For those who are fond of going places where roads do not exist, the right kind of vehicle equipment matters a lot. While off-road driving subjects a vehicle to much greater stresses than normal road driving, things like suspension systems, protective measures, recovery devices, drivetrain parts, and other accessories become very important when it comes to tough trails.
Rocky Road Outfitters is an off-road products manufacturer specializing in parts and accessories meant for 4×4. This company was started by making modifications to the vehicles used for the famous 4WD drive to Moab in the 80s. Later, as a result of the growing popularity of such modification services, the company became a manufacturer of 4×4 parts and accessories in such areas as suspension systems, rock sliders, bumpers, drivetrain parts, recovery devices, and overlanding accessories.
When it comes to off-road upgrade research, it makes sense to get acquainted with the offerings of this company.
Table of Contents
What Is Rocky Road Outfitters?
Rocky Road Outfitters is a company that specializes in producing and supplying 4×4 parts and accessories intended for leisurely off-roading. The firm claims that their products are produced with trail driving in mind and not just for aesthetic reasons.
Their catalog is quite wide and comprises items for various car makes and models. Their shop is separated into categories of vehicles for Jeep, Toyota, Ford, Chevrolet/GMC, Dodge/Ram, Nissan, Subaru, and many more car makes.
The history of the company is closely related to rock crawling and vehicle modification. In particular, according to the history provided by the company, its founder, Glenn, became seriously interested in 4WD recreation during his visit to Moab and subsequently modified his Suzuki Samurai.
What Does Rocky Road Outfitters Sell?
The assortment is much wider than one type of off-road equipment.
Depending on the vehicle, users can find equipment for several components of the off-road build.
| Product Category | Common Purpose |
| Rock sliders | Protect vehicle sides and lower body. |
| Lift kits | Increase ground clearance and change suspension setup. |
| Bumpers | Add protection and recovery options. |
| Suspension components | Improve or modify suspension performance. |
| Drivetrain parts | Support gearing and off-road capability |
| Recovery equipment | Assist with getting a vehicle unstuck |
| Roof racks | Carry additional equipment |
| Lighting | Improve visibility on trails and campsites. |
| Camping equipment | Support longer outdoor trips. |
| Fridges and coolers | Keep food and drinks cold. |
| Rooftop tents | Provide an elevated camping setup. |
Among other items present in the current catalog are such pieces of overland gear as air compressors, camping equipment, recovery gear, winches, lighting, rooftop tents, and vehicle coolers.
Rock Sliders for Off-Road Protection
It would be especially useful to mount rock sliders if your driving area contains rocks, ledges, narrow trails, or rough terrain.
In some cases, a car’s undercarriage and sides may be vulnerable while going through tough terrain. An adequate rock slider will serve as protection against obstacles.
At Rocky Road Outfitters, you can find rock sliders for many vehicles, including different kinds of Jeeps, Fords, Toyotas, Chevrolets, Rams, and other vehicles.
While choosing rock sliders, you should take into account the following factors:
- Model year of your vehicle
- Maker and model
- Conditions of installation
- Mounting spots
- Free ground clearance
- Presence of a step in construction
- Warranty, weight, and quality
Compatibility plays an important role since off-road parts intended for one generation of cars are not necessarily compatible with another.
Lift Kits and Suspension Modifications
A lift kit is also a popular modification among those who venture into off-roading.
By adding lift to the vehicle, it provides added ground clearance and extra space for large tires, depending on the suspension system used. But when you raise your vehicle, there is a lot more that happens beyond aesthetics.
These include:
- Suspension geometry
- The feel of the ride
- How clear the tires are from interference
- The angle of the driveline
- Steering
- Alignment
Rocky Road Outfitters’ inventory is stocked with a wide selection of lift kits and suspension systems for various vehicles. This includes products designed for Jeep, Toyota, Ford, Nissan and other vehicles.
Therefore, the right lift for the particular vehicle needs to be chosen based on the intended use of the vehicle, not just by opting for the highest lift available.
Recovery Equipment For Adventures
Getting stuck is inevitable for most people who start off-roading. Recovery equipment helps deal with such situations when it is used properly.
This can include:
- Winches
- Recovery points
- Recovery straps
- Jacking equipment
- Air compressors
- And any other recovery equipment
There are specialized recovery and winches under the overland category at Rocky Road Outfitters.
Overland Equipment for Longer Trips
Going off-road is not always about driving through challenging terrain.
When it comes to arranging a multi-day trip, overlanding is a combination of vehicle travel, camping, and living in the wilderness by oneself. For this purpose, storage, food, water, light sources, shelter, and recovery tools matter as much as suspension and tires.
Products offered for overlanding by Rocky Road Outfitters include:
- Rooftop tents
- Vehicle fridges
- Camp kitchens
- Lighting
- Air compressors
- Recovery gear
- Roof rack accessories
Their range features ARB fridges, rooftop tents, slide-out camp kitchens, lighting products, and recovery gear.
This type of equipment will help you make a capable 4×4 more suitable for long off-roading adventures.
How to Choose the Best Off-Road Parts
Purchasing off-road equipment starts with your vehicle and the way it is going to be used.
A person who drives mainly on forest roads will not necessarily need the same equipment as one who drives regularly on technical rock trails.
Start with Your Vehicle
Determine:
- Make
- Model
- Year of production
- Trim
- Drivetrain
- Already done modifications
Even minor changes between model years may matter a lot.
Think About Your Driving Style
First of all, think about locations where you mostly drive.
Do you need equipment for:
- Taillights;
- Camping;
- Rock crawling;
- Snow;
- Desert driving;
- Overlanding;
- Protection of your car?
Your answers will give you suggestions about possible modifications.
Think About a Complete Kit of Modifications
For example, installation of lift kits will influence tire size, alignment, suspension, and driveline angles. Moreover, additional equipment adds extra weight.
It would be more rational to buy whole parts, not separately, but to think about integrating each of them into your build.
Rocky Road Outfitters and Vehicle-Specific Equipment
One of the benefits of the Rocky Road equipment is its categorization according to vehicle brands and models.
In the shop, one can find equipment sorted by vehicle manufacturers, generations, and models. There are categories for each generation and use. Thus, it becomes easier to pick up appropriate equipment.
For example, there is a Jeep JL category that includes such equipment as bumpers, suspension systems, driveline equipment, rock sliders, skid plates, and accessories.
Such categorization helps to choose appropriate equipment and avoid buying equipment that was created for another generation or use.
Why Build for Function Instead of Appearance?
While a modified 4×4 can definitely look cool, appearance is not everything.
An off-road car can face impact, vibrations, mud, water, stones, extreme approaches, and uneven ground. Looks-nice equipment that doesn’t match the environment won’t be of much use.
In this case, it is better to think first about:
- Protection
- Reliability
- Recovery ability
- Ground clearance
- Suitable suspension
- Storage space
- Comfort for the intended trip
Only then can appearance be considered as one of the aspects of construction.
After Installing Off-Road Equipment: Maintenance
Installation of the upgrade does not mean that everything is done.
Off-road cars must be checked regularly, particularly after difficult journeys.
The following problems should be looked for:
- Loose bolts
- Damaged suspension parts
- Marked or dented protection equipment
- Tire damage
- Liquid leakage
- Wear of winches or recovery equipment
- Steering problems
- Strange sounds
Mud, dust, water, and impacts can increase wear quickly. Cleaning your vehicle after a difficult journey can help to find possible damage before the next one.
Is Rocky Road Outfitters Only for Extreme Off-Roading?
Not quite. Not all products are made specifically for rock crawling.
The company’s product catalog ranges from protective elements and suspension to overlanding and camping gear. This gives drivers freedom of choice when it comes to selecting the required equipment.
A driver who likes camping trips might be looking at storage solutions, lights, recovery tools, and a rooftop tent. Another one would choose rock sliders, bumpers, gearing, and suspension.
It all depends on the terrain and activities that the driver plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rocky Road Outfitters famous for?
Rocky Road Outfitters is well-known for its parts and accessories designed for 4×4 vehicles, which include suspension, rock sliders, bumpers, drivetrain, recovery tools, and overlanding equipment.
Do they offer products for other vehicle brands?
Yes. The product catalog of the company includes parts categorized by numerous vehicle manufacturers and models.
What are rock sliders for?
Rock sliders are extra protection for the lower part of a vehicle while driving through rough terrain.
Is a lift kit effective for off-road travel?
A well-chosen lift kit will add more clearance and tire clearance to the vehicle, but it will also affect the geometry of the suspension system and the vehicle’s handling. Thus, its installation should be considered as part of the overall vehicle setup.
Does Rocky Road Outfitters sell overland equipment?
Yes. The overland range of their catalog contains items like rooftop tents, coolers, lights, camping gear, recovery tools, and air compressors.
How should I select off-road modifications?
First, it is necessary to take into account your vehicle’s exact make and model, as well as the area where you drive and what types of travel you do. It is better to choose items that solve your problem rather than just looking good.
Final Thoughts
Rocky Road Outfitters has created its image based on practical 4×4 hardware and off-roading adventures. Whether rock sliders, suspension modification, or recovery tools and overland gear – its product list contains most of the components required to create a more functional outdoor ride.
However, the most crucial thing to remember is not trying to make a bigger or better modified 4×4 than everyone else. The best strategy here would be getting to know your ride, figuring out where you will go with it, and buying proper equipment.
Thanks to the right combination of protection, suspension, recovery tools, carrying space, and maintenance equipment, a normal road car can become a much more capable partner for outdoor adventures.