Where to start when it comes to 4WDing? Step one, grab a 4WD. Guess what, you’re already half way there. Step two, enjoy yourself! We do this for fun after all. Below are some tips that have helped me and hopefully will assist you in your new adventure. Let’s jump straight in.
There’s no place for fear
Don’t let fear keep you from playing the game. There is always someone that will tell you, you cant do it. Don’t let that person be you. Your internal dialogue needs to be positive, especially when it comes to 4WDing. If you’re worried about getting bogged, don’t be. It will happen sooner or later, and believe it or not, you will end up loving those parts of the trip. Why? Well memories are made, new skills and lessons are learnt, and if you’re lucky sometimes new friends along the way.
But before you head out onto the tracks with potential to get bogged there are a few things I consider to be very beneficial steps of starting out in 4WDing.
Know your car
That doesn’t mean you need to understand everything in detail. Spend the time to go over it though. Create that image in your head so if something were to become out of place you would hopefully spot it. While you are getting to know your car take note of the lowest points of your vehicle. One of my first cars had the fuel tank as the lowest point, so I was mindful not to climb over rocks that would have me landing hard on that side.
Ask questions
You will also hear me say several times that no question is a silly question. I still ask 4WDing questions and will continue to because my car changes, tracks change, my confidence can also change. Questions are a good thing, so don’t be afraid to ask no matter how silly you may think it is. Plus, that way you’re continually learning. How fun!
Keep things handy
There are some things you should keep handy in your 4WD like a snatch strap. A snatch strap can be borrowed, and it doesn’t have to be new. Just ensure it’s intact. You will also need some shackles to go with it, should you need to get yourself out of a sticky spot. Cable ties are always useful, one of my earlier adventures I managed to pull off the plastic lining inside the wheel arch and needed to cable tie it back into place and off the wheel. Spare water is also top of my list. You just never know when you’ll need it. You could end up bogged and being out longer than expected, or even run into someone else who got themselves bogged and ran out of water. Always handy to have a few extra litres nearby. Check you have a spare tyre and the jack/tools to go with it. A handheld radio doesn’t go astray either if you can get one. Tip: there are emergency channels you can access should you ever need them one day.
Now you know what you’re working with, to the 4WDing tracks we go!
First track
This should be a very basic one. I’m talking something with a few bends, up’s and down’s (they don’t have to be big by any means) and with any luck a few different types of terrain.
The aim of this is to be able just take it slow and be able to understand and feel how your car moves. Listen to the movements, listening to what would be classed as ‘normal’. As you drive the movements, you will be able to pick up on exactly where your wheels are on the track too. You can see that small bump ahead, so listen for it and feel it. See if you can pick exactly which point in time that front wheel is going to hit the highest point of the bump. This will be important later down the track especially if you’re short like me. Very high car, odd-shaped windscreen and quite a long front end means I can’t see much of the passenger wheel at all. I place that wheel off what I have learnt over the years and from doing the basics back in the beginning, I can pick where I want my wheels to be lined up to before I get there. Practice makes perfect.
Work your way up
Once you’re confident with how your car moves, gradually start working your way up the difficulty levels and how the body movement of the car comes into play. Grab a friend and support each other while you build up that confidence out on the tracks. If there are 4WD groups in your area, join them and jump in where you can. Majority of people are more than willing to help teach and guide you along the way, because like myself, we were all beginners once. We all need to start somewhere. There are those who will tell you “They did/drove it, so you can”. Yes, I’ve heard it plenty and still do. But trust your instincts. You’ve done the groundwork of getting to know your car and how it moves.
If you are confident to have a go, then I reckon go for it. However, if you’re unsure or don’t think it’s a good idea then trust your gut. Remember, you have nothing to prove to anyone. You’re just out to have a good time, so do it your way and stick to it!
