Offroading - Links to Articles & Tips

[MagicMtnDan]

There is a good page on the Dirtopia site with links to Off-road Articles & Tips on it.

Off-Road Driving Tips

How to Drive in the Sand http://www.dirtopia.com/wiki/How_to_Drive_in_the_Sand
How to Drive in the Snow http://www.dirtopia.com/wiki/How_to_Drive_in_the_Snow
How to Drive in the Mud http://www.dirtopia.com/wiki/How_to_Drive_in_the_Mud
How to Drive on Rocks http://www.dirtopia.com/wiki/How_to_Drive_on_Rocks

Lists and Things

Off-Road Magazines http://www.dirtopia.com/wiki/Off-Road_Magazines
Off-Road Forums http://www.dirtopia.com/wiki/Off-Road_Forums
Off-Road Blogs http://www.dirtopia.com/wiki/Off-Road_Blogs
Off-Road Event Calendar http://www.dirtopia.com/wiki/Off-Road_Calendar
Dirtopia Newsletters http://www.dirtopia.com/wiki/Dirtopia:Newsletters

You may want to sign up for Dirtopia (kind of like Wikipedia for off-roading).

Link:
http://www.dirtopia.com/wiki/Off-Road_Articles
http://www.dirtopia.com/wiki/Main_Page

 

[MagicMtnDan]

There's a very good online resource, A Guide to Off-Road Driving
http://www.offroadexperience.com/offroadguide1.htm

The entire aticle is a must-read and many really good points in this article including these selected points:

Know your "Approach angle", "Break-over" and "Departure angle" (Below). Knowing these figures (i.e.: Clearance), you’ll be able to negotiate obstacles much easier without damage to your vehicle. Interested in learning what these figures are on your vehicle? Try a long broom stick. Placing it under the edge of the tire, then lifting up until it makes contact with the body, you now have some idea of your angles. When off-road, drive up to your obstacle slowly, then stop get out and look to check clearances upon approach. When clearing the obstacle, be careful to "walk" the rear wheels off, remembering always that most 4WD vehicles have some sort of overhang beyond the rear axle (when "walking" your 4x4, the use of brakes, a spotter and your own sight will enable you to creep the rear wheels off the obstacle). Damage will result if care is not taken. As far as break-over is concerned, also know as "high-centered", this too will take a keen eye, the assistance of a spotter, and practice.

9) Know your vehicles height and width. Think about parking garages and parking spaces, will your 4WD clear the obstructions within the structure? Now apply the same to overhanging trees, narrow washes and rocks. Easy really.

10) Check the area(s) in which you plan to travel off-road. Ask locals about conditions. Purchase and review local maps. And... When in doubt, get out and take a brief walk to review the terrain ahead. This walk could save hours of digging and/or winching, or the anguish of having your new 4WD damaged.

11) Be aware of changing weather conditions, the last thing you want is to get caught on the desert floor. When in doubt head for high ground (when heavy rains come in), and get out of the washes or off the desert floors. Beware of fast running water... if you can’t swim it, don’t drive into it. Many vehicles have been lost in rough weather and water. Beware!

12) Know your Four-wheel-drive system. Unlike days gone by, the systems of today vary in their modes of operations and capabilities. Review your owners manual or talk with an expert concerning your vehicle make. Don’t assume anything.

13) Engage Low-Range before you need it. Choose the correct gear for the situation, see #12. Note: On vehicles fitted with a manual center "Diff-Lock", this should be disengaged once traction has been regained. However, Low-Range should be kept engaged until clear of the hazardous area(s). FYI: This center differential-lock is just that, a lock, locking the front & rear drive outputs of the transfercase together. When unlocked (disengaged) it will prevent "axle windup" with in the drivetrain. Vehicles fitted with a standard High-Low/2wd-4wd system have no center-differential, and when engaged in 4WD for long periods they will induce axle windup. You may notice that in tight turns while in 4WD that the front wheels will seem to hop and buck, this is the windup trying to escape from the system. Don’t be alarmed.

Page 2: http://www.offroadexperience.com/offroadguide2.htm

Page 3: http://www.offroadexperience.com/offroadguide3.htm

 

[RallyBud]

Great stuff Dan, thanks for posting!! - Rick

 

[MagicMtnDan]

This thread has excellent links to off roading info.