Newbie Stuff

If you got any experience for any newbie off roaders that join. Drop your knowledge here! Please NO back and forth conversations of small opinions.
I will keep updating the first few posts.

Heres is nice write up to start it off.
http://indefinitelywild.gizmodo.com/what-you-need-to-know-before-driving-off-road-1717626763

First aid!
http://lanesplitter.jalopnik.com/what-to-do-when-youre-the-first-on-the-scene-at-an-acci-1732427071


Also, have basic Gear
-Fire Extinguisher
-Tire Plugs -Don’t let your day be ruined cause you nail in your tire.
-Tow-Strap
-Tools to fix YOUR rig
-Communication with the world. Cell Phone, CB radio, Carrier Pigeon
-Spare Tire -Full size if you serious off roader with over size tires, Stock tire if you are little over stock and just need to get back to town. (Your truck does not like having different size tires on for long periods of time.
-Dont wheel alone
-First AID!
-Water!

-Airing down -usually a good idea. Most trucks can be safely aired down to 20-25PSI.

 

http://www.oemtoyotapartsgroup.com/
^^ Great place for information and part #s^^^ ^^ Easy to do lifts for all your Rigs^^ 5% Discount code >>>> 112710

http://www.haynes.com/
^^ Fix your own shit manuals!^^ http://www.relentlessfabrication.us/
https://www.trail-gear.com/TG/default.aspx
http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/
http://www.cbioffroadfab.com/
^^ Get some armor ^^

 

http://truckyeah.jalopnik.com/crawl-ratios-and-off-road-gearing-everything-youve-eve-1722578417
Decent read.... and Maff

Let old school teach you something

 

I dint have any experience but this series of video was kind of helpful
https://youtu.be/FcTTPV9JmIE

 

Some Yota doing what Yotas do. Good watch. Might learn something... Shows you dont need to be the biggest badest Yota on the block to have fun.

 

Love the XO vids, those guys turned me into getting back out in a Yota, lol...

Got to meet Clay, Kurt and Paul at Expo East last year, great great guys. Also met Mario with A/T and
eventually got to shake hands with Scott Brady as well.

On a newbie 4Runner thought, if one were seeking used and could go as high as 25K cash for a vehicle, would a 4th Gen be a better used deal over a 5th, or should I go further back and seek a 3rd Gen.

My dream used T4R would be a 5th Gen TE in Silver but they are rare as hens teeth in WNC it seems.

 

I love my 3rd gen. Easy to work and parts at cheap and easy to get. Most 3rd Gen 4Runners and 1st Gen Tacoma use same parts. I think the biggest thing for me would be... Wider body style and V8 capability. I personally would love to own 4th gen for functionality and 5th gen for looks

 

I'm feeling the V8 urge.

 

I don't rock wheel. I'm on logging roads and beat paths exploring fishing and hunting spots.
I bring my badland 9000lb winch with me that has a cradle I can plug into the front and or rear receiver hitch.
I also carry tow straps. A battery powered chainsaw, rope, snacks and supplies to spend the night if I want or need to.
Also I have a paper map and downloaded maps

 

Re: airing down.

 

Re:Communication & Maps

COMMUNICATION
In our tech intense world a smart phone is invaluable. Most newer smart phones default to satellite service when it can’t connect to a cell tower. I know when I’m in satellite mode: no bars, SOS, and a pic of a satellite on my phone. Check your phone and provider. Satellite provides me with minimal services: no phone calls, no web surfing, and no downloadable graphics. In satellite mode I have GPS and text messaging only. I can get emergency services and I know my precise location. My compass app (came with every phone I’ve owned for the past 20 years) works perfectly.

MAPS
Hard copy maps are invaluable. My phone/car will NOT display maps without cell service. I’m using an off-road map for trails, OnX. If I download the region I’m off-roading in BEFORE I lose cell service I have a map on my smart phone. When my smart phone defaults to satellite I know exactly where I am on that downloaded map. It’s very much like Google Maps, or Apple Maps. ***IMPORTANT*** Read the paragraph above regarding smart phones and satellite.

 

I am a greenhorn. I’m sharing what I’m learning from the experienced people here.

1. Take an off-road class designed for 4X4 drivers (4 Runners, Jeeps, Trucks in general). Early off-road vehicles included the U.S. Jeep Wagoneer and Ford Bronco; the British Range Rover; and the Japanese Toyota Land Cruiser, Nissan Patrol, and Suzuki's LJ series four-wheel-drive drivetrains.

2. Join a group. In my area the group is called “Jeeper’s”. There are many different makes and models of vehicles owned by the group members. It isn’t just for Jeeps.

 

If I take a class or use a map with trail ratings, I need to know what and who the class is for, or what vehicle the trail is rated for (4X4 or ATV?). Here are a few designations I needed to learn as a beginner.

a) 4X4, my 4 Runner, An off-road vehicle (ORV), also known as an off-highway vehicle (OHV), overland vehicle or adventure vehicle, is a type of transportation specifically engineered to navigate unpaved roads and surfaces.
b) An all-terrain vehicle (ATV), also known as a light utility vehicle, a quad bike or quad. [Typically, not a street legal vehicle]
c)A side-by-side vehicle (SxS or SSV), is a utility vehicle with a minimum of two seats positioned side by side and enclosed within a roll cage structure. Depending on use and application they can also be called a utility task vehicle, utility terrain vehicle (UTV), recreational off-highway vehicle (ROV), or multipurpose off-highway utility vehicle (MOHUV).

 

This is an AI generated response. Without question the folks here can do better.

When to Use 4H, 4L, DAC/CRAWL

In 4WD vehicles
Your vehicle's 4WD selector may include 4H (four-high), 4L (four-low), and DAC (Downhill Assist Control).
4H (Four-High)

• What it is: A mode that locks the front and rear axles to provide power to all four wheels for improved traction.
• When to use it: Use 4H when you need extra grip at normal driving speeds on slippery or loose surfaces.
  • Best for:
    • Slippery, snow-covered, or icy roads.
    • Wet, muddy, or sandy conditions.
    • Driving on gravel or unpaved roads.
• How fast to drive: While in 4H, you can drive at normal speeds, typically up to 55 mph, depending on your vehicle. You should avoid using 4H on dry, paved roads to prevent damage to the drivetrain.

4L (Four-Low)

• What it is: A mode that maximizes torque and power to the wheels by using a lower gear ratio. It is designed for low-speed, high-resistance situations.
• When to use it: Use 4L for maximum pulling power and control in extremely difficult terrain.
  • Best for:
    • Climbing or descending steep grades.
    • Driving through deep mud, snow, or soft sand.
    • Rock crawling or crossing water.
    • Towing heavy loads on uneven ground.
• How fast to drive: You must drive very slowly in 4L, typically under 10–25 mph, to avoid damaging the drivetrain.

DAC (Downhill Assist Control)

• What it is: An automated feature that helps you maintain a slow, controlled speed when driving down a steep hill. DAC is used in conjunction with 4L for the most difficult downhill terrain.
• How it works: DAC automatically applies the brakes to individual wheels to keep the vehicle at a steady, low speed, allowing the driver to focus on steering

 

Just a quick tip I wish I had known before I started climbing steeply graded trails; put your seat up as high as it will go. That was an epiphany I had this past week. I guess I’m a little slow on the uptake lol. Trying to look over my hood to see where the trail is on the other side hill can be problematic (stressful) I’m tall and I typically drive with my seat positioned much lower.