So...I’m aware this thing isn’t a keep or anything but my brother takes his Xterra on these off road trails and always wants me to go.

the trails aren’t anything crazy, he said people usually go slow and there are a few spots where you have to watch the underneath...but 95 percent of it is just hard packed dirt and some rocks...I know a Subaru Crosstrek has done the same trail without bottoming out or anything.

anyways, for the guys that hit trails like that, do you keep it in 4H the whole time, lock the rear, only do one of those of you need to, or????!

ive got the FX4 so it’s got a tiny bit of protection underneath, a leveling kit, Wildpeak AT3, 373 gears, and a locking rear.

just looking for a few pointers when I join him in spring.

 

When spring arrives, ask him what setting he's using when he gets on the trail. Then do the same and follow him.

4x4 as needed. e-locler as needed. If your on a flatish trail that you aren't crawling over things, no need for a 4x4, perhaps. Just engage as the trail permits.
And if you approach something that looks like 4x4 is needed, switch to 4x4 BEFORE you need it.

Make sure your brother understands that your truck is wider, and required a larger turning radius and that you aren't interested in pinstriping your truck because the F150 doesn't fit and maneuver as well as the XTerra.

 

90% of the time I am in 2wd. If it looks like I am possibly going to get stuck in 2wd I may switch to 4wd before attempting the obstacle if I don't think I can just switch and then continue on (like I'd have to back down to switch to 4wd then try again....I don't want to back down crap..it gets scary). I use the e-locker the least TBH. That again goes to type of terrain. Do you need both wheels to spin at the same time all the time (deeper mud) or do you need one to stop when it starts slipping while the other pulls you forward.

Honestly, there are plenty of youtube videos and how to articles online. Watch them, especially the ones where people do stupid things and get stuck so you know not to do those same things.

 

From your description, I'd say you are not likely to ever use 4Lo or the locker on those roads, and it's quite possible that a 2WD truck could do it. "jdunk" mentioned using 2WD most of the time, and that would be a good way to learn the limits of when you actually need 4WD. But, IMO, that would be to learn the traction limits of 2WD. Once you have a good understanding of the limits, I recommend leaving it in 4Hi as soon as you leave the pavement. You will have slightly better control all the time, and use less fuel on lower traction surfaces like loose sand/gravel or wet dirt roads, even when not too muddy. Do NOT use 4WD on dry pavement.

 

This is mostly a skill learned by experience. Hard to give meaningful advice online. I recommend going with a more experienced driver at 1st. On anything the least bit challenging you need multiple vehicles anyway in case someone needs help. This sounds more like a dirt road rather than true off road driving. But due to weather conditions even those can have spots that can be challenging.

 

yeah, realized that after watching a few videos.

I’ll just leave it in 2 and switch if needed...plenty of room to back up and try again

 

Careful with this, that is a quick way to get stuck or get into some serious trouble. The whole I'll just back up and try again is good to say, very hard if not impossible to do quite a bit. In other words, don't count on that as a strategy. Even with my Polaris rzr which is way more capable off road, it isn't possible to back up and try again more often than it is.

If an obstacle looks like we could get stuck or could be semi dangerous, we scout it, plan it, try it, and make it. If we decide we can't make it, we don't even try. A lot of that comes from experience in knowing the limits of whatever machine you are using. I wouldn't even attempt most of the things with my truck that I do with my rzr.

 

I almost always run in 4 high offroad. Even on just gravel roads. It draws power equally front and back and makes for a much smoother ride in the washboards. Keeps the back end from bouncing around as much. You can feel it in the sharp turns, but it's not going to do any damage unless you are on slickrock or pavement.

From there you'll know if you need the locker when one wheel or another starts shooting out roller rocks or spinning. It takes some pretty epic angles with good tires to require the locker. With my 3.5, I never need 4 low for going uphill. Just always have more power than traction. I use it a lot on the downhills to help keep off the brakes the whole time though.

If you go to the off road screen you'll be able to see when it starts to get in the realm. 15 deg and you'll be paying attention. At 18 to 20 you'll start getting some wheel spin and may want the locker to crawl with. About 22 deg on my scab unloaded is where I start needing momentum to crawl up. That's where I need to come into the pitch with some speed to keep it from bouncing around as the rocks roll out from under the tires. Pretty sure these things will go up 25 to almost 30 deg if the ground were solid and stuck together. At those angles the gravel and rocks will be roosting if it's not solid.

Remember to try to keep your body relaxed. To you it will feel like you're in an unlimited rock crawler trying to climb a vertical wall the first time out. It's awesome and you'll know you're living. The very reason some of us love to go explore. Shake out your arms and breath. Changes your outlook on the more technical sections.

Just my $0.02

Cheers, Pete

 

I always use the bare minimum that I can get away with. Start out in 4x2 and go from there. 4x2 Can get you 90% of the places you need to go off road, it’s better fuel economy (which is important when your far from gas stations) and easier on the equipment which equals longevity and reliably when actually needed.

If I am alone my philosophy is to use the bare minimum that way you always have a Ace up your sleeve. If you get stuck in 4x2 then you have another level to go with 4x4 hi then rear locker then low with rear locker or whatever combination the situation calls for, this is solo without a winch. Solo with a winch then you can take more risks. In a group with a winch(s) then its usually a matter of how much money you want to spend (ie take more risks, do ballsy things and risk breaking ****, you don't want to break **** solo).

On slick winter snow covered trails I am usually in 4hi the whole time, then I keep the locker and 4L as backup.

Long story short: its alot of fun, but you'll never really learn from a bunch of people on the net. The best way to learn is to get out there with experienced folks and have fun. Or even take a off road course.

You can also watch youtube channels such as 4wheel drive 24/7 or expedition overland. Two of the few I watch.

 

On anything but very hard packed gravel roads, you use less fuel in 4 Hi. If it's loose at all, you use less fuel and do less damage to the trail in 4wd. Driving in 2wd on the trail is bad etiquette, and widely frowned upon.