Four-wheeling is often looked at as a young man’s game. The perception is that you use a 4WD for hard-core rock-crawling, and heart-pumping, sweaty-palm, adrenaline-charged terrain. The fact is that there are hundreds and thousands of scenic sites, great campgrounds, old mines, and ghost towns to visit that require a four-wheel drive. The difficulty rating is mostly 4 or less (out of 10).

While many regular drivers are in their 20s and 30s, we are seeing a lot more folks in their 40s, 50s and even 60s hitting the trail. A 4WD vehicle, and four-wheeling in general, offers a number of advantages over other motorized activities for older folks. Here, in no particular order, are my top 13 reason why four-wheeling should be a part of your life at age 55 and beyond.
 
1. Easier on the Body
Hiking, mountain biking, riding motorcycles and ATVs/UTVs off road can be tough on an older body. You end up with too many aches and pains. A 4WD vehicle offers a much more comfortable and less-strenuous ride.

2. You Have the Resources
Generally at this age people can afford an off-road vehicle—the kids are gone and the mortgage is paid off. You can now indulge in that hobby you’ve been fantasizing about for years.

3. Companionship
Four-wheel-drive vehicles allow you to share the ride and experience with one or more companions. True, other vehicles can transport at least one buddy, but it’s not the same. With a 4WD vehicle you toodle along in the outback, enjoying the scenery and conversation. And it doesn't stop with just the people riding with you. There is safety in numbers so you will be traveling with and meeting like-minded people –many who are foot-loose and fancy-free just like you. Great comradely develops among four-wheelers on the trail and around the campfire.

4. Comfort and Shelter
Interior comfort and protection from the environment are important aspects to wheeling in a truck, Jeep or SUV. The enclosed cabins offer heat and air conditioning. The windows keep out the bugs, dust, brush and noise.

5. Improve RV Experience
Get more out of your RVing experience. Towing a 4WD vehicle adds a new dimension to your RV trips. Now you can go off-road as well.

6. More Free Time
We have more time and a flexible schedule the older we get. You have more time to visit old ghost towns, mines and scenic areas that you can only get to with a four-wheel drive vehicle. Maybe there are a whole bunch of things you’d like to see. A 4WD vehicle will get you there.

7. Plenty of Space
A 4WD vehicle has more room to carry the kind and amount of gear you’d need while in those remote areas. Indulge your passion for camping, hunting, fishing, photography, astronomy, whatever you like to do while outdoors. Plus, you have the room to take along creature comforts like an air mattress, mini-fridge and extra clothing. Perhaps you currently may not be involved in a particular activity simply because you can’t get to those remote spots. Well, now you can. Your “retirement” years become that much more fun and memorable.

8. Safer Ride
Airbags, sturdy frames, independent four-wheel suspension and durable glass give 4WD vehicles an edge in safety.

9. Versatility
Four-whee-drive vehicles are street legal, so you can use them on the roads as well as on the trails. No need to trailer them from one location to another, like you do with dirt bikes and some ATVs. Plus, 4WD vehicles are permitted in all national parks.

10. Grandkids Can Come Along
A four-wheel-drive vehicle allows you to bring along the grandkids and introduce them to the great outdoors, camping and your favorite sports. You have enough room needed to carry extra clothes and food.

11. Longer Drives Possible
The longer range of 4WD vehicles, due to large gas tanks and spare gas can on board, give you many more options for going off road. You can plan longer and potentially more exciting expeditions.

12. Cheaper, More Versatile Than an RV
As I mentioned above, you can take a 4WD vehicle on the roads or on the trails. An RV is driven somewhere and then parked. Plus, you need a place with utilities. A 4WD vehicle goes where you want to go.

13. Thumb Your Nose at the Doubters
Four wheeling gives you a chance to needle your neighbors: “This ol’ geezer ain’t spending his days in a rocking chair!”

You’ll note that many of these concepts apply regardless of the driver’s age. They are, after all, some of the general advantages of off-road driving. However, if you are 55 or older, I hope you can see how this exciting hobby can be a part of your life.

Odds are you have the time, money and ambition. Why wait any longer? Grab a 4WD vehicle, pick up some instruction (I can help in that regard), and then start enjoying the great outdoors as you’ve never done before.

Badlands Off-Road Adventure
Off-road trainer Tom Severin shares insight and tips on a variety of topics related to preparing you for that next off-road adventure. With over 40 years of off-road experience, Severin operates under his business Badlands Off-Road Adventures. He is a certified professional 4WD Trainer by the International 4-Wheel Drive Trainers Association and a Wilderness First Responder (WFR). He is a member of the California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs (CA4WDC), United Four Wheel Drive Associations and the BlueRibbon Coalition. He also is a certified UFWDA and a CA4WDC 4WD instructor.

For more information about Badlands Off-Road Adventures, 4x4training.com.