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406 STARTING AND OPERATING
Crossing A Ravine, Gully, Ditch, Washout Or Rut
When crossing a ravine, gully, ditch, washout or a large rut,
the angl
ed approach is the key to maintaining your vehicle's
mobility. Approach these obstacles at a 45-degree angle and
let each tire go through the obstacle independently. You
need to use caution when crossing large obstacles with steep
sides. Do not attempt to cross any large obstacle with steep
sides at an angle great enough to put the vehicle at risk of a
rollover. If you get caught in a rut, dig a small trench to the
right or left at a 45-degree angle ahead of the front tires. Use
the removed dirt to fill the rut ahead of the turnout you just
created. You should now be able to drive out following the
trench you just created at a 45-degree angle.
Crossing Logs
To cross a log, approach it at a slight angle (approximately 10
to 15 d
egrees). This allows one front tire to be on top of the
log while the other just starts to climb the log. While climbing
the log, modulate your brake and accelerator to avoid spin
-
ning the log out from under your tires. Then ease the vehicle
o
ff the
log using your brakes.
Getting High-Centered
If you get hung up or high-centered on an object, get out of
the veh
icle and try to determine what the vehicle is hung up
on, where it is contacting the underbody and what is the best
direction to recover the vehicle. Depending on what you are
in contact with, jack the vehicle up and place a few rocks
under the tires so the weight is off of the high point when
you let the vehicle down. You can also try rocking the vehicle
or winching the vehicle off the object.
CAUTION!
• N
ever attempt to straddle a rock that is large enough to
strike
your axles or undercarriage.
• Never attempt to drive over a rock which is large
enough t
o contact the door sills.
WARNING!
There is an increased risk of rollover when crossing an
obstacle
, at any angle, with steep sides.
CAUTION!
Do not attempt to cross a log with a greater diameter than
the run
ning ground clearance or the vehicle will become
high-centered.
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