Down and dirty with the off-roaders

Ralf Heeren enjoys few things more than removing the roof and doors from his 1987 Jeep YJ and taking it deep into remote areas where few other vehicles can journey.

As president of the London and Area Jeep Owners' Club, he often hears similar sentiments expressed by other members and Jeep owners everywhere.

"It's a lot like the feeling that motorcyclists enjoy – getting out in the open air and the great outdoors. It's a relaxing and rewarding way to spend a day, or just a few hours; a whole other way to experience driving."

That ability to travel over rough terrain, and get back again safely, is a prime reason why so many "Jeepers" modify their vehicles, often to the point where they scarcely resemble their original selves.

Some just put on bigger wheels and tires and leave it at that, Heeren said, but on average, owners who go off-roading want a vehicle that's capable of taking them into remote areas where they can enjoy their vehicles and nature at the same time.

Which is why many equip their Jeeps with winches, roll cages and recovery gear, "so that if something does happen – if they get stuck or rolled over – they can get themselves out of that situation."

There's no end to how far one can go in modifying a Jeep, Heeren said. Much of it has to do with making an already capable vehicle even stronger and more able.

A lot also has to do with safety.

Most start with "the basics," such as suspension lift kits, bigger tires and winches.

As they become more experienced and serious about tackling difficult terrain, they often upgrade axles, drive shafts, u-joints and make other drivetrain improvements.

They also may make gearing changes and add advanced lighting systems.

The list goes on.

"There's virtually no end to the `mods' you can make to a Jeep," Hereen said, "or the amount of money you can spend."

He encourages newcomers to off-roading to get in touch with a local club first – there are dozens across Ontario – to learn driving techniques, safety procedures, proper etiquette, social responsibility and environmental friendliness.

As the London club has done since its formation in 1985, other clubs also provide off-roading seminars to teach neophytes "all the things to look for," from fixing fluid leaks before venturing onto trails, to general maintenance practices.

Most off-roaders get into the habit of good maintenance early, Heeren says.

After all, "you've got to rely on the vehicle to get you home again," once the outer reaches of nature have been explored.