Off-roading: Difference between revisions

{{Multiple issues|{{more citations needed|date=January 2012}}

== Off-road vehicle ==

{{main|Off-road vehicle}}Vehicles thatvehicles are either capable of, or specifically developed for, off-road driving are considered off-road vehicles. These vehicles often have features designed specifically for use in off-road conditions such as [[Suspensionsuspension lift|suspension lifts]]s, [[Offoff-road tire|off-road tires]]s, [[skid plate|skid plates]] to protect the undercarriage of the cars, [[Vehiclevehicle snorkel|snorkels]], [[roll cage|roll cages]]s, or strengthened [[drivetrain|drivetrains]]. Some manufacturers create vehicles specifically designed for off-road uses.<ref>{{cite web | author=The Jeep Guru | title=Why Are Jeep Rubicons So Expensive? | website=Rig Rebel | url=https://rigrebel.com/?p=206 | access-date=2021-10-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=15 of the Best Off-Road Vehicles You Can Buy | website=MotorTrend | date=2021-06-09 | url=https://www.motortrend.com/features/best-off-road-vehicles/ | access-date=2021-10-20}}</ref> Examples of off-road vehicles include [[all-terrain vehicle|ATV]]s, [[utility terrain vehicle]]s, [[dune buggy|dune buggies]], and [[dirtbikes|dirt bikes]].

[[File:Dunebashing.JPG|thumb|A 5th-generation [[Ford Bronco]] dune bashing]]

[[Dune buggy|Dune Buggies]], [[sport utility vehicle|Sport-utility vehicles]], and [[All-terrain vehicle|ATVs]] are often used.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sand Duning and Off-roading in the Desert - Surf The Sand |url=https://sand-boarding.com/dune-bashing/#:~:text=It%20is%20a%20highly%20popular,Sport%20Utility%20Vehicles%20(SUV) |access-date=2022-06-08 |website=sand-boarding.com| date=5 September 2020 }}</ref> Vehicles driven on sand dunes are often equipped with a roll cage for safetyin the case of an [[Vehicle rollover|overturn]]. As withThe [[autotire racingpressure]], experienceis andoften skill are required to maneuver the car and prevent accidents. Drivers commonly reduce tire pressurereduced to gain more [[Friction|traction]] by increasing the footprint of the tire and lowering the [[ground pressure]] of the vehicle on the sand, comparable to a person wearing [[Snowshoe|snowshoes]] in order to walk on snow without sinking.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Sand Driving |url=https://www.offroaders.com/info/tech-corner/reading/sand_dri.htm |access-date=2023-09-24 |website=www.offroaders.com}}</ref>

ASome frequentcars modificationare is to outfit carsequipped with [[beadlock]] wheels, which allow tire pressure to be lowered even further without risking separation of the tire and wheel separationrim. Upon entering the desert, it is customary for drivers to meet with a pack of other vehicles and a group leader before proceeding. The group leader then leads the pack through the stunts in a single file line. The reasonrationale for this technique is to prevent drivers from becoming disoriented and getting lost.<ref>{{Cite web |titlename=Sand Driving |url=https"://www.offroaders.com/info/tech-corner/reading/sand_dri.htm0" |access-date=2023-09-24 |website=www.offroaders.com}}</ref>

High-speed racing in the desert includes chases and racing at maximum speed through rough desert [[terrain]] with numerous pots and bumps. Drivers mostlyoften use [[Automobile layout#Rearrear-wheel- drive layouts|Rear Wheel Drive and 4-wheel Wheel Drive]]drive trucks with long-travel [[Car suspension|suspension]] and wide stance between the front enlarged tires, which maintains optimal stability at high speed. These types of trucks are often called [[Trophy truck|Trophy trucks]] or PreRunners.<ref>{{cite web | title=Prerunner Building 101 | website=Off Road Xtreme | date=2018-06-20 | url=https://www.offroadxtreme.com/features/car-features/prerunner-building-101-basics/ | access-date=2019-09-23}}</ref> Desert racing events sometimes last days, and can span hundreds of miles.

=== <small>RallyRallying</small> ===

''See article:'' [[Rallying|Rally]]

Mudding is off-roading through an area of wet mud or clay, leading to extremely low traction and problems with moving forwardsforward.<ref name=usfs>{{cite web|last=United States Forestry Service|title=Willamette National Forest|url=http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/willamette/recreation/ohv/?cid=stelprdb5097794|access-date=19 May 2013}}</ref> The goal is to drive as far as possible without getting stuck.<ref>{{cite web|title=Muddy Run Raceway Rules|url=http://www.muddyrunraceway.com/MudRacingRules.htm|website=muddyrunraceway.com|access-date=1 September 2016|archive-date=11 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170111005635/http://www.muddyrunraceway.com/MudRacingRules.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> There are many types of tires that are recommendedoften used for this activity, including balloon tires, mud-terrain tires and [[Paddle tire|paddle tires]]. The activity is popular in the [[United States]], although it is illegal on public land due to the environmental impact.<ref name="usfs2">{{cite web |last=US Gov't |title=USFS |url=https://www.fs.usda.gov/recreation/programs/ohv/ |access-date=19 May 2013}}</ref>

This form of motor sportmotorsport is one of the oldest to survive to this day, dating back at least to the 1920s.[[File:Rockcrawling.JPG|thumb|left|Jeep Rubicon rock crawling]]

[[Rock crawling]] involves driving over rocky terrain, with the goal being to get as far as possible with the fewest penalties. Penalties are received for striking cones, using a winch to get unstuck, going out of bounds, and reversinggoing in reverse. These rules lead to the sport being technical, with drivers having to plan ahead to reduce the penalties they receive. Vehicles used for rock crawling are usually modified with different [[tires]], suspension components that allow greater [[axle articulation]], and changes in the [[differential (mechanics)|differential]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://modifind.com/offroad/featured/differential-gear-ratio-to-tire-size-guide/|title=Differential Gear Ratio to Tire Size Guide {{!}} Modifind.com - Off Road|last=Deysel|first=A. J.|date=2019-11-11|language=en-US|access-date=2020-02-17}}</ref> gear ratio in order to obtain characteristics suitable for low-speed operation for traversing obstacles. Commonly, rock crawlers have a "[[spotter (maneuvering)|spotter]]", who is an assistant on foot by the vehicle to provide information about areas out of the driver's sight.field of view<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.roverguide.com/13427/off-road-spotting-basics/|title=Off-Road Spotting Basics: "Left. No, no your other left!"|date=2011-12-29|work=RoverGuide|access-date=2018-01-19|language=en-US}}</ref>

RTV (Road Taxed Vehicle) trialing is the most common form of trailingtrialing. As the name suggests, it is for vehicles that are road-legal (and thus required to pay [[road tax]]). This excludes vehicles that are highly modified or specially built. RTV-class vehicles can carry a wide range of suspension modifications, as well as off-road tires (provided they are road-legal), recovery winches, raised air intakes, etc. Vehicles on RTV trials are usually best described as "modified from standard"—they use the standard chassis, drive-train, and body that the vehicle was built with, but are fitted with a wide array of modifications to assist in the trailing. Whilst modification is not necessarily required for an RTV trial, at the very least the vehicle would be expected to have some under-bodyunderbody and over body/ in -the-body protection such asa skid plates or roll cages, often made from durable [[stainless steel]], [[aluminium]] or [[mild steel]]. RTV courses are intended to be non-damaging and driven at little more than a walking pace and a course properly laid out would be drivable without damage. However, the terrain usually includes steep slopes, water, side- slopes, deep ruts, and other obstacles that could potentially damage a vehicle if mistakes are made or poor driving techniques are used. As such, the use of modifications can increase the chances of success, sometimes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tfltruck.com/2018/01/come-ride-lifted-jeep-wrangler-jk-video-daily-life/|title=Come Ride With Me! Daily Life with a Lifted Jeep Wrangler JK (Video) - The Fast Lane Truck|website=tfltruck.com|date=11 January 2018 |language=en-US|access-date=2018-01-19}}</ref>

RTV trials usually take place on farmland, a quarry site, or at a dedicated off-road driving center and are usually organized by a dedicated trialing body (such as the All-Wheel Drive Club or the Association of Land Rover clubs in the UK, or by a vehicle owner's club. The course consists of 10 to 12 "gates" marked by two garden canes (sticks) and are vertically placed. The gates are just wide enough to get a standard vehicle through. Vehicles start in a stagger, proceeding one by one, and isare deemed to have cleared a gate if at least one of the front wheel hubs passes between the canes. The vehicle's attempt ends when it comes to a stop (depending on the exact level of skill the trial is aimed at any stopping may end the attempt, or a few seconds may be allowed). Long-wheelbase vehicles are usually allowed to perform a three-point turn if needed, providing the driver declares where the turn is going to be made before they attempt the course (this puts a strong emphasis on ground-reading ability). This can also be called a "shunt", where the driver has to attempt a gate and then shout "shunt". They are then allowed a space of 1one and a half car lengths to reverse and line the car better to enter through the gate<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Gambino |first=Joe |date=2020-12-13 |title=Off-Roading 101 - Driving Tips and Equipment |url=https://www.roguefab.com/off-roading-guide/ |access-date=2022-02-19 |website=Rogue Fabrication |language=en-US}}</ref>

The course between the gates is a "section": between the start line and the first gate is "Section 1", the part between the first and second gates is "Section 2" and so on. An RTV course is often laid out so that each section is progressively more difficult, although this is not always the case. If a driver fails to complete Section 1 they are given 10 points. If the attempt ends in Section 2, 9 points are awarded, etc. A clear round results in gaining only 1 point. A day's event will consist of many different courses and the driver with the lowest score is the winner.

Since the terrain covered in RTV trials should be well within the capabilities of any reasonably capable vehicle (even in standard form), these trials place the emphasis onemphasize driver skill and ground-reading abilities. Skill and experience hashave a larger bearing overon success than having a well -equipped and modified car.

Cross Country Vehicle (CCV) trialing is the next step up from RTV trialing and is open to non-road-legal vehicles, which greatly increases the scope for modification. The terrain covered will be of greater difficulty than that found on an RTV trial. Since there is a risk of touching rocks and trees with the body workbodywork,<ref>{{Cite web |title=CCV - Cross Country Vehicle |url=https://nero.org.uk/ccv |access-date=2023-11-11 |website=nero.org.uk |language=en-US}}</ref>, CCV trialing will usually require more careful use of speed to get the vehicle across certain obstacles will attempting to mitigate the risk of vehicle damage. Whilst no trial is intended to be vehicle-damaging, mistakes and accidents are inevitable. A standard-specification vehicle would not be expected to be able to complete a CCV course, but it would still be possible.

CCV trailingtrialing differs greatly from RTV trials in the vehicles used. Since CCV judges adopt an "anything goes" attitude, CCV trials rely on having the correct vehicle to a much greater extent than in an RTV trial. Competitors are able tocan design and build vehicles that are much more optimized for off-road use, than in the lower ranks of trialing. CCV vehicles have powerful engines, high ground clearance, light, minimalist bodywork, and good [[approach and departure angles]]. For many years, in the UK, the ultimate CCV vehicle could be built by taking the chassis of a [[Range Rover Classic|Range Rover]], removing the body, cutting the chassis down to an 80-inch wheelbase, and attaching it to the body of a [[Land Rover Series|Series I Land Rover]], retaining the Range Rover's V8 engine and coil-spring suspension in a light, maneuverable body. In recent years, the value of early Land Rovers and Range Rovers has risen to the extent that this is no longer practical. CCV trailers now usually base their vehicles around [[Land Rover Defender|Land Rover Defenders]] or a standard 100-inch chassis from a Range Rover or [[Land Rover Discovery|Series I Discovery]]. The [[Suzuki SJ]] series of vehicles also make good bases for CCV-spec vehicles. Some vehicles are specially built, taking the form of light "buggies" with tractor tires and "fiddle" brakes (fiddle brakes give the ability to lock a wheel, which enables much better turning, better control descending hills, traction control by slowing or locking the spinning wheel) for the best performance.

[[File:Offroad ride Triumph Bonneville.jpg|thumb|offroad event [[Triumph Bonneville]]]]In some countries off-road activities are strictly regulated, while others promote cross -country [[off-road racing|off-road endurance events]] like the [[Dakar Rally]], [[Spanish Baja]], [[Africa Eco Race]], [[Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge]], [[Northern Forest (race)|Russian Baja Northern Forest]], [[King of the Hammers]], [[San Felipe 250]] and [[Baja 1000|Baja 500 & 1000]], which are a test of navigation skills and machine durability. Off-road parks and [[motocross]] tracks also host several events and may be the only legal place to off-road in the area.

Off-road vehicle use on [[public land]] has been criticized by some members of the U.S. government<ref name=fed>{{cite web|url=http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/ohv/|title=USDA Forest Service - Caring for the land and serving people|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041119225644/http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/chugach/forest_plan/FEIS_VOLUME_1/chapter3_p1feis.pdf|archive-date=November 19, 2004|website=fs.fed.us}}</ref> and environmental organizations including the [[Sierra Club]] and [[The Wilderness Society (United States)|The Wilderness Society]].<ref name=sierra1>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sierraclub.org/policy/conservation/offroad.asp|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061201153933/http://www.sierraclub.org/policy/conservation/offroad.asp|title=Sierra Club Conservation Policies|archivedate=December 1, 2006}}</ref><ref name=wilderness010>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wilderness.org/OurIssues/ORV/index.cfm?TopLevel=Home|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061214145958/http://www.wilderness.org/OurIssues/ORV/index.cfm?TopLevel=Home|title=Off-Road Vehicles and Public Lands: A National Problem|archivedate=December 14, 2006}}</ref> They have noted several consequences of illegal ORV use such as [[pollution]], [[trail]] damage, [[erosion]], [[land degradation]], possible [[extinction|species extinction]],<ref name=CPC>{{cite web|last=Rice|first=Kathleen C.|title=National Collection of Imperiled Plants - Pholisma sonorae|url=http://centerforplantconservation.org/Collection/CPC_ViewProfile.asp?CPCNum=3407|publisher=Center for Plant Conservation|access-date=8 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104114734/http://www.centerforplantconservation.org/collection/cpc_viewprofile.asp?CPCNum=3407|archive-date=4 November 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> and [[habitat destruction]]<ref name=lat>{{cite news|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-na-lizard12jan12,1,6234267.story?coll=la-news-environment&ctrack=1&cset=true |url-status=dead |work=Los Angeles Times |title=Mojave lizard may get protection; off-road vehicles are cited as threat |date=12 January 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204085512/http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-na-lizard12jan12,1,6234267.story?coll=la-news-environment&ctrack=1&cset=true |archive-date=December 4, 2008 }}</ref><ref name=lvrj>{{cite web|url=http://www.lvrj.com/news/13702907.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205111346/http://www.lvrj.com/news/13702907.html|archive-date=December 5, 2008|date=January 11, 2008|title=Officials seek to protect desert reptile|website=Las Vegas Review-Journal}}</ref> which can leave hiking trails impassable.<ref name=mnrespons>{{Cite web|url=https://qna.carrieradda.com/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711134359/http://www.mnresponsiblerec.org/Library/reports/Off-roadvehicledamageinDuluth.htm/|title=Recent questions and answers|archivedate=July 11, 2015|website=CarrierAdda QnA}}</ref> ORV proponents argue that legal use taking place under planned access along with the multiple environment and trail conservation efforts by ORV groups will mitigate these issues. Groups such as the BlueRibbon Coalition advocatesadvocate for the responsible use of public lands used for off-road activities.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About |url=https://www.sharetrails.org/about/ |access-date=2023-10-18 |website=BlueRibbon Coalition/ShareTrails |language=en-US}}</ref>

According to the [[U.S. Forest Service]] the use of old-style [[two-stroke engine]]s, previously common in vehicles designed for off-road use, also causes concerns about [[pollution]]. This is because "two-stroke engines emit about 20 to 33 percent of the consumed fuel through the exhaust" (as the engine lubricant is a "total loss system" and is emitted by design) and "discharge from two-stroke snowmobile engines can lead to indirect pollutant deposition into the top layer of snow and subsequently into the associated surface and ground watergroundwater".<ref{{Citation nameneeded|date=chucach>[http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/chugach/forest_plan/FEIS_VOLUME_1/chapter3_p1feis.pdfNovember http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/chugach/forest_plan/FEIS_VOLUME_1/chapter3_p1feis.pdf]</ref>2023}}

Some U.S. states have laws to reduce noise generated by off-road and non-highway vehicles. Washington is one example: "State law requires off-road and other non-highway vehicles to use specified noise-muffling devices (RCW 46.09.120(1) (e) maximum limits and test procedures). State agencies and local governments may adopt regulations governing the operation of non-highway vehicles on property, streets, or highways within their [[jurisdiction]], provided they are not less stringent than state law (RCW 46.09.180 regulation by local political subdivisions)".<ref name=ecy>{{Cite web|title=Frequently Asked Questions about Noise Pollution -- for Local Government |url=http://www.ecy.wa.gov/pubs/0401007.pdf |access-date=2006-10-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207124440/http://www.ecy.wa.gov/pubs/0401007.pdf |archive-date=2012-02-07 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In 2009, U.S. District Judge [[Susan Illston]] ruled against the BLM's proposed designation of additional off-road use on designated open routes on public land. According to the ruling, the BLM violated its own regulations<ref name=wil>{{cite web|url=http://wilderness.org/content/road-routes-mojave-desert-found-illegal|title=Off-road Routes in Mojave Desert Found Illegal|website=wilderness.org|access-date=2009-10-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415135954/http://wilderness.org/content/road-routes-mojave-desert-found-illegal|archive-date=2012-04-15|url-status=dead}}</ref> when it designated approximately 5,000 miles of off-road vehicle routes in 2006.<ref name=merc>{{cite web|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_13452373|title=Judge rejects federal plan for SoCal desert routes|website=mercurynews.com}}</ref> According to Judge Illston the BLM's designation was "flawed because it does not contain a reasonable range of alternatives" to limit damage to sensitive habitat, as required under the National Environmental Policy Act.<ref name=lat2333>{{cite news|last=Sahagun|first=Louis|title=Judge rejects U.S. management plan for California desert|url=http://articles.latimes.com/2009/sep/30/local/me-mojave30|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=September 30, 2009}}</ref> Illston found that the Bureau had inadequately analyzed the route's impact on air quality, soils, plant communities and sensitive species, such as the endangered [[Mojave fringe-toed lizard]], pointing out that the United States Congress has declared that the California Desert and its resources are "extremely fragile, easily scarred, and slowly healed".<ref name=lat2333 />

The court also found that the BLM failed to follow route restrictions established in the agency's own conservation plan, resulting in the establishment of hundreds of illegal OHV routes during the previous three decades.<ref name=wil /> The plan violated the BLM's own regulations, specifically the [[Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976]] (FLPMA) and the [[National Environmental Policy Act of 1969]] (NEPA).<ref name=merc /> The ruling was considered a success for a coalition of conservation groups including the Friends of Juniper Flats, Community Off-road Vehicle Watch, California Native Plant Society, [[Center for Biological Diversity|The Center for Biological Diversity]], [[Sierra Club|The Sierra Club]], and [[The Wilderness Society (United States)|The Wilderness Society]] who initiated the legal challenge in late 2006.<ref name=lat2333 />

<blockquote>It is well-established that the proliferation of off-road vehiclevehicles and snowmobile use places soil, vegetation, air and water quality, and wildlife at risk through pollution, erosion, sedimentation of streams, habitat fragmentation and disturbance, and other adverse impacts to resources. These impacts cause severe and lasting damage to the natural environment on which human-powered and equestrian recreation depends and alter the remote and wild character of the back countrybackcountry. Motorized recreation monopolizes forest areas by denying other users the quiet, pristine, backcountry experience they seek. It also presents safety and health threats to other re-creationists.<ref name=naturaltrails>[https://web.archive.org/web/20050406090546/http://www.naturaltrails.org/pressroom/releases/2004/bos-rec-final.pdf Letter to Dale Bosworth]</ref></blockquote>

A number ofSeveral environmental organizations, including the Rangers for Responsible Recreation, are campaigning to draw attention to a growing threat posed by off-road vehicle misuse and to assist over matchedovermatched land managers in addressing ORV use impacts.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.peer.org/campaigns/publiclands/orv/index.php |title=Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility: Off-Road Wreckreation - Home |access-date=2010-01-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509133709/http://www.peer.org/campaigns/publiclands/orv/index.php |archive-date=2008-05-09 |url-status=dead }}</ref> These campaigns in part have prompted congressional hearings about the growing impact of unmanaged off-road vehicle use.

The House Natural Resources Committee Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands held an oversight hearing on "The Impacts of Unmanaged Off-Road Vehicles on Federal Land" on March 13, 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://resourcescommittee.house.gov/index.php?option=com_jcalpro&Itemid=27&extmode=view&extid=151 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080326215342/http://resourcescommittee.house.gov/index.php?option=com_jcalpro&Itemid=27&extmode=view&extid=151 |archive-date=2008-03-26 |title=Committee on Natural Resources}}</ref> A second hearing on off-highway vehicle (OHV) management on public lands was held by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on June 5, 2008.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.energy.senate.gov/?FuseAction=Hearings.Hearing&Hearing_ID=ca2e6111-befb-b64a-8a55-3945b88b484e|title=U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources|website=www.energy.senate.gov}}</ref> The Senate committee hearing was convened forto the purpose of findingfind out why the agencies are failing to grapple with the negative impacts of off-road vehicle use on US public lands and what the agencies might need to start doing differently. For the first time in perhaps a decade, members of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee grilled leaders of the Forest Service and the BLM about why off-road vehicle use is being allowed to damage America's national treasures.

Taking center stage in the discussion was the "travel planning process", a complex analysis and decision-making procedure withto the aim of designatingdesignate appropriate roads and trails. Both the Forest Service and BLM have been engaged in somewhat similar travel planning processes now for years, but some of the committee members didn't seem to think those processes were going along so well.『The BLM has identified travel management on its lands as ‘one of the greatest management challenges’ it faces,』stated committee Chairman [[Jeff Bingaman]], D-NM. "Likewise, the Forest Service has identified unmanaged recreation — including ORV use — as one of the top four threats to the management and health of the National Forest System. Despite these statements, it seems to me that neither agency has been able to successfully manage off-road use."

<gallery caption="Off -Road Vehicle Damage" widths="200px" heights="200px" perrow="2">

Video games that allow users to off-road include ''[[Forza|Forza Horizon]]'', ''[[Dirt 5|Dirt Series]] and, [[MudRunner]]'', ''[[Grand Theft Auto V|GTA 5]]'', ''Dakar Desert Rally'', and the ''[[MotorStorm|Motor Storm Series]]'' series.