Education vs. common sense
common sense (noun)
1. sound and prudent judgment based on a simple perception of the situation or facts
"Common Sense" is not a replacement for gaining actual knowledge.
Yes, I use the phrase "common sense" in some of my posts. A good example is my post on "Common Sense 4-Wheeling TIPS for the new off-roader." However, you seldom see me use that phrase when discussing off-road recoveries.
One can hope that common sense is part of everything you do. However, the way some use the phrase to TRY to make themselves sound more intelligent than everyone else is a pet peeve. (and often indicates just the opposite to me) That type of chap will claim it is all just "common sense" to them and then pretty much claim they magically "knew it all" from, well, apparently, from birth. Many would be pretty upset if they learned what I think of people making such BS, "look at how smart I am" type claims. Face it: gestational (from birth) knowledge is a sad lie. Don't be that guy (or gal).
The reality is the energy of a kinetic recovery quadrupling when the speed doubles is NOT simply "common sense." Nor, for most, is lowering tire pressure the way we do. How about understanding that fewer rope raps on a winch drum can make a massive difference in its pulling capacity? Maybe how the vast majority of injuries, when using a Hi-Lift Jack, are from people simply leaving the handle in the down position? (Those who bothered to read the instructions know that.) Sorry, that knowledge is not common, nor is it intuitive. Sometimes, the details of a technique can even seem counterintuitive. But you CAN learn it.
That kind of knowledge is not common, nor is it intuitive. Some who claim to just naturally know all about off-roading probably sat beside dad for 15 years before they started driving themselves. Or, like myself, they were driving "off-road" for years on a farm or ranch well before they could get a driver's license. Still, that won't provide all you need to know about off-roading, let alone off-road recovery and recovery equipment.
No worries; tons of great resources are available to new (and old) off-roaders. First, I highly recommend joining your local Off-Road 4x4 Club.
You can always take a 4x4 off-road & recovery class. Yes, there are some great YouTube videos, but be picky about who to trust. Just having a channel and a camera does not mean you know anything. (Note: The top recovery drama channel may be entertaining but may not be the best place to learn real-world recovery skills. You could learn what NOT to do from some of those. I have some great books on off-road recoveries. There are many such off-road instruction manuals out there to choose from. Ultimately, the real trick to this is simply taking the time to learn BEFORE you need the knowledge on the trail.
Learn the proper way to use a Hi-Lift Jack, your winch, snatchblocks, and how mechanical advantage can make your live easier. Learn about both static and dynamic (kinetic) recovery methods and equipment. Find out how to use lockers and when not to. If you want to do this hobby safely, you must learn far more than that.
Learning will never make you less. Gaining knowledge can only make you better. But not having the required knowledge can really, really hurt. Knowledge about safe wheeling and recovery is a significant part of being genuinely prepared, so take the time to educate yourself on our hobby and how to do it safely.
 Richard Hiltz 2024
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