• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Yeehaw.. I went on a 4x4 off road training today (work training).. OMG so much fun!!!

The Stigenator

The Stigenator

Lifer
I went for my work authorized Off Road Training today, OMG I'm in love.

I've done Rally on AWD and AutoX before and I've taken my 2WD car (Acura TSX as well as my old Ford Focus) off the beaten path, but this was a whole different game.

I learned SO much from the instructors. OMG I want a 4WD vehicle with enough clearance and power. There is SO much to learn and so much finessing of the throttle / brakes / steering, I loved the challenges.

The most important things, what not to do and what to do with a 4WD and AWD and when to use 4WD. I didnt get stuck but I did hit a 'boulder' softly (couldnt judge the location from the cab, no damage) and my spotter got me out of the boulder field after that. The only other issue I got is that I hit a couple of 'up and down' slopes (quick speed bumps) at very low speed (sub 10 mph) but it made the Chevy Suburban jump. I have no idea where that was, I didnt see it, and nor did the spotter, but then the sun was in both our eyes.

We had 3 cars on the trail, a 2011 Jeep Compass 4x4 (gutless 172hp 4cylinder), 2010 Chevy Suburban (did the light trails due to low ground clearance, someone else damaged it on the first run so it was limited to easy trails) and a 2010 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4X4 (that we own).

The F150 got stuck for a time, but it was because someone forgot to put it into 4WD while going up the hill, it got stuck the same place the Jeep got stuck but we were able to back out and run at a higher speed up.

Best part - driving on an incline sideways but making sure you do not roll it. Knowing the limits of your vehicle and getting used to the idea of being sideways.

The worst part - my wreckless coworker who thought he was Jeremy Clarkson and said "POWWERRRR" while going the hill and nearly rolling it.


Edit: Pics

imagegla.jpg

F150 stuck!

imagejfff.jpg

F150 getting up the hill

imagevfj.jpg

F150 out of the hill.
 
Last edited:
Its a hell of a good time. Throw in some camping and friends and you will def be hooked. Time to buy a Jeep!
 
Spring of '70, I got to go through the US Army's off road Jeep course at Ft. Gordon Ga.

It was great fun! And quite an educational experience as well. Good instructors can add alot to the experience. Though, it wasn't as scenic as the course that you went through. (All red clay and pine trees...)

If you get the opportunity to off road with a Jeep, I suspect that you will like it even more... For me, not having a roof or doors seems to improve the offroad experience.

Best of luck,
Uno
 
Looks like fun. Even though you said the Jeep was gutless, do you really need a lot of HP to go off-road? I thought I remember seeing people using their Suzuki Samurais on trails and those had what, 90 hp?
 
RKS said:
Looks like fun. Even though you said the Jeep was gutless, do you really need a lot of HP to go off-road? I thought I remember seeing people using their Suzuki Samurais on trails and those had what, 90 hp?
Click to expand...

The Compass doesn't have a low range unless it has the off road package..perhaps that's it?

A lot of the low powered offroad rigs are running short gearing with low range (and sometimes, dual transfer cases with crawler gears).
 
i miss my old 61 scout. that sucker would climb a tree in low first. actually, i could walk next to it faster than it idled.
 
I would bet the CVT in the Compass is what the OP was not used to.

But yes, the regular 4X4 Compass does not have the off-road low range.
 
we drive off-road 30 to 40 % of the time.
Course looks like fun. I will hopefully be doing off road and recovery training in flagstaff in may.

google: overland expo
 
I know how you feel OP. This past weekend me and my wife took out our "new" 68 Jeep CJ5 and did some off roading. It was a total blast and I'm completely hooked. Our CJ5 in 4x4 low made climbing anything a breeze. I would love to go somewhere like you did in those pictures though.

About 15 minutes after getting to our place we came up on another Jeep that was stuck. We told the guys to move the truck that was getting ready to try and pull them out and hooked up our winch cable. It was a great feeling getting to use our winch so soon after buying the Jeep and pulling someone out. 🙂

405725_10151190520030230_752970229_22802471_493885311_n.jpg
 
Last edited:
I've been wanting to get a 4x4 for a while now. Mostly to visit the more remote places of Death Valley and the Mojave.
Been considering an older Cherokee, or Explorer/Sport Trac for it. Any suggestion on vehicles for something like that. Only thing is that a true jeep (Wrangler or CJ) might be too small to carry the passengers and gear that I would be bringing with.
 
Jeep Cherokees (XJ) are very popular for off road rigs, I don't think you'd be disappointed if you choose to go that route.

I believe they are known to overheat with the stock radiator and fan, might want to look into upgrading if you're heading out into the mojave during the summer.
 
Head on over to jeep-forum.com and look around. Wj will be your best bet. Solid axles and tons of aftermarket. Xj is slightly smaller but same boat as aftermarket so a solid option. The liberty technically replaced the Xj but its IFS so that limits it a bit but its a little better on road. It is kind of small inside. I have a liberty as I don't venture too far after road but am thinking about going to a wj or Tj to expand my horizons.
 
Sorry I was off the internet for most of yesterday and today. To answer your question I am a Environmental Scientist who sometimes travels to remote portions of CA. I work for the State, yes we are hiring but not sure for how long.

If you want to drive 4x4 all the time become a park ranger, those guys are required, I dont use a 4x4 unless I have to.

Yes the Compass was a base model, no crawler CVT transmission. The guy who got it stuck the first time did so because he wasnt 'easing on the throttle'. He was super wreckless, thank god I dont have to work on his team.

As for the place where we went, its called "Happy Valley OHV Facility", its off the I-5, just outside of LA. There is a nicer facility up by Sacramento called "Prairie City OHV" which is a bit better, but this one is one of the nicest facilities we have around here.

I am looking at a Jeep now, that was way more fun than anything else I've driven!
 
CrackRabbit said:
I've been wanting to get a 4x4 for a while now. Mostly to visit the more remote places of Death Valley and the Mojave.
Been considering an older Cherokee, or Explorer/Sport Trac for it. Any suggestion on vehicles for something like that. Only thing is that a true jeep (Wrangler or CJ) might be too small to carry the passengers and gear that I would be bringing with.
Click to expand...

There is an extended wheelbase wrangler that was available for a few years, 2004 to 2006. It's just a two door wrangler with more space in the back. They're less common but they all came with the Dana 44 rear axle which is a nice addition.

kornphlake said:
Jeep Cherokees (XJ) are very popular for off road rigs, I don't think you'd be disappointed if you choose to go that route.

I believe they are known to overheat with the stock radiator and fan, might want to look into upgrading if you're heading out into the mojave during the summer.
Click to expand...

I've got a cherokee and I live in Phoenix. If your radiator is in good shape you won't have a problem. However, the newest cherokee is 11 years old so most of the radiators have had time to accumulate build up in them or they start to leak. If the radiator hasn't been replaced it's something that you'll want to do. They're cheap though, the last one I got was about $250 from the jeep dealership and it's a one man job you can do with just a socket set.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top