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HILLS |
 Bob
Yarborough - Stagecoach - Monteagle, TN |
Dan Moses - Stagecoach - Monteagle,
TN |
Hills are one of
the most dangerous obstacles in four wheeling. Hills have claimed
many vehicles over the years. Most people will attempt to climb
small, steep inclines, but not many go for the super long and steep
hills. Those that try the long hill climbs and are successful, know
the limitations of their vehicles and are experienced drivers. If
you feel uncomfortable about climbing up a hill, don't try it.
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When driving up or down a hill, always try to go straight.
If you start going at an angle, it might cause the vehicle to
start the rolling process.
- Keep your
wheels on the ground at all times. As stated earlier, the more
your vehicle bounces, the greater chance it has to break parts,
important parts.
- When going up
a hill, the best type of soil condition is damp soil. It offers
you a lot better traction than muddy, dry, or loose. Muddy, dry
and loose cause the vehicle's tires to spin out and loose
traction.
- When
approaching the top of a hill, make sure you know what is on the
other side and ease up on the gas. You don't want to go flying
over the hill and end up in some crazy position.
- You should
apply the most power to your vehicle when you start going up the
hill. This gives you more momentum for the ride up.
- When you are
going down a hill, keep your foot near the brake pedal. If you
need to use your brakes, use them lightly, too hard will cause
your wheels to lock up and you could start sliding. If you start
to slide, remember the rules of snow and ice, turn in the
direction that you are sliding.
- Always use
low gearing when driving down a steep hill.
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Mud |
 Rob Matzell - Sarari
Triathlon |
Dave Cagle - Coppenger Cove - Monteagle,
TN |
- ALWAYS know
what kind of mud you are going through. Be sure that you know how
deep the mud hole is and if there are and rocks or logs at the
bottom (tire poppers). On some trail rides, vehicles have gone
into a mud hole and come out with a busted tire because they did
not know about the rocks at the bottom.
- While going
through a mud hole, turn your steering wheel back and forth so the
tires can find traction.
- If you happen
to get stuck, try backing up and going forward again. If this
doesn't help, try backing out of the hole. Spinning your tires
will only make the hole deeper and you will find yourself in
deeper mud than when you entered the hole.
- A word to the
wise: If you see tracks going into a mud hole and don't see them
on the other side, think again.
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Sand |
 Michael Wolf - Safari Triathlon |
Brandon Russell - Safari
Triathlon |
- When driving
on sandy trails or open desert, make sure that you have good
steady speed.
- Use four-high
when driving in the sand.
- It is a good
idea to air down your tires as well. Use should usually have them
between 8 and 10 lbs of pressure.
- If you happen
to get stuck, there are a few things you might try. The first one
is wetting the sand around you to give you more traction. You
might also want to place your floor mats under the tires for
traction. You can also try digging out around the tires and
placing an object under your tires. If you don't have either one
of the things, try using a Pull-Pal or other winching device. If
all else fails, radio or call for help.
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Ruts |
 Mark Lloyd - Tellico,
NC |
Ruts can very tricky on the trails. Some trail conditions
make it where you have to drive down the side of a rut, straddle the
rut and then end up in it, or even one that you cannot get out of.
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When you see that the trail ahead of you is a big rut and
you're sure that you will end up in it, try and straddle it. If it
starts to get wider, ease down into it. Keep your vehicle level
and try to ride the sides of the rut with the sides of your tires
or sidewalls.
- Make sure you
have a spotter to guide you through the rut. Remember, even if you
know the trail like the back of your hand, trails are always
changing and eroding.
- Keep your
vehicle centered and level as possible while in a rut when
possible.
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