Off Roading for Dummies?

[JRMFFL531]

I’ll ask in advance that you please forgive me for being slow…but is there a book or a starting point to learn about going off roading and what equipment is needed? When providing ideas please keep in mind that I am from Virginia and don’t read so good. Thanks

Sponsored

 

[RedDawg]

I suggest checking out a local group, Facebook, Off road club, etc. Better to learn behind the wheel.
Off Rodeos are a great primer

 

[JRMFFL531]

I suggest checking out a local group, Facebook, Off road club, etc. Better to learn behind the wheel.
Off Rodeos are a great primer

Roger that. I just need to pick a day and go down to the one in Texas. Was trying to find a wingman to roll down there with. But I’m ready to get after it.

 

[RedDawg]

I’ve been wheelin’ for decades. And I still learned stuff at the Off Rodeo.

 

[Baja Bronco]

You own a German Shepherd Dog, so you’re good with me!!!

Ask some questions on here or in this thread. Remember, the only stupid question is the one that isn’t asked.

I’ll try and help you anyway I can.

 

[RedDawg]

Roger that. I just need to pick a day and go down to the one in Texas. Was trying to find a wingman to roll down there with. But I’m ready to get after it.

If you go solo, you have a good chance of an instructor riding shotgun. Personal instruction!!

 

[JRMFFL531]

GSD is the only breed I trust to have my back. And those dogs are a great judge of character. Is she likes you, you have to be good people. All GSDs are like that.

Dude, love the Dallas Mavericks blue. And those decals are sick. I wanna get out and go and test this bronco and test myself. But I apparently live 3 hours from anyone and everywhere that goes out. Haha. I got more off road time when I was deployed to the Middle East than I do now that I’m retired. Lol

 

[BlueBronco]

As stated, local club meet ups and the Off Rodeo are all good sources. Not actually sure if there is an Off Roading for Dummies book but it is a good idea. This thread is a good recovery gear starter guide

Best advice is to always wheel with at least one other vehicle.

 

[JRMFFL531]

If you go solo, you have a good chance of an instructor riding shotgun. Personal instruction!!

Oh shit. And I can leave my wife at home?! Wonder if my dog can ride. Lol

 

[HighVelocity]

Find a local offroading club and tag along.

 

[TheKim]

I’ll ask in advance that you please forgive me for being slow…but is there a book or a starting point to learn about going off roading and what equipment is needed? When providing ideas please keep in mind that I am from Virginia and don’t read so good. Thanks

Welcome to the club!
We all gotta start somewhere.
I would check the clubs page at the top of the forum and join a local group, and see if you can tag along on the next trail ride. Let them know you're new and looking to learn the basics.
I'm sure someone will post a huge list of things to buy - my most used items are:
ARB deflator to soften the ride
Air compressor to get aired up after the trail
Soft shackles and kinetic rope
Everything else is a "nice to have" (other than safety stuff like a fire extinguisher or first aid, but I think all cars should have those).

YouTube has plenty of great content as well.
Here's a couple of recommendations to get you going:




Good luck, have fun, and be safe!

#TreadLightly

 

[Baja Bronco]

GSD is the only breed I trust to have my back. And those dogs are a great judge of character. Is she likes you, you have to be good people. All GSDs are like that.

Dude, love the Dallas Mavericks blue. And those decals are sick. I wanna get out and go and test this bronco and test myself. But I apparently live 3 hours from anyone and everywhere that goes out. Haha. I got more off road time when I was deployed to the Middle East than I do now that I’m retired. Lol

You’re in luck that Black Friday is just around the corner. Start slowly buying stuff you’ll need. My recommendations would be the following:

PCI Race Radio Kenwood 50w.
Hammer built tailgate brace with the radio antenna bracket accessory
Baja Designs XL80 pillar lights with SDHQ light brackets

Stuff you can do for free (well you’ll have to buy the torque paint), go under your Bronco and paint EVERY suspension bolt with a line / mark. That way you can do a look at the end of a day’s run. If the torque mark has moved, retorque is necessary. It’s better than hitting every bolt with a wrench.

 

[JRMFFL531]

Thank you for taking the time to include some videos. That’s awesome.

 

[JRMFFL531]

Hold up! Nobody said anything about “wrench time”. I’m all beat to hell. And now I gotta get under the rig?! Not only did I pick an expensive hobby. I may have picked the wrong one. Haha. Great idea though and I’ll do it before I get out there. I’ve just been doing some Texas dirt roads. But I’m getting the itch.

 

[IDyeti]

Spend some time learning some ethics here https://treadlightly.org/learn/recreation-tips/4x4/

Sponsored