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.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Chapter 1: Preparation
Fuel
Food and Water
Table and Chairs
Attire
Off-Roading with Pets
Safety
Trail Access
Recovery Gear
Personal Items
Is Your Truck Ready?
Chapter 2: Trail Courtesy
Reliability Begins at Home
When Nature Calls
Using the Airwaves
Staying Together
Sharing the Trail
Heading Home
Outdoor Etiquette
Chapter 3: Adventures
Vehicle Selection
4WD Events
Where to Begin
Overlanding
Groups and Clubs
Getting to the Trail
Chapter 4: Organizing a Trail Ride
Tail Gunning
Advertising
Time to Go
Driver’s Meeting
Herding the Cats
Communication
Time Management
Chapter 5: Driving Techniques for Various Terrain
Improve Grip
Maximize Articulation
Engage 4WD
General Techniques
Soil Erosion
Failed Hill Ascent
Bump Steer
Use the Parking Brake
Mud
Deep Water
Sand
Snow
Rocks
Chapter 6: Recovery
Disconnect the Sway Bar
Left-Foot Braking
Traction Control
Pick a Line
How to Get Unstuck
Winch Lines: Steel Cable versus Synthetic Rope
Chapter 7: Four-Wheel Drive
Vintage 4WD
Part-Time 4WD
Full-Time 4WD
Chapter 8: Modern Technology on 4WD Vehicles
Anti-Lock Braking System
Traction Control
Airbags
Radar and Ultrasonic Sensors
Cameras
Off-Road Cruise Control
Hidden Safety Software
Convenience Features
Chapter 9: Upgrades
Conspicuous Consumption
Air Compressors and Tire Deflators
Mild or Wild
Wheels
Tire
Axles
More Upgrades
Interior Protection
Rooftop Tents and Skottles
Chapter 10: Trail Repairs
Fitment
Kits
Cleaning
Critical Thinking
Trail Repairs
Trail Towing
Chapter 11: Communication
Frequency Ranges
FRS Radios
GMRS Radios
MURS Radios
CB Radios
Ham Radio
Satellites
Emergencies
Chapter 12: Navigation
Topographic Maps
A Map and Compass
DeLorme Atlas and Gazetteer Paper Maps
Printable MVUMs
Guidebooks
Google Maps and Google Earth
GPS
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