Of all the concerns expressed by my newer students, #1 is damage to a new or expensive vehicle. That’s understandable. You buy this special vehicle, then decide to take it off road. The last thing you want to see are marks and scratches. I understand how you feel. That first… Continue reading
Four wheeling, like any other activity, has its rules and principles. During my 40-plus years in this sport, I have seen and experienced a lot. The following axioms flow from all the wisdom I have picked up from others I respect. My list is actually longer, but I trimmed it… Continue reading
Ah, yes, another leisurely drive down a country road. You are motoring along peacefully until suddenly bump, bump, bump, bump. Crap. You have hit another patch of wash board road. You know, that aggravating, teeth-jarring pattern that shakes your steering wheel and beats the bejesus out of your suspension. Why… Continue reading
Winter has arrived in many parts of the country, and that means a hazardous situation awaits you nearly every time you get behind the wheel. You may know how to drive in snow, but do you know what to do if you were stuck in snow? Recently, drivers on I-90… Continue reading
Good communication can make or break a trip. It’s crucial that the message is understood as intended. The more individuals involved in a trip and the more often you change plans, the more opportunity for confusion. As trail leader, you should establish routine procedures to ensure your guests understand what… Continue reading
Four-wheeling is often a team effort. Indeed, I always recommend that at least two vehicles go out each time. If you are part of a group, make sure to arrive fully prepared. Any deficiency causes delays – or worse – and affects the entire group. How to prepare for your… Continue reading
One of the cardinal rules of our hobby is that you always ride in groups. Never go off road alone. The extra vehicle(s) can be used to transport you out in case of an emergency, and can also be used for recovery and towing, even provide spare parts in a… Continue reading
With the snow we’ve been getting in the mountains lately, a lot of four-wheelers are itching to fire up their vehicles and go plowing through the white stuff. Whether over Cajon Pass, through Big Bear area, or just to Grandma’s house, driving off road in snow is a lot of… Continue reading
Tires are some of the most important yet under-appreciated parts on a vehicle. Without them, we literally could not get around. Despite improvements in technology over the years, some 4WD owners still are very cautious when it comes to driving off road. An obvious sign is tires that aren’t aired… Continue reading
Summer is here, and for many off-road enthusiasts, that means spending even more time on the numerous trails and paths available to us. This is a good time to review the code of ethics that all conscientious drivers live by. Sometimes we become a bit complacent, and forget the fundamentals… Continue reading
Four-wheeling is one of the more exciting hobbies you can experience. Going off road opens your eyes to places you would not otherwise see. It also challenges you, as the terrain is far different from what you are accustomed to driving on. And you can find yourself in a remote… Continue reading
If there’s one maxim that applies to 4-wheeling regardless of where you ride and under what conditions it is this: There is no substitute for safety. In many instances the margin for error is slim. One of the more dangerous situations arises when a vehicle is stuck. Even if the… Continue reading
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