It makes sense to have a passenger direct from ahead, facing the vehicle. They can see the front tyres on the gully walls and look right under the vehicle to establish where the back wheels are in relation to the ground. Follow their simple hand signals to help you steer.

Ideally, they should beckon with both hands to tell you to steer straight ahead, use their left hand only to tell you to steer slightly right and their right hand to tell you to steer slightly left. Make sure you have an understanding with your 'director'. What he or she may be telling you could be against what your brain is telling you. Believe them! If there are several people ahead, nominate only one person to give you instructions.

Deep Gullies

Imagine coming across a huge deep gully some two, three or more metres deep with a long steepish climb out up a bank the other side. As always, get out of the vehicle and survey on foot first in order to pick a safe route down, across and up the other side.

Check that its approach angle doesn't catch out your vehicle as you reach the bottom before climbing out. The departure angle is also important. The rear number plate or tow hook could be a little too close to the ground behind as you level out to start climbing.

If so, you might catch the front end, rear end, or both. If the ground conditions are dry, pick your way down carefully in low ratio, first gear, with the centre diff lock engaged if fitted, and start turning out just before reaching the bottom of the gully. When levelling out, turn the steering wheel the other way, quickly dropping into second gear and power straight up the bank and over the top.

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(c)Goodwinch Limited 2006