Principles of Overlanding: Driving in Sand, Rocks, and Mud

Overland Journal Podcast host Scott Brady talks with Land Rover instructor and expedition planner Sean Gorman about the principles of overlanding driving, focusing on technique over modifications for heavily loaded, near-stock travel vehicles. They cover pre-trip preparation (fitness, packing light, inspections, knowing vehicle sounds, ergonomics, and training—especially for co-drivers), then dive into driving strategies for sand, rocks, and mud. Sand topics include airing down, momentum management, reading dunes, safety/visibility, stability control, range selection, and managing heat and limp modes. Rock discussions emphasize precision, spotting, airing down for carcass deformation and keying, careful locker use, tire sidewall protection, and left-foot braking. Mud guidance includes understanding regional mud types, using ruts, small steering inputs, careful use of speed, gearing choices, recovery readiness, and thorough post-mud cleaning.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.