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Mud – Deep mud creates a great deal of suction
•
around the tires and is very difficult to get through.
You should use 4WD LOW with a gear low enough to
maintain your momentum without shifting. If you
start to slow to a stop, try turning your steering
wheel no more than a quarter turn quickly back and
forth for additional traction. Mud holes pose an
increased threat of vehicle damage and getting
stuck. They are normally full of debris from previous
vehicles getting stuck. As a good practice before
entering any mud hole, get out and determine how
deep it is, if there are any hidden obstacles and if
the vehicle can be safely recovered if stuck.
•
Sand – Soft sand is very difficult to travel through
with full tire pressure. When crossing soft sandy
spots in a trail, maintain your vehicle's momentum
and do not stop. The key to driving in soft sand is
using the appropriate tire pressure, accelerating
slowly, avoiding abrupt maneuvers and maintaining
the vehicle's momentum. If you are going to be driv-
ing on large soft sandy areas or dunes, reduce your
tire pressure to a minimum of 15 psi (103 kPa) to
allow for a greater tire surface area. Reduced tire
pressure will drastically improve your traction and
handling, while driving on the soft sand, but you
must return the tires to normal air pressure before
driving on pavement or other hard surfaces. Be sure
you have a way to air the tires back up prior to
reducing the pressure.
CAUTION!
Reduced tire pressures may cause tire unseating and
total loss of air pressure. To reduce the risk of tire
unseating, while at a reduced tire pressure, reduce your
speed and avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers.
CROSSING OBSTACLES (ROCKS
AND OTHER HIGH POINTS)
While driving off road, you will encounter many types of
terrain. These varying types of terrain bring different
types of obstacles. Before proceeding review the path
ahead to determine the correct approach and your abil-
ity to safely recover the vehicle if something goes
wrong. Keeping a firm grip on the steering wheel, bring
the vehicle to a complete stop and then inch the vehicle
forward until it makes contact with the object. Apply the
throttle lightly while holding a light brake pressure and
ease the vehicle up and over the object.
WARNING!
Crossing obstacles can cause abrupt steering system
loading which could cause you to lose control of your
vehicle.
Using A Spotter
There are many times where it is hard to see the
obstacle or determine the correct path. Determining the
correct path can be extremely difficult when you are
confronting many obstacles. In these cases have some-
one guide you over, through, or around the obstacle.
Have the person stand a safe distance in front of you
where they can see the obstacle, watch your tires and
undercarriage, and guide you through.
STARTING AND OPERATING
Crossing Large Rocks
When approaching large rocks, choose a path which
ensures you drive over the largest with your tires. This
will lift your undercarriage over the obstacle. The tread
of the tire is tougher and thicker than the side wall and
is designed to take the abuse. Always look ahead and
make every effort to cross the large rocks with your
tires.
CAUTION!
•
Never attempt to straddle a rock that is large
enough to strike your axles or undercarriage.
•
Never attempt to drive over a rock which is large
enough to contact the door sills.
Crossing A Ravine, Gully, Ditch, Washout
Or Rut
When crossing a ravine, gully, ditch, washout or a large
rut, the angled approach is the key to maintaining your
vehicle's mobility. Approach these obstacles at a
45-degree angle and let each tire go through the
obstacle independently. You need to use caution when
crossing large obstacles with steep sides. Do not
attempt to cross any large obstacle with steep sides at
an angle great enough to put the vehicle at risk of a
rollover. If you get caught in a rut, dig a small trench to
the right or left at a 45-degree angle ahead of the front
tires. Use the removed dirt to fill the rut ahead of the
turnout you just created. You should now be able to
drive out following the trench you just created at a
45-degree angle.
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