Off-road driving
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Use of engine for braking
Before descending steep slopes, stop the
vehicle at least its length before the descent,
move the gearshift lever to ’N’, engage LOW
range and then select ’1’ or ’2’ in the main
gearbox depending on the severity of the
incline.
While descending the slope it should be
remembered that the engine will provide
sufficient braking effort to control the rate of
descent, and that the brakes should not be
applied.
Accelerating
Use the accelerator with care; any sudden
surge of power may induce wheel spin and
result in loss of control of the vehicle.
Steering
WARNING
DO NOT hold the steering wheel with your
thumbs inside the rim; a sudden ’kick’ of the
wheel as the vehicle negotiates a rut or
boulder could seriously injure them.
ALWAYS grip the wheel on the outside of the
rim (as shown) when traversing uneven
ground.
Survey the ground before driving
Before negotiating difficult terrain, it is wise to
carry out a preliminary survey on foot. This
will minimise the risk of your vehicle getting
into difficulty through a previously unnoticed
hazard.
Ground clearance
For serious off-road driving ALWAYS remove
the bib spoiler extension from the front
bumper (if fitted).
Don’t forget to allow for ground clearance
beneath the chassis, axles, and under the
front and rear bumpers. Note that the axle
differentials are situated BELOW the chassis
and are positioned slightly to the LEFT of the
centre of the vehicle. Note also that there are
other parts of the vehicle which may come
into contact with the ground; where possible
attempt to avoid obstacles that may foul the
chassis or differentials.
Ground clearance is particularly important at
the bottom of a steep slope, or where wheel
ruts are unusually deep and where sudden
changes in the slope of the ground are
experienced.
On soft ground, the axle differentials will clear
their own path in all but the most difficult
conditions. However, on frozen, rocky or hard
ground, if the vehicle’s progress is halted as a
result of grounding of the chassis, this will
cause the vehicle to rise automatically to the
’Extended profile’ ride height position. (see
’Air suspension’ for further details).
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