GENERAL TRAIL TIPS

by Red Leader Tue Dec 25, 2007 3:44 am

GENERAL TIPS

Always lock hubs.
One should always evaluate obstacles, preferably by "walking" them. At all times ensure that you have an escape route, should an obstacle be impassable.
Choose your line of approach and commit to it.
Learn your vehicle's dimensions / angles. Test your clearances. Also do not be afraid of sticking your head out of the window when traveling slowly to observe your progress. Use rearview mirrors to watch the rear if necessary to safely ensure that you have cleared the obstacle.
Never be in too much of a hurry to build or rebuild a section of trail.
If possible a partner or co-driver should guide you.
Whenever "steps" exist, climb slowly and asses your clearance. If stuck, reverse and add fractionally more power.
Watch out for blind spots on beaches, dunes, crests etc.
Always know your "straight ahead" position - the relation between the position of your steering wheel and your wheels pointing in a straight line.
Practice feathering brakes: a tap-tap action is recommended Off-road as hard braking causes a vehicle to skid out of control.
Select the suitable gear prior to commencing.
Once again remember to evaluate each obstacle as it presents itself. Choose your line of approach, do not rush, over-rev or spin your wheels. This could cause you to panic and damage your vehicle or the environment. If at first you do not succeed, do not feel embarrassed - calm down, re-evaluate and try again.

THE "STALL START"
It is extremely important that you understand and practice the "stall start" technique.
On a steep approach if you are initially unsuccessful:

Do not panic - stay calm.
Coming to a halt you would have stalled; if not, switch your engine off. Hold the vehicle on the handbrake and footbrake if necessary.
Check front, straight-ahead position on steering wheel.
Select low range reverse.
Handbrake off.
With both feet off the controls start the vehicle using the key.
Roll back against compression until you are in a position to re-attempt the slope - feathering brakes if necessary.

Obstacle: Steep Ascent

Do not promote wheel-spin, use gentle momentum.
Judiciously use accelerator (i.e. accelerate only if momentum is required).
If you stall follow the "stall start" technique.
If you did not have sufficient power or traction - select a gear lower than the one previously utilized.

Obstacle : Medium to Steep Descent

Use engine compression which acts as a brake.
Release clutch and handbrake - let vehicle work (pick its path).
Keep your feet off the controls, flat on the floor - do not ride your clutch. Brake judiciously if you have to in a tap-tap style (also known as feathering).
Select a low gear (1 or 2) to minimize the risk of sliding. Hard braking or use of the clutch will only increase the slide as traction is lost and the vehicle drifts out of control. In such a case one's only recourse is to accelerate to correct a slide.
In the case of sharp short descents where you must brake, utilize the tap-tap style.
On long sharp descents switching lights and an air conditioner on takes power off the engine. (NB Certain vehicles have an idle compensator linked to the A/C which negates this as a braking aid).

Obstacle : Crossing Water

Walk the obstacle to check depth and strength of flow - if you can't walk you can't drive. Rig a PVC wading sheet if traveling through deep water.
Use a suitable stick to assist in checking the surface of the river bed prior to driving.
Do not wear a seatbelt in deep water.
Avoid water if possible, at all times, especially salt water. The corrosive effect and damage is not worth the ride.
Remember your silicone water repellent - apply to protect electrics prior to entry.
Check manufacturer's wading depth especially on vehicles not fitted with snorkels. Adhere to this if you have not rigged a wading sheet - you do not want to ingest water via your air cleaner inlet. Know its position.
Maintain steady, low speed - do not change gears or brake, you need low revs and a speed sufficient to clear small obstacles.
Create a clean bow wave, avoid stalling if exhaust is under water, switch off if in trouble.
Reversing through water is useful as you create a stern wave which lowers the water in the front of your vehicle and clears your intake. This will also enable you to gauge the depth of water. In trouble you can access your winch or drive out in 1st gear.
Check transmission and differentials for breathers - fit wading plugs if required.
Use diff-lock in muddy conditions.
Dry your brakes (tap lightly) as water diminishes your braking capability.

Obstacle : Mud

Do not forget to inspect the obstacle as a variety of consistencies exist in nature.
Avoid deep mud if possible.
Lower gears could result in wheel-spin, whilst higher gears will cause you to lose momentum. Practice in a safe environment to perfect your technique, begin with low-range 2 initially.
Radial ply road tires can lose traction as the narrow tread clogs. Small Left - Right movements of the steering wheel will assist in dislodging mud from the tires and will also enable the sidewall to make contact with the walls of a rut and provide traction. But be careful of spinning wheels which cause damage if you strike a hidden obstacle and will also dig you in.
As in water, maintain a steady even speed sufficient to power over small obstacles.
Use diff-lock if fitted.
Do not deflate tires if the base is hard, deflation will help where minimal grip exists. If mud is bottomless find another route.
If stuck try to reverse out and select a different route. If this fails, recovery procedures should be implemented.

Obstacle : Sand

Select your gear ratio first (generally high ratio). The key is to maintain a steady momentum 30 - 40 mph.
A broad tire footprint enhances flotation.
Drive on beaches below the high tide mark - depends on marine life (turtles/ crustaceans etc.).
Stay in existing tracks.
Only stop on hard areas.
Allow the vehicle to gradually slow to a stop. Braking will dip the nose and dig a vehicle in.
If stuck engage low range, reverse and proceed slightly faster. Rocking back and forth compacts the sand to enable the tires to obtain purchase.
Avoid wet shiny patches (deep sand).
Do not forget sand anchor or spade and recovery equipment.
Drive with an outgoing tide. Time is on your side if you have to recover your vehicle.
Wheel-spin can get you stuck in lower gears as can sharp turns and braking.
Avoid the temptation to "romp" in the surf as sea water is extremely corrosive and can cause a great deal of damage.
Tackle dunes at right angles. When descending do not brake but keep the nose pointing straight down. Maintain a steady speed as momentum and flotation are critical (Higher Ratio / Low Gear).

Obstacle : Ditches / Ravines

Choose your line of approach to maintain maximum traction - low ratio, low gear as minimum momentum is required.
Straight on approach may cause vehicle to bottom out (break over on short sharp ditches). An angled (one wheel at a time) approach is useful in these cases. However if you cross lift your wheels (front / rear) you may struggle to get out without a diff - lock.
Maintain tire contact - do not lift wheels.
Ensure a constant speed.
Practice tap-tap braking on very short descents.
Use diff - lock if fitted.

Obstacle : Rock Beds / Dry Rivers / Washes

Minimum momentum is required so utilize a low ratio, low gear.
Require major vertical suspension travel / articulation as you "walk" a vehicle over rocks.
A slow pace will minimize damage if you hit an obstacle.
Be alert for patches of thick sand.
Clear axle, diff and chassis when going over boulders. As a rule of thumb take extreme caution with rocks larger than the size of a person's head - experiment to ascertain your vehicle's ability and the location of critical components. Often one can gain height by placing a wheel over a rock and slowly working the vehicle forward. This requires a great deal of practice and considerable caution.