Jeep Garage  - Jeep Forum banner

How fast do you drive on washboarded roads?

4K views 16 replies 14 participants last post by  moparado 
#1 · (Edited)
Prior to my 2012 Overland Hemi, I had a BMW 325Ci for 10 years, which was fantastic, but not really suited for Colorado, where I've lived for the past 2. This is my first vehicle that is even remotely off-road capable.

I have been enjoying taking the Jeep down all the dirt roads and trails that I had to sigh and pass by in the BMW, and having a blast in general.

However, one thing I did not expect was just how annoying washboarded roads are, and how ubiquitous. Whenever I come upon a section of even mild washboarding, it feels like the Jeep is going to shake apart - windows start rattling, etc. I find myself creeping along at 10 mph or something, which is a lot slower than most people drive on these roads.

Now, a lot of times you can avoid the washboarded sections by steering around them, but that's not always an option. I've tried varying my speed, and depending on the road driving either faster or slower helps, but it still feels like I'm beating the shit out of my brand-new $45k Jeep driving on these things. And it takes forever to get anywhere at 10 mph.

Maybe I'm just a little too sensitive to bumps and vibration still - my BMW was something of a delicate little flower, always wearing out suspension components of one kind of another. The Jeep is clearly more durable - but I still can't imagine that all the vibration won't increase wear on the car, rattle shit loose in the interior, etc.

Am I overly worried about damaging something driving over washboarded sections at speeds higher than a crawl? And in any case, what is the best way to minimize the discomfort in general? I have not yet tried lowering my tire pressure, partly because I don't have an electric compressor, but that seems like a real pain in the ass to do every time you get on a dirt road.

And I have the Off-Road package with 18" wheels - I can't imagine what the ride would be like with the 20's.
 
See less See more
#2 ·
You'll be good to go on washboard dirt roads, it's a Jeep. Welcome to the club fellow CO member.

In fact, on washboard dirt roads, speed is your friend. Not blistering, but controlled speed. Kinda like pow skiing. There's a balance point whereby you'll be skimming the tops of washboards and take less rattle.

Going sub 10 mph generally can be saved for rock crawling and major obstacles that really can do damage to your rig. And maybe ice.

Let the flaming begin.
 
#7 ·
  • Like
Reactions: moosehead
#9 ·
My buddy flipped a Ford Ranger after losing control on a washboard road. He was doing about 35-40, fishtailed, then went off the side of the road and rolled into the drainage ditch. I was young at the time, not wearing a seatbelt, and my head broke the passenger side window, he was ok but the truck totaled. Obviously those speeds were too high, but it was fun at the time before the incident.
 
#12 ·
I agree with Moose. Give it some speed and let your suspension work FOR you!

It may take some time to learn the safe limits, so start gradually without other traffic around you.
 
#15 ·
Kirk, this thread is from 2012...the folks you're replying to many not be around anymore.
 
#16 ·
Yep super old post - 45k for new jeep, nice!

But it good to see the post as, as it is still a valid question, well written as also.

+1 for the speed. Yes be careful, and yes it adds wear to your suspension, yes washboard happens from speed. But dang it’s fun, it’s why I bought a jeep! To have fun.

Just like on a dirt bike, ride the top of the woops.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top