•
When running with other vehicles, we
recommend that you use
communication and the lead vehicle
notify other vehicles of obstacles that
could cause potential vehicle damage.
•
Always keep available ground
clearance in mind and pick a route that
minimizes the risk of catching the
underside of the vehicle on an obstacle.
•
When negotiating low speed obstacles,
applying light brake pressure in
conjunction with the throttle helps
prevent the vehicle from jerking and
allows you to negotiate the obstacle
in a more controlled manner. Using 4L
also helps with this.
•
Use and equip supplemental safety
equipment as discussed later in this
chapter.
•
Please consult your local off-road
group for other helpful tips.
•
Off-roading requires a high degree of
concentration. Even if your local law
does not prohibit alcohol use while
driving off-road, Ford strongly
recommends against drinking if you
plan to off-road.
Crossing Obstacles
•
Review the path ahead before
attempting to cross any obstacle. It is
best if the obstacle is reviewed from
outside the vehicle so that there is a
good understanding of terrain condition
both in front of and behind the
obstacle.
•
Approach obstacles slowly and slowly
inch the vehicle over.
•
If a large obstacle such as a rock
cannot be avoided, choose a path that
places the rock directly under the tire
rather than the undercarriage of the
vehicle. This helps prevent damage to
your vehicle.
•
Ditches and washouts should be
crossed at a 45 degree angle, allowing
each wheel to independently cross the
obstacle.
Hill Climbing
WARNING:
Extreme care should
be used when steering the vehicle in
reverse down a slope so as not to cause
the vehicle to swerve out of control.
•
Always attempt to climb a steep hill
along the fall line of the slope and not
diagonally.
•
If the vehicle is unable to make it up
the hill, DO NOT attempt to turn back
down the slope. Place the vehicle in
low range and slowly back down in
reverse.
•
When descending a steep slope, select
low gear and activate hill descent
control. Use the throttle and brake
pedals to control your descent speed
as described earlier in this section using
hill descent control. Hill descent control
is functional in reverse (R) and should
be used in this situation.
Water Wading
215
Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201809, First-Printing
Driving Hints
