Product Description

"Four-By-Four Driving" is an all-new book - now well-established - based around the sell-out editions of "Off-Roader Driving" and "The Land Rover Experience". The new title reflects a slight change in target readership to include the 'busy mum' 'soft-roader' drivers and those needing advice on what to look for when buying a 4X4. It addresses the often unnecessary bells and whistles with which they are equipped, the obfuscating brand naming and plethora of TLAs (three letter acronyms).There is clarification of the multiplicity of 4X4 systems -'...the most important Section in the whole book...' - even for those who never go off road. The book pulls no punches in its examination of current design foibles, poor ergonomics, technophobic journalists, marketing, and sales people.It includes a uniquely incisive and straightforward analysis of the dynamics of trailer towing - a role for which many 4X4s are purchased.A large proportion of the book is devoted to a step-by-step look at all aspects of using a 4X4 off-road - safely and non-damagingly. For novices, it takes the mystique out of off-roading not only with its content and diagram but with its comprehensive glossary. For professionals it offers valuable techniques and rarely seen advice. The book has been selected by Land Rover for The Land Rover Experience driving school in the UK and the US.Recent bulk purchasers include a US distributor and the Royal Geographical Society.It has an Expedition Basics section with invaluable information on tyres, fuels, oils, loading and water filtration.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #87555 in Books
• Published on: 2006-08-15
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 216 pages

Review
"'His writing is superb. The most complex subjects are explained with striking clarity and simplicity supported with summary side notes and... hundreds of attractive drawings and pictures. Most surprising is the quality of the excellent all-colour photography, which combines high information content with stunning locations and artistic merit.' (Daily Telegraph, UK) '... an inspired result... unusual distinction of being well written (clear but not condescending)... thoughtfully designed and beautifully illustrated. The quality of photographic images, sketches and diagrams is exceptionally high...' (Land Rover Owner International magazine, UK) '... one of the most comprehensive collections of 4X4 information we have ever seen packed in one place. Everything from the basic driving techniques to advanced winching in the elegantly laid out hardback. Beautifully scenic color artwork and 3D illustrations simplify concepts and communicate the ideas and theories.... Packed with technical information, we recommend this as required reading for anyone interested in 4X4s' (Four Wheeler, USA) '... the supplement to this book looks at new technologies such as Land Rover's Terrain Response and evaluates them against real-world criteria... Sheppard applies a seasoned cynic's view... and some of his conclusions can have you grinning and nodding in agreement.' (Land Rover Enthusiast, UK '... We are big fans of Tom Sheppard, here at LRM... a must-have for anyone contemplating taking their vehicle off road... packed with no-nonsense tips and very practical advice gleaned from over 30 years of 4X4 ownership... the accompanying supplement takes us through the seeming myriad of 4X4 systems, not just those of Land Rover, and cuts away the marketing-speak to reveal the truth.... this upgrade gives you the opportunity to get one of the finest 4X4 books yet written.' (Land Rover Monthly, UK) 'Serious off-road drivers will not want to be without this... typically thorough... Read this book and you'll know more than many an expert.' (Autocar, UK) '... an elegantly written, crystal clear guide to the machinery and its use.... writes with humour as well as clarity... some beautiful photographs.' (Evening Leader, UK) '... a section on towing which ought to be required reading for anyone thinking of hitching up a trailer... Thoughtfully laid out... written with a sense of humour. This really is a brilliant book to buy for anyone who drives a 4X4...' (Distance Rider, UK) '... a must... one of the finest 4X4 books yet written.' (Land Rover Monthly, UK)"

Review of previous edition: Land Rover Enthusiast, March 2005
... evaluates new technologies against real-world criteria... and
some of his conclusions can have you grinning and nodding in agreement

Review of previous edition: Land Ropver Monthly Jan 2005
... myriad 4x4 systems ... cuts away the marketing-speak to reveal the
truth. ... one of the finest 4x4 books yet written

Customer Reviews

A good introduction to all off-roading techniques
This is an evolution of Tom Sheppards two books entitled "Off Roader Driving" the first of which was published in 1999 and was focused on Land Rovers as I understand it.

This book has a more multi-manufacturer feel and mentions most major 4x4 makers and their products in the general introduction sections.

The book takes you through the theory and then practice of the main off roading principles and I found it extremly easy to read, you get the impression that the Author has a deep understanding of the subject he is explaining, but is managaing to explain it in simple terms - as only a good teacher can.

I found it a really good read as a prospective 4x4 owner, as the book covers simple driving technique, more advanced techniques, loading of vehicles, some expedition and trip planning sections (not read those yet) on carrying water and purifying it along with discussion of topics such as tyre types and pressures.

Should be a good read from those planning a long trip, or just wondering how many bricks they could get in the back of their 4x4 from B&Q and if you should pump up the tyres first.

Only complaint, hence 4 stars, is that it has an "edited" feel in places, such as some of the diagram references giving wrong page numbers (e.g. Capstan whinch references). All of the diagrams are present, and its not an issue if you are reading the whole book, but I can see it being a problem if I come back in a year and try to look something up.

Highly recomended.

Simple explanations of complex ideas - excellent.
This is such a simple book to follow, explaining complex ideas (like how a differential works) in a way that any off roader can understand (and better than many off road instructors!). I have used this book to help both novice and experienced 4x4 drivers improve their technique.

The diagrams are clear and precise, and the text is written from the standpoint of a real expert - though never patronising.

If you want an introduction to off road driving and vehicles - this is the best book to buy.

If you have a 4x4 you should have at least read this book.
The writing is clear, concise and easy to read with good clear diagrams that together get across some of the more difficult concepts. This book isn't just about Land Rovers but covers most of the different 4x4's out there giving details of how their various systems work as well as useful advice.

The book is broken into sections such as Four Wheel Drive systems, Operating Techniques (mostly about off-road but does include some truly excellent information on towing on-road), Recovery, Advanced Driving as well as Loading. There is also a section on Expedition Basics which is effectively a precis of the off-road bible Vehicle-dependent Expedition Guide: 2nd Edition, Field Manual (Which I can also thoroughly recommend).

Tom also happens to be a nice, genuine guy who has been there and done it.

I'm a BORDA Specialist 4x4 off-road instructor and I this is the book I recommend to my trainees for more theory or as course notes. That is the best praise I can give it.