How do you gain off road Experience?

Or you can just modify a pavement princess like me...

 

Lol when I sold the Tacoma, my runner was to only be a camping vehicle. It still is. Just the ultimate camping rig

 

Parting out my truck soon if you want some parts ..

 

http://vb.ddoffroad.com/home.php

 

They have a meet and greet on the 22nd planned and it's in your area

 

Thanks signed up at their site.

 

Experience is doing. Reading is educational prep.

Build after, as you learn what needs improving for how you use the truck. Otherwise you are just guessing. Which can be expensive.

 

Thank you all. You all have been so helpful.

 

That is exactly correct. You can spend thousands of dollars building an expo rig (yes it is very possible to do that), but if you only go out for weekends or day trips a couple of times a year it's not really worth it.

 

You can read 4x4 books or web sites. But, if you can ride with someone who has the know-how, he or she can teach you.

I grew up in Jeep or other 4WD/ Off Road vehicle... and so my dad learned and taught me some... When I was 16, my first car was a VW dune buggy (street legal) and I began going camping in Baja and the desert without my parents... The biggest aid I can advise you on is to use AIR PRESSURE to achieve traction or flotation!

I presume you have 4WD? Your vehicle ID tag doesn't say what kind of Sport.
Even if 2WD, tire pressure can get you unstuck or keep from getting stuck.

When you get on a dirt road that is too rough for passenger cars, then put it in H4 (4WD High Range), don't wait to get stuck... don't spin your tires! When there is a steep grade, deep ruts, big rocks, go slow and use L4 (Low Range).

Street pressure (30-35 psi) is for STREETS!

GET AN AIR PUMP and dial gauge!!! The pumps that clip directly onto the battery are many times faster than those that plug into the cigarette lighter hole... spend $50-100 on a fast air pump. The really fancy $200 ones are not any faster I have seen. A dial gauge that reads below 10 psi accurately is important, too. Usually, they are 0-60 psi models.

OFF ROAD, drop the air pressure in the tires about 1/3... how much depends on what kind of road (or no road) and what kind of tire you have. So, initially, off road at 20-25 psi... your traction will greatly improve climbing or crossing bad terrain.

SAND, drop the air in the tires about 1/2... same deal as above, depends on what kind of tires and sand type, too. 10-20 psi range... Mud/snow or 3 ply sidewall aggressive off road tires are worse in sand than street or all terrain tires, and will need to be closer to 10 psi. Do not drive too fast, but keep up momentum when entering or crossing deep sand. Avoid sharp turns, hard braking or stopping uphill when in sand. Never SPIN the tires... IF you start to bog down in sand... stop and let more air OUT of the tires!!! You can go down to 8 psi, even 6 to get unstuck... but air up to at least 10 once you are floating again.

You will learn fast! I think if you follow these suggestions, and have a Toyota 4WD, you should be fine.

 

I'll pay extra to have you install them.



But pm me a list.

 

Lot's of good advice here...

My earliest off road experience was trial-and-error on a farm. Fortunately, early in my Jeep-owner era, an event named "Camp Jeep" was started and I attended the first two events in Colorado. Besides the led group rides, the late Mark Smith's Off-Roading group taught classes, which included driving an obstacle course, set up to practice skills needed for the low-medium difficulty trails in the area. The certificate was printed on the back of a nice reference book, which I still review from time to time. You can download a copy of it here https://jeepjamboreeusa.com/common-sense-off-road-driving/files/inc/cca77024ba.pdf.

That book offers a pretty good primer for a novice off-road enthusiast, but as others have said, nothing beats seat time on a trail with a group (that doesn't push you straight to the black diamonds ). Also as others have noted, put your focus on building your skills, rather than your truck.

Lastly, enjoy yourself!

 

Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.

 

I would like a job.

You need more experience.

Ok. I have gained experience.

You are over qualified ...

...

 

http://www.4x4training.com
I've done a few of his classes and trips. They're awesome

 

I would say the very first step, in addition to all the other valid steps others have mentioned is to be at peace with this notion: Your truck will most likely get dirty, VERY dirty. Like cleaning 30 gallons of clay mud(depending on where you live) from the undercarriage of your truck. Your truck may or may not get fucked up. Ideally, not at all. If it does happen, it's not the end of the world. It's all repairable. Often times it gives you an excuse to buy those upgrade parts that you were thinking you may need from the start.

 

Excellent question and plenty of good advice in previous posts.

The stock trucks are surprisingly capable. Usually more so than the novice off-road driver. As others mentioned, go with other experienced people. The local regional section of the forum is a good place to find organized outings or meet others that have experience. Driving off-road is the only way to gain experience but doing your homework ahead of time is a good idea.

When you do go out, it will allow you to test your truck and see what areas you want to improve, so you can target your mods accordingly.