- Tackle challenging terrain!
- Drive scenic backcountry trails!
- Learn from experienced
instructors! - Gain confidence in your driving
skills and your rig's capabilities
Backcountry 4x4 Academy
4x4 Training Classes
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO GO FOUR WHEELING?
Big Bear Discovery Center
40971 North Shore Dr. (Hwy
38) P.O. Box 66
Fawnskin, California 92338
(909)866-3437
40971 North Shore Dr. (Hwy
38) P.O. Box 66
Fawnskin, California 92338
(909)866-3437
Copyright 2009 Don Alexander
And How Much Does It Cost?
And How Much Does It Cost?
| Some 4x4 rigs cost several thousands of dollars to modify. But is spending wheelbarrows full of money really necessary? The short answer is NO! But it depends on what your needs and goals are, and how cool you want to look driving to the trail head. Many of the big, full size pickups and SUVs with big lifts and even larger tires are not so good on many of the trails in southern California. Why? They’re too tall and wide for many of our trails. So what do you need? If your goal is to explore the backcountry and enjoy many of the activities available there, then you don’t need much in the way of modified 4x4s. But you do need a good stock full size or medium sized pickup or SUV. And for some trails in dry weather, you can get buy without four wheel drive – but don’t travel alone just in case. A 4x4 (as opposed to All Wheel Drive) is always the best choice for off road driving. A 4x4 is defined as having a transfer case with high and low range gear choices when you engage four wheel drive. Some four wheel drive vehicles do not have low range transfer cases (like the Hyundai Tucson). Low range is necessary for climbing steep hills and keeping speeds low when descending steep hills. SOME EXAMPLES FORD – F-150, Explorer, Expedition, Ranger CHEVY – Avalanche, Colorado, Silverado, Tahoe, Suburban, Trailblazer JEEP – Compass, Liberty, Wrangler, Patriot DODGE – Dakota, Ram, Durango GMC – Envoy, Yukon, NISSAN – Xterra, Frontier, Pathfinder, Armada TOYOTA – FJ Cruiser, Sequoia, Land Cruiser, Tacoma, Tundra LAND ROVER – Land Rover LR3, Range Rover There are other, but most do not have low range transfer cases. If you have an older vehicle, the above list will give you an idea if your vehicle is suitable for driving off road. The most important factor is the type of trails you want to drive. Easy trails in dry conditions can be covered in any stock pickup or SUV as long as it has good ground clearance. Lowered vehicles will likely be damaged on the underside, meaning that oil pans, fuel tanks and other components are at risk. Four wheel drive is only necessary if the trails get wet and muddy, or in the ice and snow. If you want to tackle the moderate trails, the a Four wheel drive is necessary, but if you are careful, a stock Four wheel drive pickup or SUV (medium to full size) well handle the trails in dry conditions IF YOU ARE VERY CAREFUL! The issues are ground clearance and underside damage. Rocker panels (below the doors) are very susceptible to rock damage. Puncturing an oil pan or fuel tank can be costly and very dangerous. Some 4x4s come with skid plates (like the Nissan Xterra Off Road model) which provide good underside protection. Being careful means getting out of the vehicle and analyzing a more difficult section of trail before you drive over it. Check for ground clearance and pick a path that maximizes ground clearance. And have some one spot for you, especially if visibility is difficult. For easy and moderate trails in wet and slippery conditions, you really need good all terrain or mud terrain tires. And you need those tires for difficult trails as well as some vehicle modifications. Underside protection is a must. Rocker sliders, which protect the rocker panels from rock damage, are good idea. A suspension lift, 2 to 4 inches, will allow larger diameter mud terrain or all terrain tires – at least 33” diameter for most vehicles – and increased ground clearance. The increased clearance reduces the possibility of underside damage and decreases the chance of getting high centered on rocks or other trail obstructions. For extreme 4x4 trails, more extensive modifications are needed, including a minimum of 35” diameter tires plus significant lifts and considerable recovery gear. Another factor is wheel size. The larger the wheel diameter, the less comfortable the ride will be, in addition to the increased possibility of side wall damage and punctures in rocky terrain. Low profile tires (rim diameters 18 inches and greater) do not absorb bumps as well, meaning the ride is not very good, and they cannot be aired down to as low a pressure a taller sidewall tires, which hurts ride, traction and increases the possibility of damage and tire punctures, especially I the sidewall area. Next is the gear you carry, both for safety and getting unstuck. MINIMUM Gear for all Off Road Travel • Area Map • Compass • Basic first aid kit • Tow strap and attaching shackle • Emergency kit containing water, food and warm clothing or blankets This is needed for easy trails in dry conditions. COST: about $100 ADDED GEAR For Moderate Trails and easy trails in wet weather • Hi-Lift Jack • Hi-Lift Jack Base • Hi-Lift Off Road Kit • Chain to use with Off Road Kit These items will get you unstuck from about 75% of the possible situations you could find yourself in. COST: about $250 ADDED GEAR For Moderate Trails in wet weather • All Terrain or Mud Terrain Tires COST: about $1000 depending on size needed PROTECTIVE GEAR Protective gear is a good idea on all trails but necessary for difficult trails. • Underside Skid Plates -$500 TO $1000 • Rock Sliders - $350 TO $500 ADDITIONAL RECOVERY GEAR A good idea for any trail but most important on difficult trails. • Winch – $500 TO $1000 • Winch Bumper - $500 TO $1000 • Kinetic “Yanker” Tow Strap - $50-$70 SUSPENSION LIFTS These allow increased ground clearance for better protection and reduced risk of getting stuck, plus more clearance for taller tires. Lifts also allow more axle articulation for improved traction. • 4” to 6” Suspension lift depending on type of vehicle and included equipment $500 to $4000 OTHER MODIFICATIONS Traction on climbs and in slippery conditions is very important to get to your destination. • Differential Lockers, either air, electronic or mechanical - $400 to $2000 ( front and rear are a good idea for difficult trails CONVENIENCE ITEMS This will save time on any trail • Tire Pressure bleed valves for airing down - $50 - $70 • Air compressor – 12 volt portable or on-board air system - $50 - $700 Plus a whole range of other stuff to enhance you backcountry adventure experience Let’s review the minimum needed for specific types of trails and conditions: Easy Trails Dry weather and road conditions • Good driving skills – attend a 4x4 class • Travel the backcountry with another vehicle • A stock mid-size or full size SUV or Truck, not lowered with 15” to 17” diameter wheels and OE tires. • Basic recovery gear, including tow strap, shackle • Emergency supplies, clothing and a first aid kit • Basic tool kit • Area map, compass and radio or cell phone • Convenience gear – tire pressure relief valves for airing down, 12 volt compressor for airing up Wet weather and slippery road conditions • As above plus all terrain or mud terrain tires • Snow chains for ice, snow mud and sand Moderate Trails All weather and road conditions • In addition to the above • Four wheel drive with a transfer case • Extra caution on the more difficult trail sections take a look and use a spotter • All terrain or mud terrain tires • Underside protection – skid plates and rock sliders • Recovery gear – Hi-Lift jack and accessories, shovel, ax Difficult Trails All weather and road conditions • In addition to the above • Suspension lift 2-6” for increased ground clearance, tire clearance, wheel travel and articulation • Mud Terrain tires • Differential lockers • Convenience gear – tire Winch and winch bumper, GPS • Spare parts – hoses, belts, fuses, etc. The vehicle needs to be capable of handling a specific type of terrain and trail condition. And the driver needs to develop the skills needed to tackle the terrain. The better prepared your rig is, the less chance of getting stuck or damaging the vehicle. And the higher the degree of skill and knowledge of the driver, the better the chance of an enjoyable backcountry experience. |
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