OK, no booing or hissing--we're taking you back to school. Don't worry, though, 'cause we're skipping the swirlies, wedgies, and other homeroom shenanigans and cutting straight to the lesson: How to drive off-road. But this instruction isn't just for beginners--even experienced drivers are guilty of slacking off or forgetting some fundamentals, so if you consider yourself skilled, think of this as a refresher course.
In our January News 'N' Stuff column, we told you about the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Emergency Vehicle Operations Center (EVOC) and its comprehensive off-road course. This month, we sat in on a one-day seminar led by Rodney Plotzke and Jim Ellis, who educated students on such things as basic four-wheel-drive operation and how to read and drive the terrain. So get out your pencil and paper--this will be on the test.
The Lecture
First, the soapbox: No one likes a showoff, especially one who tries to drive where he or she shouldn't or puts other drivers in jeopardy. Make sure you don't exceed your driving ability--in time you'll be ready to climb with the big boys. Also, don't exceed your vehicle's capability--it's not worth breaking parts to put your truck where no man has before. And be sure to travel with another vehicle and let someone at home know where you are in case something goes wrong. Just use common sense, and remember this is your hobby--practice your skills and think of each time you go 'wheeling as a learning experience.
The Examination
Yeah, we know you're anxious to hit the dirt, but before you go four-wheeling you need to inspect your vehicle inside and out, top to bottom, and over and under. You want to make sure that nothing will fail when you hit the trail. Do all of these steps again after 'wheeling to make sure that nothing will fail when you hit the highway.
*Check all fluids under the hood
*Check for leaks, such as oil or water
*Inspect the fan belts and water hoses
*Make sure the battery is secure
*Look for undercarriage leaks or broken suspension components
*Make sure the horn, wiper blades, and windshield washers work
*Check that the headlights and brake lights work
*Be sure the seatbelts are functioning properly
*Look for wear spots on the tires and check the pressure of all them, including the spare
Travel at 1-3 mph for rockcrawling, and don't straddle rocks or you could high-center on the frame or diff. If you do hear metal scraping, it's usually just a rock rubbing against the frame or skidplate, so don't panic. In time, you'll be able to identify ugly sounds and determine if you're in real trouble.
Always be on the lookout for unexpected suprises, including rocks, ravines, ruts, and off-camber spots. Go easy on the throttle and brakes to remain in control of your 4x4. If you're driving on a washboard road, pick up your speed to make the suspension work better.
Some tips if you get into a bind: Use your CB radio to call for help (Channel 9 is always monitered) and if you have an emergency, try to stay with your vehicle so it's easier for search and rescue to find you. To help the search, put a yellow or red flag on your truck so you can be seen.