The Basics of ATVs and Offroading
From Matt Finley, former About.com Guide
- Checklists for ATVs and Offroading Trips
- How to Buy or Sell an ATV or 4x4
- Off-Road Courses & Safety Training
Beginner ATVs and Offroading
If you're new to ATVs and Offroading this is a great place to get all kinds of tips and tricks related to the sport. Find out where to buy a new or used off-highway vehicle (OHV) or what basic equipment you need or where you can ride. There is trail info, training and age requirements.
Riding / Driving Tips
Tips for driving and riding ATVs. Safety equipment can only do so much. For added safety you should always practice safe riding habits and develop good, safe riding techniques. When you ride you should always consider safety. A second of distraction can cause a lifetime of change.
- Safety Helmet
- Riding Gloves
- Chest Protector
- Long Pants and a Long Sleeved Shirt
- Tips For Offroading In Sand, Snow & Mud
- Riding Boots
- Rock Crawling Tips For Offroaders
- How To Descend A Hill On Failed Climbs
- Water-crossings & Waterproofing Issues For 4x4s
- Winching Tips & Advice
- Mud & Dirt 4x4 Driving Tips
Joining Groups or Clubs
There are hundreds of offroading clubs and groups you can join, evertying from local clubs for 4x4s or to national clubs for jeeps or rhinos. Clubs are a great way to meet like-minded people and get involved in group events, rides, clean ups and trail maintenance activities to help protect our ability to offroad.
Checklists for ATVs and Offroading Trips
Before you go out in your OHV there are several important things you need to do to ensure not only a safe trip but also a plan in case things don't go the way you intended.
- What to Pack in an ATV Emergency Kit
- 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 Buy or Sell an ATV or 4x4
Tips for buying new or used ATVs and 4x4s. Also get general advice on how to purchase a new or used offroad vehicle and reasons to own an offroad vehicle.
- Before You Buy a New or Used 4x4
- Best & Worst Used 4WD Vehicles
- Tips for Buying a Used 4WD
- Best Online Classifieds For Finding Used Trucks & SUVs
Off-Road Courses & Safety 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!