Rausch Creek Offroad 101

Hi All,

I just bought a brand new TRD OR A/T and was excited to start taking advantage of its offroading capabilities. My local offroad park offers a 101 course on offroading. It says in the description for the class that every effort is made not to damage the vehicle. However, I see youtube videos of this class in which people are driving through a lake...yikes.

Just wondering if anybody is familiar with this class and what I should expect...Is my Taco going to come away all banged up?

Should have prefaced this by saying that I have no experience whatsoever offroading.

 

I’ve never heard of this but sounds great!! Everyone learns sometime. I imagine you can always decline a obstacle or task if you feel uncomfortable.

Where is this?

Take pics and enjoy!! It will increase your comfort zone. Tacoma’s are great!! Take your wife or GF with you.

Welcome to TW!!

 

They show you how to drive over obstacles, through them, what to look for when picking your line. If you don't feel comfortable you don't have to do it. Used to do this with jeepers, had wheeling clinics/off-road 101. They are good, especially when you're getting used to driving it. Knowing how to drive off-road and what to look for while doing it. What's nice about them is you get the feel in your vehicle and don't have to be lifted, armored, etc to go.

 

Rausch creek is awesome!! Heading there this morning actually. No experience with the course itself, but rausch itself is a lot of fun. I’ve seen the training group out there before and the groups are large and everyone looks happy. Take that for what it’s worth, but if I were you I’d give it a shot.

 

Im from Chester County Pa, looking forward to checking this place out!

 

Welcome! Be sure to post obligatory photos of your truck when you can.

If you aren’t comfortable with a certain part of the course, skip it and move on to the next section. They can’t force you to drive through rough terrain. Also, you’re the one who has to drive it home at the end of the day. They will understand. They certainly do not want to be held liable for damages.

If you’re really wanting to learn and plan to do it often, I suggest getting a craigslist beater truck for off-roading. No sense in tearing up a truck you likely are still making payments on. Just because you see other guys on here off-roading their $40k trucks doesn’t mean you have to. Some of those people may be well off and have 3-4 vehicles. There’s a reason why most builds on here are of older, paid off trucks!

 

Welcome

 

My husband and I used to 'guide' 101 trips at Rausch Creek probably 15 years ago??. So - I can only comment on what we used to do. I don't know how the park is run now and it all depends on your 'guide' & 'tailgunner' (if they still use a tailgunner).

They should have a 'drivers meeting' - of which, they discuss basic offroading do's and don'ts, any ground rules, safety, introductions to the guides/tailgunner, CB Channel information/communication, etc. During that time, the guide SHOULD have a 'feel' for the group. Depending on the members in the group - will depend on how the trip will go and whether or not they can (or will) kick it up a notch into higher level trails.

They should have a Tailgunner vehicle - an experienced person who always stays at the back of the group. This helps keep the group together and they communicate with the Guide if there's a problem and the group needs to stop.

I will say....... Wheelin 101 trips should be the best thing to get you started. However - It is NOT a Sunday drive on a dirt road. As a driver - you need to be extremely AWARE of your surroundings, extra cautious of how you are driving, etc. If the Guide of your group is a GOOD guide - he won't take you places that you might experience damage. HOWEVER - you are the sole person in charge of your vehicle at all times and the guide has no control of that. Sometimes - its driver error that causes damage. You need to be prepared for anything......

With that being said - you can't be afraid to try the class. Again - its the best thing to get started. OR....you'll learn pretty quickly that *its not for you*. And that's Ok.
At anytime during the trip, you want or need to stop - just communicate with your guide/tail gunner and they should escort you back to parking. Of the many years that we guided - there was only a couple times that folks freaked out and wanted to leave. In most cases - everyone is pumped to come back for more.

LISTEN TO YOUR GUIDE & TAILGUNNER

I've also seen guys totally forget and/or not listen to their guides. They decided to do things *my own way* and that's where it'll bite you in the ass. I saw a spankin new Dodge Power Wagon get side swiped by a tree the entire length of his truck. He didn't listen to the 'Guide' and got pissed and punched the throttle. Dumb ass.
You can't have an attitude or act stupid out there.

Good Luck and don't be afraid to say something if it makes you feel uncomfortable.