Beginner 101
By Matt Finley, About.com Guide to ATVs / Offroading
The best 4x4 off-road driving tips and tricks for beginners who are new to the sport of 4-wheeling. Whether you're planning to buy a new 4WD vehicle, or you're ready to go 4wheeling or trail riding for the very first time but don't know where to begin, this is where you'll find the right offroad gear, how to maneuver your rig under a variety of conditions, and tips for your first time off-road.
Getting Started
Taking your vehicle off-road can be one of the most enjoyable things you can do on four wheels. But before you venture off the beaten path, here are some important ways to prepare yourself -- and your vehicle -- for a fun, safe experience that you'll look forward to repeating.
- How to Prepare Yourself and Your Vehicle
- Trail Etiquette: Rules of the (Off)Road
- Tips for New Offroaders
- Difficult Terrain Driving Tips
- Getting Unstuck
- Emergency Supplies to Take
- What to do After the Ride
- Tips for Planning a Vacation Off-Road
Clubs & Groups to Join
The most popular offroading clubs organized by and for owners and enthusiasts of four-wheel drive vehicles. Use these clubs to find new places to ride, check out calendars of upcoming events in your local area, and find fellow offroaders to talk shop with.
Checklists Before You Go Off-Road
Before you head off road, use the following checklists to make sure that your vehicle is up for the trip, your on-board toolbox is properly stocked with the right tools, you take along the right spare parts and basic first aid supplies & survival gear, and pack some optional accessories that could make the trip more fun.
- How to do a Quick Vehicle Inspection
- Tools in Your Offroad Toolbox
- Required Supplies & Safety Gear
- Which Spare Parts to Take Along
- Optional Items for Fun & Convenience
- 4x4 First Aid Survival Kit Items
- Packing & Driving Tips That Could Save Your Life
- What To Do & What To Take Off-Road
How to Drive Your 4x4 Off-Road
The best tips for off road drivers and ATV riders who aim to conquer all things muddy, sandy, slippery, snowy, icy, wet and rocky. Plus, great 4-wheeling up & down hill driving and turning techniques. Tricks from the experts on how to maneuver your 4x4 truck, 4WD SUV or quad ATV over virtually any type of terrain, and how to maintain control on any surface.
- Rock Crawling Tips For Offroaders
- Tips For Offroading In Sand, Snow & Mud
- How To Descend A Hill On Failed Climbs
- Water-crossings & Waterproofing Issues For 4x4s
- 4WD Trailer & Towing Tips
- Winching Tips & Advice
- 4x4 vs 4x2 And When To Use Each
- Mud & Dirt 4x4 Driving Tips
Off-Road Courses & Training
Want to learn more about 4x4's? Want to improve your off-road driving skills? Just bring your vehicle with a full tank of gas, and you will learn in a day what it takes many people years to learn on their own. Multi-day courses are also available from many of these professional instructors, making it easy to turn your 4WD training into an off road vacation!
How to Buy or Sell an Offroad Vehicle
Tips for how to buy or sell a new or used 4x4 truck or 4WD SUV online, including the best online classifieds. Plus, general advice for purchasing a new or used offroad vehicle, and anti-SUV links highlighting the pros and cons of owning an SUV. Also, everything you want to know about the new 4WD hybrid electric vehicles, and recommendations before you buy one!
