Car and Driver claim: “whatever terrain is a challenge to your particular vehicle: that's off-roading.” While this definition implies that even a stock 1967 Volkswagen Beetle equipped with narrow 165SR15 factory tires that veers off a paved road onto a soft shoulder is off-roading, most enthusiasts would disagree.

Off-roading may be better defined as the act of driving with limited traction in a vehicle equipped to handle challenging off-pavement conditions. For the average off-road hobbyist, it means purchasing a vehicle with a high ground clearance, locking differential, low-range-gearing, big all-terrain tires, underbody protection, and much more.

These features provide more than enough capability to slosh through a shallow mud puddle, negotiate minor ruts and crevasses, and climb over rocks the driver of a VW would never think of attempting.

But a select few off-roaders look for a bit more, a vehicle specifically designed to handle the most difficult terrain and adverse conditions.

Rock Crawling provides the challenge. It is an extreme form of off-road driving using four-wheel-drive vehicles such as Jeeps, trucks, and "buggies" that have been highly modified to overcome obstacles. They are driven on mountain trails, foothills, and over boulders and rock piles.

Rock Crawling requires careful and precise driving, at a pace so slow it almost seems like the crawler is moving in slow motion. Large gear reductions in the vehicles drivetrain and high torque allow the crawlers to drive up, down, and across obstacles that would appear insurmountable.

While Rock Crawling is not for everyone, Rock Bouncing is even more exclusive. The sport is all about speed with bouncers going flat out over the most extreme obstacles with little to no regard for machine (or driver).

What Goes Into Making A Rock Bouncer?

Chassis of a Rock Bouncer being built
Via: Moto Networks

According to Autowise, “A Rock Bouncer is a Rock Crawler that has been custom-built to do what a Rock Crawler does, but in a much more aggressive manner.”

While a Rock Crawler may be created by modifying a factory vehicle, the Rock Bouncer is made of hardened steel bars that have been bent to very specific, and exact angles using a mandrel technique to provide rigidity, exceptional strength, internal parts protection, appearance, and, of course, driver safety.

Each Rock Bouncer is custom made. Some are longer buggies with a lower center of gravity, while others have a short wheelbase allowing for exceptional maneuverability in tight places.

Many Rock Bouncers are powered by GM crate motors coupled to custom transmissions and transfer cases. Typical power output for these beasts varies between 500 to 750 horsepower (although many now push 1000 hp), and the torque exceeds anything seen on street vehicles. All that power is delivered to the ground with a robust and nearly indestructible four-wheel-drive system.

The Rock Bouncer’s suspension design is an essential element of the vehicle’s performance. Most use a single spring coil-over with a piggyback reservoir set up, allowing the vehicle to absorb any impact the terrain can dish out.

Rounding out the critical components are the tires. Types and sizes vary from 30-inch all-terrain tires to massive 54-inch mud tires, depending on the application.

A Rock Bouncer is a roaring four-wheel-drive monster with very few limits. The vehicle can climb near-vertical walls, scale a boulder the size of a 1967 Volkswagen Beetle, and even survive multiple rollovers, all in the process of clawing its way to the top of the hill.

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Rock Bouncers Are For Racing Events Only Or The Weekend Off-Roader?

Pink Rock Bouncer
Via: Speed Society

The sports of Rock Bouncing and Rock Crawling not only require the use of specialized equipment, but they also require skilled drivers.

Neither activity is appropriate for the weekend off-roader whose primary objective is to travel over terrain impassable by a typical street automobile, reach destinations unobtainable without four-wheel-drive, and have lots of fun in the process.

Rock Bouncing, on the other hand, is much more intense. Races are scheduled by professional organizations, including the National Rock Racing Association (NRRA) and Ultra4 Racing.

These organizations establish racing rules like team racing requirements (number of drivers), scoring and points system, equipment requirements, and safety regulations.

All Racing vehicles must adhere to the rules such as the vehicle must resemble an Ultra 4 car or rock bouncer, all vehicles must be shaft-driven, and the chassis must be made with either plastic or metal round tubes or solid rods.

The safety requirements are extensive, including:

  • Roll cage tied into the frame.
  • SRRS RII System is required for Bouncer Class.
  • A five-point harness seat belt is the minimum requirement.
  • A DOT Helmet is required.
  • A Hans neck brace is required, no foam neck braces are allowed.
  • A 2-layer minimum fire suit must be worn while racing.
  • Window nets and roof panels are required.
  • If an arm can extend beyond the roll cage it must be secured by a wrist restraint.
  • Failure to meet these safety rules will incur a penalty.

Clearly, Rock Bouncing is a sport better left to highly skilled and trained professionals.

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Buy An Assembled Rock Bouncer Or Build Your Own?

A Rock Bouncer takes on a rough terrain
Via: Charlie’s Custom Creations

For those off-road fanatics willing to acquire the demanding driving skills required by the sport and make the investment in a high-performance Rock Bouncer vehicle, building one from scratch or buying a completed vehicle may be a difficult decision.

Every Rock Bouncer is custom made, making it difficult to determine a typical price and find a completed buggy equipped to the buyer’s requirements.

Wide Open Design is one company, among others, that offers DIY Rock Bouncer kits. They sell entire chassis as well as most parts needed to build the buggy.

For the serious Rock Bouncer enthusiast with some mechanical skills, building a vehicle from components is the only way to ensure the finished product has all the desired features and is truly the ultimate off-roader.

NEXT: 15 Best Off-Road Vehicles That Aren’t A Jeep Wrangler

Sources: autowise.com, caranddriver.com, drivingline.com, nationalrockracing.com