Southern Four Wheel Drive Association (SFWDA) is partnering with Morrison Outdoor Adventures (MOA), BFGoodrich (BFG), and WARN to bring you our Summer Outdoor Experience series. Each Thursday evening at 8:00pm Eastern / 7 Central this spring. We will bring you a live discussion on the SFWDA Facebook Page of a basic off-roading topic.
Tune in LIVE every other Thursday,
8pm Eastern / 7pm Central
Your SFWDA - TECH NET Hosts
Mike Morrison
Morrison Outdoor Adventures
I4WDTA® Certified Instructor
2020-2022 Board of Directors / SFDWA Co-Director of Education
Al Sweney
TREAD LIGHTLY! Master Tread Trainer
2018-2022 Board of Directors / SFDWA Director of Education
Tech Net Episodes
These sessions are intended for both novice & intermediate off roading enthusiasts. We are sharing some of the essential basic skills that will help you better enjoy your next off-road adventure safely. Who knows, maybe some advanced off-roaders may even pick up a tidbit of useful information you can use?
Season 2
Proper Off-Road Spotting with Hand Signals
Episode 5
Proper spotting is essential to the safety of everyone around and the vehicle itself. A good spotter can help a driver get through obstacles they never could have driven on their own. Like any valuable skill, spotting takes practice to be able to guide the blind down the trail. Avoid real damage by following the best practices when spotting off road. Don’t be afraid to ask an observer to help. The observer will not communicate with the driver. Their sole function is to yell “Stop!” so you can signal the driver by hand. This is helpful when you are backing your driver up or trying to signal very minor adjustments. A Few Spotting Tips • As the driver of the vehicle if you are not confutable with the situation – STOP! • Stick with one designated spotter. • Make sure expectations of the obstacle are known. • Make sure both the spotter and the driver are comfortable with the obstacle and the relationship. • Remember it's all about enjoying the outdoors. Enjoy this SFWDA Tech Net where our master trainer, Mike Morrison talks to us about some valuable spotting tips and the standard hand signals.
Know Your Vehicle
Episode 4
In the first few episodes of Tech Net 2021 we will be talking about your vehicle. We will talk about Ground Clearance on the outside of your vehicle. On the inside we will talk about simple things like Seat Position all the way up to Hill Descent control (HDC is my favorite subject). We will also intermingle talks by well know guest speakers as we go through SFWDA’s Tech Net 2021. And, finally we have two key sponsors back on board for the first half of Tech Net 2021. BF Goodrich and Warn have both stepped up to sponsor the first part of the year.
What’s In Your… Tool Bag?
Episode 3
In this episode we will wrap up our discussion on tools by demonstrating how to handle three of the most common failures you may experience while on the trail.
1. A Coolant Leak of various origins
2. A Tire Failure – When to plug and when to use the spare
3. A Failure to Start – how to trouble shoot some – some of the possible reasons your engine won’t start.
What's in your... Tool Bag?
Episode 2
The is the second in a three part series on Tools. In this episode we are at Clemson 4Wheel Center where Mike discusses how to use some of our off-roading tools with Chris from Sunex Tools and Cole from Clemson 4Wheel Center.
What's in your... Tool Bag?
Episode 1
In this episode Mike will share with us what he has in his off road tool box. This is the first in a series of 3 episodes where we will cover some commonly used off road repair tools and how to use them.
Season 1 - 18 Episodes
4 Wheel Drive - When to go High and when to go LOW?
Season 1 Episode 18
TONIGHT AT 7PM / 6PM we are going LIVE with Michael Morrison of @morrisonsoutdooradventures Join us as we learn about the difference between part time 4wd and full time 4wd and how these systems work. We will also be discussing the appropriate time to use 4hi vs. 4low. Visit our Facebook page to watch LIVE ....
Off Grid Radio Communications
Season 1 Episode 17
On this episode of Tech Net LIVE we sit down with Terrell Brown of Triad Jeep Club and discuss everything you need to know about communications off road.
When we travel off road we often loose cell signals and while CB radios where the dominant choice for decades many people are looking into new options with longer range and clearer signals using alternative technologies like GMRS, FRS, and HAM. In fact most of these options are surprisingly affordable. You just need to know what you’re looking for. We will also discuss which radios require a license and which don’t. Which radio is best for you? Watch to find out.
Dennis Woods of TERAFLEX Talks about the “Big Picture” before you Lift and Build
Season 1 Episode 16
On this episode of Tech Net LIVE we catch up with Dennis Wood of TERAFLEX. Dennis is quite a personality, and perhaps a bit of a off-road industry celebrity. Here’s what he suggested we cover, and anytime Dennis shares his Jeep and suspension experience with the world there’s sure to gems of knowledge involved.
In fact if you plan ahead well you can actually save a ton of money on your build project by eliminating replacement parts you will only use for a short time before you upgrade again. So your topic for the week is;
“What to consider and avoid when building / lifting your Jeep.
Going to an Event
Season 1, Episode 15
"Going to an event?" This week we will have a panel of seasoned Off Roading enthusiast discussing what they do to prepare to attend an off roading event or even just a weekend excursion. We will also be discussing some nice to know items related to SFWDA’s upcoming Dixie Run event at WindRock Park in Oliver Springs TN. We are sure you have questions so tune in to this episode and get your questions answered by our experts.
Field Expedient Repairs
Season 1 Episode 14
OK, you have watched our SFWDA Tech Net videos and you are ready to get out there on the trail... Today’s vehicles are extremely reliable but what should you take with you just in case something fails or breaks. Know Your Stuff Michael Morrison from Morrison’s Outdoor Adventures and a certified I4WDTA instructor is going to help us adapt and overcome by outline your best approach to choosing which items to carry and which parts are most likely to fail?
Mike will also show us how to use many of his suggested items. That’s your starting point. From there, you can think about the “what ifs.” That’s to say, it’s good to carry what’s most likely to fail but you can’t solely go on that. Mike will help us wrap our heads around this a little deeper using the spare tire example. Tire failures are the most common failure on a vehicle, on road or off road. Whether it’s road debris, defect or abuse, you’ve probably experienced a flat tire at some point in your life. Tire failures are so common, that vehicles come with at least one spare tire and the simple tools needed to change them. You get the point. What about your battery? Ever had a dead battery? Needed a jump start because you left your lights on? Why not carry a battery? Or install an expensive and heavy dual battery setup?
Just how do you start, a 10 year 94,000 mile journey?
Season 1 Episode 13
On this next episode of Tech Net we catch up with Dan Grec, an Engineer by trade and a Jeeper by heart, with a major passion for travel and adventure. But, just exactly how did Dan know that “The Road Chose Me” and decide to embark on the ultimate overlanding journey of a lifetime.
In 2009, he sold all his stuff, quit his job, and loaded up his gray Jeep Wrangler for 22 months along a 40,000-mile route that took him from the tip of North America to Tierra del Fuego, Argentina — the tip of South America.
And a little over a year ago, he concluded a 54,000-mile journey in a different Jeep, a 2011 Wrangler Rubicon. That Jeep was customized to hold a pop-up tent/bed and a kitchen, but the engine, drive-train, and other components were left all factory. That Jeep took him around the continent of Africa. He started in Morocco and three years and 35 countries later rolled into Cairo, Egypt.
Just how did Dan do it, how did he get started and what was the most interesting thing he saw along his journey? Join Mike and Alan LIVE this Thursday evening to learn all about it. Dan will talk with us about his love for overlanding and his background with Jeeps. Maybe he’ll even let us in what in store for his next adventure.
Hi-Lift Jacks 101 and Dixie Run 34 with Mike Morrison
Season 1 Episode 12
In this episode we will be discussing two topics. Topic #1: Our very own Michael Morrison will talk to us about HiLift jacks Topic #2: Jay Bird, SFWDA President, is going to tell us about what SFWDA is planning for the Dixie Run event at Windrock Park in Oliver Springs Tennessee in October. If you own a HiLift jack this is a must-see episode. If have 35 inch or larger tires on your rig Mike is going to explain why you may want to get an aftermarket jack.
NITRO Gear & Axle Tech Talk
Season 1 Episode 11
On this episode we catch up with Jeremy Ayers from NITRO. Together we will delve into the tech of gears and axles.We’ll break down the various components inside of an axle including the differential and some of the many locker options available to improve your vehicles strength and ability.
“ Differential Parts You Can Depend On.“
Born in 2006, Nitro gear strives to develop cutting edge, unique and high quality applications for the differential & Axle industry. Nitro Gear & Axle strives to provide the highest quality differential components available. We take the steps necessary to ensure our parts are dependable. Our product range is continually growing to meet the needs of consumers for new ratios and applications. At Nitro we know differentials, and know what it takes to provide you with high quality components.
Nitro gears are among the best in the industry. By using better materials, better machining and better lapping and heat treating processes, Nitro can ensure a strong, quiet-running, long-lasting setup. Each new product is subjected to multi-point inspections and then actually installed and set up by Nitro's own in-house differential experts to ensure excellent fitment and easy setup. At Nitro we strive to meet our consumers demands for new ratios and applications and we are continually developing new products to stay ahead of the competition.
RCV talks Axle Tech Evolution
Season 1 Episode 10
On this episode of we meet up with Ricky Berry of RCV Performance Axles to find out exactly what makes them the “strongest axles one the planet”! You probably already know they use American Steel and are manufactured right here in the USA. But Ricky will explain the many benefits of running a CV over a U-Joint on your axles. We’ll even discuss how RCV is leading the advancement of controversial independent suspensions gaining popularity in off-road racing.
At RCV, we use our engineering and manufacturing experience to develop and produce CV axles and other highperformance drive line components for the automotive, truck, and bus industries. Our main focus is on patented CV Axle conversions and replacement IFS axle shafts for the automotive off-road market. RCV provides “off the shelf” solutions as well as caters to custom application projects, and other large and small driveline projects as they come in the door. *
ARB joins Tech Net LIVE
Season 1 Episode 9
On this episode of Tech Net LIVE we get down and dirty with ARB USA. ARB is Australia’s largest manufacturer and distributor of 4×4 accessories. We also have an international presence, with an office in the US and an export network that extends through more than 80 countries around the globe. Our philosophy, however, has never wavered from its original course – quality, reliability and practicality above all else. To ensure we meet your expectations, ARB invests heavily in research and development. Our design and engineering team utilizes the latest CAD, CAM parametric modeling systems and finite element analysis packages, and is supported by subcontract companies and universities for special projects like vibration, strength and crash testing. ARB products are sold and serviced through an extensive network of authorized distributors worldwide with over 1,300 dealers in North America alone.
Modern Off-Road Navigation
Season 1 / Episode 8
Join us for this week’s Tech Net LIVE when Jake White of CartoTracks discusses modern offroad navigation. There’s a lot out there and it can be a little overwhelming to some so Jake will help break it all down so that you may better understand the technology available and discuss some of the pros and cons with each option. We are now light years ahead of where we were 15 years ago and it’s much easier now to find a solution to keep you from getting lost in the woods and make the best of your weekend on the trails. Jake will not only talk apps that are available for you to use in your phones, iPads, and tablets but he’ll also talk about other types of hardware that are available it that’s more your speed. Mounting options, yep, he’ll discuss those as well. All of that will be covered and if you have any questions, he’s your guy to ask as he and his wife have been doing this for many years. So, tune in and learn something from our in house map experts.
GET TO KNOW YOUR RIG
Season 1 / Episode 7
This week’s episode of the SFWDA Tech Net Summer Series is sponsored by none other than SFWDA and BFGoodrich Tires. In this episode our very own Mike Morrison of Morrison’s Outdoor Adventures and Eddie Schrader a well know outdoor enthusiast and retired Audio-Visual Engineer for Clemson University.
Mike will be near Asheville NC doing a complete 360 walk-around pre-trip inspection which will help to protect your vehicle from time consuming breakdowns. Eddie will be at the Gulches Off Road Park in Waterloo, SC illustrating how the Hill Descent Control of an off-road vehicle works.
As always, we will enter those that participate by commenting during the live stream to win a weekly prize. This week we will be giving away a Free Pass for a family of four to the SFWDA Dixie Run event scheduled for the first weekend of October at WindRock Off Road Park. And, if you pay close attention during the presentations you will be given a secret phrase that when entered into the comments during the live stream will give you an opportunity to get your name into the drawing for a set of 5 BF Goodrich KO2 or KM3 tires up to 37 inches. The drawing for the BFG tires will be held this fall during Dixie Run.
Responsible Recreation Tips with TREAD LIGHTLY !
Season 1 / Episode 6
On this episode of Tech Net Danielle Fowles the Assistant Director of Tread Lightly joins us remotely to explain what T.R.E.A.D. principles are, and the importance of responsible recreation and why it’s so vital in our sport.
Tread Lightly! and its partners lead a national initiative to protect and enhance recreation access and opportunities by promoting outdoor ethics to heighten individuals’ sense of good stewardship. Tread Lightly!’s goal is to balance the needs of the people who enjoy outdoor recreation with our need to maintain healthy ecosystems and thriving populations of fish and wildlife. The scope of our work includes both land and water, and is representative of nearly every form of outdoor recreation including, but not limited to hunting, recreational shooting, fishing, and boating. We also have a niche in promoting safe and responsible use of motorized and mechanized vehicles in the outdoors.
WINCHES - Straight talk with WARN
Season 1 / Episode 5
"WHEN THE DUST CLEARS, WARN IS STILL THE LEADER”
This week Brad Goodfellow from WARN Industries will be live from Clemson 4Wheel Center discussing “Winching Basics”. He will also demonstrate some of the inner workings of a winch and Rodger Dalrymple from Clemson 4Wheel Center will share the stories behind some of his winch collection with us. Mike Morrison from Morison Outdoor Adventures and Al Sweney will co-host the show.
Go farther. Do more. Challenge yourself. Dig in. Winch out. Rediscover the fun of off-roading. All with the confidence that you can do more than ever before, because you’re backed by reliable WARN® products.
Led by an exciting wave of new WARN products, the off-road world has never been more energized. Consider the ground-up, redesigned and “never say can’t” attitude of the new AXON™ and VRX powersports winches—the most innovative, revolutionary winches on the market." - https://www.warn.com/
“Tires are SEXY”
Season 1 / Episode 4
To find out the answer to this question and much more tune into the SFWDA Tech Net Episode this Thursday evening at 7:00PM EDT when Charlene Bower, Owner of Ladies Off Road Network and Jonathan Baughman, Field Marketing Manager at BF Goodrich along with Michael Morrison and Al Sweney explain why “Tires are Sexy”.
“The BFG Mud-Terrain T/A® KM3 is "must-have" equipment for the serious off-road enthusiast when conditions require extreme traction and toughness.KM3’s and best practices. While the The BFGoodrich® All-Terrain T/A® KO2 tires are known to deliver toughness, durability and traction to traverse harsh conditions all while providing a smooth and quiet ride on the road. There's a reason why BFGoodrich titled it as their absolute toughest All-Terrain tire. Ever.” - https://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/
Suspension 101 - (Bump Stops)
Season 1 / Episode 3
- Mike Morrison and Al Sweney are on site at the Clemson 4WD Center in South Carolina to cover whatever you guys want related to off road suspension. We asked for your help to select a topic focus and the vote was clear. This week Cole Conner from Clemson 4Wheel Center will discusses topics some of you chose online. We had a substantial favorite in our topic poll and Bump Stops will now be our featured suspension topic.
This Suspension 101 Episode should help the novice off roader understand the different components of the suspension system and how they work. With this info you will be able to be more confident in your vehicle’s ability to go Off Road.
“Recovery Gear & Rigging 101”
Season 1 / Episode 2
- Mike Morrison discusses best practices of common 4x4 recovery gear. Learn about everything from the basics of what gear you need to how to properly rig it up, and the real tech on what makes quality and trustworthy gear. So much depth that even a old dog can learn something new.
In case you missed the LIVE broadcast you can watch the archived video on our YouTube Channel Anytime.
“Introduction to Tech Net”
Season 1 / Episode 1
- On our Inaugural session we will share an overview of the SFWDA Tech Net concept, outline our giveaway program, and introduce Micheal Morrison and Al Sweeney, your primary hosts for the summer. Watch all the Archived Videos on our SFWDA YouTube Channel Anytime.
“If you choose to follow any of the recommendations or procedures outlined in our videos,
first satisfy yourself that neither personal nor property safety are jeopardized.
Sponsored By:
