Lets start with the basics....

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dtt255

dtt255

Joined
Oct 30, 2007
Threads
148
Messages
2,022
Location
Southern California
Ok, I am new to 4x4'ing and need some basic advice when I venture off the road.

I am noticing that my confidence on being able to ride over anything otherwise then pavement is a little skewed.

When I am on a sand trail and I would like to go off that trail and there is a downward grade coming off the the trail, how do I know when it is too much of a decline?

Or when I want to climb a hill, how do I judge what is too much of an incline?

I am realizing that going down a decline straight on versus at a sideways angle is VERY different!

I am realizing that I have an off road vehicle, not a dune buggy. On a trail that is already driven several times, I can go faster, but on a non-traveled road, it is best to take it nice and steady.

How do I know when there is to much sand for me to actually drive in?

I know 4 hi and low is not the same as 'I can get out of anything!'

So I any newbie advise you can give, would be great.
 
If I wanted only to be on pavement, I would have gotten a bmw 7 series.
 
I'm just saying if you wanted to learn how to off-road and enjoy yourself, you should have gotten an older cruiser for about $55,000 less than what you paid for the 200 series. That way, if you do go down a hill, like you stated above, and things got hairy you wouldn't flip or roll down the hill and be really upset later on that you just wasted $65,000.

That said, from what I have heard, this truck drives itself off road! You don't have to do a thing! You can sit back, drink the double latte, no-fat skim milk latte, and watch nature go right by you!

You don't need to learn a thing. Just take the cruiser to your nearest mudpit and drive as fast as you can right into it! It'll look really cool!

;) ;p
 
hks3sgte said:
I think he asked a good question. Sucks that mud just talks s*** instead.
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I think it is pretty obvious that I am joking and being slightly sarcastic in my posts above. :idea:

The whole "how to 4x4" is all over this website. The philosophy doesn't change very much from one series to another. The "Search" feature works really well for this.

Another thread doesn't have to be started unless we start talking about the technical aspects about how to use the "4x4 on its own" button which I think would then merit its own thread since the concept is rather new to most of us.

Cheers.
-o-
 
You're just gonna have to feel the truck out for yourself. Start on some logging roads till you get stuck then you will have found one limit and go on from there. does the 2008 have selectable lockers?
 
Ok, Let me clear this up a little bit. I am not some kid who wants to impress a girl by going over a curb or two.

I know the truck can pretty much drive itself, but I don't want to be driven....I want to drive myself.

Purchasing a cheaper LC could have been an option, but I don't see any reason why I have to rough it inside the vehicle when I am driving in the rough outside.

The car is going to get dinged, scratched and dented. Whether by me or someone else...why not by me and mother nature. Don't get me wrong, I am not going to start a demolition derby or anything.

Weren't all LC's new at one point? I just look at myself as a pioneer....taking the 2008 out in the rough for the first time.

I am wanting to see the area around my home that is not paved.

The reason I am asking these questions is because I am trying to get some insight on people who have driven primarily in sand.

That is the reason for these questions.
 
dtt255 said:
Ok, Let me clear this up a little bit. I am not some kid who wants to impress a girl by going over a curb or two.

I know the truck can pretty much drive itself, but I don't want to be driven....I want to drive myself.

Purchasing a cheaper LC could have been an option, but I don't see any reason why I have to rough it inside the vehicle when I am driving in the rough outside.

The car is going to get dinged, scratched and dented. Whether by me or someone else...why not by me and mother nature. Don't get me wrong, I am not going to start a demolition derby or anything.

Weren't all LC's new at one point? I just look at myself as a pioneer....taking the 2008 out in the rough for the first time.

I am wanting to see the area around my home that is not paved.

The reason I am asking these questions is because I am trying to get some insight on people who have driven primarily in sand.

That is the reason for these questions.
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I can't wait to see pics of your first scratches and dents!

Driving on sand: air down and enjoy.

-o-
 
beno said:
I can't wait to see pics of your first scratches and dents!

Driving on sand: air down and enjoy.

-o-
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Let's back up here, I am not saying I am WANTING dents and scratches :grinpimp:
 
JEEZ guys, he asked a innocent and intelligent question. He didn't ask you guys to make his decisions on what to buy.

Wheeling in the sand, your gonna need the skinny pedal, the high gear ratio, your right foot and that monster you have under the hood. Airing down your tires for sand cruising will help you keep afloat on the sand. When going uphill, momentum momentum momentum. Start off fast, finish slow. Unless you know whats on the other side of the hill, cuz if you start of slow or even slow down on a hill climb, your going to lose momentum and get stuck and have to reverse, depending on the incline and terrain.

Going up and down hill, always straight up or straight down. Anything thats like a wall, thats what you don't climb lol. Crawl control is your best friend for up and down hill wich require little momentum. When going through mud, make sure you dont vary your speeds. Slower or slowing down in deep mud will get you stuck. Even if you have to rev it up to get through it.

Also, if your going to climb something like a boulder or some sort of object like a big curb or something, you go sideways. Sideways means you wont scrape the chin and booty of your vehicle... much... depending on what your going up on and then you straighten up.

Caution, skinny pedal is your friend and your enemy. If you have a tire spining with too much gas and you suddenly catch traction, your very likey to bust your differential. No matter what 4x4 you have, it can happen.

Common sense, a buddy and or a buddy and his 4x4 and safety. If you take it easy, your rig will last forever with no or few broken parts. If your just gassing it all day driving fast on beatin trails, just like any other 4x4, its gonna break.
 
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dtt255 said:
Ok, Let me clear this up a little bit. I am not some kid who wants to impress a girl by going over a curb or two.

I know the truck can pretty much drive itself, but I don't want to be driven....I want to drive myself.

Purchasing a cheaper LC could have been an option, but I don't see any reason why I have to rough it inside the vehicle when I am driving in the rough outside.

The car is going to get dinged, scratched and dented. Whether by me or someone else...why not by me and mother nature. Don't get me wrong, I am not going to start a demolition derby or anything.

Weren't all LC's new at one point? I just look at myself as a pioneer....taking the 2008 out in the rough for the first time.

I am wanting to see the area around my home that is not paved.

The reason I am asking these questions is because I am trying to get some insight on people who have driven primarily in sand.

That is the reason for these questions.
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YOU HAVE A GREAT ATTITUDE! I'm sure a lot of people on this forum

would really appreciate taking a 200 off-road! Must feel good

knowing you fully intend to utilize that awesome 200 for its

intended purpose..really seems as though you appreciate the things

you have..Hats off to you!
 
Well said, why does it have to be an old model to enjoy it:D

Driving in sand can be hard work, I have crossed the Simpson Desert here in Australia twice and soon again in June. The hard work is pumping the tyres up and down over a long trip. I run about 16PSI to 18PSI on the soft sand and for the sand dunes, once I hit the hard stuff I pump them back up. This goes on for a couple of days :)

I cant comment as I dont know where you want to go (and the fact that I dont live anywhere near you:) )

You will find reading will help and try to take someone with you that has previous experience, particulary in the area you want to go to. You will pick up most of it as you go, bit like water skiing for the first time, a bit of advice and the rest is up to you and once you have done it you never forget.

Sorry I know I was not much help
 
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dtt255 said:
So I any newbie advise you can give, would be great.
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Let's go out and drive!:bounce2::bounce:
Seriously, that is the only way it makes any sense. There are some fundamentals but, for me, none of it made any real sense until I went out w/ some Cruiserheads and learned.

I think you will be really impressed w/ the capabilities of your truck and yourself!
A quick day run would be fun, you can test all your new electronic traction devices in a safe, controlled manner and generally enjoy some offroading.

I will suggest Rowher, Sierra Pelona trail. It's easy, safe and there are optionals that you can test if you want to go harder but if you were with me, I wouldn't let you go anywhere where you risk damage. Better wanting more than going in over your head.
I think Azusa Cyn is closed due to fires... it's not very fun there anyway. just watch the yahoo's bury themselves in the mud.
Big Bear is good but fires put paid to that...

In general, speed is not your friend. It breaks things.
You have it pretty good w/ long wb wagon and crawl mode and atrac. it's going to be stable.
Really, learning how to drive and read what a spotter tells you- knowing where the corners of your vehicle are- those will keep you out of the bodyshop.

-keep your thumbs out of the middle of steering wheel.
-turn slowly.
-drive over the high spots- put your tires on the high spots of the trail
-air down for better traction, comfort and ease on your suspension
-if you are stumped, confused or intimidated- stop, get out and asses the situation.
-Never let anyone pressure you to do something you don't want or feel can't do.

have fun, tho just keep your head. :)

my suggestion is to go on a easy group run or with some other trucks... people that want to have a nice time, not see a new truck get jacked up.

some reading too
http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/minisite/fjbulletin/index.html

go to section2 articles - some good general info there
 
Wow...thanks for the advise everyone. This is exactly what I was looking for.

I see alot of people suggestioning lowering and raising tire pressure. Can someone suggest a good, durable and easy to use pump that I can put in the back of the truck and take out when needed.

I don't have a clue about brands etc.

Can someone suggest one?

I spoke to ARB the other day. They said it would be months before they even have concepts for the 2008.. I will have to wait my time before I do anything that is too risky. Should be a good way for me to learn the basics first. :)
 
dtt255 said:
Wow...thanks for the advise everyone. This is exactly what I was looking for.

I see alot of people suggestioning lowering and raising tire pressure. Can someone suggest a good, durable and easy to use pump that I can put in the back of the truck and take out when needed.

I don't have a clue about brands etc.

Can someone suggest one?

I spoke to ARB the other day. They said it would be months before they even have concepts for the 2008.. I will have to wait my time before I do anything that is too risky. Should be a good way for me to learn the basics first. :)
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VIAIR 400 Series "Portable" Air Compressor
I got one of these to move between my two trucks. Pretty nice compressor. Fills in 2-3 minutes per tire.

Welcome!
 
sure, just make sure the wattage draw off your craftsman is not over the rating on the inverter so you don't blow a fuse.

I know some guys use a portable costco compressor w/ good results- just a tad slow but no biggie at all.
 
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