Off-Roading Know-How

Part two - Ready Steady Go

by David Bowyer

In the second part of our off-roading series, David Bowyer ventures into deepest Wales and explains how to prepare your route and store tools in your Land Rover.

If you will be driving close to trees and through undergrowth, push down the retractable radio aerial and make sure the CB aerial, if fitted, can't get broken. Also, fold the door mirrors in if there is a chance of them hitting a tree or getting caught in bushes. I only fold my mirrors in at the last moment as rearward vision along the side of the vehicle is of paramount importance if you have a failed hill climb, or need to reverse back along a track.

Make sure all loose items inside your Land Rover are stowed away properly. Don't run the risk of having bits and pieces flying around inside when you are bouncing about off-road. If you are one of those people who carry many items inside the vehicle, put them in a soft bag and wedge it behind the front seat - so that it is out of harm's way. Even a pen, glasses case or audio cassette can be distracting if it falls off the parcel shelf.

If the rear of your vehicle is packed with recovery equipment, try and pack it together safely, then tie it down, or better still, secure a net on top.

Imagine having an unfortunate accident off-road, or on-road come to that and the vehicle turns over several times. You'd have enough problems without a ground anchor or Tirfor landing on top of you!

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