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.

Level I is designed for anyone who wants not only to drive their vehicle, but truly understand it — forming the foundation for technical confidence when traveling beyond paved roads. Whether it’s a Sprinter, Land Cruiser, or Unimog: in this two-day weekend course, we provide solid foundational knowledge covering handling, technology, and procedures. Training is hands-on and takes place directly on your own vehicle. You’ll learn the essential basics for maintenance, care, and confident handling of typical everyday situations on the road.

CONTENT & TRAINING FOCUS

Safely jacking up and supporting the vehicle
How do you properly change a tire or inspect the underbody? Which mistakes should be avoided — and which tools do you really need?

Tilting the cab — what next?
How does safe cab tilting work on truck-based vehicles? What should you watch out for? What becomes visible once access is opened?

Engine and drivetrain technology — theory & practice
Understand the key systems of your vehicle. From drivetrain and transmission to common maintenance tasks — we make technology clear and hands-on.

Working with tools
Which tools should be on board? How do you use them safely? How much do they weigh — and how can they be stored efficiently?

Measuring wheel loads & understanding vehicle behavior
Why is knowing axle loads important — and how does uneven loading affect handling, tires, and overall safety?

COURSE OBJECTIVE

The goal of Level I is to build a solid technical foundation: you’ll learn to assess your vehicle in detail, establish clear routines, and head out on your journeys with confidence. More technical reliability. Fewer breakdowns. Greater trust in yourself and your vehicle.

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.