ISBN: 978-0-7603-3530-7

Author: Jim Allen

In preparation for my I4WDTA certification exam, a number of books were recommended. One of them, Four-Wheeler’s Bible by Jim Allen, is considered to be a comprehensive discussion on all things off road. I found the book to be very comprehensive, covering a very wide range of topics with good details where needed.

In chapter 1 the book starts with a discussion of Attitude and Emergencies. I like that this is where Jim begins. Attitude can solve or create lots of problems and once there is a problem what emergency gear you have on the trail can be essential to treatment and maybe even survival. Jim has a good discussion on two of the more male specific issues; Adrenaline and the male hormone Testosterone. It is a good look at how these adversely affect our decision making and influence the outcomes. The book also includes lists of basic emergency gear every wheeler should carry.

The book continues on with a discussion of 4 wheel drive systems and grip “let’s call it the transformation of engine torque into vehicular motion”. The section covering these topics provides a comprehensive look at tires, gearing and drive-train components. Jim includes good graphics and tables when needed to provide great reference tools and information so we, as users, can make informed decisions about what modifications we make.

If you are still considering what rig to select there is a good chapter that covers 4×4 vehicle ratings. This is a good reference covering both capabilities and the potential for modifications. After you get in your rig you need to know what the controls do and how to use them. There is a great discussion on this that every one should read. Safety is every present throughout the book.

Once on the trail there are skills that one needs to consider and master. The best way to perfect these is to get with a professional trainer but this book will give you a good foundation. “The first rule on sidehills is to avoid the really steep ones if you can fine a safe, treading-lightly way around.” Jim goes on to discuss many of the different scenarios you may encounter on the trail and gives you the basic knowledge to be able to safely negotiate them or know when to turn around.

With your choices made in what modifications you want to tackle there is information that covers both the risks and benefits of these. Tools are also discussed with a very comprehensive look at air compressors.

Once you have mastered the basics the book goes on to discuss some of the more advanced topics. Again safety is at the forefront with the Risk Factor of advanced wheeling being looked at.

One of the final chapters in the book discusses Recovery or the art and skills required to extract a rig. Basic equipment is discussed looking at the benefits and disadvantages of each. For most of use we will be carrying at least a recovery rope or strap. This section has a good discussion on these tools that we all should read. The section also covers winching and winching and recovery hardware. This greatly helps with an understanding of what you are about to purchase and the safety and characteristics to look for. Recovery equipment can be a big investment and just reading this section of the book can save money and headaches in the long run.

The book finishes with a section that covers both navigation and field repairs. Both of these topics could fill a book just on their own, so the limited discussion here is understandable.

All said, the $34.00 cost of this book is well worth it and all wheelers and overlanders should have it on their book shelf.