Off Road Driving Basics: Fundamental Skills for Trail Driving

Join us for this quick look at basic off road driving skills. This overview covers the fundamental skills and mindset every driver should have when venturing off the beaten path onto some beginner and intermediate level terrain.

The first step to set yourself for success off road is to quickly establish your own capabilities and the capabilities of your vehicle, so that you know what terrain you will be able to drive and for how long without getting stuck, damaging equipment, or blindly getting into dangerous situations. Any off road or overland trip should start with a quick vehicle walkaround / assessment and a mental appraisal of your own skills and preparedness.

Once you have a fundamental understanding of yourself and your vehicle and decide to set off on a trail drive into the backcountry, take a good look at how you are operating the vehicle controls, giving it inputs, feeling and hearing feedback from the tires and suspension, and generally interacting with the piece of machinery that you are relying on to get you to your destination. A proper upright seating position ensures good visibility of the terrain ahead and positive control of the steering. Operating the vehicle in 4WD low range and using the transmission and drive modes properly will allow you to drive very rough terrain smoothly at very low speeds. Applying throttle smoothly helps you maintain traction and avoid excessive bouncing which can lead to unnecessary vehicle damage, driver fatigue, damaged cargo, and frustrated passengers.

With the proper techniques and mindset behind the wheel, the next things to worry about are the variety of terrain features that you are likely to encounter while on an off road or overland excursion. The first factor to get used to is that there will be much steeper slopes than on any paved or engineered roads, meaning you'll be driving steep uphills, downhills, and potentially across side tilts. Uphills should be driven at a crawling speed when possible, but may require some momentum and the use of higher gears to ascend successfully. Steep descents require the use of low gears to take advantage of engine braking and facilitate smooth and safe descents. Some brake pressure may also be used on descents when appropriate. Driving across side tilts requires very slow travel, smooth inputs, and the driver must be prepared to turn downhill and accelerate if the vehicle starts to roll.

Many other terrain features exist off road and will vary greatly depending on the region and season you are operating in. The most common off road features globally include ruts, bumps and/or holes that cause articulation of the suspension, ditch and log crossings, and many more. How to tackle these features properly? You'll have to watch the video to find out. Thanks for being a part of TrailCraft and we hope to see you here for a course and in future videos.

[gottabweird]

I've seen people be a year behind with their dates but a year ahead is a new one for me.

[Pamela_PNW]

These videos are exactly what I have been looking for, thank you! I was out on a group run yesterday and asking about how do I learn/develop my driving skills and one of the members sent this to me :)

[EngineAdventures]

Great video for beginners and I agree with most all of it! The one thing I would change is that there are a lot of times being in the ruts is the best option. You briefly mentioned this but also said multiple times to never drive in the ruts. On steep slick climbs the ruts will keep you from sliding sideways and getting into a really bad spot. I also love that you mentioned to tread lightly, a lot of off-roaders excessively damage trails and the areas surrounding them. I love all the team O'Neil content and have learned a lot from it! I'm excited for what TrailCraft has to offer! Thanks for the great content!

[stufuller]

I am super excited I found you guys. I'm in the process of building up my 06 Tacoma for overlanding, and this class will be perfect to learn the basics. Can't Wait!

[BogCritter]

Excellent Tips! Great Video!
Just got myself a 2018 2dr Wrangler in Punkn! The normal work commute is over Mann’s Hill to the Coop but the main reason for choosing a Jeep is traversing into some backcountry for big whitetail tracks.
Hopefully I’ll get a chance to get in one of your courses sometime.

[atypicalmotorcycle]

30+ years off road, and I just learned 3 things!

[ronenizem]

Thank you so much for great lessons such these, caught me exactly at the right time

[MatthewHeiskell]

This is great! Maybe you could walk beside a vehicle and give the driver commands to show good/bad techniques.

[danielminchev]

Congratulations on the new channel. I wish all the best. Great content as always.

[off-roadingexplained]

It's actually the case that the contact patch is better for independent suspension, especially double wishbone.

This is true on surfaces of different heights as well as in turns. In turns, independent suspension "gains camber" .. it sounds backwards but that's how it is said... the camber goes negative .. what this does is pulls the tread back towards the surface when the side wall has flexed and the tread folds in towards the center of the car. ... the negative camber under load puts the tread back on the road.

Independent suspension also resists bump steer.

independent suspension is also immune to torque lifting.

The main trade off is *usually* less flex although sometimes it's not bad.

I have a factory locker in the rear and it's IRS. I agree that you should not use it unless you need it and I try not to use mine on any turns in order to avoid scrubbing.

BLD works so well ... you really don't need the locker unless you get stuck or unless you're sure you have a wheel off the ground want to be sure you will keep good control.

[michaelhulsey]

Love this video! Wish New Hampshire wasn't such a trek away! I'd love to come learn. Might have to do some more local things first though....but I live on the gulf coast!!! LOL

[asifadeni]

Wow really a great video > Thanks a lot

[danoesq]

I initially learned one foot driving especially driving clutch vehicles back in the day, but after I while I learned two foot which is much better. It takes a while to get used to and not ride the brakes, but it makes a big difference hitting the brakes faster. There's also studies out there where it's been proven better, but it takes time and practice until it's engraved in your brain.

[voxnihili]

Wanting to start off road my geo metro

[johnmadsen]

What’s the best line to go over gravestones?

[johnventers]

Hi there folks.
Im looking for some advice.
When driving in slick/sloppy conditions i seem to be geeting an understreer condition.

As far as i know ive not lot slip diffs or anything.

Anybody have any ideas or potential ideas for cures?

My temptation is to bung a lsd up front and see uf that helps.

[overlandready]

Doesn't matter the terrain, never put the tubs in the wheel centre, just don't even with PAS it sticll will have situations that you will have a high possibility of breaking your thumbs! Nearly done it in simple rutted suftish mud and a hidden log, so unless you know exactly what is under the wheels and you know nothing will bite back (so you need to know whats under what the wheels are going over ie anything physically hidden) then go for you life with broken thumbs...

[StupidEarthlings]

I actually have no idea why im watching this. Been off road for years.. and yet, here I am..🤔

[philhealey]

Search out the Land Rover training films from the 1980s and 90s and also British Army driver training for Defenders. Loads more footage of good and bad practices.

[xGREENxWOMANx]

i am a woman so therefore i can do an egoless assessment of my self and vehicle 💫