{"id":7890,"date":"2018-09-28T08:00:25","date_gmt":"2018-09-28T15:00:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/modernjeeper.com\/?p=7890"},"modified":"2019-04-09T03:18:34","modified_gmt":"2019-04-09T10:18:34","slug":"pros-and-cons-of-going-it-alone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/modernjeeper.com\/pros-and-cons-of-going-it-alone\/","title":{"rendered":"Pros [and Cons] of Jeeping It Alone"},"content":{"rendered":"

Special to ModernJeeper by Tom Severin, Badlands Off-Road Adventures<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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Let’s look at the pros and cons of jeeping “by your lonesome” — going it alone and what it takes to do it safely.<\/p>\n

First Off, Don\u2019t Four-Wheel Alone!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Bob said he had to get back. We were two days into a three-day trip through the Mojave Desert. He assured me, the guide, that he knew the way back. Shortly after heading back alone, Bob arrived at a river crossing. He had crossed it several times in the past. Normally it was only 8 to 12 inches deep. It wasn\u2019t that day.<\/p>\n

The water was about 24 inches deep and running strong. Bob tried to cross but the current pushed him around and yes, he got stuck and flooded his engine. After a good dose of wet feet and retrieving most of his gear, Bob set up camp along one bank. Thankfully, another vehicle came along about two hours later. They towed his vehicle to the highway where Bob called AAA. This<\/a> vehicle could easily have found itself put away in a garage as a scrap, but thankfully, nothing of that sort happened.<\/p>\n

He donated the vehicle to a charity a few weeks later!<\/p>\n

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Water can be very unforgiving; let alone not the best stewardship example<\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of four-wheeling alone. If you are a regular reader of my articles, you know I advocate driving in groups — not alone. Yet there will be times when you want to go it alone or just end up that way.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s review the pros and cons of four-wheeling alone.<\/p>\n

Why you shouldn\u2019t go four-wheeling alone…\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

For starters, four-wheeling alone can be, well, lonely. There is no one to talk to and no one there to share experiences and good times. Campfires and cookouts just aren\u2019t the same without a buddy (or several buddies). This usually means you roll into your sleeping bag early! And picture those magical sunrises and sunsets. They\u2019re made to be enjoyed with company, aren\u2019t they?<\/p>\n

Then there are the driving issues. If you get lost, you\u2019re on your own to figure it out. Suffer a breakdown? You better be good with tools and have some spare parts. In addition to a broken axle or other part, you can run out of gas, encounter a dead battery, or a host of other issues.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re part of a group, chances are you can get the necessary help with repairs or a recovery. Believe me on this: recovery is a lot more difficult when performed with just one vehicle by one person.<\/p>\n

Spotting is a challenge, too. It\u2019s up to you to negotiate around those rocks or over that rutted trail. Backing up on a shelf road around a curve is a nail-biter too. Heck, it\u2019s challenging even with help.<\/p>\n

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Don’t be that guy!<\/p><\/div>\n

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What happens if you\u2019re hurt? If it\u2019s minor, you can deal with it and move on. However, trauma, heat stroke, a heart attack, snake bites, and the like can be life-threatening. Have you thought of how you\u2019d handle such situations if you are alone?<\/p>\n

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If you get into trouble alone, you have to hope help comes along<\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

How you could end up alone on the trail…<\/strong><\/p>\n

Perhaps you always mean to wheel with a group; but you could still end up alone. How?<\/p>\n

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  1. You start out with a buddy but he gets into trouble. Your buddy stays behind with his vehicle while you go for help.<\/li>\n
  2. You\u2019re at the trail head waiting for a buddy but he doesn\u2019t show up. You decide to head out anyway (didn\u2019t you get up at 4:30 AM and drive 90 miles. The trail is right there. You can hardly wait until you tell your buddy what he missed!).<\/li>\n
  3. You\u2019re driving down the highway and you see a trail that just begs to be explored. Keep in mind those trips can be risky. You may not even have the proper gear and supplies with you.<\/li>\n
  4. You\u2019re out with a group for several days. Everyone goes home (either early or as scheduled), but you don\u2019t. You want to continue. Your spirit of adventure keeps you driving and exploring on your own.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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    When the trail calls; it’s hard to not answer<\/p><\/div>\n

     <\/p>\n

    On the other hand, lonesome wheeling has advantages…<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Now let\u2019s consider why four-wheeling alone is not only possible but beneficial. It is very educational and great for building confidence. My friend goes off-road by himself all the time. He loves it. In fact, he tells me that some of his best four-wheel drive experiences occurred while he was on the open trails by himself.<\/p>\n

    Here are his reasons for hitting the trails alone.<\/p>\n

    Liberating:<\/strong> You\u2019re not beholden to others and their needs. You go on your time, drive where you want to (that’s legal), and set your own agenda. You can get up late, start late, and set up camp where and when the mood strikes you. If you don\u2019t get to all the sites you thought of in the morning, it\u2019s no big deal.<\/p>\n

    Similarly, you can pick the trail difficulty based upon your mood. Perhaps one day you just want to take a leisurely drive down an easy dirt track. And if one day while driving the highway you get the urge to hit a trail, you can do that, too.<\/p>\n

    Gain confidence:<\/strong> Pushing yourself and solving a difficult obstacle on your own builds confidence. You learn faster when you solve problems yourself.<\/p>\n

    Alone with your thoughts:<\/strong> It\u2019s just you and the great outdoors. Those drives provide time for self-reflection, and have a therapeutic quality to them. Plus you do not have a jabbering radio to listen to or answer.<\/p>\n

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    Going in a group should be your first choice<\/p><\/div>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Let\u2019s review the basics to ensure a successful trip, alone…<\/strong><\/p>\n

    – Assume<\/strong> all technology will fail. Have maps and back-up on back-up communication gear. That can include ham radio, a SPOT tracker, personal locator beacon, or satellite phone.
    \n– Tell<\/strong> people where you\u2019re going and when you expect to return. Don\u2019t deviate from the route. (Yeah, right!)
    \n– Bring<\/strong> proper gear and sufficient supplies. Remember the recovery gear, spare parts, food and water, and camping gear. A winch and Pull-Pal may be useful, too.
    \n– Stay<\/strong> on a familiar trail. Save scouting new or more difficult trails for when you have company.
    \n– Drive<\/strong> at popular times. You\u2019re more likely to encounter others who could help you if needed.<\/p>\n

    Should you go four-wheeling alone? I don\u2019t recommend it; but doing so builds your skills and confidence level. Plus, someday you may have no choice when going for help. As with any other four-wheel drive trip, make sure you and your vehicle are prepared for the adventure.<\/p>\n

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    Tom Severin<\/strong>, 4\u00d74 Coach, teaches 4WD owners how to confidently and safely use their vehicles to the fullest extent in difficult terrain and adverse driving conditions. Visit\u00a0www.4x4training.com<\/a>\u00a0to develop or improve your driving skill.<\/p>\n

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