So you wanna be a offroader? NEWBIES READ THIS!

[Angler]

I thought it would be good to make a post for the newbies to the sport to offer advice and lessons learned from some of the more experienced wheelers out there, I don't profess to know all about 4 wheeling but have picked up a few things over the last 10 years that may be of use to out new prospects some of who have just bought their first rig and are looking to start modding it. Please contribute to this post if you feel you can help out.

First thing is to remember that you are going offroad and you can potentially damage your vehicle..

Second, is to bring a good attitude... nobody likes a whiner and it can ruin a ride for some people.

Third.. RECOVERY POINTS! I don't care how good of a driver you are, or how well your rig is built, you will eventually get stuck(or roll) and need to be recovered...Also keep a good stock of recovery equipment in your rig.Tow straps, Tree savers, Shackles, and Snatch blocks should be a part of everyones "Trail Kit".

Fourth.. Have a Trail Kit.. In this kit, you should keep a first aid kit, a small selection of basic tools, rain poncho and your recovery gear.

Fifth... COME PREPARED!... Make sure your rig is built capable enough to handle the trails you are wanting to run, also make sure your driving abilities are up to the skill required of that trail. Also make sure that you have brought any supplies that you may need for the day(food, drinks, meds, toilet paper )

Sixth...When modifying your rig, I adhere to the build it right, or build it twice philosophy.. Make an attack plan of what you want your rig to be, and build it for the terrain that it will see the most usage on(don't build a mud bogger to go rock crawling etc.).Don't cut corners, as it will come back to haunt you. Make educated and researched decisions(google is such a great thing) on what kind of mods you want done to your rig, and how far you want it to go..

Seventh dont go crazy trying to build the biggest baddest rig in the club, take it slow and make good decisions, have fun and dont get burnt out.


And last but not least... LISTEN! To your spotters or Trail boss while on the trail..You can very easily turn a fun trail ride into a bad experience for everyone with 1 stupid mistake.