Rocks - Driving Tips

[tpb4x4]

Rocks -

Make sure that all occupants are wearing seatbelts and that there are no
loose objects in the vehicle. Keep windows closed and secure any objects
being carried in the rear of the vehicle and on roof racks.

Select low box and engage centre diff lock. When you encounter a rocky
section, walk it first to select the best route. Some people lower the tyre
pressures to try to get more grip but, in doing so, you make the sidewalls
more susceptible to damage from jagged rocks.

Excessive wheel movement or axle travel induces wheelspin, so try and
find a path over the rocks that enables your axles to stay as leval as
possible. If you have fitted after market differential lockers then engage
them - this is the type of terrain they where designed for.

Its worth remembering when manoeuvring over rocky areas that the
wheels on the rear axle do not follow the same path as the front ones and
could result in an axle twister, ie where two diagonally opposite wheels
lose contact with the ground, resulting in a loss of traction.

Use the lowest gear and drive very slowly. Too much speed can induce
body roll and excessive suspension travel, which can lift your wheels off
the ground and bang them down hard. The shock can lead to transmission
damage or broken halfshafts.

Try to avoid frequent use of the clutch and brakes, study approach,
departure and ramp break-over angles, as side sills in particular are
easily damaged. Differential cases and steering components are also
vulnerable if struck by protruding rocks.

[stevo]

nice one

[Steve Ray]

Some very good advice here - nice one!

I always find that in any off road situation, its best to try and "read" the ground conditions ahead - particularly on rocks, as you say.
Not just looking out for obstacles, but also trying to imagine what angle(s) your axles will be taking as you cross the terrain - particularly from one area to another.


Also, try and drive as "smoothly" as possible. Avoid if you can using the clutch, enage lowest gear and pick your line and tick to it - although you may have to slip the cltch at times to to help you 'crawl' up and over extreme boulders n rocks. Might be an idea to take decent quality waffle boards if driving extreme rocky tracks (e.g. Stanage Edge, Derbyshire)  in order to bridge large gaps, as Paj's tend to have less articulation. In extreme situations always use a 'spotter' to guide you up - just make sure it's someone experienced and follow their signals - they can see you motor, the rocks and your wheels.

[snake_oxo]

you need to know that the hand brakes are usefull when you lose
traction
it can give you more than 75% of traction back by bulling it slowly
whith your feet on the gas at the same time

[Steve Ray]

When it all goes wrong on rocks ...........................


Try and remain calm.
The worst case is when someone slips off the ideal line and gets themselves "hooked up" on one or both axles, no traction, wheels of the floor, sitting on the central 'bash plate' (had this happen to me recently with a SWB Paj up Standage Edge)

Sometimes waffles aren't enough and this is when a good Hi-Lift comes into play - consider the "lie" of the vehicle. Jack up one corner at a time and VERY CAREFULLY pack rocks under each wheel in turn. IMPORTANT THAT THE DRIVER REMAINS IN VEHICLE WITH FOOT ON BRAKE.

Once each wheel has been 'jacked n packed' then you should be able to drive the vehicle back onto the boulders and continue back on the planned line.

Remember

- take care with Hi-Lifts
- careful when placing rocks under each wheels (large flat ones are the best)
- be very careful not to damage you fingers (or the vehicle) when jacking each corner up in turn - you may have to reposition the jack several times in order to get the best lift.
- try and keep the jack stable - if you haven't got one of the expensive Hi-Lift bases, then a swuare of old waffle board does the trick.

BE PATIENT - YOU WILL GET THE MOTOR BACK ON TRACK & UP EVENTUALLY


hope this helps

[Br00n1e]

I always think........
If in doubt walk it first