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A Laptop Is a Valuable Accessory For 4 Wheeling

Laptop computers are almost as popular as cell phones. They’re so compact, you can take one just about anywhere. But off road? Do you really want a laptop in your vehicle while you’re bouncing around the mountains and sand dunes?

“Having a PC with you is no longer a luxury,” says Dave Kupfer, a member of Outdoor Adventure USA and fellow ham radio operator. They’re now almost a necessity while you’re off road. Dave facilitated a very interesting discussion about laptops and 4-wheeling during a recent ham radio net. (The recording may be found at the OAUSA Web site www.oausa.net. Click the “On-Air Net Archive” button and choose “Offroad Notebook Computer.” The discussion starts around the 25-minute mark.

The most important reason for having a laptop computer with you is for navigation. If you haven’t planned well, of course, it’s easy to get lost. But even if you are familiar with the area, Dave says, you may spend an inordinate amount of time backtracking as you try to get home. “When you combine your computer with mapping programs, as well as a GPS unit,” Dave says, “you have the best of all these worlds.”

Dave uses National Geographic’s TOPO! mapping software. He says it allows him to draw his route, including all the roads and trials, then transfer the information to his GPS receiver. During the ride his laptop, which stays connected to the GPS receiver, provides continuous, real time tracking of his vehicle.

Your laptop is also a good place to store the user manuals and operating guides for all relevant equipment, including:

Your vehicle's repair manuals
Communications equipment - Ham radio
GPS and APRS gear
Camera instructions
Off road equipment - Winch, Hi-lift

Many of these files are available as PDFs. Check manufacturers’ Web sites if the product didn’t include a CD with the necessary files.

Other useful information that can be loaded on your computer includes first aid/survival instructions and your favorite outdoor recipes.

Another OAUSA member suggests that you keep all those files on a memory stick. If there’s a problem with your laptop, you can use someone else’s. Good idea.

The laptop also comes in handy to download photos you take that day, thereby freeing up space in your camera’s memory chip.

Dave offers several suggestions regarding the laptop you’ll take off road.

Buy a ruggedized or semi-ruggedized model. He’s had good luck with the Panasonic Toughbook®, but other similarly designed brands and models exist. These units, some of which are built to military specifications, are designed to handle the conditions that exist in the wilderness. They typically are built with a water-resistant and dustproof shell, and are designed to withstand the shock encountered while driving off road.

Make sure the laptop can generate a bright screen. It can be difficult to read the details of a map on a sunny day.

Mount the laptop securely. Jotto and RAM® make good mounts.

Buy a screen holder so the screen isn’t flopping around while you’re in motion. A screen holder is a small arm (see photo) that stiffens the lid.

The power source must be sufficient and appropriate for the laptop. Check the owner’s manual to see whether it’s best to use an inverter or go with straight DC power. Because laptops tend to draw a lot of power, you may get better results tapping directly into the vehicle battery.

Have at least 4GB of RAM so the mapping software runs smoothly.

Chances are you carry a laptop computer with you all the time, including when you’re off road. By purchasing the right kind of laptop, and loading it with the appropriate software and files, you turn your computer into an integral piece of gear.

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I wish to thank everyone who attended the Customer Appreciation Event this month. We had over 200 vehicles and about 500 people. I know for sure all the hamburgers were eaten and we had lots! A special thank you to the cooks from 4 Wheel Parts and all those involved in the demos and trail rides. 4 Wheel parts out did themselves with raffle prizes again this year.

How does "cool" June sound for next year's event?

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Ham Radio Test Session

Start studying to get your amateur radio ticket. You have all summer to get ready.

The next Outdoor Adventure USA (OAUSA) ham radio test session is scheduled for October 10th at the Bass Pro Shop in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. Testing will start at 10:00AM and run until noon. Tests will be available for all license classes. The standard ARRL testing fee of $15 will apply.

It is worth the trip just to visit the Bass Pro Store. There is no other store like it in southern California. The store is just off I-15 at Foothill Blvd. In addition, OAUSA will have a meet and greet in the parking lot with plenty of built up off-road vehicles on display.

If you have any questions please contact John (KN6VL) at kn6vl@adelphia.net

This is a link to the OAUSA forum that will be keep up-to-date on the test session. http://oausa.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=1435

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Winch Clinic July 31

Make plans to attend the Winch clinic next weekend. This one day clinic starts with the basics. By the end of the day you will be safely rigging some complex recoveries. More Details...

You can register directly at http://www.4x4training.com/calendar/calendar.php#Winch

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Rubicon Road Trip and Adventure August 10

The Rubicon Trip is 4 days on one of the most difficult trails you will ever love. If you plan to go, it is time to start preparations. The remoteness and difficulty level of the trails is such that you need to leave nothing to chance.
More details...

Register now and start planning.

http://4x4training.com/calendar/calendar.php#Rubicon.

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Sand Clinic September 26

If you have been waiting for the next Sand Driving Clinic, put it on your calendar for September 26th and sign up now. This day-long clinic will expose you to a variety of driving conditions and levels of difficulty. Driving on sand is challenging and different than dirt, so we’ll progress slowly as you learn the proper techniques. As your confidence grows, you will master increasingly more challenging dunes. Along the way you will be exposed to the beauty of SVRA and the thrill of the windswept dunes. This is a rare opportunity to cruise the only beach in California open to vehicles.
More details...

Register for the Sand Clinic using this link.

http://4x4training.com/calendar/calendar.php#Sand

I hope to see you on the trails!

Tom Severin, President
Badlands Off Road Adventures, Inc
4-Wheel Drive School
310-613-5473
http://www.4x4training.com
Make it Fun. Make it Safe.

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Want To Use This Article In Your Magazine, E-Zine, Club Newsletter Or Web Site? You are welcome to use it anytime, just be sure to include the following author/copyright information:

Tom Severin, 4x4 Coach, teaches 4WD owners how to confidently and safely use their vehicles to the fullest extent in difficult terrain and adverse driving conditions. Visit www.4x4training.com to develop or improve your driving skill.

Copyright 2009, Badlands Off-Road Adventures, Inc.

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