Off-Roading and Overlanding Terms

Off-roading can be a thrilling experience, but it can also be overwhelming for beginners. To help you navigate this exciting hobby, here's a list of commonly used terms that you can refer to (this list can be handy for seasoned veterans too).

“A”

A-Frame - a type of suspension system used in off-road vehicles that allows for greater flexibility and stability.

Air Dam - a device attached to the front of a vehicle to reduce wind resistance and improve aerodynamics.

Air Down - the process of releasing air from a vehicle's tires to reduce pressure for improved off-road traction and handling.

Air Intake Snorkel - an accessory that raises the air intake of a vehicle to prevent water from entering the engine during river crossings.

Air Lockers - a type of locking differential that can be engaged or disengaged on-the-fly to provide improved traction in difficult off-road conditions.

Approach Angle - the angle between the ground and the front of a vehicle when approaching an obstacle.

Articulation - the ability of a vehicle's suspension to articulate or bend and twist, allowing for greater off-road mobility.

Auxiliary Fuel Tank - an additional fuel tank installed on a vehicle to increase the range for overlanding adventures.

“B”

Backcountry - Remote, undeveloped wilderness areas that are usually difficult to access.

Baja - A peninsula located in northwest Mexico that is a popular destination for off-road enthusiasts and overlanders.

Baja 1000 - An off-road race that takes place in Baja California, Mexico, and is considered one of the toughest races in the world.

Ball joint - A component in a vehicle's suspension system that allows for movement between the control arm and the steering knuckles.

Bed rack - A rack that is mounted on the bed of a pickup truck to carry gear and equipment.

BRONCO – THE BEST OFF-ROADER. ENOUGH SAID.

Bumper - A component of a vehicle that is mounted on the front and/or rear to protect the vehicle from damage during off-roading.

Bumper pull - A type of trailer that is attached to a vehicle's bumper and is pulled by the vehicle.

Bypass - A detour or alternative route around an obstacle or obstacle course.

Black Diamond - A term used to describe a difficult off-road trail that requires advanced skills and a modified vehicle.

Body lift - A modification that raises the body of a vehicle, providing additional clearance for off-roading.

“C”

Camber - The angle at which the wheels of a vehicle are tilted relative to the vertical plane, either inward or outward.

Carrier - A component of a vehicle's suspension system that holds the axle and wheel in place.

Chassis - The frame of a vehicle, which supports the body and provides a foundation for the suspension, powertrain, and other components.

Crawler gear - A low gear ratio used for slow, deliberate driving, especially when off-roading.

Compression - The movement of a vehicle's suspension system when the wheels move upward and compress the shock absorbers.

Clearance - The distance between the bottom of a vehicle and the ground.

Control arms - Components of a vehicle's suspension system that connect the wheels to the chassis and allow for a range of movement.

Center of gravity (CG) - The point at which the weight of a vehicle is balanced, affecting its stability and handling.

Camper - A type of mobile dwelling used for overlanding and camping, typically mounted on the bed of a pickup truck.

Compression fitting - A type of fitting used in fluid transfer systems to join two pieces of tubing without the need for soldering.

Coilover - A type of suspension component that combines a spring and shock absorber in a single unit.

“D”

Diff lock - A mechanism that locks the differential, allowing both wheels on an axle to receive equal torque and turn at the same speed, improving traction in challenging off-road conditions.

Drive shaft - A rotating shaft that transfers power from the engine to the wheels to drive the vehicle.

Dana - A company that specializes in producing high-quality axles and driveshafts for off-road vehicles.

Dualsport - A motorcycle that is capable of being used on both paved and unpaved roads.

D-Ring - A metal ring commonly used as a secure tie-down point on off-road vehicles and trailers.

Downhill assist control - A feature in some off-road vehicles that uses the brakes to control the speed of the vehicle while descending steep inclines.

Desert racing - A type of off-road motorsport that takes place in desert terrain and involves high-speed racing over rough terrain.

Detours - Alternative routes that are taken to avoid obstacles or dangerous areas while off-roading.

Diff drop - A modification that lowers the differential to improve the vehicle's off-road capability by reducing the chance of the differential hitting rocks or other obstacles.

Driving lights - Additional lights mounted on the front of a vehicle to improve visibility when driving at night or in low-light conditions.

“E”

Emergency Brake Assist - A system that provides additional braking power during emergency braking situations.

Engine Skid Plate - A protective plate installed under the engine to protect it from damage during off-roading.

Extended Range Fuel Tank - An additional fuel tank installed on a vehicle to increase its range.

Extreme Terrain - A term used to describe rough, challenging off-road conditions.

Expedition Vehicle - A self-contained vehicle equipped for extended off-road travel and camping.

Eye Bolts - Bolts with a looped head that are used to secure equipment and gear to the roof or sides of a vehicle.

Electronic Stability control - A system that helps the driver maintain control of the vehicle by automatically applying brakes to individual wheels and reducing engine power as needed.

Electric Winch - A winch powered by electricity, often used for off-roading and recovery. 

“F”

Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) - A drivetrain configuration that allows all four wheels of a vehicle to receive torque from the engine simultaneously, improving traction and off-road capability.

Fording - The act of crossing a body of water, such as a river or stream, in a vehicle.

Flex - A term used to describe the amount of suspension articulation, or movement, a vehicle has.

Frame - The backbone of a vehicle, consisting of structural members that support the body and engine, and provide a mounting point for suspension components.

Full-Float Axle - An axle design in which the axle shaft is supported by bearings inside the axle housing, allowing the entire weight of the vehicle to be carried by the axle.

Friction Modifier - A chemical additive used in some types of differential fluid to reduce friction and wear inside the differential.

Front Sway Bar - A suspension component that helps reduce body roll, or lateral movement, of a vehicle during cornering.

Fuel Cell - A type of fuel storage tank that uses a semi-permeable membrane to separate hydrogen and oxygen in a fuel cell stack, generating electricity to power an electric vehicle.

Fender Flares - An extension to the fenders of a vehicle, used to cover larger tires and improve off-road clearance.

“G”

Gearing - Refers to the gear ratio in a vehicle's transmission and differential, which determines how much torque is applied to the wheels.

Ground Clearance - The distance between the lowest point of a vehicle's undercarriage and the ground.

Grille Guard - A type of aftermarket accessory that protects the front of a vehicle from damage while off-roading.

Gas Tank Skid Plate - A protective plate installed under a vehicle's fuel tank to prevent damage while off-roading.

Gobi Rack - A type of roof rack designed for overlanding vehicles, named after the Gobi Desert.

Geared Hub Reduction - A type of drivetrain technology that reduces the drive shaft's speed and increases torque for better off-road performance.

Grommet - A small rubber ring used to protect a wire or cable from damage.

Guy Ropes - Ropes used to secure a tent or tarp to the ground, helping to prevent it from being blown away in windy conditions.

“H”

Hi-Lift Jack - A type of mechanical jack commonly used for off-road and overlanding purposes, often used to lift vehicles, change tires, or as a makeshift winch.

Hitch - A device that attaches to a vehicle's frame and is used to tow a trailer or other vehicle.

Hill Descent Control - A feature in some vehicles that helps control the speed of the vehicle while descending steep hills.

Hill Climb - A driving technique that involves climbing steep inclines, often using a combination of momentum and traction control.

High Clearance - A term used to describe vehicles or modifications that provide increased ground clearance, allowing the vehicle to traverse rough terrain more easily.

Heavy-Duty - A term used to describe components or vehicles that are designed to withstand the rigors of off-roading and overlanding, such as heavy-duty axles, suspension components, or bumpers.

Hot Shoe - A term used to describe the connection point on a vehicle's battery where a secondary battery can be connected for additional power.

Hub-Locked - A term used to describe a vehicle that has had its front hubs locked, allowing for full-time four-wheel drive and improved off-road traction.

“I”

IFS (Independent Front Suspension) - a suspension system used in vehicles where the front wheels are suspended independently of each other, providing better handling and improved ride comfort.

Inclinometer - an instrument used to measure the angle of a slope or hill, also known as a tilt indicator or spirit level.

Intercooler - a heat exchanger used to cool air that has been compressed by a turbocharger, increasing the air density and allowing for more fuel to be burned, resulting in increased power.

Internal Bypass Shock - a type of shock absorber that provides variable damping, with a bypass system that controls the flow of oil, allowing for improved handling and stability.

Isolation switch - an electrical switch that allows a vehicle's battery to be isolated, preventing power from being drawn from it.

I-Beam - a type of structural beam with an "I" shape cross-section, used in the construction of off-road vehicles to provide strength and support.

“J”

Jack - a device used to lift a vehicle, usually for changing a tire or performing maintenance.

Jeep - The second best off-roading vehicle on the market.

Jounce bumper - a type of shock absorber that acts as a limit to upward suspension travel, preventing the vehicle from bottoming out.

J-Turn - a maneuver used in off-roading where the vehicle makes a tight 180-degree turn while in motion, using momentum and steering inputs.

Jumper cables - cables used to jump-start a vehicle's battery.

“K”

King of the Hammers (KOH) is an off-road racing event that takes place in Johnson Valley, California. It is known for being one of the most challenging and grueling off-road races in the world,

King Pin - the central pivot point of an axle in a solid front axle suspension, allowing the axle to turn and allowing the wheels to steer.

King Shock - a brand of high-performance off-road shock absorbers, known for their durability and ability to handle tough off-road conditions.

Krawler - a type of off-road tire with large, aggressive lugs and a rugged tread pattern, designed for crawling over rocks and other obstacles.

Kinematics - the study of the motion of objects and the forces that cause them to move, often used in the design of off-road vehicles to optimize suspension performance.

Knobby - a term used to describe the aggressive, knobby tread pattern of off-road tires, designed for maximum traction in off-road conditions.

Knuckle - a component of a solid front axle suspension, connecting the steering arm to the axle and allowing the wheels to steer.

“L”

Leaf Spring - a type of suspension spring commonly used in off-road vehicles, consisting of flat plates of metal stacked on top of each other and attached to the vehicle's frame and axle.

Lockers - a type of differential that locks the wheels together, forcing them to rotate at the same speed, providing increased traction in off-road conditions.

Long Travel Suspension - a type of suspension system that allows for increased suspension travel, providing better off-road performance and a smoother ride.

Low Range - a gear reduction system in four-wheel drive vehicles that provides a lower gear ratio for off-road use, allowing for more torque and control in challenging terrain.

LED Light Bar - a type of lighting used in off-road and overlanding vehicles, consisting of a row of LED lights that provide bright, efficient illumination.

Locker Bypass - a type of aftermarket modification that allows the driver to engage and disengage the locking mechanism of a differential, allowing for improved traction control in off-road conditions.

“M”

Mud Terrain Tire - a type of off-road tire with a heavily-treaded pattern and large lugs, designed for use in muddy conditions.

Modification (Mod) - an alteration or customization made to a vehicle to improve its performance, functionality, or appearance.

Multi-tool - a compact tool with multiple functions, often used for camping, off-roading, and general outdoor activities.

Monotube Shock - a type of shock absorber with a single tube design, providing improved heat dissipation and consistent damping performance.

Main Bearings - the bearings that support the crankshaft in an engine, allowing it to rotate smoothly.

Moab - Moab, Utah, a popular destination for off-road enthusiasts, known for its scenic trails and challenging terrain.

“N”

Navigation - the process of determining one's position and planning a route, often using a GPS device or map.

Navigation system - a device or software used to help drivers navigate roads and find their way to their destination.

Off-Nadir - a term used in satellite navigation, referring to a satellite that is not directly overhead, but at an angle relative to the observer on the ground.

Navigation software - software used in GPS systems and other navigation devices to provide turn-by-turn directions, maps, and other navigation information.

“O”

Off-Road - refers to driving or operating a vehicle on unpaved roads or trails, often in remote or rugged terrain.

Overlanding - a type of off-road adventure travel, often involving extended trips in remote areas, camping, and self-sufficient vehicle travel.

Off-Road Tire - a type of tire designed for use on unpaved roads or trails, with a rugged tread pattern and reinforced construction for improved traction and durability.

Off-Road Vehicle - a type of vehicle specifically designed for off-road use, often with specialized features such as four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and reinforced construction.

Off-Road Suspension - a type of suspension system designed for off-road use, often with increased suspension travel, reinforced components, and specialized shocks.

Off-Road Light - a type of lighting designed for off-road use, often with increased brightness and rugged construction.

Off-Road Bumper - a type of bumper designed for off-road use, often with reinforced construction, additional recovery points, and a winch mount.

“P”

Portable Air Compressor - a small, lightweight air compressor used for inflating tires and operating air-powered tools.

Power Steering - a type of steering system that uses hydraulic or electric assist to make steering easier, especially at low speeds.

Progressive Springs - a type of suspension spring with a variable spring rate, providing a soft ride at lower speeds and increased stiffness at higher speeds.

Prop Shaft - the shaft that transmits power from the transmission to the differential in a four-wheel drive vehicle.

Paddle Tires - a type of off-road tire with large, scoop-like lugs, designed for use in sand and loose dirt.

Pre-Runner - a type of off-road vehicle designed for reconnaissance, scouting out a race or off-road trail before the main event.

Pintle Hitch - a type of trailer hitch that uses a ball-and-socket joint to provide a secure, durable connection between a vehicle and a trailer.

“Q”

Quadratec - a company that sells off-road and overlanding gear, including off-road accessories, lighting, tires, and other products.

QuietCamp - a brand of soundproofing and insulation products designed for use in off-road and overlanding vehicles, to reduce noise and heat.

Quick Disconnect - a type of fastener that allows for quick and easy removal and attachment of components, often used in off-road and overlanding vehicles for ease of maintenance and repair.

Quadrant - a component in a transfer case that splits power between the front and rear axles in a four-wheel drive vehicle.

“R”

Rock Crawling - a type of off-road driving that involves negotiating obstacles such as rocks and boulders, often at low speeds.

Rock Slider - a type of protection bar installed on the side of a vehicle to protect it from rocks, boulders, and other obstacles while off-roading.

Recovery Point - a reinforced attachment point on a vehicle used for winching or towing, often used in off-road and overlanding situations.

Recovery Strap - a type of strap used for vehicle recovery, often made of heavy-duty nylon and designed to stretch under load to provide additional pulling power.

Rear Axle - the axle that supports the rear wheels of a vehicle, providing propulsion and stability.

Roof Rack - a rack mounted on the roof of a vehicle, used to carry gear, equipment, and other supplies while off-roading or overlanding.

“S”

Suspension - the system of springs, shock absorbers, and other components that support a vehicle and absorb shocks from the road.

Spare Tire - a spare tire carried in a vehicle, used as a replacement in case of a flat or damaged tire.

Soft Top - a type of convertible roof for a vehicle, made of fabric or vinyl, that can be removed for an open-air driving experience.

Skid Plate - a protective plate installed under a vehicle to protect the engine, transmission, and other components from damage while off-roading.

Snorkel - a device that raises the air intake of a vehicle to prevent water from entering the engine when driving through deep water.

Spool - a type of differential that locks the two wheels on an axle together, forcing them to rotate at the same speed, providing improved traction in off-road conditions.

Suspension Lift Kit - a kit of components used to raise the suspension of a vehicle, providing increased ground clearance and improved off-road performance.

“T”

Terrain - the natural features of a landscape, including hills, valleys, rivers, rocks, and other features that can affect off-road driving.

Transfer Case - a device in a four-wheel drive vehicle that splits power between the front and rear axles, providing improved traction and control in off-road conditions.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - a system that monitors the pressure of a vehicle's tires, providing a warning if the pressure falls below a certain level.

Torsion Bar - a type of suspension spring that uses a torsion effect to provide suspension support, often used in off-road vehicles.

Trail Rated - a designation given by Jeep to its vehicles that have passed a series of tests, demonstrating their off-road capabilities.

Trailhead - the starting point of an off-road trail or hiking trail.

Transmission - the device in a vehicle that transmits power from the engine to the wheels, providing the gears and other mechanisms that control the speed and torque of the vehicle.

“U”

U-Joint - a type of universal joint used in drive shafts to allow for angular movement and accommodate changes in the angle of the shaft as the vehicle moves.

Up-Armor - a type of aftermarket modification that adds protective armor or skid plates to a vehicle, providing additional protection while off-roading.

Unimog - a brand of off-road vehicles produced by Mercedes-Benz, known for their extreme off-road capabilities and versatility.

Underbody Protection - a type of protection for the underbody of a vehicle, including skid plates and other components, designed to protect the vehicle from rocks, obstacles, and other hazards while off-roading.

Up-Pipe - a type of exhaust pipe that connects the turbocharger to the rest of the exhaust system, often used in diesel engines.

UTV (Utility Task Vehicle) - a type of off-road vehicle with a small bed for carrying gear, often used for hunting, farming, and other tasks.

Ultra4 Racing - a type of off-road racing that involves large, heavy-duty vehicles with extreme off-road capabilities, competing in events such as the King of the Hammers.

“V”

Vehicle Recovery - the process of extracting a vehicle that is stuck or disabled, often using winching, towing, or other methods.

Vehicle Armor - protective components added to a vehicle, such as skid plates, bumpers, and other components, to protect it from damage while off-roading.

Vented Disc Brake - a type of brake disc with drilled or slotted holes, designed to dissipate heat and improve braking performance.

Ventilated Hood - a type of vehicle hood with vents or louvers, designed to improve engine cooling and airflow.

Vehicle Dynamics - the study of how a vehicle moves and reacts to driving inputs, including factors such as suspension, steering, and braking systems.

Vehicle Tracking - the use of GPS or other tracking systems to monitor the location, speed, and other information about a vehicle, often used for security and safety purposes.

Ventilation System - a system that provides fresh air to the cabin of a vehicle, often used in off-road and overlanding vehicles to improve air quality and reduce dust and other pollutants.

“W”

Winch - a device used for pulling or hoisting, often mounted on a vehicle, used for vehicle recovery and other off-road tasks.

Wheels - the round components that support a vehicle and provide the rolling surface that contacts the road or trail.

Wheelbase - the distance between the front and rear wheels of a vehicle, affecting stability and handling.

Wheel Travel - the maximum distance that a wheel can move up and down, as determined by the suspension, affecting ride comfort and off-road performance.

Water Crossing - a type of off-road obstacle that involves crossing a body of water, often requiring specialized equipment and techniques.

Winch Cable - the cable or rope used in a winch, often made of steel or synthetic fibers, used to pull or hoist loads.

Wheel Well - the opening in a vehicle's body that surrounds the wheel, providing clearance for the tire and suspension components.

“X”

X-Axis - a term used in vehicle dynamics to describe the front-to-rear axis of a vehicle, affecting handling and stability.

“Y”

Y-Joint - a type of universal joint used in drive shafts, often used in off-road vehicles to accommodate changes in the angle of the shaft as the vehicle moves.