Pages of Interest to 4x4ers: Trail Guide for Off-Roading

2.10 Trail Guide for Off-Roading

Table of Contents:

1. Planning A Trail Ride:

Pre-run the trails!!! The trail leader(s) should pre-run any trails where you're planning on leading a group.
If the proposed trail crosses private property, ensure you get the owner's permission to cross their land.
When planning a trail ride, publish a recommended equipment list (see Recommended Equipment List web page).
Specify the difficulty rating and the rating base (1-10, 1-5, etc.).
Include whether difficult sections have bypasses.
Restrictions (short wheel base, lockers, tread type, etc.)
Damage probability (pin striping, body damage, etc.)
General terrain (mud, rocks, hills, deep water, etc.)

2. Preparing for the Trail Ride:

Now is the time to consider whether any of your fluids are low:

Power steering fluid?
Motor oil?
Coolant?
Brake fluid
Windshield washer fluid?
Automatic transmission or clutch fluid?
Level of fluids in both differentials?
Have your brakes been checked fairly recently, or might you need to replace the pads/shoes?
If traveling in a group at night, it's worth checking your taillights. Even alone at night you want headlights and reversing lights that work.
SEAT BELTS!!! Seat belt usage is required by most state laws and most government lands!
See this web page for a recommended equipment list.

3. Before Hitting the Trail:

(if applicable) Explain purpose of waiver and collect required signed waivers
Explain trail requirements:

Difficulty rating and the rating base (1-10, 1-5, etc.).
Include whether difficult sections have bypasses.
Restrictions (short wheel base, lockers, tread type, etc.)
Damage probability (pin striping, body damage, etc.)
General terrain (mud, rocks, hills, deep water, etc.)
Review Trail Etiquette (see "On the Trail" below)
Does everyone have off-road experience? If not, review driving techniques such as the difference between 4LO and 4HI, compression braking, and anything else relevant to the terrain.
Review that there is no such thing as off road driving without risk
Explain that you NEVER loose site of the vehicle behind you, paying attention to the trail guide, and not being afraid to ask for spotting help.

4. On the Trail:

It is recommend that no alcohol be drank while on the trail! Consumption of alcohol on the trail can result in reduced awareness and can lead to unfortunate results! Many areas of the country are "dry" meaning no alcohol is allowed - period!
Make sure the trail leader always knows who has the back door. This can change during the day. Ensure the trail leader knows who their tail gunner is! Trail leader and tail gunner MUST be equipped with a means of communicating with each other! It is recommended they use either CB radios or GRMS/FRS radios. Cell phones are generally unreliable in the areas you drive off-road!!!
Probability of encountering other traffic
Right of way: Generally whoever has the more difficult direction has the right of way, meaning if you encounter traffic on a hill, the up hill driver should be given the right of way.
Maintain the attitude that you will leave with MORE than you came with. NO LITTERING. Please take your trash with you. Do not throw your cigarettes out of your vehicle. If you must, "field strip" it!

5. After the Trail Ride:

Check for body damage.
Check fluid levels; refill as required.
Check for damage to any recovery equipment used, i.e. winch cables, recovery straps, etc.; replace/repair as necessary.
Prepare trip report so others can take advantage of your trip observations.

Frame last updated: January 11, 2009