Four-by-Four Driving, 3rd Edition: by Tom Sheppard
                                                           from Desert Winds Publications

What a GREAT book by someone who not only talks the talk but walks the walk too! Tom Sheppard has logged more than 100,000 overland/off-road miles in his lifetime. In addition he led the Expedition that made the first lateral, coast to coast crossing of the Sahara Desert. He's spent years as a consultant to a major 4x4 manufacturer and is the author of the very popular Vehicle Dependant Expedition Guide (VDEG).

Four-by-Four Driving should be the book given to every new Jeep or 4x4 owner. I've heard that it is a "staple" at Land Rover training/driving courses. And while it is aimed at first time 4x4 drivers, I've learned a thing or two proving you can teach an old dog new tricks.

The book consists of 9 Chapters. It starts out with plain spoken but thorough explanations of the different 4x4 systems out there including features and benefits. From axles to differentials to transfer cases and transmissions, Tom does an excellent job in layman's terms in explaining everything you need now but didn't know or who to ask.

With Chapters 1-3 understood, we move on to Chapter 4 - 6 which cover Off-Road Techniques, Recovery and Advanced Driving. This information is a must read for all drivers from novice to expert and Tom covers it all. It was a nice refresher "course" for me whose only training in 40 years of off-roading was seat of the pants. These chapters dive into how to drive subjects from steep ascents to steep descents, on rocks & sand, on ice & snow, mud & water and more. There are also several pages about driving with an off-road trailer. Tom explains the importance of assessing the ground before you put your wheels on it.

The recovery section covers self recover, towing, winching and snatch towing. I got alot out of this section when he talked about using the "snatch" method to get someone unstuck. We've all done it and Tom says do NOT then proceeds to tell about an incident in California where that method ended up deadly for one driver. Another reinforcement of my decision eight years ago not to use any chains, hooks or straps with metal hooks on the end for towing or recovery. They can be lethal.

Chapters 7 & 8 cover Expedition Basics, Loading and Tires. Us guys at Jeep Expeditions learned what we know by trial and error. We can learn a few new things reading this book. It covers vehicle prep, equipment, logistics, fuel, water and more. The tires and loading section talks about tire types, load ratings, air pressures plus the proper loading of your vehicle.

The book ends with Chapter 9 which is a reference aid. I call it the 4x4 dictionary.

This is not an old book that's been released again. Tom has updated this book from the first two releases and you will find lots of up to date information on a number of 4X4 makes and models and tons of information that apply to all 4x4's. It is no wonder that the 2nd edition sold out in just over a year. This book belongs in your Off-Road library and not only will be a good future reference but also a good way to brush up on what you already know!

Click here to buy at Desert Winds Publishing -------> Four-by-Four Driving: by Tom Sheppard