Climbing Over Obstacles (Rocks and Other Elevations)

While driving off-road, you will encounter many types of terrain. These different types of terrain create different types of obstacles. Before proceeding, survey the path ahead to determine the correct approach and your ability to safely recover the vehicle if something goes wrong. Holding the steering wheel firmly, bring the vehicle to a complete stop, then slowly drive forward until it contacts the object. Apply the accelerator lightly while holding light brake pressure, and ease the vehicle up and over the object.

Using a Spotter

There are many cases where it is difficult to see obstacles or to determine the correct path. Determining the correct path can be extremely difficult when you encounter many obstacles. In these cases, ask someone to help you over, through, or around the obstacle. Have a person stand at a safe distance in front of you where they can see the obstacle, monitor your tires and underbody, and guide you through them.

Climbing Over Large Rocks

When approaching large rocks, choose a path that ensures you drive over the largest of them with your tires. This will lift your underbody above the obstacle. The tread of the tire is stiffer and thicker than the sidewall and is designed to withstand abuse. Always look ahead and make every effort to cross large rocks with your tires.

• Never attempt to straddle a rock large enough to strike the axles or underbody.
• Never attempt to drive over a rock large enough to contact the rocker panels.

Crossing a Ravine, Gully, Ditch, Washout, or Rut

When crossing a ditch, gully, rut, or large depression, the angle of approach is the key to maintaining your vehicle's mobility. Approach these obstacles at a 45-degree angle and let each tire pass through the obstacle independently. Exercise caution when crossing large obstacles with steep sides. Do not attempt to cross any large obstacle with steep sides at an angle large enough to place the vehicle at risk of rolling over. If you become stuck in a rut, dig a small trench to the right or left of the 45-degree angle, in front of the front tires. Use the removed dirt to fill the rut in front of the diverter you have just created. You should now be able to drive out following the trench you have just created at a 45-degree angle.

Crossing Logs

To cross a log, approach it at a small angle (approximately 10-15 degrees). This allows one front tire to be on top of the log while the other just begins to climb onto the log. While climbing the log, modulate your brake and accelerator to avoid throwing the log out from under the tires. Then drive the vehicle off the log using the brakes.

High Centering

If you become stuck on an object or high-centered on it, exit the vehicle and determine what the vehicle is hanging on, where it is contacting the underbody, and in which direction the vehicle should be recovered. Depending on what you are contacting, jack up the vehicle and place rocks under the tires so that weight is not on the high point when you lower the vehicle. You can also try rocking the vehicle or using a winch to pull the vehicle off the object.