If you want to go off-road, you’ll need a vehicle that’s up to the challenge. Fortunately, we have a variety of off-road vehicles for sale in Marion, Indiana, and at Hunter Ford, we can help you find the adventure-ready model that’s right for you. These vehicles come equipped with a range of tools and gear that allows you to explore the wilderness with confidence, so let’s take a closer look at these essential off-road features.
When you head out into the wild, the terrain underneath can get rough and unpredictable. Rocks, logs, and other obstacles can pose a hazard to the parts and components on the underside of your vehicle, so off-roading models should be equipped with protective gear. This can include skid plates on the underside, plus body protection like reinforced bumpers and specialized cladding.
While your typical all-season tires are well-suited to streets and highways, it pays to have specialized tread when you rumble off the beaten path. All-terrain or off-road tires are specifically designed to endure rough riding and maintain traction even as you explore landscapes covered in sand, snow, or mud.
When all your wheels rotate at the same speed, they offer better traction. Firm traction is essential for tackling uneven terrain, so the locking differentials reduce the odds that your wheels could get stuck when you need them to negotiate tough spots.
The drivetrain is responsible for sending power from your engine to the wheels. In many vehicles, the power will be sent either to the front two or rear pair. If you’re going off-road, however, it helps to have a drivetrain that sends torque to each wheel, like four- or all-wheel drive.
When you hit the trails, there could be all kinds of obstacles underneath, just waiting to jut out and jab your vehicle. That’s why it pays to ride high off the ground, and a higher ground clearance means more distance between your vehicle’s underbelly and the hazards beneath.
While a good suspension system can keep your ride smooth on the pavement, it might take specialized tuning to ensure your vehicle is prepared for the ups and downs of the rough and wild trails. Off-road suspension provides the flexibility you need to stay comfortable in the cab even as you brave unpredictable terrain.
Some off-road vehicles can cross shallow bodies of water like streams or muddy trails. The difference between successfully crossing and getting stuck comes down to the model’s water-fording capabilities, which are determined by its ground clearance, the seal on its electrical parts, mechanical protection, and the position of its air intake. Before fording, it’s important to check the vehicle’s manual or manufacturer specs to know the fording depth to avoid getting stuck or damaging vehicle components.
You may encounter steep inclines out in the wilderness, and these angles measure your vehicle’s aptitude for maneuvering these inclines and declines without scraping the ground. The approach dictates how steep an incline it can climb, while the departure tells you how steep a descent it can manage. In between, the break-over angle indicates the maximum crest the vehicle can pass over without getting stuck at its midsection.
When it’s time to brave the wild, you’re sure to find the off-roading vehicle you need in our new Ford selection. We’d love to hand you the keys to an off-roading model like the agile Ford Bronco or powerful Ford F-150, which come in a lineup of capable terrain-tackling trim levels. Our team can also help you find all the gear you need to hit the trails with confidence, so come see what we have for you at Hunter Ford!
