View Gallery
|
Before driving off-road it is important that you check the condition of the wheels and tyres and that the tyre pressures are correct. Worn or incorrectly inflated tyres will adversely affect the performance, stability and safety of your vehicle.
DO NOT take unnecessary risks and be prepared for emergencies at all times.
Always wear a seatbelt for personal protection in all off-road driving conditions.
Correct gear selection is possibly the single most important factor for safe and successful off-road driving. While only experience will tell you which is the correct gear for any section of ground, the following basic rules apply:
NEVER change gear or de-clutch while negotiating difficult terrain; the drag on the wheels may cause the vehicle to stop when the clutch is depressed and restarting may be difficult.
Generally, and especially where slippery or soft ground conditions prevail, the higher the gear you select the better.
When descending very steep slopes always select first gear in LOW range and Hill Descent Control (HDC).
Inexperienced drivers are advised to stop the vehicles and carefully consider which gear will be the most appropriate for each manoeuvre before continuing.
On vehicles equipped with self-levelling suspension, the rear suspension can be raised to increase departure angles and ground clearance at the rear of the vehicle.
Snow and Mud
On slippery surfaces, vehicles obey the laws of physics - whether you want them to or not. Slow speed, care, and maximum vehicle control are essential. Even after snow is cleared from the road, a remaining film of ice may create dangerous conditions.
Chains
Use wheel chains in snow and mud. If you have only one pair, fit them to the front.
Steering
On slippery surfaces, use gentle steering inputs. Savage twisting will quickly provoke a slide.
Speed
Some momentum is necessary to keep you going through soft patches. Too much will increase the danger of loss of control.
Brakes
Gentle, quick jabs on the brakes will prevent lock-up and maintain steering.
ABS
If ABS is fitted, hit the brakes hard. (ABS is good, but not good enough to overcome the laws of high-school physics. Use minimum speeds in slippery conditions.)
Gears
Use the highest gear possible ('D' in automatics) to minimise wheel-spin.
Snow off-road
Snow is perfect for hiding all off-road obstacles. Walk the track first, using a stick to detect potential problems.
Recovery
Carry chains, snatch strap, two shackles, jack and 30cm-square base plate, and a shovel for on-road driving, and add a hand or electric winch for off-road.
Sand
The key to successful sand driving is floatation, achieved by a combination of low tyre pressure and momentum. Keeping the vehicle riding on soft sand without digging in or stalling often requires plenty of power and gear changes at higher than normal revs.
Low tyre pressure makes sand driving less of an uphill battle.
Traction
Reduce tyre pressures on soft sand to increase traction. It increases the size of the tyre's 'footprint'.
Pressure
Minimum safe pressure is 16psi.
Compressors
Carry a 12-volt air compressor to reinflate tyres afterwards.
Punctures
The risk of tyre damage is increased at low pressures. Deflate only when necessary, and reinflate ASAP.
Sandhills
Drive straight up or down sandhills. If you don't make it up, don't turn around – reverse straight down. Some momentum is very useful for climbing sandhills. Minimise speed however, for safety.
Sliding
If the vehicle slides sideways on a cross slope, steer downhill and accelerate.
Downhill
If the vehicle slides as you drive downhill, accelerate.
Don't stop
Don’t stop on soft sand or accelerate too hard, either - spinning wheels dig holes.
Getting stuck
Scoop sand from in front of the wheels. Accelerate gently. If the wheels spin, stop.
Gear
Carry a long-handled shovel, a jack and a 30cm square jacking plate.
Deserts
Beware of washaways and ruts (and oncoming traffic!) just over the crests of hard-packed desert sandhills.
Rough Tracks
Bush driving exposes the driver to many difficult terrain types. These can include boggy ground, sand, broken ground, water crossings and rough tracks. When conditions look particularly difficult, a path should be discovered by doing a survey on foot.
Slow speeds and an appreciation of underbody clearance are the keys to rough terrain travel.
Corrugations
Travel at a speed that minimises vibration. Remember that braking and steering effectiveness will be dramatically reduced.
Wheel ruts
Straddle wheel ruts to minimise the chance of getting 'hung up' on the crest.
Severe ruts
If the wheels 'fall' into deep wheel ruts, do not attempt to steer out - either drive through, or dig/build an escape ramp.
Gullies
Tracks that deteriorate into deep V-shaped gullies must be straddled to minimise cross slope travel. If necessary, use an observer to provide directions.
Ridges
Small ridges can be tackled diagonally; larger ones must be attempted head-on. Use common sense, however, because vehicles grounded on the suspension or chassis are difficult to recover.
Broken ground
So-called 'rock hopping' should be attempted at very low speed. Traction aids, such as centre diff locks, should be used. Developing a feel for the vehicle's clearance, and approach, departure and ramp angles is essential. Where possible, 'walk' the vehicle over the obstacle at idle in low range first.
Recovery
Carry a shovel, jack, jacking plate, snatch strap, and an electric or hand winch.
Steep Slopes - uphill
Approach hills by driving either straight up or straight down. Never go at an angle.
Common sense
If it looks too steep, don't attempt it.
The right gear
Second gear, low range is ideal for steep hills. It's too easy to spin the wheels in first gear.
Accelerate gently
Use the throttle gently - savage application will spin the wheels. If that happens, you should stop.
Momentum
Momentum can help, provided the track is smooth. On rough tracks, go as steadily as possible. Never rush headlong uphill – the risks outweigh the benefits.
Slow down on the crest
Hazards are often found just over the top. If you stall, do not attempt to turn around. Select reverse, and back all the way down without touching brakes or clutch.
Steep Slopes - downhill
For 99 percent of steep descents, it's best to forget about your Land Rover's brakes.
Look first
Land Rovers are capable of extreme descents, but you can't see over the bonnet until you're on the slope. If it looks too steep, don't attempt it.
On course
Always drive straight down the hill. Never drive at an angle.
The right gear
Use First gear, Low range. Let the engine slow you down, not the brakes.
Keep your feet off the pedals
This maintains steering control and minimises speed. All you have to do is steer.
Automatic transmissions might require some gentle handbrake assistance on steep slopes.
Wading
Before wading, ensure the electronic air suspension (if fitted) is set in either ’Standard’ or ’High’ ride height. If the water is likely to exceed 0.5 metre while the vehicle is moving, the following precautions MUST be observed:
Fix a plastic sheet in front of the radiator grille to prevent water from soaking the engine and mud from blocking the radiator.
Remove the CD autochanger (if fitted).
Ensure that the silt bed below the water is firm enough to support the vehicle’s weight and provide sufficient traction.
Select ’High’ ride height.
Ensure the engine air intake is above the water level.
Select a low gear and maintain sufficient throttle to prevent the engine from stalling.
With the DIFF LOCK engaged, select a low gear and maintain sufficient throttle to prevent the engine from stalling. This is particularly important if the exhaust pipe is under water.
Drive slowly into the water and accelerate to a speed, which causes a bow wave to form, then maintain that speed.
At all times, keep all the doors fully closed.
Remember, water can hide all the most common off-road obstacles: rocks, soft sand, mud, ruts, ridges...
Walking
Walk the course first. Carry gumboots and prod suspect areas with a stick. If necessary, mark the preferred course with makeshift stakes.
Top End
Walking the course is not advised in the Top End - attack by salt-water crocodiles is a very real possibility.
Below bumper
No special vehicle preparation is required for crossing water below bumper bar height.
Engine protection
Small amounts of ingested water can destroy engines. Fit an air intake snorkel for deep water crossings.
Bow wave
Adjust forward speed so a bow wave is pushed forward of the vehicle's grille in deep water.
Precautions
In suspect situations, fit a snatch strap to the vehicle's rear and coil it on the roof.
|
