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.
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.
WARNING!
There is an increased risk of rollover when crossing
an obstacle, at any angle, with steep sides.
Crossing Logs
To cross a log, approach it at a slight angle (approxi-
mately 10 to 15 degrees). This allows one front tire to
be on top of the log while the other just starts to climb
the log. While climbing the log, modulate your brake
and accelerator to avoid spinning the log out from
under your tires. Then ease the vehicle off the log using
your brakes.
CAUTION!
Do not attempt to cross a log with a greater diameter
than the running ground clearance or the vehicle will
become high centered.
Getting High Centered
If you get hung up or high centered on an object, get
out of the vehicle and try to determine what the vehicle
is hung up on, where it is contacting the underbody and
what is the best direction to recover the vehicle.
Depending on what you are in contact with, jack the
vehicle up and place a few rocks under the tires so the
weight is off of the high point when you let the vehicle
down. You can also try rocking the vehicle or winching
the vehicle off the object.
CAUTION!
Winching or rocking the vehicle off hard objects
increases the risk of underbody damage.
118 STARTING AND OPERATING
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