Crossing too square will have both your front wheels landing heavily with your bull bar, bumper or number plate buried in the opposite bank and the vehicle's chassis resting on the approach side of the bank. Result: well and truly stuck, requiring much effort in getting out.

Better to approach the ditch at about 45 degrees in low ratio, first gear with the centre diff lock engaged, if fitted, (second gear if very slippery), taking through only one wheel at a time. This way you always have three wheels on the top either pushing or pulling the vehicle across.

Having chosen the angle to cross, be sure to maintain it all the way across by holding the steering wheel with the front wheels pointing straight ahead. This will ensure that you don't land sideways into the ditch. The best way is to pick an aiming point ahead and keep steering for it until the last wheel is through.

Check approach angles

As you are crossing the ditch, count your wheels through: one, two, three, four. Practice will teach you how fast to drive. Too slow, and you will become trapped; too fast, and you will lurch alarmingly.

Low Ridges

Cross low ridges of, say, no more than one or two metres high, in a similar way. However, in this case, we are trying to stop the chassis of the vehicle grounding on the high point of the ridge.

Drive up at an angle, obliquely across the top and turn down square the other side. Normally use low ratio, first gear, with the centre diff lock engaged if fitted, to control your speed. If the ground is slippery, use second to minimise wheel spin when climbing, backing off the accelerator as you go over the top.

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(c)Goodwinch Limited 2006