From ‘No Thanks’ to Co-Driver: How to Get Your Family to Go Off-Road and Love It

Part of the fun of going off-road is sharing the sights and thrills with your loved ones. No trip recaps or “you should have seen it!”s are necessary, because they were in on the action with you.

You might already have that and get to share your hobby with them. Given a chance, your family is happy to hop in the passenger seats. Maybe your favorite person even has their own 4x4 and takes on every mile right behind or in front of you!

Or –– as with some in the Nation –– you may share life with someone fantastic and have kids or grandkids you’d like to raise on the trail, but for whatever reason, they turn you down when it’s time to head out.

Even if you like to go out solo, there are benefits to your family supporting your passion: It’s easier to spend yet another weekend in the Bronco, and there may be less balking each time you want to buy new parts and accessories for it!

If you’ve been trying to encourage your fam to hop in and get a taste of what you love, then here are some tips that may help them join you on trips and even get behind the wheel.

It's All About Making Them Comfortable

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs starts with survival elements: food, dry clothes, shelter, etc. If someone’s using that as the only selling point of going off-roading (“What are you afraid of; you won’t starve …”), it’s probably not going to be very effective.

Instead, let them get into the game by catering to the questions and concerns that come up long before they’re thinking about needing a sip of water or a snack.

From there, let them help plan, and then get them active in the drive. Finally, celebrate a successful run together! Let's dig in, and be sure to add your own tips at the end. 

Start Small and Light

1. Aim for a short duration: Skip the 4–5-hour drives. Keep it to an hour and some change off-road, max. Account for drive time to the trailhead, too. Some people just don’t want to sit for too long or physically can’t. You know your family’s tolerance levels best. Tell them when you’re going to be done and do what you can to honor that. It’s best to keep them in that sweet spot of wanting more rather than them feeling you’ve exceeded their limits.
2. Pick an easy trail: Go with something light and pleasant, like a scenic dirt road with simple obstacles. You may not even leave 2H, and that’s OK for now. Let them get in on the planning and show them a few options or routes so they can decide what seems appealing. If your family isn’t made up of daredevils (yet), avoid off-camber obstacles, shelf roads, and anything overly bumpy or dusty that will leave them wishing they were back home instead of in the Bronco with you. Stay within your own skill and vehicle limit, too. You don’t want to be stressed, either.

Prep for the Drive

1. Show off your gear: Do a quick run-through of what you have in the back to calm any fears. Point out your shovel, jack, recovery boards, water … whatever you carry to demonstrate you’re prepared to take them out and bring them home safely. It’s fun to explain what we own, so don’t get carried away and bore them!
2. Set up your Bronco for the weather: Go out on a beautiful day and flip the soft top back or remove the hard top panels. Pretty much everyone loves to feel a breeze. Just make sure they have hats, hair ties, sunglasses, and sunscreen on hand.
3. Stop at Starbucks: Or wherever they love to go for (non-alcoholic) drinks. Order their favorite and transfer it into a YETI to keep it cool or hot and prevent it from sloshing out on them.
4. Keep them involved at the trailhead: Let them try airing down a tire if they want (have wipes on hand for them to clean up with after). Have them pick the day’s playlist. Show them the route on OnX or Gaia and ask if they want to be your navigator, even if you don’t need one.
5. Allow for a last-minute bathroom break: When planning your route, try to pick a trailhead near a restroom with running water and flush toilets, if possible. If not, let them know a clean bathroom will be your first stop off the trail. Since you won’t be out long, it shouldn’t be a problem, but again, you want to keep this trip as concern-free as possible.

Pull Off a Great Trip, and Take Them Out for a Meal

1. Talk them through what you’re doing: Without going too deep, explain what G.O.A.T. Mode you’re putting the Bronco in or why you’re picking that specific line. Put the pitch and roll on the center display so they can keep an eye on angles. Point out the trail sights and what they help you do. If you’re out with other owners, have them run the radio, if they want. Ask them if they want to try driving, even. There’s no need to overwhelm them with information, but just don’t forget about them!
2. Take breaks and have an exit strategy: Even if you’re on a short drive, let them stretch their legs. If they are uncomfortable with anything, take a break and talk about it. And worst case, turn around. Don’t force them through. You want them to be willing to try again another time.
3. Feed them: Take them out for a nice meal or treat after to close out the trip. Make concrete plans to do what they’d love to have you join in on. And don’t forget to thank them for joining you!

Tell Us Below

Has your family been hesitant to join in on the hobby, or do you have to wrestle your driver’s seat back from them? What made a difference in their interest in off-roading or comfort on the trip? Which of these tips have you tried, and what has worked for you? Let us know in the comments!