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Tire Pressure & Traction Control
Empowered to go farther, smarter
Master essential off-road tire management and recovery techniques for your Sprinter or adventure van
Course Overview
Tire & Traction Control is a hands-on, three-hour training designed to teach new van owners the real-world techniques behind traction, tire pressure, and recovery. This course covers three essential skills every off-road driver needs: Airing Down, Airing Up, and Recovery Board Use. It is technical, practical, and designed to build confidence through experience.
What You Will Learn
Airing Down
Learn how tire pressure directly affects traction, ride quality, and tire safety. You will understand how and when to reduce pressure for different terrains including sand, snow, gravel, and mud.
Key takeaways:
- How to safely lower tire pressure to increase traction without risking bead separation
- How temperature, speed, and load affect your ideal PSI
- How to read tire deformation and footprint for optimal control
- How to manage heat buildup during mixed terrain driving
Airing Up
Master the process of returning to highway-safe pressures quickly and efficiently.
Key takeaways:
- Choosing the right compressor for your tire size and duty cycle
- Understanding CFM and recovery time for large off-road tires
- Using multi-hose inflation systems for balanced air-up times
- Verifying pressures with precision gauges and resetting TPMS
Recovery Board Skills
Learn professional techniques to free a stuck vehicle safely and efficiently.
Key takeaways:
- Correct placement and angling for sand, snow, and mud recovery
- Throttle control to avoid wheel spin and board damage
- Building ramps, layering boards, and managing deep ruts
- Board maintenance and stowage for quick deployment
Why It Matters
Sprinters and adventure vans carry more weight than standard 4x4s. That extra load changes tire performance and traction dynamics. Running incorrect tire pressures can lead to overheating, sidewall stress, or bead unseating. This course ensures you understand the mechanical science behind tire pressure management and recovery, so you can drive confidently on any surface without risking damage or downtime.
What You Gain
- Confidence in adjusting tire pressures for real-world terrain
- A complete understanding of PSI management and its impact on traction and safety
- Fast, reliable methods for inflating and deflating large tires
- Proven recovery techniques that reduce strain on your vehicle and equipment
- Hands-on experience using professional-grade tools and systems
Course Details
Duration: 3 hours
Format: Hands-on, outdoor instruction with live demonstrations
Vehicle Types: All-wheel drive and four-wheel drive Sprinters and adventure vans
Ideal For
- New Sprinter and AWD van owners
- Drivers who plan to explore off-road, boondock, or travel beyond paved roads
- Owners upgrading to all-terrain tires or beadlock wheels
- Anyone who wants to improve self-recovery skills and tire management knowledge
About Your Pack Leader
With over three decades of off-road experience and two decades dedicated to vehicle recovery, Ben Powell brings deep technical expertise and a proven teaching background.
For more than 15 years, he has served with King County Search & Rescue, where he has trained hundreds of first responders, volunteers, and off-road enthusiasts through professional recovery programs.
25+ years off-road recovery experience with overland vehicles, living in vans, boats, RVs, and expedition vehicles traveling off-grid, in all conditions.
Survival, medical response, and field operations expertise. Skills honed over decades of training and real-world application.
Interested in Private Coaching?
Frequently Asked Questions
Each Wolf Pack event is intentionally capped at a small number of vehicles (usually 5–10) to ensure a personal, high-quality experience. Registration is first come, first served.
We welcome Sprinter vans, adventure vans, Class B RVs, small overland builds, and similar adventure vehicles. Specific requirements are listed in each event description. Feel free to reach out if you're unsure whether your setup is a fit.
Yes! Passengers and partners are welcome unless otherwise noted for a specific event. We encourage bringing someone to share the experience.
In general, well-behaved dogs are welcome at most events. However, some locations or activities (like certain state parks, recovery trainings, or wildlife areas) may have restrictions. Pet policies will be clearly listed per event.
Wolf Pack events are designed to run rain or shine. We believe real adventure includes real conditions. In cases of extreme, unsafe weather (such as wildfires, floods, or severe storms), we will reschedule or refund as needed.
A packing list and tools list will be provided after registration, customized for each event. Expect to bring basics like food, water, fuel, sleeping setup, recovery gear (where applicable), appropriate clothing, and basic van necessities.
Due to the small group sizes and advanced planning, Wolf Pack event registrations are non-refundable within 30 days of the event. However, if you need to cancel earlier, or if we must reschedule due to weather or emergencies, we’ll work with you fairly.
If you can comfortably walk around a campground, crouch, lift light gear, and hike short distances on uneven ground, you’ll be fine. We adjust our pace to the group. No extreme hiking or climbing required.
