When did you first get your family involved in off-roading?

One of the reasons I plan on getting a H3 is because I want a fun activity that the whole family can do. The Hummer community seems to be close knit and group rides look like alot of fun. You can't seem to find this kind of community with a 4Runner.

My son is two now, and will be nearing three when I get my H3 in the spring (Got to wait for my 4Runner lease to run out). Is this too young?
The kid seems to be an adrenalin junkie (takes after his dad ). Cruising in the kid seat on a bike ride all he yells is "Faster - Faster!". Take him on his trike and he loves going off the sidewalk onto the "Rough-Stuff" (aka - Lawn).

So while these things are all lots of fun, going over rocks, roots, and up/down steep hills in dads typically stable truck might be another thing all together.

So, those of you with kids - What was it like? What do you advise? I look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks -

Rob (Ipedog)

When did you first get your family involved in off-roading?

One of the reasons I plan on getting a H3 is because I want a fun activity that the whole family can do. The Hummer community seems to be close knit and group rides look like alot of fun. You can't seem to find this kind of community with a 4Runner.

My son is two now, and will be nearing three when I get my H3 in the spring (Got to wait for my 4Runner lease to run out). Is this too young?
The kid seems to be an adrenalin junkie (takes after his dad ). Cruising in the kid seat on a bike ride all he yells is "Faster - Faster!". Take him on his trike and he loves going off the sidewalk onto the "Rough-Stuff" (aka - Lawn).

So while these things are all lots of fun, going over rocks, roots, and up/down steep hills in dads typically stable truck might be another thing all together.

So, those of you with kids - What was it like? What do you advise? I look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks -

Rob (Ipedog)

Try doing a search. Can't remember the title of the thread but there was one about this in the H2 section several months ago.

I had searched and didn't get much. After trying a bunch of combinations I found this thread which dealt mostly with infants.

I would still love to hear your experiences of off roading with the kids, their reactions and what not.

Thanks again -

Rob (Ipedog)

Yep, that is the thread I was thinking of. I would think your son is old enough for at least some minor off roading but I am not expert.

I have taken my teen girls with me once. They liked it, but on some of the tougher stuff where I needed some spotting, I had them get out. I believe it should be a fun experience and not a frightening one. It looks less scary from the outside than it does when all you can see it sky from the inside
Also, being able to focus and concentate is paramount. If baby starts screaming when you are in the middle of an obstacle, could be a little bit of a distraction.