Driving off road presents a host of challenges for any driver. Four-wheeling can be especially intimidating for new drivers. Those initial concerns are understandable. It takes off-road experience to build skillset and confidence.

If you’ve considered going off road but are reluctant to do so, relax. The following information should convince you take up the hobby. While you are reading this remember: in town, you can be in a pile-up as the result of other driver’s errors and actions. Off-road in almost every instance the driver made the decision and judgment that lead to his predicament.

After years of talking with new four-wheel-drive owners, here is my perception of the top 10 fears of newer drivers, and what to do about them.

1. Damage to a New Vehicle
Most of the time, trail damage is mostly cosmetic and includes minor pin-striping and scrapes to bumpers. On occasion an air dam gets torn off or a license plate is bent out of shape. The skid plate will protect the undercarriage if you bottom out. I recommend you add rock sliders on the sides of the vehicle as one of your first upgrades in armor even if you only plan to do forest service roads. The first little dents “hurt” you more than the vehicle. On the bright side, you can now justify an aftermarket bumper.

It is a toss up as to which of these next two is the bigger concern. I picked rolling over as the number 2 concern.

2. Rolling Over
Normally rolling over is another rare issue. What makes good YouTube fodder is the extreme stuff with above-average risk. When it does occur, the driver is often in an extreme situation or driving recklessly. Take your time going through rough terrain and around obstacles. And avoid high risk situations. Perhaps not a comfort to you, if you do make a mistake and “roll over” - most times, the vehicle will only tip over onto a side (what we call a flop). These tend to occur while driving slowly, so damage to the vehicle is limited.

3. Getting Stuck Forever
This rarely happens. Sure, you are going to get stuck sometimes. Your buddies will help you out of a jam. Most stuck situations are what we call shallowly stuck - lightly hung up on a rock or mud just up to the side walls. A quick pull a few feet by another vehicle and you are out. If you go by yourself, a winch will get you out of most situations. Of course you will avoid situations that are right on the edge of being doable. But remember to always go out with at least one other vehicle.

4. Breakdowns
They occur, but the more common issues are resolved with proper training and tools. Remember, too, that you’re likely to be with other drivers. We have covered ways to be prepared for this in other articles. Tires are the number one problem in my opinion. Focus on learning the skills to fix tires (they are not hard) and acquire the necessary tools. Bottom line: a breakdown need not end your four-wheeling trip.

5. Not Knowing Where To Go
The Federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) produces maps that show open trails in western states. Since 2011, they provide “Off-Highway Vehicle Route Supplement” maps by Field Office sub regions. All open trails (with trail numbers) are identified. These maps do not have contour lines or other details and should be used with other maps like the BLM Surface Management Status maps.

All national forests are required to publish a “Motor Vehicle Use Map” (MVUM). The maps are little more than line drawings of the trails with trail numbers. They show the major paved road to help orient you. In California, the California Trail Users Coalition publishes maps with the MVUM over laid on more fully featured maps for $3.00. Obtain several maps so you know where to find legal trails.

Another good resource are trail guides. You can find a list of publishers on my web site www.4x4training.com/trails.html

Look for events that are open to the public. Stop by and introduce yourself. In the process, you’re likely to meet other drivers willing to hit the trails with you.

6. Breaking a Bead
Also called losing a bead, this is common. This concern is warranted but easily mitigated. Four wheelers air down nearly every time they go off road. If you turn too sharp, too fast in soft stuff or against a rock, the deflated tire is likely to lose its bead. The issue sounds worse than it is, though. As you’ll learn in this article, Tire Problems Shouldn’t Deflate Your Day, the problem is easily corrected with an air compressor and jack.

7. Embarrassing Yourself
Understand that everyone has to start sometime. Heck, I can recall some of my boneheaded newbie mistakes. The hope is that your fellow drivers are patient and understanding.

To build your confidence, take some introductory classes. Everyone in the class is in the same position as you, and you’ll learn together. (I offer a number of beginners’ classes.) Bear in mind that making mistakes is a part of your training. Don’t get worked up if, for example, you pick the wrong line. You’ll quickly recover, and you’ll be a smarter four wheeler as a result.

8. Lack of Skill & Knowledge
With all the YouTube videos available of extreme situations, there is a sense that new drivers will be in over their heads. There is no need to jump into high-risk and difficult trails. One trail book I have for Southern California list over 150 trails (representing about 1500 miles). Only 19 of them are rated above a difficulty Level of 4 (out of 10). Most of the trails take you to scenic overlooks, old ghost towns, old mines, and great camp sites. However, you need good clearance and 4-wheel drive to get there. An off-road training clinic will quickly eliminate much of the concern. There are so many trails, and such a wide variety of terrain, that you’ll easily find a path that is enjoyable and surmountable.

9. Going off Camber
Official term for driving when tipped at an angle. As a newbie, being tilted over can be an unnerving experience. Even veteran drivers are uncomfortable driving off camber. Off camber isn’t a real issue until you get up around a 30-degree pitch. You’re not likely to tip over, though, unless you’re traveling fast. Go slow and control the bounce.

In my Getting Started Off-Road Driving & Safety Clinic I put students through a 30-degree pitch. They learn what it feels like and how to respond. They are less likely to freeze up while off road.

A couple tools can help you determine your angle. One is an angle finder carpenter's use, available in any hardware store. Another one, you can find at 4WD stores can be glued to the dash, it shows pitch and yaw.

10. Lack of Immediate Emergency Services
Some 4WD areas are so remote you’re outside the two-hour window that normally defines urgent care response. Worse, you may be outside of cell range, as well.

Some steps include:
- Get basic first aid training. Learn how to stabilize an injured person. Take a basic survival course, too. You may need to camp out one or more nights while waiting for help.

- Pack alternate forms of communication. These can include ham radio (requires a license), a satellite phone and a personal locator beacon or SPOT device.

- Always ride with at least one other vehicle. I can’t stress that enough. Especially while still inexperienced, don’t consider going alone to anything but the easiest trails.

I hope you have a better understanding of how to address four-wheeling issues. The trails await you. Get the training you need, pack your vehicle, and then get out and enjoy the ride.

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Badlands Off-Road Adventure
Off-road trainer Tom Severin shares insight and tips on a variety of topics related to preparing you for that next off-road adventure. With over 40 years of off-road experience, Severin operates under his business Badlands Off-Road Adventures. He is a certified professional 4WD Trainer by the International 4-Wheel Drive Trainers Association and a Wilderness First Responder (WFR). He is a member of the California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs (CA4WDC), United Four Wheel Drive Associations and the BlueRibbon Coalition. He also is a certified UFWDA and a CA4WDC 4WD instructor.

For more information about Badlands Off-Road Adventures, visit 4x4training.com.