Off Road Driving & 4Wheeling Tips For New 4x4 Truck or 4WD SUV Owners
If you're thinking about buying a 4x4 pickup truck or 4WD SUV, or if you own one already but you haven't taken it off-road yet, then this is the place to start. Here are the best links to 4-wheeling beginner safety courses and offroad training lessons, plus tips for buying a new or used vehicle, off road trail riding, and how to enjoy the sport of 4wheeling to the fullest.
Irregular Curves On Dirt & Paved Roads
Dirt and paved road curves differ significantly, here's how you should react differently too.
Dirt and paved road curves differ significantly, here's how you should react differently too.
Jacking Tips
Some little known tricks for jacking your vehicle right.
Some little known tricks for jacking your vehicle right.
Anti-Sway Bars: Misconceptions
Rear sway bars are used to keep the tires pressed to the ground more evenly. In vehicles that have them, they would be overly prone to spinouts without them. Here are some things you should know about anti-sway bars.
Rear sway bars are used to keep the tires pressed to the ground more evenly. In vehicles that have them, they would be overly prone to spinouts without them. Here are some things you should know about anti-sway bars.
Are We Killing Our Trails?
Yes, spreading the word about our favorite places to ride will ultimately increase the traffic out there on the trails with us. But, is that really so bad?
Yes, spreading the word about our favorite places to ride will ultimately increase the traffic out there on the trails with us. But, is that really so bad?
Offroad War Stories
Four-wheelers share their offroad horror stories. Can your story top these?
Four-wheelers share their offroad horror stories. Can your story top these?
Coasting Downhill With A Disengaged Clutch
Here's why coasting downhill with a disengaged clutch is not a good idea. In fact, it can be catastrophic.
Here's why coasting downhill with a disengaged clutch is not a good idea. In fact, it can be catastrophic.
Deep Vees
When should you cross it diagonally? Straddle it carefully? Or drive in it?
When should you cross it diagonally? Straddle it carefully? Or drive in it?
Does Your Truck Suck Offroad?
Helpful tips regarding lift kits, dirt driving, gearing, tire pressure, jumping objects, and more.
Helpful tips regarding lift kits, dirt driving, gearing, tire pressure, jumping objects, and more.
Jacking Your Vehicle
A description of the best jack for four wheel drives: the Hi-lift type. It can lift virtually any vehicle and, with the aid of chains, it can be used as a winch. The exhaust powered bag type of jack is also discussed here.
A description of the best jack for four wheel drives: the Hi-lift type. It can lift virtually any vehicle and, with the aid of chains, it can be used as a winch. The exhaust powered bag type of jack is also discussed here.
Heel and Toe Downshift
A heel-and-toe downshift refers to a specific technique used to downshift a manual transmission car. Racecar drivers use it all the time. Here's how you can learn to master the procedure of heel and toe downshifting.
A heel-and-toe downshift refers to a specific technique used to downshift a manual transmission car. Racecar drivers use it all the time. Here's how you can learn to master the procedure of heel and toe downshifting.
Off-road Driving Quiz
A funny, yet practical quiz to test your know-how on the off-road.
A funny, yet practical quiz to test your know-how on the off-road.
Spare Tire/Tank Caution
This alert must be read by all who use or are considering using their spare tire as an onboard compressor tank.
This alert must be read by all who use or are considering using their spare tire as an onboard compressor tank.
Driving With Lockers
Is parallel power really easier?... First you should understand the dynamics of the vehicle and its handling characteristics on- and off-highway, then start to add the goodies. Here's what you need to know.
Is parallel power really easier?... First you should understand the dynamics of the vehicle and its handling characteristics on- and off-highway, then start to add the goodies. Here's what you need to know.
Backcountry Repairs You Can Do Yourself
How to be prepared for a breakdown on the trail. From common things that typically go wrong on the trail, to avoidable mishaps that require immediate attention. Included are: how to repair flat tires; what to do when your engine stalls; how to repair broken U-joints; what to do about a broken axle; avoiding brake failure; and a quick fix if the engine fan comes in contact with the radiator.
How to be prepared for a breakdown on the trail. From common things that typically go wrong on the trail, to avoidable mishaps that require immediate attention. Included are: how to repair flat tires; what to do when your engine stalls; how to repair broken U-joints; what to do about a broken axle; avoiding brake failure; and a quick fix if the engine fan comes in contact with the radiator.
Off-Road Etiquette 101
Nena Barlow, owner of the Sedona Jeep School, offers 8 steps to Happy Trails. Also known as Trail Etiquette 101.
Nena Barlow, owner of the Sedona Jeep School, offers 8 steps to Happy Trails. Also known as Trail Etiquette 101.
How Does 4WD Work? When Should You Use It?
If the concept of four-wheel drive is new to you... Or, if you've been driving a 4WD vehicle for ages, but never really thought about what it really means... Here's a great explanation of the true meaning of 4x4 and how four wheel drive systems work. Plus, information about the different types of 4WD systems, and when you should use four-wheel drive and when you should not.
If the concept of four-wheel drive is new to you... Or, if you've been driving a 4WD vehicle for ages, but never really thought about what it really means... Here's a great explanation of the true meaning of 4x4 and how four wheel drive systems work. Plus, information about the different types of 4WD systems, and when you should use four-wheel drive and when you should not.
How To Drive A Standard Transmission
Here's everything you need to know before you drive a standard transmission vehicle for the first time. Some tricks for getting the hang of driving a stick shift.
Here's everything you need to know before you drive a standard transmission vehicle for the first time. Some tricks for getting the hang of driving a stick shift.
To Lock Or Not? All About Lockers & Differentials
When it comes to traction in off-road situations, differentials play a key role. Should you have locking differentials on your ride? If so, which kind? Once installed, the trick is knowing when to lock the "diffs" and when not to. The basics start here.
When it comes to traction in off-road situations, differentials play a key role. Should you have locking differentials on your ride? If so, which kind? Once installed, the trick is knowing when to lock the "diffs" and when not to. The basics start here.
4x4 vs 4x2: What's The Difference?
What's the difference between 4x4 and 4x2? Here's a great explanation of how the two types of drive systems work in a vehicle.
What's the difference between 4x4 and 4x2? Here's a great explanation of how the two types of drive systems work in a vehicle.
10 Stupid Things Men Do To Mess Up Their 4WD
A humorous look at some serious things off-roaders are often guilty of.
A humorous look at some serious things off-roaders are often guilty of.
4WD Operating Tips
Tips for operating your 4WD system. You'll learn how to go from 2WD to 4WD high and from 4WD high to 2WD. How to go from 4hi to 4lo and 4lo to 4hi properly. When to use 4lo vs 4hi. And what exactly Selec-Trac and Quadra-Trac are.
Tips for operating your 4WD system. You'll learn how to go from 2WD to 4WD high and from 4WD high to 2WD. How to go from 4hi to 4lo and 4lo to 4hi properly. When to use 4lo vs 4hi. And what exactly Selec-Trac and Quadra-Trac are.
4WD Quiz
Are you ready for the offroad? Take this quick quiz and see if you know the answers. You might learn some off-road secrets that will make your adventures even more enjoyable.
Are you ready for the offroad? Take this quick quiz and see if you know the answers. You might learn some off-road secrets that will make your adventures even more enjoyable.
ABS And Off-Roaders
When used in off-road areas, anti-lock braking systems can put you into a predicament, especially when driving on loose surfaces where stopping distances can become increased by the use of ABS. Here's what to know if your vehicle has ABS.
When used in off-road areas, anti-lock braking systems can put you into a predicament, especially when driving on loose surfaces where stopping distances can become increased by the use of ABS. Here's what to know if your vehicle has ABS.
Art of Spotting
Learning how to spot on the trail will keep everyone out of trouble. Here are some tips.
Learning how to spot on the trail will keep everyone out of trouble. Here are some tips.
Clearance Info For All SUVs
Learn what approach angles, departure angles, and breakover angles are -- with diagrams. View Approach and Departure Angles Chart, and lowest point markings for all 1999 makes and models of SUVs.
Learn what approach angles, departure angles, and breakover angles are -- with diagrams. View Approach and Departure Angles Chart, and lowest point markings for all 1999 makes and models of SUVs.
Clutch Techniques & Engaging Options
A discussion of your "engaging options" while offroad. Learn the technique of "key starting" (using the starter motor to move your truck, in gear, with your foot off the clutch pedal). But sometimes it is more appropriate and safer to start with the clutch disengaged. Here's how.
A discussion of your "engaging options" while offroad. Learn the technique of "key starting" (using the starter motor to move your truck, in gear, with your foot off the clutch pedal). But sometimes it is more appropriate and safer to start with the clutch disengaged. Here's how.
Containers To Have On Board
Here's a list of things to consider whenever you're deciding on the type of containers to place your stuff in. Tips for controlling moisture, bags and such to keep tools and gear from rolling around, ammo boxes, behind the seat truck boxes, wrench rolls, socket organizers, bolt-ins, and more.
Here's a list of things to consider whenever you're deciding on the type of containers to place your stuff in. Tips for controlling moisture, bags and such to keep tools and gear from rolling around, ammo boxes, behind the seat truck boxes, wrench rolls, socket organizers, bolt-ins, and more.
Guide To Off-Road Driving
A thorough guide to off-road driving, including 33 tips for a fun trip. Plus, some excellent info about minimum ground clearance, as well as approach angles, break-over angles and departure angles.
A thorough guide to off-road driving, including 33 tips for a fun trip. Plus, some excellent info about minimum ground clearance, as well as approach angles, break-over angles and departure angles.
How To Drive Off-Road (Video)
Edmunds put together this helpful online video, "How to Drive Off-Road with Bill Burke" viewable online. It takes a few seconds to load, but it's a great how-to video!
Edmunds put together this helpful online video, "How to Drive Off-Road with Bill Burke" viewable online. It takes a few seconds to load, but it's a great how-to video!
Lower Your SUV or Truck Repair Costs
The costs associated with buying 4-wheel drive trucks and SUVs, and their related repairs really add up. The tips provided in this article will help to lower your off road vehicle repair costs.
The costs associated with buying 4-wheel drive trucks and SUVs, and their related repairs really add up. The tips provided in this article will help to lower your off road vehicle repair costs.
NHTSA Children & Safety Issues (Video)
Check out these streaming videos from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - lots of children and safety issues.
Check out these streaming videos from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - lots of children and safety issues.
Restrictions On Riding In Cargo Areas Of Trucks
Twenty-four states and the District of Columbia have addressed the hazard of riding in cargo areas, such as the beds of pickups, with a variety of laws. This table shows which states have laws restricting riding in cargo areas.
Twenty-four states and the District of Columbia have addressed the hazard of riding in cargo areas, such as the beds of pickups, with a variety of laws. This table shows which states have laws restricting riding in cargo areas.
Reverse Steering Hint
Here's a little trick to help you remember how to backup while going in the direction you intend to go. Great diagram!
Here's a little trick to help you remember how to backup while going in the direction you intend to go. Great diagram!
Spotters Hand Signals
The true guide to spotting and reading a spotter. Here's a quick and simple guide for using the basic hand signals correctly.
The true guide to spotting and reading a spotter. Here's a quick and simple guide for using the basic hand signals correctly.
Slow Motion Works Wonders Off Road
If you take away only one thing from this article, it should be: Go slow offroad. Here are all the reasons why and all the off road scenarios where going slower will make all the difference.
If you take away only one thing from this article, it should be: Go slow offroad. Here are all the reasons why and all the off road scenarios where going slower will make all the difference.
Types of Four Wheeling
A 2-part article explaining the many different types of 4-wheeling and the reasons people choose to support the sport of four wheeling. It covers everything from the recreational 4-wheeler, to the rain or shine four wheel driver, the weekend 4-wheeler, the technical four-wheeler, and the competitive 4-wheel driver.
A 2-part article explaining the many different types of 4-wheeling and the reasons people choose to support the sport of four wheeling. It covers everything from the recreational 4-wheeler, to the rain or shine four wheel driver, the weekend 4-wheeler, the technical four-wheeler, and the competitive 4-wheel driver.
Staying Clean
Do you know about following back, adjusting your windows, and when to use your AC?
Do you know about following back, adjusting your windows, and when to use your AC?
Tread Lightly... What Does It Really Mean?
You've seen it on stickers, you've heard it mentioned among 4-wheelers, but what does it REALLY mean?
You've seen it on stickers, you've heard it mentioned among 4-wheelers, but what does it REALLY mean?
Vehicle Fires
Do you know what to do if your vehicle begins to burn?
Do you know what to do if your vehicle begins to burn?
What's Good For The Land... And For You
How to be a responsible 4-wheel off-road land user. Consider these basic tips to preserve the sport of offroad driving.
How to be a responsible 4-wheel off-road land user. Consider these basic tips to preserve the sport of offroad driving.
Your Backyard (Video)
A stimulating and thought-provoking 7-minute video produced by the Forest Service about off road vehicle use. You can download this full-length movie and view it online.
A stimulating and thought-provoking 7-minute video produced by the Forest Service about off road vehicle use. You can download this full-length movie and view it online.