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 MoHillFJ on January 23, 2011 at 2:26pm

Thx CV...good advise. I found four new BFG AT's and had them put on yesterday so I'm good to go for tires now; and I plan on buying recovery gear this week too. I've decided, after reading all the input here, though, to wait on any mods until I've gone out a few times.

A ham license is new to me. Sounds interesting and better than a CB.

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Permalink Reply by CV Kurt on January 23, 2011 at 5:37pm

The folks I roll with have moved completely over to 2m radios. Those with only CBs (or FRS) are likely to miss out on most of the trail banter, and will be lucky to even get the most basic trail updates.

The 1st level license, 'technical', is easy to get. You should be able to pass the exam only after a few hours (4-6) of self study (online or book). There's even 'ham crams' sessions organized by some clubs (usually a 1/2 to 3/4 day of in-class study followed an exam).

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Permalink Reply by MoHillFJ on January 26, 2011 at 6:54pm

Thx for the info re radios. I'm assuming the best way to get going on a license is to google ham radio license and follow the instructions. I may go with a radio and go through the license process as a next step.

Re clubs, do you mean radio or FJ/4Wheel? I'll search in the Bay area and see what I come up with

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Permalink Reply by DWH on January 26, 2011 at 7:54pm

You should probably get your license first. Legally you can not transmit on HAM frequencies without a call sign/license.

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Permalink Reply by CV Kurt on January 26, 2011 at 11:44pm

I used HamTestOnline, which costs $20 for the tech course. I would recommend this $20 over any book you might consider buying. 4-8 hours of study should do the trick. I know a number of folks who just repeated took free online practice exams until they were ready. (the web site I reference also provides free practice exams).

To find a ham cram session (which are generally organized by local ham clubs), I suggest you contact an exam coordinator in your area and ask him/her for help in finding one. The easiest way to find an exam coordinator in your area is to look for an exam session at ARRL. The full session listing will include contact information for the coordinator.

As DWH noted, don't transmit on amateur radio bands without an appropriate license.

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Permalink Reply by NyNomad on January 23, 2011 at 6:28pm

i'm new too...

#1 thing, COMM/ CB radio!, extra food/water, a map, extra clothing, tow straps.... personally i prefer not riding alone

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Permalink Reply by Boss73 on January 27, 2011 at 12:46pm

Not sure if this was covered(TO lazy to re-read through) but there is a newb day @ hollister this weekend on Saturday the 29th. SO head out there.. IF this has been covered............... SOrry ./.......