4x4 Offroad Skills Training

I've got a stock 4x4 truck and have no intention of upgrading (e.g. lift kits, e-locker, winch...).

I would like to learn some general off-road skills to get the most of the truck. The toughest terrain I do is infrequently used / abandoned fire roads. There are some roads I've encountered that were washed out and I was always too chicken to attempt to drive though.

One example is when I was driving up the Oldman River fire road - west of the Forestry Trunk road. I stopped my truck at a washout I didn't want to pass and then took my mountain bike to the end of the road. There were several deep washouts I passed on my bike. On my way back I encountered a Tacoma and a Jeep Cherokee and I could not figure out how they drove through the washout areas. I know they did as I saw tire tracks.​

Does anyone know of any training schools/consultants in Alberta that do offroad or 4x4 of training?

I know I could join an offroad enthusiast club but the guys I have met in those clubs have spent thousands of dollars in upgrades (as listed above) and the trail rides I've been on (years ago along with an old work colleague in his truck) were well beyond what I want to do.

 

I would still look for a small group or club to go trail riding with. You can see what your Tacoma is capable of and try things out without fear of getting stuck. There's also good tips on YouTube.

 

Where in Alberta are you?

Definitely try to find a group of guys and learn first hand, I've gotten way further with stock trucks than I would with any rig by simply having help and the confidence of having someone there.

I'm a chicken shit when I wheel alone, and I gain little experience from it.

 

Thanks for the tips so far.

I'm in Calgary.

 

Everything said above...find like minded folk. Doesnt need to be a convoy, even just 1 other truck with some recovery gear between the two of ya. If its a different buggy, Jeep etc. maybe even better. Both are better at different things so the experimentation/exploration can be more varied/tested. You're a stock Tacoma, with your approach, I dont think its likely that you'll out-do the truck. And certainly not two trucks.

Have fun, experiential learning is the best, most rewarding mentor...

And....I'm high

 

Can check these guys out, mostly Calgary folk by the sounds of it.

http://forum.untitledoffroad.com/index.php

 

I second looking into Untitled Offroad. While you'll find all sorts in there, including myself, it's a great place to start meeting experienced off road people. Experience is everything and UO does do some stock friendly runs where you can ask questions. In the end though you might be served best by linking up with a few members and gaining some experience with them on mild trails or forestry roads with the type of obstacles you'd like to learn to clear safely.

The Gear Shop did offer courses at one point to offroaders but I think that's done now. You could always ask Nathan there if he is planning on running another offroad course at some point in the future.

That being said I am a bit concerned about your post:

There are several things that go into successfully clearing an obstacle. While skill is one of the key things you need you also need the right tools for the job. I'm not suggesting that you should go drop $20K into your truck. A lift, lockers, or a winch aren't necessary for what you are trying to do. However, even mild terrain with an experienced driver can lead a slip up somewhere and key damage to your vehicle that would put it out of commission, or at least make it impossible to open a door. If you are going to start trying to clear serious obstacles you should consider upgrading to good LT rated AT or MT tires, a pump and deflator kit, some armor (I'd say just sliders for what you describe), and some basic recovery equipment. These simple tools will make sure that when you find a washout that you have the maximum traction with tires that rarely fail, a fail safe in case you bottom out on the rocker panel, and some gear in case you fail and need a hand out. I've taken an intro level course way back in the past and the first thing we were taught then was to come prepared and mentally ready to succeed and get back home safely. If you are planning on taking a bare stock truck through terrain that makes you feel uneasy without any additional gear beyond what you carry on the highway you are setting yourself up for a potential dangerous and/or costly situation.

 

Oh, and hopefully I see you out on the back roads sometime

 

Check out 410 Expedition on Youtube/FB, he wheels that area often I believe.

 

I can't believe TW didn't notify me of your post.

When I mentioned I didn't want to spend any money - I meant along the lines of a lift, bumper, winch. sliders etc. I already have some general recovery equipment like a jack-all, recovery strap, axe, bow saw, spade and some mats to put under the tires. I do have a set of Hankook Dynapro AT tires (passenger - not light truck rated). A pump might be my next purchase.

I'll check out the website next that you and others mentioned.

 

hey im in Calgary also.

 

No problem. I find the notifications on here inconsistent. Consider an LT tire next time you are in the market for rubber. This video is great for showing the difference between a P, LT, and armored tire.

https://youtu.be/9Kz8mmLkeks

As for sliders... well if you don't want them that's your choice. Keep in mind though some clubs have sliders and LT tires as requirements on most runs.