Fording - Mercedes-Benz Unimog Operating Instructions Manual

Driving tips
212
X
Engage a low gear. Select 1st or 2nd gear
depending on the uphill or downhill gradi-
ent.
X
Only drive over embankments and on
slopes along the line of fall.
X
Do not brake until the vehicle is in the line
of fall.
X
If the engine braking effect is not sufficient
when driving downhill: depress the brake
pedal carefully.

Fording

! Do not switch off the engine while fording.
Otherwise, the exhaust system may be
damaged by water.
! If you drive into water at speed, the bow
wave may damage parts of the vehicle.
! Bear in mind that vehicles travelling in
front or in the opposite direction create
waves. This may cause the maximum per-
missible water depth to be exceeded.
These notes must be observed under all
circumstances. You could otherwise dam-
age the engine, the electronics or the trans-
mission.
Fording is possible when the water level does
not rise above the wheel hub centres.
X
Before fording: switch on the regenera-
tion block ( Y
X
Turn the differential lock switch to position
Y
1 ( page 190).
The transfer case inter-axle lock is
engaged. A symbol appears in the on-board
computer to indicate locking and the i
indicator lamp lights up in the instrument
cluster.
X
While fording: exercise extreme caution
to ensure that a bow wave does not form.
X
Drive through the water slowly at a con-
stant speed.
X
Adapt your driving style to the unaccus-
tomed environment.
page 214).
X
Avoid declutching, changing gear or stop-
ping during the journey.
Pulling away in water can be difficult due to
the unknown surface conditions.
X
After fording: clean any mud from the tyre
treads.
X
Dry out the brakes by repeated brief oper-
ation of the brakes.
X
Deactivate the regeneration block
( Y page 214).
X
Turn the differential lock switch to position
g ( Y page 190).
The transfer case inter-axle lock is deacti-
vated. The differential lock indicator in the
on-board computer display and the i
indicator lamp go out.
Driving on sand
Loose sand is a particularly treacherous sur-
face for off-road driving. If you do not act cor-
rectly in such situations, you could quickly get
stuck in the sand after just a few metres. In
sandy areas, drive quickly but in a measured
manner in order to overcome the roll resist-
ance and thereby prevent the vehicle from
digging in. Wheel tracks that other vehicles
have made are also helpful. Make sure that
the tyre ruts are not too deep and that the
vehicle has sufficient ground clearance.
Check list after driving off-road
Driving off-road puts a greater strain on the
vehicle than normal road operation.
X
Disengage the differential locks
( Y page 190).
X
Deactivate the ABS off-road program
( Y page 164).
X
Test the brakes.
X
Clean the headlamps and tail lamps and
check them for damage.
X
Clean the licence plate.
X
Clean the wheels, tyres and wheel arches
and remove any foreign objects. Check for
damage to the tyres.