Hands-on, technically sound, and directly on the vehicle: training at the Off-Road Zentrum Rhön with Martin Frentz — for greater safety and off-road capability.

The ideal starting point for anyone entering the world of expedition and overland vehicles.

Level I is designed for those who want to not only drive their vehicle, but truly understand it. It forms the foundation for technical safety when traveling beyond paved roads.

No prior knowledge is required.
This course is the perfect entry point for anyone who wants to get familiar with their vehicle in a structured and hands-on way.

Whether Sprinter, Landcruiser or Unimog: in this two-day weekend course, you will gain solid basic knowledge of handling, technology, and procedures.

Training takes place directly on your own vehicle.
Hands-on. Clearly explained. Step by step.

You will leave with a noticeably better understanding of your vehicle.


CONTENT & TRAINING FOCUS

Safe lifting and supporting of the vehicle
How do you properly approach a tire change or underbody inspection? What mistakes should be avoided, and what equipment is actually necessary?

Tilting the cab – and then?
How does safe cab tilting work on truck-based vehicles? What needs to be considered? What becomes accessible once visibility is gained?

Engine and drivetrain technology – theory and practice
Understand the key systems of your vehicle, from drivetrain to transmission and basic maintenance. Technical concepts become tangible and easy to follow.

Working with tools
What tools should you really carry? How do you use, store, and manage them effectively?

Weighing axle loads and understanding vehicle behavior
Why are axle loads critical? How does uneven loading affect handling, tires, and overall safety?


COURSE OBJECTIVE

Level I provides a solid technical foundation for your travels:

You will gain a clearer understanding of your vehicle, experience less uncertainty on the road, reduce the risk of breakdowns, and build greater confidence in both yourself and your equipment.

You will learn to realistically assess your vehicle, establish structured procedures, and make sound decisions — even in unfamiliar situations.

Level II is for anyone who wants not only to identify breakdowns on the road, but also solve them in practice. You’ll train essential travel skills: tire inspection and repair, temporary fixes for cooling, air, and oil systems, and quick identification of common failures. You’ll also learn practical fundamentals of vehicle electrics (starter, alternator, 12/24 V systems). The goal is a clear theory-to-practice transfer, so you can act calmly and methodically and get back on the road safely.

CONTENT & TRAINING FOCUS

Tires & wheels
A tire is damaged, repaired, and checked for airtightness. You’ll learn how to respond independently on the road — from visual inspection to temporary repair.

Lines & systems
Whether coolant, compressed air, or oil — you’ll learn how to identify leaks, which materials are suitable for temporary repairs, and how to narrow down the source of a fault.

Electrical systems: starter, alternator, 12/24 V
Clearly explained and applied in practice: how the power supply works, what can fail, and how to identify issues.

Theory-to-practice transfer
We combine technical understanding with concrete procedures. You’ll learn not only what to do, but how — so you can act calmly and methodically in real situations.

Axle & braking systems
Insights into key components such as wheel carriers, brakes, and axle loads — as preparation for future maintenance or repair work.

COURSE OBJECTIVE

The goal of Level II is to give you real practical competence for the road. You’ll learn how to better read your vehicle in the event of a fault, respond to issues effectively, and continue your journey independently. More knowledge, more confidence, and more self-reliance — even when things get critical.

This is the course for those “What now?!” moments. The bed is tilted, the coffee cup slides off the table — and somewhere in the rear left there’s a strange noise. The vehicle has sunk in, slipped, or is stuck. The mood shifts.

Level III prepares you for exactly these situations. You’ll learn how to act calmly and methodically, correctly assess vehicle weight and force application, and use recovery equipment effectively — on your own or as part of a team. If your vehicle is equipped with a winch, the course content is expanded accordingly.

The training is hands-on, safety-focused, and designed for real travel conditions. It’s not about showing off — it’s about getting through.

CONTENT & TRAINING FOCUS

Understanding forces & loads
How do forces act on your vehicle during recovery? What happens with an incorrect pull angle? You’ll learn how to read situations and assess them realistically.

Recovery equipment & technical terminology
What belongs to standard equipment — and how do you talk about it correctly? Clear terminology helps worldwide when communicating with professionals and recovery teams.

Safe recovery points on the vehicle
Where can you attach safely — and where absolutely not? Which points are load-bearing? We show common mistakes and the correct application.

Truck towing – rope or bar?
When recovery isn’t enough and towing is required: you’ll learn how to tow trucks safely using a rope or a tow bar — and what to watch out for.

Winch training
For vehicles equipped with a winch: safe operation, correct sizing, pulley systems, avoiding common mistakes, and hands-on practice.

Equipment: maintenance, inspection & sizing
Recovery equipment must be suitable and kept in proper condition.

COURSE OBJECTIVE

Level III is designed for real emergency situations — and is the final logical step if you truly want to be prepared for a major journey. You’ll approach critical situations with a clear mind, act confidently, and avoid damage to both people and vehicle.

More control. Less stress. And the confidence of being truly prepared.