Loading ...
Loading ...
Loading ...
forest trail or the open desert. Before going
off-roading, consult with your local
governmental agencies to determine
designated off-road trails and recreation
areas. Also, be sure to understand any
off-road vehicle registration requirements
for the area in which you plan on driving.
Tread Lightly is an educational program
designed to increase public awareness of
land-use regulations and responsibilities
in our nation’ s wilderness areas. Ford joins
the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land
Management in encouraging you to help
preserve our national forest and other
public and private lands by treading lightly.
Before taking your vehicle off-roading, a
basic vehicle inspection should be done to
make sure that the vehicle is in top working
condition.
It is always recommended that at least
two vehicles are used while off-roading.
The buddy system helps make sure that
help is close at hand should a vehicle
become stuck or damaged. It is also wise
to take supplies such as a first aid kit,
supply of water, tow strap, cell or satellite
phone with you any time an off-road
excursion is planned.
Basic Off-road Driving Techniques
• Grip the steering wheel with thumbs
on the outside of the rim. This will
reduce the risk of injury due to abrupt
steering wheel motions that occur
when negotiating rough terrain. Do not
grip the steering wheel with thumbs
inside the rim.
• Throttle, brake and steering inputs
should be made in a smooth and
controlled manner. Sudden inputs to
the controls can cause loss of traction
or upset the vehicle, especially while
on sloped terrain or while crossing
obstacles such as rocks or logs.
• Look ahead on your route noting
upcoming obstacles, surface texture
or color changes or any other factors
which may indicate a change in
available traction, and adjust the
vehicle speed and route accordingly.
During pre-run, mark obstacles with
GPS markers to make sure appropriate
speeds are used to avoid potential
vehicle damage.
• When driving off-road, if the front or
rear suspension is bottoming out
and/or excessive contact with the
skid-plates is encountered, reduce
vehicle speed to avoid potential
damage to the vehicle.
• When running with other vehicles, it is
recommended that communication is
used, and the lead vehicle notify other
vehicles of obstacles that could cause
potential vehicle damage.
• Always keep available ground
clearance in mind and pick a route that
minimizes the risk of catching the
underside of the vehicle on an obstacle.
• When negotiating low speed obstacles,
applying light brake pressure in
conjunction with the throttle will help
prevent the vehicle from jerking and
will allow you to negotiate the obstacle
in a more controlled manner. Using 4L
will also help with this.
• Use and equip supplemental safety
equipment as discussed later in this
chapter.
• Please consult your local off-road
group for other helpful tips.
• Off-roading requires a high degree of
concentration. Even if your local law
does not prohibit alcohol use while
driving off-road, Ford strongly
recommends against drinking if you
plan to off-road.
325
F-150 (TFC) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201907, Third-Printing-
Driving Hints
Loading ...
Loading ...
Loading ...