roads. There are often obstacles and difficult driving conditions to overcome. That is what makes off-roading a fun challenge.
There are even off-road races like desert racing, cross-country racing, and rock racing. People often do off-roading in groups for safety and in case of accidents or vehicle breakdowns. This type of driving started sometime in the early 1900s. In 1906, a Russian named Adolphe started the development of an off-road vehicle to use for both military and entertainment purposes.
Types of Off-road Driving and Racing
Some of the kinds of off-roading include:
- Dune bashing is off-roading performed on sand dunes using special equipment like roll cages and adjusted tire pressure.
- Desert racing is very competitive and not for beginners. A stiff suspension is best for handling at these high speeds.
- Rock crawling and rock racing are done at lower speeds and need vehicles modified to drive over rocks.
- Cross-country racing and off-roading take place over long distances with a variety of terrains and can last several days. Africa is famous for this type of off-roading and has established circuit routes.
- Green laning is a form of off-roading done on a variety of unsealed public roadways, including rough roads, forest tracks, and old or damaged roadways.
- Mudding is a form of off-roading that takes place in wet areas with mud and clay to contend with. Special tires are needed.
It is important to know what types of off-roading an owner plans on doing when purchasing an off-road vehicle and deciding what modifications and accessories to purchase and install. A good off-road vehicle supplier such as Thumper Fab will have experts to offer advice and direction to both new and experienced off-road drivers. They will have every product needed to prepare a vehicle for the best off-road experiences.
What is Essential Off-Roading Equipment?
It is important to prepare for off-road adventures by collecting the right equipment and dressing for the experience. This is a driving adventure that has dangers and breakdown potential to consider. Some important equipment for off-road adventures includes:
- An emergency recovery kit for when a driver gets stuck, breaks down, or has another problem. It may include a snatch strap, shackles, and other equipment and should be kept close to the driver.
- A good battery-operated work light for problems that happen after dark.
- Nylon recovery boards that can double as shovels to get out of being stuck.
- Some old boards to use as a work surface and to help when changing tires
- A first-aid kit
- An air compressor
- A repair kit for tires
- A vehicle jump starter
- A set of hand tools, including wrenches, pliers, drivers, and more that may be needed in vehicle repair
- A good pair of work gloves
- Navigation tools and maps to avoid getting lost
What Clothing is Required?
When going off-roading, dress correctly to protect the body from flying debris, the sun, and changing temperatures. Clothing should cover most of the body and be sturdy for hard use. The right clothing keeps the driver safe and comfortable. Helmets are important for head protection and should be worn even where not required by law. A long-sleeved shirt and riding jacket come next. Use items that can get dirty, are well-ventilated, and water-resistant. Choose clothing that offers protection if an accident or fall occurs.
For the lower body, a driver can wear old jeans or special off-roading pants with knee padding. Don’t forget to wear good, strong footwear such as hiking boots or work boots. With the boots, wear thick, high socks for additional comfort and protection.
Protect the hands with good riding gloves that have a solid grip and padding. Winter driving calls for snowmobile gloves for warmth. Different gloves are needed for summer and winter riding.
Other clothing to consider are bandanas to wear around the neck or to cover the face as needed and waders for mudding. Eye protection is also a good idea.
Be Prepared
Every off-roader should make sure they have purchased and properly installed all the accessories and off-roading equipment their vehicle might need for the best, safest off-road driving experience. In addition to the right equipment, maintenance is very important because breaking down in remote spots is not a pleasant experience. Check the vehicle and equipment out before going off-roading to make sure everything needed is there and in working order.