For many off-road enthusiasts, their vehicle isn’t just a means of transportation. It’s a reflection of their passion and personality.
Whether it’s to add lighting for nighttime explorations or winch capability for hauling and lifting, car and truck enhancements are essential for off-roading. These upgrades not only improve your rig’s performance, but also increase your safety when driving off the beaten path.
Strobe Lights
Strobe lights are an important accessory for any off-road enthusiast, as they provide both safety and style. However, they’re not all created equal, so it’s important to understand the nuances of what makes a good strobe light before making a purchase. This FAQ will delve into the nitty-gritty of vehicle strobe lights to give you all the knowledge you need to make an informed decision when purchasing your next set of off-road strobe lights.
What Are Strobe Lights?
The term “strobe” is derived from the Greek word strobos, meaning “act of whirling.” In photography, a strobe light is a type of flash that produces a quick and powerful flash to illuminate an object. This flash can help to eliminate blurriness and increase clarity, which is especially helpful when photographing a moving subject. In addition, strobe lights can be used to create stunning images in low lighting conditions, which is why they’re so popular for use on off-road vehicles.
There are a number of different types of strobe lights available on the market, but some of the most common are LED and Xenon. LED lights are favored because they are energy efficient and durable, while Xenon lights offer high visibility. Strobe lights can be affixed to a variety of parts on your off-road vehicle, including the roof, bumper, and grill. Some options for mounting your strobe lights include light bars, which are designed to shine a bright beam of light straight ahead and flood light outward on the edges, and driving lights, which are typically mounted near the front of your vehicle and are intended to supplement your headlights.
Other strobe light options include directional lights, which project a beam of light in a specific direction, and emergency lights, which are often found on volunteer fire department vehicles or personal trucks used for emergency response. Some strobe lights are also designed to be hidden, which can be helpful for keeping your vehicle’s appearance more discreet.
When shopping for a strobe light, it’s important to consider the color temperature and modeling light. Color temperature refers to the color accuracy of your strobe, while modeling light is a feature that allows you to preview how your flash will look on your subject without having to take a test shot or spend time metering. This is a very useful feature, as it can save you valuable time in the field.
Roof Racks
Roof racks are a great way to carry equipment that you don’t want cluttering up your rig or taking up room in the truck bed. There are a variety of different rack systems to choose from depending on your activity, vehicle and desired style. Some of these systems are sold as foot packs and fit kits that mount into the rain gutters or fixed attachment points on the roof, while others have cross bars that can mount accessory and activity specific gear like bike racks, a handy flag, kayak or canoe racks and even a roof top tent.
When choosing a roof rack system you’ll need to consider the weight limit of your vehicle and how much gear you want to carry. It’s also important to consider how you will get the gear on and off your rig and the security of the cargo. The best way to secure your rack and accessories is with a set of locks that are integrated into the foot pack or rack system. This allows you to use one key to secure your entire setup.
Depending on your activity and the type of rack you choose, it’s also important to consider how aerodynamic the design will be. Some of the more modern roof racks are designed to reduce noise and wind resistance, so look for one with wing-shaped bars or a fairing that deflects air flow upward. If you’re going to be using a rooftop tent, be sure to choose a design that is certified to support the weight of the tent and is equipped with ratcheting strap hooks for secure mounting.
If you’re looking to build a custom rack, there are many online resources that can help you with the design. Some of these are free, while others charge a fee for their services. You can also find DIY videos or tutorials that will walk you through the process of designing and building your own rack.
The most popular material for a rack is steel, as it’s lightweight, durable and relatively inexpensive. There are also racks made of other materials such as carbon fiber, but these tend to be more expensive and not as durable.
Winches
Whether you are an experienced off-road driver or a newbie, there are many things to keep in mind when going on a trail. First, be sure to wear your seatbelt and always drive safely. It’s also a good idea to bring a friend along, especially one who has another vehicle. If you get stuck in mud, sand, or even snow, having someone there to help pull you out is important. Lastly, be sure to carry personal information like your blood type and home contact numbers on you in case of an emergency.
Off-roading is a great way to take a break from the monotony of everyday life and immerse yourself in nature. The physical and mental challenge that off-road driving provides can be extremely rewarding and humbling, giving you a sense of self-confidence when you conquer obstacles you never thought possible. It’s a great hobby for those who want to push themselves past their comfort zones and develop their full potential.
As with any type of hobby, off-roading requires a certain amount of knowledge and preparation. For example, knowing your vehicle’s “Approach angle,” “Break-over angle,” and “Departure angle” can help you better maneuver your car over obstacles and avoid getting stuck or scraping the bottom of your vehicle. For those who don’t know their angles, a broom stick can be used to test the clearance of your car against rocks or other objects. It’s also a good idea for drivers to familiarize themselves with the terrain they are about to go through before starting. This can help them plan ahead, avoiding unnecessary stress and risking their safety by pushing themselves too hard. Be safe and have fun!
Tow Straps
If you plan on doing any off-roading, it is a good idea to have a set of tow straps in your vehicle. These straps can help you get out of a sticky situation, and they are especially helpful if you do not have the ability to use a winch.
There are a few different types of tow straps, but they all perform the same basic function. You can choose between snatch straps, tree savers, and recovery straps. These straps are generally made of nylon, and they can be used to pull or lift a stuck vehicle or object. These straps come in either 20 ft or 30 ft lengths. The longer the strap, the more weight it can hold.
Typically, tow straps have loop ends that can be attached to hardware such as web shackles or anchor shackles. These straps should never be attached to a vehicle’s suspension or steering components as they could damage them. It is also important to keep the tow straps out of the sun as ultraviolet rays can damage them. They should also be kept away from fuels, oils, and harsh chemicals.
When choosing a tow strap, be sure to look for one that is rated for the weight of your vehicle. It is also a good idea to have a second strap in case you get stuck twice as much as anticipated. Some tow straps have protective sleeves over the hook loops to prevent abrasions and tears. This can make them a little more expensive, but they will last longer than a regular strap.
If you are planning on using your tow straps to recover a vehicle from a tree, consider buying a tree saver strap. These straps are similar to tow straps but have a thicker diameter. This is to ensure that the strap does not cut into the tree like a normal winch line would.
