Off-roading skills?
 

Hello all,

I'm trying to put together a basic brief on off-roading skills, for various reasons (mostly because I thought it might be fun). Problem is, I don't have a background in off-roading, and thus no idea where to start looking. I've done some Googling, but to little avail.

Anybody out there have any suggestions as to where I might find relevant information? Forums of good repute, websites, whatever.

Look forward to hearing your suggestions!

Rippley, I'm out of the list loop but would start on pirate4x4. Several senior members there have pages with exceptional resources. Of course you'll find things all over the web once you start asking. Basics are:

Water & food - double what you expect, even for half-days.
Vehicle fitness (basic mech, f/r tow points, armor if appropriate)
Spares & tools (axles, joints, fluids, etc. as appropriate)
Clothing ("but it looked like a such a nice day")
First aid kit - tons of recipes here. Find a good one.
Insect repellent - Experience gave this one its own line.
Recovery gear (straps, shackles, come-along, rope, gloves)
Communications (notify someone back home, no solo trips, CB + FRS)

As for technique & safety there are numerous other lists. The Army guide has great rules of thumb and emergency ideas, with graphics that can only be described as "quaint".

also check the forums at jeepsunlimited.com.
Before I sold my jeep :( they were very helpful and informative.

Thanks cyrnel. I was thinking more on the actual techniques side of things. While your list is good, its also common sense to me, and hopefully to anyone else thinking of serious off-roading...

The basis for my request is that I'm working on designing a course for my company. We sell vehicles to companies working in developing countries. So I'm trying to put together something for our customers. You know: "So here's your new truck, when driving in Afghanistan, you should remember to a)watch for Taliban, b)watch for mines c)not spin your wheels if the car's not moving, as you'll just get more stuck."

Ah, I have someone who might be able to help with coursework. Not sure of her schedule right now - full time law/business school I believe - but she's acted as a guide/supplier fairly seriously. I'll pm you with her address.

And don't forget pirate4x4 for fleshing out your lists. You'll find lots of experience clicking through some of the moderators' sigs.

Four tips from a seasoned off-roader:

1. Never put your thumbs inside the steering wheel.

2. Windows all the way up or all the way down.

3. Never turn up hill when traversing an incline.

4. Never pull/tow/winch another vehicle from anything welded on.

All learned the hard way.

-bear

Chicks love guys with skills. Im pretty good with a bow staff. (ignore me! lame attempt at humor)