New Products at the Pomona Off Road Show October 2008

New Products
I attended the Pomona Off-Road Expo at the Fairplex this past weekend. I enjoyed talking to all the vendors and looking at some of the new products. I hope you were able to attend also. There were a few products that caught my eye that I wanted to share with you.

Trac Tools
First up, I found these small tool sets made in the USA. There are sold by Trak Tools. The Ready Wrench has a T handle so you can put some torque on stuff and is equipped with a magnetic socket drive. This kit was designed for Motorcycle riders where space is a premium. For those days when you forgot to bring your big tool kit, it sure would be nice to find this set in the glove box! There are a variety of sockets, bits, torxs, and allens in both SAE and metric.


Contact information: 562-690-9469 www.info@traktools.com www.traktools.com http://www.daystarweb.com/http://www.traktools.com/







What is It?

Daystar has a new product that will be officially released at SEMA in November. These little plastic clips will keep your clevis from rattling if you drive around with your clevis attached to the bumper. I doubt You will find it on the web site yet. Look for it in your favorite off-road store later this year.

http://www.daystarweb.com





Mount for Hi-lift Jack Base

I generally do not carry my hi-lift jack base except when I plan to do a demo. It is difficult to pack and store. And yet the Hi-lift Jack base is really the best solution for a strong solid base. This is a prototype that will soon be on the market. This may well solve that problem. It can be bolted to any flat surface.



Phone: 520-579-2079
http://offroadtrailtools.com/









Nozzle Key

In order to fill your 5 gallon jerry can all the way up (at least in California) you have to hold back the front of the nozzle for the last 1 and half or 2 gallons. This tool frees your other hand and allows you more control over the process. Just slip one of these over the nozzle to hold it back.













Phone: 520-579-2079
http://offroadtrailtools.com





Jeep JK Trail Table

This is a very useful table now that Jeeps no longer have drop down tail gates. This one is designed for the New JK Wrangler but Mel says it will work on the early TJ's with the flat inside tail gate.











It can be mounted 3 ways. Mel said it will support 180 pounds or more.






















Phone: 714-870-5515
http://www.offroadevolution.com/














The next show I will attend is the SEMA Show in Las Vegas in early November. Let me know what stuff you are interested in having me look for. I can't promise anything but it might happen if I know in advance!


I hope to see you on the trails!

Tom Severin, President
Badlands Off Road Adventures, Inc
4-Wheel Drive School
310-374-8047
http://www.4x4training.com
Make it Fun. Make it Safe.

###

Want To Use This Article In Your Magazine, E-Zine, Club Newsletter Or Web Site? You are welcome to use it anytime, just be sure to include the following author/copyright information:

Tom Severin, 4x4 Coach, teaches 4WD owners how to confidently and safely use their vehicles to the fullest extent in difficult terrain and adverse driving conditions. Visit www.4x4training.com to develop or improve your driving skill.

Copyright 2008, Badlands Off-Road Adventures, Inc.

Urban Disasters No Match For A Prepared 4-Wheeler

In previous columns I’ve discussed how to prepare your vehicle for driving off-road, and offered a number of safety suggestions for you and your passengers. The goal, of course, is to make sure you are properly prepared for your trip and ready for most contingencies.

In honor of National Preparedness Month, I’d like to revisit the issue of preparedness but take more of a “big picture” approach.

It’s too easy to become complacent in our lives. We’re not faced with daily calamities and crises like you see in other parts of the world. We California residents are somewhat more in tune because we’re always under the threat of an earthquake, and we frequently deal with major events such as wildfires. But it’s still easy to take our relatively calm lifestyle for granted.

Disaster can strike in a heartbeat. Will you know what to do when it does? How will you and your family react? Where will you go? These and many other questions will be blazing through your mind. Unfortunately, that is not the time to be asking questions. Instead, you must act, and act fast. How you respond when disaster strikes is directly related to how well you and your family have prepared.

The Red Cross http://www.redcross.org/ and FEMA http://www.fema.gov/ provide a wealth of information on how to prepare for emergencies. The key is to take action now. Merely thinking about it won’t do any good.

The interesting thing about 4-wheelers is to begin with they often are pretty well prepared. Their vehicles are well stocked with the necessary tools and materials, and many have what I call a survival mindset. We’re accustomed to being out among the elements, and can manage fairly well for a short period of time.

The problem is the planning we do is just for the particular outdoor trip, which may last a few days at most. We don’t give much thought to how to handle a major urban crisis.

Reviewing the Red Cross and FEMA sites will give you some great ideas. The next step is to put those thoughts into action. Don’t worry about accomplishing everything in one day. Some of these steps, like developing a plan, take time. What’s important is that you do something now.

Use the “Swiss cheese” approach. When faced with a large, daunting task or problem, tackle the small matters you know you can accomplish. Over time you will punch enough holes in the main problem so that it looks like Swiss cheese and will fall apart on it own.

Complete two actions today
First, develop your emergency contact list. This should be comprised of a friend or family member in another state. (A son in Michigan is on my list.) Sometimes only a long-distance call will go through. Just as you program your ICE (In Case of Emergency) numbers into your cell phone, you also select an individual to contact in the event of a major disaster. Make sure your family members know the contact person’s name and number. This person can relay messages for family members. During an emergency, and if you have the time, let your contact know where you are going should you have to evacuate.

Second, establish two meeting places for your family. One should be just outside the house. This is especially critical during a fire. Too many people have perished because they ran back into their homes, not knowing that their loved ones were safely outside.

The second location should be in your community, and is used in the event of a larger-scale disaster. Recently I successfully tested my ability, using ham radio, to contact my wife while she was in the parking lot at work. For us that parking lot is an ideal location, because it is local, sits on a hill, and there’s a good chance at least one of us will be there.

OK, if you want one more simple action for today, jump on the FEMA site, click on the Plan Ahead tab, and print the suggestions listed under “Protect Your Family.”

I also suggest that you keep your gas tank at least half full at all times, and create a Go-bag. Containing food, water, and other essentials, your Go-bag can help you survive on your own for several days. Backpacks with multiple pockets make really good Go-bags. Some people keep these in their homes; others store theirs in the vehicle. Either way, the Go Bag is essential for preparedness planning when you must leave immediately.

You may also consider brushing up on your driving skills. Sign up for one or more off-road driving courses (such as a Rocks Clinic or the Basic Course), or an advanced course (Winching, for example), so you are better prepared to drive over broken streets, downed telephone poles, and other debris

The Go-bag, along with the supplies and materials already on hand and the skills you bring to the table, turns your 4WD vehicle into what I like to call a Mobile Disaster Preparedness unit. Just what you need in a time of crisis.

Emergency preparedness isn’t the most pleasant topic. We wish we didn’t have to even think about this. But disasters are a part of life. By preparing properly now you give yourself and your family a fighting chance should the unthinkable occur.

I hope to see you on the trails!

Tom Severin, President
Badlands Off Road Adventures, Inc
4-Wheel Drive School
310-374-8047
http://www.4x4training.com/
Make it Fun. Make it Safe.

###
FREE off-road informationGet valuable advice and the latest tips for safe wheeling, hot new gear reviews, inside hints on upcoming events, and more! To receive your own copy of my exciting twice-monthly newsletter, click here: www.4x4training.com/contacts.html
Note: We never sell or rent your name and email address!
###
Want To Use This Article In Your Magazine, E-Zine, Club Newsletter Or Web Site?
You are welcome to use it anytime, just be sure to include the following author/copyright information: Tom Severin, 4x4 Coach, teaches 4WD owners how to confidently and safely use their vehicles to the fullest extent in difficult terrain and adverse driving conditions. Visit http://www.4x4training.com/ to develop or improve your driving skill.

Copyright 2008, Badlands Off-Road Adventures, Inc.

Tire problems shouldn’t deflate your day

Last time we talked about tires: why they are prone to punctures and other problems and the type of tools you should store in your 4WD vehicle ( See prior post: No Need to get Spun Out over your Tires ).

Now I’d like to discuss the more common tire-related problems you’re likely to face while off-road and how to fix them.

Lose a bead – Occurs quite often while making a hard turn on a soft surface. Because the tire is aired down, there isn’t enough internal pressure to keep the sidewalls from collapsing inwards.

You usually can reset the bead without removing the wheel from the vehicle. Jack up your vehicle and wipe away any dirt from the inside of the rim. Attach a compressor and begin airing up. Reach around the back of the tire and grab rubber. (You may need a buddy to help with this.) Pull the tire toward you so it can start holding air. Keep pulling and holding until the bead resets.

You don’t need a big blast of air to do this. A little ARB compressor, pumping out about 1.27 CFM, is sufficient. Be patient. This will take time, but eventually you will hear the bead pop into place. (Make sure no one’s fingers are in the way!) Lower the vehicle and put away your tools.

Puncture – A standard puncture is actually rather easy to repair. Everything you need is in the tire repair kit. (If you haven’t purchased one yet, I suggest you do so now. A good one is sold by UDS in Gardena, CA - http://www.udshardware.com/ . It is a very complete kit in a soft sided bag that will fit places those hard plastic ones don’t. )

First, lubricate the hole with some white grease using the probe tool provided. This will allow the plug, which is very sticky, to enter freely. Feed a plug through the eye of the plugging tool until it is about halfway through. Insert the eye of the tool into the hole. The plug will be folded over as it’s being fed into the hole, so you’re left with two ends sticking outside the tire. Leave about ¾” of the ends visible. Hold the collar against the tire as you pull out the plugging tool to keep the plug in place.

Trim off the excess, and apply some sand or dirt to the stubs. The stickiness attracts twigs, rocks and other debris which could pull the plug out.

One plug will work for punctures caused by nails, cactus needles and other thin items. If the hole is much larger, use two or more plugs.

Although the plugs are designed for punctures in the tread portion of the tire, they can be used to close a gash in the sidewall in a pinch. DO NOT attempt to drive on hard pavement with a plugged gash, however. The plug may not hold, and you could face a nasty blowout.

Break a bead – Amazing as it might sound, there are times when you need to break a bead. For example, you may have to replace the valve stem or clean a rim to stop a bead leak. Bead leaks are rather common while driving along ruts. The rim slides down the edge of a rut and jams dirt and pebbles into the bead.

Take the tire off the vehicle and lay it flat on the ground next to another vehicle. Pull the valve stem core so you’re not fighting the tire pressure. Set the foot of a Hi-lift jack on the tire just short of the rim. Begin jacking against the other vehicle. The weight of the vehicle pushing against the tire will cause the bead to pop.

Be patient with this process. Some tires need to be nearly flattened before the bead breaks. You can usually get by with jacking on just one side of the tire, though you may need to step on the other side to help it along.

Do not jack your disabled vehicle as part to this process. You will lift it slightly off the jack stands in place, causing a dangerous situation.

Another option is a pair of tyre plyers. Popular in Australia, hence the odd spelling, they allow you to break a bead without removing the wheel. I don’t carry one but when others had them they work fine.

Replace a valve stem – Remove the tire and break the front bead enough so you can reach the back of the valve stem. Cut the old one off. Don’t worry about the chunk that you drop in the rim; that won’t hurt anything.

Apply a dab of white grease on either the valve stem or hole in the rim, and feed the stem through. Use the multi-function valve core tool to pull the valve through. It’ll snap into place when seated properly. Do not use pliers for this, as you could ruin the valve stem. One end of the multi-function valve tool is threaded so it will grab the valve stem nicely.

You’ll note that in order to replace the valve stem you need to know how to both break and restore a tire bead. That’s why I discuss those skills first.

They, along with the others, are not difficult to learn or use. And they come in really handy when you face a flat out in the middle of nowhere. Study and practice these skills at home so your next off-road adventure isn’t deflated by a flat tire.
____________________________________


I hope to see you on the trails!

Tom Severin, President
Badlands Off Road Adventures, Inc
4-Wheel Drive School
310-374-8047
http://www.4x4training.com/
Make it Fun. Make it Safe.

###

FREE off-road information
Get valuable advice and the latest tips for safe wheeling,
hot new gear reviews, inside hints on upcoming events, and more!
To receive your own copy of my exciting twice-monthly newsletter,
click here: www.4x4training.com/contacts.html

Note: We never sell or rent your name and email address!


###

Want To Use This Article In Your Magazine, E-Zine, Club Newsletter Or Web Site?
You are welcome to use this article anytime, just be sure to include the following author/copyright information:

Tom Severin, 4x4 Coach, teaches 4WD owners how to use their vehicles safely and confidently over difficult terrain in adverse conditions. Visit www.4x4training.com to develop or improve your driving skill.

Copyright 2008, Badlands Off-Road Adventures, Inc.
###

No Need to get Spun Out over your Tires

Tires are some of the most important yet under-appreciated parts on a vehicle. Without them, we literally could not get around.

Despite improvements in technology over the years, some 4WD owners still are very cautious when it comes to driving off road. An obvious sign is tires that aren’t aired down sufficiently. Apparently the drivers were trying to avoid risks related to under-inflated tires.

Sure, problems like a broken bead can occur. But those can be fixed rather easily. All you need are the proper skills and a handful of tools. With those under your belt and in your vehicle, you can handle most situations involving tires. It’s a lot simpler than you think to gain the peace of mind you’d like to have while driving off road.

Some people wonder why we don’t just throw on the spare every time. Think about it. By putting on your spare, you’re basically using your safety net. You should try to fix the main tire first. Unless it’s damaged severely, you should be able to use it again. And you’ll still have the spare as a back up.

If you immediately throw on the spare, you’re left with no other options. You have to hope that the spare will carry through the remainder of the course, or you head for home.

There are times, however, when you need to use the spare. If you’re ever in a dangerous situation that requires a quick exit, or you’re simply unable to make the necessary repairs, put the spare on and drive to a better location. Safety always comes first.

Tires take a pounding on the trails

Let’s take a look at tires and see why they are so prone to problems. First, they take a lot of abuse. They shoulder the weight of our vehicles, and are forced to carry us over some really nasty terrain. (Even pavement takes its toll on tires.)

On top of that, we air down the tires before hitting the trails. The weight of the vehicle causes the sidewalls to bulge making them susceptible to cuts and gashes. At the same time, with reduced air pressure the tire is unable to hold the bead as well, so we see a fair number of busted beads under these conditions.

The softer tire also increases the chance that a rim will get banged up on rocks. In addition, a valve stem can be damaged or torn out while driving through tight spots.

The types of problems you are likely to encounter fall into four general categories. To drive confidently off-road you should know how to:

1. Fix a popped bead
2. Plug a puncture
3. Break a bead
4. Replace a valve stem

The tools you’ll need include:

1. Compressor
2. Hi-lift® jack
3. A rag to clean out the rim
4. (optional) Steel brush on a long handle
5. Plug kit like UDS Hardware's Kit, Safety Seal® or ARB’s Speedy Seal
6. A couple extra valve stems
7. Multi-function valve core tool
8. BFH

Next time we’ll discuss each of the four important tasks in greater detail. The skills and tools needed to handle those situations provide you peace of mind so you can more fully enjoy your next off-road adventure.

I hope to see you on the trails!

Tom Severin, President
Badlands Off Road Adventures, Inc
4-Wheel Drive School
310-374-8047
http://www.4x4training.com/
Make it Fun. Make it Safe.

###


FREE off-road information
Get valuable advice and the latest tips for safe wheeling,
hot new gear reviews, inside hints on upcoming events, and more!
To receive your own copy of my exciting twice-monthly newsletter,
click here: www.4x4training.com/contacts.html
Note: We never sell or rent your name and email address!


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Copyright 2008, Badlands Off-Road Adventures, Inc.

Pack A Fire Extinguisher So You Don’t Get Burned

Four-wheelers are good about packing their vehicles with tools, tow straps, winch, food, water - you name it; they include it.

One piece of equipment that often gets overlooked, however, happens to be one of the more critical items: a fire extinguisher. Remember that a fire could occur inside or outside your vehicle. Ever wonder what you’d do if your campfire or stove got out of hand? Or if your engine compartment started smoking? You may never experience a fire–and I hope you don’t–but if you do, you’ll be thankful you packed an extinguisher. Many smaller fires can be snuffed out quickly and safely.

Extinguishers come in many sizes. I’ve found the 3 lb. size adequate for vehicles. Buy two high-quality refillable models. You’ll spend a few extra dollars, but it’ll be worth it. Think of a fire extinguisher as an insurance policy. You don’t want to cut corners there.

Mount one on the passenger side of the transmission tunnel. The other should be mounted in a visible spot on or near the back gate. The key here is that it is accessible. Too many people mount or place their extinguishers under boxes or other stuff in the back. It won’t do you any good if you can’t grab it quickly.

Another good spot, especially on smaller vehicles, is on the roll bar. Regardless of where you mount the extinguishers, make sure to review their locations and use with your passengers before departing.

Fire extinguishers come in a variety of types depending on their use. We’ll review only the more common ones here. (For more information, go to www.tvfr.com/dept/fm/extinguishers/index.html.) I’d like to thank my friends at Outdoor Adventure USA (www.oausa.net) for all their helpful comments.

Dry chemical – The most popular form for personal use, these are given a letter rating depending on the type of fire they are designed for. Make sure your extinguisher is rated ABC. That way it can be used on all types of fires, including fuel and electrical.

Advantages: They are easy to operate and will work on all types of fires, if you select the proper model.

Disadvantages: Once discharged, even for a short burst, they must be recharged. The pressure drops and you’ve lost a certain amount of chemical.

The nozzle can clog over time, rendering it useless (especially if you’ve discharged some chemical). Inspect the extinguisher regularly for obvious signs of clogging, but also take it in to an appropriate facility for inspection at least once a year. Make sure to keep the tag on the bottle so you know when it was last inspected.

Finally, the dry chemical is rather corrosive, and may harm sensitive electronic equipment. Make sure you thoroughly clean anything that has been hit with the chemical.

Halon – A very effective agent, but production has been banned due to its effect on the ozone layer. With only limited supplies left, halon extinguishers are becoming harder to find and more expensive.

Advantage: Said to be great on suppressing fires. Because it’s a gas, it leaves no residue.

Disadvantages: Expensive and difficult to find, and it disperses easily in windy conditions. Best used in enclosed spaces.

Halotron® - Marketed as a safer alternative to halon, this gas is said to be very effective in outdoor applications.

Advantage: Leaves no residue.

Disadvantages: Apparently geared more toward industrial applications, Halotron extinguishers aren’t as readily available. May be more expensive, too.

CO2 – A colorless, odorless gas, CO2 works by smothering the fire. Literally taking away the oxygen.

Advantages: Fairly effective in enclosed spaces and doesn’t leave a residue.

Disadvantage: Be careful when using, as the CO2 can affect you as well.

Final note: If you have mag wheels, DO NOT spray water on them should they start burning. You’ll cause an explosion. Use a Class D extinguisher if you have one, or let the fire department handle it. You can find more information on Class D extinguishers on the Web page mentioned above or through a quick Web search.

As you can see, an ABC-rated dry chemical extinguisher is probably your best bet. But what’s most important is that have extinguishers aboard. Inspect your vehicle now and install an extinguisher if you don’t already have one.


I hope to see you on the trails!

Tom Severin, President
Badlands Off Road Adventures, Inc
4-Wheel Drive School
310-374-8047
http://www.4x4training.com/
Make it Fun. Make it Safe.
###

FREE off-road information
Get valuable advice and the latest tips for safe wheeling,
hot new gear reviews, inside hints on upcoming events, and more!
To receive your own copy of my exciting twice-monthly newsletter,
click here:
www.4x4training.com/contacts.html
Note: We never sell or rent your name and email address!


###
Copyright 2008, Badlands Off-Road Adventures, Inc.

Be A Good Sport: Tread Lightly

Last time I covered the code of ethics that guides off-road driving. I’d like to go into greater detail here, and will use the Tread Lightly! pledge as a guide.

Tread Lightly! has separate categories for land and water, though the rules are similar for both. I’ve combined them, because many off-road enthusiasts also enjoy boating. (For more on Tread Lightly!, go to http://www.treadlightly.org/.) They make it easy to remember the rules.


1. Travel responsibly and only on designated roads and trails, and launch your watercraft only in the proper areas. Drive carefully through streams to avoid disrupting habitat, and make sure to cross on designated paths.

Fish beds and spawning grounds are particularly susceptible to being churned up and destroyed by vehicles passing by. If you must travel through a stream, drive very slowly to avoid chewing up the stream bed.


2. Respect the rights of others, including private property owners, recreational trail users, campers, anglers, skiers, swimmers, boaters and others so they may enjoy their recreational activities undisturbed.

There is enough room out there for all of us to enjoy our hobbies. On those particularly busy days or weekends, be extra considerate of your fellow outdoor enthusiasts. They have as much right to the land and water as you do.

3. Educate yourself by learning rules and regulations, obtaining travel maps and regulations from public agencies, planning for your trip, taking recreation skills classes, and knowing how to use and to operate your equipment.

Don’t try to wing it. The outdoors can be a very unforgiving place. Too many people have found themselves in dire straights because they took their skills for granted. Even experienced drivers encounter difficult situations on occasion. Prepare well before you set out.

4. Avoid sensitive areas such as meadows, lakeshores, wetlands and streams, unless on designated routes. This protects wildlife habitat and sensitive soils from damage. Do not operate your watercraft in shallow waters or near shorelines at high speeds.

Much like we discussed Point #1, the idea is to minimize destruction to native habitat. Numerous birds, fish, mammals, and amphibians live in the areas where we take our boats and vehicles. We must operate our equipment to minimize the impact it has on the environment.

5. Do your part by leaving the area better than you found it. This involves properly disposing of waste, minimizing the use of fire, avoiding the spread of invasive species, restoring degraded areas, and joining a local enthusiast organization.

I like to apply the Golden Rule: Treat the land and waterways as you would like your own property to be treated. Do you allow guests to dump garbage and tear up your front yard when they stop by? Of course not. So avoid that kind of behavior when you’re on public lands.

As you can see, these are simple and common-sense principles. Unfortunately, we don’t always follow them. We may not be intentionally violating them; more likely just getting a bit lazy. Recommit yourself to following these principles, and you’ll have a more enjoyable and rewarding time outdoors.



I hope to see you on the trails!

Tom Severin, President
Badlands Off Road Adventures, Inc
4-Wheel Drive School
310-374-8047
http://www.4x4training.com/
Make it Fun. Make it Safe.

###


FREE off-road information
Get valuable advice and the latest tips for safe wheeling,
hot new gear reviews, inside hints on upcoming events, and more!
To receive your own copy of my exciting twice-monthly newsletter,
click here: www.4x4training.com/contacts.html
Note: We never sell or rent your name and email address!



###

Good Driving Ethics Help Keep Trails Open For All

Summer is here, and for many off-road enthusiasts, that means spending even more time on the numerous trails and paths available to us. This is a good time to review the code of ethics that all conscientious drivers live by. Sometimes we become a bit complacent, and forget the fundamentals that have guided drivers for years.

By closely adhering to the following principles, you show that you are a concerned driver, and you help ensure that the trails remain open to us for years to come.

First, you should always strive to have a positive impact on the environment. Put another way, leave the area in better shape than when you arrived. To do your part:

• Properly dispose of waste
• Minimize your use of fire
• Avoid spreading invasive species

Second, respect the rights of others. Realize that the trails and public lands are used by a wide range of folks, including hikers, bikers, campers, and other 4WD folks. At times you will encounter others, some of whom will be on or near the trail. Public lands are open to all; no one can lay claim to a specific portion.

Understand that your driving may seem disruptive to others. They should accept your presence, but you must also accommodate them. Minimize noise and the amount of dirt you kick up while driving by. And for heaven’s sake, don’t get into arguments or fights. If an issue seems beyond resolving, drive away. You may feel like the victim, but in reality you are the better person for taking the high road.

Finally, encourage others to live by these standards. Become a spokesperson for ethical driving. As you meet other drivers, on the trails or elsewhere, talk about what it means to be an ethical driver, and how they benefit by following these principles. Help spread this message among our members—you are welcome to forward this e-mail—and let them know that “real men” (and “real women”) follow these sound principles. Work hard to maintain all we have won to this point.

These principles aren’t new or particularly earth-shattering. Driving ethically involves following these rules, including the Golden Rule: Treat others—and the land—as you would like to be treated. If you always do the right thing, you can never go wrong.

It starts with having the proper attitude. An attitude which suggests that I am not an owner of the land, but merely a steward. I have been given permission to use this land, and I will treat it with the utmost respect. I know this privilege may be taken away at any time, so I will do all I can to keep that from happening.

If all of us took this approach, the negative comments from the environmentalists and the media would cease. And we could count on enjoying our beloved hobby for many years to come.

I hope to see you on the trails!

Tom Severin, President
Badlands Off Road Adventures, Inc
4-Wheel Drive School
310-374-8047
http://www.4x4training.com/

###
FREE off-road information
Get valuable advice and the latest tips for safe wheeling,
hot new gear reviews, inside hints on upcoming events, and more!
To receive your own copy of my exciting twice-monthly newsletter,
click here:
www.4x4training.com/contacts.html
Note: We never sell or rent your name and email address!

###

Copyright 2008, Badlands Off-Road Adventures, Inc.

10 Important Tasks After Driving Off Road

Just as you put a lot of thought and preparation into your trip before you set off, you should also take the time afterward to ensure that your vehicle and gear survived the drive and are ready for the next adventure. Even a mild course can affect your vehicle.


Print this checklist and keep it in your glove compartment or other dry location. By following this list carefully, you ensure that you review every important section or component of your vehicle.

First and foremost, do a thorough inspection of your vehicle to make sure that it is in safe driving condition. You should not take the vehicle onto roads, especially the highway, if there are significant structural or other safety issues.

1. Air up your tires. Don’t try to drive on pavement with your tires low on pressure. Not only will you have difficulty handling the vehicle, but you risk serious damage to tires and rims. Check your tire pressure the following morning. It can drop 2 to 5 PSI overnight. Remember that you aired up when the tires were hot.

2. Wash and vacuum your vehicle. This will help prevent the spread of weed seeds to other areas, but also makes it easier to spot any fluid leaks and damage that needs repairing. Invasive plants are a problem all over the U.S., caused in part by people driving in multiple areas—sometimes even in different states—without cleaning their vehicles between trips. As a result, they spread noxious weeds to new locations. Be a good sport and clean your vehicle after each off-road drive.

3. Wash your engine. Drive to an appropriate facility, turn off the engine, and hose it down. With a clean engine, you can spot any leak that has developed, as well as a loose bolt, hose, clamp, or other part.

4. Check fluid levels, fan or serpentine belt, and other parts. If you do this frequently enough, you will become accustomed to your engine compartment, and it will be easier to spot a problem or potential problem when one occurs.

5. Examine the differential and transmission for cracks and the fluids for water.

6. Inspect and clean drum brakes, if applicable. Pull off the drums and clean out any mud or sand inside. That will wear down your brakes in a hurry. This is a good time to adjust your brakes or even replace the shoes, if need be.

7. Inspect CV boots, struts and shocks, and other underbody parts. Any need replacing? Take a look at joints, bearings, and other parts that may need regreasing. What about the nuts and bolts that hold the axle and suspension together? The vehicle’s suspension system (track bar, control arm, shocks, and spring) are very susceptible to loosening and affect the drivability. Problems with any one of these items could cause damage to the drive train over time.

8. Push and pull on the suspension to see if anything is loose. Push on the side of the vehicle. Are the track bars loose? Have a friend rotate the steering wheel back and forth while you inspect the tie rod ends.

9. Inspect your tools. Are they clean, in order, and accessible?

10. Clean and restock any fluids or gear (including medical supplies, spare parts, and fire extinguisher) you used or that became damaged (such as recovery straps). Make sure you put back all the essential items, and that your vehicle is tidy and prepared for your next trip.


Regards,

Tom Severin, President
Badlands Off Road Adventures, Inc
310-374-8047
http://www.4x4taining.com/
Make it Fun. Make it Safe.

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10 Safety Rules For Off-Road Driving

Four-wheeling is one of the more exciting hobbies you can experience. Going off road opens your eyes to places you would not otherwise see. It also challenges you, as the terrain is far different from what you are accustomed to driving on. And you can find yourself in a remote and very hostile environment in just a few hours.

Follow these very important rules for a safer and more enjoyable ride.

1. 
   Let someone know where you will be and when you expect to return. This applies to all trips, not just those in challenging areas. People have been known to get stuck or lost in relatively easy terrain. Should something happen and you’re unable to leave the area or call for help, your friends or family will know to contact authorities.
   
2. 
   Always have at least one other vehicle along. This ensures that you will have transportation out in the event your vehicle becomes stuck or damaged and can’t be fixed there. Plus, the extra vehicle means additional manpower to help with problems.
   
3. 
   Pack survival gear. Even a Sunday drive on the beach can turn sour. Pack the proper gear to get you through the night and to handle medical emergencies that may occur.
   
4. 
   Tie everything down inside. Your gear will go flying around if you roll over or lay the vehicle on its side. Loose items become missiles which can injure and kill anyone inside.
   
5. 
   Everyone wears a seatbelt, just like when you drive on paved roads. You and your passengers will get jostled around quite a bit on many of the trails. Plus, the possibility for a rollover or crash exists at any time. The big rock you suddenly hit could cause you or your passengers to go flying out a window. Make sure everyone is belted in.
   
6. 
   Arms and legs must remain inside. Many trails run through narrow passageways. Any arms or legs hanging outside can get torn off by the trees, cliff walls, or rocks just outside your vehicle. If the vehicle begins to tip your instinct is to put your hand out. There is no way you will be able to stop a vehicle this way. Roll your windows up if you can’t control the urge.
   
   Also, make sure no one holds onto the roll bar. Their fingers will get smashed in the event of a roll over. Hands can also be injured if you drive under low-hanging branches.
   
7. 
   Quit if you become tired. Four-wheeling requires the utmost concen-tration. Any letdown can lead to an accident and perhaps death. If you feel fatigued at all, pull over and rest, or let someone else drive. Do not force it.
   
8. 
   Lock it down. When driving off-road, you are seldom on level ground. Make sure your vehicle will not roll away from you. When you stop, put the vehicle in park, apply the emergency brake, and turn off the engine.
   
9. 
   Do not hang on a vehicle. If the vehicle gets stuck in a precarious position, do not try to pull it down or otherwise tip it by hand. And absolutely do not climb on the vehicle. Use the proper tools and techniques, and always be a safe distance away. A vehicle can and will crush you if given the chance.
   
10. 
    Treat winches and high-lift straps with respect. The straps, clevises, and other pieces are under extreme tension when in use. Inspect all parts before using, and stand clear while you are trying to recover a vehicle. A failure in gear or rigging can be lethal to you and by standers.
    

Regards,

Tom Severin, President
Badlands Off Road Adventures, Inc
310-374-8047
http://www.4x4training.com
Make it Fun. Make it Safe.


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