[Cymon]

This course is designed to teach you all about your vehicle and its capabilities. The instruction ranged from teaching you how to put your vehicle into 4 low; how to use the transmission (both automatic or manual) correctly to your advantage off road; how/when/where to use a-trac, crawl control, hill descent control and all the other gizmos on your vehicle. It also showed techniques for hill climbing, water fording, driving off-camber, and countless other skills. The best thing about the course in my opinion was the emphasis Kyle (The Instructor) made on “protecting the vehicle/your investment” and to navigate terrain safely and efficiently.

[Cymon]

Radios were passed out and we were talked through each part of the trail and the different obstacles presented. So it was set up as trail ride followed by an obstacle designed to show you how to use different parts of the truck (Transmission Gearing, Hill Descent, A-Trac,, Crawl Control, Lockers…etc) and off-road driving techniques to get you through. If you don’t have that tech on your vehicle they teach you how to get by without it.

Example: Steep Hill, Slow Climb (4Low 1st Gear)

[Cymon]

Hill Descent Control (Which, by the way is friggin amazing the first time you use it correctly although the sound is scary lol)

[Cymon]

Water Fording: This I thought was the some of the most valuable information as to not damage your engine. Most of you are probably aware but just in case you aren't, the 4runner's air intake is at the inside, top, of the front passenger side fender (essentially at wheel height). This is what allows our vehicles the potential to ford up to 30 inches of water safely. We also learned the importance of not creating a wake, because then you can drown and potentially hydrolock your engine in less than 1ft of water.

Some pics of me and @4RunnerAquasport

[Cymon]

High Speed Hill Climb and Hill Descent Control (How to use momentum to get up and your fun toys in your vehicle to get down). Also Kyle had the 2016 4runner trail demonstrate "Crawl Control" mountain goating up on the same hill that I'm going down. Super impressive...and because its not offered on Jeeps yet they were also all oogling....LOL!

[Cymon]

How and when to use A-trac and Lockers. This climb was actually in 2' deep ruts with at least one of your wheels off of the ground at all times. I don't have a locker, but I did the same stuff with just A-trac...all I have to say is WOW!

[Cymon]

And we got to have a little high speed puddle splashing fun at the end!

[Cymon]

Summary:

This was such a great learning experience for someone who wants to learn more about the capabilities of their vehicle. This was the 101 course. @4RunnerAquasport also took their 201 and Winch/Recovery course. They also offer an “Overlanding” Course. I feel so much more comfortable with my vehicle and what it can do. The biggest issue I have is that my stock vehicle made it through just fine (except for some banged up skid plates) and now I can't justify to my wife spending $...lol. Kyle our instructor was fantastic and I can't wait to make it back up for the 201 course at some point!

[Cymon]

Ok, pretty much caught up for now. Finished the write-up with a 60min Dogfish Head (I prefer the 90 or 120 but this is all I had left in the fridge). Next Week, behind the grill light bar install. Finally!

[carlos.elmotor]

Originally Posted by Cymon

...all I have to say is WOW!

Strong thread @Cymon and great pics!

[4RunnerAquasport]

@Cymon Nice Job and Thanks Bro! We have to mention Gene (US Navy) the owner of the new "Trail", and @bloodninja was out with his 5th gen rig too! Although it's a predominantly Jeep area, there were actually several Toyota's there through out the weekend. Park is Great and the courses were very informative for a flat lander (me). We did quit a bit of mild rock crawling which I was glad to try! Kyle is a good teach and recommend it highly. Learned a lot!

[Mariner]

@Cymon where is this Lazy Springs Offroad Park? And do you guys plan these events through the fb page?

[Cymon]

Originally Posted by Mariner

@Cymon where is this Lazy Springs Offroad Park? And do you guys plan these events through the fb page?

Here is a link to their website with location. Its just East and between Ft. Myers and Naples.
Hours, Location, Pricing - Lazy Springs Recreation Park, Florida

Yes, almost all events/rides are planned through the Facebook page as people don't check the Florida section of the T4R site regularly. @awthorn who administers the page is also on here as a 3rd gen owner. Really awesome guy!

[Mariner]

Originally Posted by Cymon

Here is a link to their website with location. Its just East and between Ft. Myers and Naples.
Hours, Location, Pricing - Lazy Springs Recreation Park, Florida

Yes, almost all events/rides are planned through the Facebook page as people don't check the Florida section of the T4R site regularly. @awthorn who administers the page is also on here as a 3rd gen owner. Really awesome guy!

That's awesome! I'll have to check up on the fb page then to see what's new. My work schedule is weird as I spend half the year out to sea, but I'll try to catch up with y'all next time you go out! My 4Runner is all stock though, so I'm curious to see how it handles. I'm like north east of here, in Lakeland. Probably only a couple hours away at most.

[Cymon]

Originally Posted by Mariner

That's awesome! I'll have to check up on the fb page then to see what's new. My work schedule is weird as I spend half the year out to sea, but I'll try to catch up with y'all next time you go out! My 4Runner is all stock though, so I'm curious to see how it handles.

Hopefully we can make it out at the same time so I can have a stock partner. My last one @kSteven813 just decided to get himself a "Boss" Lift to play with the big boys...LOL!