Preparing For Off Road Touring - Beginners' Guide
Off Road 4x4 Touring for beginners
No mater where in the world you live there is always amazing places to go explore off the beaten track. This is where a four wheel drive vehicle opens up a whole new window to the outdoor lifestyle. It will get you to places most other vehicles cannot.
Your 4x4 needs to be looked after so that it will take you there and back. The further remote you travel the more crucial it is to have a trouble free vehicle. The last thing you want is a vehicle failure spoiling your adventure holiday.
Now you do not have to be an expert on motor vehicles and mechanics. Some basic knowledge of what you should do and lookout for will be very helpful.
Apart from having a sound vehicle it is also important to have a good knowledge of how to drive safely on the various different types of terrain you could come across.
So if you are new to this amazing lifestyle, check out my digital download - Preparing For Off Road Touring - Beginners' Guide. It provides a basic yet a fairly in depth understanding.
The download covers the following areas:
-Vehicle preparation (read for FREE.)
-Daily vehicle checks.
-Tools to carry.
-Operating a 4x4 vehicle.
-How to drive in differing off road conditions.
-Vehicle recovery.
-Glossary.
This guide has been prepared from my own experience of overlanding from over the years. It is my attempt to share my knowledge and experience with those who are getting into this lifestyle.
The first part of this guide - Vehicle Preparation is available FREE as part of this blog post for your reading. The full 10 page guide is available for just only $20 as a digital download for you to use over and over. Click link to add to cart.
As a bonus available completely FREE along with the guide is my Pre Trip Planning Checklist. Click link to add to cart.
At the end of the read if you have any questions please join the Overland Journals community forum to post your questions there or write to me through the contact page.
VEHICLE PREPARATION
Prior to heading off on a off road trip. Get to know your vehicle. Be familiar with the type of four wheel drive system your vehicle uses, full time or part time, whether it is fitted with differential locks, ABS, low range, free-wheeling hubs, descent control, does it have traction control. Familiarise your self on how and when to switch them on or off. Practicing in similar conditions to that you will be operating on when you travel is well worth the time spent. It will be easier to figure out a problem before you go than in the outback miles from help.
Have knowledge of the vehicle's ground clearance, approach, departure and ramp breakover angles, along with its axle travel ability. In other words get to know its obstacle negotiating limitations. This will prevent you attempting the impossible and suffering the consequences.
The vehicle should be in good mechanical condition. - A break down could lead to serious consequences in the outback. Always get it checked by a qualified mechanic. Ideally don't leave any maintenance work to the last minute. Get it done well before you leave.
Fix all oil, water, petrol or diesel leaks (if any). Apart from the possibility of a serious break down, it will add to environmental pollution.
Tyres should not be over looked, they must be in good condition and suitable for the conditions they are to be used in. The type of tyre and rim used in a vehicle is a personal preference: crossply, radial, tube or tube less, wide, narrow, normal or split rims. They all have their good and bad points. Be aware of the type you have in your vehicle and don't mix. Have the facility to repair punctures on the type of tyres you have. Not forgetting it has to be blown up again, so make sure to carry a compressor. Don't forget to check the spare. Two spares are a good idea depending on how remote you are planning to travel.
Tyre pressures should be at vehicle or tyre manufacturer specifications. Properly inflated tyres resist punctures better. Deflating tyres can improve flotation but one must have the facility to inflate as soon as the necessity to deflate has passed.
When packing the vehicle the heavy items should be stored low down and to the centre of the vehicle. - This keeps the centre of gravity lower and more central, this attributes to a more stable vehicle.
Strap all loose goods down inside and out. Flying objects are dangerous.