Off-road vehicles aren’t exactly sports cars. In fact, just the opposite. We can’t safely drive then the same way as our family car. They take longer to stop, are less stable in fast turns, and sometimes have poor visibility. Poor drivers (the bottom 25%, or 1 in 4) don’t… Continue reading
With the growth in off-road recreation there is an increasing demand for quality 4WD training. There is a huge difference in driving a 4WD off-road and driving a passenger car on the street. A great deal of skill is needed and many intuitive reactions need to be re-learned so they… Continue reading
As Trail Leader, you should plan for issues and problems. Some plans are generic since you cannot predict the exact situation. You apply your skills, tools, and techniques to the problem. A first aid kit is a good example. For some issues you can speculate what might happen and develop… Continue reading
Four wheeling, especially when multiple vehicles are involved, requires teamwork to be successful. Everyone must be on the same page for the trip to come off without a hitch”or as flawlessly as possible. Something as basic as vehicle spacing can affect parts of a trip. They were strung out in… Continue reading
It was a beautiful day in the San Bernardino Mountains. Clear blue sky, light breeze, warm temperature. A perfect day for four-wheeling on the 2N17X trail. This is a tough one”it’s rated black diamond. We were nearing the end of a long day of four-wheeling. We had encountered a lot… Continue reading
I vividly recall a beautiful morning in the sand dunes drinking my first cup of coffee while watching the sun poke its nose over the bank of clouds behind a 60 foot dune. An early four-wheeler was testing his new injection system nearby. As he went up a razorback, I… Continue reading
I often get asked, particularly by those new to 4WD, which vehicle to buy. Meaning, of course, which brand and model. I don’t like to recommend particular brands and models. As you’ll see, there are too many personal variables that affect the buying process. But I can help you with… Continue reading
Four wheeling naturally involves an orderly process. Driving through difficult terrain far from home is demanding on drivers and their vehicles. Just like driving on roads, you need a lot of hours behind the wheel to become adept off road. Many of my articles are dedicated to reviewing various aspects… Continue reading
Four wheelers who drive throughout the desert southwest are quite accustomed to tough conditions. Not just terrain, either: The heat can be brutal. Encountering a flash flood is probably the last thing on your mind. But it can happen, and the results can be tragic. A deadly flood in Zion… Continue reading
Maintaining the proper distance between your vehicle and the one ahead can be tricky. Speeds vary, the terrain changes frequently, and visibility can drop quickly. You want to stay close enough to the vehicle in front so you can learn from it but not tailgate and risk causing an accident… Continue reading
Four wheeling offers a wide assortment of terrain to test and hone our skills. Some is really easy; other areas are quite challenging. One surface that often gives newer drivers trouble is what I call cobblestone. Cobblestone trails are like gravel roads, with one distinct difference. That difference can have… Continue reading
Getting stuck is a common occurrence among four wheelers. After all, we intentionally drive in difficult areas. Every situation is different, but one common trait I see is the inappropriate use of power to get through. It seems logical enough: I’m stuck or losing momentum; why not just hit the… Continue reading
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