Rock Climbing

Climbing a hill requires common sense and a good understanding of your abilities and the limitations of the vehicle. Hills can present serious problems. Some are simply too steep to climb and should not be attempted. You should always feel confident in the vehicle and your abilities. Always climb hills straight up and down. Never attempt to climb a hill at an angle.

Before Climbing a Steep Hill

When approaching a hill, consider its grade or steepness. Determine whether it is too steep. Look at the trail on the slope of the hill. Is the trail straight up and down? What is at the top and on the other side? Are there ruts, rocks, branches, or other obstacles in the path? Can you safely recover the vehicle if something goes wrong? If everything looks good and you feel confident, shift into a lower gear with 4WD Low engaged, and proceed carefully, maintaining momentum to climb the hill.

Driving Uphill

After you have determined your ability to continue and shifted into the appropriate gear, align your vehicle for the most direct possible path. Accelerate with a light, constant throttle and apply more power when starting up the hill. Do not rush up a steep slope; abrupt gear changes may cause you to lose control. If the front of the vehicle begins to bounce, slightly reduce the throttle so that all four wheels return to the ground. When you approach the crest of the hill, release the accelerator and continue slowly over the top. If the wheels begin to spin as you approach the crest of the hill, reduce accelerator pressure and continue to move forward while quickly turning the steering wheel no more than 1/4 turn back and forth. This will provide a fresh bite into the surface and usually provides enough traction to complete the climb. If you do not reach the top, place the vehicle in REVERSE and drive straight back down the slope using engine braking together with the vehicle brakes.

Driving Downhill

Before descending a steep slope, determine whether it is too steep to descend safely. What is the traction on the surface? Is the grade too steep to maintain a slow, controlled descent? Are there obstacles? Is the descent straight? Is there a large distance at the bottom of the hill to regain control if the vehicle descends too quickly? If you feel confident in your ability to proceed, make sure you are in 4WD Low and proceed with caution. Allow engine braking to control the descent and apply the brakes if necessary, but do not allow the tires to lock.

Driving Across a Slope

Avoid driving across slopes whenever possible. If necessary, know the capabilities of your vehicle. Driving across a slope increases the load on the downhill wheels, which increases the possibility of sliding or rolling over. Make sure the surface has good traction and is firm and stable. If possible, cross the slope at an angle directed slightly uphill or downhill.

If you stop or begin to lose speed

If you stall or lose speed while climbing a steep hill, allow the vehicle to coast to a stop and immediately apply the brakes. Restart the engine and shift into REVERSE. Slowly back down the slope, using engine braking to control the descent and applying the brakes if necessary, but do not allow the tires to lock.