A good friend of ours,Tom Severin, from Badlands Off Road Adventures, Inc. writes a twice monthly newsletter that is packed full of information. We'd like to share with you some of his widom.

Tom is a 4x4 Coach, he teaches 4WD owners how to confidently and safely use their vehicles to the fullest extent in difficult terrain and adverse driving  conditions. Visit www.4x4training.com to develop or improve  your driving skill.

Tom Severin, President
Badlands Off Road Adventures, Inc
4-Wheel Drive School
310-374-8047

With the snow we’ve been getting in the mountains lately, a lot of four-wheelers are itching to fire up their vehicles and go plowing through the white stuff. Whether over Cajon Pass, through Big Bear area, or just to Grandma’s house, driving off road in snow is a lot of fun. Winter driving offers its own set of challenges; the following tips will help ensure your trip is a pleasant one.

As with all four-wheeling, remember the buddy system. That is, always go out with at least one other vehicle. It’s fairly easy to get stuck in snow, and the cold just compounds any difficulties you may experience. More on that later.

Make sure you pack survival gear along with food and water. Remember that it gets dark early this time of year, and storms can hit in a hurry. Check the forecast before leaving. You don’t want to get caught in the mountains during a blizzard. Also, cold weather reduces the output of your battery. Replace it if it’s more than five years old. Consider installing a dual battery system as well. That way you’ll have a back up, as well as a source of power in case you need to use the winch.

Pack your vehicle accordingly. The basics include a snow shovel, air jack and tire chains, if you have them. Brightly colored equipment is really useful in a snowy environment. An ice scraper/window brush and recovery equipment are a must, also. You’ll want some communications equipment, as well. Pack ham radio gear if you have it. If not, consider getting licensed. The exam isn’t that difficult and gear is reasonably priced. If you don’t care to go that route, look into a satellite phone. Cell phones rarely work in the outback, so don’t count on one.

Make sure your headlights, tail lights, fog lamps, and license plate are clear of snow. As the old saying goes, you want to see and be seen.

Upon arriving, spend a few moments surveying the trail and surrounding terrain. One of the biggest problems with snow is that it covers ruts, ditches, and rocks. If you’ve driven the trail before, try to recall where the rough spots are, and avoid them. Don’t try to drive over them, as you risk getting stuck or damaging your vehicle.

Chains are great for driving in snow. They give you better traction and braking all around, and better steering up front. If you have just one set, place them on the back. Chains up front allow you to chew through deep snow, but the added braking capability could cause fish tailing. This happens a lot while going downhill on a slippery slope.

Air down your tires to a standard off-road level. For a 31-in. tire, that would be in the 18 to 15 psi range. Start off in single file as you normally do. The lead vehicle will blaze the trail, but often becomes stuck. Plus, the underbody usually gets packed with snow, so the vehicle doesn’t run well. Be prepared to pull out that vehicle, but also rotate the vehicles to keep a “fresh” vehicle in the lead at all times.

If you get stuck, try rocking the vehicle. You can usually gain a few inches each time, which often is enough to get you onto better ground. Avoid spinning the tires if possible. That just melts the snow underneath, which quickly freezes. Then you’re in worse shape than when you started.

If you’re still unable to drive out, use a recovery strap to pull your vehicle out. But be careful: The strap is under tremendous stress. Make sure no one is standing between either vehicle. If that strap breaks, it’ll crack the person in the head, and your trip is over. A Pull Pal® also works well in these situations.

Remember to drive slowly. As mentioned above, snow covers all blemishes in the trail. If the snow is firm enough you may actually drive on top. But more likely, you’ll cut through, and expose your vehicle to rocks and other hazards below.

Even with chains, your vehicle behaves quite differently in snow. Stopping and cornering are more difficult and braking distances are greater. Drive slower than normal and keep a safe distance between the vehicles. 4WD doesn’t offer any better braking than 2WD, despite what you may think. If you find yourself sliding one way, turn with it, but also apply some power and stay off the brakes. The 4WD traction will help pull you out of it.

Use gentle acceleration whenever climbing a hill. Quick acceleration can cause the tires to spin, which results in an icy trail. Speaking of hills, assess the trail before descending, and make sure it’s safe to drive. Can you get back up if you had to? If not, and that’s the only way out, take a different route.

Here’s hoping your next romp through the snow is a safe and enjoyable one.

Engine oil, transmission oil, gear oil, brake fluid and radiator fluid can have a devastating effect on the environment and wildlife. Radiator fluid is particularly hazardous, as its sweet taste makes it attractive to mammals. Worse, it doesn't take much to kill. One teaspoon of ethanol glycol will kill a cat; three tablespoons will put down a dog. I highly recommend you switch to a propylene-based radiator fluid like Sierra brand. If by chance you spill some and don't get it cleaned up thoroughly, there's less of a risk to native animals.

As with any exercise, planning and preparation are key. Essential clean-up items include a plastic container with a tight lid (Tupperware products work nicely), kitty litter, paper towels or rags, and a shovel. You probably already have paper or plastic cups in your vehicle. If not, grab some. High-tech absorbents and wipes are available for large oil spill situations and to wipe down rocks surfaces. You may want to pick up some to help with those problems.

If you choose to build a spill kit, I highly recommend you include kitty litter. It is one of the most absorbent materials around. NewPig (www.newpig.com ) offers a variety of useful materials as well as complete spill kits.

Before dealing with any spill or leak, make sure that the vehicle is secure and that all passengers are safe.

First, catch any dripping liquid in a plastic container. Use a cup to scoop up pools of liquid. If need be, dam up the area to keep the spill from spreading. Use special absorbent rolls like the Pig Blue Socks, or build a mini earthen dike around the spill.

Next, spread kitty litter or other absorbent material to soak up the spill. Paper towels, rags, diapers, even a t-shirt or sweat shirt will do in an emergency.

You should also pack absorbents and wipes designed for oil spills. Two others that are particularly effective are PeatSorb (http://www.peatsorb.com/  ) and Oil-Dri (http://ww.oildri.com/indusauto/index.html). You may find these products locally, but look for a retailer who breaks down the bulk quantities and offers these materials in smaller units. You'll save money by buying larger quantities and breaking them down for yourself and friends into individual spill kits. (I can add other vendors to this list on my Web site. Send me the details about companies you are familiar with or discover locally who provide spill kits.)

PeatSorb is ideal because it is very effective on grease and oil spots (even on rock), and it is naturally decomposing.

Everything is hauled out. Proper clean up means that the spilled liquid and contaminated soils are removed for proper disposal. All material and soil should be collected in plastic bags; double-bag, if possible. Place the bags on the rubber floor mats in case there's a leak. Gear oil, in particular, leaves a nasty smell in your carpet that is very difficult to remove. Remember to wipe down rocks with the proper absorbent pads available from PeatSorb and Oil-Dri.

Make sure the lid is secure on your container(s). You don't want the fluids and kitty litter spilling all over the inside of your vehicle.

When you get home, dispose of the mess in the proper manner. Call your local authorities if you have any questions about how to handle this material. You may be able to use PeatSorb-treated soil. The manufacturer claims that the soil is safe to use for planting in three weeks.

Toxic spills are a potential with off-road driving. Quick action on your part, using ordinary household products, will ensure you leave the area as you found it.

Copyright 2008, Badlands Off-Road Adventures, Inc.

We Californians are becoming acclimated to disaster  planning. We have to. We live under the threat of an earthquake 24 hours a  day. A major disaster can strike anywhere, however, so it pays to be prepared  - With so much to consider and so many possible scenarios, where do you  begin?

 It’s actually a lot simpler than you think if you use what I call the layering  method. Each “layer” represents something that can hold survival tools,  equipment, and supplies. The nature of the layer determines what you are able  to access in an emergency.

First, let’s review the basic 10 survival items.

They include:
    1      Matches/fire  starter
    2      Knife
    3      Flashlight
    4      Map
    5      Compass
    6      Whistle
    7      Water
    8      First  Aid Kit
    9      Extra  Food
    10      Extra  Clothing
    11      Toilet  Paper( maybe the 11th essential!)

These basic items come from some general categories.  So when presented with the opportunity to go beyond the basics, use these  categories to help you think about your emergency tools and supply needs.

Categories:
    1      Communications
    2      Signaling
    3      Shelter
    4      Safety
    5      Food/water
    6      Clothing
    7      Navigation
    8      Waste  disposal
    9      Entertainment

Now you can begin the layering process. In each case  you’ll want to include as many of the basic survival items as you can. Space  permitting, you may heavy up in certain items.

 The outermost layer is your location during the day and at night. Chances are  you are at work, in a school, or at home. Consider which of the basic  survival items you can reasonably obtain and have available. This layer offers the most amount of room, so feel free to load up in each category,  such as food/water, clothing, and shelter (such as a tent and sleeping bags).  You should also consider purchasing a chain saw, generator, and, if you don’t  have one already, a portable stove or other cooking utensil.

The next layer is your primary vehicle, which should carry you for three to  five days. You have a fair amount of room for extra clothing, water and food,  as well items for shelter. A compact tent and sleeping bag are ideal. You  also have room for extra important electronics, such as communications  equipment (CB radio, amateur radio gear, satellite phone), a GPS receiver,  and extra battery packs if possible. (Check them periodically to make sure  they’re charged.). Electronic gadgets are fine as long as you account for the  batteries. I also like to include some books, magazines, and other reading  material to help get through extended lulls. Once you have attended to any  injuries, you mental status will be the most important factor in your  survival.

 If you need to abandon your vehicle, you’ll reach for your next layer, a go  bag. Often just a gym bag or backpack, the go bag can’t carry as much, so you  need to be smart about packing. Try to account for most of the categories,  but adapt for the smaller space. For example, your shelter may be an Xscape  Safe™ Blanket. Food may consist of energy bars and a few other dried items.  Avoid salty food if you can, as that will only make you thirsty. If you can’t  pack a water bottle, consider a baggie to carry food or water you may find.

 Think of your laptop case, briefcase, or purse as a mini Go bag. Make sure to  stock it with the basic ten items. You are likely to have one of these  wherever you go.

 The next layer is your outerwear. If you lose your go bag, you’ll need some basic supplies to get you through the day. Whether you typically wear a business overcoat or a leisure jacket, you’ll have a number of pockets at your  disposal. Put them to good use.

 Matches (either the waterproof kind or a book inside a waterproof container)  are a must. Other important items include a penlight, compass, whistle,  bandages, and candy bars. You probably carry your cell phone anyway, but if  not, be prepared to grab that.

 Your clothing represents the final—that is, innermost—layer. At a minimum,  make sure you carry what I consider the top three items: matches, flashlight,  and a knife. How much you carry, of course, depends on what type of clothing  you typically wear. Cargo pants offer lots of pockets that can be packed with  important items.

 Review the categories above, and be creative. Signaling, for example, can be  done with a small mirror, a money clip, or even a belt buckle. You’ll also  have room for some bandages and handi-wipes; keep some with you at all times.

 No one likes to think about disasters, but unfortunately they are a part of  our lives. This layering process will help you and your family to prepare  should a major incident occur. Use the layering process whenever you enjoy  the outdoors as well!

Copyright 2008, Badlands Off-Road Adventures, Inc.