Our Top 10 Emergency Essentials
The human spirit for adventure is alive in all off-roaders. Not only do we take the road less travelled, we prefer no road at all. However, that spirit is only limited by the amount of preparedness and self-reliance that we all possess... Read more
Jan 9, 2021 12:00 AM Off-road Essentials
Lifted to Perfection
Like its predecessors, the 5th Gen Toyota 4Runner TRD is a formidable off-road vehicle just in stock trim, right from the dealer’s lot. So why is the suspension commonly one of the first mods among many off-roaders? Manufacturers design and build... Read more
Dec 2, 2020 12:00 AM Off-road Essentials
The Importance of Shakedown Runs
Whenever I hear the word “shakedown” I can’t help but envision a Wild West saloon, complete with swinging doors and jingling spurs. While there were no spurs on a recent wheeling trip, we did have our ears perked for jingling. The purpose of a... Read more
Nov 20, 2020 12:00 AM Off-road Essentials
Top Winter Wheeling Camping Tips
Whether it’s the peacefulness off fresh snow falling, beautiful white scenery or just the fact that you can have a popular destination all to yourself, there’s something majestic about wheeling and camping in the wintery outdoors. Unlike the... Read more
Oct 19, 2020 12:00 AM Off-road Essentials
Key Tips for Soft Top Maintenance
The world is filled with convertibles and while I’ve had a few soft-tops, they were always on previously-owned off-road rigs. Although they obviously take a good beating compared to their hard-top counterparts on other types of vehicles, it’s been... Read more
Oct 3, 2020 12:00 AM Off-road Essentials
Using Ham Radio Off-Road
I had recently pulled into a gas station in Big Pine, CA. Tim and I were scouting for a trip and agreed to meet mid-morning. He arrived ahead of me and was chatting with a guy at the station. We learned that this individual, Dave, had suffered two... Read more
Sep 21, 2020 12:00 AM Off-road Essentials 1 Comments
7+ Ways to Improve Your Recovery Kit
Recovery gear is essential for off-roading and overland travel. It doesn’t matter if you’re pounding pavement, crawling up boulders, or slashing through sand, a good basic kit could help you turn a precarious recovery situation into a successful one. Read more
May 29, 2020 12:00 AM Off-road Essentials
Refresh Your First-Aid Kit
Summer has arrived, which means the four-wheeling season is kicking into high gear. Now is a good time to inspect all your gear, including first-aid kits. First-aid kits are easy to overlook. They’re usually tucked away and tend not to get used... Read more
Aug 16, 2019 12:00 AM Off-road Essentials
Impressive Base Camp Selection
Because many 4WD excursions last two days or more, there’s usually the need to select a campsite arrangement. You can elect to go with a base camp, or set up camp at a different location each night (what I call a cruise or a moving camp). Read more
May 29, 2019 12:00 AM Off-road Essentials
Do You Have a Tire Failure Strategy?
Tires are generally your number one problem driving off-road. Tires, by their nature, take a lot of abuse while off road. Trails are anything but smooth. Stuff happens! A stick jams into the sidewall; a rock that is ideal to skip across a lake... Read more
Apr 8, 2019 12:00 AM Off-road Essentials
About this Blog
The wonderful world of four wheeling explained like trail repairs, camping tips and driving techniques.