4x4 driving tips for noobs?

I know it's repeating but..... Never wheel alone!!!! Have another 4x4 with you always! Seat time is the best teacher. After you get stuck, break, & rollover you will be doing pretty good LOL! AS was said also FIRE EXTINGUISHER!!!!! Mount it somewhere you can reach it even if hung up in the seat belt. Always wear your seat belt on the trail. I'm more strick about wearing it on the trail than the road. Basic tool kit & a spare tire are a must as well. I put a rock through the middle of the side wall on my first trail at Mtn City a couple weeks ago. When you get ready to start adding mods & supplies think High Lift jack & winch before you go lift & tires, lockers & such. Hope you get into & addicted to it like most of us!! The most important thing though is HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!
 
After you're done outfitting your rig with the items you feel necessary should the unfortunate and probable event occur.. fire extinguisher, tools etc..

Strap that stuff down, then strap down the straps.. last thing you want to happen when you nose dive a bit harder than you expected and the potential part breakage be irrelevant due to a hi-lift jack sticking out the back of your skull

I'd rather help you fix your jeep on a trail then hold your brain housing unit together while life-flight makes it's 20 minute trip to snatch you up
 
tow points, tow points, tow points.

check the pressure in the your spare tire also.
 
definitely on the never wheel alone. There is no such thing as taking it easy in 4 wheeling. The times you need a friend are unpredictable.
Bring straps (not ones with metal ends) and have front and rear tow hooks, a full size spare and make sure your battery is tied down.
Everything else you can beg, borrow or buy but you'll need that friend with another 4x4 more than anything else.
 
Steer into the roll, skinny pedal = $$$, strap everything down.

If you drive to the trails, have a backup plan to get your rig home incase of major breakage.

Make sure your lug wrench fits your lugnuts! (seen this way too many times)

First aid kit, fluids(for you and the rig), tow strap, ratchet straps, zip ties, some extra wire, valvestems, fan belt, jumper cables, spare dizzy cap/rotor(incase you get it wet), extra clothes, full size spare, funnel.

I used to wheel a XJ so I also kept a spare crank sensor, axle shafts, and wheel hub with me at all times.
 
I learned the "Strap it down thing" the hard way. :shaking:

I went up to our land for a short trip to test a few mods and didin't take water since I was only plannign on being there a few minutes. BIG mistake. Now no matter what the plan I take a cooler with drinks.

I have never needed an extinguisher my self but fellow wheelers have. Gonna put in a second one soon.

One thing that I think getts overlooked is distance when you're following. Be sure to keep extra distance between you and the rig infront. Especially down steep grades or in muddy conditions. I've seen a few crunched frontends because of that. Alos, if you are leading and stop to watch the guy behind you, make sure you pull up far enough to give plenty of exit room.

And stay calm, getting overly excited or losing your cool is dangerous to you and spectators.
 
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