Driving Hints; Off-Road Driving - Ford SUPER DUTY 2023 Owner's Manual

OFF-ROAD DRIVING

WHAT IS OFF-ROAD DRIVING
Off-road driving is driving your vehicle on
unsurfaced roads or trails, made from dirt,
rocks, sand and mud.
BASIC OFF-ROAD DRIVING
TECHNIQUES
Off-road Driving Hints
Before taking your vehicle off-roading, a
basic vehicle inspection should be done to
make sure that the vehicle is in top working
condition. It is always recommended that
at least two vehicles are used while
off-roading. The buddy system helps make
sure that help is close at hand should a
vehicle become stuck or damaged. It is also
wise to take supplies such as a first aid kit,
supply of water, tow strap, cell or satellite
phone with you any time an off-road
excursion is planned.
1. Grip the steering wheel with thumbs
on the outside of the rim. This will
reduce the risk of injury due to abrupt
steering wheel motions that occur
when negotiating rough terrain.
2. Throttle, brake and steering inputs
should be made in a smooth and
controlled manner. Sudden inputs to
the controls can cause loss of traction
or upset the vehicle, especially while
on loose terrain or while crossing
obstacles such as rocks or logs.
3. Look ahead on your route noting
upcoming obstacles, or any other
factors which may indicate a change
in available traction, and adjust the
vehicle speed and route accordingly.
2023 Super Duty (TFH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202211, DOM

Driving Hints

4. When driving off-road, if the front or
rear suspension is bottoming out
and/or excessive contact with the
skid-plates is encountered, reduce
vehicle speed to avoid potential
damage to the vehicle.
5. When with other vehicles, it is
recommended that communication is
used, and the lead vehicle notify other
vehicles of obstacles that could cause
potential vehicle damage.
6. Always keep available ground
clearance in mind and pick a route that
minimizes the risk of catching the
underside of the vehicle on an obstacle.
7. When negotiating low speed obstacles,
applying light brake pressure in
conjunction with the throttle will help
prevent the vehicle from jerking and
will allow you to negotiate the obstacle
in a more controlled manner. Using 4L
will also help with this.
8. Off-roading requires a high degree of
concentration. Even if your local law
does not prohibit alcohol use while
driving off-road, Ford strongly
recommends against drinking if you
plan to off-road.
Crossing Obstacles
• Review the path ahead before
attempting to cross any obstacle. It is
best if the obstacle is reviewed from
outside the vehicle so that there is a
good understanding of terrain condition
both in front of and behind the
obstacle.
• Approach obstacles slowly.
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