OFFROAD SAFETY TIPS

FrankDrebin · February 4th, 2003 05:33 PM

9 - Do not oversteer - especially while in ruts or deep tracks. The steering wheel may look centered, but the tires may be at full turn. Murphy's law says-when traction is gained, there will be a big tree or rock at that point. Driving on a trail, many obstacles will be encountered that will move the steering wheel all around. The tire gets lifted up or drops down in a hole and causes the steering wheel to move as if it were turning on a curve. This "wallowing" of the front end and "bump steering" creates the false impression that you must correct the original steering course. Get used to the feeling of the front end articulating over the trail, and hold the steering wheel on-center. Just hold the wheel firmly and "aim" the rig over the trail in those rough sections.

What happens is the steering wheel gets tugged to one side, you correct to the other side, then the next minute the wheel comes right back and you have to correct it again, or actually re-correct it. Now, all you are doing is over-correcting and turning the steering wheel back and forth, wearing out your arms! You do have to steer on the trail and keep the rig centered, but don't oversteer! When in mud or deep ruts, sometimes quickly turning the steering wheel so that with your hands at the "3 and 9" position, you move it halfway round and back almost touching your wrists in a cross over position. This will make the front tires turn back and forth, causing the sidewall edges to help claw their way through.

FrankDrebin · February 4th, 2003 05:34 PM

10 - Make slow, steady progress through deep water to create a "bow wave" and an air pocket in and around the engine compartment and front wheels. This minimizes risk of water drowning the engine. Water does not compress as well as air. Don't let hydrostatic lock ruin your day. Check the brakes after coming out.

Having a plastic sheet or poncho to cover the front of the vehicle, especially around the radiator grill, will help keep most of the water out of the engine bay. Ensure that the distributor and ignition system are tightly sealed and water proofed to some extent. Smooth progress through deep water or mud will keep the air pocket stable. A big rock or drop-off will affect the steady progress and "burst your bubble," so be careful! Generally speaking, a deep crossing should be no more than just over the tires. Mud that deep will stick you before the front axle gets half-way. Carry an extra air filter element in case you do drown the engine. Get the vehicle out of the creek, then work on it.

If the engine does swallow some water pull the spark plugs, air filter, coil wire, and dry the distributor cap out using a clean cloth and WD-40.. Crank the engine over and blow the water out of the cylinders. Check the engine oil before cranking! I have seen the engine completely fill with water. You might have to drain the engine, so do it for the environment and use water jugs or coolers to collect the watered oil.

Copyright ©1995-2002 - Bill Burke's 4-Wheeling America

**kimpOy** · February 5th, 2003 09:42 AM

i keep this in mind when i go off road

When Driving off road, remember to always show consideration- for fellow travelers, whatever their means of transport, for local people, landowners and countryside in general.
Treat everything you come across with utmost respect and think about everything you do, Most of all remember :if in doubt, DONT

**crawdaddy** · February 5th, 2003 10:16 AM

how about you guys attend an offroading course with ai.ORG? libre naman eh, yung pinaka bayad lang will be donations...

ang instructors ay si Freeman (95 Hilux) and Wolf Den (Feroza or LC60)...

malalaman niyo naman kung kelan eh :D