FJ Cruisers of Northern California

Getting Started Off Road

Hi All,

I'm Michael, and am new to this site as well as to off roading. I purchased an FJ Cruiser in late 2009 but have never really done any off roading with it, accept on some dirt roads near my home, so I have some questions:

1) What's the best way to start learning how to go off road? I know, the best way to learn is by doing~but what are some good tracks for beginners? Are there any pointers for newby's? Any good material re the various instruments and stuff on my FJ (the owners manual is somewhat vague)?

2) What modifications are essential, if any, to go off road? I don't have a huge budget to do lots of modifications but know some may be necessary.

3) I'm in need of new tires. Any recommendations? I'm considering BF Goodrich All Terrain or Rough Terrain.

Thanks for your help.

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Permalink Reply by Estysalinas on January 19, 2011 at 3:16pm

Hi Michael! Welcome to the forum and the madness that can ensue! :-) You made a good choice in purchasing an FJ Cruiser, it is one of the most capable vehicles that you can purchase from a dealer lot!!!

To get to your questions:

1) Read, Ask, Explore - There is a ton of information online and some great books as well. Since you are looking to explore some trails around the area i would recommend "Backcountry Adventures Northern California: The Ultimate Guide to the Backcountry for Anyone with a Sport Utility Vehicle" (available on amazon). It will give you a primer on off-road vehicles and has a bunch of great trails with difficulty rating. You can start at the easiest ones and work you way up as you become more comfortable with your off road abilities. As far as specific information on the FJ and operations there is are some great posts in the blue room (www.fjcruiserforums.com) that will explain all of the button and when you should and should not use them.

We often post trail runs on this forum and are generally happy to help and inform newer members :-). When spring hits and the snow begins to clear you should come out and meet/talk with folks. Even before then we have social events that you can attend...these include "mod" days where we help others install modification to their FJs

2). ZOMG MODS!!!! Modifications to your vehicle will keep your brain occupied indefinitely. Even as I write this note I have to fight back my urge to start thing of additional mods i have planned for my FJ! You will here different things from different folks on mods. If i had a very limited budget I would purchase some decent recovery gear (Shackles, Hi-Lift, straps, gloves, flashlight, shovel, etc) and some rock rails. You will quickly learn that getting stuck is part of owning a off road vehicle. Having said that you should be prepared for self extraction. If you can't get your self out you will be more likely to have someone help pull you out when you have all of your own gear (strap and shackles). Nobody likes getting their own gear dirty :-P.

After that it really depends on what your vision is for your FJ! I went with skid plates and a lift, then tires. Again..to each his own on that though :-) just don't buy a fridge before you buy a winch...heard a story about that once!

3. Tires aye! Again tires are very personal! (was gonna use another word for a pun...but alas I am at work!)...so a lot of people go for a good AT tire (BFG AT is a great tire!) as it balances on and off road performance. You can go more extreme with something like an MT (Mud Terrain) tire but you sacrifice on road performance, tire life (potentially), and you have to deal with the hum on the freeway (I just turn up the radio louder).

Good luck! Ask Questions...join us for a beer or better yet a run!

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Permalink Reply by Bozly on January 19, 2011 at 3:16pm

Hey Michael

Best way to learn is to come out and follow either me or BZ, we're about the most conservative drivers of the group and you could learn a lot real quick.

As far as mods, better to over than under do, remember, bigger is always better!!!

But really, come on out on some runs to Hollister or the like and you'll learn a lot just watching listening and doing. And you'll be surprised what the FJ will do stock.

Welcome and get out and have some fun with you new all terrain sport vehicle.

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Permalink Reply by Estysalinas on January 19, 2011 at 3:19pm

"we're about the most conservative drivers of the group" muhahahahah ....I wouldn't be able to keep up with you guys if there was a paved road next to the trail and I had a Ferrari!

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Permalink Reply by Bozly on January 19, 2011 at 3:23pm

Oh come on Esty, haven't you ever heard the term "more skinny pedal"?

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Permalink Reply by Estysalinas on January 19, 2011 at 3:24pm

:-D I think there was a myth busters about this...they proved that going faster off road actually gave you a smoother ride!

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Permalink Reply by TOE 4X4 on January 19, 2011 at 4:32pm

I hear you. These are 2 guys you need to steer clear of (just kidding)

Checkout when there are trail runs and install days. Great to learn about your truck, what it can do and to meet people.

Welcome to the group.

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Permalink Reply by Bz on January 19, 2011 at 3:31pm

Muahahahahahahahaha Sounds good Boz!!! But seriously, if you want to learn more come meet up with us at a Beer Meet and we will tell you all about the FJ and what you can/should do to it... and I would be happy to have a newbie day in Hollister soon