After probably the worst (weather wise) May EVER here in the Mid-Atlantic, we were itching to give ourselves a break from work and a never-ending list of home improvement projects, and also to get out and stretch the 4Runner, which lately has been relegated to Home Depot runs and commuter duty (sad face). The weather finally cooperated over Memorial Day weekend - we were able … [Read more...]
Learning from a 4×4 Master: Bill Burke
For as much off-roading as Alex and I have done, we still have a ton to learn. That was no more obvious than when we spent a few days with renowned 4WD trainer Bill Burke last month. You see, Bill has easily forgotten twice as much about off-road driving as I've learned over the past 6 years. As (among other things) a Camel Trophy Veteran, trainer to enthusiasts, government … [Read more...]
2017 Ford Raptor: Pushing the Envelope
Back in 2010, the first generation Ford Raptor came out of nowhere and instantly became an off-road icon with impressive performance credentials from the factory. While that original Raptor continues to be extremely popular, Ford has pushed the envelope even farther with the second generation 2017 Raptor, which is likely to go on sale in the fall of 2016. Based on what we know … [Read more...]
Left Foot Braking: why and when to use it
Unless you daily drive a cab-over dump truck, I doubt many of you reading DirtRoadTrip use your left foot to brake your vehicle. That doesn't mean that there isn't a time and place to do it. In off-road driving there are situations while navigating obstacles in 4-low where using left foot braking techniques can actually help you maintain better control of your acceleration, … [Read more...]
You’ve Got a Fridge in your Truck?
There's no place for warm beer and wet sandwiches in any backcountry adventure of mine. For that reason, very early in my 4x4 modifying days I set about making sure I'd never the the victim of such calamity - by installing a refrigerator in my 4Runner. Since the summer of 2011 a 50 QT ARB Fridge/Freezer has accompanied me on every camping adventure, tailgating escapade, and … [Read more...]
