Just as summer is on the horizon, it’s time to start thinking about what you’ll do to have a bit of fun this year. You’d really like to try a bit of off-road adventure but haven’t quite decided on the type of vehicle you’d like to use. It comes down to a choice between trucks, motorcycles and ATVs/UTVs. While there are a ton of SUVs on the market with 4WD, they aren’t really what you have in mind for motorsports. Sure, they come in handy when you need to control your vehicle on icy or rough terrain, but they are better suited for road trips than off-road motorsports. So, which will it be? Here are your choices.

1. Trucks

It’s understandable that truck manufacturers have begun trending towards fuel economy but when they begin sacrificing a truck’s off-roading capabilities for fuel economy, a lot of truckers become disenchanted. It’s okay if a truck is intended to be used primarily as a family vehicle, but there are still huge numbers of truckers who want to spend a good portion of their time off road. What are they supposed to do? According to Popular Mechanics, there are still at least a dozen trucks worthy of being called an off-road vehicle.

The ones that rank highest include the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, Ram Power Wagon and Ford Raptor. Other ‘trucks’ on the list include SUVs which are thought of as orphan children by truckers around the nation. If you want to learn more about truck maintenance for on and off-road adventure, check out truckersection.com. It pays to have your truck in prime shape before taking it off road.

2. Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes

Usually referred to as “adventure motorcycles” it takes a special breed to really have fun on an off-road excursion. While there are off-roaders, an adventure motorcycle gives you all the utility of your regular off-road bike but the maneuverability of a dirt bike. These allow you to wind through forest paths with the same agility as you would drive on the open road, but the tires are of prime importance. You don’t want too much tread, but then again, they can’t be too slick either. The bikes most recommended include the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R, Honda Africa Twin and the Tiger Triumph 800 XCx, which round out the top 3.

3. ATVs and UTVs

Then there are the ATVs and the UTVs to consider, and these off-road vehicles put you in a different world altogether. The main difference between these 2 quads is that ATVs are for single riders while a UTV has seats for multiple riders and are typically more expensive. So, how do you intend to off-road this summer? Will you be taking friends along or are you going solo? Perhaps your friends have their own bikes, quads or trucks.

Anyway you fly, you will have the time of your life if you choose the vehicle ‘made for you.’ With all that being said, don’t just take the first vehicle that appeals to you. Do a bit of shopping, a bit more researching, then go home and give it some major thought. Off-roading can be the thrill of a lifetime, but it can be dangerous as well. Get the right wheels and you’ll be ready for the summer of a lifetime. That’s for sure!