Off-Road Builds: Lift Kits, Tires, Armor and Overland Gear

Off-road builds look tough because they are: every part has a job on the trail. Here's how to plan one in the right order.

Start with tires

Tires matter more than anything else off-road.

• All-terrain (A/T): good on road and trail; the best all-rounder.
• Mud-terrain (M/T): better in mud and rocks, louder and less grippy on wet roads.

Size up modestly and check fitment; see how to read tire size.

Suspension and lift

• Leveling kits raise the front to match the rear.
• Suspension lifts add clearance and travel.
• Body lifts fit bigger tires but don't add suspension travel.

Lifts change handling and can affect legality and insurance; see car mods and insurance.

Armor and recovery

• skid plates and rock sliders
• recovery points front and rear
• winch-ready bumper and winch
• traction boards, shovel, compressor

Overland gear

• Roof rack for storage and a rooftop tent
• Lighting: light bars and pods; see lighting mods
• Drawer systems and fridges for longer trips

The look

Matte or satin olive, sand, grey or black wraps; black or bronze wheels; see green car wraps. Related: rally car style.

Example off-road builds

Weekend trail

All-terrain tires, a leveling kit, recovery points, traction boards and a compressor. Capable and still comfortable on the road.

Overland tourer

Suspension lift, roof rack and rooftop tent, drawers, a fridge, dual battery and lights.

Rock and mud

Mud-terrain tires, bigger lift, lockers, armor, winch and sliders.

Common mistakes

• Big tires without regearing, leaving the vehicle sluggish.
• Too much weight on the roof, raising the center of gravity.
• Skipping recovery training; gear is useless if you can't use it safely.
• Forgetting legal limits on lift height and lighting.

Preview your build

CarForge's Off-Road Beast style adds a lift, mud tires, a roof rack and a light bar to a photo of your vehicle. The roof rack accessory works on its own too.

Frequently asked questions

What is the first mod for off-roading?

Good all-terrain tires, then recovery points and basic recovery gear.

Is a lift kit necessary?

Not for mild trails. It helps with clearance and bigger tires on harder ones.

All-terrain or mud-terrain tires?

All-terrain for most drivers; mud-terrain only if you regularly face deep mud or rocks.

Does a lift kit affect insurance?

It can. Declare modifications to your insurer.