Electronic gadgets and equipment can add to a four-wheeling adventure. But careful attention must be paid when installing that equipment. Whether a GPS receiver, tablet, smartphone, or other device, plan well how and where you’ll install the gear. Safety of driver and passengers is paramount Safety isn’t normally top of… Continue reading
Are you new to four-wheeling? Welcome! There is a lot to this fun hobby, though sometimes it can seem overwhelming. Not to worry. You may proceed at your own pace (no pun intended!). Here are some tips to help you in the fun world of four-wheeling. How to find a… Continue reading
Every four-wheeler at some point needs to use a winch. The type of rope used is vitally important. I suggest synthetic rope, even though it’s more expensive than steel and is susceptible to abrasions. It’s far stronger: A 3/8” synthetic rope of Amsteel-Blue has an average breaking strength of 19,600… Continue reading
I must be working too hard. I fell asleep at the laptop while working on this month’s article. When I woke up, there was an elf at my elbow. The little guy was checking up on me again. (I’m pretty sure I’ve been good all year!) Apparently, he also tried… Continue reading
“Begin with the end in mind” is based on the principle that all things are created twice. There’s a mental or first creation, and a physical or second creation to all things. Stephen R. Covey, “7 Habits Of Highly Effective People” That passage is from Habit 2 of Covey’s best-selling… Continue reading
Tis the season for gift giving…whether for yourself or another four-wheeling aficionado. With that in mind, Santa Tom offers up these fine gifts and ideas sure to please any four-wheeler or other outdoors enthusiast. Continuous ratchet strap: Most ratchet straps have a hook on each end. A continuous ratchet strap,… Continue reading
Dutch ovens are great for cooking in the outdoors over charcoal and wood. Most hot dishes prepared at home can be enjoyed in the field as well. Four-wheelers often cook stews, casseroles, and similar dishes in a Dutch oven. What if you’re in the mood for baked goods? My triple… Continue reading
Anyone old enough to remember the Apollo space program may recall hearing the term redundancy. Back then, NASA was referring to extra electronics or other systems in the space capsule and lunar module. Today’s commercial aircraft also employ a certain amount of redundancy. In either case, the principle is the… Continue reading
For most of us, off-road travel requires electrical power for an ever-increasing number of electrical devices. There’s the fridge-freezer, of course. But also, a laptop (or two), GPS receiver, two-way radios, air compressors, air pump (for mattresses), power tools, and such. Power consumption isn’t an issue while the engine is… Continue reading
It’s that time of the year again. Is your Christmas shopping complete? If not, I have some great suggestions for you. These unique and practical gifts are sure to be appreciated by the outdoors person on your list. If you’re hard-pressed to find that perfect gift, look no further than… Continue reading
Last month I impressed upon you the importance of storing the winch controller near the driver’s seat. (Read the article here.) This month I offer an even more important reminder: Buy at least two additional copies of the ignition key. Carry an extra copy when you’re out. Whether four-wheeling or… Continue reading
Over the years of off-road instructing, I have heard many concerns “ indeed, fears “ from newer drivers. (Even experienced four-wheelers have doubts from time to time.) The dozens of thoughts expressed by my students can be grouped into seven categories. Here are those top seven concerns, and how you… Continue reading
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