Offroad Class Instruction

Well then what’s to say the instructor is teaching proper methods? Where do we draw the line on trusting someone? That’s why multiple avenues of education is important.

 

I would recommend training with people who know their stuff.
https://i4wdta.org/?v=7516fd43adaa

 

While that isn’t a bad idea, it’s not the only path for becoming educated. I watched a bunch of YouTube videos on proper recovery and learn from others on the trail who I know are “seasoned”.

 

Business licenses, liability insurance, accountability, oversight, that sort of thing...

 

Thanks for all the responses and suggestions. I won't have a problem finding groups to go out with or trails to ride. I'm in southern california, close to anything and all that I'm willing to put my truck through. It's a stock 4x4 OR for those wondering.

I wholeheartedly agree, especially about the recovery portion and first aid. I have no problem hopping behind the wheel and getting stuck, it's the problem solving and knowing how to get unstuck that really excites me. I wouldn't want to put myself into a situation where I had zero chance of getting out of.

OJT?

 

on the job training.

 

got it hehe.

 

So going back to my original question...I guess I can confidently say the answer is, "no one." As in, no one on TW has taken an offroad instructional class!!

I'm all about learning by doing, don't get me wrong. I'm not letting the topic this thread define what I'm going to do or not do. Again, I was just throwing it out there to see what comes back.

 

@phuphyter I have taken classes at the Overland Expo events and they were great.
However that won't happen again till May in Flagstaff.
Since you are Socal you might want to check out fieldcraftsurvival.com as those guys teach an "Everyday Mobility" course that I took and it was a nice mix of 4wd, camping, and shooting.
Otherwise there are some good folks in the Socal area and of course asking to join folks from here on a run and mentioning you are a newbie is always good.....just don't learn from the guy with the most body damage

 

4 wheeling drive-bys in the wilderness. Sign me up. Thanks! That sounds badass. I will check it out!

 

Too bad, you don't live near Connecticut: https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/a19663183/driving-tips-from-the-navy-seals/

 

Too bad...that class looks legit!

 

I took a class offered by Badlands >> http://www.4x4training.com/. Tom S. and Mike were excellent and experienced instructors. The class was a full day. 4 hour in classroom, bring your lunch, and 4 hour driving. Class was located near Gorman 40miles north of LA.

There were about 6 jeeps and 3 tacomas.

Classroom - we reviewed basics : CA4wdc offroad checklist, spotting, vehicle characteristics and behavior, 4WD, recovery, airing down and tires, terrain - mud, snow, stream water crossing, and basic tools.

On-road experience - We entered Gorman Hungry Valley offroad park > http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1192. We aired down and started with a basic hill climb, backing down hill, hill with open holes, rock climb, chassis twister, locker engagement, 30 degree roll, 30 degree pitch, and ended with an 1hour session trail run with lots of high climbs. I felt like it was a great introduction to offroading.

The instructors are open to many questions throughout the class.

There are other classes they offer - recovery, tire repair, winches, sand offroading, etc.

I would definitely recommend the class.

Tom (instructor) - Red landcruiser
Mike (instructor) - black 2door jeep
Paul (instructor) - yellow/gold 4door jeep

 

Bill Burke here in Grand Junction teaches legitimate classes in driving, recovery, spotting. I wasn't able to get into the class our club arranged with him but those who did take it said it was very valuable. And these are really good drivers with plenty of experience saying that, guys who've been at this for several decades and who I still learn things from every time out.

 

That's what I was looking for! To hear experienced drivers say that they were able to learn something from these classes says a lot.

AWD_Jeff, were any of the Tacomas unmodifed? I was thinking of what the minimum suggested equipment would be to run the course. I'm thinking at least some rock sliders would be a good idea.

 

@phuphyter there was a 2018 longbed offroad that was completely stock. The owner purchased a few months prior to taking the class. The other 2nd gen had BFG tires. You should be fine going stock. I had RCI skid and sliders. Not necessary for the class. You'll be fine going stock. I would say make sure your tires arent bald. We air our tires down to 15psi. I had no problem with the stock kevlar 265/70.

Do make sure your e-brake is functional.

Since you're going with the group you should be fine not bringing anything. Actually, make sure you bring lunch otherwise you'll be starving. They will send you a checklist. I had all but a fire extinguisher. Attach is the list they will send. Per the instructor this should be the bare minimum when offroading for the future.

 

Good to know! thank you

 

I think there are some tickets left for Overland Expo East!
https://www.overlandexpo.com/east/

This is the best place to get the most for your money and spend time with other like minded folks and see how others are doing their Off Road and Overland travel. The 7P guys are arguably one of the top training companies in the world and there are several options that include using your vehicle and skills classes with no vehicle.

I strongly recommend the Expo as not only a great place to get skills training but as a fantastic event for so many other reasons as well.

 

I'll have to make plans for Expo West. East is a bit far for me and I already got plans for a road trip that weekend. Thanks for the heads up though! I didn't think of this.

 

Cool. I’ve never been to Expo West, but I’m planning to attend the next one. I’m sure the skills classes are similar. Safe travels.