This clinic is specifically designed to meet the needs of novice off-highway drivers or someone with a bit of experience who is looking for a more complete understanding. In the class we will cover basic information about 4WD vehicles (just enough to understand what is going on). We will cover a lot of safety and environmental concerns. But the largest part of the class is driving technique to get you through a variety of terrain. A handout of the material covered is provided. Here is a list of items we will cover: Off Road Vehicles, How 4WD Works, Driving Technique, Safety, Pre Run Check, Survival & Peace of Mind Kits, Options & Accessories, Overview of options for getting unstuck, Post Trip maintenance, Trail Etiquette & Tread Lightly.
The class does not address vehicle build-up options and issues. This class is a prerequisite for Getting Started Off-Road Driving - Day 2.
The class will answer these questions and many more questions:
How do you avoid damage to an expensive vehicle?
What is the critical difference you need to understand about operation of 4WD systems?
What do you need to avoid, when descending a steep Hill?
What impact does an automatic transmission have on off-road driving?
How can you improve your traction by 250%?
How deep can you safely cross water?
What is the most important safety item you can bring?
What are 10 ways to effect vehicle recovery?
Each vehicle will receive a copy of Jim Allen's Book "Four-Wheeler's Bible". Retail price on this book is $34.99. This 200 plus page book is chock full of color pictures to illustrate how it works, what to do, and what to avoid.
You need a stock SUV or 4WD vehicle with 4 low range capability. All wheel drive vehicles that do not have a 2 speed transfer case are not appropriate for the class. Two examples of vehicles that are not appropriate for the class include Subaru Forester and the Honda Ridgeline.
The class is about 4 hours of classroom and 4 hours of behind the wheel practice. Hungry Valley has a practice area for 4WD that we will use. Everyone has a lot of fun. It is a great way to learn about your vehicle and build confidence. The class is limited to 10 vehicles.
