Considerations before outfitting your 4×4 vehicle
Over the years I’ve been asked countless times what the first step should be after making your first four-wheel drive vehicle purchase. This is an exciting time because vehicle-based adventure travel will open up a world of opportunities, not the least of which is the memory of exploring the many unique and incredible places our great planet has to offer.
My first tip of advice has always been to determine what type of use you plan for your vehicle. Once you’ve established this, learn to operate your vehicle so you will be prepared to tackle any scenario you may encounter while in the backcountry. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Take an off-highway driving class from a respected and certified instructor
The value of learning how to drive off-highway, and the techniques you will learn, are extremely invaluable and will make your travels safer and more enjoyable. There are a number of highly-qualified off-highway driving schools throughout the U.S. including Discover Offroading, 7P International, Barlow Jeep School, and many others both domestically and internationally. A little research online can yield many opportunities based on where you are located.
Training with 7p International in Moab, Utah. You can read all about their training techniques in Issue 26.
Learn how to do basic first-aid
Even if it’s limited to understanding how to administer CPR and properly bandage cuts, scrapes, or even a broken appendage. Being prepared for the worst but expecting the best is important, especially when undergoing an extended self-sufficient journey in a remote location. Randall’s Adventure & Training offers Wilderness First Responder and Wilderness First-Aid courses and is one of many survival and first-aid schools to consider.
A group of adventurers attending one of Randall’s Adventure & Training courses on Wilderness First-Aid.
Equip your vehicle as necessary
Modern vehicles are surprisingly capable in their stock form. For example, a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, Toyota 4Runner TRD4x4, or even a Subaru CrossTrek, without modification, can pretty much get you anywhere you want to go. That’s not to say certain modifications can make traveling in your vehicle easier, more comfortable, more capable and even safer. However, before going out and picking up that 6” lift and 37” set of mud-terrain tires, establish the type of travel you plan to do most frequently and make the appropriate upgrades based on your needs.
Our stock 100 Series Land Cruiser. After several trips in varying terrain, it was modified gently to accommodate our style of travel. You can read about its transformation in Issues 8, 10 and 11.
Have fun
If you’re not having fun while enjoying the backcountry then something is wrong. Vehicle-based adventure travel and overlanding are experiences you will always remember and when possible, shared with family and friends. I rarely go on a journey without sharing it with my family as it’s a passion I want to share with my children so that someday, they’ll want to do the same with their children. The point is to get out there and have fun while exploring our natural world and doing so in a responsible manner by treading lightly, leaving no trace, and packing out what you pack in.
So, keep all this in mind for those of you who are new to the vehicle adventure lifestyle. This is an exciting time so make it count
Editor’s Note: This editorial was first featured back in Issue 2 of OutdoorX4 Magazine.
* OutdoorX4 Magazine – Promoting responsible 4×4 adventure travel and outdoor recreation
