Land Rover Guide to Off-Roading

Land Rover: A Guide to Off-Roading

Edited by JOSEPH V. KUCA

In rainforests, deserts, and other places no ordinary vehicle could reach, you will find all-terrain vehicles. The moment you venture off the tarmac is the moment you realize the incredible potential of your Land Rover. This guide is designed to make sure you get the most out of your off-road adventures.

Knowing Your Vehicle Inside & Out

·         Before you venture off-road, it’s worth ensuring that you have a good mental picture of the underside of your vehicle.

·         Check the position of fragile parts such as the fuel tank, engine sump, differentials, and gearbox – so you’re less likely to snag them on rocks, tree stumps, and other obstacles.

·         Check the roof rack and consider it as you drive under low tree branches.

·         Read the owner’s manual and discover the purpose of all the on-board technology and features.

Expert Tips For Off-Road Driving

As long as it is safe to do so, test the surface by walking over the ground before you drive over it.

Before ascending a hill, ensure you know what’s over the crest.

Always walk your water obstacle wearing wellington boots and carrying a stick for checking silt and underwater hollows. Better to get your feet wet than your vehicle stuck.

Never hook your thumbs inside the steering wheel, as any kickback from the terrain could sprain or even break them.

The Golden Rules For Off-Road Driving

·         Drive as slowly as possible and as fast as necessary.

·         Know your vehicle’s dimensions – height, weight, width, length, approach and departure angle, ramp angle, and ground clearance.

·         Know the international hand signals for marshalling.

·         Avoid gear changes while negotiating difficult terrain. 

·         Always read the ground as far ahead as you can. If it is safe to do so, walk the ground before you drive.

·         Use great care when driving on loose or wet surfaces due to the reduced level of grip.

·         Be prepared to admit defeat. Back off and try again, or try an alternative route.

·         Avoid excessive wheelspin at all times but especially on soft ground where the vehicle can easily lose momentum and even cause environmental damage.

·         Use a gentle right throttle foot.

·         Always keep both hands on the wheel, even when reversing.

·         Always tell someone where you’re going, what route you plan to follow, and when you expect to return.

Essential Kit for Serious Off-Roading

For any off-road adventure, it’s essential that you know your vehicle inside out (see Overview) and pack the essentials in your Land Rover before heading out.

Check List:

·         Tow rope

·         Shovel

·         2-way radio 

·         Suitable, climate-appropriate clothing

·         GPS navigation and maps 

·         Food and water

·         Extra fuel

Driving Techniques

The Basics

·         To drive effectively over rough terrain, a degree of smoothness is required. 

·         Make sure the throttle is applied smoothly and released slowly. This keeps the tyres from spinning on acceleration or deceleration.

·         Keep steering precise and braking to a minimum.

·         The driver always controls the vehicle; the vehicle should never control the driver.

How To Overcome Obstacles

·         Try walking the ground before you actually drive on it. 

·         Approach ridges straight on. 

·         Approach a log, rocky step or ditch diagonally so that three wheels always retain contact with the ground. 

·         Make sure tyres are fully inflated to road pressures for rocky ground. 

·         Straddle deep ruts with your vehicle. This will keep the vehicle level, reducing environmental impact.

How To Return To The Road

·         Disengage diff-lock, if applied. 

·         Stop and check for any minor damage. 

·         Check for cuts in tyres including inside the walls. 

·         Check for body damage that will rub against tyres. 

·         Check for debris lodged in the underside of the vehicle and in the tyres. 

·         Check that lights, windows, and mirrors are clear. 

·         Check that number plates can still be read. 

·         Check that all equipment is secure.

When A Deeply Rutted Track Takes Over The Steering

As you drive along a deeply rutted track, take special care if the ruts are cut into slippery ground. Indeed, you may be unaware that the wheels are not pointed straight ahead until grip becomes available and the vehicle suddenly veers to one side. (Vehicles such as The Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Discovery 4 have a wheel direction indicator to help you in situations such as this.)

Unless you are going downhill, the best way to avoid having your wheels ‘locked’ by a rutted track is to relax your grip on the steering wheel occasionally, while keeping a frictional grip with your palms. This will allow the wheels to regain the straight-ahead position. The tires may not be able to grip the slippery sides of the rut and you will be unable to turn the steering wheel to the left or right.

Next week we'll cover MUD & SAND, SNOW & ICE, WATER CROSSINGS, and HILL & MOUNTAIN ASCENTS and DESCENTS.  So, check back here next Monday for the second in this very important and highly useful two-part series on safe off-roading.  Or, better still, why not bookmark us,  www.LandRoverMonmouth.com .