Off-Road U | Off Road Ready Course | 1/17/26

Understanding Your Vehicle: The Foundation of Confident Off-Roading

If you’re new to off-roading—or recently picked up your first 4x4—there’s one truth every experienced driver learns sooner or later: most trail problems start with misunderstanding how your vehicle works.

Understanding Your Vehicle is the cornerstone class of the Off Road U program and is designed specifically for new and beginner 4x4 owners who want to build real confidence before heading off pavement. This 90-minute classroom session, starting at 9:00 AM, focuses on practical, real-world knowledge that helps drivers make smarter decisions, protect their vehicle, and avoid the common mistakes that lead to trail damage, breakdowns, or unsafe situations.

Learn How Off-Road Systems Actually Work

Modern 4x4s are packed with technology, but many drivers use these systems without fully understanding what they do—or when to use them. In this class, students learn how critical systems work, why they matter, and how to use them correctly.

We break down four-wheel drive systems, including when to use 2H, 4H, and 4L, and explain how improper use can stress or damage drivetrain components. Students also gain a clear understanding of locking differentials and sway bar disconnects—what they do, how they improve traction and articulation, and when not to use them.

The goal is to remove the guesswork and give drivers confidence to use these systems intentionally rather than relying on trial and error.

Gears, Tires, and Why Size Matters

Tire size has a massive impact on how a vehicle performs, yet it’s one of the most misunderstood upgrades in off-roading. This class explains how tire size affects gearing, power delivery, braking, and drivability, both on and off-road.

Students will learn:

• How gears and gearing ratios work

• Why larger tires change how your vehicle feels and performs

• When re-gearing is necessary—and when it isn’t

• How vehicles are corrected for tire size, including speedometer and shift behavior considerations

Understanding this relationship helps drivers avoid overworking their drivetrain and making costly upgrade mistakes.

Suspension, Strength, and What Breaks on the Trail

Suspension isn’t just about lift height—it’s about control, stability, and protecting your vehicle. The class covers suspension fundamentals, including solid axle vs. independent front suspension (IFS), and how suspension behaves differently during high-speed driving versus slow, technical crawling.

Students also gain insight into what commonly breaks during off-roading, why those failures happen, and how driving style, vehicle setup, and terrain choice all play a role. From steering and suspension components to drivetrain stress points, the course helps drivers understand how to reduce breakage through smarter decisions rather than expensive parts alone.

Built for Beginners. Backed by Experience.

This class is knowledge-based and beginner-friendly, with no mechanical work required. Whether you’re preparing for your first trail ride, upgrading your vehicle, or simply want to understand what your 4x4 is capable of, Understanding Your Vehicle provides the foundation for safe, confident, and responsible off-road driving.

Off-road doesn’t have to be intimidating—and it doesn’t have to be expensive. With the right knowledge, your vehicle will take you farther, safer, and with far fewer surprises along the way.

Where: When:

Best Off Road Saturday January 17, 2026

521 North 1200 West

Orem, Utah 84057 Cost:

Free Dollars & 0 Cents

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