Best way to learn without too much terror?

[Fran]

I'm sure this is a question / subject that's been discussed a million times before, sorry guys. I have had my Jeep for about 4 days and I am keen to get into some fairly light 4WDing (dunes, beach stuff mostly probably) but I've mostly only been a passenger so far.

I want to make sure I'm being safe and not a complete n00b. I'll probably ask my good mate who is an experienced 4WDer to come with me the first few times I go and try some real beginner tracks to get the feel and the hang of various conditions and how to handle them.

Here's my question: looking back, knowing what you know now, what do you wish you'd done differently when you were learning? I really don't want to piss any experienced 4WDers off and I am pretty keen to stay out of too much trouble.

Thoughts?

[Yom]

Find some dirt road. Get out the manual. Read. Practice what the manual tells you to do. You need to know how to use your vehicle properly beforehand. I say dirt as you shouldn't really put it into 4wd on a sealed surface.

PS: the manual suggests removing mudflaps and side steps before you go offroad...I would most definitely do this or you may destroy them (and the side steps will destroy the lower body in doing so!)

[Jimmyb]

Always go out with another vehicle!! End of story.

Nothing worse than driving someone alone and going thats easy I can drive through there and finding yourself stuck without and winch and nobody to recover your pride and joy.

[itchy]

X2 what JB said, get a few mates/4bys together and make a day of it starting on the easy stuff, also is there a Jeep/4WD club up your way this might be a good way to meet likeminded souls.

Make sure you have at least SOME recovery gear, snatch straps,tow straps shovel?????????? there is a thread on here about basic recovery stuff and should also be a couple on local wheelin trips.

Start your own thread on a nooby trip, i reckon youd have quite a few replies!

[Jeeptheone]

Good oppurtunity for some of the more experienced CQ Jeepers to impart some knowledge onto a new jeeper and have a trip somewhere?

Local knowledge on tracks is paramount also

JTO

[kitrino_tj]

as the previous posters have said, go out and enjoy the day

recover gear and another vehicle is important

keep it safe and drive to the vehicles limitations

[OIIIO]

There is always time for lubricant!!!






Oh, wrong first time...