Tyres
On soft sand it is important to reduce tyre pressures
to around 15 psi to gain maximum traction. Remember that
this will seriously affect your 4wd's road handling capability
so it is imperative to re-inflate to correct specifications prior
to getting back on the road. The tread pattern of your tyres will
also affect your vehicle's off-road
ability but beware, hardcore off-road
tyres generally do not perform well on bitumen. Therefore, if
you do intend to buy replacement rubber for your 4wd, be realistic
about how much time you really spend on the dirt and make an informed
decision based on your needs . Once again the Internet and
4wd clubs will help with accurate advice.
Aftermarket add-ons
There are a huge array of accessories on the market to make your
4wd the meanest off-roader in town.
But again it is important to spend your hard earned dollars on
things that you will actually need. You can spend thousands on
an electric winch, but you may get away with a mechanical winch
and instead spend only spend a few hundred dollars. If you
drive carefully and use the correct procedures when off-road
you will reduce your risk of becoming bogged. The most important
tools to take with you when leaving the bitumen road is
a. a suitably sturdy shovel
b. an electric
tyre inflation pump, and
c. a dependable spare tyre,
jack and wheel wrench.
Travelling in Remote Areas
If you are intending to travel away from major
townships it is important to have adequate emergency supplies.
Things to consider are the availability of fuel and water, food
and shelter. Even when travelling along the major highways, fuel
stops can be over 300 kilometres apart and so a small miscalculation
could leave you stranded on the side of the road. Here are a few
vital items you should pack for your trip:
a. 1 or more full
20 litre fuel cans
b. 3
to 4 litres of drinking water/per
person each day, minimum
c. a suitable amount
of food
d. a basic set
of tools relevant to your car
e. a few spare
parts eg, fan belt, spare fuses, electrical tape,
and
f. appropriate
off road recovery tools as mentioned in the section above
g. tell a
reliable friend where you are going and your return date.
Knowing your vehicle's and your own ability
It is important to understand your limitations
when travelling off-road. Becoming too
confident and underestimating the level of difficulty of an obstacle
could get you in big trouble. Learning about your 4wd,
for example ground clearance, width of body and tyres,
maximum lean angles and vehicle overhang, will allow you to use
the full potential of your 4wd. Knowing your own ability is harder
to determine, but over time your skills and confidence will increase.
As a simple rule, especially when travelling without a companion
vehicle, if you don't feel comfortable doing something, don't.
Water Crossings
Other simple precautions should also be
taken.
If a situation looks hazardous, get out of the
vehicle and walk across. This will allow you to choose the best
route as well as determine any potential danger spots. If you
intend to cross a river or creek then this practice is essential.
It is too late to find out that the water is too deep and too
fast if you are already way out in the middle. If you find that
the water is difficult to cross on foot, then it is probably flowing
too quickly to traverse safely in your 4wd.If
the water is deep enough to reach the cooling fan then it is sometimes
necessary to loosen all connected belts so that the fan
will not spin when it enters the water or it may break. Remember
to re-tension the belts once you reach the other side.Once
you enter the water, maintain a constant speed and avoid changing
gears. Maintain the engine revs above idle so that you don't stall
and flood the engine bay.
Travelling along corrugated roads
The majority of Australia's roads are dirt and
if you travel around enough you will soon find them. With the
constant effect of wind and rain these roads become corrugated
(hundreds of tiny hills a few centimetres high from left to right
across the track). Travelling in a straight line becomes uncomfortable
and noisy, but quite controllable. Travelling around a corner
can be positively dangerous if you are moving too quickly. To
avoid these dangers always travel at a speed allowing you to safely
anticipate the next corner and be able to utilise the engine's
own braking ability instead of the footbrake. Overuse of the brakes
on a gravel bend could have you in a dangerous 4 wheel skid and
heading for the scrub.
