Ultimate Off-Road Driver's Guide

by Dave Logan

Overview

When you take your four-wheel-drive (4WD) truck or SUV off-road, there is a whole new world to see and experience. The off-road community is huge and welcoming, and there are lifestyle shows to attend and trail-driving events to experience. With seat time and practice, your technical skills will improve. However, do you really want to head into the forest blindfolded? Driving off-road requires much more attention, skills, discipline, and preparation than merely driving around obstacles. Being fully armed with information regarding the most updated techniques is critical for today’s motorized off-road driving enthusiast.

The Ultimate Off-Road Driver's Guide covers topics about what to bring along for a trail ride and how to interact with other trail users. This book covers the various 4WD systems and how they work, how to drive on various terrain (mud, sand, snow, and rocks), and what to do when encountering each of those elements. An entire chapter is devoted to getting unstuck. Covered also are ways to communicate when you lose cellular phone coverage as well as navigation options so that you don’t end up lost and on the local news channel.

This book is mandatory preparation for your off-road toolbox!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781613256992
Publisher:	CarTech
Publication date:	03/23/2022
Pages:	144
Sales rank:	496,458
Product dimensions:	8.40(w) x 10.90(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

In 1963, Dave Logan went for his first ride in an off-road vehicle, his grandfather’s old Jeep. As a kid, he spent a lot of time outdoors. In 1993, he bought his first Jeep and has never looked back. As an avid 4WD explorer, he has traveled on dirt roads and trails across the United States. In 2007, he became a certified International 4WD Trainer and opened 4WD School. He began working internationally shortly after that. Dave is a member of the Tread Lightly! board of directors.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments 4

Foreword 4

Chapter 1 Preparation 5

Fuel 6

Food and Water 6

Table and Chairs 6

Attire 6

Off-Roading with Pets 6

Safety 6

Trail Access 7

Recovery Gear 8

Personal Items 10

Is Your Truck Ready? 10

Chapter 2 Trail Courtesy 13

Reliability Begins at Home 13

When Nature Calls 14

Using the Airwaves 14

Staying Together 15

Sharing the Trail 16

Heading Home 17

Outdoor Etiquette 17

Chapter 3 Adventures 23

Vehicle Selection 25

4WD Events 25

Where to Begin 26

Overlanding 28

Groups and Clubs 30

Getting to the Trail 36

Chapter 4 Organizing a Trail Ride 39

Tail Gunning 40

Advertising 41

Time to Go 41

Driver's Meeting 42

Herding the Cats 42

Communication 42

Time Management 42

Chapter 5 Driving Techniques for Various Terrain 44

Improve Grip 44

Maximize Articulation 45

Engage 4WD 45

General Techniques 48

Soil Erosion 49

Failed Hill Ascent 50

Bump Steer 50

Use the Parking Brake 51

Mud 52

Deep Water 53

Sand 54

Snow 57

Rocks 58

Chapter 6 Recovery 61

Disconnect the Sway Bar 61

Left-Foot Braking 62

Traction Control 63

Pick a Line 64

How to Get Unstuck 67

Winch Lines: Steel Cable versus Synthetic Rope 74

Chapter 7 Four-Wheel Drive 86

Vintage 4WD 86

Part-Time 4WD 90

Mi-Time 4 WD 92

Chapter 8 Modern Technology on 4WD Vehicles 93

Anti-Lock Braking System 93

Traction Control 93

Airbags 95

Radar and Ultrasonic Sensors 95

Cameras 95

Off-Road Cruise Control 96

Hidden Safety Software 97

Convenience Features 98

Chapter 9 Upgrades 99

Conspicuous Consumption 99

Air Compressors and Tire Deflators 102

Mild or Wild 103

Wheels 104

Tires 107

Axles 110

More Upgrades 110

Interior Protection 119

Rooftop Tents and Skottles 119

Chapter 10 Trail Repairs 121

Fitment 123

Kits 123

Cleaning 124

Critical Thinking 125

Trail Repairs 125

Trail Towing 127

Chapter 11 Communication 128

Frequency Ranges 128

FRS Radios 130

GMRS Radios 130

MURS Radios 131

CB Radios 132

Ham Radio 134

Satellites 135

Emergencies 136

Chapter 12 Navigation 137

Topographic Maps 137

A Map and Compass 138

DeLorme Atlas and Gazetteer Paper Maps 139

Printable MVUMs 140

Guidebooks 141

Google Maps and Google Earth 141

GPS 143

Editorial Reviews

"Profusely illustrated throughout with full color photography, 'The Ultimate Off-Road Driver's Guide' is inherently interesting, exceptionally informative, and thoroughly 'user friendly' in organization and presentation. An absolute 'must' for aspiring (and even experienced) off-road drivers to insure a safe and entertaining experience."

James A. Cox