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
Last time we talked about tires: why they are prone to punctures and other problems and the type of tools you should store in your 4WD vehicle ( No Need to get Spun Out over your Tires ). Now I’d like to discuss the more common tire-related problems you’re likely… 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
Remember the good old days when you could leave your bike outside overnight? Or your front door unlocked while you ran an errand? (Yes, I know I’m dating myself.) Sadly, those days are long gone. Theft is now a part of our lives. But we can minimize its occurrence. Four… 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
Just as you put a lot of thought and preparation into your trip before you set off, you should also take the time afterward to ensure that your vehicle and gear survived the drive and are ready for the next adventure. Even a mild course can affect your vehicle. Print… 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
People often wonder if I encounter significant breakdowns while off-roading. I sure do. In fact, one occurred during our recent Death Valley Adventure. It was about lunchtime on the second day when a front coil spring broke. My first thought was, “This is bizarre. Those springs don’t break.” But I… Continue reading
