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
One constant in four-wheeling is the need to pack properly. Because we’re off on our own – away from the conveniences of city life – we have to be self-sufficient. Not only do we prepare for the expected (camping, cookouts, and such), we must try to prepare for the unexpected.… Continue reading
Summer is almost here. In southern California, that means fire restrictions take effect soon. While these restrictions seem to put a crimp on your camping, it’s really just a minor inconvenience. You still get to enjoy the outdoors. It’s just a different style of camping. During these periods, campfires and… Continue reading
You recently got your ham ticket and are eager to experience ham radio while four wheeling. Installing a mobile 2 meter/440 radio You’re ready to make the leap to a mobile radio. Great! Even though this is your first rig, installing isn’t as difficult as it might seem. Of course,… Continue reading
A jack is one of those pieces of equipment that is just plain essential for four wheeling. The stock jack supplied by the manufacturer isn’t going to help off road: terrain is rarely level and never smooth. You have three styles to choose from: Hi-Lift, X-Jack and bottle jack. The… Continue reading
Due to a number of variables, it’s difficult to say precisely how much extra gas you need for a particular trip. Generally, 5 to 10 gallons is enough for most trips. That will get you to another source of fuel in most circumstances. One factor is your vehicle’s mileage while… Continue reading
A recent act of vandalism serves as a reminder to have diverse communications capability with you while four wheeling. Vandals cut a major fiber optic cable in Arizona on Feb. 25, disrupting communications throughout the northern part of the state. Cellphone, internet and telephone services were affected, along with ATMs,… Continue reading
Got a new vehicle – or new to you? After you put the lift on, bigger tires and rock sliders, you still have a major task ahead of you. How do you get all that stuff you want to take in the vehicle? Sure you can just make a big… Continue reading
Maybe you never caught a touchdown pass. Maybe you never rescued a damsel in distress but if you 4-wheel you can be a hero to someone. If that someone came ill prepared for the excursion you can stepped forward to help out with extra gear. Four wheelers know that preparation… Continue reading
We four wheelers are known for being resourceful. You know, fix just about anything anywhere – especially while off road – using the most unusual tools or items. Sometimes you need to use what you have to get through a pinch. But it is true that we can make use… Continue reading
I have been experimenting with a Bubba rope now for a few months. The one I have is the recently released Renegade model. It is designed primarily for 2 door jeep size vehicles. This one is rated at 19,000 lb. breaking strength and is 20 feet long. The Bubba rope… Continue reading
And I am enjoying it. I get to chew over every catalog, every Internet site and every vehicle I see. Maybe the analogy is a stretch, but it feels a bit like dating. Four wheeling, as a rule, entails frequent changes or improvements to the vehicle and gear. You should… Continue reading
