If you want to take your off-roading hobby to the next level, you may want to consider some vehicle upgrades. Fortunately, upgrading your vehicle doesn’t have to mean switching to a brand-new model. In fact, there are many aftermarket gadgets and accessories you can install yourself that can increase your current vehicle’s performance. Keep reading to learn about the essential gadgets you need to improve your off-roading experience.
Front and Back Cameras
If your off-roading vehicle is an older model, it may not have front and back cameras. In fact, many modern cars and trucks come installed with back-facing cameras but no front or overhead systems. If you want to trick out your vehicle with all the bells and whistles, consider installing front and back cameras or whichever option you’re missing. Cameras allow you to get a better view of the surrounding terrain while off-roading. Using your front and back cameras can help you avoid obstacles while navigating, preventing damage or accidents along the way. Back and forward-facing cameras make backing up and fitting your vehicle into tight spaces or parking spots much easier and safer.
Dashboard Camera
Many off-roading enthusiasts install dashboard recording systems to be able to look back on their favorite road trips in the future. Dashcams record footage through your vehicle’s windshield, so these cameras allow you to capture every moment of exciting all-terrain driving. These cameras also provide added security for your vehicle. For example, if you get into any accidents while off-roading, you have video evidence to provide to your insurance company. They can also help protect your vehicle from theft and deter vandalism.
GPS Navigation Systems
Navigating to your favorite off-roading trails often requires traveling long distances to some remote locations. To navigate these areas and find your destination efficiently, you may want to have a digital navigation system. Many modern truck models include built-in navigation systems or upgrades you can choose through different trims or aftermarket upgrades.
You can also install plug-and-play systems that provide smartphone compatibility, such as Apple CarPlay. These systems make it easier to synchronize your GPS app of choice on your smartphone with your vehicle’s speaker system.
Portable or Onboard Air Compressor
The tough conditions of many off-roading trails can do a number on your vehicle’s tires. The wear and tear of traversing difficult terrain can cause your tires to lose air over time. This is why it’s always useful to bring some type of air compressor on your expeditions. There are two main types of compressors to choose from: portable models and onboard air compressors that you can install in your rig.
Additional Lighting Installations
Many off-roaders know that the stock lights that come with their vehicle from the manufacturer don’t always provide enough power for tackling trails. This is why many drivers choose to install supplemental lighting on their off-roading vehicles. Lighting upgrades like these are ideal because they extend your off-roading hours even after the sun goes down. You can find replacement head and taillights with brighter LED bulbs, light bars that attach to the roof of your vehicle, floodlights, spotlights, and undercarriage lighting. While some of these supplemental lighting upgrades aren’t suitable for standard road use, they make off-roading trips safer and more enjoyable.
Other Gear To Improve Off-Roading
You can make many other upgrades to your vehicle to improve your off-roading experience. In addition to the above technological advancements and gadgets you can install, try looking into the following gear as well. These upgrades provide more storage, make your vehicle more flexible, and make tackling difficult trails easier.
Roof Racks
Roof racks are a common installation for both off-roading enthusiasts and everyday truck drivers. This is because they expand the storage and practicality of your vehicle. A roof rack is a carrier that you or a mechanic can install on your vehicle’s roof to expand your storage and transportation applications. A roof rack may also come with a small ladder that you can mount to the rear of your vehicle to make accessing the roof easier. Roof racks are ideal for off-roading applications and long road trips because they help free up space in your vehicle’s interior. They also make it easier to transport heavy cargo such as furniture, kayaks, skis, and luggage by safely strapping it to your roof.
Protective Vehicle Armor/Plates
Off-roading trails often come with difficult conditions, including downed trees, debris, gravel, and rocks that can all damage your vehicle if you’re not careful. Driving over dense forests or gravel roads can lead to scratches and dents in your vehicle’s undercarriage or exterior. Fortunately, drivers who want to protect their vehicles can install protective vehicle armor and plates that shield the exterior. You can also protect your vehicle before an off-roading trip by coating it with waxes and other protective sealants that make its paint more resistant to scratches. These protective elements give you extra peace of mind while off-roading so that you don’t need to worry as much about damaging your vehicle while you’re navigating tough trails.
Lift Kits and Suspension
Other common upgrades in off-roading vehicles include raising the cabin with a lift kit and altering the suspension. These upgrades provide better handling while off-roading, and they also allow you to install larger tires on your vehicle. Wider tires with heavier treads allow you to navigate tougher terrain with ease. These tires are also much tougher, which means you can have fewer worries about damaging or rupturing your tires on trail debris.
Where To Find Off-Roading Gadgets and Gear
If you’re looking for gear to make your off-roading expeditions more enjoyable, you can find many of the above upgrades at Trail Grid Pro. We offer a wide variety of parts and accessories for popular off-roading truck models. We offer Toyota truck parts online to make it easy for all off-roading enthusiasts to get the parts they need to optimize their vehicles.
Now that you know the essential gadgets to improve your off-roading experience, start looking into the parts to match your off-roading truck model. You can browse our full selection of off-roading gadgets and gear at Trail Grid Pro to find the perfect parts for your vehicle today.
